Patents Assigned to Electronics Data Systems Corporation
  • Patent number: 5905979
    Abstract: An abstract manager system (12) and method for managing an abstract database (40) are provided. The abstract manager system (12) may be implemented using a computer that includes a mass storage device (44) and a processor (34). The processor (34) is responsive to one or more computer files stored in the mass storage device (44) such as an abstract manager program (32). The processor (34) is responsive to generate an abstract manager input form (96) and to receive input abstract information in the abstract manager input form (96). The processor (34) is also responsive to generate a record in an abstract database (40) that includes the input abstract information and to generate a file, such as an abstract file of abstract files (42), that includes the input abstract information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Electronic Data Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Sue Ellen Barrows
  • Patent number: 5897645
    Abstract: A method for composing electronic data is provided. The method includes creating a document map (56) having a common data format. A driver map (58) of processor operating commands is also created for reading the data in a data file (16) having an original data format. The driver map (58) is then used to convert the data file (16) into a new data file (24) having the common data format in accordance with the document map (56).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Electronic Data Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Richard L. Watters
  • Patent number: 5898835
    Abstract: A remote command execution system (26) is provided for remotely executing commands at a computer. The remote command execution system (26) includes a client (12) using a web browser (32) and a remote Internet server (15) having a mass storage device (44), for storing computer files, and a processor (42). The processor (42) is responsive to one or more of the computer files of the mass storage device (44). The processor (42) is responsive to communicate a command input form to the web browser (32) of the client (12) and to receive an input from the client (12) that includes a command to be executed by the remote Internet server (15). The processor (42) is further responsive to process the input, execute the command, and generate an output including the results of executing the command. The remote Internet server (15) then provides the output to the web browser (32) of the client (12) for displaying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Electronic Data Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy M. Truong
  • Patent number: 5893906
    Abstract: An automated system (30) is provided for managing work in a computing application. The system (30) includes an interface (32, 38) which can receive inventory information (11) for the computing application. The interface (32, 38) also may receive a work order configuration. A memory (36), which is coupled to the interface (32, 38), stores the inventory information (11). A processor (40) is coupled to the memory (36) and the interface (32, 38). The processor (40) automatically generates a work order (28) in response to the work order configuration, such work order (28) specifying at least a portion of the inventory information (11). The processor (40) tracks the work order (28) as actions are taken pursuant to the work order (28), thereby managing work in the computing application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Electronic Data Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Terrance A. Daffin, Brett L. Barton
  • Patent number: 5893904
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a system (10) for confirming authorization for the allocation of an item of business property is coupled to a business database (44) containing business data for the item. A translate module (30) receives allocation data (14) for the item and generates query data that represents a first portion of the allocation data (14). A query module (32) coupled to the translate module (30) generates a query using the query data for submission to the business database (44). A transaction database (34) coupled to the translate module (30) and the query module (32) stores at least a portion of the allocation data (14) and a query response received from the business database (44). A confirm module (100) accesses the query response and the stored allocation data (14) to confirm authorization for the allocation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Electronic Data Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Bradly R. Harris, James B. Cue, II
  • Patent number: 5890132
    Abstract: A system (10) is provided for associating a physical application (22) to a business operation. The system (10) includes a first database (30, 34, 38, 42) operable to store information relating to at least one physical application (22). An interface (46) receives information relating to at least one business requirement (24) of the business operation. A relator (48), which is coupled to the first database (30, 34, 38, 42) and the interface (46), generates linking information (52) to associate the business requirement (24) to the physical application (22). A second database (50) is coupled to the relator (48). The second database (50) stores the business requirement information and the corresponding linking information (52) to associate the physical application (22) to the business operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Electronic Data Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen R. Sanders
  • Patent number: 5886634
