IBM Patents

The International Business Machines Corporation provides IT infrastructure and services to enterprise customers.

IBM Patents by Type
  • IBM Patents Granted: IBM patents that have been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
  • IBM Patent Applications: IBM patent applications that are pending before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
  • Publication number: 20150069333
    Abstract: High resolution active matrix structures are fabricated using techniques applicable to flexible substrates. A backplane layer including active semiconductor devices is formed using a semiconductor-on-insulator substrate. The substrate is thinned using a layer transfer technique or chemical/mechanical processing. Driver transistors are formed on the semiconductor layer of the substrate along with additional circuits that provide other functions such as computing or sensing. Contacts to passive devices such as organic light emitting diodes may be provided by heavily doped regions formed in the handle layer of the substrate and then isolated. A gate dielectric layer may be formed on the semiconductor layer, which functions as a channel layer, or the insulator layer of the substrate may be employed as a gate dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen W. Bedell, III, Bahman Hekmatshoartabari, Ghavam G. Shahidi, Davood Shahrjerdi
  • Publication number: 20150074021
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a training model based on feedback are provided. The method for generating a training model based on feedback, includes calculating an eigenvector of a sample among a plurality of samples; obtaining scores granted by a user for one or more of the plurality of samples in a round, obtaining scores granted by the user for a first number of samples; obtaining scores granted by the user for a second number of samples in response to detecting, based on the eigenvector, an inconsistency between the scores granted by the user for the first number of samples; and generating a training model based on the scores granted by the user for the first and second numbers of samples. A corresponding apparatus is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Liangliang Cao, Ning Duan, Qian Lin, Chen Wang, Junchi Yan, Xin Zhang
  • Publication number: 20150074392
    Abstract: A processor-implemented method for a secure processing environment for protecting sensitive information is provided. The processor-implemented method may include receiving encrypted data and routing the encrypted data to the secure processing environment. Then the encrypted data may be decrypted and fields containing sensitive information may be found. The method may also include obfuscating the sensitive information and returning, by the secure processing environment, the decrypted data and obfuscated data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Richard H. Boivie, Alyson Comer, John C. Dayka, Donna N. Dillenberger, Kenneth A. Goldman, Mohit Kapur, Dimitrios Pendarakis, James A. Ruddy, Peter G. Sutton, Enriquillo Valdez
  • Publication number: 20150074175
    Abstract: Service agreement performance validation includes receiving a request for access to an application from a client system. The application is hosted by a data center in a network-hosted computing environment. The service agreement performance validation also includes querying a global positioning system receiver for geographic location information of the data center, receiving the geographic location information from the global positioning system receiver, transmitting the geographic location information to the client system, and providing access to the application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John G. Musial, Sandeep R. Patil, Riyazahamad M. Shiraguppi, Gandhi Sivakumar, Matthew B. Trevathan
  • Publication number: 20150074551
    Abstract: Organizing a synchronous communication session can include determining, using a processor of a data processing system, a context responsive to detecting a trigger event. The context specifies a foreground application executing within the data processing system. Candidate participants can be determined from the context. A user interface is displayed separate from the foreground application. The user interface lists the candidate participants. Further, responsive to a user input received within the user interface, an invite to the candidate participants is sent. The invite specifies access information for the synchronous communication session.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Owen O'Sullivan, Fernando J. Salazar
  • Publication number: 20150073773
    Abstract: An approach to classify different defect records by mapping plain language phrases to a taxonomy. The approach includes a method that includes receiving, by at least one computing device, a defect record associated with a defect. The method further includes receiving, by the least one computing device, a plain language phrase or word. The method further includes mapping, by the least one computing device, the plain language phrase or word to a taxonomy. The method further includes classifying, by the least one computing device, how the defect was at least one of detected and resolved using the taxonomy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Enrique M. ACEVEDO ARIZPE, Rosa N. GUTIERREZ AGUILAR, Mitzi Louise Deason PONCE, Graciela REYES GRANADOS, Crystal F. SPRINGER
