WO2015085402A1

WO2015085402A1 - System and method for managing meeting productivity

Info

Publication number: WO2015085402A1
Application number: PCT/CA2014/000881
Authority: WO
Inventors: Igal Roytblat; Paul David CHIPPERTON; Lahav Moshe GIL
Original assignee: Canfocus Technologies Inc.
Priority date: 2013-12-11
Filing date: 2014-12-11
Publication date: 2015-06-18

Abstract

Methods and systems for suspending or interrupting electronic communication at one or more user devices during a meeting. The methods and systems use electronic signals indicating that the meeting has started at a meeting location or other meeting mode triggers. The methods and systems detect one or more user devices physically present at the meeting location, or other registrations and verifications of user devices. The methods and systems transmit electronic signals representing a meeting mode command to control the user devices to suspend or interrupt electronic communication notifications on the one or more user devices. The methods and systems determine that a user device of the one or more user devices has left the meeting location such that the user device is no longer physically present at the meeting location, or other meeting mode release trigger. The methods and systems transmit electronic signals representing a meeting mode release command to release the user device from the meeting mode control. Other example features are described.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING MEETING PRODUCTIVITY

CROSS-REFERENCE

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application No. 61/914,436 filed^'December 1 1 , 2013, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. FIELD

[0002] The present improvements generally relate to time management. The present improvements further relate to methods and systems for managing and enhancing productivity of a meeting.

INTRODUCTION OR BACKGROUND [0003] Modern workplaces benefit from the convenience of numerous communication tools such as VoIP phones, mobile devices, email systems, Internet chat systems,

SKYPE™, video-conferencing tools such as WebEx™ and GoToMeeting™, collaboration platforms, social LANs such as IGLOO™. Also, workers often subscribe to various online platforms that may generate alerts or notifications such as for example content platforms or news feeds, social media platforms and so on.

[0004] The messages or notifications that can be generated by such tools and platforms can be overwhelming and distracting, causing at times multiple unpredictably-timed interruptions.

[0005] It is generally understood that to complete certain tasks efficiently or to participate in meetings in a productive manner, there is a need to restrict distractions by communication tools or platforms, at least for a period of time.

[0006] Similar considerations apply in individuals' personal lives, whereby for example distractions represented by different network connected devices may interfere with a particular activity or set of activities that the person wishes to engage in.

[0007] Furthermore, meetings or gatherings are common at workplace and outside of work. Distractions or interruptions may not be desirable. With modern technology and ubiquitous network access through WIFI or cellular networks, people can easily access their emails, work documents, text messages, chat applications, and/or other types of social media platforms on a mobile phone, a laptop, a tablet, or any portable device during a meeting or other gathering. For a variety of reasons, some people may feel that the meeting they are attending is not important enough, so checking email or reading a news article may be a better use of the time spent in a meeting. However, this type of behaviour reduces involvement or active attention, and therefore diminishes the value that an organization can extract from the significant resources invested in holding the meeting.

[0008] In other cases, even when a meeting attendee is aware of the importance of a meeting, he or she may be anticipating a call or email from a more important client or senior management personnel, so he or she is inclined to check for e-mails or other types of communication on a phone or laptop during the meeting. In yet other cases, some people may have a compulsive habit to check, browse, or reply to all kinds of communication or documents on a portable device all the time, including during meetings. All of these behaviors make it rather difficult for a meeting to be productive or to achieve its goal; when attendees do not pay attention to the topics at hand during a meeting or participate in the verbal discussions, incomplete information may be shared or received, and conclusions or agreements may not be reached, or simply reached without optimal sharing of information or data points. In addition, the meeting attendees' own time may be wasted in part due to the lack of attention or contribution from other meeting attendees, who may have been distracted by communications or documents from mobile phones, tablets, laptops, or other portable devices.

[0009] These factors tend to make meetings less productive, thereby requiring for example follow-up meetings to reiterate messages, one-on-one follow-up or review with individuals despite the meetings intended to cover the same ground.

[0010] Similar considerations apply in context outside of work, for example, for slightly different reasons. For example in religious meetings or when attending a theatre

performance or movie, looking at electronic devices may be seen as rude or otherwise breaking social conventions.

[0011] Meeting inefficiencies are identified now as a major drain on corporate budget and a major destruction to productivity and workflow, where in the first place meetings were designed to facilitate effective communication and to get things done faster. Therefore, there is a need for improved meeting system or process that can encourage people to be less distracted by the portable devices or other kinds of technology during a meeting.

SUMMARY

[0012] In accordance with one aspect, there is provided a computer-implemented method for suspending or interrupting electronic communication on one or more user devices during a meeting. The method may involve registering, at a processor, one or more user devices as meeting attendees of the meeting. The method may involve receiving, at a processor in communication with the one or more user devices, electronic signals representing a meeting mode trigger to suspend or interrupt electronic communication notifications on the one or more user devices. The method may further involve transmitting in real time or near real time, from the processor, electronic signals representing a meeting mode command to the one or more user devices, wherein the meeting mode command controls the one or more user devices to suspend or interrupt the electronic communication notifications on the one or more user devices. The method may involve detecting, at the processor in communication with the one or more user devices, a meeting mode release event. The method may involve transmitting, through the communication network, electronic signals representing a meeting mode release command to the one or more user devices, the meeting mode release command to stop the meeting mode command control of the one or more user devices to continue the electronic communication notifications on the one or more user devices.

[0013] In some example embodiments, meeting mode trigger involves electronic signals indicating that the meeting has started at a meeting location based on at least one of an occurrence of a scheduled time for the meeting, electronic signals received from a meeting device or second processor managing the meeting, and an occurrence of a virtual sign-on by a meeting attendee to a virtual meeting room for the meeting.

[001 ] In some example embodiments, the registering involves registering at least two user devices to the same meeting attendee, and the transmitting involves transmitting the electronic signals representing the meeting mode command to the at least two user devices registered to the same meeting attendee. The meeting mode command controls the at least two user devices to suspend or interrupt the electronic communication notifications on the at least two user devices of the same meeting attendee on demand in real time or near real time.

[0015] In some example embodiments, the meeting mode release event involves electronic signals indicating expiration of a specified period of time for the meeting, or electronic signals terminating the meeting mode from one or more of the user devices or a meeting device managing the meeting.

[0016] In some example embodiments, the method involves verifying actual attendance of the meeting attendees registered to the one or more user devices at the meeting prior to transmission of the meeting mode command.

[0017] In some example embodiments, the method involves verifying by detecting a user device registered to a meeting attendee at the location of the meeting or detecting an occurrence of a virtual sign on by a meeting attendee to a virtual meeting room for the meeting.

[0018] In some example embodiments, the meeting mode command is a Do-Not-Disturb mode.

[0019] In some example embodiments, the meeting mode command is a neutral mode.

[0020] In some example embodiments, the method involves transmitting the meeting mode release command to the one or more user devices in response to receiving electronic signals representing a release command from a second processor.

[0021] In some example embodiments, the method involves a second processor that resides on an electronic device inside a meeting room used to host the meeting.

[0022] In some example embodiments, the method involves receiving electronic signals representing a meeting status update and transmitting electronic signals to the one or more user devices based on the received update of status.

[0023] In some example embodiments, the update of status comprises one of: temporarily paused, adjourned, or cancelled. [0024] In some example embodiments, the transmitted electronic signals based on the received update of status comprise meeting mode release commands to release the meeting mode from the one or more user devices.

[0025] In some example embodiments, the method involves determining a context of the meeting and transmitting electronic signals to the one or more user devices based on the determined context.

[0026] In some example embodiments, the method involves customizing the meeting mode command for at least one of the one or more user devices based on pre-determined settings.

[0027] In some example embodiments, the customized meeting mode command comprises electronic signals instructing to suspend or interrupt only a part of all electronic

communication on the at least one user device.

[0028] In another aspect, there is provided a method for suspending or interrupting electronic communication at one or more user devices during a meeting. The method may involve receiving, at a processor in communication with a server over a communication network, electronic signals indicating that the meeting has started at a meeting location. The method may involve detecting one or more user devices physically present at the meeting location. The method may involve transmitting to the server, over the communication network, electronic signals representing a meeting mode command to control the one or more user devices to suspend or interrupt electronic communication notifications on the one or more user devices. The method may involve determining that a user device of the one or more user devices has left the meeting location such that the user device is no longer physically present at the meeting location. The method may involve transmitting to the server, over the communication network, electronic signals representing a meeting mode release command to release the user device from the meeting mode control.

[0029] In some example embodiments, the meeting mode command comprises a DND mode or a neutral mode.

[0030] In some example embodiments, the method may involve displaying a meeting status through a visual indicator device electronically connected to the processor. [0031] In some example embodiments, the method may involve storing, in an electronic data store, electronic records representing at least one of: attendance record, action item(s), meeting minutes, and meeting summary.

[0032] In some example embodiments, the method may involve determining if a user device has entered or left a meeting through at least one of: GPS, NFC, cellular triangulation, and Bluetooth, wherein the processor resides on an electronic device inside a meeting room used to host the meeting.

[0033] In some example embodiments, the method may involve analyzing historical meeting attendance record of the one or more user devices.

[0034] In a further aspect, there is provided a computer network system for suspending incoming or outgoing electronic communication of one or more user devices during a meeting. The computer network system involves one or more user devices, a

communication network, and a server in communication with the one or more user devices over the communication network.

[0035] The server is configured to: register the one or more user devices as meeting attendees of the meeting; receive electronic signals representing a meeting mode trigger to suspend or interrupt electronic communication notifications on the one or more user devices; and transmit, over the communication network to the one or more user devices, electronic signals representing a meeting mode command. The meeting mode command controls the one or more user devices to suspend or interrupt the electronic communication notifications on the one or more user devices. The server may detect a meeting mode release event. The server may transmit, through the communication network to the one more user devices, electronic signals representing a meeting mode release command to the one or more user devices, the meeting mode release command to stop the meeting mode command control of the one or more user devices to continue the electronic communication notifications on the one or more user devices.

[0036] The meeting mode trigger may involve electronic signals indicating that the meeting has started at a meeting location based on at least one of an occurrence of a scheduled time for the meeting, electronic signals received from a meeting device or second processor managing the meeting, and an occurrence of a virtual sign-on by a meeting attendee to a virtual meeting room for the meeting.

[0037] In some embodiments, the server registers at least two user devices to the same meeting attendee, and transmits the electronic signals representing the meeting mode command to the at least two user devices registered to the same meeting attendee, wherein the meeting mode command controls the one or more user devices to suspend or interrupt the electronic communication notifications on the at least two user devices of the same meeting attendee on demand in real time or near real time.

