WO2016108108A1

WO2016108108A1 - System and method for smart scheduling of meetings

Info

Publication number: WO2016108108A1
Application number: PCT/IB2015/059401
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sai Krishna Kammane NADIMINTI
Original assignee: Nadiminti Sai Krishna Kammane
Priority date: 2014-12-31
Filing date: 2015-12-07
Publication date: 2016-07-07

Abstract

A system and method for scheduling meetings by determining a time and a location of an upcoming event based on factors affecting the travel time, personal interests of participants and availability of a place/room at a common location. The method for scheduling the meetings considers factors like traffic; weather etc to fix a place that enables timely arrival of the users at the upcoming event.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SMART SCHEDULING OF MEETINGS

Technical Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention generally relates to improvements in the field of information technology. More particularly, the present invention is related to the technical field of systems, and methods for scheduling meetings.

Background of the Invention

[0002] People need services from qualified professionals on daily basis and meet them in pursuit of their needs. Tools are available for scheduling meetings that allow a user notify the prospective invitee for the meeting, and then query for dates and times to meet. These tools determine the availability based on users acceptance and other meetings that are already been scheduled by the participant for himself. While the foregoing scheduling tools are effective in some cases but ineffective in considering factors such as traffic, weather and preferred locations. These additional factors may restrain a potential meeting, even if the potential participant otherwise has free time.

[0003] Other problems may occur if information relevant to a scheduled meeting changes. Conventional scheduling applications lack the management capabilities to notify meeting participants if information relevant to a scheduled meeting changes. This may result in meeting participants wasting time, or if the meeting was scheduled for only two people may destroy the benefit of the meeting altogether.

[0004] In light of the aforementioned systems and methods, there clearly exists a need for an alternative and more effective scheduling program and method of scheduling intelligent and more effective meetings. Brief Summary of the Invention

[0005] The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding to the reader. This summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure and it does not identify key/critical elements of the invention or delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts disclosed herein in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0006] In accordance with teachings of the present disclosure, a system and method for smart scheduling of meetings is disclosed.

[0007] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to schedule meetings at times and locations that are convenient for the invitees.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a technique to effectively remind a person to do something.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, a smart scheduling system for allowing a user to schedule a meeting with a potential participant by sending invitations based on a common choice and interest in a preset proximity is disclosed. The system comprises an authorization engine, serves as a means for submitting account information of the user for authentication. At least one processor that serves as a means for extracting one or more addresses from the address book once the platform is authenticated.

[0010] The system comprises a Global Positioning System (GPS) for retrieving a current location of one or more potential participants and an invitation engine executed by the at least one processor, to add one or more addresses to a meeting request associated with a location preference of the user. [0011] In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, the computer implemented system notifies the potential participant about a meeting request by sending an alert on a mobile community platform, by sending an email, a short message, a notification on a calendar application or the like.

[0012] In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, the computer implemented system determines free time periods common to all of the potential participants, further determining time periods during which at least two of the potential participants are free.

[0013] In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, wherein the computer implemented system transmits the information in response to the detection of the listed people within their specified proximities by any of the reports of locations.

[0014] In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, the specified proximity is user controlled via setting a user-specified proximity parameter and in accordance with a first aspect of the invention the potential participants are people travelling to a common place or choose to meet in a common place agreeable to all.

[0015] In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, wherein the selection of convenient location is obtained from the average of the mid-points of latitude and longitude values of the locations of atleast two users. The list of all the nearest locations is transferred until the user selects a convenient location via the computer implemented system.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the invention, a smart scheduling method for allowing a user to schedule a meeting with a potential participant by sending invitations based on a common choice and interest in a preset proximity is disclosed. The method comprises a step of accessing a local server for submitting account information of the user to the local server for authentication. The method involves extracting one or more addresses from the address book once the platform is authenticated, and adding the one or more addresses to a meeting request associated with a location preference. [0017] In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, the method also comprises a step of requesting a Global Positioning System (GPS) for a current location of one or more potential participants. Further, receiving from the GPS the participants current and a preferred location in response to the request, stored on a remote server that is separate from the platform and sending an invitation to join the meeting to at least one of the one or more addresses from the address book or a contact stored on a device via the server.

