Abstract: Providing a user with scheduling information for a defined period of time. Calendar data which is indicative of the user's availability during the defined period of time is obtained based on an electronic calendar associated with the user. Event data which is indicative of event scheduled during the defined period of time is retrieved. The obtained calendar data and the retrieved event data are graphically displayed as a function of the defined period of time so that one of the event data and the calendar data is overlaid on the other of the event data and the calendar data.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and devices for graphically managing and manipulating calendar data in a database, in a weekly view and in a monthly view. In either mode, a highlighted element is selected thereby causing a preview window to pop-up to display appointment details. The preview window and the image of the week or the month are displayed simultaneously.

Abstract: Generating a child timeline on a drawing sheet of a diagramming program such that the child timeline is dynamically linked to a parent timeline. An automated method allows for the automatic placing of information on the child timeline that was on the parent timeline when the child timeline is created. Parent and child timelines can be modified and a child timeline can be automatically updated when changes are made to the parent timeline and these changes affect the time interval corresponding to the child timeline.

Abstract: A project management system manages project schedule data using separate current and historical task schedule data structures. In general, current schedule data is stored separately from historical schedule data, so that the current schedule data may be retrieved separately from the historical task schedule data. The project management system may also maintain unscheduled tasks as “to-do lists.” Tasks may be added to a member's schedule without specifying any planned dates and the tasks are added to the database. The tasks have an associated revision number of 0 to indicate that the tasks were added, but not yet scheduled. The tasks are displayed in the member schedule editor and in Web page schedules. The tasks may then be displayed in the member schedule editor and in Web page schedules in a manner that allows a user to readily determine that the tasks are “to-do list” tasks.

Abstract: According to one general aspect, a method for providing directions to an appointment location appearing in a calendar application includes identifying an appointment in a calendar application, determining a geographic location of the appointment, identifying another geographic location associated with a user of the calendar application, generating directions between the geographic location of the appointment and the geographic location of the other location, and providing the directions generated to the user.

Abstract: A song and ad scheduler supporting clip-based and stream-based scheduling of multimedia items generates several hours of schedule in advance. Having multiple channel capability, the scheduler uses as inputs: the channel, associated playlists, rotation pattern for the channel, and associated programming rules to produce a schedule of multimedia items for the channel. Initially, the scheduler produces a schedule for each channel of predetermined length; then it periodically revisits the channel to add more songs, keeping the schedule to the desired length. Length of the initial playlist is configurable. The scheduler uses a producer-consumer model for distributing work. Producer threads periodically scan the system for work to be done. When a producer thread encounters work to be done, e.g. adding to the schedule of a channel, the producer thread places a work request into a queue. Worker threads consume the work requests by fulfilling the requested work.

Abstract: A method of merging and splitting calendar entries is provided. The method of merging includes initiating a Personal Information Management (PIM) that is configured to manage a calendar, opening the calendar, selecting a first calendar entry and a second calendar entry, and selecting an owner action selection of the PIM. The owner action selection includes a merge and split selection. Selecting the merge selection combines information of the first calendar entry with information of the second calendar entry, such that a new calendar entry is created that includes the combined information of both the first and second calendar entries. A time and/or place is entered for the new calendar entry having the combined information. Additionally, selecting a split selection initiates a first and second pane where the second pane includes two subsections with original calendar entry information that may be amended and saved as two new calendar entries.

Abstract: A method of controlling an electronic device includes retrieving from at least one database of the electronic device, calendared events that meet a set of constraints, displaying the calendared events in a time-ordered list including a start date/time of each of the calendared events, and providing a user-selectable option to either show end times or to hide the end times in the time-ordered list. The time-ordered list includes an end date/time of each of the calendared events when the user-selectable option is set to show end times.

