Patents by Inventor James C. Mahlbacher

James C. Mahlbacher 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: 8393006
    Abstract: A method and computer program product to procure digital rights management (DRM) event data comprises collecting a first set of event data in one or more standardized event data formats, and communicating the first set of event data to an event data collection server for storage. A second set of event data may also be collected in one or more standardized event data formats, which is also communicated to the event data collection server for storage. The method and computer program product may also include storing the first set, and optional second set, of event data in a centralized repository, authorizing access to the event data, and responding to at least one query from an authorized audit computer to provide event data associated with at least one of the first set of event data and the second set of event data retrieved from the centralized repository.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Glenn E. Brew, James C. Mahlbacher, Joseph C. Polimeni
  • Patent number: 8156049
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention allow a system or client device to process multiple Digital Rights Management (DRM) systems and formats using a universal DRM client. The universal DRM client can operate based on a universal license so that it may use the same DRM scheme or format used by the content provider. A DRM system may then build a universal license that includes information for gaining access to the content in the DRM package. In turn, a DRM package and the universal license may be provided to the universal client. Based on the information in the universal license, the client device can access the protected content even if it does not have the specific client program code for the DRM format used originally by the content provider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: James C. Mahlbacher
  • Publication number: 20110197286
    Abstract: A method and computer program product to procure digital rights management (DRM) event data comprises collecting a first set of event data in one or more standardized event data formats, and communicating the first set of event data to an event data collection server for storage. A second set of event data may also be collected in one or more standardized event data formats, which is also communicated to the event data collection server for storage. The method and computer program product may also include storing the first set, and optional second set, of event data in a centralized repository, authorizing access to the event data, and responding to at least one query from an authorized audit computer to provide event data associated with at least one of the first set of event data and the second set of event data retrieved from the centralized repository.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Glenn E. Brew, James C. Mahlbacher, Joseph C. Polimeni
  • Patent number: 7957529
    Abstract: A method to procure and audit digital rights management (DRM) event data by collecting a first set of event data in a first event data format, converting the first set of event data to one or more standardized event data formats, and communicating the first set of event data to an event data collection server for storage. The method may also include collecting a second set of event data in a second event data format, converting the second set of event data to one or more standardized event data formats, and communicating the second set of event data to the event data collection server for storage. The method may also include storing the first and second sets of event data in a centralized repository, authorizing access to the event data, and performing an event data audit corresponding to the event data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Glenn E. Brew, James C. Mahlbacher, Joseph C. Polimeni
  • Patent number: 7712146
    Abstract: A rights management module controls access to a data set by processing requests for flexibly defined types of access to the data set and determines if the requested access may be granted. The requester's right for the requested type of access is verified by a verification module that may be part of the rights management core or verified through expansion rights verification modules. Extension verification modules may be contained within the data set itself or obtained from a separate store. Extension verification modules are authenticated by the rights management core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Stefan Nusser, Eckhart Koeppen, James C. Mahlbacher, David Medina, Luca Contessa
  • Patent number: 7607176
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for flexible monitoring of content. The content at a client device can be monitored based on the use and actions performed by the client. In order to monitor the content at the client, a dependency is created between any recipient of the content and a monitor installed at the client device. For example, the content may be encrypted and, when the content is accessed by a potential recipient, the recipient may be required to request a key from the monitor. This activates the monitor to begin recording transaction data and events about the content's use, such as the recipient's identity and the type of actions performed. The monitor can be configured to passively monitor and record the use of the content at the client's device. In addition, the monitor can be configured to provide audit data that indicates the transaction data recorded to a server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Cheryl A. Leone, Michael G. Lisanke, James C. Mahlbacher, Jose Martinez, Jr., Susan E. Waefler, George W. Wilhelm, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7590866