[0018] In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, wherein the computer implemented method notifies the potential participant about a meeting request in one or more ways of sending an alert on a mobile community platform, an email, a short message or a notification on a calendar application.

[0019] In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, the method further comprises a step of detecting a set of listed people within a specified proximity of the user by any of the reports of the locations and transmitting the information in response to the detecting.

[0020] In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, wherein the method determines free time periods common to all of the potential participants, further determining time periods during which at least two of the potential participants are free.

[0021] In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, wherein the specified proximity is user controlled via setting a user-specified proximity parameter.

[0022] In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, wherein the method of selecting a convenient location is carried by calculating the average of the mid-points of latitude and longitude values of the locations of atleast two users. The list of all the nearest locations is transferred until the user selects a convenient location via the computer implemented system. [0023] In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, wherein the method obtains calendar data of the potential participants such as calendar event records that fall within a set of time constraints.

[0024] In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, the method comprises a step of receiving from the electronic device, a request for availability status for each one of the potential participants for one of the free time periods and a step of sending to the electronic device, the availability status for each one of the potential participants for one of the free time periods.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals have been used to designate like elements.

Fig.1 is a flow chart of a method of sending request to second user for scheduling a meeting. Fig. 2 is a flow chart of a step-by-step process for selecting location, sending meeting details, and scheduling meeting accordingly.

Fig. 3 is a flow chart of a process for matching location of first and second user for scheduling meeting.

Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of a method is provided for collecting profile data, contact details, friends list by third party logging in through the app.

Fig. 5 is a flow chart of a step-by-step procedure for scheduling meeting using third party dependencies.

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of a method of determining meeting location based on user's preferences using maps.

Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of the application interface showing the list of selected locations and sending invitation to the selected users. Fig. 8 is a flow chart for step-by-step process to schedule a meeting according to the present invention.

Detail Description of the Invention

[0026] Described in detail below is a system and associated method that allows users to identify and notify one or more people about a meeting, identify a location, receive information regarding the meeting and receive one or more notifications of when these people arrive at the identified location, all via a central system that coordinates the meeting, including RSVPs, arrival notifications, and other messages.

[0027] The system uses location services, such as GPS or wireless network service information, to determine mobile device locations, searches a database or geographic locations, and coordinates meetings or otherwise provides information to the user. For example, the user may be notified when a predetermined person approaches a predetermined location. Various other features are described in detail herein.

[0028] In a broad sense, embodiments of the invention relate to location-based services in a system for providing wireless telecommunications services to mobile devices. The method under this system obtains a request from a subscriber associated with a first mobile device or notification when at least one person associated with a second mobile device arrives near a predetermined location. The system automatically determines a location of at least the second mobile device and provides a notification message to the first mobile device when the second mobile device is near the predetermined location. The system can also provide the notification message to another telecommunications or computing device coupled to the network and specified by the subscriber.

[0029] The invention will now be described with respect to various embodiments. The following description provides specific details for a thorough understanding of, and enabling description for, these embodiments of the invention. However, one skilled in the art will understand that the invention may be practiced without these details. In other instances, well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments of the invention.

[0030] The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

[0031] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a smart scheduling system for allowing a user to schedule a meeting with a potential participant by sending invitations based on a common choice and interest in a preset proximity is disclosed. The system comprises an authorization engine, serves as a means for submitting account information of the user for authentication. At least one processor that serves as a means for extracting one or more addresses from the address book once the platform is authenticated.

[0032] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the system also comprises a Global Positioning System (GPS) for retrieving a current location of one or more potential participants and an invitation engine executed by the at least one processor, to add one or more addresses to a meeting request associated with a location preference of the user.

[0033] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the computer implemented system notifies the potential participant about a meeting request by sending an alert on a mobile community platform, by sending an email, a short message, a notification on a calendar application or the like.

