Patents by Inventor Michael J. Whitney

Michael J. Whitney 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: 20180114009
    Abstract: Embodiments are described for logging in to a location-specific user account on a host system. An example method includes sending, by a user device, as part of a login request, an authentication image. The method further includes receiving an authentication response from the host system based on determining whether the login request is sent from an authorized login-location, which is based on a comparison of the authentication image with a reference image captured at the authorized login-location. The method further includes, in response to the authentication image matching the reference image within a predetermined threshold range, receiving access to the user account based on the authentication response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2017
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventors: Mark E. Maresh, Colm Nolan, Juan F. Vargas, Michael J. Whitney
  • Publication number: 20180115894
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for securing access to a host site. The method includes creating, using a processor system, an access code for access to a user account hosted by the host site and providing, using the processor system, the access code to the host site, the access code including user provided images in a defined sequence. The method also includes creating, using the processor system, an access attempt code for access to the user account hosted by the host site and transmitting, by the processor system, the access attempt code to the host site. Based on a determination that the access attempt code matches the access code, the method includes accessing, using the processor system, the user account hosted by the host site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventors: MARK E. MARESH, COLM NOLAN, JUAN F. VARGAS, MICHAEL J. WHITNEY
  • Publication number: 20180114172
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a method for online collaborations task assignment The method includes monitoring a collaboration session, and analyzing statements of the collaboration session. The method also includes determining a statement type for the statements of the collaboration session, and classifying the statements as a statement type. The method includes assigning statements classified as a task to a participant based on the analysis, and updating a participant experience profile based on analyzing statements of the collaboration session.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventors: THEMBANI TOGWE, MICHAEL J. WHITNEY
  • Patent number: 9946912
    Abstract: Examples of techniques for encoding data in a 2D symbology are disclosed. In one example implementation according to aspects of the present disclosure, a computer-implemented comprises assigning a first color representative of a 0-bit and a second color representative of a 1-bit. The method further comprises designating a starting cell pair and an ending cell pair. The method also comprises generating, by a processing device, the 2D symbology. The 2D symbology comprises a series of cells in a cell space starting with the starting cell pair and ending with the ending cell pair. Each cell between the starting cell pair and the ending cell pair corresponds to a bit of a binary string and has a common cell length. The cells corresponding to a 0-bit are colored the first color and the cells corresponding to a 1-bit are colored the second color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Erich Guenter, Mark E. Maresh, Colm Nolan, Juan F. Vargas, Michael J. Whitney
  • Patent number: 9922280
    Abstract: Examples of techniques for encoding data in a 2D symbology are disclosed. In one example implementation according to aspects of the present disclosure, a computer-implemented comprises assigning a first color representative of a 0-bit and a second color representative of a 1-bit. The method further comprises designating a starting cell pair and an ending cell pair. The method also comprises generating, by a processing device, the 2D symbology. The 2D symbology comprises a series of cells in a cell space starting with the starting cell pair and ending with the ending cell pair. Each cell between the starting cell pair and the ending cell pair corresponds to a bit of a binary string and has a common cell length. The cells corresponding to a 0-bit are colored the first color and the cells corresponding to a 1-bit are colored the second color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Erich Guenter, Mark E. Maresh, Colm Nolan, Juan F. Vargas, Michael J. Whitney
  • Patent number: 9811653
    Abstract: Embodiments are described for logging in to a location-specific user account on a host system. An example method includes sending, by a user device, as part of a login request, an authentication image. The method further includes receiving an authentication response from the host system based on determining whether the login request is sent from an authorized login-location, which is based on a comparison of the authentication image with a reference image captured at the authorized login-location. The method further includes, in response to the authentication image matching the reference image within a predetermined threshold range, receiving access to the user account based on the authentication response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark E. Maresh, Colm Nolan, Juan F. Vargas, Michael J. Whitney
  • Patent number: 9760819
    Abstract: Examples of techniques for encoding data in a 2D symbology are disclosed. In one example implementation according to aspects of the present disclosure, a computer-implemented method for encoding data in a 2D symbology is provided. The method comprises assigning a first indicium representative of a 0-bit and a second indicium representative of a 1-bit, designating a starting indicator, and generating, by a processing device, the 2D symbology including a unit array defining a bit length and a plurality of bit arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Erich Guenter, Mark E. Maresh, Colm Nolan, Juan F. Vargas, Michael J. Whitney
  • Publication number: 20170206390
