Patents Assigned to International Business Machines Corporations
  • Patent number: 8015565
    Abstract: A method, and apparatus are provided for preventing livelocks in processor selection of load requests in a multiprocessor (MP) system. On random occasions a selection mechanism is changed for first holding up all requests and then a random selection is made. Then a round robin selection mechanism is used for further requests. A livelock-preventing selection mechanism includes a pair of linear feedback shift registers (LFSRs), each LFSR for generating pseudo random values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Richard William Doing, John R. Patty, Steven Robert Testa, Thuong Quang Truong
  • Patent number: 8015021
    Abstract: A method and system for enabling personalization of services for a user. A first and second computerized service system that includes a first and second server, respectively, is utilized. An information server of a computerized information system receives a different request from the first and second server for first and second personalization information of the user, respectively. The first and second personalization information enables a first and second entity that uses the first and second server to provide a service to the user in response to the user having previously requested the service from first and second entity, respectively. The information server determines that first and second criteria for the first and second entity to receive the first and second personalization information, respectively, have been satisfied, after which the information server sends the first and second personalization information to the first and second server, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Currie Peter Boyle
  • Patent number: 8015248
    Abstract: Queuing of received transactions that have a resource conflict is disclosed. A first node receives a first transaction from a second node, where the first transaction relates to a resource of the first node. The transaction may be a request relating to a memory line of the first node, for instance. It is determined that a second transaction that relates to this resource of the first node is already being processed by the first node. Therefore, the first transaction is enqueued in a conflict queue within the first node. The queuing may be a linked list, a priority queue, or another type of queue. Once the second transaction has been processed, the first transaction is restarted for processing by the first node. The first transaction is then processed by the first node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Donald R. DeSota, Robert Joersz, Davis A. Miller, Maged M. Michael
  • Patent number: 8015528
    Abstract: A method, system and computer program product are disclosed. The method includes initializing a first variable to limit a rewrite time for rewrite operations with respect to an initial design by a rewriting module, a second variable to limit a time for satisfiability solver operations with respect to said initial design by a satisfiability solver module and a third variable to limit a maximum number of rewrite iterations with respect to said initial design. A timer is called to track said rewrite time and a local logic rewriting operation is run on said initial design with said rewrite module. In response to determining that all of all targets for said initial design netlist are not solved, whether a rewrite time is expired is determined. In response to determining that said rewrite time is not expired, AND refactoring is run. In response to determining that said rewrite time is not expired, XOR refactoring is run.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jason R. Baumgartner, Robert L. Kanzelman, Hari Mony, Viresh Paruthi
  • Patent number: 8015523
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for sequential netlist reduction through trace-containment for a circuitry design netlist by first identifying a cut of the netlist and enumerating a set of mismatch traces. Perform time-bounded unfolding of a cofactored version of the cut to reflect the sequential cofactor for a specific input i and temporal uncorrelation constraints for the set of inputs ‘J’. Determine whether there is trace containment by performing equivalence checking with respect to the cut of the netlist under temporal uncorrelation constraints for the set of inputs ‘J’. In response to detecting trace containment, simplify the netlist by merging the input ‘i’ to a constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jason R. Baumgartner, Robert L. Kanzelman, Hari Mony, Viresh Paruthi
  • Patent number: 8015155
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a computer system and computer program product backup a dataset. An input image copy of the dataset is read, wherein the input image copy is prior to a start of dataset reorganization. A cursor value associated with reorganization of said dataset is determined. A backup copy is produced based on the input image copy, the changes from the log and the cursor value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John Terry Langley, David Wayne Moore
  • Patent number: 8015073
    Abstract: The present invention describes a configurable risk-driven contracting service for limited capacity advanced-scheduled events for which tickets are sold. In the invention, multiple batches of tickets can be released in a time-sequenced fashion. Some of the batches can be auctioned. Dynamic per-batch pricing can be implemented that is based upon a relative market value of the tickets, which can be determined in part by captured auction data. Auction data can include, but is not limited to, bid price, bid volume, bidder diversity, ticket quantities per bid, and bidding frequency. Auction parameters and ticket prices can vary over time in accordance with seller risks and opportunity costs, which can dynamically change as tickets for an event are sold and as the time of the event approaches. Auction bids can be adjusted for bidder selectable constraints, each having a constraint specific value. The invention can utilize one or more Web services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Ilechko, Alex Sanielevici