  • Publication number: 20150071620
    Abstract: Each data integrity value, from among a plurality of data integrity values each associated with a separate unit of a program comprising a plurality of units, is checked against a separate recorded portion of a recording of the program corresponding to one of the plurality of units, wherein the recording of the program is recorded from a broadcast of the program. Responsive to a particular data integrity value from among the plurality of data integrity values not matching when checked against a particular separate recorded portion of the program corresponding to a particular unit from among the plurality of units, the recording is corrected by replacing only the particular separate recorded portion of the program from a second recording of only the particular unit from a subsequent broadcast of the program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: SUSANN M. KEOHANE, SHAWN P. MULLEN, JESSICA C. MURILLO, JOHNNY M. SHIEH
  • Publication number: 20150069513
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate having a bulk substrate layer, an active semiconductor layer, and a buried insulator layer interposed between the bulk substrate layer and the active semiconductor layer. A first source/drain (S/D) region includes a first stand-alone butting implant having a first butting width. A second S/D region includes a second stand-alone butting implant having a second butting width. A gate well-region is interposed between the first and second S/D regions. The gate well-region has a gate width that is greater than the first and second butting widths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dechao Guo, Wilfried E. Haensch, Gan Wang, Xin Wang, Yanfeng Wang, Keith Kwong Hon Wong
  • Publication number: 20150074086
    Abstract: A search query portion is received. A plurality of suggested search queries is identified based on the search query portion. Feature values are determined for each of the plurality of suggested search queries based on a feature display preference. A heat map of the suggested search queries is transmitted to a client computer system. The heat map contains a plurality of blocks visually representing the plurality of suggested search queries and the determined feature values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Billy W. Chang, Sarbajit K. Rakshit
  • Publication number: 20150069465
    Abstract: A layer of a silicon germanium alloy containing 30 atomic percent or greater germanium and containing substitutional carbon is grown on a surface of a semiconductor layer. The presence of the substitutional carbon in the layer of silicon germanium alloy compensates the strain of the silicon germanium alloy, and suppresses defect formation. Placeholder semiconductor fins are then formed to a desired dimension within the layer of silicon germanium alloy and the semiconductor layer. The placeholder semiconductor fins will relax for the most part, while maintaining strain in a lengthwise direction. An anneal is then performed which may either remove the substitutional carbon from each placeholder semiconductor fin or move the substitutional carbon into interstitial sites within the lattice of the silicon germanium alloy. Free-standing permanent semiconductor fins containing 30 atomic percent or greater germanium, and strain in the lengthwise direction are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kangguo Cheng, Pouya Hashemi, Ali Khakifirooz, Alexander Reznicek
  • Publication number: 20150074276
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a switch controller configured to communicate with each of a plurality of network devices in a network, the switch controller including a processor and logic integrated with and/or executable by the processor, the logic being configured to: receive a request to instantiate a new workload or to move a current workload in the network, determine a throughput associated with the new or current workload, and select an optimum location to place the new workload or to move the current workload in the network based on the throughput associated with the new or current workload. According to another embodiment, a method includes receiving a request at a switch controller to instantiate or move a workload, determining a throughput associated with the workload, and selecting an optimum location to place or move the workload based on the throughput associated with the workload.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Casimer M. DeCusatis, Mircea Gusat, Vinit Jain, Keshav G. Kamble, Renato J. Recio
  • Publication number: 20150073689
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to traffic impact prediction in a transportation network. Link level background traffic demand in a transportation network may be estimated based on information about available routes, and based on expected background traffic volumes between origins and destinations. A background traffic flow model that optimizes a background flow of the expected background traffic volumes among the available routes to minimize a sum of background congestion costs, background path entropy, and errors between an observed background traffic flow and the optimized background flow may be applied. Alternative routes may be identified based on the available routes and event based control plans. Expected additional event based traffic volumes may be received. A link level total traffic demand in the transportation network may be estimated based on the expected additional event based traffic volumes, the identified alternative routes, and the estimated background traffic demand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Arun Hampapur, Qing He, Xuan Liu, Songhua Xing