    Abstract: Examples of techniques for encoding data in a 2D symbology are disclosed. In one example implementation according to aspects of the present disclosure, a computer-implemented comprises assigning a first color representative of a 0-bit and a second color representative of a 1-bit. The method further comprises designating a starting cell pair and an ending cell pair. The method also comprises generating, by a processing device, the 2D symbology. The 2D symbology comprises a series of cells in a cell space starting with the starting cell pair and ending with the ending cell pair. Each cell between the starting cell pair and the ending cell pair corresponds to a bit of a binary string and has a common cell length. The cells corresponding to a 0-bit are colored the first color and the cells corresponding to a 1-bit are colored the second color.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Inventors: Erich Guenter, Mark E. Maresh, Colm Nolan, Juan F. Vargas, Michael J. Whitney
  • Patent number: 9697407
    Abstract: Examples of techniques for encoding data in a 2D symbology are disclosed. In one example implementation according to aspects of the present disclosure, a computer-implemented method for encoding data in a 2D symbology is provided. The method includes assigning a first color representative of a 0-bit and a second color representative of a 1-bit. The method further includes designating a starting indicator and an ending indicator. The method also includes generating, by a processor, the 2D symbology, the 2D symbology includes a series of data segments and null segments representing a binary string. The series of data segments and null segments starts with the starting indicator and ends with the ending indicator. The data segments include 0-bit segments of the first color and 1-bit segments of the second color. The null segments are positioned between each of the data segments and are of a third color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Erich Guenter, Mark E. Maresh, Colm Nolan, Juan F. Vargas, Michael J. Whitney
  • Patent number: 9697348
    Abstract: Embodiments are described for authenticating a login request for logging in to a user account on a host system. An example method includes receiving, by the host system, as part of the login request, an authentication image. The method also includes determining that the login request is sent from an authorized login-location, by comparing the authentication image with a reference image from the authorized login-location. The method further includes, in response to the login request being sent from the authorized login-location, facilitating access to the user account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark E. Maresh, Colm Nolan, Juan F. Vargas, Michael J. Whitney
  • Publication number: 20170168870
    Abstract: Aspects include a method, a system and a computer program product for providing status updates while collaboratively resolving an issue. The method includes identifying, using a processing device, one or more key phrases in an electronic text-based message. Based on the identified one or more key phrases, at least one status-based suggestion is provided to a user to change a status milestone associated with a problem resolution. The providing of the change of milestone includes: building a table to map a key phrase to one or more status identifiers; mapping the key phrase to one or more status identifiers to associate the key phrase with the at least one status-based suggestion; and displaying a corresponding status milestone based on the user selecting from the at least one status-based suggestion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Robert Allan, Constance E. Smith, Thembani Togwe, Michael J. Whitney
  • Publication number: 20170169268
    Abstract: Examples of techniques for encoding data in a 2D symbology are disclosed. In one example implementation according to aspects of the present disclosure, a computer-implemented method includes assigning a first data symbol representative of a 0-bit and a second data symbol representative of a 1-bit, each of the first data symbol and the second data symbol include a line segment. The method further includes designating a starting indicator and an ending indicator. The method also includes generating, by a processing device, the 2D symbology. The 2D symbology includes a series of data symbols representing a binary string. Each data symbol in the series of data symbols are positioned in an end-to-end orientation starting at the starting indicator and ending at the ending indicator. The series of data symbols include 0-bit symbols represented by the first data symbol and 1-bit symbols represented by the second data symbol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Erich Guenter, Mark E. Maresh, Colm Nolan, Juan F. Vargas, Michael J. Whitney
  • Publication number: 20170169322
    Abstract: Examples of techniques for encoding data in a 2D symbology are disclosed. In one example implementation according to aspects of the present disclosure, a computer-implemented method for encoding data in a 2D symbology is provided. The method comprises assigning a first indicium representative of a 0-bit and a second indicium representative of a 1-bit, designating a starting indicator, and generating, by a processing device, the 2D symbology including a unit array defining a bit length and a plurality of bit arrays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Erich Guenter, Mark E. Maresh, Colm Nolan, Juan F. Vargas, Michael J. Whitney
  • Publication number: 20170169267
    Abstract: Examples of techniques for encoding data in a 2D symbology are disclosed. In one example implementation according to aspects of the present disclosure, a computer-implemented method for encoding data in a 2D symbology is provided. The method includes assigning a first color representative of a 0-bit and a second color representative of a 1-bit. The method further includes designating a starting indicator and an ending indicator. The method also includes generating, by a processor, the 2D symbology, the 2D symbology includes a series of data segments and null segments representing a binary string. The series of data segments and null segments starts with the starting indicator and ends with the ending indicator. The data segments include 0-bit segments of the first color and 1-bit segments of the second color. The null segments are positioned between each of the data segments and are of a third color.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Erich Guenter, Mark E. Maresh, Colm Nolan, Juan F. Vargas, Michael J. Whitney
