Patents by Inventor Douglas Jay Walker

Douglas Jay Walker 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: 9430860
    Abstract: A system (and corresponding method) is provided that enables virtual spaces to be created based upon user activity and populated with users associated with, interested in or active within the same areas as the user, thus facilitating serendipitous interactions and exchange of knowledge. The system dynamically binds user representations (e.g., avatars, links) into a virtual space that is associated with an activity or topic. Essentially, the system is capable of dynamically gathering or generating representations of users associated with a workflow or tasks within an activity, project or topic thereby enhancing collaboration between users with regard to communications as well as generation and sharing of data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Jay Walker, Lisa Louise Bobbitt, Henry William Morrison, IV
  • Publication number: 20140333652
    Abstract: A system (and corresponding method) is provided that enables virtual spaces to be created based upon user activity and populated with users associated with, interested in or active within the same areas as the user, thus facilitating serendipitous interactions and exchange of knowledge. The system dynamically binds user representations (e.g., avatars, links) into a virtual space that is associated with an activity or topic. Essentially, the system is capable of dynamically gathering or generating representations of users associated with a workflow or tasks within an activity, project or topic thereby enhancing collaboration between users with regard to communications as well as generation and sharing of data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Douglas Jay Walker, Lisa Louise Bobbitt, Henry William Morrison, IV
  • Patent number: 8832152
    Abstract: Each data file of a distributed file system is identified by a corresponding globally-unique object identifier that is independent of any attribute of the data file. A node in the distributed file system has a file system that includes a plurality of directory entries, where each directory entry has a file name field, an attributes field, and an object identifier field configured for specifying a globally-unique object identifier. The globally-unique object identifier is universally reachable by any node of the distributed file system and uniquely identifies the data file, enabling the data file to be universally identifiable by any node based on the corresponding object identifier. The data file can be stored independently of a device file system based on providing a resolution between the data file name and its object identifier, followed by a resolution between the object identifier and a selected location for the data file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan C. Turner, John Toebes, Douglas Jay Walker
  • Patent number: 8817022
    Abstract: A system (and corresponding method) is provided that enables virtual spaces to be created based upon user activity and populated with users associated with, interested in or active within the same areas as the user, thus facilitating serendipitous interactions and exchange of knowledge. The system dynamically binds user representations (e.g., avatars, links) into a virtual space that is associated with an activity or topic. Essentially, the system is capable of dynamically gathering or generating representations of users associated with a workflow or tasks within an activity, project or topic thereby enhancing collaboration between users with regard to communications as well as generation and sharing of data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Jay Walker, Lisa Louise Bobbitt, Henry William Morrison, IV
  • Patent number: 8639816
    Abstract: A network provides distributed computing services based on participation in respective resource groups by computing nodes, each resource group including a corresponding resource requirement for any computing node that joins the corresponding resource group for execution of the corresponding distributed computing service. Each computing node, in response to determining its corresponding available node capacity, is configured for selectively creating and joining at least one new resource group for execution of a corresponding distributed computing service having a corresponding resource requirement, and/or selectively joining at least one of the available resource groups, based on the corresponding available node capacity satisfying the corresponding resource requirement. Each computing node also is configured for selectively leaving any one of the joined resource groups based on determined conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan C. Turner, John Toebes, Douglas Jay Walker
  • Publication number: 20130342534
    Abstract: A system (and corresponding method) is provided that enables virtual spaces to be created based upon user activity and populated with users associated with, interested in or active within the same areas as the user, thus facilitating serendipitous interactions and exchange of knowledge. The system dynamically binds user representations (e.g., avatars, links) into a virtual space that is associated with an activity or topic. Essentially, the system is capable of dynamically gathering or generating representations of users associated with a workflow or tasks within an activity, project or topic thereby enhancing collaboration between users with regard to communications as well as generation and sharing of data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Jay Walker, Lisa Louise Bobbitt, Henry William Morrison, IV
  • Publication number: 20130290264
    Abstract: Each data file of a distributed file system is identified by a corresponding globally-unique object identifier that is independent of any attribute of the data file. A node in the distributed file system has a file system that includes a plurality of directory entries, where each directory entry has a file name field, an attributes field, and an object identifier field configured for specifying a globally-unique object identifier. The globally-unique object identifier is universally reachable by any node of the distributed file system and uniquely identifies the data file, enabling the data file to be universally identifiable by any node based on the corresponding object identifier. The data file can be stored independently of a device file system based on providing a resolution between the data file name and its object identifier, followed by a resolution between the object identifier and a selected location for the data file.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Bryan C. TURNER, John TOEBES, Douglas Jay WALKER
  • Patent number: 8531447
