Patents Examined by Cheryl R. Lewis
  • Patent number: 5918232
    Abstract: A system and method for computer modeling (10) and for creating hyperstructures (51) which are to be contained in a computer memory, which obtains measurements of physical objects and activities which are related to the entity to be modeled in the computer hyperstructure (51). The measurements are transformed into computer data which corresponds to the physical objects and activities external to the computer system (10). A plurality of independent dimensions (54) are created, where each dimension (54) includes at least one element (58). A plurality of cells (56) are created, each of which is associated with the intersection of two or more elements (58), each cell (56) being capable of storing at least one value. At least one rule domain (60) is associated with at least one cell (56), the rule domain (60) including at least one rule for assigning values to the associated cells (56).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Whitelight Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Pouschine, Kenner G. Stross, Michael L. Brill
  • Patent number: 5832532
    Abstract: A computer software system is provided. The computer software system includes a compiler operable to receive a worksheet definition and to access a plurality of model interface functions. The worksheet definition is named and parameterized and comprises a plurality of cell definitions each defining a model-independent expression. The compiler is further operable to generate a worksheet template comprising a plurality of cell templates each defining a model-dependent expression. An evaluator is operable to receive the worksheet template. The evaluator is further operable to access the plurality of model interface functions and a user model. The evaluator is operable to evaluate the model-dependent expressions in the worksheet template and is operable to generate a worksheet instance containing a plurality of cell instances defining model-specific values (54).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: i2 Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Kennedy, Lamott G. Oren, Walter J. Buehring, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5819282
    Abstract: A data base is created by storing a plurality of data objects in a memory. Each data object has attributes including a key value and a data value. The data objects are partitioned into a plurality of classes, each class having one or more members, each member including the same attributes of the data objects. An access method is defined for at least one member of a specific class to access the data objects of the specific class by key values. For another member of the specific class, an access method to access the data objects of a related class is defined. A specific data value of a specific data object is compared with the key values of the data objects of the related class, and if the specific data value is equal to the key value of a related data object a memory address of the related data object is associated with the specific data value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Digital Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Donald F. Hooper, Jay S. Newcomb
  • Patent number: 5806057
    Abstract: A computer system for creating and managing a database of communication recipients which processes queries and otherwise operates in accordance with user commands to perform telemarketing, mass mailing, direct mailing and other communication functions. The computer is programmed to create automatic salutations, to automatically generate lists of carbon copy recipients, and to export data from the database to word processing systems for merging with text. In addition, the computer is programmed to analyze new records to ensure they are not duplicates of existing records. A user is provided with options to keep one or both records, or to combine both records into a new record. The computer is programmed to retrieve records on the basis of queries using one or more defined codes which can be ANDed and ORed together in accordance with Boolean logic, among other functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Optima Direct, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Gormley, Kevin Potter, Jennifer Kelly
  • Patent number: 5799299
    Abstract: A data processing system, a data retrieval system, a data processing method, and a data retrieval method requiring less time to update data to be used in retrieval. The dictionary data generator generates dictionary data from a code string on which data retrieval is to be performed using a key string. The dictionary tree generator generates a dictionary tree based on the dictionary data. The text data generator generates text data based on the code string. The text tree generator generates a text tree based on the text data. The retrieving unit retrieves a trailing string whose leading string contains part of or the whole key string, based on the dictionary tree 4 and the text tree. The changing unit changes the code string, and the updating unit updates the dictionary data, dictionary tree, text data, and text tree of the code string associated with the change, based on the contents of the change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Mutsumi Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 5799183
    Abstract: A method for optimizing a program by performing a data batch transfer between a first and second memories when data is read from the second memory into the first memory and when the data is written from the first memory into the second memory. The optimization processing includes analyzing the preference order relation of the accesses, in a loop procedure having accesses to array data in the second memory, classifying the array accesses in the loop into groups that need to be shared in the storage regions in which the data are temporarily stored in the first memory, finding the sum of sets of access elements for the accesses pertaining to each of the groups, determining a range of transferring the data, and generating, outside the loop, an instruction code for batchwisely making accesses to the array data on a transfer range pertaining to each of the groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Hidetoshi Iwashita
  • Patent number: 5794255
