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).
  • Patent number: 9934476
    Abstract: A computer identifies a location that is associated with a task, included in a first list of tasks, based on a first information. The computer determines a first travel time from a second location that is associated with a mobile device to the first location based on a second information. The second information indicates an amount of travel time that is associated with a route from the second location to the first location. The computer generates a plurality of permutations of the tasks included in the first list of tasks. The computer selects a permutation from the plurality of permutations based on the first travel time. The computer generates a second list of tasks using the selected permutation. The organization of the tasks included in the second list of tasks reduces the travel time that is required to complete those tasks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory P. Fitzpatrick, Ramya Hari Hara Prasad, Girish Sundaram
  • Patent number: 9935239
    Abstract: A light emitting diode includes a square quantum well structure, the quantum well structure including III-V materials. A dielectric layer is formed on the quantum well structure. A plasmonic metal is formed on the dielectric layer and is configured to excite surface plasmons in a waveguide mode that is independent of light wavelength generated by the quantum well structure to generate light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Yaojia Chen, Ning Li, Devendra K. Sadana, Jinghui Yang
  • Patent number: 9935844
    Abstract: A clustered system has a subset of nodes coupled to a particular cluster resource. Nodes not coupled to the cluster resource may operate on a cluster resource through a node coupled to that resource. The nodes coupled to the resource form a group, the nodes in the group perform protocols to operate on the cluster resource, nodes not in the group do not participate in the protocols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Miller, Kiswanto Thayib
  • Patent number: 9936034
    Abstract: Aspects include capturing and replaying activities conducted during a web browsing session. Activities conducted by a user via browser application at a website are received at a computer processor. The activities occur across multiple web pages and span multiple windows during a single browsing session. The activities associated with corresponding web pages, and the activities are ordered in chronological order for each of the web pages. User interface events corresponding to the ordered activities are displayed via a browser based interface. The user interface events are selectable by an end user of the browser based interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Damie L. Brooks, Lalith K. Maddali, Manoj Punjabi, Sukhbir Singh
  • Patent number: 9934291
    Abstract: A method for dynamically generating an optimal form definition for a results set can begin with the receipt of a results set by a form-based presentation optimizer. The results set can comprise data records having at least one data field. Form definitions applicable to the received results set can be identified. A form definition can define user interface elements and their configuration within a user interface of the form-based software application. An optimal form definition can be dynamically synthesized from the identified form definitions and predefined presentation optimization rules. The optimal form definition can define the configuration of user interface elements that optimally present the results set. The contents of the optimal form definition can vary based upon internal and external parameters that affect operation of the form-based software application and/or form-based presentation optimizer. The optimal form definition can then be conveyed to the form-based software application for rendering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew G. Marum, Samuel Padgett, Steven K. Speicher, Michael J. Tabb
  • Patent number: 9935200
    Abstract: A method of forming a field effect transistor is provided. The method of forming a field effect transistor may include forming a dummy gate perpendicular to and covering a channel region of a semiconductor fin, such that a source drain region of the semiconductor fin remains uncovered, depositing a metal layer above and in direct contact with a sidewall of the dummy gate, and above and in direct contact with a top and a sidewall of the source drain region, and forming a metal silicide source drain in the source drain region by annealing the metal layer and the semiconductor fin, such that the metal silicide source drain overlaps the dummy gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Effendi Leobandung
  • Patent number: 9936007
    Abstract: A virtualization instance (VI) uses a first virtual device that is a virtual form of non-virtualizing devices or a second virtual device that is a virtual form of self-virtualizing device to meet Quality of Service (QoS) objectives. A method for managing resources comprises receiving first QoS metrics, determining QoS objectives are unmet, determining that a first substitute virtual device comprising a virtual form of self-virtualizing device is available and can meet QoS objectives, configuring the VI to use the first substitute virtual device in place of the first virtual device, receiving second QoS metrics, determining QoS objectives are exceeded, determining that a second substitute virtual device comprising a virtual form of the non-virtualizing device is available and can meet QoS objectives, and configuring the VI to use the second substitute virtual device in place of the second virtual device. A computer programming product and a system can embody the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph W. Cropper, Jeffrey W. Tenner
