Patents by Inventor Bradford L. Cobb

Bradford L. Cobb 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: 20160328489
    Abstract: A stream of tuples are processed by a plurality of processing elements, each including one or more stream operators, operating on computer processors. A method determines whether a first stream operator includes a first operation that is deterministic and whether a second stream operator includes a second operation that is equivalent to the first operation. In response to determining that the first operation is deterministic and the second operation is equivalent to the first operation, the first stream operator is configured to include in a tuple output from the first stream operator a result of performing the first operation using a first input. The second stream operator, which uses a second input when performing the second operation, determines whether the second input is the same as the first input, and uses the result in lieu of performing the second operation when the first and second inputs are the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Publication date: November 10, 2016
    Inventors: Michael J. Branson, Bradford L. Cobb, John M. Santosuosso
  • Publication number: 20160328451
    Abstract: A stream of tuples are processed by a plurality of processing elements, each including one or more stream operators, operating on computer processors. A method determines whether a first stream operator includes a first operation that is deterministic and whether a second stream operator includes a second operation that is equivalent to the first operation. In response to determining that the first operation is deterministic and the second operation is equivalent to the first operation, the first stream operator is configured to include in a tuple output from the first stream operator a result of performing the first operation using a first input. The second stream operator, which uses a second input when performing the second operation, determines whether the second input is the same as the first input, and uses the result in lieu of performing the second operation when the first and second inputs are the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Publication date: November 10, 2016
    Inventors: Michael J. Branson, Bradford L. Cobb, John M. Santosuosso
  • Patent number: 9471707
    Abstract: A stream of tuples are processed by a plurality of processing elements, each including one or more stream operators, operating on computer processors. A method determines whether a first stream operator includes a first operation that is deterministic and whether a second stream operator includes a second operation that is equivalent to the first operation. In response to determining that the first operation is deterministic and the second operation is equivalent to the first operation, the first stream operator is configured to include in a tuple output from the first stream operator a result of performing the first operation using a first input. The second stream operator, which uses a second input when performing the second operation, determines whether the second input is the same as the first input, and uses the result in lieu of performing the second operation when the first and second inputs are the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Branson, Bradford L. Cobb, John M. Santosuosso
  • Patent number: 9471639
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide a method, system, and computer program product for managing a windowing operation. The method can include determining a sentinel value that defines a start of a grouping window for a stream of tuples and a terminating sentinel value that defines the end of the grouping window based upon an attribute contained in the stream of tuples. The stream of tuples can be monitored for the sentinel value and the terminating sentinel value by a stream operator. The stream operator can initiate a windowing operation that defines the start of the grouping window in response to a presence of the sentinel value and terminate the windowing operation in response to a presence of the terminating sentinel value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Branson, Bradford L. Cobb, John M. Santosuosso
  • Patent number: 9460235
    Abstract: A stream of tuples are processed by a plurality of processing elements, each including one or more stream operators, operating on computer processors. A method determines whether a first stream operator includes a first operation that is deterministic and whether a second stream operator includes a second operation that is equivalent to the first operation. In response to determining that the first operation is deterministic and the second operation is equivalent to the first operation, the first stream operator is configured to include in a tuple output from the first stream operator a result of performing the first operation using a first input. The second stream operator, which uses a second input when performing the second operation, determines whether the second input is the same as the first input, and uses the result in lieu of performing the second operation when the first and second inputs are the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Branson, Bradford L. Cobb, John M. Santosuosso
  • Patent number: 9454458
    Abstract: A plurality of processing elements having stream operators and operating on one or more computer processors receive a stream of tuples. A first stream operator adds a first attribute to a tuple received on a first port of the first stream operator. The first attribute indicates the first port and the first stream operator. A second stream operator adds a second attribute to a tuple received on a first port of the second stream operator. The second attribute indicates the first port of the second stream operator and the second stream operator. It is determined whether a debug tuple has been received by a third stream operator. A debug tuple is a tuple that includes the first and second attributes. An operation, such as halting execution or incrementing a count of debug tuples, is performed when it is determined that a debug tuple has been received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Branson, James E. Carey, Bradford L. Cobb, John M. Santosuosso
