WO2008129132A1

WO2008129132A1 - Time monitoring application

Info

Publication number: WO2008129132A1
Application number: PCT/FI2008/050208
Authority: WO
Inventors: Heikki KÄRKKÄINEN
Original assignee: Rocky Advertising Oy
Priority date: 2007-04-20
Filing date: 2008-04-18
Publication date: 2008-10-30
Also published as: FI20070310A0; EP2156381A1; FI20070310A

Abstract

The present invention concerns a method for time monitoring. The method comprises receiving a selection of an activity from a first portion (104) of an application window (100); receiving a selection of a target from a second portion (106) of the application window; providing a calendar view in a third portion (108) of the application window; establishing a calendar entry (110) by receiving a selection from the calendar view for a time period; automatically linking the selected activity and the selected target to the calendar entry; and displaying information about the selected activity and target in the calendar entry (110).

Description

TIME MONITORING APPLICATION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to time track- ing applications. In particular, the present invention relates to a novel and improved method and computer program for an easy and a simple way to input data into a time tracking application.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Time tracking is an important aspect especially in various companies in order e.g. to be able to charge for the work done and also to monitor how employees use their working time. Existing time tracking applications are often very complex to use. Due to the complexity of the existing applications the way a user enters a work entry into the application requires multi-stage selections from various menus. This makes the usage of the time tracking applications difficult, unpleasant and time- consuming. Furthermore, a user often has to input various pieces of information in the time tracking application (e.g. work reference, customer reference, case reference etc, hours worked etc.) by hand, that is, by typing information into various fields in the application .

Furthermore, the analysis of the input information is often cumbersome. The analysis is often expressed as textual and numerical information, e.g. with appropriate tables etc. For example, an hour breakdown may tell how much work was done for each client, or how much work was performed by each employee for each client. However, currently the analysis is often based on various pull-down menus and in- formation which has to be typed by hand. There is an obvious need for a time tracking application that enables an intuitive, easy, efficient and simple way to input information into a time tracking application. Furthermore, there is an obvious need for a time tracking application that enables an easy, efficient and simple way to analyze the previously input in the time tracking application.

SUMN[ARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for time tracking. The method comprises receiving a selection of an activity from a first portion of an application window; receiving a selection of a target from a second portion of the application window; providing a calendar view in a third portion of the application window; establishing a calendar entry by receiving a selection from the calendar view for a time period; automatically linking the selected activity and the selected target to the calendar entry; and displaying information about the selected activity and target in the calendar entry.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises: receiving a user or user profile selection from a third portion of the application window; and providing in the first portion of the application window activity information relating to the selected user or user profile.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises: coding a target in the second portion of the application window with a distinctive color; and coding a calendar entry relating to the target with the same color.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises: dividing a target in the second portion of the application window into primary target information and secondary target information. In one embodiment, the method further comprises: providing in a calendar entry a link enabling input of further information relating to the calendar entry. In one embodiment, the method further comprises: enabling scrolling of information within the first portion of the application window, when all activities cannot be displayed simultaneously.

In one embodiment, the method further com- prises: enabling scrolling of information within the second portion of the application window, when all targets cannot be displayed simultaneously.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises: receiving a selection of an hour breakdown from the application window; in response to the selection, displaying in the application window an hour breakdown view, wherein the hour breakdown view comprises graphical elements and is completely controllable with a pointing device; and providing in the hour breakdown view a navigation tool, wherein the navigation tool enables hourly analysis based on at least one of activity, target and user who has contributed time for the activity.

According to a second aspect of the inven- tion, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions operable to cause a data processing apparatus to: receive a selection of an activity from a first portion of an application window; receive a selection of a target from a second portion of the ap- plication window; providing a calendar view in a third portion of the application window; establish a calendar entry by receiving a selection from the calendar view for a time period; automatically linking the selected activity and the selected target to the calen- dar entry; and display information about the selected activity and target in the calendar entry. In one embodiment, the computer program is embodied on a computer-readable medium.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for analyzing information. The method comprises: receiving a selection of an hour breakdown from the application window; in response to the selection, displaying in the application window an hour breakdown view, wherein the hour breakdown view comprises graphical elements and is completely con- trollable with a pointing device; and providing in the hour breakdown view a navigation tool, wherein the navigation tool enables hourly analysis based on at least one of activity, target and user who has contributed time for the activity. The present invention has several advantages compared to the prior-art solutions. The invention provides an intuitive, easy, efficient, quick and simple way to establish a calendar entry into a calendar in a time tracking application. Furthermore, the analysis capabilities of the time tracking are intuitive, quick and easy to manage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description help to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a view of a time tracking application according to one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating various information blocks needed to create a calendar entry in a calendar; Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating interdependence between the various program parts according to one embodiment of the invention; Figures 4A-4K are hour breakdown views according to one embodiment of the invention;

