System and method for scheduling heterogeneous resources
First Claim
1. A system for scheduling meetings using plural heterogeneous resources, the system comprising:
- a user interface operable to accept meeting constraints;
a resource properties database having plural heterogeneous resources, each resource having associated properties;
a scheduled events database storing schedules for the heterogeneous resources;
a configuration engine interfaced with the user interface and resource properties database, the configuration engine operable to apply the meeting constraints and the resource properties to priority rules that generate an ordered list of heterogeneous resource sets, each set having a valid configuration that satisfies the meeting constraints; and
an availability engine interfaced with the configuration engine and the scheduled events database, the availability engine operable to select heterogeneous resources from the ordered list based on the scheduled availability of the resources.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Heterogeneous resources, such as video conference, audio conference, network, conference room and catering resources, are scheduled through a uniform interface to satisfy a meeting organizer'"'"'s constraints to have a properly configured meeting with selected of the heterogeneous resources. A prioritized list of sets of heterogeneous resources is determined for scheduling of a selected set, such as the set having the least estimated cost. Automated scheduling tracks resource availability, restricts access to predetermined resources, ensures that rescheduling results in a proper configuration, notifies attendees in an individualized manner, and initiates resource use according to the schedule.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A system for scheduling meetings using plural heterogeneous resources, the system comprising:
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a user interface operable to accept meeting constraints;
a resource properties database having plural heterogeneous resources, each resource having associated properties;
a scheduled events database storing schedules for the heterogeneous resources;
a configuration engine interfaced with the user interface and resource properties database, the configuration engine operable to apply the meeting constraints and the resource properties to priority rules that generate an ordered list of heterogeneous resource sets, each set having a valid configuration that satisfies the meeting constraints; and
an availability engine interfaced with the configuration engine and the scheduled events database, the availability engine operable to select heterogeneous resources from the ordered list based on the scheduled availability of the resources. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 20)
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13. A method for scheduling meetings using plural heterogeneous resources, the method comprising:
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identifying scheduling constraints associated with the meeting;
ordering in priority a list of plural sets of candidate heterogeneous resources, each set having a valid configuration that satisfies the scheduling constraints;
selecting a set of heterogeneous resources from the ordered list;
scheduling the heterogeneous resources to support the meeting;
automatically notifying attendees of the schedule; and
automatically initiating one or more of the heterogeneous resources according to the schedule. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification