Patents by Inventor Brian M. O'Connell

Brian M. O'Connell has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20180349383
    Abstract: In an approach for managing computing interruptions, a processor receives a computing interruption on a computing device. A processor monitors computing activity of a user on the computing device. A processor accesses user preferences, wherein the user preferences are based on an analysis of previous responses by the user to previous computing interruptions. A processor determines a minimum threshold, based on the computing activity of the user and the user preferences, wherein the minimum threshold identifies when a computing interruption is allowed to be presented to the user. A processor determines from the computing interruption, a sender and a context of the computing interruption. A processor assigns a ranking to the computing interruption based on the sender and the context of the computing interruption. A processor compares the ranking to the minimum threshold. A processor determines whether to present the computing interruption, based on the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: James E. Bostick, John M. Ganci, JR., Martin G. Keen, Brian M. O'Connell
  • Publication number: 20180352596
    Abstract: A method for accessing a network. In one embodiment, the method includes at least one computer processor identifying a request from a first device to utilize wireless communication capabilities of a second device to communicate with a wireless network. The method further includes generating a secure peer-to-peer communication link between the first device and the second device. The method further includes establishing a wireless communication link between the second device and the wireless network. The method further includes transmitting one or more communications from the first device to the wireless network, via the wireless communication capabilities of the second device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: James E. Bostick, John M. Ganci, JR., Martin G. Keen, Brian M. O'Connell
  • Publication number: 20180349379
    Abstract: In an approach for managing computing interruptions, a processor receives a computing interruption on a computing device. A processor monitors computing activity of a user on the computing device. A processor accesses user preferences, wherein the user preferences are based on an analysis of previous responses by the user to previous computing interruptions. A processor determines a minimum threshold, based on the computing activity of the user and the user preferences, wherein the minimum threshold identifies when a computing interruption is allowed to be presented to the user. A processor determines from the computing interruption, a sender and a context of the computing interruption. A processor assigns a ranking to the computing interruption based on the sender and the context of the computing interruption. A processor compares the ranking to the minimum threshold. A processor determines whether to present the computing interruption, based on the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: James E. Bostick, John M. Ganci, JR., Martin G. Keen, Brian M. O'Connell
  • Patent number: 10133335
    Abstract: In general, embodiments of the invention provide an approach to proactively adjust timeout settings on a display device based on user activity. Specifically, a system and method are presented to adaptively adjust the inactivity timeout settings on a display device based on the application being used, the content being displayed on the device, and an analysis of the user's history with the application. The present invention calculates an inactivity timeout modifier which is utilized to modify the default operating system timeout value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Amsterdam, Rick A. Hamilton, II, Mauro Marzorati, Brian M. O'Connell, Keith R. Walker
  • Patent number: 10129174
    Abstract: In a multi-tiered simulation configuration, a combination of predictive models is executed such that each tier in the multi-tiered simulation configuration executes at least one predictive model to produce a corresponding set of predicted events, and a predicted event from a first tier in the configuration forms an input to a next tier in the configuration. Using a subset of a selected set of predicted events outputted from a corresponding selected tier in the multi-tiered simulation configuration, a set of features is extracted, each feature in the set of features having an effect on an outcome of the simulated process. The set of features is used in a demand level prediction model to predict a threshold demand, wherein reaching the threshold demand in an actual utilization of a computing resource is indicative of a likelihood of an unforeseen rise in a demand for the computing resource after a period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Aaron K. Baughman, Brian M. O'Connell, Stefan Van Der Stockt
  • Patent number: 10115113
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for advertising, and, more particularly, to systems and methods for providing immersive advertising in a virtual universe. In one aspect of the invention, there is a method for presenting a virtual universe advertisement (VU-ad) in a virtual universe (VU), receiving input from a user associated with a user avatar of the VU, and altering the VU-ad in response to the input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Rick A. Hamilton, II, Brian M. O'Connell, Clifford A. Pickover, Anne R. Sand, Keith R. Walker
  • Publication number: 20180307473
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention monitor and track usage patterns of various applications (apps) distributed among multiple mobile devices owned by a user. The data gathered during monitoring is stored in a mobile app usage repository. If the user considers installing a new app, a cognitive app analysis engine compares features and functionality of the new app against the usage patterns in the repository, to formulate recommendations as to which mobile device(s) the app should be installed on. The analysis engine provides its recommendations to the user, and may additionally perform automated installation of the app on the recommended device(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Martin G. Keen, Brian M. O'Connell, James E. Bostick, John M. Ganci, JR.
  • Patent number: 10101984
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention monitor and track usage patterns of various applications (apps) distributed among multiple mobile devices owned by a user. The data gathered during monitoring is stored in a mobile app usage repository. If the user considers installing a new app, a cognitive app analysis engine compares features and functionality of the new app against the usage patterns in the repository, to formulate recommendations as to which mobile device(s) the app should be installed on. The analysis engine provides its recommendations to the user, and may additionally perform automated installation of the app on the recommended device(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Martin G. Keen, Brian M. O'Connell, James E. Bostick, John M. Ganci, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10102534
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing an advertising offer that is configured to relocate an avatar within the virtual environment. The system is configured to ascertain one or more advertisements for display based on at least one of: an inventory analysis of an avatar, a historical teleportation analysis of the avatar, a motion analysis of the avatar, a social network analysis of the avatar, and a ratings analysis of the one or more advertisements within a virtual universe. The system also includes an advertisement display system structured to display the one or more advertisements to the avatar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Rick A. Hamilton, II, Brian M. O'Connell, Clifford A. Pickover, Keith R. Walker
  • Publication number: 20180293158
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method may include: receiving a request to integrate a commit; obtaining analytics data of an author that developed the commit; executing a simulation using the analytics data of the author as inputs to the simulation; obtaining results from the simulation, wherein the results indicate error rates when one or more testing stages are omitted from a testing procedure of the commit; comparing the results of the simulation with a threshold; determining, by the computing the device, the testing procedure based on the comparing, wherein the testing procedure identifies the one or more testing stages that are omitted and one or more testing stages that are included in the testing procedure; and outputting information regarding the determined testing procedure, wherein the outputting causes an integration server to test the commit in accordance with the testing procedure as part of an integration process for integrating the commit to a project.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Aaron K. BAUGHMAN, Cameron MCAVOY, Brian M. O'CONNELL
  • Publication number: 20180295143
    Abstract: A system and method in a virtual universe system for triggering scans of virtual items and inventories of virtual items and for scanning the virtual items and inventories wherein the scans may be triggered by an avatar moving or teleporting from one region to another, or by an avatar picking up, dropping off, or accepting or purchasing an item. The degree of scanning may depend upon factors such as location where these scan triggers occur. The signature of the item may be identified by the scan process. The item signature may be compared against signatures of known malicious items stored in an inventory item signatures database and a summary of the signature comparison may be sent to a resident and stored in the resident's inventory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Rick A. Hamilton, II, Brian M. O'Connell, Clifford A. Pickover, Keith R. Walker
  • Publication number: 20180285934
    Abstract: A first Micro Circadian Rhythm (MCR) pattern is identified in a Circadian Rhythm (CR) data of a user. Using the first MCR pattern, a second MCR pattern is predicted during a forecast period. The second MCR pattern is correlated with a set of possible future CR states. A first model of a distribution of a confidence value corresponding to the present CR state of the user is constructed. A second model of a distribution of a confidence value corresponding to a selected future CR state from the set of possible future CR states of the user is constructed. The first model and the second model are correlated to determine a likelihood of the selected future CR state being reachable from the present CR state for the user. When the likelihood exceeding a threshold, an application is caused to adjust a process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Aaron K. Baughman, Ann M. Corrao, Brian F. Ober, Brian M. O'Connell
  • Publication number: 20180285903
    Abstract: Approaches for predicting demand spikes and cyclic demand for web-related content is provided. An approach includes generating multiple models for predicting demand. The approach further includes selecting a model from the multiple models. The approach further includes inputting information into the model. The approach further includes generating, by at least one computing device, a predicted demand spike using the model and the information. The approach further includes generating a total predicted demand curve by combining the predicted demand spike with predicted cyclical demand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Inventors: Aaron K. BAUGHMAN, James R. KOZLOSKI, Brian M. O'CONNELL
  • Patent number: 10089122