    Abstract: A system (and corresponding method) is provided that enables virtual spaces to be created based upon user activity and populated with users associated with, interested in or active within the same areas as the user, thus facilitating serendipitous interactions and exchange of knowledge. The system dynamically binds user representations (e.g., avatars, links) into a virtual space that is associated with an activity or topic. Essentially, the system is capable of dynamically gathering or generating representations of users associated with a workflow or tasks within an activity, project or topic thereby enhancing collaboration between users with regard to communications as well as generation and sharing of data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Jay Walker, Lisa Louise Bobbitt, William Henry Morrison, IV
  • Patent number: 8489658
    Abstract: Each data file of a distributed file system is identified by a corresponding globally-unique object identifier that is independent of any attribute of the data file. A node in the distributed file system has a file system that includes a plurality of directory entries, where each directory entry has a file name field, an attributes field, and an object identifier field configured for specifying a globally-unique object identifier. The globally-unique object identifier is universally reachable by any node of the distributed file system and uniquely identifies the data file, enabling the data file to be universally identifiable by any node based on the corresponding object identifier. The data file can be stored independently of a device file system based on providing a resolution between the data file name and its object identifier, followed by a resolution between the object identifier and a selected location for the data file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan C. Turner, John Toebes, Douglas Jay Walker
  • Patent number: 8437281
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving data that indicates a maximum number of end nodes with which to set up real-time data sessions that is less than a conference number of nodes whose data is mixed in a single real-time data conference. Real-time data sessions are established with a connected set of a connected number of nodes not greater than the maximum number. A mix of the real-time data received from the connected set is presented to a user of the first node. Local real-time data is received from a user. The received real-time data is distributed by mixing and sending. This includes, for each individual node in the connected set, mixing received local real-time data with real-time data received from other nodes in the connected set different from the individual node to form individual mixed real-time data, and sending the individual mixed real-time data to the individual node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Jay Walker, Bryan Turner, Charles L. Baker
  • Patent number: 8407256
    Abstract: Each data file of a distributed file system is identified by a corresponding globally-unique object identifier that is independent of any attribute of the data file. A node in the distributed file system has a file system that includes a plurality of directory entries, where each directory entry has a file name field, an attributes field, and an object identifier field configured for specifying a globally-unique object identifier. The globally-unique object identifier is universally reachable by any node of the distributed file system and uniquely identifies the data file, enabling the data file to be universally identifiable by any node based on the corresponding object identifier. The data file can be stored independently of a device file system based on providing a resolution between the data file name and its object identifier, followed by a resolution between the object identifier and a selected location for the data file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan C. Turner, John Toebes, Douglas Jay Walker
  • Patent number: 8381024
    Abstract: Distributed data, having been stored in a distributed storage system as a collection of distributed data elements, is recovered based on connection of multiple user nodes, each user node having stored selected distributed data elements as a corresponding portion of the distributed data during replication of the distributed data elements throughout the distributed storage system. Each distributed data element is identifiable by a corresponding unique object identifier (OID). Each user node includes a discovery resource for discovering reachable user nodes, a local cache configured for identifying at least the corresponding portion of the distributed data based on the respective OIDs, and an identification service module configured for resolving a data object to a corresponding OID, via the corresponding local cache, or based on sending a query to the reachable user nodes. Hence, user nodes can recover distributed data based on exchanging resolution information and OID information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan C. Turner, John Toebes, Douglas Jay Walker
  • Publication number: 20120323964
    Abstract: Each data file of a distributed file system is identified by a corresponding globally-unique object identifier that is independent of any attribute of the data file. A node in the distributed file system has a file system that includes a plurality of directory entries, where each directory entry has a file name field, an attributes field, and an object identifier field configured for specifying a globally-unique object identifier. The globally-unique object identifier is universally reachable by any node of the distributed file system and uniquely identifies the data file, enabling the data file to be universally identifiable by any node based on the corresponding object identifier. The data file can be stored independently of a device file system based on providing a resolution between the data file name and its object identifier, followed by a resolution between the object identifier and a selected location for the data file.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan C. Turner, John Toebes, Douglas Jay Walker
  • Publication number: 20120271944
    Abstract: A network provides distributed computing services based on participation in respective resource groups by computing nodes, each resource group including a corresponding resource requirement for any computing node that joins the corresponding resource group for execution of the corresponding distributed computing service. Each computing node, in response to determining its corresponding available node capacity, is configured for selectively creating and joining at least one new resource group for execution of a corresponding distributed computing service having a corresponding resource requirement, and/or selectively joining at least one of the available resource groups, based on the corresponding available node capacity satisfying the corresponding resource requirement. Each computing node also is configured for selectively leaving any one of the joined resource groups based on determined conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan C. TURNER, John TOEBES, Douglas Jay WALKER
