Patents Represented by Attorney Stephen T. Keohane
  • Patent number: 5491693
    Abstract: A multiprotocol transport network (MPTN) gateway provides transparent interconnection of two or more SPTNs running different transport layer protocols to form an integrated heterogeneous MPTN. The MPTN gateway of the present invention has no dependencies on the particular transport protocols running on the SPTNs being interconnected as it utilizes a common transport provider (a Gateway Services Protocol Boundary (GSPB)) between the SPTN transport protocols and the gateway components. The MPTN gateway supports connections between end systems across multiple intermediate networks. The MPTN gateway provides automatic routing based on dynamic participation in the routing protocols of the interconnected SPTNs so that any number of gateways may be interconnected and in any topology desired. As the MPTN gateway has a general architecture and acquires routing information automatically, it supports not only other MPTN nodes and gateways but also non-MPTN nodes and gateways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kathryn H. Britton, Tein-Yaw Chung, Willibald Doeringer, Harold D. Dykeman, Allan K. Edwards, Johny Mathew, Diane P. Pozefsky, Soumitra Sarkar, Roger D. Turner
  • Patent number: 5491798
    Abstract: A network comprises a set of nodes, each comprising a computer workstation in a computer network and including means responsive to messages from other computers in the network to join or leave a call. Each node maintains a list of calls in which that node is participating, an entry in the list for a call including the identities of all the other nodes in that call. In order to split a single call one node sends messages to a subset of nodes to join a second call, and leave the original call. The remaining parties in the original call then continue in a call of reduced scope. In order to merge two calls together, a node that is common to both calls sends messages to all the nodes in both calls, instructing them to leave the existing call and join a new call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gordon W. Bonsall, Howard S. Lambert, H. David Mitchell, Barry K. Aldred
  • Patent number: 5490141
    Abstract: The system and method of the present invention provide a seamless approach for providing ATM connectivity for a Frame Relay DTE using an intelligent Terminal Adapter (TA). Using the system and method of the present invention, an enhanced Frame Relay protocol runs between the DTE and the ATM TA, the Frame Relay DTE is provided with not only the connectivity to the ATM network but also the full advantages of ATM transport mechanism and, in particular, the connectivity through the ATM network using the SVC connection mechanism. Using the system and method of the present invention, a FR DTE may issue commands to the terminal adapter to set of calls, or connections, with other DTEs (FR or ATM). The terminal adapter then communicates with the ATM network and the destination DTE using the ANSI Q.2931 call establishment procedure (using commands such as Call.sub.-- Set-up, Call.sub.-- Accept, and Call.sub.-- Disconnect) to establish an SVC connection between the communicating DTEs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Fuyung Lai, Kian-Bon K. Sy
  • Patent number: 5490140
    Abstract: The system and method of the present invention provide a seamless approach for providing ATM connectivity for a Frame Relay DTE using an intelligent Terminal Adapter (TA). Using the system and method of the present invention, an enhanced Frame Relay protocol runs between the DTE and the ATM TA, the Frame Relay DTE is provided with not only the connectivity to the ATM network but also the full advantages of ATM transport mechanism. For instance, the FR DTE can choose to transmit its data using ATM Adaptation Layer (AAL) 1,3/4 or 5. Using the system and method of the present invention, a FR DTE may communicate with another FR DTE or to an ATM DTE through wide area or local area ATM network. The Frame Relay DTE can send data, image, voice, or video traffics across the ATM network via the FR/ATM terminal adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel S. Abensour, Jon E. Fox, Mahendra J. Joshi, Fuyung Lai, Kian-Bon K. Sy
  • Patent number: 5488703
    Abstract: A method and system for establishing multiple parallel conversations between a single pair of instances corresponding to a pair of communicating transaction programs over a data communication network. Each conversation traverses the network between the two communicating transaction program instances over a corresponding logical unit-logical unit session. Each conversation may be independently disconnected or reconnected without the need for invoking additional instances of the communicating transaction programs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Marsha E. Ferree, James P. Gray
  • Patent number: 5488734