  • Patent number: 8015240
    Abstract: The invention provides method and apparatus for collaboration between a plurality of associated portlets in a portal server comprising: associating each portlet with a portlet descriptor describing context names; forming collaboration groups of portlets having corresponding context names for synchronized contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Joanna Ng, Rohit Kapoor, Leho Nigul
  • Patent number: 8015217
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to data retrieval, and more particularly but not exclusively to obtaining referentially converted user data having user-defined data types. In one implementation, the present invention is a method for retrieving user data in a data system using one or more application programs for defining a layout for each user data type, defining one or more conversion routines for non-standard data types, calling a coordination call to map standard and non-standard data types, and retrieve the user data from the data storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kiran Challapalli, Kyle Jeffrey Charlet, Christopher M. Holtz, William W. Li
  • Patent number: 8015362
    Abstract: A method for handling cache coherency includes allocating a tag when a cache line is not exclusive in a data cache for a store operation, and sending the tag and an exclusive fetch for the line to coherency logic. An invalidation request is sent within a minimum amount of time to an I-cache, preferably only if it has fetched to the line and has not been invalidated since, which request includes an address to be invalidated, the tag, and an indicator specifying the line is for a PSC operation. The method further includes comparing the request address against stored addresses of prefetched instructions, and in response to a match, sending a match indicator and the tag to an LSU, within a maximum amount of time. The match indicator is timed, relative to exclusive data return, such that the LSU can discard prefetched instructions following execution of the store operation that stores to a line subject to an exclusive data return, and for which the match is indicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory W. Alexander, Christian Jacobi, Barry W. Krumm, Chung-Lung Kevin Shum, Aaron Tsai
  • Patent number: 8015426
    Abstract: A system and method for providing voltage power gating. The system includes a device for providing voltage power gating. The device includes logic circuitry, a mechanism for receiving a control signal associated with the logic circuitry and a selector. The control signal indicates an active state or an idle state of the logic circuitry. The selector enables a power source to the logic circuitry in response to the control signal indicating the active state. The selector also disables the power source to the logic circuitry in response to the control signal indicating the idle state. Thus, the power source is dynamically eliminated from the logic circuitry on the device when it is in the idle state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dustin J. VanStee, Thomas J. Griffin, Leonard M. Greenberg
  • Patent number: 8012811
    Abstract: A feature is formed in an integrated circuit by providing one or more layers to be patterned, providing a first layer overlying the one or more layers to be patterned, and providing a second layer overlying the first layer. The second layer is patterned to form a raised feature with one or more sidewalls. Subsequently, the first layer is processed such that components of the first layer deposit on the one or more sidewalls of the raised feature to form a mask. The mask is used to pattern the one or more layers to be patterned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kuan-Neng Chen, John Christopher Arnold, Niranjana Ruiz
  • Patent number: 8015206
    Abstract: A computer program product including stored program code adapted to implement a method for document analysis and retrieval. A document that includes text is received from a host. Document keys associated with the text are generated. In first embodiments, a document taxonomy is provided. The taxonomy has categories and associated category keys. The category keys of each category are compared with the document keys to determine a distance between the document and each category as a measure of how close the document is to each category. A subset of the categories is returned to the host, wherein the subset of the categories reflects the determined distances. In second embodiments, a search string is created as a logical function of a subset of the document keys. The search string is submitted to a search engine. Links to related documents are received from the search engine and returned to the host.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Desiree D. G. Gosby, Keith I Ito
  • Patent number: 8015274