[0034] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the computer implemented system determines free time periods common to all of the potential participants, further determining time periods during which at least two of the potential participants are free. [0035] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the computer implemented system obtains calendar data of the potential participants such as calendar event records that fall within a set of time constraints.

[0036] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the computer implemented system transmits the information in response to the detection of the listed people within their specified proximities by any of the reports of locations.

[0037] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the specified proximity is user controlled via setting a user-specified proximity parameter and in accordance with a first aspect of the invention the potential participants are people travelling to a common place or choose to meet in a common place agreeable to all.

[0038] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the selection of convenient location is obtained from the average of the mid-points of latitude and longitude values of the locations of atleast two users. The list of all the nearest locations is transferred until the user selects a convenient location via the computer implemented system.

[0039] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a smart scheduling method for allowing a user to schedule a meeting with a potential participant by sending invitations based on a common choice and interest in a preset proximity is disclosed. The method comprises a step of accessing a local server for submitting account information of the user to the local server for authentication. The method involves extracting one or more addresses from the address book once the platform is authenticated, and adding the one or more addresses to a meeting request associated with a location preference.

[0040] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the method also comprises a step of requesting a Global Positioning System (GPS) for a current location of one or more potential participants. Further, receiving from the GPS the participants current and a preferred location in response to the request, stored on a remote server that is separate from the platform and sending an invitation to join the meeting to at least one of the one or more addresses from the address book or a contact stored on a device via the server.

[0041] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the computer implemented method notifies the potential participant about a meeting request in one or more ways of sending an alert on a mobile community platform, an email, a short message or a notification on a calendar application.

[0042] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises a step of detecting a set of listed people within a specified proximity of the user by any of the reports of the locations and transmitting the information in response to the detecting.

[0043] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the method determines free time periods common to all of the potential participants, further determining time periods during which at least two of the potential participants are free.

[0044] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the specified proximity is user controlled via setting a user-specified proximity parameter.

[0045] In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, wherein the method of selecting a convenient location is carried by calculating the average of the mid-points of latitude and longitude values of the locations of atleast two users. The list of all the nearest locations is transferred until the user selects a convenient location via the computer implemented system.

[0046] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the method obtains calendar data of the potential participants such as calendar event records that fall within a set of time constraints. [0047] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises a step of receiving from the electronic device, a request for availability status for each one of the potential participants for one of the free time periods and a step of sending to the electronic device, the availability status for each one of the potential participants for one of the free time periods.

[0048] Referring now to the flow chart 100 in Fig. 1, at the beginning (step 102) the user 1 opens the app (step 104) to view his contacts (step 106). The user 1 selects one of the contacts (step 108) to select the date and time for meeting (step 110) for sending a meeting request to the user 2 (step 112) and ends the flowchart (step 114). User 2 receives a meeting request (step 118). If the scheduled meeting is convenient for user 1 and user 2 (step 120), the current location of both the users is calculated using Global Positioning System (step 126). Then lines are drawn to join the current locations of both the users to obtain a mid-point and a pop-up window opens suggesting a meeting place on the screen of both the users (step 128). If this current location is matched with user 1 a meeting is scheduled (step 136). In the current location is not matched with the user 1, new location information is sent to user 1 (step 128). Both the users get the list of convenient locations based on their choices (step 130) to shortlist the new location by both the users (step 132) and if the location matches (step 134) a meeting is scheduled (step 136). If the scheduled meeting is not convenient for user 1 and user 2 (stepl20), the meeting is rescheduled (step 122) and appropriate location is selected by the users.

[0049] Referring now to Fig. 2, is a flow chart 200 illustrating a step-by-step process for selecting location, sending meeting details, and scheduling meeting accordingly. Initially after opening the application (step 204) to view meeting details, check for schedule (step 206) and current location (step 208). All the location points of the other parties using GPS in a specified city or province is gathered (step 210, 212) from the google maps to draw a geometric shape connecting all the dots in all fashions (step 214).

[0050] After drawing a geometric shape a mid point is derived from the entire diagram (step 216) to match it with latitudes and longitudes from the google maps (step 218) to search for the nearest meeting point (step 220). This method should include all locations as airport, amusement park, aquarium, art gallery, bakery, book store etc. (steps 224 & 226). A radius check is made around all the locations, until the user selects a convenient location.

