Patents by Inventor Andrew L. Schirmer
Andrew L. Schirmer 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).
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Patent number: 8881026Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to queued requests to establish human-to-human collaborative sessions and provide a novel and non-obvious method, system and computer program product for managing queued requests to establish human-to-human collaborative sessions. In one embodiment, a human-to-human collaborative data processing system can be provided which can include a messenger configured for coupling to other messengers. The system further can include a queue of incoming session requests to establish respective human-to-human collaborative sessions with requesters associated with the other messengers. Finally, the system can include queue management logic enabled to order the session requests in the queue according to queue rules coupled to the queue management logic.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2005Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Fonda J. Daniels, Ruthie D. Lyle, Michael Muller, Andrew L. Schirmer
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Publication number: 20140313219Abstract: A display is created relating to photography done by a camera. A first coverage zone is determined for at least one of the following: a current photograph, or a first past photograph. A data set is generated corresponding to the display, with the display including at least a portion of the first coverage zone. At least the determining step is performed by at least one processor.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2013Publication date: October 23, 2014Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Eric L. Masselle, Andrew L. Schirmer
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Publication number: 20140244242Abstract: A method, computer program product, and computer system for identifying, by a computing device, content in a document, wherein the content includes a language expression. A context of the language expression is determined from a defined range of the content in the document. An action item associated with the language expression is generated based upon, at least in part, the context of the language expression.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2013Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: James P. Galvin, JR., Andrew L. Schirmer
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Publication number: 20140236885Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for publishing activity tasks in a collaborative environment can include the step of publishing selected activity tasks for status viewing by other collaborators in the collaborative environment. In one aspect of the invention, the publishing step can include the step of publishing selected activity tasks for viewing by a subset of the collaborators in the collaborative environment. In another aspect of the invention, the publishing step can include the step of publishing selected activity tasks for viewing by the collaborators in the collaborative environment only for a specified duration. In yet another aspect of the invention, the publishing step can include both publishing selected activity tasks for viewing by the collaborators in the collaborative environment, and periodically updating a status for each of the selected activity tasks.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2014Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Michael Muller, Andrew L. Schirmer
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Publication number: 20140207823Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for automatically granting access to content referenced in a microblog. A microblog post having content referenced therein is received by a microblog server. The microblog post includes a special character (e.g., “@”) designating a user, group or community. Furthermore, the microblog post includes a special character (e.g., “!”) designating the content. In response to recognizing the special character designating the content, the microblog server grants access to the designated content to the user, group or community referenced in the microblog post. By including a special character in the microblog post to designate content to be made available to the user, group or community referenced in the microblog post, the user can now designate the content to be made available to the users, groups and/or communities that do not previously have rights to access the content in an easy and efficient manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2013Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Ethan L. Perry, Josef Scherpa, Andrew L. Schirmer
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Publication number: 20140201646Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for dynamically selecting and ordering facets and/or facet values in a user interface. A user's “preference” concerning the selection and ordering of facets and/or facet values that the user desires to be displayed in the user interface is determined. Such user's preference may be determined based on monitoring the actions of the user (e.g., online activity) as well as possibly other types of information, such as the user's input and context of the user's faceted search. Upon determining the user's preference, facets and/or facet values are selected and ordered based on the user's preference and consequently displayed in the user's user interface. In this manner, the user is provided a more relevant and insightful perspective on the data set as the user sees the “best” information more quickly while performing less work to see and apply the facets and/or facet values.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2013Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Josef Scherpa, Andrew L. Schirmer, Ethan L. Perry
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Publication number: 20140200949Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for dynamically ordering tasks in a task list based on the user's indications of importance. Tasks are ordered in the task list based on identifying “indicators of importance” related to the particular task in question. These “indicators of importance” (e.g., topics, people) are derived from the task (e.g., call Mary Brown) and/or from external sources. A score or value is then assigned to these indicators of importance based on the user's deemed importance to such an indicator of importance, where such deemed importance may be determined by monitoring the user's interactions with data items (e.g., e-mails, reports), such as involving the indicator of importance. A composite score for each task may then be compiled based on the scores assigned to the indicators of importance associated with the task. The tasks will then be ordered based on these composite scores.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2013Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Ethan L. Perry, Andrew L. Schirmer
