Patents by Inventor Douglas G. Murray

Douglas G. Murray 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: 7668819
    Abstract: A database is queried with on demand database query reduction A query document includes global variables selectively set off by first tags identifying a first global variable as a complete replacement variable and by second tags identifying a second global variable as a complete removal string. An agent is provided for building from the query document an expanded query by replacing any variables set off by first tags with runtime strings, setting off any unions in the query document, and selectively replacing any variables set off by second tags and removing the second tags without replacing variables set off by second tags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew J. Bangel, Andrew M. Chang, James A. Martin, Jr., Douglas G. Murray
  • Publication number: 20100005382
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for recording an asset survey or installation, comprising storing data received from an electronic database in an independent spreadsheet application operable on a portable electronic device, the data including identifying information for new and/or old assets and an employee listing. At least one field of the independent spreadsheet application is prepopulated with a set of data displayed in a drop down menu when the independent spreadsheet application is not operably connected to the asset management database. A variable is selected from the set of data presented in the drop-down menu associated with the at least one field displayed on the independent spreadsheet when the independent spreadsheet application is not operably connected to the asset management database. The selected variable is stored as a record located in a storage worksheet of the independent spreadsheet application when the spreadsheet application is not operably connected to the asset management database.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Richard C. Curran, Scott D. Hicks, James A. Martin, Douglas G. Murray, Jeffrey E. Prince
  • Patent number: 7640237
    Abstract: A database is queried with on demand database query reduction A query document includes global variables selectively set off by first tags identifying a first global variable as a complete replacement variable and by second tags identifying a second global variable as a complete removal string. An agent is provided for building from the query document an expanded query by replacing any variables set off by first tags with runtime strings, setting off any unions in the query document, and selectively replacing any variables set off by second tags and removing the second tags without replacing variables set off by second tags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew J. Bangel, Andrew M. Chang, James A. Martin, Jr., Douglas G. Murray
  • Patent number: 7640312
    Abstract: Under the present invention, an initial distribution list of electronic message recipients within an organization undergoing an IT migration is generated using a personnel directory of the organization and at least one selection criterion. Once initial electronic message recipients are known, messages will be generated and sent using information from a mailing database and a designated schedule. User records for each of the initial electronic message recipients will be created in an inventory database and will include user information from the personnel directory as well as message information. Based on responses to the initial electronic message, follow-up and final electronic messages can be sent to respective distribution lists, and corresponding information stored in the user records of the inventory database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Carol I. DelGaudio, Scott D. Hicks, William M. Houston, Victoria A. Locke, Douglas G. Murray, Jeffrey E. Prince, Diane C. Rauch
  • Publication number: 20090259692
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide a solution for managing database agents. Specifically, an embodiment of the present invention produces a predetermined number of replica databases for running the agents. Agent scheduling documents are produced and parsed to determine on which database the agent should be run and on which database the agent should run if the first choice of databases is not functioning. The agent scheduling documents also specify whether running of a specific agent has certain prerequisites, such as a time constraint and/or whether its running is dependent upon successful completion of another agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventors: Matthew J. Bangel, James A. Martin, JR., Douglas G. Murray
  • Publication number: 20090203357
    Abstract: Techniques are described for providing users of client devices with coordinated access to information and/or functionality of multiple types, such as by using multiple types of connections to multiple information services of distinct types that exchange context information related to activities of the users and/or clients. The client devices can be, for example, wireless devices with multiple distinct modes (e.g., voice and data modes) for different types of connections with different types of servers (e.g., voice servers and data servers). In some situations, coordination between different servers allows multiple distinct interaction sessions of different types with different servers to remain synchronized or otherwise coordinated over time as the user performs interactions via the different sessions. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and is not intended to be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: Captaris, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Evert Harris, David Grant Deckert, Douglas G. Murray, Thomas W. Denny
  • Patent number: 7519177
