Patents by Inventor John C. Tang

John C. Tang 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).

  • Publication number: 20080228811
    Abstract: A system and a method for identifying computer users having files with common attributes are provided. The method includes generating a first table having a set of attributes for each file in a first set of files associated with a first computer user. The set of attributes for each file in the first set of files have a plurality of attribute types. The method further includes generating a second table having a set of attributes for each file in a second set of files associated with a second computer user. The set of attributes for each file in the second set of files have the plurality of attribute types. The method further includes generating a similarity table by comparing each set of attributes in the first table with each set of attributes in the second table, utilizing a predetermined similarity metric, and determining whether the first and second computer users have at least one file with common attributes, based on data in the similarity table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Clemens Drews, Tessa Ann Lau, James Lin, John C. Tang
  • Publication number: 20080120319
    Abstract: A system and a method for identifying computer users having files with common attributes are provided. The method includes generating a first table having a set of attributes for each file in a first set of files associated with a first computer user. The set of attributes for each file in the first set of files have a plurality of attribute types. The method further includes generating a second table having a set of attributes for each file in a second set of files associated with a second computer user. The set of attributes for each file in the second set of files have the plurality of attribute types. The method further includes generating a similarity table by comparing each set of attributes in the first table with each set of attributes in the second table, utilizing a predetermined similarity metric, and determining whether the first and second computer users have at least one file with common attributes, based on data in the similarity table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Clemens Drews, Tessa Ann Lau, James Lin, John C. Tang
  • Publication number: 20080005685
    Abstract: Interface mechanism for quickly accessing recently used artifacts in a computer desktop environment. The interface mechanism integrates across a multitude of tools available in a computer desktop environment to present a list of recently used computer artifacts that can be automatically sorted or filtered in useful ways. Examples of computer-based artifacts that the interface can present include objects that relate to people, events, URLs, email messages, attachments, shared objects or shared activities. Filtering and sorting operations enable the interface mechanism to provide a list of the computer artifacts in a manner that is useful to the user. Also, the interface mechanism permits to perform frequently desired operations beyond opening a file or application such as dragging and dropping items for copying and pasting into the user's current context.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventors: Clemens Drews, James Lin, Michael Muller, Andrew L. Schirmer, John C. Tang
  • Patent number: 7159207
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for accessing related computer objects. In one embodiment, computer objects related to a user's current task by a metric are listed. In another embodiment, other users related to a user's current task by a metric are listed. In one embodiment, the metric used to determine whether a user is related to a computer object determines whether the user accessed the computer object. In another embodiment, the metric used to determine whether a user is related to a computer object determines whether the user is referenced in the computer object. In other embodiments, the metric used to determine whether a user is related to a computer object involves other measures of relatedness. In one embodiment, the metric used to determine whether a computer object is related to another computer object determines whether the computer objects have a related user in common.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Tang, Donald R. Gentner, Nicole Y. Mordecai, James M. A. Begole, Michael L. Van De Vanter
  • Patent number: 7129818
    Abstract: In a method for determining whether a person is potentially unavailable for communication, sensors are provided at a location to obtain information regarding a state of availability for communication of a first person at the location. The information regarding potential unavailability of the first person for communication is presented to a second person. A system for determining whether a person is potentially unavailable for communication includes a data acquisition module that has sensor receiving ports and is configured to transmit signal data from the sensors over a network. An inferencing engine is configured to receive the signal data from the sensors over the network and to use the signal data to reach an inference regarding a person's presence and an inference regarding the person's potential unavailability for communication. A presence service presents the inferences to other persons over the network before such other persons attempt to communicate with the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Begole, Nicholas E. Matsakis, John C. Tang
  • Patent number: 7106851
    Abstract: A system and method for connecting pending and preset telephone calls to facilitate transitioning to a phone call. Embodiments of the present invention include a method for anticipating and connecting a telephone call comprising identifying a trigger action associated with an anticipated outgoing telephone call, retrieving a phone number associated with said trigger action, and automatically setting a programmable speed dial button wherein by selecting the speed dial button, said phone number associated with said trigger action is dialed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Tang, Mark A. Bilezikjian, Nicole Y. Mordecai, James M. A. Begole, Brian K. Raymor
  • Patent number: 6934737
