Patents by Inventor Brian M. O'Connell

Brian M. O'Connell 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).

  • Patent number: 10586183
    Abstract: A method implemented in a computer infrastructure having computer executable code, includes detecting one of an absence of a virtual universe (VU) occurrence in a VU within a predetermined time period, a special event in the VU and a change of real world status from a previous real world status. Additionally, the method includes determining a VU asset of a VU resident relevant to the VU occurrence, the special event or the previous real world status. Further, the method includes performing an automated asset reduction of the VU asset based on the determining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Rick A. Hamilton, II, Neal M. Keller, Brian M. O'Connell, Clifford A. Pickover, Keith R. Walker
  • Patent number: 10586182
    Abstract: A method implemented in a computer infrastructure having computer executable code, includes detecting one of an absence of a virtual universe (VU) occurrence in a VU within a predetermined time period, a special event in the VU and a change of real world status from a previous real world status. Additionally, the method includes determining a VU asset of a VU resident relevant to the VU occurrence, the special event or the previous real world status. Further, the method includes performing an automated asset reduction of the VU asset based on the determining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Rick A. Hamilton, II, Neal M. Keller, Brian M. O'Connell, Clifford A. Pickover, Keith R. Walker
  • Patent number: 10572904
    Abstract: A first Micro Circadian Rhythm (MCR) pattern is identified in a Circadian Rhythm (CR) data of a user. Using the first MCR pattern, a second MCR pattern is predicted during a forecast period. The second MCR pattern is correlated with a set of possible future CR states. A first model of a distribution of a confidence value corresponding to the present CR state of the user is constructed. A second model of a distribution of a confidence value corresponding to a selected future CR state from the set of possible future CR states of the user is constructed. The first model and the second model are correlated to determine a likelihood of the selected future CR state being reachable from the present CR state for the user. When the likelihood exceeding a threshold, an application is caused to adjust a process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Aaron K. Baughman, Ann M. Corrao, Brian F. Ober, Brian M. O'Connell
  • Patent number: 10564810
    Abstract: A system and method for enhancing the rendering of one or more objects based on payment and account options. The system includes a computer infrastructure configured to control enhancement rendering of an object in a virtual universe by providing at least one augmentation attribute to a tag of the object. The method includes providing enhancement rendering of an object in a virtual universe by augmenting the object based on a status of a user viewing the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Rick A. Hamilton, II, Steven M. Harrison, Brian M. O'Connell, Clifford A. Pickover, Keith R. Walker
  • Publication number: 20200043059
    Abstract: Systems and methods for advertising, and, more particularly, systems and methods for managing ephemeral locations in a virtual universe. A method for managing ephemeral locations in a virtual universe (VU) includes causing a computer infrastructure to: render an ephemeral location upon a triggering in the VU; teleport a VU user avatar to the ephemeral location; permit the user avatar to interact in the ephemeral location; teleport the user avatar out of the ephemeral location; and un-render the ephemeral location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Rick A. HAMILTON, II, Brian M. O'CONNELL, Clifford A. PICKOVER, Anne R. SAND, Keith R. WALKER
  • Patent number: 10534786
    Abstract: In an approach for managing computing interruptions, a processor receives a computing interruption on a computing device. A processor monitors computing activity of a user on the computing device. A processor accesses user preferences, wherein the user preferences are based on an analysis of previous responses by the user to previous computing interruptions. A processor determines a minimum threshold, based on the computing activity of the user and the user preferences, wherein the minimum threshold identifies when a computing interruption is allowed to be presented to the user. A processor determines from the computing interruption, a sender and a context of the computing interruption. A processor assigns a ranking to the computing interruption based on the sender and the context of the computing interruption. A processor compares the ranking to the minimum threshold. A processor determines whether to present the computing interruption, based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Bostick, John M. Ganci, Jr., Martin G. Keen, Brian M. O'Connell
  • Patent number: 10534785
    Abstract: In an approach for managing computing interruptions, a processor receives a computing interruption on a computing device. A processor monitors computing activity of a user on the computing device. A processor accesses user preferences, wherein the user preferences are based on an analysis of previous responses by the user to previous computing interruptions. A processor determines a minimum threshold, based on the computing activity of the user and the user preferences, wherein the minimum threshold identifies when a computing interruption is allowed to be presented to the user. A processor determines from the computing interruption, a sender and a context of the computing interruption. A processor assigns a ranking to the computing interruption based on the sender and the context of the computing interruption. A processor compares the ranking to the minimum threshold. A processor determines whether to present the computing interruption, based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Bostick, John M. Ganci, Jr., Martin G. Keen, Brian M. O'Connell
