Patents by Inventor Christopher J. Dawson

Christopher J. Dawson 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: 9299080
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the number of virtual universe avatars within a predetermined proximity from a designated first object in a virtual universe is determined. A condition that affects a load on a server computer supporting the designated first object in the virtual universe is determined. A second object is dynamically spawned within the virtual universe in response to determining that the number of virtual universe avatars within the predetermined proximity from the designated first object is greater than a first predetermined threshold and that the determined condition on the server computer is greater than a second predetermined threshold. The second object is associated with transmissions of information within the virtual universe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Activision Publishing, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Dawson, Rick A. Hamilton, II, Paul A. Moskowitz, Clifford A. Pickover
  • Publication number: 20160080025
    Abstract: An input device for switchable use between first and second computer systems. A controller of the input device can execute switching logic to direct a radio transceiver of the input device to switch an operating channel of the radio transceiver to a first channel monitored by the first computer system in response to a first event, and thereby, the input device can be utilized to insert data into the first computer system. The controller can execute switching logic to direct the radio transceiver to switch the operating channel to a second channel monitored by the second computer system in response to a second event, and thereby, the input device can be utilized to insert data into the second computer system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Inventors: David C. Brillhart, Christopher J. Dawson, Nicholas J. Karels, James W. Seaman
  • Patent number: 9288158
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach for dynamically expanding cloud capacity (e.g., computing resources), based on infrastructure needs. In a typical embodiment, an available capacity of a set (e.g., at least one) of computing resources in the networked computing environment will be determined. Then, a future capacity needed for processing a set of workloads in the networked computing environment will be forecasted. Such a forecast can be made based on multiple factors/approaches. For example, the forecast can be made based upon at least one of the following: an average consumption of the set of computing resources over a predetermined period of time, a periodic estimation of consumption of the set of computing resources, a scheduled consumption of the set of computing resources, and/or a potential capacity of the set of computing resources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory J. Boss, Christopher J. Dawson, Rick A. Hamilton, II, Brian M. O'Connell
  • Patent number: 9274848
    Abstract: This invention provides a system or method to provide dynamically packaged Cloud services to customers via a Cloud services registry. The Cloud services registry is dynamic and operates by polling different Cloud service providers and Cloud service databases to ensure that the Cloud services registry is up to date with the latest available Cloud services. The Cloud services registry is available for queries from Cloud customers and abstracts multiple Cloud service providers. By abstracting the Cloud services, the dynamic Cloud services registry creates a modular package of different services from different Cloud service providers based on the query and requested priority for services. The dynamic Cloud registry is dynamically updated based on the level of services that the provider has available. The dynamic registry determines what service best matches the requirements from a Cloud service request (CSR) and returns a personalized set of matching services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher J. Dawson, Vincenzo V. Diluoffo, Michael D. Kendzierski, James W. Seaman
  • Patent number: 9277490
    Abstract: A system and method of locating a wireless connection among a plurality of possible wireless connections. More particularly, a system and method of locating a user preferred wireless connection among a plurality of possible wireless connections. The method includes scanning for available networks and determining whether the available networks satisfy one or more user preferences. The method further includes establishing a secondary network connection with one of the available networks based on one or more user preferences being satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christopher J. Dawson, Peter G. Finn, Rick A. Hamilton, II, Jenny S. Li
  • Publication number: 20160055036
    Abstract: The system and method generally relate to reducing heat dissipated within a data center, and more particularly, to a system and method for reducing heat dissipated within a data center through service level agreement analysis, and resultant reprioritization of jobs to maximize energy efficiency. A computer implemented method includes performing a service level agreement (SLA) analysis for one or more currently processing or scheduled processing jobs of a data center using a processor of a computer device. Additionally, the method includes identifying one or more candidate processing jobs for a schedule modification from amongst the one or more currently processing or scheduled processing jobs using the processor of the computer device. Further, the method includes performing the schedule modification for at least one of the one or more candidate processing jobs using the processor of the computer device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher J. DAWSON, Vincenzo V. DI LUOFFO, Rick A. HAMILTON, II, Michael D. KENDZIERSKI
  • Publication number: 20160048490