  • Patent number: 9934102
    Abstract: A processor determines a predicted quantity of updates to be made to a set of data using a history of updates. The set of data is associated with a category of replication that indicates a first frequency of data replication to be applied to the set of data. The processor determines whether the first predicted quantity of updates meets a first threshold for a frequency of replication of the set of data. The first threshold indicates an allowed number of updates and meeting the first threshold indicates that an adjustment to the frequency of replication of the set of data is to be initiated. The processor responds to a determination that the first threshold has been met by associating the set of data with a category of replication that has a second frequency of data replication to be applied to the set of data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Blea, Matthew E. Brooks, Steven M. Kern, Khang N. Nguyen, Scott N. Trevett
  • Patent number: 9935849
    Abstract: An approach for assessing a service offering selected by a user in a networked computing environment (e.g., a cloud computing environment) is provided. In one aspect, a network environment containing the service offering is monitored for a software configuration activity performed by the user. This software configuration activity is analyzed to identify the software application that is being configured. A set of provider-managed service offerings can be searched for any provider-managed service offering that contains an offered application corresponding to that of the software application. This managed service offering can be included in an alternative suggestion for the service offering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kelly Abuelsaad, Lisa Seacat DeLuca, Soobaek Jang, Daniel C. Krook
  • Patent number: 9933836
    Abstract: A method for adjusting a frequency of a processor is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the method includes inhibiting one or more processor cores from exiting an idle state. The method further includes determining a number of processor cores requesting exit from the idle state and a number of non-idle processor cores. The method also includes selecting a maximum frequency for the inhibited and non-idle processor cores based on the number of inhibited processor cores requesting exit from the idle state and the number of non-idle processor cores. The method includes setting the maximum frequency for both the inhibited and the non-idle processor cores, and then uninhibiting the processor cores requesting exit from the idle state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Malcolm S. Allen-Ware, Charles R. Lefurgy, Karthick Rajamani, Todd J. Rosedahl, Guillermo J. Silva, Gregory S. Still, Victor Zyuban
  • Patent number: 9935175
    Abstract: After forming a trench extending through a (100) silicon layer and a buried insulator layer and into a (111) silicon layer of a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate, and prior to epitaxial growth of a Group III nitride material from a sub-surface of the (111) silicon layer that is exposed by the trench, a first sidewall spacer including a first dielectric material that can effectively prevent Group III elements from diffusing into silicon of the SOI substrate during the high temperature epitaxial growth of the Group III nitride materials is formed on sidewalls of the trench, following by forming a second sidewall spacer on the first sidewall spacer. The second sidewall spacer includes a second dielectric material that provides better growth selectivity towards the Group III nitride material than the first dielectric material, thus facilitating the growth of the Group III nitride material from the sub-surface of the (111) silicon layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ko-Tao Lee, Devendra K. Sadana, Brent A. Wacaser
  • Patent number: 9934292
    Abstract: A results set can be received from a form-based presentation optimizer. The results set can comprise data records having at least one data field. Form definitions applicable to the received results set can be identified. A form definition can define user interface elements and their configuration within a user interface of the form-based software application. An optimal form definition can be dynamically synthesized from the identified form definitions and predefined presentation optimization rules. The optimal form definition can define the configuration of user interface elements that optimally present the results set. The contents of the optimal form definition can vary based upon internal and external parameters that affect operation of the form-based software application and/or form-based presentation optimizer. The optimal form definition can then be conveyed to the form-based software application for rendering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew G. Marum, Samuel G. Padgett, Steven K. Speicher, Michael J. Tabb