  • Publication number: 20160259705
    Abstract: A method is provided for breakpoint prediction. The method can include accessing a breakpoint within a set of programming instructions hosted by a compute node in a distributed computing platform. The method can also include determining data that triggers the breakpoint. The method can also include creating a model for generating a first time-based prediction of when the breakpoint is triggered. The method can also include monitoring for the triggering data. The method can also include generating, in response to detecting the triggering data, the first time-based prediction and likelihood of the first time-based prediction based on the model. The method can also include displaying the first time-based prediction and likelihood of the first time-based prediction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Inventors: Eric L. Barsness, Michael J. Branson, Bradford L. Cobb, John M. Santosuosso
  • Publication number: 20160259704
    Abstract: A method is provided for breakpoint prediction. The method can include accessing a breakpoint within a set of programming instructions hosted by a compute node in a distributed computing platform. The method can also include determining data that triggers the breakpoint. The method can also include creating a model for generating a first time-based prediction of when the breakpoint is triggered. The method can also include monitoring for the triggering data. The method can also include generating, in response to detecting the triggering data, the first time-based prediction and likelihood of the first time-based prediction based on the model. The method can also include displaying the first time-based prediction and likelihood of the first time-based prediction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Inventors: Eric L. Barsness, Michael J. Branson, Bradford L. Cobb, John M. Santosuosso
  • Publication number: 20160217148
    Abstract: The method can include receiving the first stream of tuples to be processed by the stream operator hosted by one or more computer processors, the stream operator having at least one input port and a condition input port. The method can also include receiving, at runtime, a customized condition at the condition input port of the stream operator. The method can also include monitoring a first group of one or more tuples from the first stream of tuples at a first window of the stream operator. The method can also include determining whether the first group of one or more tuples at the first window fulfills the customized condition. The method can also include deleting, in response to the first group of one or more tuples fulfilling the customized condition, the first group of one or more tuples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Michael J. Branson, Bradford L. Cobb, John M. Santosuosso
  • Publication number: 20160217184
    Abstract: The method can include receiving the first stream of tuples to be processed by the stream operator hosted by one or more computer processors, the stream operator having at least one input port and a condition input port. The method can also include receiving, at runtime, a customized condition at the condition input port of the stream operator. The method can also include monitoring a first group of one or more tuples from the first stream of tuples at a first window of the stream operator. The method can also include determining whether the first group of one or more tuples at the first window fulfills the customized condition. The method can also include deleting, in response to the first group of one or more tuples fulfilling the customized condition, the first group of one or more tuples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Michael J. Branson, Bradford L. Cobb, John M. Santosuosso
  • Patent number: 9391831
    Abstract: A method and system for processing a stream of tuples in a stream-based application is disclosed. The method may include a first stream operator determining whether a requirement to modify processing of a first tuple at a second stream operator exists. The method may provide for associating an indication to modify processing of the first tuple at the second stream operator if the requirement exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Branson, Bradford L. Cobb, John M. Santosuosso
  • Patent number: 9391830
    Abstract: A method and system for processing a stream of tuples in a stream-based application is disclosed. The method may include a first stream operator determining whether a requirement to modify processing of a first tuple at a second stream operator exists. The method may provide for associating an indication to modify processing of the first tuple at the second stream operator if the requirement exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Branson, Bradford L. Cobb, John M. Santosuosso
  • Patent number: 9374287
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide a method and system for processing data such as a stream of tuples. One embodiment is directed toward a method for managing a stream of tuples. The method can include receiving the stream of tuples to be processed by a plurality of stream operators operating on one or more computer processors. The method can include routing the stream of tuples to a plurality of output ports, the output ports each communicate with a processing branch. The method can include receiving performance data of the stream of tuples from a measuring stream operator that measures the processing branch. The method can include determining weights to assign to each output port based on the performance data. The method can also include modifying the routing of the stream of tuples through the plurality of output ports as a function of the weight of each output port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Branson, Bradford L. Cobb, John M. Santosuosso
  • Patent number: 9372780
