Patents by Inventor Barton A. Smith
Barton A. 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).
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Publication number: 20140337428Abstract: Embodiments relate to facilitating social interactions. An aspect includes determining that a first communications device is in communicative contact with a second communications device, identifying at least one artifact relating to a user of the first communications device, and searching at least one database for information about a user of the second communications device that is in common with the user of the first communications device with respect to the artifact. Also, results of the searching are provided as a topic of conversation to the first communications device.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2013Publication date: November 13, 2014Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Christian B. Kau, Anuj Kumar, Barton A. Smith
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Publication number: 20140338002Abstract: Embodiments relate to facilitating social interactions. An aspect includes determining that a first communications device is in communicative contact with a second communications device, identifying at least one artifact relating to a user of the first communications device, and searching at least one database for information about a user of the second communications device that is in common with the user of the first communications device with respect to the artifact. Also, results of the searching are provided as a topic of conversation to the first communications device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2013Publication date: November 13, 2014Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Christian B. Kau, Anuj Kumar, Barton A. Smith
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Patent number: 8874242Abstract: The present invention provides novel techniques for graphically modeling, displaying, and interacting with parametric hybrid models used to optimize and control components of industrial plants and enterprises. In particular, a graphical modeling tool of a control/optimization system for controlling a plant or enterprise is configured to transmit a graphical user interface to a user, wherein the graphical user interface enables a plurality of command inputs relating to a plurality of parametric hybrid models based on a security access level of the user. The parametric hybrid models may be displayed by the graphical user interface as nodes of a network with connections connecting the nodes. The user may graphically manipulate the nodes and connections associated with the parametric hybrids models to either modify optimization constraints of the model network, or actually modify the manner in which the parametric hybrid models function (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2011Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Alexander Barton Smith, Bijan Sayyar-Rodsari
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Patent number: 8639559Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to performing brand analysis based on user's interactions with search results. In one embodiment, at least one search result list is analyzed. The search result includes a set of items corresponding to at least one search request submitted by at least one user. The set of items in the at least one search result list is determined to include at least one item corresponding to a brand analysis target item, and at least one other item. A selection by the at least one user of one of the brand analysis target item and the other item from the at least one search result list is recorded for the at least one search result list. A brand analysis metric is generated based on the recording. The brand analysis metric indicates a ratio of selections between the brand analysis target item and the other item.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2012Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Eser Kandogan, Jalal U. Mahmud, Barton A. Smith
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Patent number: 8639560Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to performing brand analysis based on user's interactions with search results. In one embodiment, at least one search result list is analyzed. The search result includes a set of items corresponding to at least one search request submitted by at least one user. The set of items in the at least one search result list is determined to include at least one item corresponding to a brand analysis target item, and at least one other item. A selection by the at least one user of one of the brand analysis target item and the other item from the at least one search result list is recorded for the at least one search result list. A brand analysis metric is generated based on the recording. The brand analysis metric indicates a ratio of selections between the brand analysis target item and the other item.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2012Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Eser Kandogan, Jalal U. Mahmud, Barton A. Smith
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Publication number: 20130268314Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to performing brand analysis based on user's interactions with search results. In one embodiment, at least one search result list is analyzed. The search result includes a set of items corresponding to at least one search request submitted by at least one user. The set of items in the at least one search result list is determined to include at least one item corresponding to a brand analysis target item, and at least one other item. A selection by the at least one user of one of the brand analysis target item and the other item from the at least one search result list is recorded for the at least one search result list. A brand analysis metric is generated based on the recording. The brand analysis metric indicates a ratio of selections between the brand analysis target item and the other item.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2012Publication date: October 10, 2013Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Eser Kandogan, Jalal U. Mahmud, Barton A. Smith
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Publication number: 20130268514Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to performing brand analysis based on user's interactions with search results. In one embodiment, at least one search result list is analyzed. The search result includes a set of items corresponding to at least one search request submitted by at least one user. The set of items in the at least one search result list is determined to include at least one item corresponding to a brand analysis target item, and at least one other item. A selection by the at least one user of one of the brand analysis target item and the other item from the at least one search result list is recorded for the at least one search result list. A brand analysis metric is generated based on the recording. The brand analysis metric indicates a ratio of selections between the brand analysis target item and the other item.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2012Publication date: October 10, 2013Applicant: International Bussiness Machines CorporationInventors: Eser KANDOGAN, Jalal U. Mahmud, Barton A. Smith
