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).
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Patent number: 11334709Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 13, 2018Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Nathalie Baracaldo-Angel, Margaret H. Szymanski, Eric K. Butler, Heiko H. Ludwig
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Patent number: 11217106Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 30, 2019Date of Patent: January 4, 2022Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Eric K. Butler, Anca A. Chandra, Pawan R. Chowdhary, Susanne M. Glissmann-Hochstein, Thomas D. Griffin, Divyesh Jadav, Sunhwan Lee, Hovey R. Strong, Jr.
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Patent number: 11194862Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 29, 2019Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: 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.
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Patent number: 11183072Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 10, 2018Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Assignee: NEC CORPORATIONInventors: 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
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Patent number: 11151885Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 30, 2019Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Jeanette L. Blomberg, Eric K. Butler, Anca A. Chandra, Pawan R. Chowdhary, Thomas D. Griffin, Divyesh Jadav, Robert J. Moore, Hovey R. Strong, Jr.
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Patent number: 11068791Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 14, 2016Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: 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.
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Patent number: 10922983Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 19, 2018Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: 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
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Patent number: 10899444Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 27, 2018Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: 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.
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Patent number: 10742037Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 2, 2018Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: 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
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Publication number: 20200151240Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2018Publication date: May 14, 2020Inventors: Nathalie Baracaldo-Angel, Margaret H. Szymanski, Eric K. Butler, Heiko H. Ludwig
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Publication number: 20200035111Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2019Publication date: January 30, 2020Inventors: Eric K. Butler, Anca A. Chandra, Pawan R. Chowdhary, Susanne M. Glissmann-Hochstein, Thomas D. Griffin, Divyesh Jadav, Sunhwan Lee, Hovey R. Strong, JR.
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Patent number: 10540900Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 31, 2017Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Eric K. Butler, Anca A. Chandra, Pawan R. Chowdhary, Susanne M. Glissmann-Hochstein, Thomas D. Griffin, Divyesh Jadav, Sunhwan Lee, Hovey R. Strong, Jr.
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Publication number: 20200006943Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2018Publication date: January 2, 2020Inventors: 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
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Publication number: 20190384791Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2019Publication date: December 19, 2019Inventors: 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.
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Patent number: 10489456Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 8, 2016Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: 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.
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Publication number: 20190355261Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2019Publication date: November 21, 2019Inventors: Jeanette L. Blomberg, Eric K. Butler, Anca A. Chandra, Pawan R. Chowdhary, Thomas D. Griffin, Divyesh Jadav, Robert J. Moore, Hovey R. Strong, JR.
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Patent number: 10417917Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 8, 2016Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Jeanette L. Blomberg, Eric K. Butler, Anca A. Chandra, Pawan R. Chowdhary, Thomas D. Griffin, Divyesh Jadav, Robert J. Moore, Hovey R. Strong, Jr.
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Publication number: 20180354621Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2018Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventors: 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.
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Publication number: 20180301042Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2018Publication date: October 18, 2018Inventors: 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
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Patent number: 10081425Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 26, 2018Date of Patent: September 25, 2018Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: 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.