  • Publication number: 20150074312
    Abstract: Multi-channel universal serial bus (USB) to subrate channel systems and methods are disclosed. According to an aspect, a system includes a USB interface configured to communicatively connect to a computing device. The system may also include a multi-channel interface configured to communicatively connect to multiple subrate channels. Further, the system may include a controller configured to communicatively connect the subrate channels with the computing device via the USB interface. The controller may also be configured to communicate, to the computing device, connection specifications for the subrate channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel J. Barus, Robert M. Piper, Donald G. Polak
  • Publication number: 20150074547
    Abstract: Managing email content in an activity stream includes receiving a selection of a number of criteria that indicate content to be presented in an activity stream, retrieving email content based on the number of criteria, and displaying the email content in an activity stream by referencing email data related to the metadata.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mustansir Banatwala, David A. Brooks, Scott H. Prager, Joseph A. Russo
  • Publication number: 20150072467
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a photovoltaic device includes forming a first contact on a crystalline substrate, by epitaxially growing a first doped layer having a doping concentration of 1019 cm?3 or greater, a dislocation density of 105 cm?2 or smaller, a hydrogen content of 0.1 atomic percent or smaller, and a thickness configured to reduce Auger recombination in the epitaxially grown doped layer. A first passivation layer is formed on the first doped layer. A second contact is formed on the crystalline substrate on a side opposite the first contact by epitaxially growing a second doped layer having a doping concentration of 1019 cm?3 or greater, a dislocation density of 105 cm?2 or smaller, a hydrogen content of 0.1 atomic percent or smaller and a thickness configured to reduce Auger recombination in the second epitaxially grown doped layer. A second passivation layer is formed on the second doped layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kevin K. Chan, Bahman Hekmatshoartabari, Tak H. Ning
  • Publication number: 20150069531
    Abstract: A low resistance contact to a finFET source/drain can be achieved by forming a defect free surface on which to form such contact. The fins of a finFET can be exposed to epitaxial growth conditions to increase the bulk of semiconductive material in the source/drain. Facing growth fronts can merge or can form unmerged facets. A dielectric material can fill voids within the source drain region. A trench spaced from the finFET gate can expose the top portion of faceted epitaxial growth on fins within said trench, such top portions separated by a smooth dielectric surface. A silicon layer selectively formed on the top portions exposed within the trench can be converted to a semiconductor-metal layer, connecting such contact with individual fins in the source drain region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sebastian Naczas, Vamsi Paruchuri, Alexander Reznicek, Dominic J. Schepis
  • Publication number: 20150070178
    Abstract: Real-time vehicle driver performance monitoring uses a plurality of sensors operated in a vehicle, each generating a real-time data stream comprising data corresponding to operation of the vehicle by the vehicle's driver. A computing device (such as an in-vehicle computer) processes the generated data stream from each of the plurality of sensors to determine whether the operation of the vehicle triggers any of a plurality of predetermined operational alert triggers. The predetermined operational alert triggers may correspond to detecting characteristics of an improper magnitude and/or an improper linearity of a delta in data detected by one of the sensors. When an alert is triggered, a corresponding alert message is generated and sent to at least one recipient (e.g., to the vehicle's driver, to nearby driver(s), to authorities, etc.). Examples of monitored characteristics include speed, steering, braking, use of turn indicators by the driver, and mobile phone usage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Eric V. Kline
  • Publication number: 20150074030
    Abstract: A distributable and serializable finite state machine and methods for using the distributable and serializable finite state machine are provided wherein finite state machine instance can be location-shifted, time-shifted or location-shift and time-shifted, for example by serializing and deserializing each instance. Each instance can be located-shifted between agents, and a persistent memory storage location is provided to facilitate both location-shifting and time-shifting. Finite state machine instances and the actions that make up each instance can be run in a distributed fashion among a plurality of agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: James R. Challenger, Louis R. Degenaro, James R. Giles, Paul Reed, Rohit Wagle
