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).

  • Publication number: 20170109758
    Abstract: Embodiments include method, systems and computer program products for analysis of customer feedback on an application executing on a distributed computational system. Aspects include receiving feedback from a user of the application, wherein the application includes a plurality of components and wherein at least two of the plurality of components are provided by separate service providers in the distributed computational system. Aspects also include identifying one or more of the plurality of components that the feedback corresponds to and forwarding the feedback to one or more of the plurality of service providers associated with the one or more of the plurality of components identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: GREGORY J. BOSS, CHRISTOPHER J. DAWSON, RICK A. HAMILTON, II, JENNY S. LI
  • Publication number: 20170068429
    Abstract: A computer system displays a first window corresponding to an aspect of a first executing program in a first display area on one or more display devices. The computer system identifies an activity of a second program. The computer system determines whether the activity of the second program meets a threshold of priority. In response to determining that the activity meets the threshold, the computer system manipulates the first window such that the display area can be distributed, at least partially, between the first window and a second window corresponding to the activity of the second program. The computer system displays the second window with the first window within the display area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: Gene L. Brown, Brendan F. Coffey, Christopher J. Dawson, Clifford V. Harris
  • Publication number: 20170070305
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method, computer program product, and system for real-time determination of attentiveness of an audience in a room to a speaker. A computer determines amounts of wireless activity of a computing device within the room of the audience over time during the presentation. Based in part on the amounts of wireless activity of the computing device, the computer determines and initiates display of measures of attentiveness of the audience over the time during the presentation, to display changes in the measures of attentiveness of the audience to the speaker during the presentation. In another embodiment, the computer determines amounts of attentiveness of the audience within the room over time during the presentation utilizing sensors located throughout the room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: Scott G. Bowden, Christopher J. Dawson, Sanjeev Kumar V. Marimekala
  • Patent number: 9586149
    Abstract: Collaborative virtual business object (VBO) social sharing that may include generating a VBO responsive to an avatar performing a transaction, and providing access to the VBO to other avatars desiring access. Access to the VBO may be provided by registering information regarding accessing the VBO in an inventory of the avatar, registering information regarding accessing the VBO in a centralized registry, allowing some portions of the VBO to be searchable, or uploading a modified copy of the VBO to a centralized VBO data upload facility. Portions of the VBO may be identified as private or public and access provided to only the public portions. An apparatus for collaborative virtual business object (VBO) social sharing may include an interface configured to access virtual world and a processor configured to generate a VBO responsive to a transaction in the virtual world and provide access to the VBO.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Brian R. Bokor, Andrew B. Smith, Peter F. Haggar, Daniel E. House, William B. Nicol, II, Christopher J. Dawson
  • Patent number: 9589380
    Abstract: A system, method and program product for providing a virtual universe in which unsolicited advertisements are embodied in automated avatars. A system is provided that includes: a registration system for introducing an advertisement avatar into the virtual universe; a targeting system for targeting a user avatar for delivery of advertising content by the advertisement avatar; a movement system for defining how the advertisement avatar is to move within the virtual universe; and an advertisement delivery system for defining how the advertisement avatar is to deliver the advertising content to the user avatar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher J. Dawson, Rick A. Hamilton, II, Brian M. O'Connell, Clifford A. Pickover, Keith R. Walker
  • Publication number: 20170060392
    Abstract: A computer system displays a first window corresponding to an aspect of a first executing program in a first display area on one or more display devices. The computer system identifies an activity of a second program. The computer system determines whether the activity of the second program meets a threshold of priority. In response to determining that the activity meets the threshold, the computer system manipulates the first window such that the display area can be distributed, at least partially, between the first window and a second window corresponding to the activity of the second program. The computer system displays the second window with the first window within the display area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Gene L. Brown, Brendan F. Coffey, Christopher J. Dawson, Clifford V. Harris
  • Patent number: 9578538
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the formation and rearrangement of ad hoc networks and more particularly to systems and methods for sharing bandwidth in ad hoc networks. The method comprises broadcasting a table to at least one potential lender requesting pertinent lender information and receiving the table from the at least one potential lender with the pertinent lender information. The method further includes selecting one or more lenders of the at least one potential lender which meet preset criteria and establishing an ad hoc network with the one or more lenders based on the selecting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christopher J. Dawson, Peter G. Finn, Rick A. Hamilton, II, Jenny S. Li
  • Publication number: 20170026789
    Abstract: Methods and systems for managing sensitive data stored on a wireless computing device associated with a geofence. The system or method identifies sensitive data stored on the wireless computing device, defines a geofence based at least in part on a parameter associated with a user of the wireless computing device, continuously or periodically determines the location of the wireless computing device relative to the first geofence, and modifies, if the wireless computing device is located outside the first geofence, the identified sensitive data on the wireless computing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Gene L. Brown, Brendan F. Coffey, Christopher J. Dawson, Clifford V. Harris
  • Patent number: 9553782
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach for dynamically modifying Quality of Service (QoS) levels for resources (e.g., applications, processes, services, etc.) running in a networked computing environment. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention dynamically adjust transport level networking QoS parameters based on associated service level agreements (SLA) term. In a typical embodiment, a set of service level requirements associated with a resource running in the networked computing environment will first be identified (e.g., in a computer data structure). Then, the set of service level requirements will be mapped to a set of QoS parameters associated with a transport layer of the networked computing environment. A current performance of the resource within the transport layer will then be determined. Once the current performance has been determined, it will be further determined whether the current performance meets the set of service level requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Katalin K. Bartfai-Walcott, Gregory J. Boss, Christopher J. Dawson, Rick A. Hamilton, II