  • Patent number: 9934053
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach for optimizing a configuration of virtual machine (VM) instances. In a typical embodiment, such optimization comprises either the splitting of a single VM instance into multiple VM instances or the consolidation of multiple VM instances into fewer (e.g., a single) VM instance. Along these lines, it will first be determined which VM instances would be good candidates for reconfiguration. Under one approach, VM instances that are candidates for reconfiguration are identified based upon an analysis of applicable/associated service level agreement (SLA) terms versus the performance of the VM instances. For example, VM instances can be reconfigured if such reconfiguration will maximize a benefit provided by the applicable SLA terms (e.g., if the splitting of a single VM instance into multiple VM instances would cause a workload to be processed more efficiently, resulting in a more favorable cost/benefit ratio).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jason L. Anderson, Gregory J. Boss, Timothy R. Echtenkamp, Shaun T. Murakami
  • Patent number: 9935283
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method for fabricating a semiconductor device and the resulting structure. A substrate is provided. A plurality of metal portions are formed on the substrate, wherein the plurality of metal portions are arranged such that areas of the substrate remain exposed. A thin film layer is deposited on the plurality of metal portions and the exposed areas of the substrate. A dielectric layer is deposited, wherein the dielectric layer is in contact with portions of the thin film layer on the plurality of metal portions, and wherein the dielectric layer is not in contact with portions of the thin film layer on the exposed areas of the substrate such that one or more enclosed spaces are present between the thin film layer on the exposed areas of the substrate and the dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony J. Annunziata, Ching-Tzu Chen, Joel D. Chudow
  • Patent number: 9934816
    Abstract: For avoiding debris accumulation on a tape drive, a processor records a position error signal (PES) value and cumulative head turnaround count for each region of a plurality of regions of a magnetic tape. The processor further selects a first region in which to reverse travel of the magnetic tape relative to a tape head. In response to determining one of the PES value for the first region does not exceed a PES threshold and the cumulative head turnaround count for the first region does not exceed a count threshold, the processor reverses travel of the magnetic tape at the first region. In response to determining the PES value for the first region exceeds the PES threshold and the cumulative head turnaround count for the first region exceeds the count threshold, the processor selects a second region at which to reverse travel of the magnetic tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Miyamura, Eiji Ogura, Tomoko Taketomi, Kazuhiro Tsuruta
  • Patent number: 9934041
    Abstract: A method comprises identifying a number of branches (Nb) and a number of iterations (Ni) in a loop in an instruction stream, generating a number of forward branches until the number of forward branches equals Nb, generating a non-branch instruction in between the forward branch instruction, recording in a memory, instruction stream generated and a history of each branch, an associated target address of each branch, and whether the branch is a taken branch or a not taken branch, determining whether a loop iterator number (i) is less than Ni?1, generating a backward branch with a target address which is greater than or equal to the start address and is lesser than the current address responsive to determining that (i) is less than Ni, and recording in the memory, a branch instruction of the generated backward branch and the associated target address of the backward branch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Narasimha R. Adiga, Jatin Bhartia, Akash V. Giri, Matthias Heizmann
  • Patent number: 9935892
    Abstract: A method implemented in a computer infrastructure having computer executable code, including consolidating collected capacity architecture information, which includes data for installed resources, allocated resources and reserved resources and determining available resources based on the collected capacity architecture information. Additionally, the method includes displaying an indication the available resources and performing capacity planning based on the collected capacity architecture information and the available resources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Randy S. Johnson, Tedrick N. Northway, Peter T. Vasiljevic
  • Patent number: 9934095
    Abstract: A computing problem management method, system, and non-transitory computer readable medium, include detecting an impending problem of a computing system, spawning a plurality of replicas when the detecting detects the impending problem, and launching a plurality of versions of an action, each version being launched and performed on a different replica of the plurality of replicas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Minkyong Kim, Min Li, Clifford A. Pickover, Valentina Salapura
  • Patent number: 9934046
