Patents by Inventor Michael Carlson

Michael Carlson 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: 20070179775
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for allowing a translator to dynamically change the static text displayed by an application to an alternative language.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventors: Brian Bauman, Amanda Burton, Michael Carlson, Herman Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20070168205
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for creating a dynamic food order for a traveler. A food order is received from the traveler. A determination is made as to whether a real-time itinerary for the traveler has changed. In response to a change in the real-time itinerary, the food order is adjusted based on the real-time itinerary and preferences stored in the traveler's profile to form an adjusted food order.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Inventors: Michael Carlson, Linda Lisle, Newton Smith, Clifford Spinac
  • Publication number: 20070169063
    Abstract: An application includes functionality for dynamically modifying controls based on readme documentation content after the development of the application is substantially complete. A developer marks up a documentation file to include references to graphical user interface controls. The application generates a registry that stores associations between the documentation content and the affected controls. The application then modifies the properties of the affected controls to alter presentation or at least one behavior of each affected control. When the application creates an instance of an affected control, the control includes the modified presentation or behavior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Inventors: Brian Bauman, Amanda Burton, Michael Carlson, Travis Grigsby
  • Publication number: 20070094152
    Abstract: Methods, computer program products and systems for authenticating an electronic transaction conducted over an electronic communications link with a user device of a transaction authorizer. A method includes establishing the electronic communications link with the user device of the authorizer, receiving an authentication code from an authorizer RFID over the electronic communication link, and determining if the received authentication code matches a stored authentication code assigned to the authorizer. The electronic transaction may proceed if the stored authentication code matches the received authentication code. Also included may be the step of determining if one or more required personal attributes match stored personal attributes associated with the stored authentication code assigned to the authorizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Publication date: April 26, 2007
    Inventors: Brian Bauman, Amanda Burton, Michael Carlson, Herman Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20070083494
    Abstract: A method, program product, and system for application of an electronic prescription object to food preparation. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes accessing a prescription object. Further, communications are established between the prescription object and an information repository by use of at least one of a communication network or a server provided by the information repository. Prescription object data is sent to the information repository. The information repository searches for information in response to the prescription object data sent to the information repository by the prescription object. Search information is related to at least one of food preparation or drug and food interactions. Search results are sent to the prescription object from the information repository.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Inventors: Michael Carlson, Linda Lisle, Herman Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20070067802
    Abstract: A computer implemented method, an apparatus, and computer program product for ordering television stations and programs are provided. Aspects of the present invention allow users to order television stations and programs based on their preferences. In addition, the aspects of the present invention allow the custom order of stations and programs to be displayed contiguously in the programming guide. Furthermore, the aspects of the present invention automatically activate a custom order based on an assignment of a particular time or schedule. Moreover, the aspects of the present invention identify a specific user from a plurality of users that share the same programming guide, such that a corresponding custom order of stations and programs may be retrieved for the specific user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Publication date: March 22, 2007
    Inventors: Michael Carlson, Linda Lisle, Herman Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20070063994
    Abstract: Systems, methods and media for determining the location of a stylus for a portable electronic device are disclosed. One embodiment provides a method for determining at a first time that a stylus was not returned to a stylus receiver of the portable electronic device and determining last usage information relating to a last usage of the stylus at a second, earlier time. The method may further include storing by the portable electronic device the determined last usage information and determining stylus location information based on the last usage information. The method may further include providing an indication of the stylus location information to a user. Stylus location information may include one or more of a physical location, a geographic location, a calendar event associated with a last usage, directions to a place of last usage, an application being used at last usage of the stylus, or a user identity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Publication date: March 22, 2007
    Inventors: Michael Carlson, Linda Lisle, Herman Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20070057039