    Abstract: A first stream operator in a stream computing application receives and processes a first stream of tuples. The processing at the first stream operator is paused in response to receiving a first one of the tuples in the first stream that triggers a breakpoint in the first stream operator. A determination of whether a condition to release the breakpoint is met is made, and the breakpoint is released in response to determining that the condition is met. The condition to release the breakpoint may be that a count of tuples of the first stream is outside of a threshold. A second stream of tuples may be received for processing at a second stream operator. The condition to release the breakpoint may be that a count of tuples of the second stream is outside of a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Eric L. Barsness, Michael J. Branson, Bradford L. Cobb, John M. Santosuosso
  • Patent number: 9342385
    Abstract: A first processing element may be initially configured to transmit a first output stream to a second processing element. The second processing element may be initially configured to transmit a second output stream to a third processing element. The tuples of the first and second output streams may have the first and second attributes. It may be determined whether the first attribute is to be first processed at the second processing element (first condition) and whether the second attribute is to be first processed at the third processing element (second condition). When the first and second conditions are met, the first processing element may be reconfigured to transmit a third output stream to the second processing element and a fourth output stream to the third processing element. The third output stream may have only the first attribute. The fourth output stream may have only the second attribute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Branson, Bradford L. Cobb, John M. Santosuosso
  • Patent number: 9313110
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide a method and system for processing data such as a stream of tuples. One embodiment is directed toward a method for managing a stream of tuples. The method can include receiving the stream of tuples to be processed by a plurality of stream operators operating on one or more computer processors. The method can include routing the stream of tuples to a plurality of output ports, the output ports each communicate with a processing branch. The method can include receiving performance data of the stream of tuples from a measuring stream operator that measures the processing branch. The method can include determining weights to assign to each output port based on the performance data. The method can also include modifying the routing of the stream of tuples through the plurality of output ports as a function of the weight of each output port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Branson, Bradford L. Cobb, John M. Santosuosso
  • Patent number: 9305077
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide a method, system, and computer program product for managing a windowing operation. The method for grouping processing of a stream of tuples with each tuple containing one or more attributes can include receiving the stream of tuples to be processed by a plurality of processing elements operating on one or more computer processors. The method can also include processing, with a first processing method, a group of tuples from the stream of tuples into a grouping window. The method can also include processing, with a second processing method, a subgroup of tuples from the group of tuples into a subgrouping window. The second processing method can include identifying a sub-membership condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Branson, Bradford L. Cobb, John M. Santosuosso
  • Publication number: 20160092345
    Abstract: A plurality of processing elements having stream operators and operating on one or more computer processors receive a stream of tuples. A first stream operator adds a first attribute to a tuple received on a first port of the first stream operator. The first attribute indicates the first port and the first stream operator. A second stream operator adds a second attribute to a tuple received on a first port of the second stream operator. The second attribute indicates the first port of the second stream operator and the second stream operator. It is determined whether a debug tuple has been received by a third stream operator. A debug tuple is a tuple that includes the first and second attributes. An operation, such as halting execution or incrementing a count of debug tuples, is performed when it is determined that a debug tuple has been received.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventors: Michael J. Branson, James E. Carey, Bradford L. Cobb, John M. Santosuosso
  • Patent number: 9298801
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide a method, system, and computer program product for managing a windowing operation. The method for grouping processing of a stream of tuples with each tuple containing one or more attributes can include receiving the stream of tuples to be processed by a plurality of processing elements operating on one or more computer processors. The method can also include processing, with a first processing method, a group of tuples from the stream of tuples into a grouping window. The method can also include processing, with a second processing method, a subgroup of tuples from the group of tuples into a subgrouping window. The second processing method can include identifying a sub-membership condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Branson, Bradford L. Cobb, John M. Santosuosso
  • Patent number: 9262478
    Abstract: A system and a method for initializing a streaming application are disclosed. The method may include initializing a streaming application for execution on one or more compute nodes which are adapted to execute one or more stream operators. The method may, during a compiling of code, identify whether a processing condition exists at a first stream operator of a plurality of stream operators. The method may add a grouping condition to a second stream operator of the plurality of stream operators if the processing condition exists. The method may provide for the second stream operator to group tuples for sending to the first stream operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Branson, Bradford L. Cobb, John M. Santosuosso