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing information during content breakpoints in a virtual universe. The system comprises a placement engine configured to detect a content breakpoint within a virtual universe, which is defined as at least one of a login process, a logoff process, a teleportation, a wait state, and during any point where a user changes information streams in the virtual universe. The system also comprises an insertion resolution engine configured to create a list of prioritized information to present to a user within the virtual universe and an information definition engine configured to present the prioritized information to the user of the virtual universe during the content breakpoint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Inventors: Sheila E. Allen, Christopher J. Dawson, Rick A. Hamilton, II, Clifford A. Pickover
  • Patent number: 9258017
    Abstract: An input device for switchable use between first and second computer systems. A controller of the input device can execute switching logic to direct a radio transceiver of the input device to switch an operating channel of the radio transceiver to a first channel monitored by the first computer system in response to a first event, and thereby, the input device can be utilized to insert data into the first computer system. The controller can execute switching logic to direct the radio transceiver to switch the operating channel to a second channel monitored by the second computer system in response to a second event, and thereby, the input device can be utilized to insert data into the second computer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: David C. Brillhart, Christopher J. Dawson, Nicholas J. Karels, James W. Seaman
  • Patent number: 9256900
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach for implementing service level agreements (SLAs) having variable service delivery requirements and pricing in a networked (e.g. cloud) computing environment. Under embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of SLAs, each having a different price level, is made available to a consumer. The consumer may select one or more of the plurality of SLAs that reflects the consumer's service delivery requirements in a cloud computing environment. A consumer having relatively inflexible service delivery requirements may select one of the SLAs having a relatively higher price, whereas a consumer having relatively flexible service delivery requirements may select one of the SLAs having a relatively lower price. In one embodiment, the SLAs may dynamically provide for relatively lower variable pricing in response to the consumer receiving deferred or a relatively lower level of service during a peak service demand load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gene L. Brown, Michael D. Brookbanks, Brendan F. Coffey, Christopher J. Dawson
  • Patent number: 9253048
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to the release of computing infrastructure components (e.g., hardware, software, combinations thereof, etc.) from a networked computing environment for potential use by another networked computing environment. In a typical embodiment, a computing infrastructure component is identified from set of computing infrastructure components associated with a networked computing environment. It may then be determined whether the computing infrastructure component can be released from the networked computing environment. Then, responsive to the determination, the computing infrastructure component may be released from the networked computing environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kulvir S. Bhogal, Gregory J. Boss, Christopher J. Dawson, Rick A. Hamilton, II, Brian M. O'Connell
  • Patent number: 9250663
    Abstract: A method implemented in a computer infrastructure having computer executable code tangibly embodied on a computer readable medium having programming instructions operable to perform a thermal analysis of a data center and overlay the thermal analysis on a map of the data center to provide an overlaid thermal analysis. Additionally, the programming instructions are operable to receive a user selection of at least one modeled partition location based on the overlaid thermal analysis and dynamically model a modeled partition for each of the at least one modeled partition location in the data center to create a modeled data center region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher J. Dawson, Vincenzo V. Diluoffo, Rick A. Hamilton, II, Michael D. Kendzierski
  • Patent number: 9253930
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to ventilation methods, and more particularly to selectively configurable climate control method for use in data centers and the like. A method includes a first structural element and a second structural element spaced apart from first structural element to define a space between the first and second structural elements. The method also includes a plurality of partitions moveable into the space between the first and second structural elements and a controller arranged to control movement of the plurality of partitions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher J. Dawson, Vincenzo V. Diluoffo, Rick A. Hamilton, II, Michael D. Kendzierski
  • Publication number: 20160019093
    Abstract: The system and method generally relate to reducing heat dissipated within a data center, and more particularly, to a system and method for reducing heat dissipated within a data center through service level agreement analysis, and resultant reprioritization of jobs to maximize energy efficiency. A computer implemented method includes performing a service level agreement (SLA) analysis for one or more currently processing or scheduled processing jobs of a data center using a processor of a computer device. Additionally, the method includes identifying one or more candidate processing jobs for a schedule modification from amongst the one or more currently processing or scheduled processing jobs using the processor of the computer device. Further, the method includes performing the schedule modification for at least one of the one or more candidate processing jobs using the processor of the computer device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher J. DAWSON, Vincenzo V. DI LUOFFO, Rick A. HAMILTON, II, Michael D. KENDZIERSKI
  • Patent number: 9241304
