Task-oriented messaging system

Abstract

Task-oriented messages are presented to a user in an interactive format for disposition. Natural language processing techniques parse task-oriented messages for individual tasks, such as assignments, information requests, and requests for approval or authorization. A user interface provides a recipient of a task-oriented message with selectable tasks for individual, or group, disposition, such as respond, defer, delegate, mark answered, and ignore. Recipients are notified if an incomplete response is generated, such as when an identified task is not dispositioned.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A computer-implemented method comprising:
 monitoring, according to a pre-defined schedule, an email program stored on a mobile device for electronic messages directed to a first recipient;   intercepting an electronic message directed to the first recipient before the electronic message is available to the first recipient;   analyzing, with natural language processing (NLP) software, the electronic message for a request to perform a task;   responsive to identifying the request to perform the task, composing, with NLP software, a natural language task statement that summarizes the request to perform the task;   sending, to the first recipient, the electronic message and the natural language task statement via the email program;   receiving a reply message from the first recipient;   determining, with NLP software, that the task is not addressed in the reply message;   generating an interactive interface including the natural language task statement and a corresponding set of selectable disposition actions including a disposition action to respond later;   displaying to the first recipient the interactive interface;   responsive to selection of the disposition action to respond later, requesting from the first recipient a date and time for responding to the task;   retrieving a user credential for access by the first recipient to a calendaring program;   logging into the calendaring program using the user credential; and   recording on a calendar, for the specified date and time, the natural language task statement.