    Abstract: Volume-unit transfer of information from a small-capacity disk unit to a larger-capacity disk unit is achieved to permit utilization of information including the increment capacity brought about by the transfer as virtual storage resources. The move processing comprises checking the track capacities, from among attribute information, of the source disk unit and the destination disk unit, and when these capacities are determined to be in agreement with each other, copying the volume contents of virtual storage resources of the source disk unit to the destination disk unit. After copying, the space map of the catalog section controlling the number of tracks copied to the destination is rewritten in compliance with the number of tracks of the volume capacity of the destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Kichizou Hayashi, Ayako Tamaki
  • Patent number: 5790847
    Abstract: A network application for automatically formatting and printing documents to be used as product planning manuals organizational personnel in determining product cost based on activities performed to produce the product. Output documents can also be dispersed among organizational personnel to provide common information for integrated strategic planning. Facilitated collaborative work sessions among work groups inputting and sharing comments and ideas provide starting data to the network application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Deboranne Fisk, Philip David Heinlein, Mari Walsh Rush
  • Patent number: 5787426
    Abstract: Derivatives representing character string candidates are created from a list of examples of character data. The sorting attribute of the derivatives representing character string candidate is evaluated relating to each example of the character data and a derivatives representing character string is labeled to an internal node. At the same time, the sorting attribute of the derivatives representing character string selected is evaluated relating to each example of the character data to thereby successively sort the example of each character data and create a data sorting tree. New character data is sorted using the data sorting tree. On the other hand, a thesaurus of desired character data is automatically created as a word linked to the derivatives representing character string which is labeled to each internal node present on a path extending along the data sorting tree, or as a word linked to a negative of the derivative representing character string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Takeshi Koshiba, Yasubumi Sakakibara
  • Patent number: 5778377
    Abstract: A Graphical User Interface (GUI) is provided for workstations on a network in which a complex operation is controlled. At least one node on the network has a Desktop Management Interface (DMI) with an object oriented database for storing data objects for the complex operation. Objects are organized according to the DMI into components, groups and attributes. The GUI is generic to any complex operation but requires the DMI for access to data. The GUI enables the user to manage information in the database in whatever manner the user has interest through the provision of report definitions through which specific component, group, and attribute data are obtained in accordance with row and column definitions for table display. The DMI interface is probed with appropriate commands generated by the GUI to obtain and display the requested data. Provision is made for displaying data in chart format and a chain feature is provided to move from one report to another. Various other features are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James Warden Marlin, Raymond Lowell Knudson, Thomas Michael Ruehle, Anthony Franke Stuart, Edward Thomas Hughes, III
  • Patent number: 5778387
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus that automates the database recovery process. A person not technically skilled in the use of a computer can operate the new procedure. The process operates under a system in which menus known as "panels" prompt the user for information and process selection. The user merely selects one of the panels to start and operate the system. Each recovery procedure follows the same general series of steps comprising of initialization of system location and variables, selection by the operator of major functions including research, recovery, and cleanup, process of the function and function options, and execution of the mode in which the function will be processed. This panel driven system results in a significant reduction of the amount of time required for recovery, at least a twenty percent decrease for the period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Co., L.P.
    Inventors: Thomas Adam Wilkerson, Roger Lynn Bechtel, James Robert Cessna, David Francis Costello, James Louis Frentrop, Edwin Lee Ryan, Gary Douglas Shaw
  • Patent number: 5774713
    Abstract: A file creation method for constructing a system environment, a system environment constructing method, and a command start system. Prior to using the system, a plurality of application programs are classified into field groups, which are further divided into groups on the basis of functions thereof. The groups are further divided into input items on the basis of command options. Every layer of a hierarchy is ranked. Character strings are assigned to icons, button and data input frame so as to represent names or functions of groups. Files are created for every layer and group so that they contain information on the ranks, icons, and linkages between files. The files are read out and displayed in a top-down manner according to their ranks, so that a specific application program can be designated by selecting at least one icon or option, or entering an input item. Thereafter, the application program will be started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yuko Yokota
  • Patent number: 5768581
    Abstract: A method for managing the presentation of search terms on a computer terminal or other display device so that large computer databases can be searched efficiently. Multiple lists of search terms, such as words, symbols or phrases, are displayed adjacent to list-identifiers (also referred to as index names or indexes). The search terms contained in the lists are only those terms that are actually available in the database. A search of the database is conducted based upon selected search terms from at least one of the multiple lists. The subset of records identified by the search is used to form new lists of search terms that are then displayed on the display device. The user may examine the new subset of search terms and either view one or all of the records located, further limit the search, or reset all or part of the search. The present invention saves computer resources, especially on-line transmission resources, and makes searching more accurate and user-friendly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Nancy Pauline Cochran