[0051] A meeting is scheduled by understanding the date, day, time, whether and duration of the meeting (step 228) according to each user preferences (step 230). Calculating the total number of users involved in the meeting (step 232) according to the type of meeting scheduled whether social or professional (step 234).

[0052] After setting the meeting details, appropriate location is selected by suggesting locations based on inputs from the meeting details section (step 236) send the list to all the users (step 238) to prioritize individually according to their choice (step 240). After receiving the information from each and every user (step 242), final issues or consequences are monitored (step 244) and meeting is scheduled (step 246).

[0053] In an another embodiment, a flow chart 300 describing the process for matching the location of first and second user for scheduling a meeting is shown in fig. 3. In this process user 1 receives current location of user 2 through GPS (step 304) and view the list possible meeting points (step 306). User 1 selects his convenient location from his list (step 308), also user 2 selects convenient location from his list (step 310). If the locations selected by user 1 and user 2 are same (step 312) then meeting is scheduled. If the location selected by user 1 & user 2 are not same (step 312) then the list of possible meeting points are retrieved again (step 306) until both the users unanimously conclude the same location. However, a predetermined location can also be shared to the users and one or more users select the predetermined location, by the priority participant out of all the participants.

[0054] Now referring to Fig. 4, a schematic diagram of a method for collecting profile data by using the application is disclosed. The method and process of using a meeting scheduler application disclosed in the Fig. 4 uses third party login i.e. user ID and password of social networking sites which can be facebook or google or twitter or mail to access the application (step 402). This application works on android, iOS, windows phone operating systems (step 404) to collect user data such as contact details, GPS services (step 406) etc. from the operating system. Current location of users is obtained from their GPS services, google/android maps API are used to obtain the locations input from GPS services. Further the co-ordinates are connected on google or android maps to perform calculation to obtain apt location for meeting (step 408). The home page of this application is shown in Fig. 4.

[0055] In an embodiment of the present invention according to the Fig.4, user can access the application using his/ her google credentials (step 416), the application collects the complete data from account as google plus or gmail as profile data, preferences, history of activities, friends list etc (step 418). The user's personal data is stored in the database and friends list is used for marketing the product (step 420).

[0056] In an another embodiment of the present invention according to the Fig. 4, user can access the application using facebook credentials (step 422), the application collects the complete data from the account as profile data, preferences, history of activities, friends list etc. (step 424). The user's personal data is stored in the database, friends list is user for marketing the product and the set preferences are used to create user specific choices for locating population (step 426).

[0057] Referring now to the Fig. 5, a detailed flow chart describing the step-by-step procedure for smart scheduling of meetings. In an embodiment where only two users communicate with each other to schedule a meeting comprising, a user A creates a meeting (step 504) through the application and sends the meeting request to user B (step 506). If the meeting request is accepted by user B (step 534), appropriate location is selected using Google maps API. To achieve this GPS device is activated (step 518) to obtain co-ordinates from the device. The co-ordinates are accessed and corresponding location is mapped on the Google maps API for obtaining latitude and longitude values (step 520). Then the location of user A and user B (step 522) is obtained along with latitude and longitude values (step 524) to calculate the average of both the points as per the Google maps distance API (step 526).

[0058] After calculating the average midpoint, all the nearby locations are checked within the growing radius from the centre (step 528), and upto 10 locations are shown in every view, every time the user chooses to see more locations, until the user selects a convenient location. By using a calculation from the algorithm, all the nearby locations on the Google maps API are scanned and provided as a list to the users (step 530). These locations include airport, amusement park, aquarium, art gallery, bakery, bar, beauty salon, book store, bowling alley, cafe, casino, clothing store, electronics store, Food, grocery or supermarket, hindu temple, library, lodging, movie theater, museum , night club, park, place of worship, rv park, shopping mall, spa, zoo(step 532). Further, the selection of appropriate location for scheduling a meeting request as shown in the Fig. 7 is detailed below. And if the meeting request is not accepted by the user B (step 534) then the process is stopped.