Abstract: An information servicing method for communicating information between a server and a client terminal through a network, comprising: deciding whether a predetermined time period has elapsed without user input; switching a prevailing processing to a background processing when it is decided that the no user input has occurred during the predetermined time period; transmitting to the server personal information comprising user preference data and/or a schedule, registered in advance, each time the prevailing processing becomes background processing; and displaying an answer corresponding to the transmitted personal information when the answer is received from the server, the answer comprising push information correlating to the personal information.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a content detector portion, a display controller portion, an operation state detector portion, and a popup display controller portion. The content detector portion detects contents belonging to a same time range The display controller portion collects the contents, and displays, on a display portion along a time series, content-related graphical information of the respective contents, and a selector serving to select a desired content from among respective contents displayed. The operation state detector portion detects an operation state of an operation portion serving to perform an operation of moving the selector. In accordance with time information of a content selected when a predetermined operation state is detected, the popup display controller portion detects a content having past time information with respect to the time information of the selected content, and popup displays content-related graphical information of the detected content on the display portion.

Abstract: Methods, systems and machine readable media for operating a calendar in a data processing system. In one exemplary method of managing a calendar, which contains at least one event, said method comprises: making available the calendar in an electronic format; subscribing to said calendar; downloading said calendar from a host electronic device to a subscriber electronic device; and storing said calendar in said electronic format to form a local calendar.

Abstract: The current invention is about methods, systems and machine readable media for operating a calendar in a data processing system. In one exemplary method of managing said calendar, which contains at least one event, the method includes subscribing to said calendar which is available in an electronic format, downloading said calendar from a host electronic device to a subscriber electronic device, and storing said calendar in said electronic format to form a local calendar.

Abstract: Methods and systems for prioritizing items and displaying those items in a single view of a personal information management (PIM) application are disclosed. PIM software can prioritize items for display in the single view based on a comparison of the date of creation of the item versus the amount of time remaining to complete the item. PIM software may also take into account a priority level of the item. As an item has less time remaining as compared to the date of creation, the likelihood the item will be included in the single display increases. Any item whose due date is ‘today’ may be included in the single view. Items without due dates might not ever appear in the single view. Users can thus get a quick overview of items that need to be taken care of that day, without being inundated with items that can wait until another day.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a content detector portion and a controller portion. The content detector portion detects contents belonging to a same time range from different types of contents each including time information. The controller portion collects the contents belonging to the same time range and having been detected by the content detector portion and that graphically displays on a display portion along a time series, graphical information related to the contents of the respective contents collected in units of the respective time range used when collecting the respective contents.

Abstract: Techniques to facilitate assignment and scheduling of activities. In accordance with a method, a chart showing a calendar of schedule for a number of available resources is provided in a first frame (or window) in a user interface menu, and a number of objects representative of a number of unplanned activities are provided in a second frame. A selection for an unplanned activity in the second frame (or a planned activity in the first frame) is received and, in response, selected ones of a number of objects in the chart are highlighted based on the selected activity. A request to assign the selected activity to a selected resource and to schedule the selected activity for a particular time duration is thereafter received. The requested assignment and scheduling may be accepted or rejected based on the requirements of the selected activity and the capabilities of the selected resource.

Abstract: The present invention is a project management method, system and software product for aiding a user in attaining goals. The system has a goal field for describing a goal, a plurality of obstacle fields for describing a plurality of obstacles to be overcome in attaining the goal, and a plurality of strategy fields for describing a plurality of strategies for overcoming the plurality of obstacles to achieve a result correlated with the goal. Each obstacle field in the plurality of obstacle fields is linked to the goal field, has a unique associated strategy field in the plurality of strategy fields, and is linked with the unique associated strategy field.

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.

Abstract: A confluence calendar system and method is provided having a user platform with a user calendar having a number of events of importance to the user. Each of the user events can include date information, location information, and other event detail information. In addition, a serendipity server is provided for generating serendipitous events, based on information received from the user and third parties. The serendipity server sends the serendipitous events to the user for viewing, and for adding the serendipitous event to the user's calendar.

