Patent Publication Number: US-9418348-B2

Title: Automatic task assignment system

Description:
FIELD 
     One embodiment is directed to a computer system, and more particularly, to a computer system that displays data. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In project planning, tasks are usually planned to keep all resources (such as human resources or mechanical resources) fully utilized, meaning that the resources have minimal or no idle periods. However, the following situations commonly arise during the execution of a project: (1) a task gets blocked because of outside factors, rendering a resource idle; (2) a task gets delayed, resulting in blockage of a successor dependent task, and resulting in a resource for the dependent task becoming idle; (3) a resource finishes its task early, but is not able to start the next task because of a dependency or constraint, resulting in the resource becoming idle; or (4) a resource has an idle period which could not be fulfilled at planning time. On the other hand, in almost every project in every industry or domain, there are tasks which have the following attributes: (1) low priority; (2) capable of being started and stopped multiple times; (3) high time-flexibility; (4) generic (i.e., not requiring a specific skill); and (5) capable of being done by more than one resource in parallel. 
     SUMMARY 
     One embodiment is a system that automatically assigns tasks to resources. The system receives a notification that a resource is about to enter an idle period or has entered the idle period. The system further automatically assigns a filler task or a portion of the filler task to the resource, where the filler task is a task that can be split into multiple portions. The system further receives a notification that the resource is about to exit the idle period or has exited the idle period. The system further automatically un-assigns the filler task or a remaining portion of the filler task from the resource. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Further embodiments, details, advantages, and modifications will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which is to be taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a block diagram of a system that can implement an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an assignment of a filler task to a resource when a scheduled task is blocked due to a delay in a predecessor task, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an assignment of a filler task to a resource when a scheduled task is blocked due to a delay in a predecessor task, according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a un-assignment of a filler task from a resource when a scheduled task is assigned, or about to be assigned, to the resource, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an assignment of a filler task to a resource when a scheduled task is blocked due to an outside factor, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a un-assignment of a filler task from a resource when a scheduled task is unblocked due to a removal or reversal an outside factor which blocked the scheduled task, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an assignment of a filler task to a resource when a scheduled task is completed early, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a flow diagram of the functionality of an automatic task assignment module, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     According to an embodiment, an automatic task assignment system is provided. The automatic task assignment system can automatically assign a portion of (or an entire) filler task to a resource that becomes idle, during the length of an idle period of the resource, in response to a notification received by the automatic task assignment system indicating that the resource has become idle. A “filler task” is a task that is identified as being capable of being split into multiple portions. Further, a “filler task” can, optionally, be a task that is also identified as: (1) having a low priority; (2) having a high time-flexibility; and (3) being capable of being started and stopped multiple times. The automatic task assignment system can also automatically un-assign an unfinished portion of the filler task in response to a notification received by the automatic task assignment system indicating an end of the idle period of the resource. By “automatically” assigning or un-assigning filler tasks to resources, the automatic task assignment system can assign or un-assign filler tasks to resources without any interaction from a user of the automatic task assignment system, such as a project manager, a resource, or a resource owner. The automatic task assignment system can further display available filler tasks within a task management user interface, where the filler tasks are differentiated from scheduled tasks by displaying the filler tasks in a designated region of the task management user interface. The automatic task assignment system can further allow the conversion of a scheduled task into a filler task, and vice versa. The automatic task assignment system can also optionally take into consideration a maximum parallelism level of the filler task (i.e., a maximum number of resources that can work on the filler task in parallel) in assigning filler tasks to resources. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a block diagram of a system  10  that can implement one embodiment of the invention. System  10  includes a bus  12  or other communications mechanism for communicating information between components of system  10 . System  10  also includes a processor  22 , operatively coupled to bus  12 , for processing information and executing instructions or operations. Processor  22  may be any type of general or specific purpose processor. System  10  further includes a memory  14  for storing information and instructions to be executed by processor  22 . Memory  14  can be comprised of any combination of random access memory (“RAM”), read only memory (“ROM”), static storage such as a magnetic or optical disk, or any other type of machine or computer-readable medium. System  10  further includes a communication device  20 , such as a network interface card or other communications interface, to provide access to a network. As a result, a user may interface with system  10  directly, or remotely through a network or any other method. 
     A computer-readable medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by processor  22 . A computer-readable medium may include both a volatile and nonvolatile medium, a removable and non-removable medium, a communication medium, and a storage medium. A communication medium may include computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and may include any other form of information delivery medium known in the art. A storage medium may include RAM, flash memory, ROM, erasable programmable read-only memory (“EPROM”), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (“EEPROM”), registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a compact disk read-only memory (“CD-ROM”), or any other form of storage medium known in the art. 
     Processor  22  can also be operatively coupled via bus  12  to a display  24 , such as a Liquid Crystal Display (“LCD”). Display  24  can display information to the user. A keyboard  26  and a cursor control device  28 , such as a computer mouse, can also be operatively coupled to bus  12  to enable the user to interface with system  10 . 
     According to one embodiment, memory  14  can store software modules that may provide functionality when executed by processor  22 . The modules can include an operating system  15 , an automatic task assignment module  16 , as well as other functional modules  18 . Operating system  15  can provide an operating system functionality for system  10 . Automatic task assignment module  16  can provide functionality for automatically assigning tasks to resources, as further disclosed below. In certain embodiments, automatic task assignment module  16  can comprise a plurality of modules, where each module provides specific individual functionality for automatically assigning tasks to resources. System  10  can also be part of a larger system. Thus, system  10  can include one or more additional functional modules  18  to include the additional functionality. For example, functional modules  18  may include modules that provide additional functionality, such as functionality of a “Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management” by Oracle Corporation. 
     Processor  22  can also be operatively coupled via bus  12  to a database  34 . Database  34  can store data in an integrated collection of logically-related records or files. Database  34  can be an operational database, an analytical database, a data warehouse, a distributed database, an end-user database, an external database, a navigational database, an in-memory database, a document-oriented database, a real-time database, a relational database, an object-oriented database, or any other database known in the art. 
