Patents by Inventor Christopher J. Hardee

Christopher J. Hardee 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: 20160129635
    Abstract: A computer program product includes a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, where the program instructions are executable by a processor to cause the processor to perform a method. The method includes identifying a first data file that includes first dimensions that may be used by a three-dimensional printer to form a physical three-dimensional model of a first object, identifying a second data file that includes second dimensions that may be used by a three-dimensional printer to form a physical three-dimensional model of a second object, determining a proportionality factor between the first dimensions and the second dimensions, multiplying the dimensions in the second data file by the proportionality factor, and causing the three-dimensional printer to form a physical three-dimensional model of the second object using the scaled dimensions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Gary D. Cudak, Luis J. Flores, Christopher J. Hardee, Scott E. Schneider
  • Patent number: 9335940
    Abstract: A method includes storing an operating system in minor stripes on a first data storage device forming a first logical storage unit, and storing data in major stripes across a plurality of data storage devices forming a second logical data storage unit. Each major stripe includes a plurality of minor stripes storing data and a parity stripe. The method further includes calculating the parity stripe from the plurality of minor stripes within the major stripe and a corresponding one of the minor stripes on the first data storage device, wherein the minor stripes on the first data storage device match the size of the minor stripes on the array of data storage devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Lenovo Enterprises Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Gary D. Cudak, Lydia M. Do, Christopher J. Hardee, Adam Roberts
  • Patent number: 9311341
    Abstract: A method includes identifying a stored photographic image and metadata associated with the stored image, wherein the metadata includes a location and an orientation of a camera when the stored image was captured. The method further identifies a target photographic image to be requested, wherein a description of the target image is derived from the metadata of the stored image and includes a target location and a target orientation. The method monitors the location of a plurality of mobile communication devices and, in response to determining that a first mobile communication device is proximate to the target location, notifies the first mobile communication device of a request to capture the target photographic image, wherein the request includes the target location and the target direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gary D. Cudak, Christopher J. Hardee, Sarbajit K. Rakshit
  • Patent number: 9310929
    Abstract: A method, system, and/or computer program product unlocks an electronic device that has a touchscreen. Multiple tactile inputs to a touchscreen on a locked electronic device are detected. A distance between the most distant tactile inputs is detected, and a relative position, as measured from the most distant tactile inputs, of other tactile inputs to the touchscreen is calculated. In response to the relative position of the other detected tactile inputs matching a stored positioning file for touchscreen tactile inputs, the electronic device is unlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Gary D. Cudak, Christopher J. Hardee, Sarbajit K. Rakshit
  • Patent number: 9308891
    Abstract: A method for controlling an autonomous vehicle includes determining whether a primary user is present in an autonomous vehicle, allowing use of a plurality of functions of the autonomous vehicle in response to determining that the primary user is present in the autonomous vehicle, and receiving and storing preferences input by the primary user, wherein the preferences identify a limitation on one or more of the plurality of functions of the autonomous vehicle that should be enforced during use of the autonomous vehicle if the primary user is not present in the autonomous vehicle. The method further includes limiting use of the one or more of the plurality of functions of the autonomous vehicle as specified by the preferences in response to determining that the primary user is not present in the autonomous vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gary D. Cudak, Christopher J. Hardee, Adrian X. Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 9304515
    Abstract: A computer receives data detailing operation of a plurality of at least partially manually operated automobiles. The computer determines one or more trends in the operation of the plurality of at least partially manually operated automobiles, based at least in part on the data detailing the operation of the plurality of manually operated vehicles. The computer generates one or more operational rules, based, at least in part, on the one or more trends. The computer transmits the one or more operational rules to one or more at least semi-autonomous vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Gary D. Cudak, Christopher J. Hardee, Adam Roberts, Adrian X. Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 9298746
    Abstract: A computer program product includes program instructions executable by a processor to perform a method including identifying a stored photographic image and metadata associated with the stored image, wherein the metadata includes a location and an orientation of a camera when the stored image was captured. The method identifies a target photographic image to be requested, wherein a description of the target image is derived from the metadata of the stored image and includes a target location and a target orientation. The method monitors the location of a plurality of mobile communication devices and, in response to determining that a first mobile communication device is proximate to the target location, notifies the first mobile communication device of a request to capture the target photographic image, wherein the request includes the target location and the target direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gary D. Cudak, Christopher J. Hardee, Sarbajit K. Rakshit
