Patents by Inventor Eric K. Butler

Eric K. Butler 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: 11334709
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method according to one embodiment includes identifying a topic associated with a received notification, determining a plurality of policies associated with the topic, determining a current environmental context, determining a generalization level, utilizing the plurality of policies and the current environmental context, modifying the notification, based on the generalization level, and presenting the modified notification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Nathalie Baracaldo-Angel, Margaret H. Szymanski, Eric K. Butler, Heiko H. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 11217106
    Abstract: One embodiment provides a method comprising receiving a flight plan request for a drone. The flight plan request comprises a drone identity, departure information, and arrival information. The method further comprises constructing a modified flight plan for the drone based on the flight plan request, wherein the modified flight plan represents an approved, congestion reducing, and executable flight plan for the drone, and the modified flight plan comprises a sequence of four-dimensional (4D) cells representing a planned flight path for the drone. For each 4D cell of the modified flight plan, the method further comprises attempting to place an exclusive lock on behalf of the drone on the 4D cell, and in response to a failure to place the exclusive lock on behalf of the drone on the 4D cell, rerouting the modified flight plan around the 4D cell to a random neighboring 4D cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Eric K. Butler, Anca A. Chandra, Pawan R. Chowdhary, Susanne M. Glissmann-Hochstein, Thomas D. Griffin, Divyesh Jadav, Sunhwan Lee, Hovey R. Strong, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11194862
    Abstract: One embodiment provides a method that includes generating, by a processor, a topic graph by converting information to topic nodes and edges in the topic graph. Bridges from a given topic node are provided to a neighbor node based on a weight assignment. The bridges are converted to an electronic form of communication. The processor orders suggested paths based on a determined distance from at least one other topic node to a topic goal node via an earliest topic node on each suggested path. The determined distance is found by a first search of the topic graph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jeanette L. Blomberg, Eric K. Butler, Anca A. Chandra, Pawan R. Chowdhary, Susanne M. Glissmann-Hochstein, Thomas D. Griffin, Sunhwan Lee, Robert J. Moore, Hovey R. Strong, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11183072
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method comprising receiving a task set comprising multiple tasks, receiving operational information identifying one or more operating characteristics of multiple drones, and obtaining an initial heuristic ordering of the multiple tasks based on the operational information and the climate information. Each task has a corresponding task location. The method further comprises scheduling the multiple tasks to obtain a final ordering of the multiple tasks. The final ordering represents an order in which the multiple tasks are scheduled, and the final ordering may be different from the initial heuristic ordering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeanette L. Blomberg, Eric K. Butler, Anca A. Chandra, Pawan R. Chowdhary, Thomas D. Griffin, Divyesh Jadav, Shun Jiang, Sunhwan Lee, Robert J. Moore, Hovey R. Strong, Jr., Chung-hao Tan
  • Patent number: 11151885
    Abstract: One embodiment provides a method comprising maintaining a multi-dimensional data structure partitioned into cells utilizing a tree data structure (“tree”) comprising intervals for each dimension of a multi-dimensional space. To partition an interval for a node of the tree into multiple subintervals, multiple leaf nodes (“leaves”) are generated, each leaf descending from the node. To merge multiple intervals for multiple nodes of the tree, a parent node (“parent”) and multiple leaves descending from the parent are generated, the parent and the leaves are time constrained, and the leaves are scheduled for a merger. When transient data in cells included in a list that corresponds to a leaf scheduled for merger expires, each cell in the list is converted into a cell for inclusion in a different list corresponding to a parent of the leaf, each leaf of the parent removed, and the parent turned into a leaf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jeanette L. Blomberg, Eric K. Butler, Anca A. Chandra, Pawan R. Chowdhary, Thomas D. Griffin, Divyesh Jadav, Robert J. Moore, Hovey R. Strong, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11068791
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method according to one embodiment includes creating a profile for a user, the profile including one or more default aspects created automatically by a system and one or more custom aspects created in response to textual input by the user, comparing event data to the profile, and providing a recommendation to the user, based on the comparing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Eric K. Butler, Anca A. Chandra, Pawan R. Chowdhary, Susanne M. Glissmann-Hochstein, Divyesh Jadav, Shun Jiang, Sunhwan Lee, Guangjie Ren, Hovey R. Strong, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10922983