  • Publication number: 20150074471
    Abstract: Methods, non-transitory storage medium, and systems for generating an aggregated list of problem conditions associated with blade servers to facilitate efficient debugging thereof. In a blade server environment, each chassis is equipped with a chassis management module and each blade in each chassis is associated with a blade management controller. A data map representing the relationships between the blade servers and the shared resources is utilized by a chassis management module to aggregate and link problem conditions sensed by any of the blade management controllers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Venkatesh Sainath, Ajay Kumar Mahajan
  • Publication number: 20150068591
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a photovoltaic device includes forming a first contact on a crystalline substrate, by epitaxially growing a first doped layer having a doping concentration of 1019 cm?3 or greater, a dislocation density of 105 cm?2 or smaller, a hydrogen content of 0.1 atomic percent or smaller, and a thickness configured to reduce Auger recombination in the epitaxially grown doped layer. A first passivation layer is formed on the first doped layer. A second contact is formed on the crystalline substrate on a side opposite the first contact by epitaxially growing a second doped layer having a doping concentration of 1019 cm?3 or greater, a dislocation density of 105 cm?2 or smaller, a hydrogen content of 0.1 atomic percent or smaller and a thickness configured to reduce Auger recombination in the second epitaxially grown doped layer. A second passivation layer is formed on the second doped layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kevin K. Chan, Bahman Hekmatshoartabari, Tak H. Ning
  • Publication number: 20150072481
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate having a bulk substrate layer, an active semiconductor layer, and a buried insulator layer interposed between the bulk substrate layer and the active semiconductor layer. A first source/drain (S/D) region includes a first stand-alone butting implant having a first butting width. A second S/D region includes a second stand-alone butting implant having a second butting width. A gate well-region is interposed between the first and second S/D regions. The gate well-region has a gate width that is greater than the first and second butting widths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dechao Guo, Wilfried E. Haensch, Gan Wang, Xin Wang, Yanfeng Wang, Keith Kwong Hon Wong
  • Publication number: 20150074290
    Abstract: Communication between (at least) two domains where domain name resolution for the first domain is not going to be available to clients in the second domain “as a service” but more as a “capability” available inherently in web containers. This can be accomplished as follows: (i) connecting a first server computer in direct data communication with a first domain and a second domain; (ii) storing domain name system (DNS) mapping information for the second domain on the first server computer; (iii) storing a first network page related to a network application on the first server computer; and (iv) sending, from the first server computer to a client computer on the first domain, the first network page and the DNS mapping information for the second domain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Logeswaran T. Rajamanickam, Rohit Shetty
  • Publication number: 20150074466
    Abstract: Various examples of techniques for identifying a corrupt data lane and using a spare data lane are described herein. Some examples include a method of coordinating spare lane usage between link partners. One such example comprises analyzing data from a link partner to identify a corrupt lane, and communicating the corrupt lane to the link partner, wherein the communication does not require sideband communication channel. In some embodiments, communicating the corrupt lane to the link partner comprises identifying a transmit lane corresponding to the corrupt lane, transmitting a set of data intended for a corresponding transmit lane using a spare data lane, and transmitting bad data to the link partner using the corresponding transmit lane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Etai Adar, Yiftach Benjamini, Pavel Granovsky
  • Publication number: 20150070713
    Abstract: A method of fabricating an aberration monitor on a production mask used in photolithographic patterning of a semiconductor substrate is provided. The method may include placing a production mask within a nanomachine repair tool and generating, using the nanomachine repair tool, a phase shifting pattern within a region of the production mask.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory R. McIntyre
  • Publication number: 20150074150
    Abstract: Aspects distribute database data to table space containers as a function of active and inactive node designations. Different groups of active and inactive logical nodes are created in response to integrating a relational database on one or more physical servers. Database node groups are created by marking the active nodes as available for use in data storage and distribution, and the inactive nodes as unavailable. Table space is created for the relational database by defining containers for each of the active and inactive nodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Deepam Kapur