Abstract: An electronic “To-Do” bar is provided in which displayed upcoming tasks, meetings, appointments and the like. The electronic To-Do bar is displayed in a lightweight menu of tasks, meetings and appointments and is displayed persistently in addition to other software functionality or user interfaces displayed on a user's computer display screen according to other software applications or other software functionality in use. A user is presented with an always-visible list of upcoming tasks, meetings and appointments without the need to launch a separate tasks application or calendar application to view upcoming tasks, meetings or appointments.

Abstract: Backend data is received from a computer program product such as a hard disk or other long term data storage. The backend data is structured using nodes that are associated with a unique identifier such as a GUID. The nodes are addressable using the unique identifier, and backend data items are associated with corresponding addressable nodes such that the backend nodes can be quickly accessed. Front-end data can be received from a computer program product such as a hard disk or other long term data storage. The front-end data is structured using nodes that are associated with a unique identifier such as a GUID. The nodes are addressable using the unique identifier, and front-end data items are associated with corresponding addressable nodes such that the front-end nodes can be quickly accessed.

Abstract: Displaying calendars may be provided. In response to a first input initiated by a user, a first calendar may be displayed comprising a user's calendar. Next, a second calendar may be overlaid over the first calendar. The second calendar may be displayed transparently with respect to the first calendar. Then, a third calendar may be displayed beside the first calendar. The second or third calendar may each comprise an event calendar, a project calendar, or a calendar of another user not associated with the first calendar. In addition, a second user initiated input may be received selecting an entry on the second calendar. In response to the received second user initiated input, the second calendar may be redisplayed not transparently with respect to the first calendar. Moreover, in response to the received second user initiated input, the first calendar may be redisplayed transparently with respect to the redisplayed second calendar.

Abstract: It is difficult to effectively manage an electronic calendar that is shared by a group of people such as family members. This is achieved by enabling users to send messages to an electronic calendar apparatus. The messages are received and stored at the apparatus and may be viewed by a user such as a mother of a family. A graphical user interface at the calendar apparatus provides a calendar and a message receiver region. A user is able to edit the calendar using information from the messages and in some examples may move or copy message indicators into the calendar from the message receiver region. In some examples, the calendar may only be edited by user input received directly at the calendar apparatus rather than from a remote location. The calendar apparatus may be provided in a protective housing to enable the apparatus to be used in a domestic kitchen.

Abstract: A wireless system having a central family calendar. Individual family members may access the family calendar from their wireless devices. The system also includes telephone and address information for non-family members. Important dates such as birthdays, associated with the non-family members may automatically appear in the calendar. The system may be incorporated into other family accessible devices such as a family bulletin board.

Abstract: A design tool hierarchically presents information about a design with nested blocks. For example, the design tool presents scheduling information for the design in a hierarchical Gantt chart. The scheduling information includes hierarchical design schedule blocks which accurately depict the timing and scheduling of the nested blocks of the design. Each of the hierarchical design schedule blocks includes control steps numbered relative to the block. The scheduling information also includes a hierarchical list of scheduled operations for the design. The hierarchical list emphasizes which operations are associated with which nested blocks. The scheduling information further includes pseudo-operation icons that are easily differentiated from real operation icons in the hierarchical Gantt chart.

Abstract: A method, system, and program are provided for managing flexible events within an electronic calendar. A calendaring controller schedules fixed events requiring a fixed time slots and flexible events that are flexible for scheduling over a particular time period for a particular duration, wherein the particular time period is greater than the particular duration. The calendaring controller sets each flexible event at a particular time slot within the particular time period for the particular duration. Responsive to the calendaring controller detecting a request for a new event for an additional time slot overlapping the particular time slot, the calendaring controller repositions the flexible event to at least one other time slot of the particular duration during the particular time period to allow for scheduling the new event during the additional time slot.