[0038] In some embodiments, the meeting mode release event involves electronic signals indicating expiration of a specified period of time for the meeting, or electronic signals terminating the meeting mode from one or more of the user devices or a meeting device managing the meeting.

[0039] In some embodiments, the server verifies actual attendance of the meeting attendees registered to the one or more user devices at the meeting prior to transmission of the meeting mode command.

[0040] In some embodiments, the server verifies by detecting a user device registered to a meeting attendee at the location of the meeting or detecting an occurrence of a virtual sign on by a meeting attendee to a virtual meeting room for the meeting.

[0041] In some embodiments, the meeting mode is a Do-Not-Disturb mode.

[0042] In some embodiments, the meeting mode is a neutral mode.

[0043] In some embodiments, the server transmits the electronic signals to terminate the meeting mode to the one or more user devices upon receiving electronic signals

representing a release command from a second processor.

[0044] In some embodiments, the processor resides on an electronic device inside a meeting room used to host the meeting.

[0045] In some embodiments, the server receives electronic signals representing an update of status of the meeting and transmits electronic signals to the one or more user devices based on the received update of status. [0046] In some embodiments, the update of status comprises one of: temporarily paused, adjourned, or cancelled.

[0047] In some embodiments, the transmitted electronic signals based on the received update of status comprise commands to terminate the meeting mode from the one or more user devices.

[0048] In some embodiments, the server further determines a context of the meeting and transmitting electronic signals to the one or more user devices based on the determined context.

[0049] In some embodiments, the server further customizes the meeting mode for at least one of the one or more user devices based on pre-determined settings.

[0050] In some embodiments, the customized meeting mode comprises suspending or interrupting only a part of all electronic communication on the at least one user device.

[0051] In another aspect, there is provided a computer system for suspending incoming or outgoing electronic communication at one or more user devices during a meeting. The computer system involves a communication network, a server, one or more user devices; and a meeting device in communication with the one or more user devices over the communication network. The meeting device is configured to receive electronic signals indicating that the meeting has started at a meeting location, detect that the one or more user devices physically are present at the meeting location, transmit to the server, over the communication network, electronic signals representing a meeting mode command to control the one or more user devices to suspend or interrupt electronic communication notifications on the one or more user devices. The meeting device is configured to determine that a user device of the one or more user devices has left the meeting location such that the user device is no longer physically present at the meeting location. The meeting device is further configured to transmit to the server, over the communication network, electronic signals representing a meeting mode release command to release the user device from the meeting mode control.

[0052] In some embodiments, the meeting mode has a DND mode or a neutral mode. [0053] In some embodiments, the meeting device is configured to display a meeting status through a visual indicator device electronically connected to the meeting device.

[0054] In some embodiments, the meeting device is configured to store, in an electronic data store, electronic records representing at least one of: attendance record, action item(s), meeting minutes, and meeting summary.

[0055] In some embodiments, the meeting device is configured to determine if a user device has entered or left a meeting through at least one of: GPS, NFC, cellular triangulation, and Bluetooth, the meeting device being physically located inside a meeting room used to host the meeting.

[0056] In some embodiments, the meeting device is configured to analyze historical meeting attendance record of the one or more user devices.

[0057] Many further features and combinations thereof concerning embodiments described herein will appear to those skilled in the art following a reading of the instant disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0058] In the drawings, embodiments are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood that the description and drawings are only for the purpose of illustration and as an aid to understanding, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

[0059] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system diagram in accordance with an aspect of an embodiment.

[0060] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary flow chart of a meeting in accordance with an aspect of an embodiment.

[0061] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary flow chart of operation of a server in accordance with another aspect of an embodiment.

[0062] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary computer network system diagram in accordance with one aspect of an embodiment. [0063] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary cross-platform architecture in accordance with one aspect of an embodiment.

[0064] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating various components of an exemplary client application in accordance with one aspect of an embodiment.

[0065] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary VoIP integration in accordance with one aspect of an embodiment.

[0066] FIGs. 8a and 8b illustrate an exemplary integration of the computer system with analog phones in accordance with one aspect of an embodiment.

[0067] FIGs. 9a and 9b illustrate different aspects of the computer system including a clicker device in accordance with one aspect of an embodiment.

[0068] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary representative generic implementation in accordance with one aspect of an embodiment.

[0069] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment in detail, it is to be understood that the embodiment is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or the examples provided therein, or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] The present system and method may be practiced on virtually any manner of computer device including a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet computer or wireless handheld. The present system and method may also be implemented as a computer- readable/useable medium that includes computer program code to enable one or more computer devices to implement each of the various process steps in a method in accordance with embodiments described herein. In case of more than computer devices performing the entire operation, the computer devices are networked to distribute the various steps of the operation. It is understood that the terms computer-readable medium or computer useable medium comprises one or more of any type of physical embodiment of the program code. In particular, the computer-readable/useable medium can comprise program code embodied on one or more portable storage articles of manufacture (e.g. an optical disc, a magnetic disk, a tape, etc.), on one or more data storage portioned of a computing device, such as memory associated with a computer and/or a storage system.

[0071] The mobile application may be implemented as a web service, where the mobile device includes a link for accessing the web service, rather than a native application.

[0072] The functionality described may be implemented to any mobile platform, including the iOS™ platform, ANDROID™, WINDOWS™ or BLACKBERRY™.

[0073] Other variations of the embodiments described herein may also be practiced with modifications.

[0074] In further aspects, the disclosure provides systems, devices, methods, and computer programming products, including non-transient machine-readable instruction sets, for use in implementing such methods and enabling the functionality described previously.

[0075] Although the disclosure has been described and illustrated in exemplary forms with a certain degree of particularity, it is noted that the description and illustrations have been made by way of example only. Numerous changes in the details of construction and combination and arrangement of parts and steps may be made. Accordingly, such changes are intended to be included in the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims.

[0076] Except to the extent explicitly stated or inherent within the processes described, including any optional steps or components thereof, no required order, sequence, or combination is intended or implied. As will be will be understood by those skilled in the relevant arts, with respect to both processes and any systems, devices, etc., described herein, a wide range of variations is possible, and even advantageous, in various

circumstances, which is to be limited only by the claims.

[0077] The embodiments of the devices, systems and methods described herein may be implemented in a combination of both hardware and software. These embodiments may be implemented on programmable computers, each computer including at least one processor, a data storage system (including volatile memory or non-volatile memory or other data storage elements or a combination thereof), and at least one communication interface.

[0078] Program code is applied to input data to perform the functions described herein and to generate output information. The output information is applied to one or more output devices. In some embodiments, the communication interface may be a network

communication interface. In embodiments in which elements may be combined, the communication interface may be a software communication interface, such as those for inter-process communication. In still other embodiments, there may be a combination of communication interfaces implemented as hardware, software, and combination thereof.

[0079] Throughout the following discussion, numerous references will be made regarding servers, services, interfaces, portals, platforms, or other systems formed from computing devices. It should be appreciated that the use of such terms is deemed to represent one or more computing devices having at least one processor configured to execute software instructions stored on a computer readable tangible, non-transitory medium. For example, a server can include one or more computers operating as a web server, database server, or other type of computer server in a manner to fulfill described roles, responsibilities, or functions.

[0080] One should appreciate that the systems and methods described herein may provide better memory usage, improved processing, or improved bandwidth usage.

[0081] The following discussion provides many example embodiments. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, other examples may include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, may also be used.

[0082] The term "connected" or "coupled to" may include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements).

[0083] The technical solution of embodiments may be in the form of a software product. The software product may be stored in a non-volatile or non-transitory storage medium, which can be a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), a USB flash disk, or a removable hard disk. The software product includes a number of instructions that enable a computer device (personal computer, server, or network device) to execute the methods provided by the embodiments.

[0084] The embodiments described herein are implemented by physical computer hardware, including computing devices, servers, receivers, transmitters, processors, memory, displays, and networks. The embodiments described herein provide useful physical machines and particularly configured computer hardware arrangements. The embodiments described herein are directed to electronic machines and methods implemented by electronic machines adapted for processing and transforming electromagnetic signals which represent various types of information. The embodiments described herein pervasively and integrally relate to machines, and their uses; and the embodiments described herein have no meaning or practical applicability outside their use with computer hardware, machines, and various hardware components. Substituting the physical hardware particularly configured to implement various acts for non-physical hardware, using mental steps for example, may substantially affect the way the embodiments work. Such computer hardware limitations are clearly essential elements of the embodiments described herein, and they cannot be omitted or substituted for mental means without having a material effect on the operation and structure of the embodiments described herein. The computer hardware is essential to implement the various embodiments described herein and is not merely used to perform steps expeditiously and in an efficient manner.

[0085] A time-management computer network system (200) and computer-implemented method are described herein (also referred to as "solution"). FIG. 4 shows an exemplary computer system diagram in accordance with one aspect of an embodiment. A computer network system (200) may include a computer system (10) optionally including an input device (16), communication devices (12), communication platforms (14), server computer component (22), group server (42) and so on, all of which may be connected to a cloud network 180. The computer system (10) may receive as input, through input or

communication device (16), information for one or more communication devices (12) of at least one user (the "user") or at least one user group (the "user group"), and optionally also one or more communication platforms (14) associated with the user or the user group. The communication devices (12) or communication platforms (14) of the user or the user group may generate communications to, or notifications to, the user or the user group which may be distracting, break the concentration of the user, or otherwise impede the user's ability to participate in a meeting or gathering productively.

[0086] It is to be appreciated that the term "user device(s)" may refer to communication devices 12 as well as communication platforms 14, including at least mobile devices 140.

[0087] For simplicity only one computing device (22) is shown but system may include additional computing devices (not shown) operable by users to access remote network resources 12, 14 and exchange data. The additional computing devices may be the same or different types of devices. The computing device 22 has at least one processor, a data storage device (including volatile memory or non-volatile memory or other data storage elements or a combination thereof), and at least one communication interface. The computing device components may be connected in various ways including directly coupled, indirectly coupled via a network, and distributed over a wide geographic area and connected via a network (which may be referred to as "cloud computing").

[0088] The computer system (10) may include or connect to a VoIP system (44) and/or a PBX (46).

[0089] The input device (16) may comprise a computer, a mobile phone, a tablet device, or any other suitable device that is operable to receive and transmit electronic signals representing input and output.

[0090] In one embodiment, the input device (16) may be a meeting tablet 150 with a meeting application installed.

[0091] In another embodiment, the input device (16), VoIP system (44) and PBX (46) may be implemented as part of computer system (10).

[0092] The meeting or gathering may be work-related, non-work related or personal in nature.

[0093] In one implementation of an embodiment, a computer system and computer implemented method are provided to enable the management of meetings in a more productive manner, such that distractions or interruptions to a meeting, caused by communications or notifications to mobile or desktop devices of meeting participants, are eliminated or reduced.