  • Publication number: 20150074062
    Abstract: The capturing of change data of deferred updates begins with the receipt of an update request call for one or more changes to a database. A processing of the update request call is deferred until a commit point is issued, where call information associated with the update request call is determined, and the call information is stored and associated with the update request call. During a processing of the commit point, data information for the one or more changes to the database is determined. The data information for the one or more changes is combined with the stored call information associated with the update request call.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Terry L. KREIN, Francis J. RICCHIO, Judy Y. TSE, Gregory W. VANCE
  • Publication number: 20150074640
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of software configuration management, and more particularly to validating, detecting, and dynamically handling software configurations and updates. A computing device detects a configuration event in a first computer program. The computing device includes a plurality of executing computer programs, wherein the plurality of executing computer programs includes the first computer program and a second computer program, and wherein the first computer program has a configurational relationship to the second computer program. The computing program determines whether the configuration event affects the second computer program. The computing device generates an action in response to the determination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: B.G. Prashanth Bhat, John Kurian, Leho Nigul, Hariharan N. Venkitachalam
  • Publication number: 20150074192
    Abstract: Organizing a synchronous communication session can include determining, using a processor of a data processing system, a context responsive to detecting a trigger event. The context specifies a foreground application executing within the data processing system. Candidate participants can be determined from the context. A user interface is displayed separate from the foreground application. The user interface lists the candidate participants. Further, responsive to a user input received within the user interface, an invite to the candidate participants is sent. The invite specifies access information for the synchronous communication session.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Owen O'Sullivan, Fernando J. Salazar
  • Publication number: 20150070401
    Abstract: A method of controlling a liquid crystal display (LCD) includes applying a test voltage to the LCD, and detecting an amount of light received by a plurality of photosensors while the test voltage is being applied, wherein the photosensors are each aligned behind one of the liquid crystal elements of the LCD. An image is then displayed on the LCD by applying selected voltage levels to the LCD elements. An amount of backlight produced by backlighting elements is controlled to compensate for differences in the light transmittance of the individual LCD elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Keith M. Campbell, William M. Megarity, Luke D. Remis, Gregory D. Sellman, Christopher L. Wood
  • Publication number: 20150069526
    Abstract: Merged and unmerged raised active regions on semiconductor fins can be simultaneously formed on a same substrate by control of growth rates of a deposited semiconductor material on surfaces of the semiconductor fins. In one embodiment, a growth-rate-retarding dopant can be implanted by angled ion implantation onto sidewall surfaces of first semiconductor fins on which retardation of growth rates is desired, while second semiconductor fins are masked by a masking layer. In another embodiment, a growth-rate-enhancing dopant can be implanted by ion implantation onto sidewall surfaces of second semiconductor fins, while first semiconductor fins are masked by a masking layer. The differential growth rates of the deposited semiconductor material can cause raised active regions on the first semiconductor fins to remain unmerged, and raised active regions on the second semiconductor fins to become merged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Veeraraghavan S. Basker, Kangguo Cheng, Ali Khakifirooz
  • Publication number: 20150070069
    Abstract: A method and circuit for implementing a level shifter with built-in-logic function for reduced delay. The circuit including at least one set of inputs from a first power supply domain. The circuit further including at least two cross coupled field effect transistors (FETs) connected to a second power supply domain. The circuit further including a true logic gate connected to the first power supply domain and the at least two cross coupled FETs. The true logic gate being configured to generate a logic function based on the at least one set of inputs. The circuit further including a complementary logic gate connected to the first power supply domain and the at least two cross coupled FETs. The complementary logic gate being configured to generate a complement of the logic function based on the at least one set of inputs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Marcel A. KOSSEL, Daihyun LIM, Pradeep THIAGARAJAN