    Abstract: A security system includes a base station that reads a first tag and a second tag, each tag associated with items, persons, and/or containers. Upon reading the tags, the base station determines whether the removal of the items, persons, and/or containers is authorized. If the removal is not authorized, the base station may activate an alarm, lock the exit, and/or generate a message for delivery to a remote site. The security system may also be integrated with an inventory control system to monitor the location and status of the items, persons, and/or containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Electronic Data Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. Muhme
  • Patent number: 5884310
    Abstract: A data storage system (12) may include a plurality of source systems (14) and a common database server (16). Each source system (14) may include a source database (20), an extraction engine (24) and a transformation engine(26). At least two of the source systems (14) may have source databases (20) that store data in disparate formats and file structures. The extraction engine (24) may extract data from the source database (20). The transformation engine (26) may transform data extracted from the source database (20) into a common format and file structure. The common database server (16) may include a common database (32), a common database controller (34) and a load engine (48). The common database controller (34) may receive data transformed by the transformation engine (26). The load engine (48) may load the data received by the common database controller (34) into the common database (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Electronic Data Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Harriet B. Brichta, Gerald R. Lewis, Mark D. Knesek, Ronald A. Hoyt, Geoffrey M. Owens
  • Patent number: 5884312
    Abstract: A method for securely accessing information from disparate data sources through a network is provided. The method includes requesting a logon menu from a network server using a client and receiving a logon menu. The method further includes communicating a logon input to the network server which then communicates the logon input to a database server. Next, the method includes verifying the logon input at the database server and generating and storing a unique session identification number at the database server in response. The method continues by communicating the session identification number and a portion of the logon input to the client and storing, and communicating a menu to the client prompting the user to perform at least a first function requiring access to a first type of disparate data source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Electronic Data Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Frederick Dustan, Dirk A. Vieira
  • Patent number: 5878416
    Abstract: An automated system (10) for matching an item of business property to a recipient includes an inventory database (32) containing inventory data (34) concerning the item. A match module (30) is coupled to the inventory database (32) and receives allocation data (14) for the item. The match module (30) generates match data (180) for the item and associates the match data (180) with the inventory data (34). The match module (30) receives an item request (33) containing request data (152) and matches the item to the recipient associated with the item request (33) using the match data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Electronic Data Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Bradly R. Harris, James B. Cue, II
  • Patent number: 5875333
    Abstract: A method and a system (10) are provided for generating source code (28) for relating a dialog interface with a business object in a computing application. The system (10) includes a memory (14, 18) operable to store an attribute definition file (16). An interface (12) is coupled to the memory (14, 18). The interface (12) allows a user of the system (10) to create an application configuration file (19) from the attribute definition file (16). A processor (24), which is coupled to the memory (14, 18) and the interface (12), automatically generates source code (28) in response to the application configuration file (19) to relate the dialog interface with the business object. The method is performed on a computer system, such as the system (10) of the present invention. The method includes receiving configuration information specifying a relationship between at least one interface object and at least one business object which is represented by the interface object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Electronic Data Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Nathan S. Fish, Andrew J. Berner, Sarah V. Denney
  • Patent number: 5873095
    Abstract: A system (10) for maintaining current status for employees in a work force is provided. The system (10) includes a server system (12) providing an operating environment for a database (14). The database (14) stores and providing access to a plurality of records (16) that hold status information for employees. The system also includes a plurality of client systems (20) connected to the server system (12), each client system (20) providing an operating environment for a locator application (22). The locator application (22) is operable to: provide a user interface and receive user input; store information in and retrieve information from the database (14), change an employee's status information, and locate and display an individual employee's status information. The status information held by the records (16) in the database (14) thereby provides current status for employees in a work force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Electronic Data Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Terence F. Gore
  • Patent number: 5870733
    Abstract: An automated system (10) for providing access data (42) concerning an item of business property includes a master database (34) containing master data (36) concerning the item and an accesser (16) that provides an access request. A manager (14) coupled to the master database (34) retrieves selected master data (36) from the master database (34) and generates access data (42) for the item using the master data (36). The manager (14) receives the access request and, in response, provides the accesser (16) with access data (42) concerning the item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Electronic Data Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Theresa A. Bass, Kerry D. Brinlee