    Abstract: A system and method of automating the validation and control of peripheral director hardware in a switched fabric network. A system is provided that includes a script language processor for interpreting high-level statements and generating command functions understood by an application programming interface (API) associated with the switched fabric network, wherein the command functions include a query switch command, a query interface switch command, a write switch command, and a display result command; and a system for generating an output in response to a set of command functions submitted to the switched fabric network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mark J. Firley, Phillip C. Arnett, Roland M. Foster, Robert G. Warner, Scott W. Wood
  • Patent number: 8015385
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is disclosed for allocating memory for a processor unit in a group of processing units. The method can include receiving a memory allocation request where the request can indicate a number of binary segments to be stored. The method can determine if the number indicates a nonstandard allocation, and locate an unallocated memory address based on a multiple of the number if the number indicates a nonstandard allocation. The method can also include locating an unallocated memory address from a pool of memory addresses, where the pool of addresses includes the integer multiples of the binary segments and excludes addresses that are two times the number of binary segments such that the address can be utilized to determine the allocation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Joel H. Schopp
  • Patent number: 8015593
    Abstract: A method for protecting a data entry device from eavesdropping includes masking a signature of entry resulting from entry of data by a user of the data entry device so as to reduce the detectability of the signature by eavesdropping. The signature may include a temperature differential in the data entry device from data entry by the user and the masking may include controlling the external temperature of the data entry device to reduce temperature differentials left in the data entry device by the user. Alternatively, the signature may include sound waves emitted from the data entry device and the masking may include masking sound waves emitted from the data entry device to reduce the detectability of the sound waves. A system may also be employed for protecting data entry to a data entry device from eavesdropping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce Dickson, David Louis Kaminsky, Marcia Lambert Peters Stockton
  • Patent number: 8015518
    Abstract: A design structure for electrostatic discharge protection comprises a first data representing a first electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit and a second data representing a second ESD protection circuit. A parallel connection of two ESD protection units, each providing a discharge path for electrical charges of opposite types, provides ESD protection circuit for positive and negative voltage swings in the circuit. Each of the multiple emitter-base regions are cascaded such that the base of one emitter-base region is directly wired to the emitter of an adjacent emitter-base region. The first data represents a first ESD protection unit providing protection on one type of voltage swing, and the second data represents a second ESD protection unit providing protection on the other type of voltage swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Steven H. Voldman
  • Patent number: 8014150
    Abstract: Cooled electronic modules and methods of fabrication are provided with pump-enhanced, dielectric fluid immersion-cooling of the electronic device. The cooled electronic module includes a substrate supporting an electronic device to be cooled. A cooling apparatus couples to the substrate, and includes a housing configured to at least partially surround and form a sealed compartment about the electronic device. Additionally, the cooling apparatus includes dielectric fluid and one or more pumps disposed within the sealed compartment. The dielectric fluid is in direct contact with the electronic device, and the pump is an impingement-cooling, immersed pump disposed to actively pump dielectric fluid within the sealed compartment towards the electronic device. Multiple condenser fins extend from the housing into the sealed compartment in an upper portion of the sealed compartment, and a liquid-cooled cold plate or an air-cooled heat sink is coupled to the top of the housing for cooling the condenser fins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Levi A. Campbell, Richard C. Chu, Michael J. Ellsworth, Jr., Madhusudan K. Iyengar, Robert E. Simons
  • Patent number: 8015497
    Abstract: An example of a solution provided here comprises receiving a signal for sending in a side conversation, and in response to the signal for sending, sending a first portion of text, in a side conversation. The first portion of text is new, and the first portion of text is not necessarily revealed to some participants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Yen Fu Chen, John H. Handy-Bosma, Mei Y. Selvage, Keith R. Walker
  • Patent number: 8015509
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a solution to add a user selectable lock to a GUI control, such as a close button. The lock can be imposed on an individual window. After being applied, a user will have to explicitly unlock the control before the control can be selected, which prevents inadvertent selections of the locked control. For example, a lock can be placed on a close control to prevent accidental closing of a window. Locks can be manually or automatically applied. Automatically applied locks can be associated with a set of user configurable rules, which can also establish rules for automatically unlocking GUI controls. An applied GUI control lock can be unlocked in a user configurable manner, with any level of security.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher K. Karstens