    Abstract: In an approach for customizing a mobile device interface based on touch points, a processor receives detection of points of contact between a user and a mobile device. A processor analyzes the points of contact between the user and the mobile device. A processor determines how many hands the user is holding the mobile device with. A processor determines a modification for a user interface for the mobile device, wherein determining the modification comprises: presenting a keyboard selected from the group consisting of: a first keyboard, based on a determination that the user is holding the mobile device with one hand, and a second keyboard, based on a determination that the user is holding the mobile device with two hands. A processor causes the modified user interface to be displayed on the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Bostick, John M. Ganci, Jr., Martin G. Keen, Brian M. O'Connell
  • Publication number: 20180276687
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing paid sponsorships that are configured to relocate an avatar within the virtual environment. The system is configured to ascertain one or more advertisements for display based on at least one of: an inventory analysis of an avatar, a historical teleportation analysis of the avatar, a motion analysis of the avatar, a social network analysis of the avatar, and a ratings analysis of the one or more advertisements within a virtual universe. The system also includes an advertisement display system structured to display the one or more advertisements to the avatar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Inventors: Rick A. HAMILTON, II, Brian M. O'CONNELL, Clifford A. PICKOVER, Keith R. WALKER
  • Publication number: 20180276742
    Abstract: A system and method implemented in a computer infrastructure having computer executable code, includes receiving one or more bids for at least one of an enhanced rendering quality and an enhanced rendering order of an object in a virtual universe (VU) and performing a bid resolution for the received one or more bids. Additionally, the method includes rendering one or more objects in the VU with the at least one of the enhanced rendering quality and the enhanced rendering order based on the bid resolution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Inventors: Kulvir S. BHOGAL, Rick A. HAMILTON, II, Brian M. O'CONNELL, Clifford A. PICKOVER
  • Patent number: 10073756
    Abstract: A method and associated systems for optimizing a computing platform. A processor joins sets of configurable parameters into groups that each identifies a configuration of the computing environment or of a component or subsystem of the computing environment. The processor generates a set of variations of each group, where each variation identifies a candidate configuration of the component, subsystem, or platform, and where each candidate configuration identifies a distinct set of values of the group of parameters associated with that component, subsystem, or platform. Each configuration of this first generation of configurations undergoes a massively parallel iterative procedure that generates a next generation of configurations by performing operations upon the first generation that are similar to those of a natural-selection process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Aaron K. Baughman, Thomas B. Harrison, Cody A. Clements, Michael P. Lazos, Robert J. Lewis, Brian M. O'Connell, Mary C. Zabriskie
  • Patent number: 10069850
    Abstract: A system and method in a virtual universe system for triggering scans of virtual items and inventories of virtual items and for scanning the virtual items and inventories wherein the scans may be triggered by an avatar moving or teleporting from one region to another, or by an avatar picking up, dropping off, or accepting or purchasing an item. The degree of scanning may depend upon factors such as location where these scan triggers occur. The signature of the item may be identified by the scan process. The item signature may be compared against signatures of known malicious items stored in an inventory item signatures database and a summary of the signature comparison may be sent to a resident and stored in the resident's inventory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Rick A. Hamilton, II, Brian M. O'Connell, Clifford A. Pickover, Keith R. Walker
  • Patent number: 10044464
    Abstract: In an approach for blocking a user from the capture of a photograph without consent, a processor receives an indication that a user has entered a location. A processor projects a hologram that blocks the user from photo capture. A processor detects images within the defined location, wherein the images include a person. A processor evaluates an authorization to capture a photo by the person. A processor evaluates a current contextual condition of the user to allow for photo capture. A processor alter the hologram, based on the evaluated authorization to capture the photo by the person and the evaluated current contextual condition of the user to allow for photo capture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Bostick, John M. Ganci, Jr., Martin G. Keen, Brian M. O'Connell
  • Patent number: 10043194
    Abstract: Approaches for predicting demand spikes and cyclic demand for web-related content is provided. An approach includes generating multiple models for predicting demand. The approach further includes selecting a model from the multiple models. The approach further includes inputting information into the model. The approach further includes generating, by at least one computing device, a predicted demand spike using the model and the information. The approach further includes generating a total predicted demand curve by combining the predicted demand spike with predicted cyclical demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Aaron K. Baughman, James R. Kozloski, Brian M. O'Connell