  • Patent number: 9300128
    Abstract: A system and method include a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) supplying electricity to an appliance. The GFCI supplies direct current (DC) to an appliance upon connection to the GFCI, and the appliance automatically communicates data to the GFCI prior to startup of the appliance in response to receiving the DC, wherein the data describes maximum out of phase conditions expected during appliance startup, and the GFCI acknowledges receipt of the data. The appliance sends a status message to the GFCI indicating the appliance is ready for alternating current (AC) in response to the startup of the appliance, and the GFCI switches from supplying the low voltage direct current to supplying AC to the appliance in response to the GFCI receiving the status message. The method further comprises preventing the GFCI from tripping in response to out of phase conditions less than the maximum out of phase conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gary D. Cudak, Lydia M. Do, Christopher J. Hardee, Adam Roberts
  • Patent number: 9292486
    Abstract: A system and/or computer program product validates a formula within a spreadsheet. A formula type, of an identified formula from a spreadsheet, is identified. A database of known accurate formulas, whose type matches a formula type of the identified formula within the spreadsheet, is identified and located. A determination is made as to whether the identified formula from the spreadsheet matches a known accurate formula from the database. In response to the identified formula from the spreadsheet failing to match the known accurate formula from the database, a predefined action is initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gary D. Cudak, Christopher J. Hardee, Adrian X. Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 9285839
    Abstract: A cover for an electronic device comprises: at least one sensor, wherein the at least one sensor detects the cover being partially opened; and a signal transmitter, wherein the signal transmitter: transmits, to a video controller in the electronic device, an opening signal in response to the cover being partially opened, wherein the opening signal is in response to the cover being partially opened, and wherein the opening signal identifies and enables a first portion of a display on the electronic device; and transmits, to the video controller in the electronic device, a disabling signal to disable a second portion of the display that is not identified by the opening signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Gary D. Cudak, Christopher J. Hardee, Sarbajit K. Rakshit, Adam Roberts
  • Patent number: 9280293
    Abstract: A computer program product includes a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, wherein the program instructions are executable by a processor to cause the processor to perform a method. The method includes storing an operating system in minor stripes on a first data storage device forming a first logical storage unit, and storing data in major stripes across a plurality of data storage devices forming a second logical data storage unit. Each major stripe includes a plurality of minor stripes storing data and a parity stripe. The method further includes calculating the parity stripe from the plurality of minor stripes within the major stripe and a corresponding one of the minor stripes on the first data storage device, wherein the minor stripes on the first data storage device match the size of the minor stripes on the array of data storage devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Gary D. Cudak, Lydia M. Do, Christopher J. Hardee, Adam Roberts
  • Patent number: 9280616
    Abstract: A method includes obtaining a data file that includes print instructions for causing a three dimensional printer to print a three dimensional object, wherein the data file describes external surfaces of the object, and providing user instructions for positioning a preformed structure so that the three dimensional printer can print the object around the preformed structure, wherein the preformed structure has a size and a shape to be subsumed within the external surfaces of the object. The method further comprises modifying the print instructions so that the printer will print the object around the preformed structure, and printing material around the preformed structure using the modified print instructions to form the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Lenovo Enterprises Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Gary D. Cudak, Luis J. Flores, Christopher J. Hardee, Xiaoli Shi
  • Publication number: 20160062429
    Abstract: A method enables the sharing of power between multiple battery-powered electronic devices. A determination is made as to which tasks, from multiple pending tasks on multiple battery-powered electronic devices, are to be selected for completion. A power requirement for each of the tasks that have been selected for completion is determined, and the tasks are prioritized. One or more processors calculates a quantity of amp-hours that are available to charge batteries on the battery-powered electronic devices. A power distribution hardware controller then distributes available amp-hours from the battery source to one or more of the battery-powered electronic devices based on the priority of the tasks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Gary D. Cudak, Christopher J. Hardee, Sarbajit K. Rakshit, Adam Roberts
  • Publication number: 20160062415
    Abstract: A cover for an electronic device comprises: at least one sensor, wherein the at least one sensor detects the cover being partially opened; and a signal transmitter, wherein the signal transmitter: transmits, to a video controller in the electronic device, an opening signal in response to the cover being partially opened, wherein the opening signal is in response to the cover being partially opened, and wherein the opening signal identifies and enables a first portion of a display on the electronic device; and transmits, to the video controller in the electronic device, a disabling signal to disable a second portion of the display that is not identified by the opening signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Gary D. Cudak, Christopher J. Hardee, Sarbajit K. Rakshit, Adam Roberts