     As previously described, while tasks are usually scheduled to keep all resources fully utilized, situations can arise that render a resource idle. In these situations, there can be a need for assigning some other task to the idle resource to utilize the idle period. Also, implicitly, there can be a need for un-assigning the “other” task from the resource when a regularly scheduled task can be resumed. Further, as also previously described, there are tasks which are low-priority, capable of being started and stopped multiple times, and have high time-flexibility. There can also be a need to demarcate these tasks, because they can be utilized for fulfilling otherwise un-utilized time for resources. 
     Currently, in relevant industries, when a resource becomes idle, one of the following actions can happen. A project manager can intervene to manually assign a different task to the resource, and can manually un-assign the different task from the resource when a regularly planned task is ready to resume. Alternatively, a resource itself, or a resource owner (such as a machine operator, when the resource is a machine) can manually select a different task to work on. However, these options are ad-hoc, manual, and rely heavily on the efficiency and effectiveness of the project manager, resource, or resource owner, for their success. Further, if scenarios where resources become idle arise frequently, this requires the project manager, resource, or resource owner to intervene frequently to make manual adjustments. The process can become laborious, error-prone, and almost humanly impossible for a large and complex project with frequent resource idle periods. 
     As an alternative action in response to a resource becoming idle, an automated scheduling process can be re-executed with updated data regarding the progress of all tasks to manipulate dates and/or resource assignments of all remaining incomplete or non-started tasks, so that the idle resource is assigned a new task. However, re-executing the automated scheduling process can potentially modify dates and resource assignments of a large number of tasks to solve a small and localized problem, such as a delay, early finish, or blockage of a single task. In other words, the action can create a significant disruption in the entire project plan in order to solve a small problem. Further, an automated scheduling process usually does not recognize whether a task can be split, and usually tries to schedule all the tasks in their entirety. As a result, after modifying dates and resource assignments for a large number of tasks, and creating a significant disruption in the project plan, the project plan may still have idle slots for resources. Alternatively, if the automated scheduling process is capable of splitting a task, it usually is not capable of recognizing whether splitting the task will decrease the efficiency of the task. As a result, the automated scheduling process can potentially split every task, irrespective of whether it is desirable to split the task, and whether splitting the task will reduce the efficiency of the project plan. 
     In light of the potential side effects associated with modifying dates and resource assignments, there is a need for an automatic task assignment system to automatically make localized adjustments to a project plan whenever a resource is about to enter into an idle period or has already entered an idle period. In addition, when a resource is able to start an earlier-planned task, there is also a need for the automatic task assignment system to automatically make “reverse” adjustments, as necessary. 
     According to an embodiment, an automatic task assignment system can utilize an event-based mechanism to automatically select filler tasks, automatically assign selected filler tasks to idle resources, un-assign the selected filler tasks from resources that are no longer idle, and re-assign pre-defined scheduled tasks to the resources that are no longer idle. As described below in greater detail, the event-based mechanism can involve the detection of start-trigger conditions and stop-trigger conditions. Upon detection of either a start-trigger condition or a stop-trigger condition, an event notification can be sent to the automatic task assignment system. In response to receiving the event notification, the automatic task assignment system can automatically assign a filler task to a resource, or automatically un-assign a filler task from a resource. The automatic task assignment system can subsequently send a message to a project manager, a resource, a resource manager, or a combination therein, where the message indicates that a filler task is either being assigned to the resource or un-assigned from the resource. The message can take the form of an automated e-mail message, automated text message, or some other sort of electronic message that can be automatically sent by the automatic task assignment system. 
     As previously described, a filler task is a task that is identified as being capable of being split into multiple portions. Further, a filler task is typically a task that is identified as having a low priority, having a high time-flexibility, and being capable of being started and stopped multiple times. Thus, a filler task is a task that is not identified as a critical task. A filler task can also be identified as a low-priority multi-start-stop-able time-flexible task (“LMTT”). In a construction industry, an example of a filler task is a task of laying out concrete slabs, because this is a task that can be split into multiple portions, and can be performed incrementally by multiple resources. 
     Initially, according to an embodiment, the automatic task assignment system can assist a user in defining one or more tasks of a project plan as filler tasks. Based on one or more pre-defined thresholds, the automatic task assignment system can identify one or more tasks as potential filler tasks, and suggest to the user that the suggested task be defined as filler task. Examples of pre-defined thresholds can include a priority threshold that can be used to determine whether a task has a low priority, and can also include a time-flexibility threshold that can be used to determine whether a task has a high time-flexibility (i.e., whether a task has a high float time, or difference between an earliest date and/or time and a latest date and/or time when a task can be scheduled to start or finish). A user can either accept or reject a suggestion by the automatic task assignment system. If the user accepts the suggestion, the suggested task is defined as a filler task. A user can also manually define any task to be either a filler task or a scheduled task. A scheduled task is a task that is scheduled for a specific time and/or date. In contrast, a filler task is not scheduled for a specific time and/or date. 
     In certain embodiments, one or more system configuration parameters can optionally be made available to the user for fine tuning the thresholds used to identify tasks as potential filler tasks. The user can then configure the system configuration parameters based on user preferences. For example, a user can configure a priority threshold, where any task with a priority greater than or equal to the priority threshold is not suggested as a potential filler task by the system. As another example, a user can configure a time-flexibility threshold, where any task with a time-flexibility less than or equal to the time-flexibility threshold is not suggested as a potential filler task by the system. 
     Once all the tasks of a project plan have either been defined as a filler task or a scheduled task, the automatic task assignment system can visually display the filler tasks, scheduled tasks, and project plan within a user interface. The automatic task assignment system can display all filler tasks within a region (identified as a “filler tasks region”) that is separate from a region that includes the project plan and the scheduled tasks. In some embodiments, a user can scroll along a time axis within the region that includes the project plan, and the display of the filler tasks region can remain fixed within the user interface while the user scrolls. According to an embodiment, the scheduled tasks can be displayed with the project plan based on their scheduled dates and/or times. In contrast, because the filler tasks are not scheduled on any specific date and/or times, the filler tasks can be displayed within the filler task region rather than the region that includes the project plan, where the filler tasks can be displayed in a sorted order based on the priority of the filler tasks (e.g., filler tasks with higher priority can be displayed higher within the filler tasks region, and filler tasks with lower priority can be displayed lower within the filler tasks region). In certain embodiments, a duration (or effort) of a filler task can also be displayed within the user interface. Further, in certain embodiments, a filler task can include: a parallelism level (i.e., a maximum number of resources that the filler task can be assigned to in parallel), a minimum split duration (i.e., a condition that the filler task cannot be split into a portion whose duration is smaller than a minimum split duration), a skill matching requirement, or an intrinsic dependency and/or constraint. In these embodiments, the parallelism level, minimum split duration, skill matching requirement, or intrinsic dependency and/or constraint can also be displayed within the user interface. In alternate embodiments, filler tasks may not be displayed within the user interface at all, except when the filler tasks are assigned to idle resources, either in part or as a whole. 