  • Publication number: 20150071599
    Abstract: A method, computer system, and/or computer program product enables a reuse of media storage space via partial file deletion. Multiple friends in a same social circle, which together have control of multiple media storage devices that are storing all segments of a media file, are identified. A last friend from the multiple friends, who has control of a last media storage device to have a last copy of a particular segment of the media file, is identified. The last media storage device is the only media storage device, from the multiple storage devices, to have a copy of the particular segment of the media file. The last media storage device is prevented from deleting the particular segment of the media file until another of the multiple storage devices stores a copy of the particular segment of the media file.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: KULVIR S. BHOGAL, GREGORY J. BOSS, LYDIA M. DO, RICK A. HAMILTON, II, JAMES W. SEAMAN
  • Publication number: 20150073862
    Abstract: A preventative maintenance method and a system for estimating the risk of failure of an asset based on intrinsic parameters such as failure history combined with causative factors like weather and independent external risk factors such as vandalism and risk of flooding. The present invention may further have a system for estimating the risk of failure of an asset based on intrinsic parameters, such as failure history combined with causative factors such as weather and independent external risk factors like vandalism and risk of flooding having a location based asset/service failure risk estimator, an external risk estimates database for feeding and an integrated failure risk database, the external risk estimates database feeding the integrated failure risk database.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew J. Davenport, Arun Hampapur, Shilpa N. Mahatma, Lexing Xie
  • Publication number: 20150074509
    Abstract: Transforming a website for dynamic web content management includes identifying aspects of a static website that are to be under dynamic web content management, organizing the aspects of the static website in preparation for storing the aspects, and storing the aspects of the static website with a specific identifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dana L. Price, Craig M. Tognarina, Michael E. Vince, Scott Allen Will
  • Publication number: 20150072444
    Abstract: A bonding layer of the first wafer article is thermally treated and a bonding layer of a second wafer article is thermally treated in accordance with first and second process parameters, respectively prior to bonding the first wafer article with the second wafer article. First and second grid distortion in the first and second wafer articles is measured and a difference is determined between the first and second grid distortions. A prediction is made for maintaining the difference within a prescribed tolerance. At least one of the first process parameters and the second process parameters can be conditionally varied in accordance with the prediction. The thermally treating of the first wafer article and the thermally treating of the second wafer article can then be performed with respect to another pair of the first and second wafer articles prior to bonding the another pair of wafer articles to one another through their respective bonding layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas C. La Tulipe, JR., Wei Lin, Spyridon Skordas, Kevin R. Winstel
  • Publication number: 20150073803
    Abstract: A portion of an audio signal is identified corresponding to a spoken word and its phonemes. A set of alternate spoken words satisfying phonetic similarity criteria to the spoken word is generated. A subset of the set of alternate spoken words is also identified; each member of the subset shares the same phoneme in a similar temporal position as the spoken word. A significance factor is then calculated for the phoneme based on the number of alternates in the subset and on the total number of alternates. The calculated significance factor may then be used to lengthen or shorten the temporal duration of the phoneme in the audio signal according to its significance in the spoken word.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Flemming Boegelund, Lav R. Varshney
  • Publication number: 20150074011
    Abstract: An integrated supply chain management with anomaly detection. An order schedule has one or more orders, each of which has a production requirement and a due date. An asset schedule has asset commitments associating assets with orders. Each asset has equipment specifications, including an asset class and one or more operational thresholds. The computer system identifies an asset of a class corresponding to a production requirement of an order and modifies the asset schedule to commit the asset to the order prior to the due date of the order. The computer system receives sensor input for the asset and determines whether an anomaly exists. If so, the computer system commits a second asset to the order.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Rajaraman Hariharan, Krishnakumar Nagarajan, Kameshwaran Sampath, Alfiya Tezabwala, Vignesh Velusamy Ravindran
  • Publication number: 20150069631