[0094] In another implementation of an embodiment, the computer system and computer implemented method for management of meetings may include a communication

suspension solution as described below. The meeting application, in one aspect, may be part of a larger system for providing improvements in productivity of individuals in work or non-work settings, in part by enabling them to select periods of focus, and communicating this to those who may wish to engage with them, for example in person or through communication networks.

[0095] The meeting application, however, need not be used in conjunction with the particular communication/ notification suspension solution described below. For example, other mechanisms for suspending communications or notifications may be used in connection with the meeting application, such as for example a mobile communication "jammer".

Meeting Scenario

[0096] When a meeting organizer, host, or chair is calling a meeting, he or she typically needs to do at least one or more of the following tasks: preparing a meeting agenda, choosing a meeting location, preparing a list of attendees, preparing equipment or tools to facilitate remote meeting attendance, and/or preparing a summary of the meeting. During the meeting, the attendees are expected to pay attention to the meeting topic(s), and/or contribute in a meaningful way to the discussion(s).

[0097] In one possible embodiment, an administration utility (32) may include features or functions that enable an organizer, host, or chair to access the meeting application functions as described. In another embodiment, the meeting organizer can access a user-interface portal via a web browser in order to schedule a meeting (and generate a meeting mode trigger) and/or invite attendees for a meeting; such a user-interface may be hosted in a cloud as a web application, or as an extension of a meeting device or tablet 150, which will be described below.

[0098] The meeting location can be a physical or virtual room, i.e., a corporate resource that needs to be booked, such as a conference room, or virtual meeting collaboration platform such as WebEx™ or GoToMeeting™. A projector and/or smart screen may also be required and booked in advance. The attendees need to be invited and usually have the right to accept or deny their attendance. This coordination is usually managed through a resource coordinator, a meeting organizer, or a departmental administrator. The meeting organizer can book a physical or virtual meeting room via tools such as Outlook™ Calendar, Lotus™ SameTime Meeting Room Manager or a shared calendar, where a schedule may be ascertained and/or booked, a meeting room may be assigned and one or more people may be "invited" to the meeting. During the meeting, the attendees are expected to devote their attention to the subject and conduct a productive and effective discussion. However, as described above, due to the availability of portable technology and constant connectivity, many attendees have the option and are tempted to switch their attention from the meeting topic to their emails, web browsing, editing documents and conducting parallel

conversations.

[0099] In accordance with one aspect of an embodiment, the computer system 10 can be extended to block all incoming interruptions in a meeting environment, through a meeting application module installed on or connected to a cloud server 110 (or a server computer component 22) over network 180, as described below. The meeting application module may use meeting mode commands to control devices to suspend or interrupt communication notifications.

[00100] Referring now to FIG. 1, a meeting room is shown with a plurality of meeting attendees 140a-140e associated with registered user devices. Some of the meeting attendees 140a-140d may be physically present in the meeting. Some meeting attendee(s) 140e may be remotely connected to the meeting via video conference, VoIP, desktop computer, telephone, mobile phone, tablet device, laptop or any other kind of hardware/ software system or collaboration platform that allows a person to remotely participate in a meeting, such as GotoMeetings™, WebEx™ and alike. Alternatively, all of the meeting attendees may be participating through a virtual meeting environment.

[00101] Each of the attendees 140a-140e may possess and bring to the meeting one or more portable registered devices such as a mobile phone, a tablet device, a laptop, a Samsung™ Smartwatch, a Google™ Glass and/or any other kind of device that may be taken to a meeting and has the ability to communicate with the World Wide Web or a network. Even though FIG. 1 only illustrates one device 140 per attendee, each attendee may bring as many portable devices as he/ she physically can. Also, meeting attendees may also be using a desktop computer, whereas the computer system permits the meeting attendee to connect to a virtual meeting environment using the desktop computer, and other features of the desktop computer may be interrupted by the computer system.

[00102] Computer devices of meeting attendees, whether they are participating in person in a meeting that includes a physical meeting space, or a meeting associated with a virtual meeting environment, or also associated with a virtual meeting environment, may be registered as belonging to the meeting attendee/ user in a user and group database 130. This applies to desktop computers and portable devices, including portable devices that meeting attendees may bring to a physical meeting space.

[00103] In one example embodiment, each portable device can further optionally have a client application 28 installed, described below. The client application 28 may also be referred to as a meeting application. The client application 28 can share common or similar components (see e.g. FIG. 6), whether implemented to a desktop computer or smart phone, but may be different depending on which portable device it is installed. The client applications 28 can work with cloud server 10 or a traditional hosted server such as server computer component 22 to interrupt all registered portable devices of a meeting attendee on demand, in real-time or substantially real-time.

[00104] For example, multiple user devices may be registered to the same meeting attendee. When a meeting mode, electronic signals representing the meeting mode command are transmitted to the user devices registered to the same meeting attendee. The meeting mode command controls the user devices to suspend or interrupt the electronic communication notifications on the user devices of the same meeting attendee on demand in real time or near real time.

[00105] The cloud server 110 or server computer component 22 may be connected for example to a communication infrastructure of a business or other entity that is implementing the technology of the embodiments described herein.

[00106] In another example embodiment, each portable device registered to a meeting attendee may be interrupted or otherwise prevented from communicating with the outside world by an electronic jamming device or apparatus implementing the meeting mode command.

[00107] A meeting organizer may bring a portable device to the meeting. In addition, a meeting tablet or device 150 is available to him as well. Even though the meeting tablet or device 150 is shown to be a tablet in FIG. 1 , it is to be appreciated that any device or apparatus may be used to implement the same functionalities as a tablet. For example, the meeting device 150 may be a Samsung™ phone, a BlackBerry™ device, an iPad™ or an iPhone™ belonging to the meeting organizer. In another example, the meeting tablet 150 may be a corporate-owned laptop. In yet another example, the meeting device 150 may be a customized hardware device specifically designed for the meeting application. That is, the use of the term "tablet" here is not meant to be limiting.

[00108] The meeting tablet 150 may be physically present in the meeting room prior to the meeting organizer's entrance to the meeting room, or it may be brought in with him. The meeting tablet 150 may be a customized tablet specifically tailored for organizing or hosting meetings. The meeting tablet 150 may include or connect to the administration utility 32

The meeting tablet 150 may be Near Field Communication (NFC) or bar code enabled, such that it may communicate with another device via radio frequency, optical, or other kind of technology.

[00109] The meeting tablet 150 may a meeting module (not shown) that can be configured to communicate with a server, such as a cloud server 110 or a traditional server, to change and/or synchronize the status on each portable device registered to a meeting attendee 140a-140e. The meeting module may include a meeting interrupt utility module that can function in a similar manner as an interrupt utility (24) described above to generate meeting mode commands and meeting mode triggers. For example, the meeting module or the meeting interrupt utility model may implement a series of rules for synchronizing status across one or more devices or communication platforms belonging to or registered to each meeting attendee, and across multiple meeting attendees 140a-140e (and their devices or communication platforms). Such rules for controlling or synchronizing status may be based on a profile associated with a user (a meeting attendee 140) or group of users (or meeting attendees 140) established on a user and group database 130 connected to the cloud server 110. Optionally the cloud server 110 may include the user and group database 130. [00110] Even though cloud server 110 is shown in FIG. 1 to be a server hosted on cloud network, it is to be appreciated that server 1 10 can be implemented not as a cloud component but rather as traditional hosted hardware server, such as the server computer component 22. That is, the use of the term "cloud" here is not meant to be limiting. For example, in one embodiment, the server can be installed on a public internet access computer, or installed on a computer limited to corporate access only (Enterprise Server),

[00111] Similar to the server computer (22), the cloud server 110 can use a suitable communication protocol for synchronizing status across multiple devices 12 and platforms 14 belonging to meeting attendees 140a-140e, where the status is can be "ON" or "OFF" as previously described, or "Normal" or "Do Not Disturb (DND)".

[00112] The meeting database 120 can store a variety of meeting related information such as meeting records, meeting summaries, meeting attendee lists, meeting attendance data, meeting organizer information, authentication information for authenticating meeting organizer and/or meeting attendees, meeting tablet 150 information, schedules of each meeting attendee, status information for each meeting, detailed agenda, meeting minutes, action items, and/or many other kinds of information related to each meeting. The meeting database 120 can be configured to communicate electronically with the cloud server 110 via network connections.

[00113] As described before, user and group database 130 may store a profile associated with a user (a meeting attendee 140) or group of users (or meeting attendees 140). Each meeting attendee 140a-140e may have one or more user profiles identifying one or more registered device. For example, meeting attendee 140a may have an "office- working mode" profile, a "meeting" profile, an "at home" profile, and/or a "work-from-home" profile. Each profile may have different rules and/or settings associated with each device or

communication platform registered to the meeting attendee. For example, the "meeting profile" may contain information indicating that all devices and communication platforms should be switched to "DND" status during a meeting. In another example, the "meeting profile" may contain exceptions indicating that all devices and communication platforms should be switched to "DND" except for calls or emails from MR. JOHN DOE, a Very Important Client. Similarly, each meeting attendee may have one or more exceptions set up in their associated profile, indicating if some form of communication is to be allowed during a meeting. Each of the exceptions may have a time-lapse variable indicating if and when the exception ceases to have any effect. The exceptions may also contain information indicating what level of alert or intrusion is allowed for certain kinds of incoming or outgoing

communication. The exceptions may further treat different devices in a different manner, even if the different devices belong to the same user or meeting attendee. For instance, for a Very Important Client, the user or meeting attendee's mobile device may be allowed to receive incoming emails from such a Client, and the emails may be allowed an audio alert. At the same time, a senior executive's email or phone call may be allowed through on the same meeting attendee's mobile phone, but muted, while communication from peers or non- work sources or platforms may be entirely blocked.

[00114] Such exceptions may be set up and authorized by the meeting attendee himself or herself, or may require higher-level authorization, such as from senior management personnel, or from a meeting organizer. The exceptions, or user profiles, may be set up or modified by users/meeting attendees, system administrators, and/or meeting organizers. In one embodiment, approval from a meeting organizer is required before an exception may be created, upgraded/ downgraded, or otherwise modified. In another embodiment, if a user or a meeting attendee is a senior management personnel, then he or she can create, upgrade/ downgrade, or otherwise modify his or her user profiles and associated exceptions without requiring approval from anyone else.