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a shared window into which a remote user can input commands from a remote computer system subject to access control. The system operates by receiving a command from the remote user on the remote computer system, wherein the command is directed toward the local computer system in order to operate the local computer system. If the command passes a filtering process, the system executes the command to a local operating system so that the command can operate on the local computer system. The system also displays the command on the shared window on the local computer system so that a local user can view the command. The system additionally allows the command to be displayed on a remote copy of the shared window on the remote computer system, so that the remote user can view the command. In one embodiment of the present invention, if the shared window is in an approval mode, the filtering process involves allowing the local user to approve the command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Tang, Nicole Y. Mordecai, James M. A. Begole
  • Patent number: 6791583
    Abstract: In a plurality of electronic devices, a system and method is provided for providing interfaces on the plurality of electronic devices for interacting with at least one source of dynamically changing awareness information. Each of the plurality of electronic devices communicates with the at least one source to update the at least one source with individual awareness information for the electronic device in communication with the at least one source. Each of the plurality of electronic devices communicates with the at least one source to receive awareness information relating to others of the plurality of electronic devices. The awareness information can be a summary of electronic device statuses relating to a selected user. The awareness information can also include an indication of time since each of a plurality of electronic devices relating to a selected user has been in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Tang, Nicole Y. Mordecai, James M. A. Begole, Francis C. Li, Max G. Van Kleek, Janak R. Bhalodia
  • Publication number: 20040141599
    Abstract: A system and method for connecting pending and preset telephone calls to facilitate transitioning to a phone call. Embodiments of the present invention include a method for anticipating and connecting a telephone call comprising identifying a trigger action associated with an anticipated outgoing telephone call, retrieving a phone number associated with said trigger action, and automatically setting a programmable speed dial button wherein by selecting the speed dial button, said phone number associated with said trigger action is dialed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventors: John C. Tang, Mark A. Bilezikjian, Nicole Y. Mordecai, James M. A. Begole, Brian K. Raymor
  • Patent number: 6731308
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for providing distributed parties reciprocal information regarding each other's activities. For example, the method of the invention provides selected information regarding the availability of an intended recipient to engage in a communication session with an initiator, and reciprocally informs the intended recipient of the initiator's access to such information. Further, the method of the invention can provide a signal to an intended recipient to indicate an initiator's intention to establish a communication session. Further, the method of the invention provides a signal to each party to indicate whether a communication session has been established. In another aspect, the invention provides a method for informing the participants in a communication session of a party's intention to terminate its participation in the session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Tang, Nicole Y. Mordecai, James M. A. Begole, Janak R. Bhalodia, Max G. Van Kleek
  • Publication number: 20040039630
    Abstract: A system and method effectuates scheduling and initiating contact between people without sensitivity to time issues, and can ascertain when is the best time and most promising communications medium to use to reach another person to schedule time together or by which to initiate contact. A system and method also ascertains a person's expected activities. This provides effective and accurate information on general patterns that can be timely promulgated to all group members to help initiate contact without requiring simultaneous virtual presence to be effective. A system and method ascertain a person's activities, location, and corresponding rhythms and allows corresponding inferences regarding coordination, communication, and contact. An embodiment of the present invention thus provides to distributed co-workers some of the cues and advantages enjoyed in more traditional workplaces which facilitate such interaction therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: James M.A. Begole, John C. Tang, Nicole Y. Mordecai, Frank Richichi, Mark Bilezikjian
  • Patent number: 6686933
    Abstract: A lightweight indicator provides an indication of divergence of views for a collaboratively used user interface element. The lightweight indicator identifies the magnitude of the divergence of views. The user interface may be, for example, a graphical widget, such as a mouse cursor or a scrollbar. The indicator is “lightweight” in that the indicator only subtly modifies the appearance of the user interface element. The indicator is also “lightweight” in that it provides an indication without incurring significant computational or memory overhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Tang, James M. A. Begole, Nicole Y. Mordecai
  • Publication number: 20040015854
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for accessing related computer objects. In one embodiment, computer objects related to a user's current task by a metric are listed. In another embodiment, other users related to a user's current task by a metric are listed. In one embodiment, the metric used to determine whether a user is related to a computer object determines whether the user accessed the computer object. In another embodiment, the metric used to determine whether a user is related to a computer object determines whether the user is referenced in the computer object. In other embodiments, the metric used to determine whether a user is related to a computer object involves other measures of relatedness. In one embodiment, the metric used to determine whether a computer object is related to another computer object determines whether the computer objects have a related user in common.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: John C. Tang, Donald R. Gentner, Nicole Y. Mordecai, James M. A. Begole, Michael L. Van De Vanter
  • Publication number: 20030229648