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Publication number: 20140201650Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for adjusting a display of social media updates to varying degrees of richness. A level of importance for each social media update is identified and assigned to the update. The importance of the social media update can be defined by various aspects, such as topics or people of interest to the user. Furthermore, a current condition of a user's environment (e.g., current workload of the user) is determined. The social media updates are then displayed in a social networking feed with a particular degree of richness at a particular location based on the level of importance of the social media updates, the current condition of the user's environment, and/or the user's interactions with existing updates currently displayed. In this manner, the amount of time required by the user to determine which updates are important to the user is reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2013Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Ethan L. Perry, Josef Scherpa, Andrew L. Schirmer
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Publication number: 20140201272Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for adjusting a display of social media updates to varying degrees of richness. A level of importance for each social media update is identified and assigned to the update. The importance of the social media update can be defined by various aspects, such as topics or people of interest to the user. Furthermore, a current condition of a user's environment (e.g., current workload of the user) is determined. The social media updates are then displayed in a social networking feed with a particular degree of richness at a particular location based on the level of importance of the social media updates, the current condition of the user's environment, and/or the user's interactions with existing updates currently displayed. In this manner, the amount of time required by the user to determine which updates are important to the user is reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2013Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Ethan L. Perry, Josef Scherpa, Andrew L. Schirmer
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Publication number: 20140201647Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for dynamically selecting and ordering facets and/or facet values in a user interface. A user's “preference” concerning the selection and ordering of facets and/or facet values that the user desires to be displayed in the user interface is determined. Such user's preference may be determined based on monitoring the actions of the user (e.g., online activity) as well as possibly other types of information, such as the user's input and context of the user's faceted search. Upon determining the user's preference, facets and/or facet values are selected and ordered based on the user's preference and consequently displayed in the user's user interface. In this manner, the user is provided a more relevant and insightful perspective on the data set as the user sees the “best” information more quickly while performing less work to see and apply the facets and/or facet values.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2013Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Josef Scherpa, Andrew L. Schirmer, Ethan L. Perry
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Publication number: 20140181094Abstract: Arrangements relate to the management of data items representing intended future conversations. A plurality of first inputs related to a respective intended future conversation can be received. At least one data item representing the respective intended future conversation can be created for each first input. At least one attribute can be received for each of the plurality of intended future conversations associated with-each first input. In response to receiving at least one attribute for each of the plurality of the intended future conversations associated with each first input, the plurality of intended future conversations associated with each first input can be ranked in a particular order based on at least one of the received attributes. A listing of the intended future conversations that is based on the ranking can be generated.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2013Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: W. Caleb Barlow, James E. Christensen, David S. Marshak, Andrew L. Schirmer, Tracee L. Wolf
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Publication number: 20140181092Abstract: Arrangements relate to the management of data items representing intended future conversations. A plurality of first inputs related to a respective intended future conversation can be received. At least one data item representing the respective intended future conversation can be created for each first input. At least one attribute can be received for each of the plurality of intended future conversations associated with-each first input. In response to receiving at least one attribute for each of the plurality of the intended future conversations associated with each first input, the plurality of intended future conversations associated with each first input can be ranked in a particular order based on at least one of the received attributes. A listing of the intended future conversations that is based on the ranking can be generated.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2012Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: W. CALEB BARLOW, JAMES E. CHRISTENSEN, DAVID S. MARSHAK, ANDREW L. SCHIRMER, TRACEE L. WOLF
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Publication number: 20140173523Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to hierarchical tree file browsers and provide a method, system and computer program product for selectably flattening a hierarchical tree object structure in a hierarchical tree object browser. In one embodiment of the invention, a method of flattening an object hierarchy in an object browser can be provided. The method can include selecting a node in an object hierarchy in an object browser and, responsive to selecting the node, displaying content for the selected node and content for at least one node below the selected node in the object browser.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2014Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Josef Scherpa, Andrew L. Schirmer