    Abstract: A method for dynamically modifying a mobile device. The method includes a computer processor identifying a plurality of profiles on a mobile device. The method further includes a computer processor receiving one or more inputs on the mobile device. The method further includes a computer processor identifying at least one trigger that corresponds to the received one or more inputs, wherein the at least one trigger is associated with at least one profile of the plurality of profiles. The method further includes a computer processor determining if the at least one trigger activates a response, based at least in part, on data included in the at least one profile that is associated with the at least one trigger. The method further includes a computer processor responding to the determination that the at least one trigger activates a response and applying the response to the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Rajaram B. Krishnamurthy, Daniel A. Rogers
  • Patent number: 9936041
    Abstract: At an application executing in a system, a usage pattern of the system and an entry in a data use history of the system are analyzed. Responsive to the analyzing, a data item is identified for caching at the system, wherein the data item is accessible to the system from at a remote data processing system over a data network at a present time, and the data item will be requested from the system at a future time when no network connectivity will be available to the system. A determination is made whether a caching control prevents the caching of the data item at the system. Responsive to the caching control not preventing the caching of the data item, the data item is cached on the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Rhonda L. Childress, Kim A. Eckert, Ryan D. McNair
  • Patent number: 9935981
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for exchanging information. Communications between an intrusion prevention system (IPS) and at least one end-point are facilitated by controlling network traffic flow in an IPS and the at least one end-point and formation of an information plane. The formed information plane allows attributes of the IPS and the at least one end-point to reside in the formed information plane. A network access policy (NAP) works in conjunction with an IPS and leverages created customized network objects (CNOs). Upon analyzing data packets, the data packets may or may not be forwarded to the IPS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sheng-Tung Hsu, Cheng-Ta Lee, Joey H. Y. Tseng, Rick M. F. Wu
  • Patent number: 9934098
    Abstract: A method for automatically prioritizing startup of resource groups during a migration event. The method may include monitoring resource usage of a first and a second set of applications associated, respectively, with a first and a second resource group executing on a first computing node. The method may additionally include generating respective first and second resource usage models for the first and second resource groups based on resource usage. The method may then include extrapolating, based on the first and second resource usage models, respective first and second resource group usage scores for the first and second resource groups at a second time in response to a migration event, the second time occurring subsequent to the first time. The method may further include determining, based on the extrapolating, a priority order for serially starting the first and second set of applications on a second computing node at the second time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dionysius D. Bell, Li Li, Hari H. Madduri, Ryan D. McNair
  • Patent number: 9935971
    Abstract: An approach provides solutions for responding to threats to virtual machines (VMs) and mitigating the risks of potential breaches to VMs that reside in the same neighborhood as VMs that are affected by threats. The approach can provide proactive responsive actions for one or more VMs in a determined neighborhood that help protect those VMs in a selective and prioritized manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Rick A. Hamilton, II, Jeffrey R. Hoy, Jenny S. Li, Shawn P. Mullen
  • Patent number: 9934405
    Abstract: A kernel receives a request to execute a first process instance from an agent. The first process instance is an instance of a first program. The kernel obtains one or more access control rules related to the agent. The kernel permits execution of the first process instances based on the access control rules. The kernel detects the first process instance attempting to access a second process instance during execution of the first process instance. The second process instance is an instance of a second program currently being executed. The kernel determines whether to grant the first process instance permission to access the second process instances based on the access control rules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Amit Agarwal, Faraz Ahmad, Uma Maheswara R. Chandolu
  • Patent number: 9934432
    Abstract: A system, method and computer program product to validate documents is provided. A processor receives an image of a document. The processor identifies a plurality of fixed contents of the document. The processor identifies a plurality of field contents of the document. The processor determines a type of the document based, at least in part, on the plurality of fixed contents and the plurality of field contents. The processor validates the plurality of field contents of the document based, at least in part, on rules associated with the type of the document. The processor generates a validated document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Tushar Agrawal, Reinaldo T. Katahira, Craig M. Trim, Albert T. Wong