Abstract: A process control and manufacturing information database client application is disclosed displaying received time-series data in an unambiguous manner when a displayed range of time-series data includes a DST transition for a designated time zone for displaying the data. A data acquisition interface obtains timestamped time-series data values for an observed parameter from the process control and manufacturing information database. The data values are requested/received/stored by the client application, for example, according to the UTC time standard. The client application renders the timestamped time-series data values as a series of points on a time-line graph. The time-line graph includes alphanumeric time labels specified in accordance with a designated time zone. The display function renders the time-line graph without disruptions over a time span containing a Daylight Savings Time (DST) transition for the designated time zone.

Abstract: A method for displaying a calendar event on an electronic map includes steps of: receiving a request to generate a map view of a selected timeline of calendar events, wherein the calendar events are associated with event locations; converting event locations to geographic locations; generating a map view showing the geographic locations of the calendar events and legends representing the calendar events; and displaying the map view with the legends shown in close proximity to the locations of the calendar events. A user can elect to switch between a display of the map view and a display of a view of the selected timeline. A user can also select to create a calendar event on an electronic map by selecting a location associated with the calendar event on the map; receive a graphical user interface display, enter information about the calendar event on the graphical user interface display, and view the electronic map.

Abstract: One embodiment of the application provides a method of forecasting utility demand of a utility consuming entity for a future time period. The method includes: selecting a utility demand matrix from a set of utility demand matrixes as a function of a future date, wherein the set of utility demand matrixes are classified by type-of-day, and representing a relation of past utility demand of the entity to time-in-day interval and outdoor temperature in the vicinity of the entity during the type-of-day; identifying a utility demand element from the utility demand matrix as a function of a future time-in-day and a known factor (e.g., future outdoor temperature) thereof; and generating a utility demand forecast of the entity for the future time period as a function of the identified utility demand element.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for automatically organizing and presenting photographs based on the date information associated with photographs. In one embodiment, a calendar-like user interface is provided. By interacting with the user-interface, the user can select specific dates. In response to the user's selections of the specific dates, the image organization tool displays all photographs that are associated with date information that falls within the specific dates.

Abstract: A method for displaying data on a portable electronic device first displays graphical data on a graphical display. An event that is independent of the graphical data is received at the device. Responsive to the event, an event type is selected from a list that associates each of at least two event types with one of at least two display formats. A notifier of the event, in the selected format, is then displayed on the graphical display simultaneously with the graphical data. The formats are specific to the event types so that a user can decide whether to continue viewing the graphical data and not respond to the event notifier, or terminate the graphical data being displayed and respond to the event. Examples of events include an alarm from a locally stored user calendar, an incoming phone call, an SMS message, and an email. A computer program and a device are also detailed.

Abstract: An interface is presented that can be used by those with little or no computer skills and little or no reading skills. In an exemplary embodiment, the icon pictures are detailed enough that they do not need text to be understood. Most icons do not require that they be clicked to be selected, rather they select on cursor hover. When an icon is hovered over, in an exemplary embodiment, it increases in size to make it easier for a user to select it. The interface has a help function that provides a voice that tells the function of an icon when the icon is moused over or otherwise tentatively chosen by a user. The help function voice may be accompanied by a virtual companion—a picture of a person, who, in some embodiments, is animated and appears to be speaking the help text.

Abstract: A reservation registration apparatus, a method of reservation registration and a program storage medium allow reservation registration to be performed by easy operation. A starting time and an ending time can be set and changed by easy operation by displaying on a display screen reservation subject icons representing reservation subjects and a time base display area for performing reservation registration, and when the reservation subject icons are moved onto the time base display area, displaying a reservation time frame display division representing a starting time and an ending time of the reservation subjects according to positions to which they are moved, and changing a starting time or an ending time according to movement of the entire reservation time frame display division or movement of the first end or the second end of the reservation time frame display division.