    Abstract: One embodiment provides a method comprising maintaining a weather model based on predicted weather conditions for an air traffic control zone. A hash table comprising multiple hash entries is maintained. Each hash entry comprises a timestamped predicted weather condition for a cell in the zone. A flight plan request for a drone is received. The request comprises a planned flight path for the drone. For at least one cell on the planned flight path, same latitude or same longitude cells, whichever is most closely orthogonal to a direction of the planned flight path, are heuristically probed. Weather conditions for the at least one cell are estimated based on predicted weather conditions for the same latitude or same longitude cells. An executable flight plan is generated if the planned flight path is feasible based on the estimated weather conditions; otherwise, a report including an explanation of infeasibility is generated instead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jeanette L. Blomberg, Eric K. Butler, Anca A. Chandra, Pawan R. Chowdhary, Thomas D. Griffin, Divyesh Jadav, Shun Jiang, Sunhwan Lee, Robert J. Moore, Hovey R. Strong, Jr., Chung-hao Tan
  • Patent number: 10899444
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus comprising a body including a cavity for storing one or more packages, and a conveyor belt disposed above a top surface of the body. The belt is shaped to receive one or more packages, and the belt is controllable to rotate a package placed on the belt either from the top surface to the cavity for storage or from the cavity to the top surface for dispatch. A package comprises at least one of a drone and a payload transported by the drone. The apparatus further comprises a landing mechanism for stabilizing a drone landing on the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jeanette L. Blomberg, Eric K. Butler, Anca A. Chandra, Pawan R. Chowdhary, Thomas D. Griffin, Divyesh Jadav, Sunhwan Lee, Robert J. Moore, Hovey R. Strong, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10742037
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method, according to one embodiment, includes: receiving an energy consumption profile which spans multiple intervals in a period of time, and predicting a net energy demand of a consumer system over the period of time. Moreover, a first multiple is determined which, when applied to the received energy consumption profile, produces an updated energy consumption profile which corresponds to an amount of energy that is capable of satisfying the predicted net energy demand of the consumer system. A greatest amount of underprediction is estimated. A greatest amount of overprediction is also estimated. Furthermore, an initial state of an energy storage device electrically coupled to the consumer system is computed according to the updated energy consumption profile. The initial state of the energy storage device is also based on a second multiple applied to each of the greatest amount of underprediction, and the greatest amount of overprediction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Hovey R. Strong, Jr., Raphael I. Arar, Kevin P. Roche, Eric K. Butler, Sandeep Gopisetty, Manuel Hernandez, Pawan R. Chowdhary, Shubhi Asthana, Cheryl A. Kieliszewski
  • Publication number: 20200151240
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method according to one embodiment includes identifying a topic associated with a received notification, determining a plurality of policies associated with the topic, determining a current environmental context, determining a generalization level, utilizing the plurality of policies and the current environmental context, modifying the notification, based on the generalization level, and presenting the modified notification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Nathalie Baracaldo-Angel, Margaret H. Szymanski, Eric K. Butler, Heiko H. Ludwig
  • Publication number: 20200035111
    Abstract: One embodiment provides a method comprising receiving a flight plan request for a drone. The flight plan request comprises a drone identity, departure information, and arrival information. The method further comprises constructing a modified flight plan for the drone based on the flight plan request, wherein the modified flight plan represents an approved, congestion reducing, and executable flight plan for the drone, and the modified flight plan comprises a sequence of four-dimensional (4D) cells representing a planned flight path for the drone. For each 4D cell of the modified flight plan, the method further comprises attempting to place an exclusive lock on behalf of the drone on the 4D cell, and in response to a failure to place the exclusive lock on behalf of the drone on the 4D cell, rerouting the modified flight plan around the 4D cell to a random neighboring 4D cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Eric K. Butler, Anca A. Chandra, Pawan R. Chowdhary, Susanne M. Glissmann-Hochstein, Thomas D. Griffin, Divyesh Jadav, Sunhwan Lee, Hovey R. Strong, JR.
