Visualizing multiple time zones in a calendaring and scheduling application

Abstract

A method, system and apparatus for visualizing multiple time zones can include a C&S application, an event schedule managed by the C&S application, and multiple time zone processing logic coupled to the C&S application. The multiple time zone processing logic can determine a time zone for each participant to a defined event. The multiple time zone processing logic further can render a user interface showing a local time in the determined time zone corresponding to a preferred time for the defined event for each the participant. For instance, the user interface can include an arrangement of juxtaposed time ranges for each participant, where the time ranges have a staggered appearance so that a local time for each of the time ranges corresponds to the preferred time.

1 - 6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . A system for visualizing multiple time zones, the system comprising: a calendaring and scheduling (C&S) application; an event schedule managed by said C&S application; and, multiple time zone processing logic coupled to said C&S application, said multiple time zone processing logic determining a time zone for each participant to a defined event and rendering a user interface showing a local time in said determined time zone corresponding to a preferred time for said defined event for each said participant. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , further comprising a directory service having time zone information for each said participant. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein said event is a meeting. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein said user interface comprises an arrangement of juxtaposed time ranges for each said participant, said time ranges having a staggered appearance so that a local time for each of said time ranges corresponds to said preferred time. 
     
     
         11 . A machine readable storage having stored thereon a computer program for visualizing multiple time zones in a calendaring and scheduling system, the computer program comprising a routine set of instructions which when executed by a machine causes the machine to perform the steps of: defining an event for a preferred time and a specified set of participants; determining a time zone for each of said participants; and, rendering a user interface showing a local time in said determined time zone corresponding to said preferred time for each of said participants. 
     
     
         12 . The machine readable storage of  claim 11 , wherein said defining step comprises the step of defining an event for a preferred block of time and a specified set of participants. 
     
     
         13 . The machine readable storage of  claim 11 , wherein said determining step comprises the step of querying a directory to determine said time zone for each of said participants. 
     
     
         14 . The machine readable storage of  claim 12 , wherein said determining step further comprises the step of inferring a block of time for at least one of said participants by retrieving supplemental data from a user directory which indicates said block of time. 
     
     
         15 . The machine readable storage of  claim 11 , wherein said rendering step comprises the steps of: computing a stagger for said preferred time for said time zone for each of said participants; generating a time range for each of said participants; staggering each said time range according to said computed stagger so that a local time for said time range corresponds to said preferred time; and, juxtaposing each said time range in said user interface. 
     
     
         16 . The machine readable storage of  claim 15 , wherein said generating step further comprises the steps of: grouping a set of said participants having a same time range; and, generating a single time range for said set of said participants.