Figures 5A-5D are hour breakdown views according to another embodiment of the invention; Figures 6A-6E are hour breakdown views according to another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 illustrates a view of a time tracking application according to one embodiment of the invention. The application window consists of different portions. In order to create a calendar entry 110, a work activity and a customer and/or project are chosen by a user. Possible work activities are arranged into a first portion 104 of the application window 100. A second portion 106 of the application window 100 com- prises customers and/or projects for which work is done. When a user has chosen a work activity and a customer/project, the user is able to create a calendar entry into a calendar in a third portion 108 of the application window 100. The creation of the calen- dar entry 110 is performed by selecting a desired time period from the calendar. When the user selects the desired time period, the selected work activity and the customer and/or project is automatically linked to the calendar entry and information about the selected work activity and customer/project is displayed in the calendar entry. The selection is made e.g. with a co- computer mouse by pressing a button down and releasing the button when the desired time period has been selected. In other words, no manual keyboard data enter- ing is necessary.

The application window 100 may also comprise a fourth portion 102 enabling the user to select a user profile. In other words, a single user may have different user profiles and different user profiles may have different work activities in the first portion 104 of the application window 100. Examples of different user profiles for a single user are e.g. a project manager, a designer etc. depending on the customer and/or the project.

In the embodiment disclosed in Figure 1, the user has selected ^λMeeting' as a work activity and ^λChristmas' as a project (under Customer 1) . When these selections have been made, a calendar entry 110 is established by selecting a desired time period from the calendar. One possibility for doing the selection with a mouse of a computer is to press the selection button of the mouse and keep it pressed down until the desired time period has been chosen.

In one embodiment, when the user has chosen the desired work activity from the first portion 104 of the application window 100, the selected work ac- tivity can be shaded in order to highlight the selection. Similarly, when the use has chosen the desired project (^λChristmas' in Figure 1) from the second portion 106 of the application window 100, the selected project can be shaded in order to highlight the selec- tion.

In one embodiment, different customers may be coded with a distinctive color. Therefore, when the calendar entry is established into the calendar, the calendar entry is coded with the same color dedicated to selected customer or project. Yet in another embodiment, each project has been assigned a distinctive color code that is unique among all projects of the customers .

In one embodiment, each project is arranged under the corresponding customer and the customer information is not expanded to show the project information under the customers. When the user selects a cus- tomer, the project information is expanded (in Figure 1, there are three projects under the customer 1) . In another embodiment, each project is arranged under the corresponding customer and the customer information is automatically expanded to show also the project information under the customers. Therefore, the user is able to directly select a project without first selecting a customer.

In one embodiment, customer and project in- formation are arranged consecutively, that is e.g. 'customer 1, project 1' or 'project 1, customer 1'. In this case, if there are four customers and each customer have three different projects, the second portion 106 of the application window 100 shows 12 dif- ferent selection alternatives.

It is evident that it is possible to scroll information in the first portion 104, second portion 106 and third portion 108 of the application window 100 if it is not appropriate to display all the infor- mation comprised in the portions simultaneously. Furthermore, the calendar entry 110 may comprise a link 114 via which it is possible to add further information to the calendar entry. When clicking on the link 114, it is possible to open a new window allowing the input for further information.