[0059] In another embodiment of the present invention according to the Fig. 5, where a meeting request is created by the user (step 504), an invitation is sent (step 508) to all the contacts which include phone contacts, facebook contacts & Gmail contacts as per the API (step 514) along with the selected date, time details. In addition to this location where the meeting is scheduled can also be communicated (step 508). If the location is selected prior to the meeting request (step 516) the GPS device is activated (step 518) to obtain co-ordinates from the device. The coordinates are accessed and corresponding location is mapped on the Google maps API for obtaining latitude and longitude values (step 520). Then the location of user A and user B (step 522) is obtained along with latitude and longitude values (step 524) to calculate the average of both the points as per the Google maps distance API (step 526).

[0060] After calculating the average midpoint, all the nearby locations are checked within the radius from the centre until the user selects a convenient location (step 528). By using a calculation from the algorithm, all the nearby locations on the Google maps API are scanned and provided as a list to the users (step 530). These locations include airport, amusement park, aquarium, art gallery, bakery, bar, beauty salon, book store, bowling alley, cafe, casino, clothing store, electronics store, Food, grocery or supermarket, hindu temple, library, lodging, movie theater, museum ,night club, park, place of worship, rv park, shopping mall, spa, zoo (step 532). Further, the selection of appropriate location for scheduling a meeting request as shown in the Fig. 7 is detailed below.

[0061] If the location is not scheduled prior to the meeting request (step 516), and if the meeting request is accepted by all or some of the users (step 534) then the appropriate location is selected with the help of a GPS device (step 518) to obtain co-ordinates from the device. The co-ordinates are accessed and corresponding location is mapped on the Google maps API for obtaining latitude and longitude values (step 520). Then the location of user A and user B (step 522) is obtained along with latitude and longitude values (step 524) to calculate the average of both the points as per the Google maps distance API (step 526).

[0062] After calculating the average midpoint, all the nearby locations are checked within the growing radius from the center (step 528). By using a calculation from the algorithm, all the nearby locations on the Google maps API are scanned and provided as a list to the users (step 530). These locations include airport, amusement park, aquarium, art gallery, bakery, bar, beauty salon, book store, bowling alley, cafe, casino, clothing store, electronics store, Food, grocery or supermarket, hindu temple, library, lodging, movie theater, museum ,night club, park, place of worship, rv park, shopping mall, spa, zoo(step 532). Further, the selection of appropriate location for scheduling a meeting request as shown in the Fig. 7 is detailed below.

[0063] Referring now to Fig. 6 a flow chart describing the step-by-step process for scheduling a meeting according to the present invention. Initially user authenticates (step 602) to the application using credentials to obtain contact details from the contacts list (step 604). Obtain the current location of all the participants using GPS device (step 606) and a meeting request is created with the preferred location (step 608). Add one or more contacts or participants to the meeting request (step 610) associated with the preferred location of the user. From the list of participants added to the meeting request, detect the potential participants within the specified proximity who might attending the meeting (step 612). An invitation of meeting request is sent to the potential participants specified within the proximity (step 614) along with a common time is set to schedule a meeting (step 616). If the scheduled meeting is convenient to all the participants (step 618), collect the list of participants accepting the meeting time (step 622) and then send the location information to them (step 624). If the scheduled meeting is not convenient to one or more participants, the meeting is rescheduled (step 620 and the same is informed to participants. If the selected location is convenient to the participants (step 626), the meeting is scheduled (step 628). Otherwise, another location is selected according to the convenience of the participants (step 630) and conveyed to the participants to schedule a meeting. The invitation sent to participants in one or more ways such as through an alert or email or SMS or through a calendar event.

[0064] Referring to the Fig. 7, a schematic diagram 700 showing a method of determining meeting location based on user's preferences using maps. To determine an appropriate location for scheduling a meeting 702 by drawing lines to join the locations of atleast two users as shown in Fig.7 704, 706, 708, and 710 and determine a mid-point 712 based on the latitude and longitude values of the locations of atleast two users from map API. Check the locations showing list of all the nearest locations from the mid-point until the user selects a convenient location by circulating the list to all the users for selecting a convenient location for scheduling a meeting.