     According to an embodiment, if a scheduled task that is displayed within the project plan is subsequently defined as a filler task, the newly-defined filler task can be removed from the project plan and displayed within the filler tasks region. Similarly, if a filler task that is displayed within a filler tasks region subsequently gets defined as a scheduled task, the newly-defined scheduled task can be removed from the filler tasks region and displayed within the project plan. 
     In accordance with an embodiment, the automatic task assignment system can determine that a resource is about to enter an idle period (i.e., a period of time where no tasks are assigned to the resource), or has entered an idle period. The phrase “about to” refers to a scenario where a resource has not yet entered an idle period, but will enter an idle period after a duration that is within a pre-defined threshold (such as within 5 seconds, within 2 hours, or some other duration). In an embodiment, the automatic task assignment system can determine that a resource is about to enter an idle period, or has entered an idle period, by receiving a notification event that is triggered in response to a detection of a start-trigger condition. A “start-trigger condition” is a condition that defines a start of an idle period for a resource. Examples of start-trigger conditions include, but are not limited to: (a) a resource&#39;s current task becoming blocked; (b) a resource being scheduled to start on a successor task that is blocked; (c) a resource finishing a scheduled task early, and not being able to start a successor scheduled task; or (d) a resource entering a planned idle period, or being about to enter a planned idle period. Such example start-trigger conditions are further described in greater detail in conjunction with  FIGS. 2-7 . 
     Once the automatic task assignment system determines that a resource is about to enter an idle period, or has entered an idle period, the automatic task assignment system can fill the idle period (or at least a portion of the idle period) by automatically assigning a filler task, or a portion of the filler task, to the resource. When there are one or more filler tasks that can be assigned to the resource at that time, the automatic task assignment system can select a filler task from the one or more filler tasks and assign the selected filler task to the resource. In an embodiment, the automatic task assignment system can consider one or more of the following factors in selecting a filler task from the one or more tasks: (a) relative priority between filler tasks (e.g., filler task with highest priority is assigned first); (b) intrinsic dependency and/or constraint for a filler task (if specified) must be satisfied; (c) parallelism level of a filler task (if specified) must be satisfied (i.e., filler task should not be assigned to a number of resources in parallel that exceeds parallelism level); (d) minimum split duration of a filler task (if specified) must be satisfied (i.e., filler task should not be split into portions with durations less than minimum split duration); or (e) skill matching requirement (if specified) must be satisfied. Example filler task assignments are further described below in greater detail in conjunction with  FIGS. 2-7 . 
     Further, the automatic task assignment system can identify a duration of the idle period. If a duration of the selected filler task is less than or equal to the duration of the idle period, the automatic task assignment system can assign the entire filler task to the resource. However, if a duration of the selected filler task is greater than the duration of the idle period, the automatic task assignment system can divide the filler task into a first portion and a second portion, where a duration of the first portion of the filler task is equal to the duration of the idle period. The automatic task assignment system can then assign the first portion of the filler task to the resource. 
     In accordance with an embodiment, the automatic task assignment system can subsequently determine that the resource is about to exit the idle period (where the filler task is not taken into consideration when determining whether the resource is within the idle period) or has exited the idle period. In an embodiment, the automatic task assignment system can determine that a resource is about to exit an idle period, or has exited an idle period, by receiving a notification event that is triggered in response to a detection of a stop-trigger condition. A “stop-trigger condition” is a condition that defines an end of an idle period for a resource. Examples of stop-trigger conditions include, but are not limited to: (a) the resource&#39;s current scheduled task becoming unblocked; (b) the resource&#39;s successor scheduled task becoming unblocked when the resource has completed the current scheduled task; or (c) a start date and/or time for the resource&#39;s successor scheduled task being reached or about to be reached. Such example stop-trigger conditions are further described in greater detail in conjunction with  FIGS. 2-7 . 
     Once the automatic task assignment system determines that a resource is about to exit an idle period, or has exited an idle period, the automatic task assignment system can automatically un-assign the filler task, or the portion of the filler task, from the resource. If the resource did not complete the filler task, the automatic task assignment system can define a remaining portion of the filler task as an available filler task, where the automatic task assignment system can subsequently select the remaining portion of the filler task and assign it to another resource that enters or is about to enter another idle period. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an assignment of a filler task to a resource when a scheduled task is blocked due to a delay in a predecessor task, according to an embodiment of the invention. More specifically,  FIG. 2  illustrates a project plan  201  displayed by an automatic task assignment system, such as system  10  of  FIG. 1 . Project plan  201  includes scheduled tasks T 1 , T 2 , and T 3  which are displayed within a timeline, where scheduled task T 1  is assigned to resource Matt, and where scheduled tasks T 2  and T 3  are assigned to resource Dona. Scheduled task T 3  has a finish-to-start dependency on scheduled task T 1  (illustrated in project plan  201  of  FIG. 2  by an arrow connecting scheduled tasks T 1  and T 3 ), where scheduled task T 3  cannot be started until scheduled task T 1  is finished. 
     Arrow  210  indicates an update received-by date of Oct. 21, 2013, where the update received-by date indicates a date by which all progress updates, or notifications, have been received by the automatic task assignment system. In other words, all progress updates, or notifications, sent on dates up to and including Oct. 21, 2013 have been received by the automatic task assignment system. The hatched portions of scheduled tasks T 1  and T 2  indicate completed portions of scheduled tasks T 1  and T 2  as of Oct. 21, 2013. Thus, for scheduled tasks T 1  and T 2 , a portion of each scheduled task with a duration of 1 day has been completed. In other words, the completion of scheduled tasks T 1  and T 2  is according to schedule. Project plan  201  further includes filler tasks F 1  and F 2 , where filler tasks F 1  and F 2  are displayed within a filler task region  211 . Filler task F 1  has a duration of 5 days, and filler task F 2  has a duration of 3 days. Further, filler task F 1  has a higher priority than filler task F 2 , and thus, filler task F 1  is displayed above filler task F 2  within filler task region  211 . 