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Patent number: 8542195Abstract: A method, and program product for optimizing soft keyboards with multiple languages is disclosed. The text of multiple languages may be analyzed for optimization. Constraints may be chosen for key positions on the keyboard. A mean time of inputting a character in each of the multiple languages may be calculated, which may result in mean times for inputting the character in the languages. The average of the mean times may be determined and minimized. The keys on a soft keyboard may be arranged in a manner for optimal input on the soft keyboard for the multiple languages.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2010Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Xiaojun Bi, Barton A. Smith, Shumin Zhai
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Patent number: 8446667Abstract: An apparatus and a method of locating a specimen with a microscope, the microscope including two point light sources, a transparent specimen holder, a digital imaging device, a processor, and a display. The method includes sequentially illuminating the two point light sources through the specimen holder, across the specimen, and onto the digital imaging device to create shadows associated with each of the two point light sources. Optical images of the specimen are received on the digital imaging device associated with each shadow from the light sources, and a disparity signal is output containing a horizontal, vertical, and depth position of the specimen relative to the digital imaging device. Location of the specimen is determined based on the disparity signal. The specimen is allowed to move freely throughout the transparent specimen holder.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2011Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Barton A. Smith, Thomas G. Zimmerman
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Publication number: 20130073062Abstract: The present invention provides novel techniques for graphically modeling, displaying, and interacting with parametric hybrid models used to optimize and control components of industrial plants and enterprises. In particular, a graphical modeling tool of a control/optimization system for controlling a plant or enterprise is configured to transmit a graphical user interface to a user, wherein the graphical user interface enables a plurality of command inputs relating to a plurality of parametric hybrid models based on a security access level of the user. The parametric hybrid models may be displayed by the graphical user interface as nodes of a network with connections connecting the nodes. The user may graphically manipulate the nodes and connections associated with the parametric hybrids models to either modify optimization constraints of the model network, or actually modify the manner in which the parametric hybrid models function (e.g.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2012Publication date: March 21, 2013Applicant: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Alexander Barton Smith, Bijan Sayyar-Rodsari
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Publication number: 20120255599Abstract: A photovoltaic structure including a nanocone-based three-dimensional interdigitated p-n junction is provided in the present invention. The three-dimensional p-n junction is at the interface between n-type oxide semiconductor nanocones and a p-type semiconductor material that functions as a matrix embedding the nanocones. The nanocone-based three-dimensional p-n junction allows efficient minority carriers being extracted from photo-absorber and crossing across the p-n junction, and generates completely-depleted regions throughout the nanocones and the matrix around the nanocones for efficient charge collection. Further, the bandgap energies of the p-doped semiconductor material can be tuned to match the solar light spectrum by mixing related elements. Further, the high temperature pulses can be used to remove defects in the junction interfaces and sintering nanoparticle matrix.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2011Publication date: October 11, 2012Applicant: UT-BATTELLE, LLCInventors: Jun Xu, Sang Hyun Lee, David Barton Smith, Xiaoguang Zhang, Chad E. Duty
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Publication number: 20120239169Abstract: The present invention provides novel techniques for graphically modeling, displaying, and interacting with parametric hybrid models used to optimize and control components of industrial plants and enterprises. In particular, a graphical modeling tool of a control/optimization system for controlling a plant or enterprise is configured to transmit a graphical user interface to a user, wherein the graphical user interface enables a plurality of command inputs relating to a plurality of parametric hybrid models based on a security access level of the user. The parametric hybrid models may be displayed by the graphical user interface as nodes of a network with connections connecting the nodes. The user may graphically manipulate the nodes and connections associated with the parametric hybrids models to either modify optimization constraints of the model network, or actually modify the manner in which the parametric hybrid models function (e.g.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2011Publication date: September 20, 2012Applicant: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Alexander Barton Smith, Bijan Sayyar-Rodsari
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Publication number: 20120239164Abstract: The present invention provides novel techniques for graphically modeling, displaying, and interacting with parametric hybrid models used to optimize and control components of industrial plants and enterprises. In particular, a graphical modeling tool of a control/optimization system for controlling a plant or enterprise is configured to transmit a graphical user interface to a user, wherein the graphical user interface enables a plurality of command inputs relating to a plurality of parametric hybrid models based on a security access level of the user. The parametric hybrid models may be displayed by the graphical user interface as nodes of a network with connections connecting the nodes. The user may graphically manipulate the nodes and connections associated with the parametric hybrids models to either modify optimization constraints of the model network, or actually modify the manner in which the parametric hybrid models function (e.g.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2011Publication date: September 20, 2012Applicant: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Alexander Barton Smith, Bijan Sayyar-Rodsari