  • Patent number: 9934013
    Abstract: Extension patterns are deployed to core deployment patterns stored in a first software repository. An event relating to registration of a component is detected. In response to detecting the event, a tool registry can be queried to identify one or more extension deployment patterns for use with one or more core deployment patterns. Based upon the query, one or more extension deployment components can be retrieved from a second software repository. The one or more extension deployment components can be deployed on top of one or more instances of the one or more core deployment patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Alberto Giammaria, Christopher A. Peters, Thomas Spatzier
  • Patent number: 9931409
    Abstract: Method for preparing a supramolecular therapeutic agent delivery assembly are provided. A carbonate-containing precursor, a functionalized aliphatic precursor, and an aromatic diamine precursor may be combined to form an amphiphilic block co-polymer. The block co-polymer undergo a cross-linking polymerization process and a therapeutic agent may be incorporated into the resulting supramolecular assembly. The supramolecular assembly may comprise HT, PHT, HA, and/or PHA materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dylan J. Boday, Jeannette M. Garcia, James L. Hedrick, Rudy J. Wojtecki
  • Patent number: 9933420
    Abstract: A graphene nanomesh based charge sensor and method for producing a graphene nanomesh based charge sensor. The method includes generating multiple holes in graphene to create a graphene nanomesh with a patterned array of multiple holes; passivating an edge of each of the multiple holes of the graphene nanomesh to allow for functionalization of the graphene nanomesh; and functionalizing the passivated edge of each of the multiple holes of the graphene nanomesh with a chemical compound that facilitates chemical binding of a receptor of a target molecule to the edge of one or more of the multiple holes, wherein the receptor is a molecule that chemically binds to the target molecule, irrespective of the size of the target molecule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignees: International Business Machines Corporation, Egypt Nanotechnology Center
    Inventors: Ali Afzali-Ardakani, Shu-jen Han, Amal Kasry, Ahmed Maarouf, Glenn J. Martyna, Razvan Nistor, Hsinyu Tsai
  • Patent number: 9934116
    Abstract: A first compute node of a plurality of compute nodes of a database cluster may receive a request for a database transaction from a client application. The client application may be located within the first compute node. A first connection may be established, without regard to whether another compute node has a lighter workload than the first compute node, between the client application and a first database of the database cluster. The first connection may be a local connection, wherein the first database is located within the first compute node. The first compute node may detect that a failure associated with the first database has occurred. The first compute node may execute a failover operation to continue servicing the request for the data. The executing of a failover operation may include establishing a second connection between the client application and a second database of the database cluster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kollol K. Misra, Pallavi Priyadarshini, Parameswara R. Tatini, Maryela E. Weihrauch
  • Patent number: 9934006
    Abstract: Generating a scalable code division and workflow chart. Based on definition-and-use cases of variables in a code snippet to be represented by a graph, crossing references to the variables in the code are determined, where a crossing reference associated with a statement involves a definition of the variable before the statement and a use of the variable at or after the statement. The code snippet is divided, based on the crossing references.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: He Liu, DaFei Shi, Jia Sen Wu, Bao Zhang
  • Patent number: 9934395
    Abstract: Methods are provided for enabling secure big data analytics in the cloud. A method includes reading a secure file, by a Secure Distributed File System in a public cloud service provider. The reading step includes computing a hash of a name of the secure file to obtain a hashed file name, finding metadata for the secure file using the hashed file name, retrieving a sharing policy identifier from the metadata, and obtaining authorization from an external entity to decrypt the secure file. The reading step further includes extracting a security key and encrypted data file names from the metadata using the sharing policy identifier, requesting one or more encrypted data files that form the secure file from a node of the public cloud service provider, and at least one of decrypting and reconstructing plaintext data for the secure file from the one or more encrypted data files.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Brent Paulovicks, Vadim Sheinin, Petros Zerfos