  • Publication number: 20170169323
    Abstract: Examples of techniques for encoding data in a 2D symbology are disclosed. In one example implementation according to aspects of the present disclosure, a computer-implemented comprises assigning a first color representative of a 0-bit and a second color representative of a 1-bit. The method further comprises designating a starting cell pair and an ending cell pair. The method also comprises generating, by a processing device, the 2D symbology. The 2D symbology comprises a series of cells in a cell space starting with the starting cell pair and ending with the ending cell pair. Each cell between the starting cell pair and the ending cell pair corresponds to a bit of a binary string and has a common cell length. The cells corresponding to a 0-bit are colored the first color and the cells corresponding to a 1-bit are colored the second color.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Erich Guenter, Mark E. Maresh, Colm Nolan, Juan F. Vargas, Michael J. Whitney
  • Publication number: 20170169320
    Abstract: Examples of techniques for encoding data in a 2D symbology are disclosed. In one example implementation according to aspects of the present disclosure, a computer-implemented method includes assigning a first data symbol representative of a 0-bit and a second data symbol representative of a 1-bit, each of the first data symbol and the second data symbol include a line segment. The method further includes designating a starting indicator and an ending indicator. The method also includes generating, by a processing device, the 2D symbology. The 2D symbology includes a series of data symbols representing a binary string. Each data symbol in the series of data symbols are positioned in an end-to-end orientation starting at the starting indicator and ending at the ending indicator. The series of data symbols include 0-bit symbols represented by the first data symbol and 1-bit symbols represented by the second data symbol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Erich Guenter, Mark E. Maresh, Colm Nolan, Juan F. Vargas, Michael J. Whitney
  • Publication number: 20170161683
    Abstract: Aspects include a method, a system and a computer program product. The method includes identifying, on an electronic platform providing for an exchange of messages among multiple participants, at least one open issue to be resolved. Data is collected from the exchanged messages to determine a participation interaction parameter and a solution quality parameter associated with at least one open issue. The participation interaction parameter includes an accountability dynamic factor and collaboration dynamic factor and the solution quality parameter includes a velocity factor, a dormancy factor, and an extinction factor. When a sum of the participation interaction parameter and the solution quality parameter is below a threshold value, at least one open issue participant is invited to the electronic platform. It is also determined when the at least one open issue becomes a closed issue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Inventors: Robert Allan, Constance E. Smith, Thembani Togwe, Michael J. Whitney
  • Publication number: 20170163751
    Abstract: Aspects include a method, a system and a computer program product. The method includes identifying, on an electronic platform providing for an exchange of messages among multiple participants, at least one open issue to be resolved. Data is collected from the exchanged messages to determine a participation interaction parameter and a solution quality parameter associated with at least one open issue. The participation interaction parameter includes an accountability dynamic factor and collaboration dynamic factor and the solution quality parameter includes a velocity factor, a dormancy factor, and an extinction factor. When a sum of the participation interaction parameter and the solution quality parameter is below a threshold value, at least one open issue participant is invited to the electronic platform. It is also determined when the at least one open issue becomes a closed issue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Inventors: Robert Allan, Constance E. Smith, Thembani Togwe, Michael J. Whitney
  • Patent number: 9646236
    Abstract: Examples of techniques for encoding data in a 2D symbology are disclosed. In one example implementation according to aspects of the present disclosure, a computer-implemented comprises assigning a first color representative of a 0-bit and a second color representative of a 1-bit. The method further comprises designating a starting cell pair and an ending cell pair. The method also comprises generating, by a processing device, the 2D symbology. The 2D symbology comprises a series of cells in a cell space starting with the starting cell pair and ending with the ending cell pair. Each cell between the starting cell pair and the ending cell pair corresponds to a bit of a binary string and has a common cell length. The cells corresponding to a 0-bit are colored the first color and the cells corresponding to a 1-bit are colored the second color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Erich Guenter, Mark E. Maresh, Colm Nolan, Juan F. Vargas, Michael J. Whitney
  • Patent number: 9569710
    Abstract: Examples of techniques for encoding data in a 2D symbology are disclosed. In one example implementation according to aspects of the present disclosure, a computer-implemented method includes assigning a first data symbol representative of a 0-bit and a second data symbol representative of a 1-bit, each of the first data symbol and the second data symbol include a line segment. The method further includes designating a starting indicator and an ending indicator. The method also includes generating, by a processing device, the 2D symbology. The 2D symbology includes a series of data symbols representing a binary string. Each data symbol in the series of data symbols are positioned in an end-to-end orientation starting at the starting indicator and ending at the ending indicator. The series of data symbols include 0-bit symbols represented by the first data symbol and 1-bit symbols represented by the second data symbol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Erich Guenter, Mark E. Maresh, Colm Nolan, Juan F. Vargas, Michael J. Whitney