[001 15] In another possible implementation, client application 28 (further described below) may be used by a meeting attendee to configure certain settings related to their participation in a particular meeting, a series of meetings, or meetings generally. The client application 28 may include messaging functionality that allows a meeting attendee to indicate to a meeting organizer for example that they can attend only part of a meeting or that one or more exceptions are required, as previously described. The client application 28 may be used by the meeting attendee to provide details to the computer system regarding such exceptions. Meeting attendees or only certain meeting attendees may be permitted to configure such exceptions on their own, or these may require approval of the meeting organizer. The system may implement one or more rules for determining whether exceptions or permitted or whether approval of exceptions by the meeting organizer are required. For example, the system may iteratively determine a meeting participation score for a meeting attendee. A meeting attendee for example who routinely requires exceptions, in whose case the exception is the rule, may automatically require approvals for exceptions, once the meeting attendee's participation score follows below a defined threshold because of for example failure to attend meetings, or requiring certain exceptions in previous meetings.

[001 16] Information provided in connection with configuring exceptions such as the individual making the request, client name associated with the reason for the request, whether the exception relates to part of a meeting or the entire meeting, activity of the meeting attendee on his/her device once the exception is granted and so on, may be captured by the system and then used to generate post-meeting analytics as described below.

[00117] The client application 28 may also be used by meeting attendees to switch their devices on, rather than waiting for the meeting organizer to do this. Similarly, meeting attendees can be prompted by the client application 28 to accept interruption of their devices as they approach a meeting room or sign into a virtual meeting environment.

[00118] An optional Door Indicator 160 can be wirelessly or physically connected to meeting tablet 150. The Door Indicator 160 can function in a similar manner as a visual indicator connected to or synchronized with (as part of) a clicker device (18), described below. The meeting tablet 150 can function as a clicker device (18) to the Door Indicator 160, described above. For example, a meeting organizer can control the Door Indicator 160 with pressing a virtual button or a swipe motion on the meeting tablet 150. The Door Indicator 160 may take any form or shape, and is operable to display at least a red colour (i.e. "DND/ meeting in process"), a white colour (i.e., "neutral" or "normal"), or a green colour (i.e., "no meeting in process").

[00119] Referring now to FIG. 3, which shows an exemplary flow chart of a meeting application module on a cloud server in accordance with some embodiments. References are also made to FIG. 2, which shows an exemplary flow chart of a meeting in operation.

[00120] It is worth noting that the meeting application module may be implemented on the cloud server 110, or it may be implemented on meeting tablet 150, or a combination of both. However implemented, the meeting application module can be configured to receive inputs from meeting tablet 150 and/or also to cause the cloud server 110 to interrupt one or more portable devices, communication devices, or communication platforms.

[00121] At first (not shown), a meeting organizer (or host or chair) calls for a meeting to be held at a certain date of time, via a calendar system such as Google™ Calendar, Yahoo™ Calendar, Office 365™, Outlook™, Lotus Notes™ (SameTime), Doodle™

(http://doodle.com/), or any other calendar system. An optional scheduling application, installed on a cloud server, a mobile phone, a tablet, a desktop or laptop belonging to the meeting organizer, or elsewhere in the network, may be configured to schedule the meeting in accordance with availability of each required meeting attendee.

[00122] The meeting organizer may also call and/or schedule the meeting via an email platform such as Outlook™ or Thunderbird™, or via an administration utility 32

[00123] The meeting organizer has the option, at the time of calling for a meeting, to mark or configure the meeting as DND (Do Not Disturb) enabled. Alternatively, the meeting may automatically be DND enabled by default. The meeting organizer may further optionally pick an available meeting room that is compatible with a meeting tablet 150. The meeting room can be reserved by the meeting organizer in advance, and a meeting tablet 150 associated with the meeting room can then show, on screen, the name of the organizer, the meeting title, and/or date and time for the meeting, so that other people would not accidentally walk into or sign into the meeting room by mistake.

[00124] The meeting may be given a title (e.g. "Project XYZ Progress Report"), and associated information may be created or included, such as an agenda, relevant documents and so on. This associated information along with meeting title may be stored as electronic records in the meeting database 120.

[00125] The scheduling application or another client-side application controlled by the meeting organizer can then send a meeting request to the meeting application module, which can receive the meeting request 410 and create a meeting record 415 in accordance with the meeting request received.

[00126] The meeting record created in 415 can include a plurality of data such as required attendee list, date and time for the meeting, location for the meeting, the meeting organizer's information, agenda and many others. The meeting record can further be saved in meeting database 120.

[00127] Based on the required meeting attendee list, at step 420, the meeting application module can send out meeting invitations to each person on the meeting attendee list and waits for replies confirming or rejecting attendance. When integrated with other scheduling systems (Microsoft™ Exchange, Google™ Calendar and such), depending on predetermined settings, the meeting application will not send email invitation, relying on the respective scheduling system to do so.

[00128] At step 425, replies from required meeting attendees are received and confirmations are noted, then at step 430, the confirmations are stored in meeting record 430 accordingly. In one example, some required or optionally required meeting attendees may reject the meeting invitations, as such their names can be noted as "not attending" in the meeting record. The attendees who have confirmed attendance may be referred to as "confirmed meeting attendees". The meeting application may be setup in a way to alert the organizer that an important attendee has declined and will ask to reschedule or mark attendee as optional

[00129] At optional step 435, each user profile associated with a confirmed meeting attendee may be updated to reflect the most up-to-date information on a user regarding rules, exceptions, and other appropriate information.

[00130] At step 440, on the day of scheduled meeting, the meeting organizer can arrive at the meeting room, which may already be equipped with a meeting tablet 150. The meeting organizer may use his own mobile device or laptop to authenticate himself as the meeting organizer to the meeting tablet 150 or manage the entire meeting from his own laptop, tablet or smartphone. The authentication may be done via NFC or RFID tagging or recognition, bar-code scanning, pass-code matching, or any other method of user authentication. Once authenticated as the proper meeting host, the meeting organizer can take over control of the meeting tablet 150 and thus the meeting room. At this stage, the meeting tablet 150 can optionally display a list of confirmed meeting attendees, and the meeting organizer (or a proxy) may take attendance by checking off names (as meeting attendees arrive) from the list of confirmed meeting attendees. [00131] A meeting attendee 140e may also join the meeting via remote connection technology such as video conferencing, VoIP, a desktop, a laptop, a mobile phone, a tablet or etc.

[00132] At step 445, the meeting application module, via the meeting tablet 150, receives data indicating who among the confirmed meeting attendees have actually arrived at the meeting; such data may be reflected in an attendance list or record.

[00133] As shown on FIG. 2, the meeting application module, without the meeting organizer or host's input, may optionally send out reminders to late attendees at close to, on or past the scheduled meeting start time. If any late meeting attendees arrive, his or her name may be checked off on the meeting tablet 150, and corresponding information or name sent to meeting application module, which can update attendance list and meeting record accordingly at step 450.

[00134] In one embodiment, prior to and throughout the meeting, the meeting tablet 150 may determine if a meeting attendee has physically entered into the room by detecting a presence of the meeting attendee's registered mobile device 140 in the meeting room (e.g. via Bluetooth™, NFC, GPS, cellular triangulation or other location-based technologies). A list of each meeting attendee's registered mobile phone with its phone number and/or MAC address may be recorded in the User and Group database 130. In one aspect, the tracking of a user's mobile device may require periodic or constant monitoring of all mobile devices in the room.

[00135] The meeting tablet 150 may also determine if and when a meeting attendee virtually signs into the meeting through video or web conference. That is, a meeting organizer or host does not have manually check off each meeting attendee's name as he or she walks or signs into the meeting.

[00136] According the meeting application module or meeting tablet 150 may verify actual attendance of the meeting attendees at the meeting prior to transmission of a meeting mode command to interrupt or suspend electronic communication notifications on their user devices. The verification may involve detecting a user device registered to a meeting attendee at the location of the meeting or detecting an occurrence of a virtual sign on by a meeting attendee to a virtual meeting room for the meeting. [00137] At step 455, as the meeting organizer becomes ready to commence the meeting, he or she may send command to the meeting tablet 150 to indicate that meeting starts now or is going to start very soon, and that the status for all portable devices belonging to each arrived meeting attendee 140a-140e on the attendance list should be set to DND, with or without applicable exceptions, if any. This command from the meeting organizer via meeting tablet 150 then triggers the cloud server 110 to change the status for each computer device registered under each arrived meeting attendee to DND. In the case of a desktop computer, for example, this may mean that notifications from email messaging applications may be interrupted and/or on held. For portable devices, ringing tones may be muted automatically or switched automatically to alternatively airplane mode so as to prevent the attendees from getting distracted by the devices during the meeting. This way, confirmed meeting attendees who may not be able to make it to the meeting would not have their devices set to DND as they are not participating in the meeting. This command is an example of a meeting mode trigger.

[00138] A meeting mode trigger involves various events that indicate that a meeting has started or is ongoing. For example, the meeting mode trigger may be electronic signals indicating that the meeting has started at a meeting location. The meeting mode trigger may be based on an occurrence of a scheduled time for the meeting. The meeting mode trigger may be electronic signals received from a meeting tablet 150 managing the meeting. The meeting mode trigger may also be an occurrence of a virtual sign on by a meeting attendee to a virtual meeting room for the meeting. Other meeting mode triggers are described herein.

[00139] In one embodiment, the meeting application may disturb only incoming or only outgoing communication for all meeting attendee's devices 140.

[00140] At the same time, the optional Door Indicator 160 connected to the meeting tablet 150 may also be flashing or showing RED to indicate that a meeting is progress and DND status is on for all participants in the meeting.

[00141] Meeting can now be in process with all participants paying attention to topics at hand and contributing in a meaningful manner to the discussions. The meeting tablet 150 may optionally record the meeting in audio and/or video mode, and may prepare the recording for delivery in a summary email or storage in the meeting database 120 for future references.

[00142] In another embodiment, the meeting tablet 150 can be further configured to record time and/or task for every attendee. It may also record, via typing or voice command, action items or to-do lists assigned to one or more attendees. It can be yet further configured to integrate with task tracking systems such as do.com, asana.com or other types of project management system.

[00143] At optional step 460, DND status for one or more meeting attendees may need to be changed/ terminated during the meeting due to a variety of reasons such as an attendee leaving the meeting early, or a late arrival attendee has entered into the meeting room during the meeting. These may be referred to as a meeting mode release events. In these cases, the meeting organizer can indicate, via the meeting tablet 150, names that should be entered into or removed from an attendance list or record. The meeting application module may then, in accordance with updates to the attendance list, cause the cloud server to change the status of all portable devices belonging to the late arrival attendee to DND (again, with any applicable exceptions), and/or change the status of all portable devices belonging to the attendee who has just left the meeting back to NORMAL or non-DND setting. This is an example meeting mode release event.

