Patents by Inventor Alan Ray Smith

Alan Ray Smith has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20110197194
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for initiating batch processing on a computer system from a terminal. The method generates a message from the terminal, where the message defines a transaction to be performed on a computer system. The transaction schedules and runs a program that extracts data from the message. The message is then transmitted to the computer system. The data is then used to generate batch job control language and a batch job is run on the computer system. The output of the batch job is then routed back to the terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dario D'Angelo, Kin Lau, Alan Ray Smith
  • Patent number: 7958188
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for initiating batch processing on a computer system from a terminal. The method generates a message from the terminal, where the message defines a transaction to be performed on a computer system. The transaction schedules and runs a program that extracts data from the message. The message is then transmitted to the computer system. The data is then used to generate batch job control language and a batch job is run on the computer system. The output of the batch job is then routed back to the terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dario D'Angelo, Kin Lau, Alan Ray Smith
  • Patent number: 7913245
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for modular distribution and maintenance of non-“object code only” (OCO) dynamic components. OCO components comprise compiled executable modules. Non-OCO components comprise user readable and/or editable components. The modular distribution of non-OCO components comprises updating a skeleton data set comprising text and component fields such that user customizations and developer customizations are preserved. The modular distribution further allows for the generation of an output data in response to a reportable operational event, wherein the output data set is based on the skeleton data set and user customizations and developer customizations stored in customization data sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dario D'Angelo, Kin Lau, Alan Ray Smith
  • Patent number: 7885933
    Abstract: An apparatus and system are disclosed for analyzing computer events recorded in a plurality of computer datasets. The apparatus includes a read module configured to access chronicle records in two datasets, an extraction module configured to extract a timestamp from each chronicle record, a generation module configured to generate a chronicle time indicator for each chronicle record based on the extracted timestamp, and a placement module configured to place the generated chronicle time indicator into the associated chronicle record. Typically, chronicle records in a first chronicle record have records with desired timestamp characteristics while chronicle records in a second dataset have chronicle records with incompatible timestamp characteristics. The apparatus and method generate the chronicle time indicator to be compatible with desired timestamp characteristics of the first dataset and place the generated chronicle time indicator in each incompatible chronicle record.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Alan Ray Smith
  • Patent number: 7685107
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for scanning a partitioned data set (“PDS”). A receive module is included to receive a search criteria comprising one or more expressions. A member module is included to determine a set of PDS members to search based on the search criteria. A scan module is included to scan a record contained within each member of the set of PDS members. A determination module is included to determine whether a record satisfies the search criteria, where the search criteria comprises at least one expression that identifies a record that lacks a specified character string of the at least one expression. A return module is included to return the determined record. Each record in the scanned PDS has any length within a range supported by an operating system maintaining the scanned PDS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Alan Ray Smith
  • Patent number: 7624127
    Abstract: The present invention increases the efficiency of dynamically, reusable computer environments by first retrieving data set information from a volume table of contents (VTOC) to ensure its consistency with the catalog. After obtaining the necessary information about the data sets, control statements are generated and appropriate programs invoked to perform the desired maintenance operations. Reinitializing and reconfiguring the reusable computer environment by starting with the VTOC prevents post-maintenance issues such as a data set with an entry in an integrated catalog facility (ICF) catalog while the data set no longer exists on a volume, a cataloged virtual storage access method (VSAM) cluster with disassociated DATA or INDEX data sets, and a data set catalog entry that has been scratched while the data set still exists on a volume. The present invention saves time and money by preventing such problems up-front instead of correcting them after-the-fact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Alan Ray Smith
  • Publication number: 20090063578
    Abstract: A method for managing data needed to resolve pointer errors is provided. The method provides for receiving information concerning a pointer error, preparing the information received, submitting a job to select, sort, and format a subset of log and/or trace records such that the subset of records can be analyzed to resolve the pointer error.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dario D'ANGELO, Charles E. JONES, Alan Ray SMITH
  • Publication number: 20090063577
    Abstract: An apparatus and system are disclosed for performing semi-automatic dataset maintenance. The apparatus includes an input module that receives a dataset qualifier. The dataset qualifier describes a collection of datasets. The input module also receives a desired maintenance action to be applied to the datasets. A retrieval module retrieves a set of dataset identifiers that satisfy the dataset qualifier from a mainframe operating system. A command module constructs a set of mainframe operating system commands to fulfill the desired maintenance action. The set of commands includes at least one command for each dataset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Alan Ray Smith
  • Patent number: 7493347
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for condensing reported checkpoint log data that facilitates analysis of the checkpoint log data by minimizing extraneous results presented to a user. The method includes a user interface to receive a query expression from a user based on one or more conditions and one or more parameters. A record handler retrieves a checkpoint log record from a storage device. A structuring module parses the checkpoint log record into log entries. A comparison module applies the query expression to each log entry. This application of the query expression may include applying the query expression to a particular portion of the log entry specified by an offset. The output module generates a condensed checkpoint log record including log entries that satisfy the query expression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Alan Ray Smith
  • Patent number: 7464105
    Abstract: An apparatus, A method is disclosed for performing semi-automatic dataset maintenance. The method includes receiving a dataset qualifier. The dataset qualifier describes a collection of datasets. The method also receives a desired maintenance action to be applied to the datasets. A method retrieves a set of dataset identifiers that satisfy the dataset qualifier from a mainframe operating system. The method constructs a set of mainframe operating system commands to fulfill the desired maintenance action. The set of commands includes at least one command for each dataset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Alan Ray Smith
  • Publication number: 20080275944