    Abstract: Methods for processing a metal pad of a chip and chip structures including a chip with a metal pad. A surface modification agent is applied to the metal pad on the chip. The surface modification agent is effective to increase the hydrophobicity of the metal pad and may involve silylation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Ward A. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20150074646
    Abstract: Arrangements described herein relate to adopting an existing automation script to a new framework. A first version of an automation script configured to execute in a first framework, and expected unit test results for the automation script, are received. A second version of the automation script is created from the first version of the automation script. The second version of the automation script is configured to execute in at least a second framework. The first version of the automation script is executed in the first framework to run a first version of a unit test and the second version of the automation script is executed in the second framework to run a second version of the unit test. Results generated by execution of the first and second versions of the automation script are analyzed to validate the second version of the automation script.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bradley C. Herrin, Maneesh Mehra
  • Publication number: 20150069625
    Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention relate generally to the fabrication of integrated circuits, and more particularly to a structure and method for fabricating a pair of ultra-thin metal wires in an opening using a selective deposition process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Juntao Li, Chih-Chao Yang, Yunpeng Yin
  • Publication number: 20150074311
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a method includes executing an atomic transaction in a system having a transactional memory. The method includes receiving a signal interrupt during executing of the atomic transaction. The method includes storing a state of the signal interrupt to enable subsequent execution of the signal interrupt. The method includes returning to executing the atomic transaction until the atomic transaction is at least one of completed and aborted. The method includes after executing the atomic transaction is at least one of completed and aborted, determining whether the signal interrupt is received during executing of the atomic transaction. The method includes after determining that the signal interrupt is received during executing of the atomic transaction, retrieving the state of the signal interrupt. The method includes executing an interrupt handler for processing the signal interrupt and returning from executing of the atomic transaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Paul E. McKenney, Maged M. Michael, Michael Wong
  • Publication number: 20150074189
    Abstract: Participants for an in-progress meeting are gathered, preferably by broadcast of instant messaging notifications thereto. Information for people who are invited to a scheduled meeting but are not participating when the meeting begins, as well as for one or more additional people who are mentioned by the current participants of the meeting as desired new invitees to the in-progress meeting, is placed on a participant list. A disambiguation process may be used in cases where it is not clear who was intended in the discussion of a new invitee. Responses to the notifications are collected and used to populate a consolidated joining status window, where this joining status window depicts the joining status of persons on the participant list.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Susan M. Cox, Janani Janakiraman, Fang Lu
  • Publication number: 20150074785
    Abstract: In an environment wherein a front end system receives a service request, and a back end system responds to the request, a user of a target endpoint must be authenticated. A ticket ID is assigned to the service request, and responsive to an initiating action of the user, a virtual token is generated that has a specified relationship with the ticket ID. The virtual token is delivered to the user, and the user is prompted to present the token to a validating component associated with one of the front end or back end systems, wherein the validating component is configured to verify the token validity. If the token is found to be valid, the user is authenticated to access the specified target endpoint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Paul Driscoll, Milton H. Hernandez, Paul Jennings, Chee Meng Low, Yaoping Ruan, Larisa Shwartz
  • Publication number: 20150069328
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor structure including forming a stack of layers on a top surface of a substrate, the stack of layers including alternating layers of a semiconductor material and a sacrificial material, where a bottommost layer of the stack of layers is a top semiconductor layer of the substrate, patterning a plurality of material stacks from the stack of layers, each material stack including an alternating stack of a plurality of nanowire channels and a plurality of sacrificial spacers, the plurality of nanowire channels including the semiconductor material, and the plurality of sacrificial spacers including the sacrificial material, and removing at least one of the plurality of nanowire channels from at least one of the plurality of material stacks without removing one or more of the plurality of nanowire channels from an adjacent material stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Effendi Leobandung