     Further,  FIG. 2  illustrates project plan  202  displayed by the automatic task assignment system. Within project plan  202 , arrow  220  indicates an update received-by date of Oct. 22, 2013. For scheduled task T 1 , a portion of the scheduled task with a duration of 1.5 days has been completed, and, for scheduled task T 2 , a portion of the scheduled task with a duration of 2 days has been completed. Thus, the completion of scheduled task T 1  is 0.5 days behind schedule, and the completion of scheduled task T 2  is according to schedule. As illustrated in project plan  202  of  FIG. 2 , a dashed extension rectangle at the end of scheduled task T 1  indicates a new expected finish date of Oct. 24, 2013 (mid-day), which is 0.5 days after a planned finish date of Oct. 23, 2013 (end-of-day). Filler tasks F 1  and F 2  displayed within filler tasks region  221  are unchanged from filler tasks F 1  and F 2  displayed within filler task region  211  of project plan  201 . 
       FIG. 2  also illustrates project plan  203  displayed by the automatic task assignment system. Within project plan  203 , arrow  230  indicates an update received-by date of Oct. 23, 2013. For scheduled task T 1 , a portion of the scheduled task with a duration of 2 days has been completed, and, for scheduled task T 2 , the entire scheduled task has been completed. Thus, the completion of scheduled task T 1  is 1 day behind schedule, and scheduled task T 2  has been completed according to schedule. As illustrated in project plan  203  of  FIG. 2 , a dashed extension rectangle at the end of scheduled task T 1  indicates a new expected finish date of Oct. 24, 2013 (end-of-day), which is 1 day after a planned finish date of Oct. 23, 2013 (end-of-day). 
     While Dona has completed scheduled task T 2 , Dona cannot start scheduled task T 3  because scheduled Task T 3  has a finish-to-start dependency on scheduled task T 1 , and Matt has been delayed in completing scheduled task T 1 . Thus, scheduled task T 3  is blocked due to a delay in scheduled task T 1 , which is a predecessor task of scheduled task T 3 , and Dona has entered (or is about to enter) an idle period with a duration of 1 day. In response to Dona entering (or being about to enter) an idle period, the automatic task assignment system automatically detects a “start-trigger” condition, splits filler task F 1  into filler task F 1 . 1  with a duration of 1 day and filler task F 1  with a duration of 4 days, and then automatically assigns filler task F 1 . 1  to Dona. The automatic task assignment system further sends a message to Dona informing Dona of the filler task assignment. Thus, the automatic task assignment system displays filler task F 1 . 1  within the timeline, and displays an unassigned portion of filler task F 1  within filler tasks region  231 . Filler task F 2 , which is also displayed within filler tasks region  231 , is unchanged from filler task F 2  displayed within filler task region  221  of project plan  202 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an assignment of a filler task to a resource when a scheduled task is blocked due to a delay in a predecessor task, according to another embodiment of the invention. More specifically,  FIG. 3  illustrates a project plan  204  displayed by an automatic task assignment system, such as system  10  of  FIG. 1 . Within project plan  204 , arrow  240  indicates an update received-by date of Oct. 24, 2013. For scheduled task T 1 , a portion of the scheduled task with a duration of 2.5 days has been completed, for scheduled task T 2 , the entire scheduled task has been completed, and for filler task F 1 . 1 , the entire portion of the filler task has been completed. Thus, the completion of scheduled task T 1  is 1.5 days behind schedule, scheduled task T 2  has been completed according to schedule, and filler task F 1 . 1  has been completed according to schedule. As illustrated in project plan  204  of  FIG. 3 , a dashed extension rectangle at the end of scheduled task T 1  indicates a new expected finish date of Oct. 25, 2013 (mid-day), which is 1.5 days after a planned finish date of Oct. 23, 2013 (end-of-day). 
     As illustrated in project plan  204  of  FIG. 3 , Dona has completed filler task F 1 . 1 . However, Dona still cannot start scheduled task T 3  because scheduled Task T 3  has a finish-to-start dependency on scheduled task T 1 , and Matt has continued to be delayed in completing scheduled task T 1 . Thus, scheduled task T 3  remains blocked due to a delay in scheduled task T 1 , which is a predecessor task of scheduled task T 3 , and Dona has entered (or is about to enter) a new idle period with a duration of 0.5 days. In response to Dona entering (or being about to enter) an idle period, the automatic task assignment system automatically detects a “start-trigger” condition, splits the unassigned portion of filler task F 1 , with a duration of 4 days, into two portions: a first portion with a duration of 0.5 days, and the second portion with a duration of 3.5 days. The automatic task assignment system appends the first portion with a duration of 0.5 days to filler task F 1 . 1 , keeps filler task F 1  with a duration of 3.5 days unassigned, and automatically assigns the appended portion of filler task F 1 . 1  to Dona. The automatic task assignment system further sends a message to Dona informing Dona of the extended, or appended, filler task assignment. Thus, the automatic task assignment system displays extended, or appended, filler task F 1 . 1  within the timeline, and displays the unassigned portion of filler task F 1  within filler tasks region  241 . Filler task F 2 , which is also displayed within filler tasks region  241 , is unchanged from filler task F 2  displayed within filler task region  231  of project plan  203 . 
     Further,  FIG. 3  illustrates project plan  205  displayed by the automatic task assignment system. As illustrated in project plan  205 , Matt has completed scheduled task T 1 . Further, Dona has completed filler task F 1 . 1 . Because scheduled task T 1  has been completed, Dona begins to work on scheduled task T 3 . Matt does not have any remaining assigned scheduled tasks. 