    Abstract: A method and system for processing a data set. More particularly, the present invention provides a method and system for encrypting or decrypting a data set so that the data set remains entirely in the ASCII printable range. The method and system of the present invention allow a key of any length to be selected. Once selected, the key is formatted to the length of the data set and then masked so that predetermined bits are set to zero. An exclusively-OR result is then formed with the data set and the masked key to yield an encrypted data set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Douglas G. Murray
  • Patent number: 7509325
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for synchronizing configuration values between a database and a remote input utility by configuring the database for remote input and loading the configuration values to a control file at the server, and copying the configuration values to a control file at remote system including the input utility, executing the input utility at a remote system using configuration values from the control file at the remote system to prepare data for input to the database, and responsive to the configuration values at the control file of the server, updating the configuration values in the control file at the remote system before migrating the new data from the input utility to the database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James A. Martin, Jr., Douglas G. Murray
  • Patent number: 7493104
    Abstract: Techniques are described for providing users of client devices with coordinated access to information and/or functionality of multiple types, such as by using multiple types of connections to multiple information services of distinct types that exchange context information related to activities of the users and/or clients. The client devices can be, for example, wireless devices with multiple distinct modes (e.g., voice and data modes) for different types of connections with different types of servers (e.g., voice servers and data servers). In some situations, coordination between different servers allows multiple distinct interaction sessions of different types with different servers to remain synchronized or otherwise coordinated over time as the user performs interactions via the different sessions. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and is not intended to be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Captaris, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Evert Harris, David Grant Deckert, Douglas G. Murray, Thomas W. Denny
  • Publication number: 20090024600
    Abstract: Data languages, executable programs, and user interfaces are synchronized by a database for storing data enumerations in a first language, a configuration file for mapping language neutral tags to the data enumerations, a user interface operable responsive to the language neutral tags for presenting to a user interface view selected data enumerations in the second language; the user interface responsive to user selection at the user interface view of a data enumeration in the second language corresponding to a selected language neutral tag for accessing the configuration file to retrieve a corresponding data enumeration in the first language, and for returning the corresponding data enumeration to the database.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: James A. Martin, JR., Douglas G. Murray
  • Publication number: 20090024672
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for synchronizing configuration values between a database and a remote input utility by configuring the database for remote input and loading the configuration values to a control file at the server, and copying the configuration values to a control file at remote system including the input utility, executing the input utility at a remote system using configuration values from the control file at the remote system to prepare data for input to the database, and responsive to the configuration values at the control file of the server, updating the configuration values in the control file at the remote system before migrating the new data from the input utility to the database.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: James A. Martin, JR., Douglas G. Murray
  • Patent number: 7454419
    Abstract: A method for updating a list. A first list associated with a first platform includes a first plurality and a second plurality of keys. A second list associated with a second platform includes a third plurality of keys. The first and second platforms sort a first subset of characters differently. The second plurality and third plurality of keys are formed from a second subset of n characters sorted identically on the first and second platforms. An initial key in the first plurality of keys is converted to a neutral key to be included in the second plurality of keys by converting a character in the initial key to a number represented in a number system having a base b where n?b. After the first list is updated, the lists are sorted and compared, and the second list is updated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Douglas G. Murray
  • Publication number: 20080275898
    Abstract: A program product for updating a list. A first list associated with a first platform includes a first plurality and a second plurality of keys. A second list associated with a second platform includes a third plurality of keys. The first and second platforms sort a first subset of characters differently. The second plurality and third plurality of keys are formed from a second subset of n characters sorted identically on the first and second platforms. An initial key in the first plurality of keys is converted to a neutral key to be included in the second plurality of keys by converting a character in the initial key to a number represented in a number system having a base b where n?b. After the first list is updated, the lists are sorted and compared, and the second list is updated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Douglas G. Murray
  • Publication number: 20080270443