Although it is disclosed in Figure 1 that the calendar view is a week view and that an hour is divided into two parts, it is evident that this is only one possible alternative for the calendar view. Figure 2 discloses a block diagram illustrating various information blocks needed to create a calendar entry 200 in a calendar 208. The contents of the first portion 104 and the second portion 106 in the application window in Figure 1 may depend on the user because all users may not necessarily work on all customers and/or projects. Therefore, before the user is able to use the application, he has to log in into the application with the username and password. Each user 202 has a predetermined set of possible work activities 204 from which a work activity is chosen. As disclosed earlier the set of possible work activities may vary between the users. Furthermore, each user 202 has a predetermined set of customers and/or projects 206 for which work can be done. Again, some users may be involved with a first client/project and other users with a second client/project. When the user 202 has selected a work activity 204 and a customer/project 206 from the application window, it is possible to establish a calendar entry 200 into the calendar 208 (the establishment of the entry was disclosed in more detail in Figure 1) . Figure 3 discloses a block diagram illustrating interdependence between the various program parts according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 discloses three work activities 300A, 300B, 300C from which work activities 1 and 2 has been attached to a first profile 302A. Third work activity has been attached to a second profile 302B. Users 304A, 304B are involved with the first profile 302A and user 304C is involved with the second profile 302B. As can been seen from Figure 2, a profile deter- mines which work activities it is linked to. In another embodiment, it is possible to omit the profile stage and link the users 304A, 304B, 304C directly to the work activities 300A, 300B, 300C.

User 304A is assigned to a first project 306A of a first customer 1. Similarly, user 304B is assigned to a second project 306B of the first customer 308A. Users 304A, 304C are assigned to a third project 306C of a second customer 308B. User 304C is also assigned to a fourth project 306E of the second customer 308B.

From Figure 3 it can be seen that each profile may comprise a different set of possible work ac- tivities. Furthermore, a different set of projects/customers may be assigned to different users.

Although Figures 1 - 3 relate to tracking time in work environment, it is evident that the ap- plication disclosed in the invention can be used to tracking already spent time or time planning in future also in other environments, e.g. in family environment etc .

Figure 4A is a view of an hour breakdown view according to one embodiment of the invention. The view disclosed in Figure 4A is linked to the input calendar entries disclosed in Figure 1. In other words, when a number of entries have been established into the calendar, time spent e.g. on each customer or project or e.g. by each employee can be analyzed within the hour breakdown view 400.

The upper part 402 of the hour breakdown view 400 identifies the period of time to be analyzed. A desired month can be chosen from a section 404 of the view 400. In the embodiment disclosed in Figure 4A, April 2007 404 is analyzed in more detail. It is evident that the time selection may be arranged also in a different manner other than disclosed in Figure 4A.

A section 408 shows those customers for which work has been done in April 2007. In this example, for customer 1 work has been done for 60.5 hours, customer 2 for 25 hours, customer 3 for 20 hours and customer 4 for 10 hours. Also the cost for each customer for the work done may be presented in the view 400, as dis- closed in Figure 4A. A section 416 illustrates the total amount of work done for all the customers. A section 410 identifies the current view and a section 412 enables the user to log out from the time tracking application . On the right side of the view 400, in this embodiment, there are three are three navigation icons (416, 418, 420) . The navigation icon 416 refers to navigation based on customers ("C") , the navigation icon 418 refers to navigation based on work activities ("W") and the navigation icon 420 refers to navigation based on employees ("E") . The solid line of the navi- gation icon 416 means that the navigation is currently based on customers. The dashed lines of navigation icons 418 and 420 mean that they are available for selection. Each of the navigation alternations will now be discussed in a more detailed manner. The view disclosed in Figure 4B is a result of the selection of customer 1 from Figure 4A. Customer 1 has three projects (sales, Christmas, spring collection) for which work has been done. The same projects are identified in the section 106 in Figure 1. The time tracking application automatically calculates, based on the calendar entries in the calendar disclosed in Figure 1, what is the total amount of work done for each of the projects fro the customer 1. In the embodiment disclosed in Figure 4B, 27 hours have been done for the sales project. Again, it is possible to show after the amount of work done for each of the projects and the cost of the work. A section 428 illustrates the total amount of work done for the chosen customer (customer 1 in this embodiment) . On the right side of the view, in this embodiment, there are three navigation icons (430, 432, 434) . The navigation icon 430 identifies that the current view is based on projects ("P") . The navigation icon 432 enables the user to change the navigation view to be based on work activities ("W") . Correspondingly, the navigation icon 434 enables the user to change the navigation view to be based on employees ("E") .

The view disclosed in Figure 4C is a result of the selection of the navigation icon 432 ("W") from Figure 4B. A section 436 discloses work activities worked for the customer. For example, 16 hours has been used for the meeting work activity in all the projects for this particular customer. Since both Figures 4b and 4C deal with the same customer, a section 438 illustrates the same total amount of work done for the customer.