     Further, within project plan  205 , arrow  250  indicates an update received-by date of Oct. 25, 2013. For scheduled task T 1 , the entire scheduled task has been completed, for scheduled task T 2 , the entire scheduled task has been completed, for scheduled task T 3 , a portion of the scheduled task with a duration of 0.5 days has been completed, and for filler task F 1 . 1 , the entire portion has been completed. Thus, scheduled task T 1  has been completed 1.5 days behind schedule, scheduled task T 2  has been completed according to schedule, scheduled task T 3  has been started 1.5 days behind schedule, and filler task F 1 . 1  has been completed according to schedule. As illustrated in project plan  205  of  FIG. 3 , a dashed extension rectangle at the end of scheduled task T 3  indicates a new expected finish date of Oct. 30, 2013 (mid-day), which is 1.5 days after a planned finish date of Oct. 28, 2013 (end-of-day). 
     As previously described and illustrated in project plan  205  of  FIG. 3 , Dona has completed filler task F 1 . 1 . Because Matt has finished scheduled task T 1 , Dona can begin scheduled task T 3 . Because Dona can begin scheduled task T 3 , Dona has exited, or is about to exit, an idle period. In response to Dona exiting (or being about to exit) an idle period, the automatic task assignment system automatically un-assigns filler task F 1  from Dona. The automatic task assignment system also assigns scheduled task T 3  to Dona. The automatic task assignment system further sends a message to Dona informing Dona of the filler task un-assignment, and the new assignment of scheduled task T 3 . Dona then begins work on scheduled task T 3 . Further, Matt has no assigned scheduled tasks, and, thus, Matt has entered (or is about to enter) a new idle period with an indefinite duration. In response to Matt entering (or being about to enter) an idle period, the automatic task assignment system detects a “start trigger” condition, and automatically assigns filler task F 1  to Matt by converting filler task F 1  to filler task F 1 . 2  and by assigning filler task F 1 . 2  to Matt. The automatic task assignment system further sends a message to Matt informing Matt of the filler task assignment. Thus, the automatic task assignment system displays filler task F 1 . 2  within the timeline, and no longer displays filler task F 1  within filler tasks region  251 . Filler task F 2 , which is also displayed within filler tasks region  251 , is unchanged from filler task F 2  displayed within filler task region  241  of project plan  204 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a un-assignment of a filler task from a resource when a scheduled task is assigned, or about to be assigned, to the resource, according to another embodiment of the invention. More specifically,  FIG. 4  illustrates a project plan  206  displayed by an automatic task assignment system. Within project plan  206 , arrow  260  indicates an update received-by date of Oct. 28, 2013. For scheduled task T 1 , the entire scheduled task has been completed. For scheduled task T 2 , the entire scheduled task has been completed. For scheduled task T 3 , a portion of the scheduled task with a duration of 1.5 days has been completed. For filler task F 1 . 1 , the entire portion of the filler task has been completed. For filler task F 1 . 2 , a portion of the filler task with a duration of 1 day has been completed. Thus, scheduled task T 1  has been completed 1.5 days behind schedule, scheduled task T 2  has been completed according to schedule, the completion of scheduled task T 3  is 1.5 days behind schedule, filler task F 1 . 1  has been completed according to schedule, and the completion of filler task F. 1 . 2  is according to schedule. As illustrated in project plan  206  of  FIG. 4 , a dashed extension rectangle at the end of scheduled task T 3  indicates an expected finish date of Oct. 30, 2013 (mid-day), which is 1.5 days after a planned finish date of Oct. 28, 2013 (end-of-day). Because Dona still has work to complete for scheduled task T 3 , and because Matt still have work to complete for filler task F 1 . 2 , the automatic task assignment system is not required to assign any filler tasks to Dona and Matt. Filler task F 2 , which is displayed within filler tasks region  261 , is unchanged from filler task F 2  displayed within filler task region  251  of project plan  205 . 
     In addition,  FIG. 4  illustrates project plan  207  displayed by the automatic task assignment system. As illustrated in project plan  207  of  FIG. 4 , Dona continues to work on scheduled task T 3 , completing an additional day&#39;s worth of work. Additionally, Matt continues to work on filler task F 1 . 2 , completing an additional 0.5 days&#39; worth of work, with a delay of 0.5 days. However, as illustrated in project plan  207  of  FIG. 4 , Matt receives a scheduled task T 4 , which has a higher priority than filler task F 1 . 
     Further, within project plan  207 , arrow  270  indicates an update received-by date of Oct. 29, 2013. For scheduled task T 1 , the entire scheduled task has been completed. For scheduled task T 2 , the entire scheduled task has been completed. For scheduled task T 3 , a portion of the scheduled task with a duration of 2.5 days has been completed. For filler task F 1 . 1 , the entire portion of the filler task has been completed. For filler task F 1 . 2 , a portion of the filler task with a duration of 1.5 days has been completed. Thus, scheduled task T 1  has been completed 1.5 days behind schedule, scheduled task T 2  has been completed according to schedule, the completion of scheduled task T 3  is 1.5 days behind schedule, filler task F 1 . 1  has been completed according to schedule, and the completion of filler task F. 1 . 2  is 0.5 days behind schedule. As illustrated in project plan  207  of  FIG. 4 , a dashed extension rectangle at the end of scheduled task T 3  indicates an expected finish date of Oct. 30, 2013 (mid-day), which is 1.5 days after a planned finish date of Oct. 28, 2013 (end-of-day). Further, as also illustrated in project plan  207  of  FIG. 4 , a dashed extension rectangle at the end of filler task F 1 . 2  indicates that filler task F 1 . 2  was delayed by 0.5 days. 
     As illustrated in project plan  207  of  FIG. 4 , Matt receives a scheduled task T 4 , which has a higher priority than filler task F 1 , where scheduled task T 4  is scheduled to start on Oct. 30, 2013. Because Matt has a received a scheduled task, Matt has exited, or is about to exit, an idle period. In response to Matt exiting (or being about to exit) an idle period, the automatic task assignment system automatically un-assigns an unfinished portion of filler task F 1 . 2  from Matt by converting the unfinished portion of filler task F 1 . 2 , with a duration of 2 days, to filler task F 1  and defining filler task F 1  as an available filler task. The automatic task assignment system also assigns scheduled task T 4  to Matt. The automatic task assignment system further sends a message to Matt informing Matt of the filler task un-assignment, and the new assignment of scheduled task T 4 . Thus, the automatic task assignment system displays filler task F 1  within filler tasks region  271 . Filler task F 2 , which is also displayed within filler tasks region  271 , is unchanged from filler task F 2  displayed within filler task region  261  of project plan  206 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an assignment of a filler task to a resource when a scheduled task is blocked due to an outside factor, according to an embodiment of the invention. More specifically,  FIG. 5  illustrates a project plan  501  displayed by an automatic task assignment system, such as system  10  of  FIG. 1 . Project plan  501  includes scheduled tasks T 1  and T 2 , which are displayed within a timeline, where scheduled tasks T 1  and T 2  are both assigned to resource Matt. Scheduled task T 2  has a start-on-or-after date constraint (illustrated in project plan  501  of  FIG. 5  by a right-pointing triangle on the left edge of scheduled task T 2 ), where scheduled task T 2  can only be started on or after Oct. 24, 2013. 