    Abstract: A communications system for transmitting data utilizes one or more picoprocessors located logically out of the main data path for conducting calculations and control functions in a fashion which is decoupled or separate from the main data path. In particular, the system utilizes multiple picoprocessors for performing buffer management and high performance buffer chaining processes out of the main data path so that the main data path may be continually used in parallel. In this manner, data transfer is enhanced by offloading functions and responsibilities from the main system processor and removing unnecessary traffic from the main data path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Warren D. Bailey, Kenenth J. Barker, Joan M. Bellinghausen, George M. Calhoun, Bernard J. Naudin, Edward Suffern
  • Patent number: 5483530
    Abstract: The invention is an ISDN terminal equipment which will maintain connectivity with existing analog modems by setting up a voice-grade connection to existing analog modems and using the power of a digital signal processor DSP to generate the digital equivalent of the analog modem signals for transmission on an ISDN "B" channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gordon T. Davis, Charles B. Dillon, Laurence V. Marks
  • Patent number: 5473669
    Abstract: A system and method enables the reception of signals on a moving Personal Station (PS) within an Integrated Voice and Data (IVD) system which integrates sound and data, and comprises an available PBX and LAN. A first Cell Station (CS) registers the LAN identifier of a first PS that is positioned within its own radio cell, and assigns a PBX telephone number to the first PS. Subsequently, calling information which includes a LAN identifier for a second PS and the PBX telephone number assigned to the first PS is broadcast via a LAN. Thereafter, a second CS which registers the LAN identifier of the second PS receives the calling information via a LAN and transfers the information of the second PS, or mobile station, via radio link. The second PS then dials the PBX telephone number included in the calling information. Thus, the link between the first PS and the second PS is connected when the first PS receives the call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Kanada, Yoshihiko Terashita, Masaaki Kasuya, Yukari Katoh
  • Patent number: 5471521
    Abstract: A first computer workstation 10 includes a voice response unit for interfacing to a telephone network. The first computer workstation is attached by a communications link 18 to a second computer workstation 20, which includes a server to perform a particular voice processing function, such as text to speech, voice recognition, FAX-back, and so on. For inbound applications the first computer workstation forwards the incoming signal over the communications link to the server on the second computer workstation for real-time processing, whilst for outbound applications, the reverse process occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael K. Minakami, Brian Hulse, Jonathan Cook, John B. Pickering
  • Patent number: 5465328
    Abstract: In transaction processing systems, it is known for resource-updating operations within a transaction to be backed out at the request of an application program following detection of error conditions during processing of the transaction. If the error condition is very likely to recur, it may be undesirable for the operations request to be presented to the application exactly as before. A transaction-oriented data processing system and a method of transaction-oriented data processing are provided in which operation requests or data packets may be marked to be excluded from the effects of application-requested backouts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Dievendorff, Chandrasekaran Mohan
  • Patent number: 5452215
    Abstract: Accordingly, a digital logic circuit in the form of a finite state machine (FSM) is implemented in a semiconductor structure such as complementary metal oxide silicon (CMOS) with reduced power dissipation by determining transition probabilities for transitions between states in the FSM, producing a constraint matrix to identify constraints to producing a minimum area implementation consistent with minimum power dissipation, constructing one or more state chains having transitions with highest probability and implementing each of these state chains in order of probability to achieve the implementation of the FSM having minimum power dissipation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: IBM Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Scott T. Washabaugh
  • Patent number: 5452241
    Abstract: A method for approximating mathematical functions using polynomial expansions is implemented in a numeric processing system. A partial remainder operation is set forth for high accuracy reduction of polynomials whose arguments are greater than pi/4. The method may be practiced in a processor having a bus of approximately half the width of the precision of the desired result. Temporary registers are utilized for the storage of intermediate results. Full bus width accuracy is obtained through successive half bus width operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Bernard Desrosiers, Louis Didier, Didier Pinchon, Andre Steimle
  • Patent number: 5442691
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for routing calls in a switched digital network and a processor for use in such a network are provided in which tables of call control information store information for different categories of call control information in separate parts of the table or in separate tables. The information in the tables is available for different network entities to share in routing calls. The separation of different categories of information simplifies the task of making changes to call control tables and can allow certain of the separate tables to be portable across the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Price, Barry J. Worley