  • Publication number: 20160062425
    Abstract: A system comprises: a power hub; a charging battery electrically connected to the power hub; a plurality of battery-powered electronic devices electrically connected to the power hub; and a power distribution controller within the power hub. The power distribution controller shares power between the plurality of battery-powered electronic devices based on: which tasks, from multiple pending tasks on the plurality of battery-powered electronic devices, are selected for completion; a power requirement for each of the tasks that have been selected for completion; a priority of the tasks, from the multiple pending tasks on the plurality of battery-powered electronic devices, that have been selected for completion; and a quantity of amp-hours that are available to charge batteries on the plurality of battery-powered electronic devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Gary D. Cudak, Christopher J. Hardee, Sarbajit K. Rakshit, Adam Roberts
  • Patent number: 9256539
    Abstract: Sharing cache in a computing system that includes a plurality of enclosure attached servers, including: identifying, by an enclosure, a first enclosure attached server that is not meeting a first predetermined performance threshold; identifying, by the enclosure, a second enclosure attached server that is meeting a second predetermined performance threshold; blocking, by the enclosure, access to a predetermined amount of cache on the second enclosure attached server by the second enclosure attached server; determining, by the enclosure, whether the second enclosure attached server is meeting the second predetermined performance threshold; responsive to determining that the second enclosure attached server is meeting the second predetermined performance threshold, lending, by the enclosure, the predetermined amount of cache on the second enclosure attached server to the first enclosure attached server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Gary D. Cudak, Lydia M. Do, Christopher J. Hardee, Adam Roberts
  • Patent number: 9251104
    Abstract: A computer program product is provided including computer readable program code for running an application on a computer having a display, wherein the application requires external network access. The computer program product further includes computer readable program code for determining a number of people gathered around the computer, and computer readable program code for automatically changing the network priority of the application as a function of the number of people determined to be gathered around the computer. The number of people gathered around the computer is preferably determined using a facial recognition module to analyze an image captured by a camera of the computer or using a speech recognition module to analyze sound captured by a microphone of the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gary D. Cudak, Lydia M. Do, Christopher J. Hardee, Adam Roberts
  • Patent number: 9243929
    Abstract: A method is provided for recommending a fuel purchase plan along a route to a selected destination. The method includes obtaining a fuel tank size, amount of fuel in the tank, and a fuel efficiency for an automobile. The method further includes accepting user entry of a destination for traveling in the automobile, automatically identifying a current location and determining a route to the destination. For each of a plurality of refueling stations along the route, the method acquires a location of the refueling station and a current fuel price being offered at the refueling station. The method then provides output recommending one or more refueling stations at which to stop and a quantity of fuel to purchase at each of the one or more refueling stations in order to reach the destination without running out of fuel and minimizing the price of fuel purchased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jennifer L. Burlingham, Gary D. Cudak, Christopher J. Hardee, Christine M. Stamm-Nettleship, LaLecha J. Watkins
  • Patent number: 9239792
    Abstract: Sharing cache in a computing system that includes a plurality of enclosure attached servers, including: identifying, by an enclosure, a first enclosure attached server that is not meeting a first predetermined performance threshold; identifying, by the enclosure, a second enclosure attached server that is meeting a second predetermined performance threshold; blocking, by the enclosure, access to a predetermined amount of cache on the second enclosure attached server by the second enclosure attached server; determining, by the enclosure, whether the second enclosure attached server is meeting the second predetermined performance threshold; responsive to determining that the second enclosure attached server is meeting the second predetermined performance threshold, lending, by the enclosure, the predetermined amount of cache on the second enclosure attached server to the first enclosure attached server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Gary D. Cudak, Lydia M. Do, Christopher J. Hardee, Adam Roberts
  • Publication number: 20160012231
    Abstract: A computer program product includes a computer readable storage medium having program instructions executable by a processor to cause the processor to perform a method. The method includes a compute node sensing the operating environment around the compute node during setup and storing the operating environment sensed during setup as the predetermined operating environment. The method further includes the compute node tracking data stored by the compute node while the compute node is located within the predetermined operating environment, sensing a current operating environment of the computer system after setup and after data has been stored, and determining whether the current operating environment is the same as the predetermined operating environment. The compute node may then wipe the data stored by the compute node while the compute node was located within the predetermined operating environment in response to determining that the current operating environment has changed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: Gary D. Cudak, Christopher J. Hardee, Adam Roberts