  • Patent number: 10540900
    Abstract: One embodiment provides a method comprising receiving a flight plan request for a drone. The flight plan request comprises a drone identity, departure information, and arrival information. The method further comprises constructing a modified flight plan for the drone based on the flight plan request, wherein the modified flight plan represents an approved, congestion reducing, and executable flight plan for the drone, and the modified flight plan comprises a sequence of four-dimensional (4D) cells representing a planned flight path for the drone. For each 4D cell of the modified flight plan, the method further comprises attempting to place an exclusive lock on behalf of the drone on the 4D cell, and in response to a failure to place the exclusive lock on behalf of the drone on the 4D cell, rerouting the modified flight plan around the 4D cell to a random neighboring 4D cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Eric K. Butler, Anca A. Chandra, Pawan R. Chowdhary, Susanne M. Glissmann-Hochstein, Thomas D. Griffin, Divyesh Jadav, Sunhwan Lee, Hovey R. Strong, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20200006943
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method, according to one embodiment, includes: receiving an energy consumption profile which spans multiple intervals in a period of time, and predicting a net energy demand of a consumer system over the period of time. Moreover, a first multiple is determined which, when applied to the received energy consumption profile, produces an updated energy consumption profile which corresponds to an amount of energy that is capable of satisfying the predicted net energy demand of the consumer system. A greatest amount of underprediction is estimated. A greatest amount of overprediction is also estimated. Furthermore, an initial state of an energy storage device electrically coupled to the consumer system is computed according to the updated energy consumption profile. The initial state of the energy storage device is also based on a second multiple applied to each of the greatest amount of underprediction, and the greatest amount of overprediction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Inventors: Hovey R. Strong, Jr., Raphael I. Arar, Kevin P. Roche, Eric K. Butler, Sandeep Gopisetty, Manuel Hernandez, Pawan R. Chowdhary, Shubhi Asthana, Cheryl A. Kieliszewski
  • Publication number: 20190384791
    Abstract: One embodiment provides a method that includes generating, by a processor, a topic graph by converting information to topic nodes and edges in the topic graph. Bridges from a given topic node are provided to a neighbor node based on a weight assignment. The bridges are converted to an electronic form of communication. The processor orders suggested paths based on a determined distance from at least one other topic node to a topic goal node via an earliest topic node on each suggested path. The determined distance is found by a first search of the topic graph.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Publication date: December 19, 2019
    Inventors: Jeanette L. Blomberg, Eric K. Butler, Anca A. Chandra, Pawan R. Chowdhary, Susanne M. Glissmann-Hochstein, Thomas D. Griffin, Sunhwan Lee, Robert J. Moore, Hovey R. Strong, JR.
  • Patent number: 10489456
    Abstract: One embodiment provides a method that includes obtaining information including profile information and current event information. A processor generates a topic graph by converting the information to topic nodes in the topic graph. The processor determines a weight assignment for each topic node based on ratios of sums of weights of edges from topic nodes. Bridges are provided from a given topic node to a neighbor based on the weight assignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jeanette L. Blomberg, Eric K. Butler, Anca A. Chandra, Pawan R. Chowdhary, Susanne M. Glissmann-Hochstein, Thomas D. Griffin, Sunhwan Lee, Robert J. Moore, Hovey R. Strong, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20190355261
    Abstract: One embodiment provides a method comprising maintaining a multi-dimensional data structure partitioned into cells utilizing a tree data structure (“tree”) comprising intervals for each dimension of a multi-dimensional space. To partition an interval for a node of the tree into multiple subintervals, multiple leaf nodes (“leaves”) are generated, each leaf descending from the node. To merge multiple intervals for multiple nodes of the tree, a parent node (“parent”) and multiple leaves descending from the parent are generated, the parent and the leaves are time constrained, and the leaves are scheduled for a merger. When transient data in cells included in a list that corresponds to a leaf scheduled for merger expires, each cell in the list is converted into a cell for inclusion in a different list corresponding to a parent of the leaf, each leaf of the parent removed, and the parent turned into a leaf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Jeanette L. Blomberg, Eric K. Butler, Anca A. Chandra, Pawan R. Chowdhary, Thomas D. Griffin, Divyesh Jadav, Robert J. Moore, Hovey R. Strong, JR.