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Patent number: 8751581Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for selectively blocking the transmission of an unsolicited instant message. The method of the invention can include receiving an instant message designated an intended recipient; locating the intended recipient in a do not instant message list; and, responsive to the location, blocking the instant message for subsequent transmission to the intended recipient. Notably, the blocking step can include the step of selectively blocking the instant message based upon a specified policy defined for the intended recipient.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2005Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Ruthie D. Lyle, Michael Muller, Vaughn T. Rokosz, Andrew L. Schirmer
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Publication number: 20140136439Abstract: A method, computer program product, and system for selecting collaborators is described. A set of candidates for collaboration with an initiator is received. Initial contact scores for one or more member of the set of candidates are determined based upon, at least in part, one or more of initial availability and initial willingness. An initial ranking order for the set of candidates is determined. A member is selected from the set based upon, at least in part, the initial ranking order. An invitation to collaborate is provided to the selected member. If the invitation is accepted, a communication channel connection is established between the initiator and the selected member.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2013Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: James P. Galvin, JR., Andrew L. Schirmer
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Patent number: 8719284Abstract: A request corresponding to a target user is received from a querying user. The request can specifically identify the target user, or it could include a search criteria that results in identification of one or more target users. In any event, once the request is received, entries of data items (e.g., user profiles) associated with the target user(s) and the querying user (or some other user) are accessed. Based on the data items in the querying user's profile (or the other user's profile), the data items in the target user's profiles are filtered so that the querying user is not presented with an overload of information. Once the target user's profile has been filtered, it will be presented to the querying user.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2002Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Andrew L. Schirmer, Marijane M. Zeller
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Patent number: 8689114Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to activity thread management and provide a method, system and computer program product for activity objectification for non-activity objects in an activity-centric collaboration tool. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for activity objectifying non-activity/task objects in an activity-centric collaboration tool can be provided. The method can include selecting a non-activity/task object in an activity thread for an activity map of the activity-centric collaboration tool, and associating an activity attribute with the selected non-activity/task object. The non-activity/task object further can be decorated with a user interface control corresponding to a value for the activity attribute, and a state for the user interface control can be changed responsive to changes in the value for the activity attribute.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2006Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Michael Muller, Miguel A. Estrada, Thomas P. Moran, Andrew L. Schirmer, Werner Geyer, Suzanne O. Minassian, Michael Chi Hung Wu
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Patent number: 8683352Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to hierarchical tree file browsers and provide a method, system and computer program product for selectably flattening a hierarchical tree object structure in a hierarchical tree object browser. In one embodiment of the invention, a method of flattening an object hierarchy in an object browser can be provided. The method can include selecting a node in an object hierarchy in an object browser and, responsive to selecting the node, displaying content for the selected node and content for at least one node below the selected node in the object browser.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2006Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Josef Scherpa, Andrew L. Schirmer
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Publication number: 20140075340Abstract: A calendared event may be visually indicated. A proposed time for the calendared event can be identified and each of a plurality of event participants can be associated with the calendared event. For each of the participants, a local time of the participant that corresponds to the proposed time for the calendared event can be identified and displayed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2013Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Tolga Oral, Andrew L. Schirmer
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Patent number: 8655832Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for publishing activity tasks in a collaborative environment can include the step of publishing selected activity tasks for status viewing by other collaborators in the collaborative environment. In one aspect of the invention, the publishing step can include the step of publishing selected activity tasks for viewing by a subset of the collaborators in the collaborative environment. In another aspect of the invention, the publishing step can include the step of publishing selected activity tasks for viewing by the collaborators in the collaborative environment only for a specified duration. In yet another aspect of the invention, the publishing step can include both publishing selected activity tasks for viewing by the collaborators in the collaborative environment, and periodically updating a status for each of the selected activity tasks.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2005Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Michael Muller, Andrew L. Schirmer