    Abstract: A system for updating a list. A first list associated with a first platform includes a first plurality and a second plurality of keys. A second list associated with a second platform includes a third plurality of keys. The first and second platforms sort a first subset of characters differently. The second plurality and third plurality of keys are formed from a second subset of n characters sorted identically on the first and second platforms. An initial key in the first plurality of keys is converted to a neutral key to be included in the second plurality of keys by converting a character in the initial key to a number represented in a number system having a base b where n?b. After the first list is updated, the lists are sorted and compared, and the second list is updated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Douglas G. Murray
  • Publication number: 20080209444
    Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle for the exchange of data between a database and an independent spreadsheet. Specifically, the present invention may be used to import data from a database to a spreadsheet and/or to export data to a spreadsheet. To facilitate this exchange, one or more controls are entered into cells in the spreadsheet. The controls specify the manner in which the data is exchanged between the database and the spreadsheet. For example, a control may specify a data type, a formatting parameter, a source field, a destination field, and/or a formula for a designated cell in the spreadsheet. The controls are executed by a linker that links the data in the database and the data in the spreadsheet to effect the exchange of data between the two.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: Andrew J. Garrett, Scott D. Hicks, Douglas G. Murray, Jeffrey E. Prince
  • Publication number: 20080196001
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide a solution for reducing cycle time of automatically created spreadsheets. Specifically, an embodiment of the present invention provides a way to create a spreadsheet from data that is in a native format more quickly and/or efficiently. To do so, the invention accesses a control file using optimized settings to create the spreadsheet. Then, after creation of the spreadsheet, the invention uses a second control file having the final settings to modify the spreadsheet in preparation for output. The invention may use agents to perform all or a portion of these activities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Scott D. Hicks, James A. Martin, Douglas G. Murray
  • Publication number: 20080177783
    Abstract: Under the present invention, index keys are generated for a set of documents. This is typically accomplished by examining the set of documents, and connecting data values extracted from the set of documents to yield the index keys. Once the index keys are generated, an index view will be generated into which the index keys are populated. Using the index keys in the index view, an agent will automatically obtain the set of documents (i.e., in the background). Then, when a user requests one of the documents, the document will already have been retrieved from storage. As such, it can readily be provided to the user. It should be understood that as used herein, the term “document” is intended to refer to any type of electronically stored data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Matthew J. Bangel, Scott D. Hicks, James A. Martin Jr., Douglas G. Murray
  • Publication number: 20080155558
    Abstract: Under the present invention, a configurable dictionary is provided. The configurable dictionary includes a set of objects that identify: (1) attribute conditions of the computer system to be checked; (2) associated locations within the computer system for checking the attribute conditions; and (3) actions to be taken based on results of the checks for the computer system. The health of the computer system is checked by processing the set of objects in the configurable dictionary. Specifically, the attribute conditions identified in the configurable dictionary are checked at their associated locations, and any necessary action are implemented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Gordan Greenlee, Victoria Hanrahan-Locke, James A. Martin, Douglas G. Murray
  • Patent number: 7392430
    Abstract: Under the present invention, a configurable dictionary is provided. The configurable dictionary includes a set of objects that identify: (1) attribute conditions of the computer system to be checked; (2) associated locations within the computer system for checking the attribute conditions; and (3) actions to be taken based on results of the checks for the computer system. The health of the computer system is checked by processing the set of objects in the configurable dictionary. Specifically, the attribute conditions identified in the configurable dictionary are checked at their associated locations, and any necessary action are implemented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gordan Greenlee, Victoria Hanrahan-Locke, James A. Martin, Jr., Douglas G. Murray
  • Patent number: 7386570
    Abstract: Under the present invention, index keys are generated for a set of documents. This is typically accomplished by examining the set of documents, and connecting data values extracted from the set of documents to yield the index keys. Once the index keys are generated, an index view will be generated into which the index keys are populated. Using the index keys in the index view, an agent will automatically obtain the set of documents (i.e., in the background). Then, when a user requests one of the documents, the document will already have been retrieved from storage. As such, it can readily be provided to the user. It should be understood that as used herein, the term “document” is intended to refer to any type of electronically stored data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew J. Bangel, Scott D. Hicks, James A. Martin, Jr., Douglas G. Murray