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Publication number: 20120198355Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to integrating a messaging system with at least one collaboration tool. According to one embodiment of the invention, in response to a user creating a message in a messaging system, information from the message is compared with data sets associated with the user. Each of the data sets correspond to a collaboration topic of the user for the at least one collaboration tool. At least one of the data sets is selected based on the comparison, and information indicating the one or more collaboration topics of the user that correspond to the at least one data set that is selected is presented to the user via a user interface, with the information suggesting to the user to post the message to the one or more corresponding collaboration topics of the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2011Publication date: August 2, 2012Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Tessa A. LAU, Jalal U. Mahmud, Tara L. Matthews, Thomas P. Moran, Barton A. Smith, Stephen J. Whittaker
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Publication number: 20110242000Abstract: A method, and program product for optimizing soft keyboards with multiple languages is disclosed. The text of multiple languages may be analyzed for optimization. Constraints may be chosen for key positions on the keyboard. A mean time of inputting a character in each of the multiple languages may be calculated, which may result in mean times for inputting the character in the languages. The average of the mean times may be determined and minimized. The keys on a soft keyboard may be arranged in a manner for optimal input on the soft keyboard for the multiple languages.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2010Publication date: October 6, 2011Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: XIAOJUN BI, BARTON A. SMITH, SHUMIN ZHAI
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Patent number: 8027083Abstract: The embodiments of the invention include a microscope having a transparent specimen holder and a digital imaging device positioned within the transparent specimen holder. The digital imaging device can include a wireless transmitter. The transparent specimen holder can have a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the transparent specimen holder is completely transparent between the top surface and the bottom surface. Thus, the transparent specimen holder is completely transparent above and below the digital imaging device. Furthermore, a processor is operatively connected to the digital imaging device, wherein the processor produces an image of a specimen positioned on the specimen holder. A display is operatively connected to the processor, wherein the display displays the image.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2007Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Barton A. Smith, Thomas G. Zimmerman
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Publication number: 20110211059Abstract: An apparatus and a method of locating a specimen with a microscope, the microscope including two point light sources, a transparent specimen holder, a digital imaging device, a processor and a display. The method includes sequentially illuminating the two point light sources through the transparent specimen holder and across the specimen and onto the digital imaging device to create shadows associated with each of the two point light sources. Optical images of the specimen are received on the digital imaging device associated with each shadow from the two point light sources, and a disparity signal is output containing a horizontal position, a vertical position and a depth position of the specimen in the transparent specimen holder relative to the digital imaging device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2011Publication date: September 1, 2011Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Barton A. Smith, Thomas G. Zimmerman
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Patent number: 7936501Abstract: The embodiments of the invention include a microscope having a transparent specimen holder and a digital imaging device positioned within the transparent specimen holder. The digital imaging device can include a wireless transmitter. The transparent specimen holder can have a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the transparent specimen holder is completely transparent between the top surface and the bottom surface. Thus, the transparent specimen holder is completely transparent above and below the digital imaging device. Furthermore, a processor is operatively connected to the digital imaging device, wherein the processor produces an image of a specimen positioned on the specimen holder. A display is operatively connected to the processor, wherein the display displays the image.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2008Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Barton A. Smith, Thomas F. Zimmerman
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Patent number: 7769018Abstract: One embodiment presented herein comprises a method of establishing at least two simultaneous forms of communication between at least two entities. The method can use a service to facilitate the communication or the entities can establish communications on their own (or one entity could be establishing multiple forms of communication with a service). One embodiment begins by connecting one of the entities to a service. The service is then used to establish an initial communication form between the entities. Alternatively, if a service is not used, the entities can establish the initial communication themselves. Next, a list of alternative communication forms that are possible between the entities is created. This list can be prioritized according to a number of different parameters. This list can be created using a previously established database maintained by the service or can be created by the entities themselves as they communicate over the initial communication channel.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2006Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Barton A. Smith, Min Yin, Shumin Zhai
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Publication number: 20090193339Abstract: Embodiments herein provide a method that maintains computerized scripts. The scripts provide assistance to users with respect to using at least one computer software application that is operating on a computerized device. The method receives, from the user, at least one trigger. This process creates or “authors” the trigger. This “trigger” is an item that automatically initiates at least one of the scripts for the user. In addition, the method adds the trigger to the computer software application (not automatically, but instead based on user input). Thus, when initiated by the trigger, the script automatically outputs assistance (text, sounds, illustrations, educational videos, etc.) to the user through the computerized interface of the computerized device, so as to provide the needed assistance to the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2008Publication date: July 30, 2009Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Jeffrey W. Nichols, Tessa A. Lau, Allen Cypher, James Lin, Eben M. Haber, Clemens Drews, Eric M. Wilcox, Barton A. Smith