Patents by Inventor James P. Ballard

James P. Ballard 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: 8171018
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a system for processing database queries, and more particularly to a method for generating high level language or machine code to implement query execution plans. In one preferred embodiment, the method begins by receiving a subject query, and then forming an execution plan corresponding to the subject query. The execution plan will typically have a sequence of component snippets or pieces and corresponding processes for implementing the pieces. For at least one piece in the plan, the process then (a) generates source code using different code generation techniques as a function of expected runtime processing machine types; and then (b) compiles the generated source code to form machine executable code for implementing the subject query. As a result, the query executed directly as machine executable code thereby avoiding runtime interpretation of the pieces in the execution plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: IBM International Group B.V.
    Inventors: Barry M. Zane, James P. Ballard, Foster D. Hinshaw, Premanand Yerabothu
  • Publication number: 20090083219
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a system for processing database queries, and more particularly to a method for generating high level language or machine code to implement query execution plans. In one preferred embodiment, the method begins by receiving a subject query, and then forming an execution plan corresponding to the subject query. The execution plan will typically have a sequence of component snippets or pieces and corresponding processes for implementing the pieces. For at least one piece in the plan, the process then (a) generates source code using different code generation techniques as a function of expected runtime processing machine types; and then (b) compiles the generated source code to form machine executable code for implementing the subject query. As a result, the query executed directly as machine executable code thereby avoiding runtime interpretation of the pieces in the execution plan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: Netezza Corporation
    Inventors: Barry M. Zane, James P. Ballard, Foster D. Hinshaw, Premanand Yerabothu
  • Patent number: 7433863
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a system for processing database queries, and more particularly to a method for generating high level language or machine code to implement query execution plans. in one preferred embodiment, the method begins by receiving a subject query, and then forming an execution plan corresponding to the subject query. The execution plan will typically have a sequence of component snippets or pieces and corresponding processes for implementing the pieces. For at least one piece in the plan, the process then (a) generates source code using different code generation techniques as a function of expected runtime processing machine types; and then (b) compiles the generated source code to form machine executable code for implementing the subject query. As a result, the query executed directly as machine executable code thereby avoiding runtime interpretation of the pieces in the execution plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Netezza Corporation
    Inventors: Barry M. Zane, James P. Ballard, Foster D. Hinshaw, Premanand Yerabothu
  • Patent number: 7430549
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a system for processing database queries, and more particularly to a method for generating high level language or machine code to implement query execution plans. The present invention provides a method for generating executable machine code for query execution plans, that is adaptive to dynamic runtime conditions, that is compiled just in time for execution and most importantly, that avoids the bounds checking, pointer indirection, materialization and other similar kinds of overhead that are typical in interpretive runtime execution engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Netezza Corporaton
    Inventors: Barry M. Zane, James P. Ballard, Foster D. Hinshaw, Dana A. Kirkpatrick, Premanand Yerabothu
  • Patent number: 4097729
    Abstract: A scanning system and method for reading coded indicia carried on containers, etc., the system and method including means for generating in a predetermined sequence a first light pattern, and a second light pattern, and means for focusing same at a window over which containers carrying the coded indicia are positioned. The disclosure also includes a mirrored rotatable polygon structure including a plurality of mirrors, some of which are inclined at a positive angle and the others which are positioned at a negative angle with respect to the polygon axis of rotation as well as means for adjusting the incline of the mirrors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1975
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1978
    Assignee: Data General Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence Seligman, James P. Ballard, Edwin A. Jeffery