  • Patent number: 9544009
    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: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: David C. Brillhart, Christopher J. Dawson, Nicholas J. Karels, James W. Seaman
  • Publication number: 20170006056
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach to repair vulnerabilities (e.g., security vulnerabilities) in images (e.g., application images) in a networked computing environment (e.g., a cloud computing environment). Specifically, an image is checked for vulnerabilities using a database of known images and/or vulnerabilities. If a vulnerability is found, a flexible/elastic firewall is established around the image so as to isolate the vulnerability. Once the firewall has been put in place, the vulnerability can be repaired by a variety of means such as upgrading the image, quarantining the image, discarding the image, and/or generating a new image. Once the image has been repaired, the firewall can be removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Inventors: Al Chakra, Christopher J. Dawson, Yu Deng, Rick A. Hamilton, II, Jenny S. Li, Liangzhao Zeng
  • Patent number: 9537727
    Abstract: The present invention provides discrete, depleting chips for allocating computational resources for obtaining desired service level characteristics, wherein discrete chips deplete from a maximum allocated amount but may, in an optional implementation, be allowed to be replenished through the purchase of additional chips. A number of chips are assigned to a requestor/party, known as a business unit (BU), which could be a department, or group providing like-functionality services. In one implementation, the chips themselves could represent base monetary units integrated over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory J. Boss, Christopher J. Dawson, Rick A. Hamilton, II, Timothy M. Waters
  • Patent number: 9526994
    Abstract: A user of a virtual universe system is provided with the option of deferring a response to an invitation for an avatar to be relocated (including relocation by performing a teleportation operation) by providing for selective storage of received invitations in a queue with a priority determined based on one or more rules which can preferably be developed by conversion from an invitation. Status of issuers of invitations can be monitored or the issuers polled and the current status can be displayed to a user to determine actions to be taken in manipulating priority in the queue. The user is also provided with the capability of editing priority of stored invitations including the ability to accept, reject or forward the invitation or convert the invitation to a landmark. Invitations having similarities may be grouped in accordance with any desired metadata contained in the invitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher J. Dawson, Rick Allen Hamilton, II, Robert C. McGinley, Clifford A. Pickover
  • Patent number: 9525952
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method, computer program product, and system for real-time determination of attentiveness of an audience in a room to a speaker. A computer determines amounts of wireless activity of a computing device within the room of the audience over time during the presentation. Based in part on the amounts of wireless activity of the computing device, the computer determines and initiates display of measures of attentiveness of the audience over the time during the presentation, to display changes in the measures of attentiveness of the audience to the speaker during the presentation. In another embodiment, the computer determines amounts of attentiveness of the audience within the room over time during the presentation utilizing sensors located throughout the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Scott G. Bowden, Christopher J. Dawson, Sanjeev Kumar V. Marimekala
  • Patent number: 9524074
    Abstract: A computer system displays a first window corresponding to an aspect of a first executing program in a first display area on one or more display devices. The computer system identifies an activity of a second program. The computer system determines whether the activity of the second program meets a threshold of priority. In response to determining that the activity meets the threshold, the computer system manipulates the first window such that the display area can be distributed, at least partially, between the first window and a second window corresponding to the activity of the second program. The computer system displays the second window with the first window within the display area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gene L. Brown, Brendan F. Coffey, Christopher J. Dawson, Clifford V. Harris
  • Patent number: 9514318
    Abstract: The present invention provides an approach to manage and control document transmission and electronic communication. Specifically, the present invention provides control over data associated with multiple types of data communication. Along these lines, embodiments of the present invention provide a hub and spoke communication model in order to achieve multiple benefits in terms of effectiveness, efficiency, flexibility, and control. This type of granular control is critical for information sharing within a networked computing environment. This approach is also useful for collaboration tools and can be augmented by the creation and management of access control lists (ACL's) for the hub-spoke system. To this extent, embodiments of the present invention provide functionality to automatically update ACL's as documents are being forwarded or otherwise communicated between multiple parties. These ACL's are kept up to date through the analysis of to whom (and where) a document has been sent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher J. Dawson, Michael D. Kendzierski, Stephen McMillan
  • Patent number: 9501928
    Abstract: Using social media feeds to determine infrastructure and personal resolutions to high traffic events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Bell, Gregory J. Boss, Christopher J. Dawson, Rick A. Hamilton, II
  • Publication number: 20160337959
    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: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher J. Dawson, Peter G. Finn, Rick A. Hamilton, II, Jenny S. Li
  • Patent number: 9497589
    Abstract: Methods and systems for managing sensitive data stored on a wireless computing device associated with a geofence. The system or method identifies sensitive data stored on the wireless computing device, defines a geofence based at least in part on a parameter associated with a user of the wireless computing device, continuously or periodically determines the location of the wireless computing device relative to the first geofence, and modifies, if the wireless computing device is located outside the first geofence, the identified sensitive data on the wireless computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gene L. Brown, Brendan F. Coffey, Christopher J. Dawson, Clifford V. Harris
  • Patent number: 9497209
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach to repair vulnerabilities (e.g., security vulnerabilities) in images (e.g., application images) in a networked computing environment (e.g., a cloud computing environment). Specifically, an image is checked for vulnerabilities using a database of known images and/or vulnerabilities. If a vulnerability is found, a flexible/elastic firewall is established around the image so as to isolate the vulnerability. Once the firewall has been put in place, the vulnerability can be repaired by a variety of means such as upgrading the image, quarantining the image, discarding the image, and/or generating a new image. Once the image has been repaired, the firewall can be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Al Chakra, Christopher J. Dawson, Yu Deng, Rick A. Hamilton, II, Jenny S. Li, Liangzhao Zeng