  • Patent number: 9934327
    Abstract: A mechanism is provided in a data processing system for extracting subgraphs from a multigraph with approximation. The mechanism receives a multigraph and a relevance function and a pattern generation component executing within the data processing system searches the multigraph for occurrences of at least one pattern based on an approximation function. A relevance computation component executing within the data processing system determines a relevance measure for the multigraph based on the relevance function and the occurrences of the at least one pattern. The mechanism provides output of relevant patterns based on the occurrences of the at least one pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Pranay Anchuri, Michele Berlingerio, Stefano Braghin
  • Patent number: 9936020
    Abstract: A method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module receiving, from a user device, a data access request and accessing hierarchical data access control information. The method continues with the DS processing module obtaining a logical memory access control file from the hierarchical data access control information and determining a data access request type of the request is within access rights of the user device. When the data access request type is within the access rights of the user device, the method continues with the DS processing module obtaining a data object access control file from the hierarchical data access control information. The method continues with the DS processing module determining, from the data object access control file, whether the data access request type is restricted. When the data access request type is not restricted, the method continues with the DS processing module processing the data access request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wesley Leggette, Jesse Louis Young, Jason K. Resch
  • Patent number: 9935101
    Abstract: Fabrication of a semiconductor structure includes forming a set of two or more fins on a source/drain region formed on a substrate. A first mask layer and a second mask layer are formed on each fin. A spacer layer is formed on the source/drain region and between each fin, and a dielectric layer is formed on the spacer layer and along an exterior of each fin. A plurality of gate metal portions is created each having a thickness about equal to a target thickness. The first mask layer and an exposed portion of the dielectric layer are removed from each fin. An interlayer dielectric is deposited on the semiconductor structure. Portions of the interlayer dielectric and the gate metal are removed to a top of the second mask layer. The gate metal portions are each recessed to substantially the same depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kangguo Cheng, Xin Miao, Wenyu Xu, Chen Zhang
  • Patent number: 9934209
    Abstract: Optimizing update instructions in hierarchically structured documents is provided. A pending update list including a first plurality of items is received. Each item of the first plurality of items describes an update to a hierarchically structured document. Each of one or more items of the first plurality of items is added to a subsumed update list having a second plurality of items. The subsumed update list is ordered based, at least in part, on a document order and on a target node of each of the second plurality of items. Subsume logic is applied to each of the one or more items based, at least in part, on the second plurality of items. Responsive to determining that subsume logic has been applied to each item of the first plurality of items, each of the second plurality of items of the subsumed update list is executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mengchu Cai, Rong-Hoang Chang, Li Chen, Yu Chen, Yonghua Ding, Eric N. Katayama, Kwai Hing Man
  • Patent number: 9934272
    Abstract: A method for processing a database query on a database system includes receiving the database query at the database system, determining a sequence of database operations for processing the database query, estimating a number of incoming data elements of the database system to be processed for each of the database operations, estimating a workload of a programmable integrated circuit of the database system for each of the database operations based on the estimated number of incoming data elements, assuming each of the database operations is performed in a single instantiation, selecting a number of instantiations Ni for a database operation i of the sequence of database operations based on the estimated workload of the programmable integrated circuit for the database operation i, and configuring the programmable integrated circuit to execute the determined sequence of database operations, the database operation i is instantiated Ni times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Florian Braun, Andreas Brodt, Daniel Martin, Oliver Schiller
  • Patent number: 9935837
    Abstract: Embodiments for implementing change control management in computing center environments by a processor. A determination is made of a present status of a monitored component of a computing device in the computer center environment. A recording, using at least one sensor device, of a change of the present status of the monitored component, including a time stamp and information identifying an owner of the change is made. An analysis of a trend of status of the monitored component over time is made to generate an accurate prediction of future activity towards the monitored component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Emmanuel Barajas Gonzalez, Shaun E. Harrington, Harry McGregor, Christopher B. Moore