Abstract: The invention provides graphically representing time dependent information or data objects in a sequential manner using a dynamic time strip having implicit or explicit indications of time. The dynamic time strip is a linear graphical strip comprising graphical representations of time dependent information elements or data objects which may or may not include text or markers to indicate the time (i.e. second, minute, hour, day and/or date) along the length of the strip. As time passes, and data objects are changed, added or removed from the time strip, the time strip is automatically and dynamically updated to reflect these changes along with showing the passage of time. The period of time represented by the dynamic time strip is preferably one day, with the dynamic time strip automatically scrolling forward as time passes. However, in one embodiment, the period of time represented by the dynamic time strip is user configurable.

Abstract: A hook-up assistant (HUA) capable of assisting people in hooking up with other people, in various business and social settings, and of achieving decision-making, planning, and commitment activities asynchronously, thereby advantageously off-loading an event requester's tedious tasks of communicating with multiple potential participants and resource/service providers for an intended event/activity. The HUA effectively eliminates “phone tag” problems and beyond, by enabling a user to simply “make a wish,” e.g., “make an event happen.” The HUA takes appropriate actions to “make the wish a reality,” i.e., contacting all parties involved, determining mutually agreeable dates, times, arranging necessary devices, resources, and services, securing reservations, purchasing admission tickets, etc., to ensure all parties involved can actually participate in the event at the planned time and place.

Abstract: A calendar customization system comprises an interface component that receives responses to one or more questions relating to a calendar. A execution automatically generates a multi-dimensional structure for the calendar, the structure generated as a function of the responses. For example, the multi-dimensional structure can relate to a Gregorian calendar, a fiscal calendar, a reporting calendar, a manufacturing calendar, and/or an ISO8601 calendar.

Abstract: Methods of operating radio communications devices may include accepting user input at the radio communications device of a streaming time to initiate media streaming, and accepting user input at the radio communications device of a network address of a streaming server to provide media streaming content. At the streaming time, initiating media streaming from the streaming server identified by the network address may be initiated over a radio link. Related devices are also discussed.

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.

Abstract: A method of checking a new entry in a calendar application having a cache that includes a first subset of existing entries falling within a first date range. Also, an electronic device implementing the method. The method includes determining whether the date of the new entry falls within the first date range. If so, the method determines whether the new entry directly conflicts with or is adjacent to one of the existing entries in the first subset, and provides a notification if appropriate. If the date is outside the first date range, the method creates a new calendar cache including a second subset of existing entries falling within a second date range around the new entry date, determines whether the new calendar entry directly conflicts with or is adjacent to one of the existing calendar entries in the second subset, and provides a notification if appropriate.

Abstract: A mobile electronic device that includes a controller including at least one processor, for controlling operation of the mobile device; a display coupled to the controller; a user input device coupled to the controller; and a storage coupled to the controller, the storage storing event reminder information identifying event reminders for different types of events, times at which the event reminders are scheduled to be released for display on the display.

Abstract: Systems and methods for selecting a time/date, or a range of times/dates are provided. In one aspect, systems and methods having non-linear timeline UI mechanism(s) for selecting a date, or selecting a date range, are provided. In recognition that user interaction with and recall of time varies depending upon how far away the time period of interest is from the present time, the non-linear timeline provides UI mechanism(s) for selecting a time having different granularities of time in different portions of the timeline. Additionally, in recognition that user interaction with dates and times is not always in terms of numbers, but rather in terms of events, etc., occurring at or around a particular time period of interest, systems and methods having date relation UI techniques are provided.

Abstract: An integrated user environment for creating, managing, and organizing components of a project. A user is able to select a predefined project that includes a list of to do items, or can start with a blank project and add to do items. Once a to do item has been added, the user can associate several different functions with the to do item, including a due date, a note, and one of several categories of entities. These entities include a task or template, a document, and a Web link. If the user selects a task or template, Answer Wizard technology returns options that may be relevant to the selected to do item. Since all of the components of the project are accessible by the user from within an integral project environment, it is relatively efficient for the user to manage the project and make any changes that are required.