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for integrating dynamic, context-sensitive awareness into software applications. In one embodiment, a computer interface is provided that helps users identify and interact with advisors having a particular expertise or interest. The list of advisors is dynamically created, based on an activity that the user os performing. In one embodiment, a list of advisors meeting defined criteria are identified and optionally ranked according to the level of expertise or knowledge the person has, in relation to the specified criteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventors: John C. Tang, Nicole Y. Mordecai, Donald Gentner, James M.A. Begole, Michael L. Van De Vanter
  • Patent number: 6532477
    Abstract: A system generates an audio signature for a data item based on a source identifier associated with the data item. The system receives a source identifier along with a data item and maps the source identifier to the audio signature using a mapping function that allows a user to distinguish the audio signature from other audio signatures generated for other sources. The mapping functions always map the same source identifier to the same audio signature. The system outputs the audio signature to a user. This enables the user to associate the audio signature with the source. The data item can include, an electronic mail message, a pager signal, a telephone call, a data item in an instant messaging system, an indicator of an entry of a new participant into a conference call or a chat room, or an electronic cookie that identifies a client computer system to a web site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Tang, Randall B. Smith
  • Publication number: 20020107886
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for automatic electronic document versioning system. One embodiment of the present invention automatically and permanently saves information about the changes made between successive document states. Thus, every previous document state is retrievable. Another embodiment provides an interface for retrieving previous document states. A set of potentially memorable events are arranged in a timeline and used to identify certain previous document states. In one embodiment, closing a document is a memorable event used to identify a document state. In another embodiment, copying or synchronizing the document to another device is a memorable event used to identify a document state. In yet another embodiment, attaching the document to an electronic mail message is a memorable event used to identify a document state. In yet another embodiment, a user explicitly requesting a document state be saved as memorable is a memorable event used to identify a document state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventors: Donald R. Gentner, John C. Tang, Nicole Y. Mordecai, James M.A. Begole, Michael L. Van De Vanter
  • Publication number: 20020101446
    Abstract: In a plurality of electronic devices, a system and method is provided for providing interfaces on the plurality of electronic devices for interacting with at least one source of dynamically changing awareness information. Each of the plurality of electronic devices communicates with the at least one source to update the at least one source with individual awareness information for the electronic device in communication with the at least one source. Each of the plurality of electronic devices communicates with the at least one source to receive awareness information relating to others of the plurality of electronic devices. The awareness information can be a summary of electronic device statuses relating to a selected user. The awareness information can also include an indication of time since each of a plurality of electronic devices relating to a selected user has been in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Applicant: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Tang, Nicole Y. Mordecai, James M.A. Begole, Francis C. Li, Max G. Van Kleek, Janak R. Bhalodia
  • Patent number: 5471571
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for using a cursor movement device such as a mouse device to position and orient a graphical object or cursor on a computer screen. The movement and orientation of the graphical object on the screen depends directly upon the path of motion of the cursor. The actual movement of the graphical object is similar to the dragging of an object through a viscous medium. In this manner, a two dimensional object can be moved and rotated on a planar display device with only two directional inputs. Also, the cursor, itself, can be treated as a graphical object. This allows the user to rotate the cursor to a desired orientation. Furthermore, the orientation of the cursor can be used to select one of a plurality of functions performed by the cursor movement device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Randall B. Smith, John C. Tang, D. Austin Henderson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5451662
    Abstract: An ion-exchange chromatography technique for purifying crude proteins containing closely related impurities, wherein the isoelectric points of the desired protein and the impurities are determined, is disclosed. In performing this technique, the pH for the ion-exchange chromatography is adjusted to a point between the ranges of isoelectric points of the protein fractions to be separated whereby, upon contacting the crude protein mixture at such pH with an ion exchange resin, the proteins in the first and second fractions are oppositely charged and only one of the fractions binds to the ion exchange resin. The application of the technique to the purification of GM-CSF using cation exchange resin is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Schering Corporation
    Inventors: David Naveh, John C. Tang
  • Patent number: 5325110
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for using and moving an tool, such as an eraser on a graphical display whose width can be changed. The invention provides a plurality of distinct areas on the tool that can be selected by a user input device, such as a stylus on an electronic tablet or a mouse. Selecting a first distinct area on the tool allows the user to move the tool without affecting the graphical images present on the display. Selecting the second distinct area on the tool allows the tool to modify the graphical image in a first manner (such as by providing a narrow line of erasure). Selecting a different distinct area on the tool allows it to modify the graphical image in a different manner (such as by providing a wider line of erasure). The orientation of the eraser can also be changed, simplifying several fine erasure applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: John C. Tang, Randall B. Smith, D. Austin Henderson, Jr.