    Abstract: Super distribution of protected digital content is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the invention previously purchased encrypted digital content is received from a purchaser of the digital content. The purchaser of the previously purchased encrypted digital content is different from the recipient of the encrypted digital content. A secure transmission is established with an authorization authority for decrypting the content. A first decryption key for decrypting at least part of the previously purchased encrypted content as permitted by the authorization authority is received from the authorization authority. The at least part of the previously purchased encrypted content is decrypted as permitted by the authorization authority.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Marco M. Hurtado, James C. Mahlbacher, Richard L. Spagna
  • Publication number: 20090031428
    Abstract: A method to procure and audit digital rights management (DRM) event data by collecting a first set of event data in a first event data format, converting the first set of event data to one or more standardized event data formats, and communicating the first set of event data to an event data collection server for storage. The method may also include collecting a second set of event data in a second event data format, converting the second set of event data to one or more standardized event data formats, and communicating the second set of event data to the event data collection server for storage. The method may also include storing the first and second sets of event data in a centralized repository, authorizing access to the event data, and performing an event data audit corresponding to the event data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Glenn E. Brew, James C. Mahlbacher, Joseph C. Polimeni
  • Patent number: 7228437
    Abstract: A method and system for forming a data table in memory on an end user system. The data table forming a library index of storage locations to electronic digital content in memory. The method consists of retrieving an encrypted file from storage. The file has a beginning, an end and a trailer section located just prior to the end. The file is read from the end a predetermined distance to verify if an identifier is present. Reading and decrypting the trailer section from the file read. Determining if there are any updates in the trailer section. In the case there are no updates in the trailer section then decrypting the reference table containing one or more data table location indicators for data items with the first decrypting key. Next, decrypting one or data items with the first decrypting key. Populating the data table with data items at locations specified in the reference table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Richard L. Spagna, Ting Zhao, Douglas R. Geisler, James C. Mahlbacher
  • Patent number: 7093296
    Abstract: A rights management module controls access to a data set by processing requests for flexibly defined types of access to the data set and determines if the requested access may be granted. The requester's right for the requested type of access is verified by a verification module that may be part of the rights management core or verified through expansion rights verification modules. Extension verification modules may be contained within the data set itself or obtained from a separate store. Extension verification modules are authenticated by the rights management core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Stefan Nusser, Eckhart Koeppen, James C. Mahlbacher, David Medina, Luca Contessa
  • Patent number: 6983371
    Abstract: Briefly according to the present invention, a system, computer readable medium and method to deliver encrypted digital content to from a first system for playing the content to a second system for playing the content. The method on the first user system comprising the steps of: reading from a computer readable medium metadata which has previously been associated with the content; selecting from the metadata associated content to decrypt; establishing a secure connection with an authorization authority, such as a clearinghouse, for decrypting the key used to encrypt the content; receiving a secure container containing the decrypting key for decrypting at least part of the previously encrypted content as permitted; decrypting the content and then encrypting the content with a new encryption key that is generated locally on the end user system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Marco M. Hurtado, James C. Mahlbacher, Richard L. Spagna
  • Publication number: 20030140243
    Abstract: A rights management module controls access to a data set by processing requests for flexibly defined types of access to the data set and determines if the requested access may be granted. The requester's right for the requested type of access is verified by a verification module that may be part of the rights management core or verified through expansion rights verification modules. Extension verification modules may be contained within the data set itself or obtained from a separate store. Extension verification modules are authenticated by the rights management core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Stefan Nusser, Eckhart Koeppen, James C. Mahlbacher, David Medina, Luca Contessa
  • Publication number: 20020002468
    Abstract: A method and system for forming a data table in memory on an end user system. The data table forming a library index of storage locations to electronic digital content in memory. The method consists of retrieving an encrypted file from storage. The file has a beginning, an end and a trailer section located just prior to the end. The file is read from the end a predetermined distance to verify if an identifier is present. Reading and decrypting the trailer section from the file read. Determining if there are any updates in the trailer section. In the case there are no updates in the trailer section then decrypting the reference table containing one or more data table location indicators for data items with the first decrypting key. Next, decrypting one or data items with the first decrypting key. Populating the data table with data items at locations specified in the reference table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard L. Spagna, Ting Zhao, Douglas R. Geisler, James C. Mahlbacher