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for initiating batch processing on a computer system from a terminal. The method generates a message from the terminal, where the message defines a transaction to be performed on a computer system. The transaction schedules and runs a program that extracts data from the message. The message is then transmitted to the computer system. The data is then used to generate batch job control language and a batch job is run on the computer system. The output of the batch job is then routed back to the terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dario D'Angelo, Kin Lau, Alan Ray Smith
  • Publication number: 20080249978
    Abstract: An apparatus and system are disclosed for analyzing computer events recorded in a plurality of computer datasets. The apparatus includes a read module configured to access chronicle records in two datasets, an extraction module configured to extract a timestamp from each chronicle record, a generation module configured to generate a chronicle time indicator for each chronicle record based on the extracted timestamp, and a placement module configured to place the generated chronicle time indicator into the associated chronicle record. Typically, chronicle records in a first chronicle record have records with desired timestamp characteristics while chronicle records in a second dataset have chronicle records with incompatible timestamp characteristics. The apparatus and method generate the chronicle time indicator to be compatible with desired timestamp characteristics of the first dataset and place the generated chronicle time indicator in each incompatible chronicle record.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Alan Ray Smith
  • Patent number: 7424646
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for analyzing trace data that facilitates the analysis by minimizing extraneous results presented to a user. The apparatus includes a user interface to define a query expression based on a condition and one or more parameters and to display a report of trace entries satisfying the query expression. A record handler retrieves an unstructured trace record from a storage device or database. A structuring module divides the unstructured trace record logically into two or more trace entries based on structural information. A comparison module applies the query expression to each entry. This application of the query expression may include further sub-dividing the entry logically to search on a sub-entry level. The comparison module assembles entries satisfying the query expression into an abridged trace record. A report engine combines the abridged trace records into a report of trace entries satisfying the query expression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Alan Ray Smith
  • Patent number: 7418450
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for analyzing computer events recorded in a plurality of computer datasets. The method includes a read module configured to access chronicle records in two datasets, an extraction module configured to extract a timestamp from each chronicle record, a generation module configured to generate a chronicle time indicator for each chronicle record based on the extracted timestamp, and a placement module configured to place the generated chronicle time indicator into the associated chronicle record. Typically, chronicle records in a first chronicle record have records with desired timestamp characteristics while chronicle records in a second dataset have chronicle records with incompatible timestamp characteristics. The method generates the chronicle time indicator to be compatible with desired timestamp characteristics of the first dataset and place the generated chronicle time indicator in each incompatible chronicle record.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Alan Ray Smith
  • Publication number: 20080109599
    Abstract: The present invention increases the efficiency of dynamically, reusable computer environments by first retrieving data set information from a volume table of contents (VTOC) to ensure its consistency with the catalog. After obtaining the necessary information about the data sets, control statements are generated and appropriate programs invoked to perform the desired maintenance operations. Reinitializing and reconfiguring the reusable computer environment by starting with the VTOC prevents post-maintenance issues such as a data set with an entry in an integrated catalog facility (ICF) catalog while the data set no longer exists on a volume, a cataloged virtual storage access method (VSAM) cluster with disassociated DATA or INDEX data sets, and a data set catalog entry that has been scratched while the data set still exists on a volume. The present invention saves time and money by preventing such problems up-front instead of correcting them after-the-fact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventor: Alan Ray Smith
  • Publication number: 20080071736
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for criteria-based grouping and searching of database management system log records. The method performs criteria-based grouping and searching of database management system log records by: interpreting a search criteria; interpreting a log record data description; extracting a plurality of log records from a set of database management system log records according to the search criteria and the log record data description; generating intermediate information configured to allow a sort utility to sort the extracted log records; sorting the extracted log records according to the search criteria; and presenting the sorted extracted log records to a user. The method allows users to quickly sort and review log files according to desired criteria at review time, rather than the sorting criteria used to store the log files at the time of creation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventor: Alan Ray Smith
  • Publication number: 20080022271
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for modular distribution and maintenance of non-“object code only” (OCO) dynamic components. OCO components comprise compiled executable modules. Non-OCO components comprise user readable and/or editable components. The modular distribution of non-OCO components comprises updating a skeleton data set comprising text and component fields such that user customizations and developer customizations are preserved. The modular distribution further allows for the generation of an output data in response to a reportable operational event, wherein the output data set is based on the skeleton data set and user customizations and developer customizations stored in customization data sets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dario D'Angelo, Kin Lau, Alan Ray Smith
  • Patent number: 7289991
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for sorting character representations of data under the present invention, a character-encoded sort data value is identified in a data line of a data set. The sort data value is a character encoding of a predefined numbering system such as hexadecimal or binary encoding. The sort data value is then converted to a predefined encoding scheme and the data set is sorted based on the converted sort data value. A cycle number may be appended to the sort data value to maintain the order of the sort data values when the sort data values wrap. One embodiment identifies and removes delimiters such as titles from the data set and are inserted into the sorted data set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Alan Ray Smith
  • Patent number: 7290181
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for context-sensitive error event notification. The apparatus and method include a monitor to detect an error event within a computer application, an analysis module to determine characteristics of the error event, an assembler to compose a context-sensitive message comprising a context-sensitive resource relating to the event characteristics, and a transmission module to transmit the message to a set of addressees. The context-sensitive message may include error characteristics, error-specific information from reference materials, error-specific links to related information repositories, and an error-associated search. The context-sensitive message is automatically transmitted to a set of addressees that are associated with the error event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dario D'Angelo, Alan Ray Smith, Kevin Richard Stewart, Thomas Richard Sullivan