[00144] As described earlier, instead of the meeting organizer manually indicating that a meeting attendee has arrived at or left a meeting (either physically or virtually) to trigger, by the meeting tablet 150 or application a meeting mode release event. The meeting tablet 150 may detect that a meeting attendee has entered into a meeting room or signed into a meeting on its own. The meeting tablet 150 may further determine if a meeting attendee has left the meeting room if it determines that none of the attendee's registered mobile devices 140 has been physically present in the meeting room for the past 10 minutes (assuming that a bathroom break or a short break is no longer than 10 minutes). This may trigger a meeting mode release event. The break duration may be set to any other appropriate limit as pre-set by the meeting organizer or administrator, such as 5 minutes or 15 minutes. In the case of web or video conferencing, the meeting tablet or application may determine that a meeting attendee has left the meeting when he or she signs off or logs off. This may trigger a meeting mode release event [00145] At step 465, near or at the end of the meeting, the meeting organizer may call for the adjournment of the meeting to trigger a meeting mode release event; he or she may indicate, via a click or swipe motion on the meeting tablet 150, that the meeting has ended to trigger a meeting mode release event. The meeting application module can then instruct the cloud server 110 to set all portable devices belonging to each of the meeting attendee in attendance to non-DND or Normal status or back to the status the device was prior to meeting starting. Such instructions can be sent in the form of electronic signals representing a release command to the devices 140. Meeting records may also be updated accordingly (step 470). The meeting attendees may then use their portable devices in accordance with a suitable user profile or in the absence of any user profile.

[00146] In one embodiment, the meeting may be temporarily put on pause, and the meeting tablet 150 may optionally send electronic signals to one or more user's devices or platforms to indicate a change in status, such as from DND mode to a neutral mode via a meeting mode release event. Other example meeting mode release events are described herein, such as the expiration of schedule meeting time.

[00147] When a meeting is a follow-up meeting to a previously held meeting (or a recurring meeting), the organizer can access past meetings' agenda, minutes and action items to be reviewed in current meeting.

[00148] Door Indicator 160 may also, at this time, change to flash GREEN to indicate that the meeting is over in response to the meeting mode release event.

[00149] Post-meeting, at step 475, the meeting application module may send out a summary email to the meeting organizer and/or all meeting attendees. The summary email may include a list of attendees, all relevant information regarding the meeting such as date/time, location, topics, and content. Audio and/or video recordings may be attached in the summary. Action items or to-do list may also be attached in the summary.

[00150] The system may send an email to all attendees to rank the meeting in terms of efficiency, clarity, productivity, organization, results and whether the attendee feels he/she were necessary on this meeting. These subjective ranking can be used to continuously improve skills of the different organizers and attendees in the organization.

Post-Meeting Analytics [00151] In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, based on meeting records stored in meeting database 120, statistics can be generated to see the most frequent participants and attendees of meetings. In addition, data can be mined and results can be analyzed to show average time and cost of meetings per team, or group, or per topic.

[00152] Efficiency of meetings can also be in part determined based on the meeting records, if meetings are tied to corporate quarter or annual revenue. In addition, since attendance record is tracked, it may be possible to generate results reflecting if one employee has missed X number of meetings in a period of Y weeks. Such information may be very useful to evaluate an employee.

[00153] In some embodiments, a default state for the communication device 18 can be a neutral state.

[00154] The cloud server 110 or meeting application module may further implement an analytics component (not shown) that generates, and enables reporting on, various meeting functions such as for example the number of meetings held, time spent at meetings of individual personnel or groups of personnel, follow-up on meetings, topics covered in meetings (by analyzing agendas and/or minutes), and so on. A meeting agenda may be generated based on information from meeting database 120 as well as user and group database 130. The meeting agenda may be further broken into individual entries with action items having a time limit and expected result(s). For example, during the meeting or after meeting has been adjourned, the agenda entries can be matched with appropriate action items that can eventually result in meeting minutes. In another example, successful completion of those action items can be implementation or completion of the agenda. These can be quantifiable and trackable milestones in the databases 120 and/or 130. The resulting analysis data may be used as part of productivity analysis and continuous improvement data.

[00155] In another embodiment of the invention, information stored in meeting database 120 and user/attendee information stored in database 130 may be further processed to generate correlations or relationships between meeting topics and attendance by individuals. That is, a report can be generated demonstrating if an employee tends to register and attend meetings with one or more specific topics. Furthermore, the analytics component may be operable to analyze and report if an employee is more (or less) inclined to finish certain types of action items on time and on budget. Such information can be very helpful in determining types of tasks or action items to assign to one or more individual employees.

Other Applications

[00156] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, at theatres, churches, lecture halls (university), it may be possible to control the portable devices connected to a proprietary network, and generate statistics on user movements and habits. Certain communication platforms such as FACEBOOK™ or TWITTER™ may be disabled by default.

[00157] Other implementations of the computer system are possible. For example the computer system may be used in a home context to improve focus on certain activities. A parent or caregiver may use the computer system for example, during time periods where family members are to focus on certain activities such as completing an important task, studying, doing homework, practicing an instrument and so on. The parent or caregiver (administrator) may define focused periods of time, and the interruption functionality can be configured such that, during these times, certain network-connected activities using selected computer devices may be interrupted by the system. Various configurations are possible. The administrator may configure one or more settings so as to selectively enable or disable computer devices in order to promote focus. For example, a computer used for doing homework may continue to connect to the Internet, whereas personal mobile devices may be interrupted so as to prevent for example texting with friends.

Suspending Communications or Notifications

[00158] In one aspect, the computer system (10) includes at least one input device (16) (e.g. meeting tablet 150), which receives input that triggers the computer system (10) to initiate suspension of communications and/or notifications, across all of the associated communication devices (12) or communication platforms (1 ) of the associated users, in this case meeting attendees, in real time or near real time. The computer system (10) may work alone or interoperably with server computer component (22) in achieving the suspension of communications or notifications of devices or platforms of users.

[00159] Referring now to Fig. 9a, in one embodiment, the input device or otherwise known as a communication device (16) may be, instead of a tablet device, a PC with appropriate driver and/or client application(s) (28) installed. The PC can receive user inputs or electronic signals from other servers or devices across network 180 (not shown).

[00160] In another aspect of the embodiment, the input device (16) may be part of a computer system (10) as described elsewhere in this disclosure.

[00161] Referring now to Fig. 9b, in another implementation of an embodiment, the input device (16) may be a standalone device that is operable to receive user inputs or electronic signals from other servers or devices across network 180 (not shown).

[00162] In accordance with yet another aspect of an embodiment, a standalone clicker device (18) may also be a simple device that is directly connected to a network, instead of being directly connected to a computing device. Such standalone clicker devices may be often utilized in hoteling spaces where desks or offices are not assigned to a specific user for a prolonged period of time. Therefore, in order for a user who is temporarily (e.g. for a day or a week) assigned to the hoteling space to use the clicker device (18), he or she needs first to pair the clicker device to a computer system assigned to or logged in by the user.

[00163] The clicker device (18) may include a tabletop button/ visual indicator. The clicker device (18) may be further optionally connected to a door indicator 160.

[00164] In another embodiment, the clicker device (18) may be further implemented as part of the input device (16).

[00165] Referring back to FIG. 4, The server computer (22) can include an interrupt utility (24) that in real time or near real time sends messages to the communication devices (12) or communication platforms (14) that are acted on by the communication devices (12) or communication platforms (14) (through one or more APIs), to interrupt communications or notifications that may be distracting to the user.

[00166] The input device (16) also receives input that triggers the computer system (10) to re-initiate communications and/or notifications, across all of the communication devices (12) or communication platforms (14), in real time or near real time. The computer system (10) provides a multi-platform interrupt functionality that can be initiated by a single input to a device so as to "shut off' multiple communication devices (12) or communication platform (14) features that otherwise would distract the user. Significantly, multiple devices may be associated with the computer system (10) (whether associated with a user affected by the interruption, a group of users, or a manager), and any authorized device can initiate or terminate the "do-not-disturb" (sometimes referred to as "DND") mode across multiple devices and platforms, in an efficient manner.

[00167] In one aspect, the clicker device (18) can receive user input from a click motion by the user and can communicate information regarding a user defined "state" associated with a user or group of users. The communicated information regarding the user defined state can serve or reflect a set of guidelines or rules for others to engage (or not engage) with the user or group of users. These may be based on preferences and/or policies for reducing or limiting interruptions.

[00168] The states may be defined or modified by users, managers, system administrators or by the computer system in accordance with a default set of instructions.

[00169] In another aspect of an embodiment, in addition to the concept of state, there may be a further concept of "context", which may be associated with state, but the relationships between context and any given state may depend on the particular context. In one possible implementation, context may be used to determine automatically one or more rules related to one or more states; and this may depend on additional information such as day of week, time of the day, location of the user and so on.

[00170] For example, an individual may have a "work" context and a "personal" context. During a specific period of time, such as on a weekend, a default context setting for the user or group of users may be the personal context, which may automatically cause the computer system 10 to determine that the user is in a work-DND or a neutral state that indicates the user or group of users is available to friends and family but not for work related disruptions. In another example, a change of context to the work context may have the opposite effect. The change may happen automatically as the weekend changes into a work week (e.g. 9AM on Monday), or it may happen during certain hours of the day (e.g. 2-4PM on a Sunday). The change of context and associated states may be pre-determined, set by default, obtained from the user, or modified by the users. Concurrently or alternatively, the context may be determined based on calendar information of the user that is accessible on any one of the user's communication devices or communication platforms that are connected to the server computer. Furthermore, if it is determined that the user is currently in the office (e.g. based on GPS data associated with the user's mobile device), even if it's on a weekend, the server computer 22 may determine that the user is at work and therefore a DND state should be turned on for at least an hour before being switched to a neutral state.

[00171] The individual or further have a "meeting" context during a pre-determined timeframe, such as every Monday morning from 9-10AM. This meeting context may determine that the user may be disturbed for urgent communication or in emergency, but may not be disturbed for non-urgent or non-important communication.

[00172] As shown in FIG. 4, a server computer component (22) with an interrupt utility (24) may be operably connected, through a network 180 (e.g. cloud network) to a variety of mobile devices and computer systems such as communication devices (12), communication platforms (14), and other computer server(s) (10). The interrupt utility (24) may connect to, or operably include, the server computer component (22). The interrupt utility (24) through the server computer component (22) may include or connect to a client application (28) implemented at each communication device (12), that is configured to integrate with communication device functions so that in response to an associated message from the server computer component (22) (such as an interrupt message, i.e. a message encoded specifically to initiate one or more interruption related operations), the interrupt utility (24) is activated or deactivated across the various communication devices (12), simultaneously or substantially simultaneously.

