Patents by Inventor Robert J. Dugan

Robert J. Dugan 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: 8265081
    Abstract: Apparatus and program product for assigning or confirming multiple address identifications to a single channel adapter. A server contains multiple partitions connected to a single channel adapter which is used to send data and commands to a fabric. A request is sent to the fabric on behalf of each of the partitions, and the fabric assigns or confirms and returns to the adapter, an address identification associated to each partition on whose behalf the request was sent. The assigned or confirmed address is used to communicate between controllers connected to the fabric and the associated partition through the same channel adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Internationanl Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Dugan, Giles R. Frazier
  • Patent number: 7804775
    Abstract: An apparatus and computer program are disclosed for collecting data about the transmission of network packets that are associated with specified applications. The packets are transmitted through a communications network fabric that is used to couple data processing systems together. A particular existing single bit in a frame header definition is selected. The bit is defined as part of the standard frame header by a communication protocol as an available bit in the frame header. The standard protocol is unchanged by the selection of this bit. An application is specified to be monitored. The selected bit is then set in each network packet that is generated by the specified application. The fabric collects performance data for each packet that has the bit set. Thus, the fabric collects performance data about a transmission of each packet that is generated by the application when that application is setting the bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Dugan, Daniel G. Eisenhauer, Giles R. Frazier, William J. Rooney
  • Patent number: 7720967
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a method, system, and storage medium for resolving contention issues by a channel in a fibre optic switch environment that occur during channel program execution. The method comprises a channel receiving a status packet indicating a device is no longer busy. The method also includes specifying whether the channel intends to re-initiate a channel program that previously resulted in the device busy status. If the channel does not intend to re-initiate the channel program, a first combination of bits in a re-initiate field of a status-acceptance packet are set which indicate that the channel will take no further action. If the channel intends to re-initiate the channel program, a second combination of bits in the re-initiate field of the status-acceptance packet are set, indicating that the channel will re-initiate the channel program. The method further includes transmitting the status-acceptance packet to a control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Giles R. Frazier, Robert J. Dugan
  • Patent number: 7707505
    Abstract: A dynamic, intelligent user interface for an on-line, virtual application whereby user input customizes the subsequent display of application data and queries presented to the user/applicant. The present invention includes a facility for intelligent editing, data state presentation, and error flagging and correction. In one embodiment of the present invention, the intelligent user interface is implemented as part of a series of dynamically generated web pages (a form set) presented to a user of an ecommerce Internet web site. This presentation is in the form of a collection of tabbed panes of data, the selected pane being displayed on a web page, wherein each pane contains one or more pages of data and queries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: InsWeb Corporation
    Inventors: Curtis K. Ohrt, Michael R. Martin, Xiaofeng Ma, Robert J. Dugan, Steven Horio, Sridhar Gunapu, Deepankar Narayanan
  • Patent number: 7675865
    Abstract: A computer Input/Output system having a fabric, a control unit (CU) and a host computer including a channel, the channel having a channel port connected by a first link to a channel neighbor port of the fabric, and the control unit having a CU port connected by a second link to a CU neighbor port on the fabric. Then an error is detected in the link or protocol between the channel and the control unit, error data are reported to the channel by the channel, the channel port, the channel neighbor port, the control unit, the CU port and the CU neighbor port and sent to the channel. The error data are provided to the host computer for analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Dugan, John R. Flanagan, Giles R. Frazier, Matthew J. Kalos, Louis W. Ricci, Kenneth M Trowell, Harry M. Yudenfriend
  • Patent number: 7676609
    Abstract: A non-disruptive unassignment of an address from a fabric responsive to a request from a channel adapter. A logout command requests the fabric to unassign an address. The status of the address is thereby changed from active to unassigned and an acknowledgment sent back to the channel adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Dugan, Giles R. Frazier
  • Patent number: 7668196
    Abstract: Communication between components having differing protocols is facilitated by a protocol converter coupled between the components that converts communications of one protocol into communications of another protocol. This conversion is performed without requiring code modification to either of the components. The conversion includes translating identifiers of one protocol to identifiers of another protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Dugan, Giles R. Frazier
  • Patent number: 7609643
    Abstract: A computer Input/Output system having a fabric, a control unit (CU) and a host computes including a channel, the channel having a channel port connected by a first link to a channel neighbor port of the fabric, and the control unit having a CU port connected by a second link to a CU neighbor port on the fabric. When an error is detected in the link or protocol between the channel and the control unit, after a retry of the failing operation is performed, error data are reported to the channel by the channel, the channel port, the channel neighbor port, the control unit, the CU port and the CU neighbor port and sent to the channel. The error data are provided to the host computer for analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Dugan, John R. Flanagan, Giles R. Frazier, Matthew J. Kalos, Louis W. Ricci, Kenneth M Trowell, Harry M. Yudenfriend
  • Patent number: 7543081
    Abstract: A computer implemented method, data processing system, and computer usable program code are provided for using identifier virtualization to extend the virtualization capabilities of protocols. A determination is made as to whether a logical entity requires a unique identifier in order to extend a virtualization capability of a protocol. A unique name is assigned that is associated with the logical entity. The unique identifier is requested from a fabric using the unique name. The logical entity is notified that the unique identifier has been established for the logical entity in response to receiving the unique identifier from the fabric. The unique identifier identifies the logical entity within or attached to the fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Dugan, Giles Roger Frazier, Allan Samuel Meritt