The view disclosed in Figure 4D is a result of the selection of the navigation icon 434 ("E") from Figure 4B. A section 446 discloses employees that have worked for the customer. For example, Jill has worked for 20 hours for the customer in April 2007. Since Figure 4D again deals with the same customer, a section 448 illustrates the same total amount of work done for the customer than the section 438 in Figure 4C. The solid line of a navigation icon 454 ("E") identifies that the current view is based on work employees. The dashed lines of navigation icons 450 and 454 mean that they are available for further selection .

The view disclosed in Figure 4E is a result of the selection of "sales" from the section 426 of Figure 4B. A section 456 discloses the breakdown of different work activities for the sales project. A section 458 identifies the total amount of work done for the sales project. The total amount of work equals with the amount of work for the sales project (27 h) in Figure 4B.

On the right side of the view, in this embodiment, there are two navigation icons (460, 462). The navigation icon 460 identifies that the current view is based on work activities ("W") . The navigation icon 462 enables the user to change the navigation view to be based on employees ("E") .

The view disclosed in Figure 4F is a result of the selection of the navigation icon 462 from Fig- ure 4E. In this case, the view identifies that only Jill has contributed work form the sales project. A section 466 identifies the total amount of work done for the sales project by Jill. The amount of work equals with the amount of work for the sales project (27 h) in Figure 4B. The solid line of a navigation icon 470 ("E") identifies that the current view is based on work employees. The dashed line of a navigation icon 468 ("W") means that it is available for further selection.

The view disclosed in Figure 4G is a result of the selection of "meeting" from Figure 4E. A navi- gation icon 476 ("E") identifies that the current view discloses those employees that have contributed work a meeting work activity. A section 472 identifies that only Jill has contributed work for the sales project as a meeting work activity. A section 474 identifies the total amount of work done for the meeting work activity. The amount of work equals with the amount of work for the meeting work activity (11 h) in Figure 4E.

The view disclosed in Figure 4H is a result of selecting "Jill" from the section 446 of from Figure 4D. A navigation icon 482 ("P") identifies that the current view discloses those projects which Jill has participated for the particular customer. The dashed line of a navigation icon 484 ("W") means that it is available for further selection.

For example, Jill has worked for 13 hours in the spring collection project. A section 480 identifies the total amount of Jill's work for this particular customer. The amount of work equals with the amount of Jill's work in the section 446 in Figure 4D.

The view disclosed in Figure 41 is a result of the selection of the navigation icon 484 ("W") of Figure 4H. A navigation icon 492 ("W") identifies that the current view discloses Jill's work activities all the projects of this particular customer. The dashed line of a navigation icon 490 ("P") means that it is available for further selection. For example, Jill has worked for nine hours for the art direction work activity. A section 488 identifies the total amount of Jill's work for this particular customer. The amount of work equals with the amount of Jill's work in the section 480 in Figure 4H.

The view disclosed in Figure 4J is a result of the selection of "Christmas" from the section 478 of Figure 4H. A navigation icon 4904 ("W") identifies that the current view discloses Jill's work activities for the Christmas project.

For example, Jill has worked for four hours speaking on the phone. A section 4902 identifies the total amount of Jill's work the Christmas project. The amount of work equals with the amount of Jill's work in the section 478 in Figure 4H.

The view disclosed in Figure 4K is a result of the selection of "meeting" from the section 486 of Figure 41. A navigation icon 4910 ("P") identifies that the current view discloses Jill's meeting work activity for this particular customer.

A section 4906 identifies Jill's amount of meetings for this particular customer. For example, Jill has worked for five hours in a meeting or meeting relating to the sales project. A section 4908 identifies the total amount of Jill's work. The amount of work equals with the amount of Jill's work in the section 486in Figure 41.

The view disclosed in Figure 5A is a result of the selection of the navigation icon 420 ("E") from Figure 4A. The dashed lines of navigation icons 504 and 506 mean that they are available for further selection. The solid line of the navigation icon 506 ("W") identifies that the current view is based on em- ployees. A section 500 identifies those employees who have done work in April 2007. A section 502 identifies the total amount of work done for all the customers in April 2007. The amount of work equals with the total amount of work disclosed in the section 416 in Figure 4A.

The view disclosed in Figure 5B is a result of the selection of "Jill" from the section 500 of

Figure 5A. The solid line of a navigation icon 514

("P") identifies that the current view is based on projects in which Jill has been involved. The dashed line of a navigation icon 516 means that it is avail- able for further selection. A section 510 identifies that Jill has been involved in three projects: Christmas, sales and spring collection. In this embodiment, the view also discloses the amount of work done and cost for the work. A section 512 identifies the total amount of work done by Jill for all the customers and projects in April 2007. The amount of work equals with the amount of Jill's work disclosed in the section 500 in Figure 5A.