[00173] In another aspect, the interrupt utility (24) can include, or operably connect to, one or more APIs (30) for interoperating with one or more communication platforms (14) for interrupting one or more distracting functions of the communication platforms (14), such as for example alerts or notifications generated by the communication platforms (14).

[00174] In another aspect, the server computer component or server computer (22) can provide a central hub that is maintained to include up to date programming for interrupting communications or notifications. The programming is updated to address changes required to effectively interrupt communications or notifications because of changes in communication device or communication platform features or functions. The central service provided by the server computer (22) reduces the workload involved in creating and maintaining an exhaustive list of APIs and processes required to integrate with all the difference communication devices and platforms that may cause distractions, across diverse workforces, in different countries. The operator of the server computer (22) invest the resources in adding new communication platforms and mechanisms that enable the automation of interruption features, and also streamlining of setup of such communication platforms for a user or group of users on the computer system (10).

[00175] In another aspect, the present invention includes unique and innovative features for (A) muting a smart phone; (B) diverting calls to a VoIP line to a voice mailbox; (C) muting an analog phone system or a ; and (D) changing the routing scheme of a private branch exchange or PBX put a particular extension in do-not-disturb mode.

[00176] In one aspect of an embodiment, without the improvements disclosed in the present application, it would be time consuming to shut off so many communication devices or communication platform features. Without the present invention, with the multitude of communication devices and communication platforms used by the average user, the user would be unlikely to shut off all relevant communication devices and communication platforms, and therefore would be less productive. Communication device and communication platform features and functions vary with time, but the computer system is update to address these variations. The present disclosure contemplates a computer network accessible from multiple locations, allowing a user to vary their work status, even when they are working remotely.

Integration with system including a communication device

[00177] In one aspect, the input device (16) may be a communication device, that communicates information regarding a user defined "state", associated with a user or group of users, that reflects as set of rules for others engaging with the user or group of users as to how they want to engage with others. These may be based on preferences and/or policies for reducing or limiting interruptions.

[00178] Various states are possible such as a "do not disturb" state or equivalent, and an "engage", free to disturb, or equivalent state. A third state may be possible such as a "neutral" state. This may be used in part to avoid the "engage" state being perceived as an invitation to disturb or interrupt, which may increase disruptions beyond what is necessary or appropriate. The various states may be associated with one or more signals, which may be visual, audible or communicated in some other medium. A neutral state may be used to avoid an invitation to chat or talk, while indicating that the user is not engaged in a task that justifies or is associated with the do not disturb state.

[00179] In another possible aspect of invention, in addition to the concept of state, there may be a further concept of "context", which may be associated with state, but the relationships between context and state may depend on the particular context. In one possible implementation, context may be used to determine automatically one or more rules related to state; and this may depend on additional information such as day of state.

[00180] For example, an individual may have a "work context" and a "personal context". During a specific period of time, such as the weekend, being in the personal context of the work context, may automatically determine being available to friends and family but not for work related disruptions. A change of state to work context may have the opposite effect, or during certain hours of the day.

[00181] The computer system of the present invention may be implemented as part of a broader system that enables the management of focused periods of time for multiple users, and during those periods of time interruption of one or more functions of one or more computer devices.

[00182] In addition to meeting management aspects of the present invention, the system may also enable management focused periods outside of meetings such as focused blocks of time dedicated to specific activities. In one aspect, the communication or input device (16) of the system may include or operably connect to a visual indicator, and means for receiving input from a user, for example using a clicker device (18) that can be manually activated or deactivated by the user, so as to switch the clicker device (18) from an "ON" or "DON'T INTERRUPT" position (indicating a corresponding state) to an "OFF" or "READY TO COMMUNICATE" position (indicating a corresponding state), and vice versa. As stated earlier, a third "NEUTRAL" position or state is also possible.

[00183] In one possible implementation, "OFF" may be associated with a GREEN colour, "ON" may be associated with a RED colour, and WHITE or YELLOW or BLUE may indicate a neutral state. [00184] In one aspect, the input consists of the user clicking the clicker device (18). In another aspect, the clicker device (18) can include a visual indicator (see e.g. FIGs. 9a and 9b) for indicating whether the computer system is in an "OFF" mode or an "ON" mode. In one embodiment, the visual indicator may be designed to be visible by other personnel to indicate whether the user should or should not be disturbed. In another embodiment, the clicker device (18) including the visual indicator may be a tabletop device visible to the user, and may be further connected to a Door Indicator 160, which may be designed to be visible by other personnel to indicate whether the user should or should not be disturbed.

[00185] In another possible aspect of the invention, the computer system (10) may include a context identifying component implemented as a context utility (26). The context utility (26) may for example use a variety of attributes such as time of day, day of week, calendar information or location information (which may be generated, obtained from devices or applications, or otherwise determined) so as to establish a current or future context of the user or group of users.

[00186] For example, the content identifying component may analyze network connections to determine the location of the user, or a probable location. The context identifying component may include or embody one or more rules that establish degree of certainty that a user is in one context or another, and when a threshold of certainty is not met, the context identifying component may attempt to obtain additional information, and re- compute the degree of certainty and determine if the threshold has been met. Alternatively, the context identifying component may, depending on the rules, solicit feedback from the user, and use the resulting information to re-compute the degree of certainty.

[00187] The context identifying component may also use GPS data to determine location, or approximate location.

[00188] In one possible aspect of the invention, the communication device (16) can be a mechanism for reminding others, and also possibly oneself, that one has made a commitment to complete a certain task and to be focused on that task, and not on other applications or devices. When this level of commitment is not present, even when completing a task, a user can be distracted because they are expecting for example an email or call to arrive (which often it does). Even this expectation of something else can be distracting, or at least may decrease productivity, as compared to focused attention on a task or set of tasks.

[00189] In one aspect therefore, the computer system (10) addresses substantially all sources of workplace distractions - those from employees in the workplace (through the physical clicker device (18) and associated workplace rules for respecting its status) and the various communication devices (12) and communication platforms (14) which the computer system (10) integrates with in an effective manner, as described below.

Cross-Platform Architecture

[00190] As best illustrated in FIG. 4, and also as shown in FIG. 5, the computer system includes a cross-platform computer architecture that includes a cloud-based server computer that acts as an access point for all associated communication devices (12). As shown in FIG. 5, in one example implementation of an embodiment, the computer network system can be shown as having a star topography in which the server computer (22) is situated at a centre point. In another embodiment of the invention, in the case of groups of users, the topography would take on a more tree like structure.

[00191] The server computer (22), as shown in FIG. 4, may include an administration utility (32) which organizes the various accounts associated with individual users, the groups that they are associated for user group management functions and so on. These groups may include for example groups who are participating in a meeting within a specified period for time.

[00192] For example, administration utility (32) can reflect that User A and User B are both part of Group C, such that if Group C is scheduled for a meeting, requiring participation of both User A and User B in a DND state for a certain period of time, server computer (22) automatically initiates interrupt functions in relation to User A and User B, across all of their communication devices (12) and communication platform (14), simultaneously or near simultaneously. For example, administration utility (32) can register multiple user devices to the same meeting attendee, such as User A or User B. When a meeting mode trigger for Group C is detected, electronic signals representing the meeting mode command are transmitted to the user devices registered to the same meeting attendee (e.g. either User A or User B). The meeting mode command controls the user devices to suspend or interrupt the electronic communication notifications on the user devices of the meeting attendees on demand in real time or near real time. The interruption may occur automatically in response to a meeting mode trigger.

[00193] The administration utility (32) may also provide, or be associated with, one or more management functions that permit a manager to manage various features or functions of the solution. For example the manager, may use a dashboard to: view a list of personnel; view personnel working on a project; and assign "DON'T INTERRUPT" periods with one or more participating personnel. Various other management functions may be embodied in the administration utility (32) are possible, and that enable a manager to use the solution as an additional productivity enhancement to existing workforce management systems and processes.

[00194] The interrupt utility (24) may implement a series of rules for synchronizing status across one or more devices (12) or communication platforms (14) relevant to each user, and across multiple users (and their devices (12) or communication platforms (14) for groups users. The interrupt utility (24) also includes features for managing different time zones, as personnel of enterprise clients are spread across geography, and also are mobile.

[00195] As previously described, the computer system (10) applies interrupt functionality across various relevant devices (12) or communication platform (14) simultaneously, or near simultaneously. In one aspect, the server computer (22) uses a suitable communication protocol for synchronizing status across multiple devices (12) and platforms (14) for this purpose, where the status is either "ON" or "OFF" as previously described.

[00196] In another aspect of the invention, multiple devices are connected to another through the computer system (10). Optionally, a user switches the computer system (10) to a DND status using the clicker device (18), or this may be done for example using a feature of the client application (28) as implemented for example to a smart phone or mobile device. Providing input to a first associated device, automatically results in the switching off of not just the first associated device, but any second associated devices, including those associated for example by participation in the same group activity that requires DND status.

Client Application [00197] The client application (28) is designed to be configurable to operate on a wide variety of communication devices. In one aspect, different versions of the client application (28) may exist for different operating systems; however, different versions generally have the same or similar key components. FIG. 6 includes a program resource diagram illustrating the functions of the present invention embodied in the client application (28). The client application (28) receives a meeting mode command to suspend or interrupt the electronic communication notifications on the one or more user devices. The meeting mode command cooperates with the client application (28) to physically control the client device to suspend or interrupt the electronic communication notifications.

[00198] As further explained below, the client application (28) shares common or similar components, whether implemented to a desktop computer or smart phone, but generally speaking in one example implementation there is a first version of the client application (28) for desktop computers, laptop computers, and tablet computers (that may be connected to the enterprise network in a fixed or wireless manner), and a second version for smart phones, which are generally part of the enterprise network but generally are less integrated with the network and therefore do not receive network updates etc.

[00199] In one aspect, the client application (28) is: (A) loaded on a network-connected device, whether a mobile device, a tablet computer or a desktop computer, (B) checks a list of applications from a library created by the client application (28) that consists of a list of devices or platforms that are likely to be distracting to the user, (C) determines whether such applications or links to such platforms exist on the network-connected device. The client application (28) may then load a set of set-up routines or screens that guide the user through a series of workflows related to setting up the user on the computer system. Examples of such set-up routines or screens are referenced below. The client application (28) may detect meeting mode triggers and respond to meeting mode commands to control the client device to suspend or interrupt the electronic communication notifications.

[00200] As shown in FIG. 6, the client application (28) generally includes: (A) a communication layer (34) that manages authentication and communication with the server computer (22), (B) a status and control component (36) that reads and displays the status of the associated network-connected device, (C) a configuration component (38) that enables the user, based on relevant permissions, to generate a message associated with the user so as to interrupt or re-activate associate devices (12) or platforms (14) only for the user, and (D) an integration component (40) that contains the sub-components or routines required to support activation of ON/OFF status for various platforms (further details are provided below). These components cooperate to detect meeting mode triggers and respond to meeting mode commands to control the device.