  • Patent number: 10417917
    Abstract: One embodiment provides a method comprising maintaining a multi-dimensional data structure partitioned into cells utilizing a tree data structure (“tree”) comprising intervals for each dimension of a multi-dimensional space. To partition an interval for a node of the tree into multiple subintervals, multiple leaf nodes (“leaves”) are generated, each leaf descending from the node. To merge multiple intervals for multiple nodes of the tree, a parent node (“parent”) and multiple leaves descending from the parent are generated, the parent and the leaves are time constrained, and the leaves are scheduled for a merger. When transient data in cells included in a list that corresponds to a leaf scheduled for merger expires, each cell in the list is converted into a cell for inclusion in a different list corresponding to a parent of the leaf, each leaf of the parent removed, and the parent turned into a leaf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jeanette L. Blomberg, Eric K. Butler, Anca A. Chandra, Pawan R. Chowdhary, Thomas D. Griffin, Divyesh Jadav, Robert J. Moore, Hovey R. Strong, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20180354621
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus comprising a body including a cavity for storing one or more packages, and a conveyor belt disposed above a top surface of the body. The belt is shaped to receive one or more packages, and the belt is controllable to rotate a package placed on the belt either from the top surface to the cavity for storage or from the cavity to the top surface for dispatch. A package comprises at least one of a drone and a payload transported by the drone. The apparatus further comprises a landing mechanism for stabilizing a drone landing on the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Publication date: December 13, 2018
    Inventors: Jeanette L. Blomberg, Eric K. Butler, Anca A. Chandra, Pawan R. Chowdhary, Thomas D. Griffin, Divyesh Jadav, Sunhwan Lee, Robert J. Moore, Hovey R. Strong, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20180301042
    Abstract: One embodiment provides a method comprising maintaining a weather model based on predicted weather conditions for an air traffic control zone. A hash table comprising multiple hash entries is maintained. Each hash entry comprises a timestamped predicted weather condition for a cell in the zone. A flight plan request for a drone is received. The request comprises a planned flight path for the drone. For at least one cell on the planned flight path, same latitude or same longitude cells, whichever is most closely orthogonal to a direction of the planned flight path, are heuristically probed. Weather conditions for the at least one cell are estimated based on predicted weather conditions for the same latitude or same longitude cells. An executable flight plan is generated if the planned flight path is feasible based on the estimated weather conditions; otherwise, a report including an explanation of infeasibility is generated instead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Publication date: October 18, 2018
    Inventors: Jeanette L. Blomberg, Eric K. Butler, Anca A. Chandra, Pawan R. Chowdhary, Thomas D. Griffin, Divyesh Jadav, Shun Jiang, Sunhwan Lee, Robert J. Moore, Hovey R. Strong, Jr., Chung-hao Tan
  • Patent number: 10081425
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus comprising a body including a cavity for storing one or more packages, and a conveyor belt disposed above a top surface of the body. The belt is shaped to receive one or more packages, and the belt is controllable to rotate a package placed on the belt either from the top surface to the cavity for storage or from the cavity to the top surface for dispatch. A package comprises at least one of a drone and a payload transported by the drone. The apparatus further comprises a landing mechanism for stabilizing a drone landing on the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jeanette L. Blomberg, Eric K. Butler, Anca A. Chandra, Pawan R. Chowdhary, Thomas D. Griffin, Divyesh Jadav, Sunhwan Lee, Robert J. Moore, Hovey R. Strong, Jr.