     Arrow  510  indicates an update received-by date of Oct. 21, 2013, where the notification complete-by date indicates a date by which all progress updates, or notifications, have been received by the automatic task assignment system. In other words, all progress updates, or notifications, sent on dates up to and including Oct. 21, 2013 have been received by the automatic task assignment system. The hatched portions of scheduled task T 1  indicates a completed portion of scheduled task T 1  as of Oct. 21, 2013. Thus, for scheduled task T 1 , a portion of the scheduled task with a duration of 1 day has been completed. In other words, the completion of scheduled task T 1  is according to schedule. Project plan  501  further includes filler tasks F 1  and F 2 , where filler tasks F 1  and F 2  are displayed within a filler task region  511 . Filler task F 1  has a duration of 4 days, and filler task F 2  has a duration of 3 days. Further, filler task F 1  has a higher priority than filler task F 2 , and thus, filler task F 1  is displayed above filler task F 2  within filler task region  511 . 
     Further,  FIG. 5  illustrates project plan  502  displayed by the automatic task assignment system. As illustrated in project plan  502  of  FIG. 5 , Matt works on scheduled task T 1  for 0.5 days and then reports that scheduled task T 1  has become blocked due to an outside factor (such as a machine used to perform the task breaking down). In response, the automatic task assignment system assigns filler task F 1  to Matt. The automatic task assignment system cannot assign scheduled task T 2  to Matt because it is only Oct. 22, 2013, and scheduled task T 2  cannot be started until Oct. 24, 2013 or after. 
     Further, within project plan  502 , arrow  520  indicates a notification complete-by date of Oct. 22, 2013 (mid-day). For scheduled task T 1 , a portion of the scheduled task with a duration of 1.5 days has been completed, and for filler task F 1 . 1 , a portion of the filler task with a duration of 0.5 days has been completed. 
     As previously described and illustrated in project plan  502  of  FIG. 5 , while Matt works on scheduled task T 1  for 1.5 days, Matt cannot continue to work on scheduled task T 1  because scheduled task T 1  becomes blocked due to an outside factor (such as a machine used to perform the task breaking down). Thus, scheduled task T 1  is blocked due to an outside factor, and Matt has entered (or is about to enter) an idle period with a duration of 1.5 days. In response to Matt entering (or being about to enter) an idle period, the automatic task assignment system splits filler task F 1  into filler task F 1 . 1  with a duration of 1.5 days and filler task F 1  with a duration of 2.5 days, and automatically assigns filler task F 1 . 1  to Matt. The automatic task assignment system further sends a message to Matt informing Matt of the filler task assignment. Thus, the automatic task assignment system displays filler task F 1 . 1  within the timeline, and displays filler task F 1  within filler tasks region  521 . Filler task F 2 , which is also displayed within filler tasks region  521 , is unchanged from filler task F 2  displayed within filler task region  511  of project plan  501 . 
     In addition,  FIG. 5  illustrates project plan  503  displayed by the automatic task assignment system. As illustrated in project plan  503 , Matt works on filler task F 1 . 1  for 0.5 days. Within project plan  503 , arrow  530  indicates an update received-by date of Oct. 22, 2013. For scheduled task T 1 , a portion of the scheduled task with a duration of 1.5 days has been completed, and for filler task F 1 . 1 , a portion of the filler task with a duration of 0.5 days has been completed. Thus, the completion of scheduled task T 1  is 0.5 days behind schedule, and the completion of filler task F. 1 . 1  is according to schedule. As illustrated in project plan  503  of  FIG. 5 , a dashed extension rectangle at the end of scheduled task T 1  indicates an expected finish date of Oct. 24, 2013 (mid-day), which is 0.5 days after a planned finish date of Oct. 23, 2013 (end-of-day), under an assumption that scheduled task T 1  is unblocked right away. However, one of ordinary skill in the art would readily appreciate that, if scheduled task T 1  is not unblocked right away, a finish date of scheduled task T 1  will be further delayed accordingly. Filler tasks F 1  and F 2 , which are displayed within filler tasks region  531 , are unchanged from filler tasks F 1  and F 2  displayed within filler task region  521  of project plan  502 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a un-assignment of a filler task from a resource when a scheduled task is unblocked due to a removal or reversal of an outside factor which blocked the scheduled task, according to an embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 6  illustrates project plan  504  displayed by the automatic task assignment system, such as system  10  of  FIG. 1 . As illustrated in project plan  504  of  FIG. 6 , Matt works on filler task F 1 . 1  for 0.5 days and then reports that scheduled task T 1  has become unblocked. In response, the automatic task assignment system us-assigns a remaining portion of filler task F 1  from Matt and re-assigns scheduled task T 1  back to Matt. 
     Further, within project plan  504 , arrow  540  indicates an update received-by date of Oct. 23, 2013 (mid-day). For scheduled task T 1 , a portion of the scheduled task with a duration of 1.5 days has been completed, and for filler task F 1 . 1 , a portion of the filler task with a duration of 1 day has been completed. Thus, the completion of scheduled task T 1  is 1 day behind schedule, and filler task F 1 . 1  has been completed according to schedule. As illustrated in project plan  504  of  FIG. 6 , a dashed extension rectangle at the end of scheduled task T 1  indicates an expected finish date of Oct. 24, 2013 (end-of-day), which is 1 day after a planned finish date of Oct. 23, 2013 (end-of-day). 