  • Patent number: 5635848
    Abstract: A digital and analog controller for controlling a high-speed probe actuator is disclosed. This method and system provide the probe actuator system with improved damping ratio and reduced impact force, so the throughput of the tester is increased with fast settling actuator armature. With this method and system, the steady-state probe force is less sensitive to the servo system, test probe and variation in the probing distance d. An electronic circuit, which consists of analog operational amplifiers, monostable multivibrators, and D flip-flops, is presented for low-cost applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James M. Hammond, James C. Mahlbacher, Kenneth G. Roessler, Michael Servedio, Li-Cheng R. Zai
  • Patent number: 5631856
    Abstract: The sequential order of movements of a number of probes within a circuit test fixture is optimized through the use of an algorithm which sequentially orders test configurations provided in an input list. Each test configuration corresponds to the locations of probes within the fixture as a particular test is performed. In a first pass of the algorithm, for each test configuration, every other test configuration is considered as a next move candidate for which a weighted distance is calculated from the test configuration. Weighting factors reflect the degree of difficulty in moving one direction instead of another. A need to move one probe before another or to move in one direction before another, in order to prevent a collision within the test fixture, is also considered. A predetermined number of next move candidates having the lowest weighted distances are placed in an intermediate list for the test configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Steven A. Keller, Jiann-Chang Lo, James C. Mahlbacher
  • Patent number: 5550483
    Abstract: Probing system performance is improved by dynamically positioning a test probe at a test site during the gantry settling interval using a high performance secondary positioner to compensate for the inherent moving mass oscillational displacements. A primary positioner positions the gantry and its associated test probe to within a predetermined axis distance of the test site and a secondary positioner dynamically maintains the test probe at a target position corresponding to the test site during the settling interval by imparting compensating displacements to the test probe to counteract the displacement errors incurred as the primary positioner attempts to settle the gantry at the test site. Similarly, automatic machine tool performance is improved by dynamically positioning a work tool at a work site during the gantry settling interval using a high performance secondary positioner to compensate for the inherent moving mass oscillational displacements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: International Business Machines
    Inventors: James E. Boyette, Jr., James M. Hammond, Jiann-Chang Lo, James C. Mahlbacher, Michael Servedio, Ali R. Taheri
  • Patent number: 5467020
    Abstract: A mechanism is provided for testing circuit traces extending along a flexible substrate, which is fed in a longitudinal direction between an upper plate and a lower plate. The upper plate includes a number of upper apertures extending across the flexible substrate and a number of upper segments, also extending across the flexible substrate, between adjacent apertures. The lower plate includes lower segments extending under the upper apertures and lower apertures extending under the upper segments. Two upper test probes are moved above the flexible substrate, while two lower test probes are moved under the flexible substrate. Tests are applied to both sides of the flexible substrate as the probes are brought into contact with test points in the areas accessible through the upper and lower apertures, with segments extending along the apertures on the opposite sides of the flexible substrate providing a backing surface for probe contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Boyette, Jr., James C. Mahlbacher
  • Patent number: 5461324
    Abstract: A fixture is provided for locating open conditions within circuits and short conditions between adjacent circuits on a flexible substrate having circuits extending along each side, as well as individual circuits extending along both sides. In one station of the fixture, the flexible circuit extends against a conductive backing plate, and conductivity measurements, to detect open conditions, are made between two probes moving among test points on the first side of the substrate, which is opposite the backing plate, and between one of these probes and the conductive backing plate. The latter type of measurement is used particularly to detect an open condition in a via extending through the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Boyette, Christopher M. Fleck, James C. Mahlbacher, Michael Servedio
  • Patent number: 5432460
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing circuit boards uses a pair of probes to contact the various nodes on the circuit board. A single one of the pair of probes may be used to deposit a charge at a being tested net and checking for the presence of a charge at subsequent nets to determine whether a short condition exists. Moreover, the pair of probes is used to contact two nodes of a network being tested to measure the resistance within the network being tested; the measured resistance being compared to a nominal resistance, to determine whether an open condition exists. In addition, the pair of probes may be used to measure the resistance between networks in order to verify or determine whether a short condition exists between networks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Edwin Flecha, Kelvin D. Henry, James C. Mahlbacher, Michael Servedio, Kenneth S. Weinaug