  • Patent number: 9935230
    Abstract: A method of forming a photovoltaic device that includes ion implanting a first conductivity type dopant into first regions of a semiconductor layer of an SOI substrate, wherein the first regions are separated by a first pitch; and ion implanting a second conductivity type dopant into second regions of the semiconductor layer of the SOI substrate. The second regions are separated by a second pitch. Each second conductivity type implanted region of the second regions is in direct contact with first conductivity type implanted region of the first regions to provide a plurality of p-n junctions, and adjacent p-n junctions are separated by an intrinsic portion of the semiconductor layer to provide P-I-N cells that are horizontally oriented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen W. Bedell, Ning Li, Devendra K. Sadana, Ghavam G. Shahidi
  • Patent number: 9934843
    Abstract: An SRAM cell with dynamic split ground (GND) and split wordline (WL) for extreme scaling is disclosed. The memory cell includes a first access transistor enabled by a first wordline to control access to cross coupled inverters by a first bitline. The memory cell further includes a second access transistor enabled by a second wordline to control access to the cross coupled inverters by a second bitline. The memory cell further includes a split ground line comprising a first ground line (GNDL) separated from a second ground line (GNDR). The GNDL is connected to a transistor of a first inverter of the cross coupled inverters and the GNDR is connected to a first transistor of a second inverter of the cross coupled inverters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Robert C. Wong
  • Patent number: 9936045
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method, computer program product, and computing system is provided for managing quality of experience for communication sessions. In an implementation, a method may include determining a participant focus metric for each of a plurality of participants of a communication session. The method may also include identifying one of the plurality of participants of the communication session as having sufficient capacity to support the communication session based upon, at least in part, the participant focus metric for each of the plurality of participants of the communication session. The method may also include selecting the one of the plurality of participants having a sufficient capacity to support the communication session as a selected focus for the communication session. The method may further include adaptively implementing a centralized communication session architecture utilizing the selected focus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Hitham Ahmed Assem Aly Salama, Jonathan Dunne, James P. Galvin, Jr., Patrick J. O'Sullivan
  • Patent number: 9935941
    Abstract: A method for gathering and verifying customer information via SMS and in-person representatives are provided. The method may include a business correspondent receiving and verifying customer information in-person; sending the customer information to a data center, via a business correspondent application (BC app), to create a customer account; sending the account information to the customer and the BC app; verifying the account information with the customer; and syncing the BC app with the data center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ajay Chebbi, Girish Dhanakshirur, Chethan Kumar N. Settipalli
  • Patent number: 9935600
    Abstract: Switchable and/or tunable filters, methods of manufacture and design structures are disclosed herein. The method of forming the filters includes forming at least one piezoelectric filter structure comprising a plurality of electrodes formed on a piezoelectric substrate. The method further includes forming a micro-electro-mechanical structure (MEMS) comprising a MEMS beam formed above the piezoelectric substrate and at a location in which, upon actuation, the MEMS beam shorts the piezoelectric filter structure by contacting at least one of the plurality of electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: James W. Adkisson, Panglijen Candra, Thomas J. Dunbar, Jeffrey P. Gambino, Mark D. Jaffe, Anthony K. Stamper, Randy L. Wolf
  • Patent number: 9934113
    Abstract: An enhanced console assisted recovery capability provides an efficient technique for communicating the failure of a primary time server to the backup time server in order to provide fast failure recovery of a synchronized timing network with the intent of avoiding a complete network outage. The primary time server efficiently notifies the backup time server that the primary time server is about to become unavailable. The backup time server can then begin an immediate takeover of time serving to the synchronized network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Stephen P. Cherniak, Donald Crabtree, John S. Houston
  • Patent number: 9935223