The view disclosed in Figure 5C is a result of the selection of the navigation icon 516 from Figure 5B. The solid line of a navigation icon 524 ("E") identifies that the current view is based on work activities in which Jill has been involved. The dashed line of a navigation icon 522 means that it is avail- able for further selection. In a section 518, the view discloses that Jill has participated in three different work activities: meeting, visual designing and art direction. In this embodiment, the view also discloses the amount of work done and cost for the work. A sec- tion 520 identifies the total amount of work done by Jill for all the projects in April 2007. The amount of work equals with the amount of Jill's work disclosed in the section 500 in Figure 5A.

The view disclosed in Figure 5D is a result of the selection of the "sales" project from the section 510 of Figure 5B. A navigation icon 530 ("W") identifies that the current view relates to work ac- tivities in the sales project. A section 526 of the view discloses that Jill has participated in two different work activities in the sales project: meeting and visual designing. In this embodiment, the view also discloses the amount of work done and cost for the work. A section 528 identifies the total amount of work done by Jill for the sales project in April 2007. The amount of work equals with the amount of Jill's work disclosed in the section 510 in Figure 5B. The view disclosed in Figure 6A is a result of the selection of the navigation icon 418 ("W") from Figure 4A. On the right side of the view, the dashed lines of navigation icons 604 and 608 mean that they are available for further selection. The solid line of the navigation icon 606 ("W") identifies that the current view is based on work activities. A section 600 of the view now identifies all the work activities that have been done for all the customers in April 2007. For example, in April 2007 there was 40 hours of visual designing for the customers. A section 602 identifies the total amount of work done for all the customers in April 2007. The amount of work equals with the total amount of work disclosed in the section 416 of Figure 4A. The view disclosed in Figure 6B is a result of the selection of the "meeting" from the section 600 of Figure 6A. The meeting work activity comprises three projects: sales, Christmas and spring collection. The same projects are identified in the section 106 in Figure 1. The time tracking application automatically calculates, based on the calendar entries in the calendar disclosed in Figure 1, what is the total amount of work done for each of the projects. For example, in the embodiment disclosed in Figure 6B, 20 hours have been done for the spring collection project. Again, it is possible to show after the amount of work done for each of the projects and the cost of the work. A section 612 illustrates the total amount of work done for the chosen customer (customer 1 in this embodiment) .

On the right side of the view, in this em- bodiment, there are two navigation icons (614, 616) . The navigation icon 614 ("P") identifies that the current view is based on projects. The navigation icon 616 ("E") enables the user to change the navigation view to be based on employees. The view disclosed in Figure 6C is a result of the selection of the navigation icon 616 ("E") from Figure 6B . A section 618 identifies those employees that have contributed work for the meeting work activity for all the customers. For example, Jill has done 21 hours for the meeting work activity in all her projects. A section 620 illustrates the total amount of work done by the employees for the meeting work activity. The amount of work equals with the amount of work disclosed in the section 612 of Figure 6B . On the right side of the view, the dashed line of a navigation icon 622 ("P") means that it is available for further selection. The solid line of a navigation icon 624 ("W") identifies that the current view is based on work activities. The view disclosed in Figure 6D is a result of the selection of the "spring collection" project from the section 610 of Figure 6B . A navigation icon 630 ("E") identifies that the current view is based on employees. A section 626 identifies that three employ- ees have contributed work for the spring collection project. In this embodiment, the view also discloses the amount of work done and cost for the work. A section 628 illustrates the total amount of work done by the employees for the spring collection project. The amount of work equals with the amount of work disclosed in the section 610 of Figure 6B . The view disclosed in Figure 6E is a result of the selecting Jill from the section 618 of Figure 6C. A navigation icon 636 ("P") identifies that the current view is based on projects. A section 632 iden- tifies that Jill has contributed work for three projects: sales, Christmas and spring collection. In this embodiment, the view also discloses the amount of work done and cost for the work. A section 63e4 illustrates the total amount of Jill's work done for projects. The amount of work equals with the amount of Jill's work disclosed in the section 618 of Figure 6C.