Abstract: A calendar-based interface system accommodates innate human memory by associating computer-related events, and other events, based upon when they occur. The calendar user interface system utilizes a calendar as a top-level user interface for accessing computer information. The calendar-based interface system utilizes system-wide monitoring of the user and associations between various computer files, people, and other information related to the user. This allows a user to view and assign searchable metadata (e.g., metadata relating to associated dates) and to retrieve computer information that matches selected metadata.

Abstract: Techniques to implement time intelligence for application program are described. An apparatus may include a calendar application module. The calendar application module may be arranged to define and generate a calendar for an application program, the calendar application module to define time members for a time dimension of a multidimensional data model, assign a monotonically increasing unique identifier to each time member, and generate the calendar with time members from the time dimension using the unique identifiers. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: Data items contained in personal information are displayed in manner that is indicative of both the importance and the urgency of the data items. A first visual cue is assigned to the data item based on an importance of the data item. The first visual cue may cause more important items to be displayed with increased size and less important items to be displayed with decreased size. A second visual cue is assigned to the data item based on an urgency of the data item. The second visual cue may cause more urgent items to be displayed in a first color and less important items to be displayed in a second color. The data item is displayed using the first and second visual cue as to provide a visual indication as to both the importance and urgency of the data item.

Abstract: A method of organizing information is disclosed. The method comprises providing a visualization of actor communications in the context of one or more discussion, a discussion including at least one actor and at least one documented communication.

Abstract: A song and ad scheduler supporting clip-based and stream-based scheduling of multimedia items generates several hours of schedule in advance. Having multiple channel capability, the scheduler uses as inputs: the channel, associated playlists associated, rotation pattern for the channel, and associated programming rules to produce a schedule of multimedia items for the channel. Initially, the scheduler produces a schedule for each channel of predetermined length; then it periodically revisits the channel to add more songs, keeping the schedule to the desired length. Length of the initial playlist is configurable. The scheduler uses a producer-consumer model for distributing work. Producer threads periodically scan the system for work to be done. When a producer thread encounters work to be done, e.g. adding to the schedule of a channel, the producer thread places a work request into a queue. Worker threads consume the work requests by fulfilling the requested work.

Abstract: A management system for a transportation carrier such as an airline is described that provides network-based management of customer data by allowing a user to form a list comprising multiple customers associated with different sets of criteria and to process customer data corresponding to customers associated with multiple lists defined by different criteria. In one embodiment, an airline management system allows a user to append additional customers to a list comprising previously selected customers without having to re-request the list with additional search criteria and re-select the previously selected customers. The airline management system also allows a user to simultaneously display multiple lists of customers that are defined by different criteria. As a result, airline personnel using the airline management system may more effectively and efficiently access and manage customer data required to provide airline services.

Abstract: A hand-held mobile electronic device that includes a controller, a display, a user input device, a storage, and a rigid case dimensioned to be held in a hand of a user, the case housing the controller, the display, the user input device and the storage.

Abstract: A method for automatically filling an electronic timesheet includes extracting one or more calendar entries from an electronic calendar and matching each calendar entry of the one or more calendar entries to a corresponding project of a list of projects. An electronic timesheet is then filled based on each calendar entry matched with the corresponding project.

Abstract: Displaying calendars may be provided. In response to a first input initiated by a user, a first calendar may be displayed comprising a user's calendar. Next, a second calendar may be overlaid over the first calendar. The second calendar may be displayed transparently with respect to the first calendar. Then, a third calendar may be displayed beside the first calendar. The second or third calendar may each comprise an event calendar, a project calendar, or a calendar of another user not associated with the first calendar. In addition, a second user initiated input may be received selecting an entry on the second calendar. In response to the received second user initiated input, the second calendar may be redisplayed not transparently with respect to the first calendar. Moreover, in response to the received second user initiated input, the first calendar may be redisplayed transparently with respect to the redisplayed second calendar.