     As also illustrated in project plan  504  of  FIG. 6 , scheduled task T 1  becomes unblocked. Because scheduled task T 1  has become unblocked, Matt has exited, or is about to exit, an idle period. In response to Matt exiting (or being about to exit) an idle period, the automatic task assignment system automatically un-assigns filler task F 1  from Matt by splitting off an unfinished portion of filler task F 1 . 1 , adding back the unfinished portion of filler task F 1 . 1  to filler task F 1  and defining filler task F 1 , with a duration of 3 days, as an available filler task. The automatic task assignment system also re-assigns scheduled task T 1  back to Matt. The automatic task assignment system further sends a message to Matt informing Matt of the filler task un-assignment, and the re-assignment of scheduled task T 1 . Thus, the automatic task assignment system displays filler task F 1  within filler tasks region  541 . Filler task F 2 , which is also displayed within filler tasks region  541 , is unchanged from filler task F 2  displayed within filler task region  531  of project plan  503 . 
     Further,  FIG. 6  illustrates project plan  505  displayed by the automatic task assignment system. As illustrated in project plan  505 , Matt works on scheduled task T 1  for 0.5 days after scheduled task T 1  is re-assigned to Matt. Within project plan  505 , arrow  550  indicates an update received-by date of Oct. 23, 2013. For scheduled task T 1 , a portion of the scheduled task with a total duration of 2 days has been completed, and for filler task F 1 . 1 , the filler task, with a portion of 1 day, has been completed. Thus, the completion of scheduled task T 1  is 1 day behind schedule, and the completion of filler task F. 1 . 1  is according to schedule. Filler tasks F 1  and F 2 , which are displayed within filler tasks region  551 , are unchanged from filler tasks F 1  and F 2  displayed within filler task region  541  of project plan  504 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an assignment of a filler task to a resource when a scheduled task is completed early, according to an embodiment of the invention. More specifically,  FIG. 7  illustrates a project plan  701  displayed by an automatic task assignment system, such as system  10  of  FIG. 1 . Project plan  701  includes scheduled tasks T 1  and T 2 , which are displayed within a timeline, where scheduled tasks T 1  and T 2  are both assigned to resource Matt. Scheduled task T 2  has a start-on-or-after date constraint (illustrated in project plan  701  of  FIG. 7  by a right-pointing triangle on the left edge of scheduled task T 2 ), where scheduled task T 2  can only be started on or after Oct. 24, 2013. 
     Arrow  710  indicates an update received-by date of Oct. 21, 2013, where the update received-by date indicates a date by which all progress updates, or notifications, have been received by the automatic task assignment system. In other words, all progress updates, or notifications, for dates up to and including Oct. 21, 2013 have been received by the automatic task assignment system. The hatched portions of scheduled task T 1  indicates a completed portion of scheduled task T 1  as of Oct. 21, 2013. Thus, for scheduled task T 1 , a portion of the scheduled task with a duration of 1 day has been completed. In other words, the completion of scheduled task T 1  is according to schedule. Project plan  701  further includes filler tasks F 1  and F 2 , where filler tasks F 1  and F 2  are displayed within a filler task region  711 . Filler task F 1  has a duration of 4 days, and filler task F 2  has a duration of 3 days. Further, filler task F 1  has a higher priority than filler task F 2 , and thus, filler task F 1  is displayed above filler task F 2  within filler task region  711 . 
     Further,  FIG. 7  illustrates project plan  702  displayed by the automatic task assignment system. As illustrated in project plan  702  of  FIG. 7 , Matt completes scheduled task T 1  a day early, and reports this fact to the automatic task assignment system. In response, the automatic task assignment system assigns filler task F 1  to Matt. The automatic task assignment system cannot assign scheduled task T 2  to Matt because it is only Oct. 22, 2013, and scheduled task T 2  cannot be started only on or after Oct. 24, 2013. 
     Further, within project plan  702 , arrow  720  indicates an update received-by date of Oct. 22, 2013. For scheduled task T 1 , a portion of the scheduled task with a duration of 3 days has been completed. Thus, the completion of scheduled task T 1  is 1 day ahead of schedule. 
     As illustrated in project plan  702  of  FIG. 7 , Matt completed scheduled task T 1  1 day ahead of schedule. Because Matt cannot start scheduled task T 2  until Oct. 24, 2013, Matt has entered (or is about to enter) an idle period with a duration of 1 day. In response to Matt entering (or being about to enter) an idle period, the automatic task assignment system splits filler task F 1  into filler task F 1 . 1  with a duration of 1 day and filler task F 1  with a duration of 3 days, and automatically assigns filler task F 1 . 1  to Matt. The automatic task assignment system further sends a message to Matt informing Matt of the filler task assignment. Thus, the automatic task assignment system displays filler task F 1 . 1  within the timeline, and displays filler task F 1  within filler tasks region  721 . Filler task F 2 , which is also displayed within filler tasks region  721 , is unchanged from filler task F 2  displayed within filler task region  711  of project plan  701 . 
     In addition,  FIG. 7  illustrates project plan  703  displayed by the automatic task assignment system. As illustrated in project plan  703  of  FIG. 7 , Matt works on filler task F 1 . 1  for 1 day, and reports that Matt has completed filler task F 1 . 1 . By the end of the day, Matt is able to start on scheduled task T 2 , since the next day is Oct. 24, 2013. Thus, in response, the automatic task assignment system informs Matt that Matt should proceed to start scheduled task T 2  on Oct. 24, 2013. 
     Further, within project plan  703 , arrow  730  indicates an update received-by date of Oct. 23, 2013. For scheduled task T 1 , a portion of the scheduled task with a duration of 3 days has been completed, and for filler task F 1 . 1 , the entire portion of the filler task has been completed. Thus, scheduled task T 1  has been completed 1 day ahead of schedule, and filler task F 1 . 1  has been completed according to schedule. 