  • Publication number: 20190386890
    Abstract: Approaches for optimizing network demand forecasting models and network topology using hyperparameter selection are provided. An approach includes defining a pool of features that are usable in models that predict demand of network resources, wherein the pool of features includes at least one historical forecasting feature and at least one event forecasting feature. The approach also includes generating, using a computer device, an optimal model using a subset of features selected from the pool of features. The approach further includes predicting future demand on a network using the optimal model. The approach additionally includes allocating resources in the network based on the predicted future demand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Publication date: December 19, 2019
    Inventors: Aaron K. BAUGHMAN, Brian M. O'CONNELL, Michael PERLITZ, Stefan A. G. VAN DER STOCKT
  • Publication number: 20190362394
    Abstract: A method and system is provided for item inquiry and information presentation via standard communication paths. More particularly, the method and system detects an item associated with an avatar of a virtual universe (VU) user in a VU and determine information associated with the item. Additionally, the method and system are operable to display the information in the VU in a high-resolution component of the VU.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2019
    Publication date: November 28, 2019
    Inventors: Vittorio CASTELLI, Rick A. HAMILTON, II, Brian M. O'CONNELL, Clifford A. PICKOVER, Keith R. WALKER
  • Patent number: 10469398
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for selecting forecasting model complexity using eigenvalues are provided in the illustrative embodiments A process is represented in a model. The model comprises a mathematical representation of the process in a certain degree. A first portion of historical data generated by the process during a first period is selected and includes an actual value of an outcome of the process and a value of a feature influencing the process during the first period. A prediction is made of a predicted value of the outcome. A difference between the prediction and the actual value of the outcome is determined. The difference is represented as a change in a distribution of eigenvalues. According to the change, a second model is to represent the process. The second model comprises a second mathematical representation of the process in a different degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Aaron K. Baughman, Guillermo A. Cecchi, James R. Kozloski, Brian M. O'Connell
  • Patent number: 10439891
    Abstract: Approaches for optimizing network demand forecasting models and network topology using hyperparameter selection are provided. An approach includes defining a pool of features that are usable in models that predict demand of network resources, wherein the pool of features includes at least one historical forecasting feature and at least one event forecasting feature. The approach also includes generating, using a computer device, an optimal model using a subset of features selected from the pool of features. The approach further includes predicting future demand on a network using the optimal model. The approach additionally includes allocating resources in the network based on the predicted future demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Aaron K. Baughman, Brian M. O'Connell, Michael Perlitz, Stefan A. G. Van Der Stockt
  • Patent number: 10436362
    Abstract: Assembly for securing two components by tool free engagement. The assembly including a clamped component and a shouldered component. The shouldered component including a channel for receiving the clamped component. The channel having a first wall and a second wall. The clamped component being in contact with the second wall. The first wall of the channel having a tapered interface. A clamp including a clamp segment having a tapered interface, is adapted to wedge against the tapered interface of the first wall. The clamp segment being positioned between the first wall and the clamped component. Application of clamping force by the clamp on the clamp segment forces its tapered interface against the mating tapered interface of the first wall resulting in a force which translates from the clamp segment through the clamped component and against the second wall of the channel thereby securing the clamped component to the shouldered component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: McElroy Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Seth P. Ahrens, Brian M. O'Connell
  • Publication number: 20190294304
    Abstract: A system and method for enhancing the rendering of one or more objects based on payment and account options. The system includes a computer infrastructure configured to control enhancement rendering of an object in a virtual universe by providing at least one augmentation attribute to a tag of the object. The method includes providing enhancement rendering of an object in a virtual universe by augmenting the object based on a status of a user viewing the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Publication date: September 26, 2019
    Inventors: Rick A. HAMILTON, II, Steven M. HARRISON, Brian M. O'CONNELL, Clifford A. PICKOVER, Keith R. WALKER
  • Patent number: 10423988
    Abstract: A method and system is provided for item inquiry and information presentation via standard communication paths. More particularly, the method and system detects an item associated with an avatar of a virtual universe (VU) user in a VU and determine information associated with the item. Additionally, the method and system are operable to display the information in the VU in a high-resolution component of the VU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Vittorio Castelli, Rick A. Hamilton, II, Brian M. O'Connell, Clifford A. Pickover, Keith R. Walker