  • Publication number: 20120265782
    Abstract: Each data file of a distributed file system is identified by a corresponding globally-unique object identifier that is independent of any attribute of the data file. A node in the distributed file system has a file system that includes a plurality of directory entries, where each directory entry has a file name field, an attributes field, and an object identifier field configured for specifying a globally-unique object identifier. The globally-unique object identifier is universally reachable by any node of the distributed file system and uniquely identifies the data file, enabling the data file to be universally identifiable by any node based on the corresponding object identifier. The data file can be stored independently of a device file system based on providing a resolution between the data file name and its object identifier, followed by a resolution between the object identifier and a selected location for the data file.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan C. TURNER, John TOEBES, Douglas Jay WALKER
  • Patent number: 8239540
    Abstract: A network provides distributed computing services based on participation in respective resource groups by computing nodes, each resource group including a corresponding resource requirement for any computing node that joins the corresponding resource group for execution of the corresponding distributed computing service. Each computing node, in response to determining its corresponding available node capacity, is configured for selectively creating and joining at least one new resource group for execution of a corresponding distributed computing service having a corresponding resource requirement, and/or selectively joining at least one of the available resource groups, based on the corresponding available node capacity satisfying the corresponding resource requirement. Each computing node also is configured for selectively leaving any one of the joined resource groups based on determined conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan C. Turner, John Toebes, Douglas Jay Walker
  • Patent number: 8229985
    Abstract: Each data file of a distributed file system is identified by a corresponding globally-unique object identifier that is independent of any attribute of the data file. A node in the distributed file system has a file system that includes a plurality of directory entries, where each directory entry has a file name field, an attributes field, and an object identifier field configured for specifying a globally-unique object identifier. The globally-unique object identifier is universally reachable by any node of the distributed file system and uniquely identifies the data file, enabling the data file to be universally identifiable by any node based on the corresponding object identifier. The data file can be stored independently of a device file system based on providing a resolution between the data file name and its object identifier, followed by a resolution between the object identifier and a selected location for the data file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan C. Turner, John Toebes, Douglas Jay Walker
  • Patent number: 8195742
    Abstract: A network provides distributed client services based on participation in respective resource groups by computing nodes, each resource group including a corresponding resource requirement for any computing node that joins the corresponding resource group for execution of the corresponding distributed client service. Each computing node, in response to determining its corresponding available node capacity, is configured for selectively creating and joining at least one new resource group for execution of a corresponding distributed client service having a corresponding resource requirement, and/or selectively joining at least one of the available resource groups, based on the corresponding available node capacity satisfying the corresponding resource requirement. Each distributed client service also includes service attributes that define parameters for execution of the distributed client service, and data attributes that define the attributes required for data to be used in the distributed client service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Jay Walker, Bryan C. Turner, John Toebes
  • Publication number: 20120096312
    Abstract: Distributed data, having been stored in a distributed storage system as a collection of distributed data elements, is recovered based on connection of multiple user nodes, each user node having stored selected distributed data elements as a corresponding portion of the distributed data during replication of the distributed data elements throughout the distributed storage system. Each distributed data element is identifiable by a corresponding unique object identifier (OID). Each user node includes a discovery resource for discovering reachable user nodes, a local cache configured for identifying at least the corresponding portion of the distributed data based on the respective OIDs, and an identification service module configured for resolving a data object to a corresponding OID, via the corresponding local cache, or based on sending a query to the reachable user nodes. Hence, user nodes can recover distributed data based on exchanging resolution information and OID information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan C. TURNER, John TOEBES, Douglas Jay WALKER
  • Patent number: 8108713
    Abstract: Distributed data, having been stored in a distributed storage system as a collection of distributed data elements, is recovered based on connection of multiple user nodes, each user node having stored selected distributed data elements as a corresponding portion of the distributed data during replication of the distributed data elements throughout the distributed storage system. Each distributed data element is identifiable by a corresponding unique object identifier (OID). Each user node includes a discovery resource for discovering reachable user nodes, a local cache configured for identifying at least the corresponding portion of the distributed data based on the respective OIDs, and an identification service module configured for resolving a data object to a corresponding OID, via the corresponding local cache, or based on sending a query to the reachable user nodes. Hence, user nodes can recover distributed data based on exchanging resolution information and OID information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan C. Turner, John Toebes, Douglas Jay Walker