    Abstract: An implementation enabling an owner of a charge card to limit purchases made with the charge card comprising an implementation enabling the owner of a charge card to limit purchases made with the charge card to purchases of either owner defined types of goods and/or owner defined geographical areas, and prohibiting purchases made with the charge card other than purchases within these limitations as defined by the card owner. The owner will be enabled to limit the purchases to particular goods or to particular sales establishments. Also, the charge card with limitations will generally be a secondary charge card issued to either a member in the family of the owner or an employee of the owner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Publication date: March 15, 2007
    Inventors: Michael Carlson, Herman Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20070040015
    Abstract: A system for providing credit card sub-accounts with varying credit limits is useful to consolidate many accounts into one account. The present invention allows a user to add others to an existing account with the safety of setting credit limits for each sub-account to prevent sub-account holders from abusing the user's account features, funds, credit limits, and the like. Credit limits for sub-accounts can be configured by an exact amount, a percentage of the total credit limit, a percentage of the credit available, or a combination of these methods, and can also be per transaction, type of establishment where transaction takes place, or types of products or services attempting to be purchased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventors: Michael Carlson, Herman Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20070034580
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a retainer, a knob connected to the retainer, and a seal member. A filter arrangement includes a housing, a media pack operably oriented in the interior volume of the housing, a retainer operably oriented in a valve opening in the housing, a knob, and a seal member. The retainer defines a knob-receiving bore. The knob includes a base external to the housing and defines a drain hole. The knob also includes a tube extending from the base and through the knob-receiving bore into the interior volume of the housing. The tube defines an open interior in fluid communication with the interior volume of the housing, and an aperture arrangement to provide fluid communication between the tube open interior and a region external to the tube. The seal member is axially moveable relative to the housing to selectively form a seal between the base of the knob and a sealing surface of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Publication date: February 15, 2007
    Inventors: Matthew Stein, Michael Carlson
  • Publication number: 20060237523
    Abstract: Methods 300 and systems 100 for evaluating proposed food purchases which vary from a pre-planned diet are provided. A nutrition-related scheme, the pre-planned diet, is developed on the basis of achieving a primary goal such as increasing the intake of a particular nutrient or losing a certain amount of weight. The nutrition-related scheme, which may be stored in a memory 103 of a computer 120, includes a list of approved food items. When a user proposes to substitute a food item for an approved food item a version of the program stored on a PDA 120 determines whether the substituted item negatively interacts with any of the approved diet items, for example, affecting the user's ability to metabolize a nutrient in the approved item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Publication date: October 26, 2006
    Inventors: Michael Carlson, Linda Lisle, Herman Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20060242420
    Abstract: Controlling the actuation of a security latch for attaching a computer to a retaining member is useful in physically protecting a computer from theft. A protruding element is inserted into computer housing while pressing a control arm to disengage a locking arm. The present invention allows the security latch to be controlled by computer software via a solenoid in the security latch system. The security latch system of the present invention detects an input code identifying a user input to the inactive computer and is activated by said user input. The security latch is released in response to said input code for a predetermined time period during which said computer may be removed from the retaining member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Publication date: October 26, 2006
    Inventors: Herman Rodriguez, Michael Carlson
  • Publication number: 20060227010
    Abstract: A method and implementing computer system are provided for enabling management of restricted parking spaces for vehicles. In an example, a sensing system senses the presence of vehicles in predetermined parking spaces and stores that information for subsequent processing. Particular parking restrictions, or limited parking indicia, for given parking spaces are displayed and viewable to vehicle operators. The posted parking restriction indicia are selectively changeable to accommodate various parking demand situations. The displayed limited parking indicia may be changed from one type of limited parking to other types of limited (or unlimited) parking from a remote server location, either selectively by an administrator or in accordance with a stored parking authorization plan or schedule. Vehicles are scanned for proper authorization for predetermined types of parking spaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Publication date: October 12, 2006
    Inventors: Viktors Berstis, Michael Carlson, Samuel Detweiler, Randolph Forlenza
  • Publication number: 20060152479
    Abstract: A hand-held communication device, such as a mobile telephone or personal digital assistant, containing a camera is provided with the capability to distinguish printing from graphics in an image and to magnify and enhance the printing for display on the device. The device can thus aid a user in a situation needing visual enhancement, such as in a darkened restaurant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Publication date: July 13, 2006
    Inventors: Michael Carlson, Linda Lisle, Herman Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20060150712