     As also illustrated in project plan  703  of  FIG. 7 , scheduled task T 2  can be started. Because scheduled task T 2  can be started, Matt has exited, or is about to exit, an idle period. In response to Matt exiting (or being about to exit) an idle period, the automatic task assignment system automatically sends a message to Matt informing Matt of the next scheduled task, scheduled task T 2 . Thus, the automatic task assignment system displays filler task F 1  within filler tasks region  731 , which is unchanged from filler task F 1  within filler task region  721  of project plan  702 . Filler task F 2 , which is also displayed within filler tasks region  731 , is also unchanged from filler task F 2  displayed within filler task region  721  of project plan  702 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a flow diagram of the functionality of an automatic task assignment module (such as automatic task assignment module  16  of  FIG. 1 ), according to an embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the functionality of the flow diagram of  FIG. 8  is implemented by software stored in a memory or some other computer-readable or tangible medium, and executed by a processor. In other embodiments, the functionality may be performed by hardware (e.g., through the use of an application specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”), a programmable gate array (“PGA”), a field programmable gate array (“FPGA”), etc.), or any combination of hardware and software. In certain embodiments, some of the functionality can be omitted. 
     The flow begins and proceeds to  810 . At  810 , one or more tasks of a project plan are defined as either a filler task or a scheduled task. A filler task is a task that can be split into multiple portions, and a scheduled task is a task that is scheduled for a date and/or time. In certain embodiments, in defining one or more tasks of the project plan, one or more tasks are first identified as suggested filler tasks. Next, for each suggested filler task, an indication is received, where the indication is either that the suggested filler task has been accepted as a filler task or that the suggested filler task has been rejected as a filler task. Subsequently, for each suggested filler task where an indication that the suggested filler task has been accepted as a filler task is received, the suggested filler task is defined as a filler task. All other tasks can be defined as scheduled tasks. Further, in some of these embodiments, in identifying one or more tasks as suggested filler tasks, for each task, it can be determined: (1) whether the task can be split into multiple portions; (2) whether the task has a priority that is less than a priority threshold; (3) whether the task has a time-flexibility that is greater than a time-flexibility threshold; or (4) any combination of (1), (2), and (3). In some of these embodiments, the priority threshold or the time-flexibility threshold (or both thresholds) can be configured by a user. The flow then proceeds to  820 . 
     At  820 , the one or more scheduled tasks, the one or more filler tasks, and a project plan are displayed within a user interface. The one or more filler tasks are displayed separately from the one or more scheduled tasks. In certain embodiments, the one or more scheduled tasks and a timeline are displayed within a first region of the project plan, where each scheduled task is displayed at a position within the timeline that corresponds to a scheduled date and/or time of the scheduled task. Further, in these embodiments, the one or more filler tasks are displayed within a second region of the project plan, wherein each filler task is displayed at a position within the second region that corresponds to a priority of the filler task. The flow then proceeds to  830 . 
     At  830 , an update, or notification, that a resource is about to enter an idle period or has entered the idle period is received. The idle period is a period where no scheduled tasks are assigned to the resource. In certain embodiments, a start-trigger condition is detected, and a notification event is triggered in response to the detection of the start-trigger condition, when the notification event is eventually received. In some of these embodiments, the start-trigger condition can be at least one of: (1) a current scheduled task assigned to the resource becoming blocked; (2) a successor scheduled task assigned to the resource becoming blocked when the resource is about to complete or has completed the current scheduled task; (3) the resource completing the current scheduled task earlier than scheduled and being unable to start the successor scheduled task; or (4) the resource entering a planned idle period where no scheduled tasks are assigned to the resource. The flow then proceeds to  840 . 
     At  840 , a filler task or a portion of the filler task is automatically assigned to the resource. In certain embodiments, the filler task is first selected from one or more filler tasks. In some of these embodiments, the filler task can be selected based on at least one of: (1) a priority of the selected filler task; (2) a dependency or constraint of the selected filler task; (3) a parallelism level of the selected filler task; (4) a minimum split duration of the selected filler task; or (5) a skill matching requirement of the filler task. Once the filler task has been selected, a duration of the idle period is determined. It is then determined whether a duration of the filler task is less than, greater than, or equal to the duration of the idle period. When the duration of the filler task is less than or equal to the duration of the idle period, the filler task (i.e., the total filler task) is assigned to the resource. When the duration of the filler task is greater than the duration of the idle period, the filler task is divided into a first portion and a second portion, where a duration of the first portion is equal to the duration of the idle period, and the first portion is assigned to the resource. The flow then proceeds to  850 . 
     At  850 , an update, or notification, that a resource is about to exit the idle period or has exited the idle period is received. In certain embodiments, a stop-trigger condition is detected, and a notification event is triggered in response to the detection of the stop-trigger condition, when the notification event is eventually received. In some of these embodiments, the stop-trigger condition can be at least one of: (1) a current scheduled task assigned to the resource that was previously blocked becoming unblocked; (2) a successor scheduled task assigned to the resource that is blocked becoming unblocked when the resource has completed the current scheduled task; or (3) an earliest start date and/or time for the successor scheduled task being reached. The flow then proceeds to  860 . 
     At  860 , the filler task or the portion of the filler task is automatically un-assigned from the resource. In certain embodiments, it is first identified whether the resource completed the filler task or the portion of the filler task. When the resource has not completed the filler task or the portion of the filler task, an unfinished portion of the filler task is defined as an available filler task. The flow then ends. 
     Thus, an automatic task assignment system is provided that can automatically assign filler tasks to resources that have become idle or are about to become idle. In any complex project, there are several tasks that are either getting delayed or getting finished early almost on a daily basis. It can be overwhelming for project managers to monitor all of these tasks, and manually taking corrective action for each task that is either delayed or finished early. Rather than requiring projects managers to manually take corrective actions, the automatic task assignment can allow a project manager to simply define some tasks as filler tasks, and can further automatically assign filler tasks to resources that have become idle or are about to become idle, without further interaction from the project manager. This can allow the project manager to focus on more value-added work. 
     The features, structures, or characteristics of the invention described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. For example, the usage of “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “certain embodiment,” “certain embodiments,” or other similar language, throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “a certain embodiment,” “certain embodiments,” or other similar language, throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same group of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. 
     One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that the invention as discussed above may be practiced with steps in a different order, and/or with elements in configurations which are different than those which are disclosed. Therefore, although the invention has been described based upon these preferred embodiments, it would be apparent to those of skill in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions would be apparent, while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention. In order to determine the metes and bounds of the invention, therefore, reference should be made to the appended claims.