  • Patent number: 5764977
    Abstract: A distributed database management (DDBMS) system for switching applications that combines rapid feature deployment with high real-time performance. The system architecture encompasses a new software boundary between application and database, yet provides the benefits of open standard interfaces and distributed transaction control. To accomplish this dichotomy, an object-oriented schema is used to arrange the DDBMS as an intelligent service provider, separating services from physical location and implementation. A software containment approach is utilized to optimize interfaces based on grouping of data so as to permit application-specific routines to be "plugged-into" the database. The DDBMS is arranged to address extendibility and real-time performance needs of capabilities such as ISDN and IN is switching offices and network nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Siemens Stromberg-Carlson
    Inventors: Mourad Oulid-Aissa, Charles Allen Cole, Simon Edwin Tavanyar
  • Patent number: 5764973
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for integrating a plurality of data structures by modeling the existing data structures, and creating a data dictionary that links logical elements to data elements in those data structures. A user can simply request logical data elements that he would like to see and the system will calculate the links necessary to return the proper data from the appropriate data structures. This system may integrate most types of data structures including relational databases, object-oriented databases, hierarchical files and flat files. Furthermore, the system can process textual, numeric, audio and visual data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: enterWorks.com, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Lunceford, Robert Huff, Mohanaharan Mylvaganam
  • Patent number: 5761665
    Abstract: The invention is a method of determining the contents of a selected data field. The steps begin by attaching, from an application program, a database to be mapped. Once the database is attached, a field identification module (FIM), will scan the contents of the database to determine a data field identifier for each of the data fields to be worked upon. The FIM will then compare each of the data field identifiers with a list of known identifiers stored in a repository and assess a first score in respect of the comparison wherein the score is representative of a probability that the comparison is an accurate comparison. When a first probability score has been determined, the FIM will sample the data field according to a pre-selected list of requirements and make a second comparison with the data field. The FIM will then assess a second score.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Gardner, Steven M. Kaye, Jeffery D. Pierce
  • Patent number: 5761661
    Abstract: The present invention consists of a data management system having a centrally located host computer, at least one trading partner output data file that communicates with the host computer, a data management processing means resident within the host computer and in communication with the trading partner's output data file, at least one management transaction database in communication with the processing means, at least one management customer database in communication with the data management processing means and at least one data output means within the host computer that provides visual representation of the data following processing from the management transaction database, the management customer database, and the output data file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: The Sabre Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent B. Coussens, Cindy L. Birney
  • Patent number: 5761692
    Abstract: Retrieval of both continuous and non-continuous media data is performed concurrently for multiple requests, where servicing of continuous media data requests at varying rate requirements is guaranteed within a common retrieval period. The common period is selected with respect to the available buffer space and the total disk retrieval times required for servicing multiple requests. Servicing of requests is re-commenced immediately after all admitted requests have been serviced, regardless if the common period has elapsed. High throughput is obtained and transfer rates for a large number of real-time requests are guaranteed by reducing seek latency and eliminating rotational latency so that the buffering requirements for requests are reduced. Disk scheduling techniques are applied for disks having transfer rates which vary from one track to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Banu Ozden, Rajeev Rastogi, Abraham Silberschatz
  • Patent number: 5761498
    Abstract: In a file system for use with a parallel computer, a file access system is provided. When a host computer opens a file, it can see it as one file. When each system opens a file, it can see the file as a local file. A substance is stored as one file in a secondary memory. However, in an open mode, each cell can see a required portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Kazuichi Ooe, Satosi Inano
  • Patent number: 5758351
    Abstract: The present invention defines a consistent method and system for enabling components in an information system to invoke operations that may be distributed across multiple computing platforms, through the provision and use of executable operations whose behaviors are determined from information stored and extracted from a Catalog (164) using an Operation Definition Manager (82). The stored information is used by a Surrogate Object Definition Module (96) to define a Surrogate Object Type structure which enables execution of any of the operations described within it. A Surrogate Object Manager (94), along with an Operation Connection Manager (104, 118, 130 or 132), is provided which assists the user in developing applications by providing access to the definition of the input and output arguments of the operations included in the Surrogate Object Type structure (244).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Sterling Software, Inc.
    Inventors: William Gibson, David R. Marshall, Steve Turner, William N. Dawson, Patrick M. Hogan