[0065] Referring now to Figs. 8A, 8B and 8C represents schematic diagrams of the application interface for selecting the appropriate location and send invitation. The list of locations selected from the polygon as shown in the Fig. 7 is displayed in the application interface 802 as shown in the Fig. 8A. Now, Fig. 8B shows the selected location and appropriate date and time of meeting 804 as per the schedule. Send the invitation to the selected participants about the meeting details for scheduling a meeting 806 as shown in the Fig. 8C.

[0066] Thus, in one aspect, the above mentioned process and methods are embodied in computer executable code that, when executing one or more computing devices, performs the steps thereof. In another aspect, the means for performing the steps associated with the processes described above may include any of the hardware and/or software described above. All such permutations and combinations are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0067] While the invention has been disclosed in connection with the preferred embodiments shown and described in detail, various modifications and improvements thereon will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the present invention is not to be limited by the foregoing examples, but is to be understood the present application can be readily applied to other types of devices, and for those skilled in the art, many alternative, modifications and variations will be apparent.

Claims

Claims I/We claim

1. A smart scheduling system for allowing a user to schedule a meeting with a potential participant by sending invitations based on a common choice and interest in a preset proximity, comprising:

an authorization engine, serves as a means for submitting an account information of the user for authentication;

at least one processor, serves as a means for extracting one or more addresses from the address book once the platform is authenticated;

a Global Positioning System (GPS) for retrieving a current location of one or more potential participants; and

an invitation engine executed by the at least one processor, to add one or more addresses to a meeting request associated with a location preference of the user.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer implemented system notifies the potential participant about a meeting request in one or more ways of:

sending an alert on a mobile community platform;

an email;

a short message; and

a notification on a calendar application.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer implemented system determines free time periods common to all of the potential participants, further determining time periods during which at least two of the potential participants are free.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer implemented system obtains calendar data of the potential participants such as calendar event records that fall within a set of time constraints.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer implemented system transmits the information in response to the detection of the listed people within their specified proximities by any of the reports of locations.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the specified proximity is user controlled via setting a user-specified proximity parameter.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein determines the convenient location by calculating the average mid-point of locations of participants.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein all of the potential participants are people travelling to a common place or choose to meet in a common place agreeable to all.

9. A smart scheduling method for allowing a user to schedule a meeting with a potential participant by sending invitations based on a common choice and interest in a preset proximity, comprising a step of:

accessing a local server, the computer implemented method comprises, a step of submitting an account information of the user to the local server for authentication,

extracting one or more addresses from the address book once the platform is authenticated, and

adding the one or more addresses to a meeting request associated with a location preference;

requesting a Global Positioning System (GPS) for a current location of one or more potential participants;

receiving from the GPS the participants current and a preferred location in response to the request, stored on a remote server that is separate from the platform; and

sending an invitation to join the meeting to at least one of the one or more addresses from the address book or a contact stored on a device via the server.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the computer implemented method notifies the potential participant about a meeting request in one or more ways of sending an alert on a mobile community platform, an email, a short message or a notification on a calendar application.

11. The method of claim 9 further comprises:

a step of detecting a set of listed people within a specified proximity of the user by any of the reports of the locations; and

transmitting the information in response to the detecting.

12. The method according to claim 9, wherein the method determines free time periods common to all of the potential participants, further determining time periods during which at least two of the potential participants are free.

13. The method according to claim 9, wherein the specified proximity is user controlled via setting a user-specified proximity parameter.

14. The method according to claim 9, wherein determines the convenient location by calculating the average mid-point of locations of participants.

15. The method according to claim 9, wherein the method obtains calendar data of the potential participants such as calendar event records that fall within a set of time constraints.

16. The method according to claim 9, comprising:

receiving from the electronic device, a request for availability status for each one of the potential participants for one of the free time periods; and

sending to the electronic device, the availability status for each one of the potential participants for one of the free time periods.