Resource assignment system providing mixed-initiative user interface updates
AssigneeMinnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
InventorsJohn M. Kruse, John E. Collins, Elizabeth M. Sisley
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A resource assignment system provides mixed-initiative updates of a user interface display in response to asynchronous events independently triggering updates. The system features an update module capable of selecting one of a plurality of diverse update modes based on system user input and additional criteria relating to each update. The update modes enable the system user to develop an update behavior appropriate for her individual circumstances. Selection of an update behavior can prevent disruption of the system user's work, producing an appearance of interface stability without sacrificing near real-time response to asynchronous events.
Claims31
A computer-implemented system for assigning a plurality of resource requests among a plurality of resource providers, said system comprising:
- an assignment database for storing an assignment set, said assignment set defining assignment of one or more of said resource requests among said resource providers;
- a user interface for displaying a representation of at least part of said assignment set, and for receiving input from a system user;
- and
- an update module for receiving changes to said assignment set, and for updating said user interface to display a representation of each of said changes to said assignment set, said update module including means for selecting one of a plurality of update modes, said plurality of update modes including:
- an assertive mode wherein said update module updates said user interface in response to receipt of each of said changes to said assignment set, and
- an update-on-request mode wherein said update module updates said user interface in response to a combination of said receipt of each of said changes to said assignment set and an update request input received by said user interface from said system user.
A computer-implemented system for assigning a plurality of resource requests among a plurality of resource providers, said system comprising:
- an assignment database for storing an assignment set, said assignment set defining assignment of one or more of said resource requests among said resource providers;
- a user interface for displaying a representation of at least part of said assignment set, and for receiving input from a system user;
- and
- an update module for receiving changes to said assignment set, and for updating said user interface to display a representation of each of said changes to said assignment set, said update module including means for selecting one of a plurality of update modes, said plurality of update modes including:
- an assertive mode wherein said update module updates said user interface in response to receipt of each of said changes to said assignment set, and
- an update-on-delay mode wherein said update module updates said user interface in response to a combination of said receipt of each of said changes and an elapse of a time delay from a time of said receipt of each of said changes.
A computer-implemented system for assigning a plurality of field service calls among a plurality of field service technicians, said system comprising:
- an assignment database for storing an assignment set, said assignment set defining assignment of one or more of said field service calls among said field service technicians;
- a user interface for displaying a representation of at least part of said assignment set, and for receiving input from a system user;
- and
- an update module for receiving said changes to said assignment set, and for updating said user interface to display a representation of each of said changes to said assignment set, said update module including means for selecting one of a plurality of update modes, said plurality of update modes including:
- an assertive mode wherein said update module updates said user interface in response to receipt of each of said changes to said assignment set,
- an update-on-request mode wherein said update module updates said user interface in response to a combination of said receipt of each of said changes to said assignment set and an update request input received by said user interface from said system user, and
- an update-on-delay mode wherein said update module updates said user interface in response to a combination of said receipt of each of said changes and an elapse of a time delay from a time of said receipt of each of said changes.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.