  • Patent number: 5870555
    Abstract: A system (24, 44, 52) for compiling and reporting network information to a user of a network (10) comprises a user interface (32) for receiving a network information request from the user. An automated information compiler (44) receives the network information request from the user interface (32) and compiles network information in response to the network information request. A report generator (34) receives the compiled network information from the information compiler (44) and generates a report in response to the compiled network information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Electronic Data Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Paul S. Pruett, Joel R. Jensen, Alan F. Rosenhauer
  • Patent number: 5864338
    Abstract: A system for designing a multimedia application (27) is provided. The system includes an assembly template (14, 16, 18) having predetermined processor operating commands and related data. The assembly template (14, 16, 18) is adapted to allow a user to add to and modify and the processor operating commands and related data, and to generate multimedia application navigator system controls (22). A processor (10, 56) receives the modified processor commands of the assembly template (14, 16, 18) and generates the multimedia application navigator system controls (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Electronic Data Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Alex Jay Nestor, Michael W. Schwartz, Christopher M. Dittman, Robert K. Wilcox, Kathryn G. Smithhisler
  • Patent number: 5864660
    Abstract: A computing system (10) includes elements (12-24) interfacing at integration points (26-47). One or more of the elements (12-24) may be associated with one or more testing tables. For example, a testing table (48) may include a test procedure (54) and several corresponding test codes (54a, 54b, 54c) associated with alternate product configurations (12a, 12b, 12c) that satisfy the functional requirements of an element (12). The testing tables in the computing system (10) provide a systematic and standardized scheme for defining, creating, modifying, and adapting integration test code. A testing system (11) accesses the testing tables to test the integration of the elements (12-24) in the computing system (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Electronic Data Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Imad W. Hamameh, Reinier J. Aerdts, Martin R. Brack
  • Patent number: 5864483
    Abstract: A system (10) is provided for monitoring services or products. The system (10) includes an interface (12, 18) which can receive criteria information (14) specifying an unacceptable level for services or products. The interface (12, 18) can also receive services or products information (20) relating to the services or products. A database (16), which is coupled to the interface (12, 18), stores the criteria information (14). A processor (22, 27) is coupled to the database (16) and the interface (12, 18). The processor (22, 27) can identify non-random patterns in a predefined danger zone in order to determine when the services or products are approaching the unacceptable level specified in the criteria information (14), thereby monitoring the services or products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Electronic Data Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Harriet E. Brichta
  • Patent number: 5861887
    Abstract: A method of creating image palm prints is provided that comprises storing image data as a metafile within a clipboard storage facility (20). The metafile is then transferred to a memory device context (18). A portion of the image is then extracted using a boundary scan to discard background image data. The image is then converted into a device independent bit map and the device independent bit map is compressed to a predetermined size. The image palm print is then created by associating the compressed device independent bit map with the dimension data and palette information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Electronic Data Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Kathy Elaine Butler, George Kenneth Sergent
  • Patent number: 5850520
    Abstract: The invention comprises a method and system for distributing an electronic publication. The invention allows the distribution of customized publications, including customized advertising, customized content, or both. In accordance with the method for distributing an electronic publication, a version of an electronic publication is retrieved from storage. The electronic publication is delivered to the consumer by electronically sending the electronic publication to the consumer's electronic mail address with a return receipt requested. A receipt is then generated in response to the retrieval of the electronic publication from the consumer's electronic mailbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Electronic Data Systems Corporation
    Inventors: L. Joy Griebenow, Dale S. Howard, Kim Lenger
  • Patent number: 5848421
    Abstract: A system (10) for maintaining and accessing a catalog database (36) includes a catalog database upgrade system (34). The system (10) also includes a catalog database navigator system (56). The catalog database upgrade system (34) is capable of adding items to a catalog database (36) and modifying items in the catalog database (36). The catalog database navigator system (56) is capable of locating items in the catalog database (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Electronic Data Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Harriet Elaine Brichta, Mark A. Trio, Lee R. Wilson, Jim W. Gunnels, Robert J. Muhme