  • Publication number: 20150074367
    Abstract: A method for faulty memory utilization in a memory system includes: obtaining information regarding memory health status of at least one memory page in the memory system; determining an error tolerance of the memory page when the information regarding memory health status indicates that a failure is predicted to occur in an area of the memory system affecting the memory page; initiating a migration of data stored in the memory page when it is determined that the data stored in the memory page is non-error-tolerant; notifying at least one application regarding a predicted operating system failure and/or a predicted application failure when it is determined that data stored in the memory page is non-error-tolerant and cannot be migrated; and notifying at least one application regarding the memory failure predicted to occur when it is determined that data stored in the memory page is error-tolerant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chen-Yong Cher, Carlos H. Andrade Costa, Yoonho Park, Bryan S. Rosenburg, Kyung D. Ryu
  • Publication number: 20150074477
    Abstract: A scan chain of an integrated circuit is disclosed, including a plurality of scannable storage elements and a control test point having a scan latch and an integrated clock gate (ICG) with clock, functional enable (FE) and scan enable (SE) inputs, and a gated clock output. The ICG may respond to an SE input active state, in a serial scan mode allowing the gated clock output to change. The ICG may also be operated in a scan capture mode, responding to an SE input inactive state, in which the gated clock output is inhibited from changing in response to a low FE input level. The ICG's gated clock output may be coupled to the scan latch clock input, which may hold its data output at a fixed level in response to ICG's gated clock output being inhibited from changing during the scan capture operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Purushotam Bheemanna, Raghu G. GopalaKrishnaSetty, Pavan K. Guntipalli
  • Publication number: 20150074469
    Abstract: A method for providing notification of a predictable memory failure includes the steps of: obtaining information regarding at least one condition associated with a memory; calculating a memory failure probability as a function of the obtained information; calculating a failure probability threshold; and generating a signal when the memory failure probability exceeds the failure probability threshold, the signal being indicative of a predicted future memory failure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chen-Yong Cher, Carlos H. Andrade Costa, Yoonho Park, Bryan S. Rosenburg, Kyung D. Ryu
  • Publication number: 20150074207
    Abstract: Managing email content in an activity stream includes receiving a selection of a number of criteria that indicate content to be presented in an activity stream, retrieving email content based on the number of criteria, and displaying the email content in an activity stream by referencing email data related to the metadata.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mustansir Banatwala, David A. Brooks, Scott H. Prager, Joseph A. Russo
  • Publication number: 20150074309
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a processor that is configured to execute computer usable program code to perform operations. The operations include executing an atomic transaction in a system having a transactional memory. The operations include receiving a signal interrupt during executing of the atomic transaction. The operations include storing a state of the signal interrupt to enable subsequent execution of the signal interrupt. The operations include returning to executing the atomic transaction until the atomic transaction is at least one of completed and aborted. The operations include after executing the atomic transaction is at least one of completed and aborted, determining whether the signal interrupt is received during executing of the atomic transaction. The operations include after determining that the signal interrupt is received during executing of the atomic transaction, retrieving the state of the signal interrupt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Paul E. McKenney, Maged M. Michael, Michael Wong
  • Publication number: 20150074363
    Abstract: For dynamically adjusting write pacing, a calculation module calculates an interval as a maximum threshold for a primary volume divided by a first maximum pacing level for a first importance level. The calculation module further calculates a first pacing level as a number of record sets that have not been mirrored to a secondary volume divided by the interval. The first pacing level is set to the first maximum pacing level if the first pacing level is greater than the first maximum pacing level. The calculation module also selects a first pacing delay associated with the first pacing level from a delay table. A pacing module delays writes for a first channel command word writing to the primary volume by the first pacing delay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Eduard A. Diel, Matthew J. Kalos, Alan G. McClure, Carol S. Mellgren, Alfred E. Sanchez, David M. Shackelford, Warren K. Stanley