[00201] The ON/OFF status may be power on/off, simply a silence/normal mode of operation, or temporary pausing or resuming of communication or notification messages on a device or platform.

[00202] In another aspect, the configuration component (38), in one implementation, presents one or more screens that obtain passwords. For example, in relation to GOOGLE™ applications, the configuration component (38) may request a user's GOOGLE password which allows the interrupt utility (24) thereafter to change presence settings automatically, which thereby will interrupt for example notifications from Google Talk (whether loaded on the desktop or accessed from the cloud), Google+, Gmail and Google Hangout. This is an example of controlling the client or user device.

[00203] In another aspect, the configuration component (38) may also be linked to one or more access management components of one or more third party platforms, or in fact a general purpose access management utility that manages permissions and usernames and passwords across multiple computer systems or applications. This can further streamline the setup processes for the computer system (10).

[00204] In one implementation the integration component (40) consists of computer program component that provides a plug-in or equivalent that monitors an associated file system.

[00205] In another aspect of the implementation of the invention, the integration component (40) may include, for internet messaging platforms, a driver application that is operable to connect to a networking service such as Skype™ for example and change the presence of the user to "Do Not Disturb". The integration component (40) also may include a series of local APIs that enable integration with third party platforms such as for example Yahoo! Messenger™ or Skype™. The integration component (40) may also integrate with operating systems so as to block notifications by different applications. For example, for the WINDOWS™ operating system, the integration component (40) can suppress WINDOWS™ system message by operation of the WINDOWS API when the computer system (10) is in do-not-disturb mode.

[00206] In one example of the implementation of the present invention, the integration component (40), when executed, redirects selected online addresses to a local service, specifically by redirecting network communications by altering the 'hosts' file (/etc/hosts for Linux™ and OS-X and c:\Windows\System32\Drivers\etc\hosts in windows). In one aspect, the user may need to allow the client to run as "Administrator" to alter the hosts file. These are further examples of controlling the device.

[00207] Various other integrations are possible to address differences between different platforms that affect the specific mechanisms to be used to implement the do-not-disturb functions by controlling various devices.

[00208] In another aspect of the invention, the client application (28) may present a screen that includes for example a timer that shows the time remaining of a pre-set "Do Not Disturb" interval. In one aspect, the client application (28) may also integrate with third party platforms to publish the user's current status.

[00209] In one aspect, the mobile device version of the client application (28) functions differently as the main disturbance for mobile devices, and specifically for smart phones the main disturbance, in the form of communication or notifications, may include incoming calls, SMS, and instant messages. This may also be the case for tablet computer if they are treated similarly to mobile devices on a given corporate network, in which case the main disturbances for a tablet could be the same as for a smart phone - depending on wireless services to the tablet computer. In any case, for smart phones and tablet computers in some cases, the main objective is to mute sounds associated with calls and notifications.

[00210] Muting the sound of notifications therefore eliminates the main source of disruption. In one aspect of the invention, the client application (28) automatically mutes the mobile device on which it is loaded, upon initiation of the do-not-disturb status of the present invention. Furthermore, the vibrate function is also deactivated. However, mobile device operations otherwise can continue without disturbing the user. [00211] In one implementation, the client application (28) on the mobile device integrates with the operating system of the mobile device by applying a system mute when the computer system's status is changed to do-not-disturb. In another possible implementation, the system's status is changed to do-not-disturb when a user is in an active call. Other features focused on allowing users to manage their time more effective are possible. This is a further example of device control.

[00212] The client application (28) can be modified to include various features for automating switching the computer system (10) to a do-not-disturb status, which triggers a communication to the server computer (22) which then switches all other devices (12) or platforms (14) to DND status automatically, based on a profile associated with the user or group of users established on the server computer (22). The integration component (40) can extract data for example from a calendar application, and the client application (28) can utilize location based functions of the mobile device, so as to for example detect a meeting involving user that may be associated with one or more attributes that require the user to switch to DND status, and the DND status across the various devices or platforms connected to the computer system, for the particular user, once the user enters the boardroom where the meeting will occur. These are further examples of device control.

[00213] In another aspect of one embodiment and an addition example of device control, the computer network system 200 may also include a group server (42), as shown in FIG. 4 that is configured to control the internal communications of a group of users, and also external communications to the cloud, including the server computer (22). The group server (42), for example, can optimize use of bandwidth and manage access to the client application (28) or API (30) in order to maintain security of the solution.

Diverting Calls to a VoIP line to a Voice Mailbox

[00214] In one aspect of the present invention, the computer system (10) includes a mechanism for diverting calls from a VoIP line, as illustrated in FIG. 7. This is an additional example of device control to suspend or interrupt the electronic communication notifications.

[00215] In one possible implementation, as shown in FIG. 4, the server computer (22) is configured to send an electronic signal representing an API command to a linked VoIP system (44) that changes the routing of a Direct Inward Dialing (DID) number to voicemail when the computer system (10) is set to DND. This makes the number unreachable automatically for the time period of the DND state, and effectively diverts calls to a VoIP line to a Voice Mailbox.

[00216] In one aspect, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the computer system (10) utilizes Direct Inward Dialing (DID) numbers that are used in VoIP systems and that can be obtained from a pool of numbers in any area code. The DID number can be used to "lead" the call into the system. The computer system (10) may adapt the API command to the routing scheme implemented to by the VoIP system (44). Accordingly, the API command may be configured to control the routing scheme of a specific DID or an extension of an IVR system to change a termination point, such as forwarding, Session Initiated Protocol (SIP), or voicemail (VM).

Private Branch Exchange (PBX) System

[00217] In another aspect, the computer system (10) may include functionality that, with the required permissions send an API command to a PBX (46) that changes the routing mechanism to match the user's status on the computer system (10), i.e. whether the user's status is ON or OFF. The PBX (46) may be a public or a private PBX. This is an additional example of device control to suspend or interrupt the electronic communication notifications.

[00218] In one aspect of the invention, the computer system (10) may include at least one breaker device for interrupting an analog phone line. In one implementation, the breaker box includes: (A) a control input for receiving input from the clicker device (18), (B) a phone line input from an analog phone line, and (C) a phone line output back to the analog line. The breaker acts on a signal from computer system (10) to mute all analog phones connected to a circuit. Aspects of muting analog phones are shown in FIGs. 5a and 5b.

Analytics

[00219] Also as shown in FIG. 4, the server computer (22) also includes an analytics utility (48) that applies a plurality of analytical functions to data collected by a logger (50) to a database (50). The analytics utility (48) includes various features and functions for analyzing user behaviour to generate useful insights, including for improving the operations of the computer system (10). For example, the analytics utility (48) can generate insights in a number of areas such as for example users' decision-making process in selecting their do- not-disturb periods. The analytics utility (48) can generate for example insights on best practices for improving productivity. The computer system (10) may include for example an administration server (not shown) that logs events based on interactions of users or groups of users with the computer system (10) and based on such events generates information that may be used to streamline or automate processes, based on results from the analytics utility (48). For example the analytics utility (48) may establish that business related calls are the norm in an organization until 10 pm and therefore may allow communications up till that time, but then default to a personal context after that. Various other alternatives are possible.

[00220] In an implementation of the present invention, the system may be implemented through Session Initiated Protocol ("SIP"). SIP may provide for the following: (i) a flexible framework for handshaking between the network infrastructure and the handset; (ii) the establishment of user location (i.e. translating from a user's name to the user's current network address); (iii) feature negotiation so that all of the participants in a session can agree on the features to be supported among them; (iv) call management, for example adding, dropping, or transferring participants from the active call; (v) changing features of a session while the session is in progress.

[00221] Depending on the particular implementation and various associated factors such as the resources of the communications device, wireless network parameters, and other factors, different implementation architectures may be used for the present invention.

[00222] It should also be understood that the computer server may be implemented as one or more servers in any possible server architecture or configuration including for example in a distributed server architecture, a server farm, or a cloud based computing environment.

[00223] Wherever the system is described as receiving input from the user of the communications device, it is to be understood that the input may be received through activation of a physical key on the communications device, through interaction with a touch screen display of the communications device, through a voice command received at the communications device and processed by the system, through a user gesture observed and processed at the communications device, through physically moving the communications device in a predetermined gesture pattern including shaking the communications device, through receiving data from another local or remote communications device associated with the user, or through any other sensory interaction with the communications device or otherwise controlling the communications device.

[00224] Similarly, wherever the system is described as providing an indication to the user or to the incoming caller, the indication may include playing a sound, playing a message, shaking the communications device, temporarily muting output of the communications device, displaying a message, icon, or other visual cue on a display of the communications device, or any other sensory interaction with the communications device.

[00225] The present system and method may be practiced in various embodiments. A suitably configured computer device, and associated communications networks, devices, software and firmware may provide a platform for enabling one or more embodiments as described above. By way of example, FIG. 10 shows a computer device 100 (which may server as computer system 10) that may include a central processing unit ("CPU") or processor 102 connected to a storage unit 104 and to a random access memory 106. The CPU 102 may process an operating system 101 , application program 103, and data 123. The operating system 101 , application program 103, and data 123 may be stored in storage unit 104 and loaded into memory 106, as may be required. Computer device 100 may further include a graphics processing unit (GPU) 122 which is operatively connected to CPU 102 and to memory 106 to offload intensive image processing calculations from CPU 102 and run these calculations in parallel with CPU 102. An operator 107 may interact with the computer device 100 using a video display 108 connected by a video interface 105, and various input/output devices such as a keyboard 115, mouse 112, and disk drive or solid state drive 114 connected by an I/O interface 109. In known manner, the mouse 112 may be configured to control movement of a cursor in the video display 108, and to operate various graphical user interface (GUI) controls appearing in the video display 108 with a mouse button. The disk drive or solid state drive 114 may be configured to accept computer readable media 116. The computer device 100 may form part of a network via a network interface 111 , allowing the computer device 100 to communicate with other suitably configured data processing systems (not shown). One or more different types of sensors 135 may be used to receive input from various sources. [00226] Each CPU or processor 102 may be, for example, any type of general-purpose microprocessor or microcontroller, a digital signal processing (DSP) processor, an integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a reconfigurable processor, a

programmable read-only memory (PROM), or any combination thereof.

[00227] Memory 106 may include a suitable combination of any type of computer memory that is located either internally or externally such as, for example, random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), compact disc read-only memory (CDROM), electro-optical memory, magneto-optical memory, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), and electrically-erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), Ferroelectric RAM (FRAM) or the like.