    Abstract: Method and system for optimizing selection of a network. The method includes identifying available lenders and existing networks within a vicinity of a borrower, selecting an optimization technique for completing a task of the borrower, calculating, for a plurality of network options, a value for completing the borrower's task according to the optimization technique, and selecting an optimum network option to complete the borrower's task. The plurality of network options includes forming a heterogeneous network composed of both a peer-to-peer network and a multiplexed network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES INC.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Dawson, Peter G. Finn, Rick A. Hamilton, II, Jenny S. Li
  • Patent number: 9229777
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach for dynamically relocating a set of workloads among geographic regions of a networked computing environment (e.g., a cloud computing environment) based on infrastructure/computing resource needs. In a typical embodiment, it is determined whether a first geographic region of the networked computing environment has a first set of computing resources with an available capacity that meets a needed capacity for handling a set of workloads that is initially associated with the first geographic region. If not, a second geographic region of the networked computing environment having a second set of computing resources with the needed capacity is identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory J. Boss, Christopher J. Dawson, Rick A. Hamilton, II, Brian M. O'Connell
  • Patent number: 9218196
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to the migration of virtual machines (VMs) between networked computing environments (e.g., cloud computing environments) based on resource utilization. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide an approach to select an optimal set (one or more) of VMs as candidates for pre-staged migration. In a typical embodiment, when a first cloud environment nears physical resource capacity, an optimal set of VMs will be identified for migration to a second cloud environment that has sufficient capacity to accommodate workload(s) from the first cloud environment. To make this process more efficient, data associated with the set of virtual machines may be “pre-stage” replicated from the first cloud environment to the second cloud environment (e.g., in advance of the migration of the identified set of VMs).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory J. Boss, Christopher J. Dawson, Rick A. Hamilton, II, Brian M. O'Connell
  • Patent number: 9218202
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach to prioritize jobs (e.g., within a cloud computing environment) so as to maximize positive financial impacts (or to minimize negative financial impacts) for cloud service providers, while not exceeding processing capacity or failing to meet terms of applicable Service Level Agreements (SLAs). Specifically, under the present invention a respective income (i.e., a cost to the customer), a processing need, and set of SLA terms (e.g., predetermined priorities, time constraints, etc.) will be determined for each of a plurality of jobs to be performed. The jobs will then be prioritized in a way that: maximizes cumulative/collective income; stays within the total processing capacity of the cloud computing environment; and meets the SLA terms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Katalin K. Bartfai-Walcott, Gregory J. Boss, Christopher J. Dawson, Rick A. Hamilton, II
  • Patent number: 9219657
    Abstract: The system and method generally relate to reducing heat dissipated within a data center, and more particularly, to a system and method for reducing heat dissipated within a data center through service level agreement analysis, and resultant reprioritization of jobs to maximize energy efficiency. A computer implemented method includes performing a service level agreement (SLA) analysis for one or more currently processing or scheduled processing jobs of a data center using a processor of a computer device. Additionally, the method includes identifying one or more candidate processing jobs for a schedule modification from amongst the one or more currently processing or scheduled processing jobs using the processor of the computer device. Further, the method includes performing the schedule modification for at least one of the one or more candidate processing jobs using the processor of the computer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher J. Dawson, Vincenzo V. Di Luoffo, Rick A. Hamilton, II, Michael D. Kendzierski
  • Patent number: 9213982
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing information during content breakpoints in a virtual universe. The system comprises a placement engine configured to detect a content breakpoint within a virtual universe, which is defined as at least one of a login process, a logoff process, a teleportation, a wait state, and during any point where a user changes information streams in the virtual universe. The system also comprises an insertion resolution engine configured to create a list of prioritized information to present to a user within the virtual universe and an information definition engine configured to present the prioritized information to the user of the virtual universe during the content breakpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sheila E. Allen, Christopher J. Dawson, Rick A. Hamilton, II, Clifford A. Pickover
  • Patent number: 9207836
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to teleporting avatars between disparate virtual worlds. A system is disclosed that includes a facility for creating a persona profile for an avatar in a first virtual world when the avatar wants to be teleported out of the first virtual world; a facility for transferring persona profiles to and from a disparate virtual world; and a facility for instantiating an inbound avatar based on a received persona profile. Persona profiles may include, e.g., rendering information, trait information, and inventory information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher J. Dawson, Vincenzo V. Di Luoffo, Rick A. Hamilton, II, James W. Seaman