  • Patent number: 5434752
    Abstract: A system for controlling staggered connection timing of an adapter module so that live insertion, or "hot swapping", may be performed with the adapter module, has a connector with staggered pins, i.e., some pins being longer than others for initial contact with mating pins of a mating connector. The system further has a latch for controlling the timing of the connection of the staggered pins. As an adapter module is inserted into a housing, the latch allows the adapter module to be in one of three positions: (1) an entirely disconnected position where none of the pins of the adapter module are connected to the pins of the housing connector; (2) a "stopped", or partially connected, position where the longer of the staggered pins are connected between the housing and adapter modules connectors; and (3) a "fully-engaged" position wherein all pins of the connectors are engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph D. Huth, Robert F. Pan, Frank J. Pita, Bart P. Reier, Victor E. Valle
  • Patent number: 5425028
    Abstract: The present invention is a general solution to the problem address incompatibility between application programs and transport services. The invention may be embodied in a method for mapping the application program address (program address) to the transport services address (transport Provider address). According to the method, a program address is registered in the network so that it becomes available to other programs that understand the address, even if they are running over a transport protocol that does not understand the address format. When a request is made that a connection be established between a program and a program partner or that a datagram be sent therebetween, the program address is mapped to the transport Provider address (if necessary). The program address is then conveyed to the program partner so that it knows who it is talking to.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kathryn H. Britton, Tein-Yaw D. Chung, Willibald A. Doeringer, Douglas H. Dykeman, Allan K. Edwards, Johny Mathew, Diane P. Pozefsky, Soumitra Sarkar, Roger D. Turner
  • Patent number: 5420867
    Abstract: A first terminal makes a call over an ISDN link to a second terminal. Both terminals support a plurality of possible protocols to be used on the ISDN B channel. The calling terminal builds the protocol stack for the desired protocol prior to requesting the call from the network. When it is notified of the B channel selected, it can then attach the already formed protocol stack to the relevant B channel. Similarly, the called terminal starts to build the desired protocol stack immediately on receipt of the call. When the protocol stack is complete, is then accepts the call from the network, and can attach the protocol stack immediately to the relevant B channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Price, David J. White, Barry J. Worley
  • Patent number: 5400326
    Abstract: A bridge for interconnecting data networks includes an adapter connected to each network and a central programmed processor. Each adapter includes a receive and a transmit FIFO storage which is less than the packets being transferred from one network to the other. The control program generates Receive Buffer Descriptors which include buffer pointers, buffer length fields and pointers to next descriptors. These Descriptors are used by the adapters to buffer received packets which are directed to another network. When a packet is buffered the control program generates Transmission Descriptors which are used by the adapter to transfer packet data to the other network. The control program modifies packet when needed by by generating and storing in its memory only the modified portion and including in the Receive Buffer Descriptor pointers which the buffered information which is to be transmitted and the sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: David D. Smith
  • Patent number: 5392033
    Abstract: A central arbiter uses priority generators to determine which resource on a shared bus has priority in accessing the bus. Each resource has a corresponding priority generator. Each priority generator has a counter having inputs and outputs. A starting value is provided at the inputs and the priority value is obtained from the outputs. Each priority generator has a comparator that compares the outputs of a counter with a modulo number of the counters, N. The priority generators provide a combination of fixed priority and round robin arbitration schemes. By selecting the value of N relative to the number of resources, the rate of round robin access relative to fixed priority access can be set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Price W. Oman, Andrew J. Rindos, III
  • Patent number: D357007
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corp.
    Inventor: Aaron R. Cox
  • Patent number: D361989
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Aaron R. Cox