[00228] Each I/O interface 109 enables computing device 100 to interconnect with one or more input devices, such as a keyboard, mouse, camera, touch screen and a microphone, or with one or more output devices such as a display screen and a speaker.

[00229] Each network interface 111 enables computing device 100 to communicate with other components, to exchange data with other components, to access and connect to network resources, to serve applications, and perform other computing applications by connecting to a network (or multiple networks) capable of carrying data including the

Internet, Ethernet, plain old telephone service (POTS) line, public switch telephone network (PSTN), integrated services digital network (ISDN), digital subscriber line (DSL), coaxial cable, fiber optics, satellite, mobile, wireless (e.g. Wi-Fi, WiMAX), SS7 signaling network, fixed line, local area network, wide area network, and others, including any combination of these.

[00230] Computing device 100 is operable to register and authenticate users (using a login, unique identifier, and password for example) prior to providing access to applications, a local network, network resources, other networks and network security devices. Computing device 100 may serve one user or multiple users.

[00231] For example, and without limitation, the computing device may be a server, network appliance, set-top box, embedded device, computer expansion module, personal computer, laptop, personal data assistant, cellular telephone, smartphone device, UMPC tablets, video display terminal, gaming console, electronic reading device, and wireless hypermedia device or any other computing device capable of being configured to carry out the methods described herein.

[00232] Although the embodiments have been described in detail, it should be

understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the scope as defined by the appended claims.

[00233] Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure of the present application, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed, that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps

[00234] As can be understood, the examples described above and illustrated are intended to be exemplary only. The scope is indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1 A method for suspending or interrupting electronic communication on one or more user devices during a meeting, the method comprising:

registering, at a processor, one or more user devices as meeting attendees of the meeting;

receiving, at a processor in communication with the one or more user devices, electronic signals representing a meeting mode trigger to suspend or interrupt electronic communication notifications on the one or more user devices; and

transmitting in real time or near real time, from the processor, electronic signals representing a meeting mode command to the one or more user devices, wherein the meeting mode command controls the one or more user devices to suspend or interrupt the electronic communication notifications on the one or more user devices;

detecting, at the processor in communication with the one or more user devices, a meeting mode release event;

transmitting, from the processor through the communication network, electronic signals representing a meeting mode release command to the one or more user devices, the meeting mode release command to stop the meeting mode command control of the one or more user devices to continue the electronic communication notifications on the one or more user devices. The computer-network implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the meeting mode trigger comprises electronic signals indicating that the meeting has started at a meeting location based on at least one of an occurrence of a scheduled time for the meeting, electronic signals received from a meeting device or second processor managing the meeting, and an occurrence of a virtual sign-on by a meeting attendee to a virtual meeting room for the meeting. The computer-network implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the registering comprises registering at least two user devices to the same meeting attendee, and wherein the transmitting comprises transmitting the electronic signals representing the meeting mode command to the at least two user devices registered to the same meeting attendee, wherein the meeting mode command controls the at least two user devices to suspend or interrupt the electronic communication notifications on the at least two user devices of the same meeting attendee on demand in real time or near real time.

The computer-network implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the meeting mode release event comprises electronic signals indicating expiration of a specified period of time for the meeting, or electronic signals terminating the meeting mode from one or more of the user devices or a meeting device managing the meeting.

The computer-network implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising verifying actual attendance of the meeting attendees registered to the one or more user devices at the meeting prior to transmission of the meeting mode command.

The computer-network implemented method of claim 5, wherein the verifying comprises detecting a user device registered to a meeting attendee at the location of the meeting or detecting an occurrence of a virtual sign on by a meeting attendee to a virtual meeting room for the meeting.

The computer-network implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the meeting mode command is a Do-Not-Disturb mode.

The computer-network implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the meeting mode command is a neutral mode.

The computer-network implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising transmitting the meeting mode release command to the one or more user devices in response to receiving electronic signals representing a release command from a second processor. The computer-network implemented method of claim 4, wherein the second processor resides on an electronic device inside a meeting room used to host the meeting. The computer-network implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising receiving electronic signals representing a meeting status update and transmitting electronic signals to the one or more user devices based on the received update of status. The computer-network implemented method of claim 11 , wherein the update of status comprises one of: temporarily paused, adjourned, or cancelled. The computer-network implemented method of claim 11 , wherein the transmitted electronic signals based on the received update of status comprise meeting mode release commands to release the meeting mode from the one or more user devices. The computer-network implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising determining a context of the meeting and transmitting electronic signals to the one or more user devices based on the determined context. The computer-network implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising customizing the meeting mode command for at least one of the one or more user devices based on pre-determined settings. The computer-network implemented method of claim 15, wherein the customized meeting mode command comprises electronic signals instructing to suspend or interrupt only a part of all electronic communication on the at least one user device. A method for suspending or interrupting electronic communication at one or more user devices during a meeting, the method comprising:

receiving, at a processor in communication with a server over a communication network, electronic signals indicating that the meeting has started at a meeting location;

detecting one or more user devices physically present at the meeting location;

transmitting to the server, over the communication network, electronic signals representing a meeting mode command to control the one or more user devices to suspend or interrupt electronic communication notifications on the one or more user devices;

determining that a user device of the one or more user devices has left the meeting location such that the user device is no longer physically present at the meeting location; and

transmitting to the server, over the communication network, electronic signals representing a meeting mode release command to release the user device from the meeting mode control. The method of claim 17, wherein the meeting mode command comprises a DND mode or a neutral mode. The method of claim 17, further comprising displaying a meeting status through a visual indicator device electronically connected to the processor. The method of claim 17, further comprising storing, in an electronic data store, electronic records representing at least one of: attendance record, action item(s), meeting minutes, and meeting summary. The method of claim 17, further comprising determining if a user device has entered or left a meeting through at least one of: GPS, NFC, cellular triangulation, and Bluetooth, wherein the processor resides on an electronic device inside a meeting room used to host the meeting. The method of claim 17, further comprising analyzing historical meeting attendance record of the one or more user devices. A computer network system for suspending incoming or outgoing electronic communication of one or more user devices during a meeting, the computer network system comprising:

one or more user devices;

a communication network; and

a server in communication with the one or more user devices over the communication network;

wherein the server is configured to:

register the one or more user devices as meeting attendees of the meeting;

receive electronic signals representing a meeting mode trigger to suspend or interrupt electronic communication notifications on the one or more user devices; and

transmit, over the communication network to the one or more user devices, electronic signals representing a meeting mode command, wherein the meeting mode command controls the one or more user devices to suspend or interrupt the electronic communication notifications on the one or more user devices;

detect a meeting mode release event; and

transmit, through the communication network to the one more user devices, electronic signals representing a meeting mode release command to the one or more user devices, the meeting mode release command to stop the meeting mode command control of the one or more user devices to continue the electronic communication notifications on the one or more user devices. The computer network system of claim 23, wherein the meeting mode trigger comprises electronic signals indicating that the meeting has started at a meeting location based on at least one of an occurrence of a scheduled time for the meeting, electronic signals received from a meeting device or second processor managing the meeting, and an occurrence of a virtual sign-on by a meeting attendee to a virtual meeting room for the meeting. The computer network system of claim 23, wherein the server registers at least two user devices to the same meeting attendee, and transmits the electronic signals representing the meeting mode command to the at least two user devices registered to the same meeting attendee, wherein the meeting mode command controls the one or more user devices to suspend or interrupt the electronic communication notifications on the at least two user devices of the same meeting attendee on demand in real time or near real time. The computer network system of claim 23, wherein the meeting mode release event comprises electronic signals indicating expiration of a specified period of time for the meeting, or electronic signals terminating the meeting mode from one or more of the user devices or a meeting device managing the meeting. The computer network system of claim 23, wherein the server verifies actual attendance of the meeting attendees registered to the one or more user devices at the meeting prior to transmission of the meeting mode command. The computer network system of claim 27, wherein the server verifies by detecting a user device registered to a meeting attendee at the location of the meeting or detecting an occurrence of a virtual sign on by a meeting attendee to a virtual meeting room for the meeting. The computer network system of claim 23, wherein the meeting mode is a Do-Not- Disturb mode. The computer network system of claim 23, wherein the meeting mode is a neutral mode. The computer network system of claim 23, wherein the server further transmits the electronic signals to terminate the meeting mode to the one or more user devices upon receiving electronic signals representing a release command from a second processor. The computer network system of claim 23, wherein the processor resides on an electronic device inside a meeting room used to host the meeting. The computer network system of claim 23, wherein the server further receives electronic signals representing an update of status of the meeting and transmits electronic signals to the one or more user devices based on the received update of status. The computer network system of claim 33, wherein the update of status comprises one of: temporarily paused, adjourned, or cancelled. The computer network system of claim 33, wherein the transmitted electronic signals based on the received update of status comprise commands to terminate the meeting mode from the one or more user devices. The computer network system of claim 23, wherein the server further determines a context of the meeting and transmitting electronic signals to the one or more user devices based on the determined context. The computer network system of claim 23, wherein the server further customizes the meeting mode for at least one of the one or more user devices based on predetermined settings. The computer network system method of claim 23, wherein the customized meeting mode comprises suspending or interrupting only a part of all electronic communication on the at least one user device. A computer system for suspending incoming or outgoing electronic communication at one or more user devices during a meeting, the computer system comprising: a communication network;

a server;

one or more user devices; and

a meeting device in communication with the one or more user devices over the communication network;

wherein the meeting device is configured to:

receive electronic signals indicating that the meeting has started at a meeting location;

detect that the one or more user devices physically are present at the meeting location;

transmit to the server, over the communication network, electronic signals representing a meeting mode command to control the one or more user devices to suspend or interrupt electronic communication notifications on the one or more user devices; determine that a user device of the one or more user devices has left the meeting location such that the user device is no longer physically present at the meeting location; and

transmit to the server, over the communication network, electronic signals representing a meeting mode release command to release the user device from the meeting mode control. The computer system of claim 39, wherein the meeting mode comprises a DND mode or a neutral mode. The computer system of claim 39, wherein the meeting device is configured to display a meeting status through a visual indicator device electronically connected to the meeting device. The computer system of claim 39, wherein the meeting device is configured to store, in an electronic data store, electronic records representing at least one of: attendance record, action item(s), meeting minutes, and meeting summary. The computer system of claim 39, wherein the meeting device is configured to determine if a user device has entered or left a meeting through at least one of: GPS, NFC, cellular triangulation, and Bluetooth, the meeting device being physically located inside a meeting room used to host the meeting.

The computer system of claim 39, wherein the meeting device is configured to analyze historical meeting attendance record of the one or more user devices.