| 摘要 |
An electronic rescheduler for promptly and efficiently rescheduling appointments in a two part procedure. In the first step, there is an initial selection of one or more different time periods or "options" during which a new, replacement appointment would be desired; and, in response, the electronic rescheduler reports a listing of free time slots that are available within the selected "options". In the second, and final step, on of the reported free time slots is chosen for the new appointment, and is entered into the rescheduler to complete the rescheduling operation. A number of such "options" are made available, including "morning" or "afternoon" appointments, the "earliest" available time, and others. For office use, the electronic rescheduler can be configured as a desk top unit positioned alongside a telephone, and coupled to the phone. It may include a display screen, printer, and audible announcer, for voice response over the phone; as well as a keyboard for the various entries and selections. Appointments can be rescheduled promptly in either a semi-automatic or fully automatic manner, by direct interaction with the rescheduler by a person, or by remotely controlled operation over the telephone. A more simplified interactive telephone operation is also provided, to permit a caller to operate the electronic rescheduler over the telephone in an automatic manner.
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