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method and apparatus for indicating a parameter of a transmitted fluid. One embodiment of the invention comprises a fluid source operatively coupled to a conduit for transmitting a fluid from the fluid source. In addition, a sensor detects a parameter of the fluid, such as the percent oxygen content of the fluid. In response to the sensor detecting the parameter of the fluid, an indicator illuminates a portion of the conduit if a predetermined condition, such as a minimum percent oxygen content of the fluid, is satisfied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Publication date: July 13, 2006
    Inventors: Viktors Berstis, Michael Carlson, Yen-Fu Chen, John Dunsmoir, Randolph Forlenza, John Kaemmerer, Francis Kinstler, Sheryl Kinstler
  • Publication number: 20060126812
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for sharing one or more graphics images between devices using profiles. A request to establish a communications link is transmitted from a first device to a second device using a first profile. A response indicating acceptance of the first profile or a request to negotiate a different profile is received from the second device. A profile matching the second device is negotiated and selected at the first device. One or more graphics images are transmitted from the first device to the second device using the profile matching the second device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Publication date: June 15, 2006
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Carlson, Linda Lisle, Herman Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20060105794
    Abstract: Provided is a system for providing a “push-to-view” (P2V) capability in conjunction with telecommunication devices. When a key, button or switch on a telecommunication device is pressed or switched, a camera at a remote site is activated. An image is then transmitted from the remote camera and displayed on the communication device. A P2V button enables the function. A separate button enables a user to toggle the P2V button back and forth between the P2V functionality and a push-to-talk functionality. A remote site can either be predefined or selected from a number of possibilities displayed in an address book. A remote device can be configured to automatically accept the view request or may determine whether or not to accept the request based upon the identity of the requesting party and/or other factors. An audio or visual indicator is activated during the viewing action unless a stealth mode is selected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Publication date: May 18, 2006
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Carlson, Herman Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20060106896
    Abstract: Provided is a method for creating comprehensive backup files in a computing system on an application by application basis. An application is selected for backup and the output of the application is monitored with regard to the creation and modification of files. Files designated for backup may be stored on the same computer system as the selected application or accessible via a network. A properties menu enables a user to designate a particular application, either at the time of installation, retroactively or subsequently, as a “backup monitor” application by setting an application monitor flag within a configuration file associated in the alternative with the application, the operating system or with the backup monitor application. In addition, a number of security settings, or “filters,” may be designated to cull the files listed for backup based upon some property of the file.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Publication date: May 18, 2006
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Carlson, Herman Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20060106695
    Abstract: Provided is a real-time method for calculating a credit report based upon information associated with a single, integrated financial account. The account has an associated balance based upon deposits and withdrawals, regardless of the type of transaction that generated a particular deposit or withdrawal. An account history is maintained and employed to calculate a credit rating. The rating is determined by an inspection of the integrated account. Information associated with the account is transferable. As deposits and withdrawals are made to an account, the credit rating can be adjusted in real-time. Metric information such as the frequency of deposits and withdrawals can be used as a factor in the calculation of a credit rating. Payment made by another customer on a co-signed loan, can also be a factor. Collateral deemed appropriate may be placed in the account and the customer's credit rating adjusted to reflect the value of the collateral.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Publication date: May 18, 2006
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Carlson, Herman Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20060106693
    Abstract: Provided is an integrated financial account that encompasses all types of transactions. The balance of the account is determined by withdrawals and deposits regardless of the type of transaction to which the withdrawal or deposit corresponds. If a debt is presented, the net balance of the account is adjusted downward accordingly. If a credit is presented, the balance is adjusted upward accordingly. If an account has a negative balance, the balance is adjusted to reflect interest expense. If account has a positive balance, an agreed upon interest is accrued. A balance of the integrated account can include collateral and obligations that the customer places in the account. Information about the account can be downloaded to a customer's personal financial management (PFM) tools, which could segment the account into separate components corresponding to traditional accounts. The integrated account can be used as collateral for insurance with balance adjusted based upon risk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Publication date: May 18, 2006
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Carlson, Herman Rodriguez