The navigation method disclosed in Figures 4A-4K, 5A-5D and 6A-6E provides an efficient and intuitive way to get quickly various types of hour breakdowns. As disclosed in the above embodiments, the starting point of the breakdowns may be a customer, a work activity or a project. Since the breakdown presentation is also visually easy to understand, the solution provides a very quick way to get detailed in- formation.

Figures 4A-4K, 5A-5D and 6A-6E may not separately disclose every possible alternative to go through the analysis hierarchy. However, based on the above description of various embodiments, the idea of the hierarchy is fully disclosed.

In one embodiment of the invention, the invention is implemented so that it can be used across a communication network (e.g. the Internet) e.g. with a browser of a computer. In another embodiment, the in- vention may be implemented as a software application that is installed locally into a desired computer or computers .

The hour breakdown solution disclosed in the invention is based on graphical elements which are easily understandable and the breakdown functions or steps are completely controllable with a pointing device, e.g. a mouse of a computer, without a need to input any information via a keyboard or pull-down menus. The power of the solution disclosed in the invention is based on the use of a special navigation tool (which is illustrated in Figures 4A-4K, 5A-5D and 6A-6E as navigation icons) . The navigation tool enables the change of aspect for the analysis in each analysis level quickly and efficiently.

For example, in Figure 5B the employee basis has been selected as a starting point for the analy- sis. Thereafter, Jill has been selected as a second filter for the analysis. Now the user has the option to use "projects" (514) or "work activities" (516) as a second filter for the analysis. In other words, the analysis provides quickly and efficiently information about Jill's participation in various work activities or alternatively in various projects. Furthermore, all the textual pieces of information (e.g. "meeting", "Christmas", "employees" etc.) disclosed in the Figures are at the same time links which can be followed into a desired level of analysis. Due to the graphical analysis structure of the invention, the user does not have to input any information e.g. via a keyboard of a computer or to select pieces of information e.g. form cumbersome pull-down menus. Furthermore, in all the Figures it has been assumed that each worked hour produces a cost of 200 euros. It is evident that an hour price may vary e.g. between different work activities, employees, customers, projects etc. Moreover, although the invention has been described work environment as an example, it is evident that the time tracking application can be used also in other environments, e.g. in time scheduling within a family, planning etc. Furthermore, it is evident that it is not necessary to show both worked hours and cost as disclosed in the figures in the analysis . In short, the time tracking analysis is based on a very flexible hierarchy of different aspects (in the Figures; customers, projects, work activities and employees) . The hierarchy enables a user to change an analysis view within the hierarchy easily and very quickly. It is evident that due to the flexible hierarchy and visual presentation the user saves e.g. time in the analysis.

In one embodiment of the invention, it is also possible to use only the analysis functionality individually irrespective of the fact how information has been input into the time tracking application.

It is to be understood that the exemplary embodiments are for exemplary purposes, as many varia- tions of the specific hardware used to implement the exemplary embodiments are possible, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the hardware and/or software art(s) . For example, the functionality of one or more of the components of the exemplary embodiments can be implemented via one or more hardware and/or software devices.

The exemplary embodiments can store information relating to various processes described herein. This information can be stored in one or more memo- ries, such as a hard disk, optical disk, magneto- optical disk, RAM, and the like. One or more databases can store the information used to implement the exemplary embodiments of the present inventions. The databases can be organized using data structures (e.g., records, tables, arrays, fields, graphs, trees, lists, and the like) included in one or more memories or storage devices listed herein. The processes described with respect to the exemplary embodiments can include appropriate data structures for storing data collected and/or generated by the processes of the devices and subsystems of the exemplary embodiments in one or more databases . All or a portion of the exemplary embodiments can be conveniently implemented using one or more general purpose processors, microprocessors, digital signal processors, micro-controllers, and the like, pro- grammed according to the teachings of the exemplary embodiments of the present inventions, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the computer and/or software art(s). Appropriate software can be readily prepared by programmers of ordinary skill based on the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the software art. In addition, the exemplary embodiments can be implemented by the preparation of application-specific integrated circuits or by interconnecting an appropriate network of conventional component circuits, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the electrical art(s). Thus, the exemplary embodiments are not limited to any specific combination of hardware and/or software.

Stored on any one or on a combination of com- puter readable media, the exemplary embodiments of the present inventions can include software for controlling the components of the exemplary embodiments, for driving the components of the exemplary embodiments, for enabling the components of the exemplary embodi- ments to interact with a human user, and the like. Such software can include, but is not limited to, device drivers, firmware, operating systems, development tools, applications software, and the like. Such computer readable media further can include the computer program product of an embodiment of the present inventions for performing all or a portion (if processing is distributed) of the processing performed in implementing the inventions.