  • Publication number: 20190288918
    Abstract: An approach for forecasting demand. The approach includes a method that includes receiving one or more variables associated with an event. The method further includes generating, by at least one computing device, a model to forecast future demand based on the one or more variables. The method further includes determining, by the at least one computing device, a load to provision one or more servers to meet the future demand. The load is based on the model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2019
    Publication date: September 19, 2019
    Inventors: Aaron K. BAUGHMAN, Richard J. BOGDANY, Richard A. LOCKE, Brian M. O'CONNELL
  • Publication number: 20190258647
    Abstract: A computer processor generates a topic-based dataset based on parsing content received from a plurality of information sources, which includes historical data and scientific data, associated with a location of a natural resource. The processor generates a plurality of clusters, respectively corresponding to like-topic data of the topic-based dataset. The processor determines a plurality of hypotheses, respectively corresponding to the plurality of clusters of the like-topic data, wherein the plurality of hypotheses are based on features associated with each of the plurality of clusters of the like-topic data. The processor combines pairs of clusters, based on a similarity heuristic applied to the one or more pairs of clusters, and the processor determines a plurality of probabilities respectively corresponding to a validity of each hypothesis of the plurality of hypotheses, associated with the location of a natural resource.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2019
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Inventors: Aaron K. Baughman, Thomas B. Harrison, Brian M. O'Connell
  • Publication number: 20190258644
    Abstract: In an approach for managing computing interruptions, a processor receives a computing interruption on a computing device. A processor monitors computing activity of a user on the computing device. A processor accesses user preferences, wherein the user preferences are based on an analysis of previous responses by the user to previous computing interruptions. A processor determines a minimum threshold, based on the computing activity of the user and the user preferences, wherein the minimum threshold identifies when a computing interruption is allowed to be presented to the user. A processor determines from the computing interruption, a sender and a context of the computing interruption. A processor assigns a ranking to the computing interruption based on the sender and the context of the computing interruption. A processor compares the ranking to the minimum threshold. A processor determines whether to present the computing interruption, based on the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Inventors: James E. Bostick, John M. Ganci, JR., Martin G. Keen, Brian M. O'Connell
  • Publication number: 20190258643
    Abstract: In an approach for managing computing interruptions, a processor receives a computing interruption on a computing device. A processor monitors computing activity of a user on the computing device. A processor accesses user preferences, wherein the user preferences are based on an analysis of previous responses by the user to previous computing interruptions. A processor determines a minimum threshold, based on the computing activity of the user and the user preferences, wherein the minimum threshold identifies when a computing interruption is allowed to be presented to the user. A processor determines from the computing interruption, a sender and a context of the computing interruption. A processor assigns a ranking to the computing interruption based on the sender and the context of the computing interruption. A processor compares the ranking to the minimum threshold. A processor determines whether to present the computing interruption, based on the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Inventors: James E. Bostick, John M. Ganci, JR., Martin G. Keen, Brian M. O'Connell
  • Patent number: 10389475
    Abstract: In an approach for blocking a user from the capture of a photograph without consent, a processor receives an indication that a user has entered a location. A processor projects a hologram that blocks the user from photo capture. A processor detects images within the defined location, wherein the images include a person. A processor evaluates an authorization to capture a photo by the person. A processor evaluates a current contextual condition of the user to allow for photo capture. A processor alter the hologram, based on the evaluated authorization to capture the photo by the person and the evaluated current contextual condition of the user to allow for photo capture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Bostick, John M. Ganci, Jr., Martin G. Keen, Brian M. O'Connell
  • Publication number: 20190251472
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for weight adjusted composite model for forecasting in anomalous environments are provided in the illustrative embodiments. A base forecasting model and a second forecasting model are combined to form a composite model, the base forecasting model configured to forecast an event in a time series, the second forecasting model configured to represent an anomalous portion of data in the time series. A mixing algorithm is combined with the composite model to adjust a set of weights associated with the composite model. Upon identifying a future period in which the event is to be forecasted, using the mixing algorithm, a subset of the set of weights is adjusted to from a weight adjusted composite model. The weight adjusted composite model is executed to forecast the event in the future period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Aaron K. Baughman, James R. Kozloski, Cameron N. Mcavoy, Brian M. O'Connell