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a device with integrated photovoltaic cells includes supporting a semiconductor substrate on a first handle substrate and doping the semiconductor substrate to form doped alternating regions with opposite conductivity. A doped layer is formed over a first side the semiconductor substrate. A conductive material is patterned over the doped layer to form conductive islands such that the conductive islands are aligned with the alternating regions to define a plurality of photovoltaic cells connected in series on a monolithic structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen W. Bedell, Bahman Hekmatshoartabari, Devendra K. Sadana, Ghavam G. Shahidi, Davood Shahrjerdi
  • Patent number: 9935174
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device comprises forming a replacement gate structure on a semiconductor layer of a substrate. The replacement gate structure at least including a polysilicon layer. After forming the replacement gate structure, a gate spacer is formed on the replacement gate structure. Atoms are implanted in an upper portion of the polysilicon layer. The implanting expands the upper portion of the polysilicon layer and a corresponding upper portion of the gate spacer in at least a lateral direction beyond a lower portion of the polysilicon layer and a lower portion of the spacer, respectively. After the atoms have been implanted, the polysilicon layer is removed to form a gate cavity. A metal gate stack is formed within the gate cavity. The metal gate stack includes an upper portion having a width that is greater than a width of a lower portion of the metal gate stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Victor Chan, Jin Ping Han, Shangbin Ko
  • Patent number: 9935474
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing a charging process is provided. The method includes determining that a charging surface of a mobile device is currently located on a charging surface of a structure including a charging apparatus. The charging surface of the mobile device includes charge receiving contacts electrically connected to a battery and a processor. The charging surface of the structure includes charging contacts electrically connected to a charging circuit and in communication with a controller. The processor determines that at least two contacts of the charge receiving contacts are in electro/mechanical contact with at least two contacts of the charging contacts and in response, a negotiation process with the controller with respect to selecting at least one associated charging voltage and polarity for charging the battery is executed resulting in a charging process between the charging circuit and the battery being enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Sean Brown, James D. Cleaver, Carlos Felipe F. da Fonseca, Gregory D. Lee
  • Patent number: 9935195
    Abstract: Semiconductor devices and methods of forming the same include forming semiconductor fins on a semiconductor substrate. A bottom source/drain region is formed in the semiconductor substrate. First charged dielectric spacers are formed on sidewalls of the semiconductor fins. A gate stack is formed over the bottom source/drain region. Second charged dielectric spacers are formed on sidewalls of the fin above the gate stack. The fins are recessed to a height below a top level of the second charged dielectric spacers. A top source/drain region is grown from the recessed fins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Peng Xu, Chun W. Yeung, Chen Zhang
  • Patent number: 9936048
    Abstract: In an approach for connecting an access point in a client region to an access point within a cluster of server regions for a transaction process, a processor receives a connect request to a cluster of server regions sharing a network end point from a client region. A processor reroutes the connect request by a connection balancing mechanism to a network end point corresponding to a server region within the cluster of server regions. A processor transmits connection information to the client region, wherein the connection information allows the client region to connect to the server region within the cluster of server regions. A processor connects the server region within the cluster of server regions to the client region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald M. W. Allen, Michael D. Brooks, Jenny J. He, Philip I. Wakelin
  • Patent number: 9933951
    Abstract: In a read processing storage system, using a pool of CPU cores, the CPU cores are assigned to process either write operations, read operations, and read and write operations, that are scheduled for processing. A minimal number of the CPU cores are allocated for processing the write operations, thereby increasing write latency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jonathan Amit, Amir Lidor, Sergey Marenkov, Rostislav Raikhman
  • Patent number: 9932222
    Abstract: Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) structures, methods of manufacture and design structures are disclosed. The method includes forming a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) beam structure by venting both tungsten material and silicon material above and below the MEMS beam to form an upper cavity above the MEMS beam and a lower cavity structure below the MEMS beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael T. Brigham, Christopher V. Jahnes, Cameron E. Luce, Jeffrey C. Maling, William J. Murphy, Anthony K. Stamper, Eric J. White