As stated above, the components of the exem- plary embodiments can include computer readable medium or memories for holding instructions programmed according to the teachings of the present inventions and for holding data structures, tables, records, and/or other data described herein. Computer readable medium can include any suitable medium that participates in providing instructions to a processor for execution. Such a medium can take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, transmission media, and the like. Non-volatile media can include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, and the like. Volatile media can include dynamic memories, and the like. Common forms of computer-readable media can include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other suitable magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, CDR, CD-RW, DVD, DVD-ROM, DVD±RW, DVD±R, any other suitable optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, optical mark sheets, any other suitable physical medium with patterns of holes or other optically recognizable indicia, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other suitable memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave or any other suitable medium from which a computer can read.

While the present inventions have been described in connection with a number of exemplary embodiments, and implementations, the present inventions are not so limited, but rather cover various modifications, and equivalent arrangements, which fall within the purview of prospective claims.

Claims

CLAIMS :

1. A method for time tracking, the method comprising: receiving a selection of an activity from a first portion of an application window; receiving a selection of a target from a second portion of the application window; providing a calendar view in a third portion of the application window; establishing a calendar entry by receiving a selection from the calendar view for a time period; automatically linking the selected activity and the selected target to the calendar entry; and displaying information about the selected activity and target in the calendar entry.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: receiving a user or user profile selection from a fourth portion of the application window; and providing in the first portion of the application window activity information relating to the selected user or user profile.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: coding a target in the second portion of the application window with a distinctive color; and coding a calendar entry relating to the target with the same color.

4. The method according to any of claims 1 - 3, further comprising: dividing a target in the second portion of the application window into primary target information and secondary target information.

5. The method according to any of claims 1 - 4, further comprising: providing in a calendar entry a link enabling input of further information relating to the calendar entry.

6. The method according to any of claims 1 - 5, further comprising: enabling scrolling of information within the first portion of the application window, when all activities cannot be displayed simultaneously.

7. The method according to any of claims 1 - 6, further comprising: enabling scrolling of information within the second portion of the application window, when all targets cannot be displayed simultaneously.

8. The method according to any of claims 1 - 7, further comprising: receiving a selection of an hour breakdown from the application window; in response to the selection, displaying in the application window an hour breakdown view, wherein the hour breakdown view comprises graphical elements and is completely controllable with a pointing device; and providing in the hour breakdown view a navigation tool, wherein the navigation tool enables hourly analysis based on at least one of activity, target and user who has contributed time for the activity.

9. A computer program comprising instructions operable to cause a data processing apparatus to: receive a selection of an activity from a first portion of an application window; receive a selection of a target from a second portion of the application window; providing a calendar view in a third portion of the application window; establish a calendar entry by receiving a selec- tion from the calendar view for a time period; automatically linking the selected activity and the selected target to the calendar entry; and display information about the selected activity and target in the calendar entry.

10. The computer program according to claim 9, further operable to: receive a user or user profile selection from a fourth portion of the application window; and provide in the first portion of the application window activity information relating to the selected user or user profile.

11. The computer program according to claim 9 or 10, further operable to: code a target in the second portion of the application window with a distinctive color; and code a calendar entry relating to the target with the same color.

12. The computer program according to any of claims 9 - 11, further operable to: divide a target in the second portion of the application window into primary target information and secondary target information.

13. The computer program according to any of claims 9 - 12, further operable to: provide in a calendar entry a link enabling input of further information relating to the calendar entry.

14. The computer program according to any of claims 9 - 13, further operable to: enable scrolling of information within the first portion of the application window, when all activities cannot be displayed simultaneously.

15. The computer program according to any of claims 9 - 14, further operable to: enable scrolling of information within the second portion of the application window, when all targets cannot be displayed simultaneously.

16. The computer program according to any of claims 9 - 15, further comprising: receiving a selection of an hour breakdown from the application window; in response to the selection, displaying in the application window an hour breakdown view, wherein the hour breakdown view comprises graphical elements and is completely controllable with a pointing device; and providing in the hour breakdown view a navigation tool, wherein the navigation tool enables hourly analysis based on at least one of activity, target and user who has contributed time for the activity.

17. The computer program according to any of claims 9 - 16, wherein the computer program is embodied on a computer-readable medium.