System and method for matching entities utilizing an electronic calendaring system

US6978246B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• International Business Machines Corporation · US

Inventors

• Joann Ruvolo · San Jose, US
• Reiner Kraft · Gilroy, US
• Stefan B. Edlund · San Jose, US
• Michael Lawrence Emens · San Jose, US
• Daniel A. Ford · Los Gatos, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 24, 2000
• Grant date: Dec 20, 2005
• Expiry date: Apr 24, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06Q10/1093
• WIPO field: IT methods for management
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

The present invention provides for an integrated matching service and calendaring system. Calendar events are utilized as a bridge between an electronic calendaring system and a matching service. A calendar event represents an activity, e.g., job opening, tennis match, bicycle race, etc., the requirements to match the activity, the entity attributes, and any match results. An entity defines criteria and information for a matching activity which is stored as a calendar event in the electronic calendar system. Portions of the criteria and information are stored as attachments to the calendar event. The calendar events representing a matching activity and associated attachments are provided to a matching server which locates suitable matches for the activity based upon the criteria and information of the activity. If a suitable match is located, the matching server notifies the entities involved by listing the corresponding entities as attendees associated with the calendar event.