  • Publication number: 20090135831
    Abstract: Apparatus and program product for assigning or confirming multiple address identifications to a single channel adapter. A server contains multiple partitions connected to a single channel adapter which is used to send data and commands to a fabric. A request is sent to the fabric on behalf of each of the partitions, and the fabric assigns or confirms and returns to the adapter, an address identification associated to each partition on whose behalf the request was sent. The assigned or confirmed address is used to communicate between controllers connected to the fabric and the associated partition through the same channel adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert J. Dugan, Giles R. Frazier
  • Patent number: 7523202
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a method, system, and storage medium for resolving contention issues by a channel in a fiber optic switch environment that occur during channel program execution. The method comprises a channel receiving a status packet indicating a device is no longer busy. The method also includes specifying whether the channel intends to re-initiate a channel program that previously resulted in the device busy status. If the channel does not intend to re-initiate the channel program, a first combination of bits in a re-initiate field of a status-acceptance packet are set which indicate that the channel will take no further action. If the channel intends to re-initiate the channel program, a second combination of bits in the re-initiate field of the status-acceptance packet are set, indicating that the channel will re-initiate the channel program. The method further includes transmitting the status-acceptance packet to a control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Giles R. Frazier, Robert J. Dugan
  • Patent number: 7512133
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and program product for assigning or confirming multiple address identifications to a single channel adapter. A server contains multiple partitions connected to a single channel adapter which is used to send data and commands to a fabric. A request is sent to the fabric on behalf of each of the partitions, and the fabric assigns or confirms and returns to the adapter, an address identification associated to each partition on whose behalf the request was sent. The assigned or confirmed address is used to communicate between controllers connected to the fabric and the associated partition through the same channel adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Dugan, Giles R. Frazier
  • Publication number: 20090003233
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product are disclosed for collecting data about the transmission of network packets that are associated with specified applications. The packets are transmitted through a communications network fabric that is used to couple data processing systems together. A particular existing single bit in a frame header definition is selected. The bit is defined as part of the standard frame header by a communication protocol as an available bit in the frame header. The standard protocol is unchanged by the selection of this bit. An application is specified to be monitored. The selected bit is then set in each network packet that is generated by the specified application. The fabric collects performance data for each packet that has the bit set. Thus, the fabric collects performance data about a transmission of each packet that is generated by the application when that application is setting the bit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Dugan, Daniel G. Eisenhauer, Giles Roger Frazier, William J. Rooney
  • Patent number: 7472209
    Abstract: A non-disruptive unassignment of an address from a fabric responsive to a request from a channel adapter. A logout command requests the fabric to unassign an address. The status of the address is thereby changed from active to unassigned and an acknowledgment sent back to the channel adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Dugan, Giles R. Frazier
  • Patent number: 7464190
    Abstract: A channel adapter non-disruptively removing an address assigned thereto. A logout command is sent from the channel adapter to a fabric requesting the fabric to unassign a given address. The channel adapter is capable of detecting an error if the fabric response does not indicate the requested address was successfully removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Dugan, Giles R. Frazier
  • Patent number: 7433306
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for collecting data about the transmission of network packets that are associated with specified applications. The packets are transmitted through a communications network fabric that is used to couple data processing systems together. A particular existing single bit in a frame header definition is selected. The bit is defined as part of the standard frame header by a communication protocol as an available bit in the frame header. The standard protocol is unchanged by the selection of this bit. An application is specified to be monitored. The selected bit is then set in each network packet that is generated by the specified application. The fabric collects performance data for each packet that has the bit set. Thus, the fabric collects performance data about a transmission of each packet that is generated by the application when that application is setting the bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Dugan, Daniel G. Eisenhauer, Giles Roger Frazier, William J. Rooney
  • Publication number: 20080244125
    Abstract: A non-disruptive unassignment of an address from a fabric responsive to a request from a channel adapter. A logout command requests the fabric to unassign an address. The status of the address is thereby changed from active to unassigned and an acknowledgment sent back to the channel adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert J. Dugan, Giles R. Frazier
  • Publication number: 20080209059
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a method, system, and storage medium for resolving contention issues by a channel in a fibre optic switch environment that occur during channel program execution. The method comprises a channel receiving a status packet indicating a device is no longer busy. The method also includes specifying whether the channel intends to re-initiate a channel program that previously resulted in the device busy status. If the channel does not intend to re-initiate the channel program, a first combination of bits in a re-initiate field of a status-acceptance packet are set which indicate that the channel will take no further action. If the channel intends to re-initiate the channel program, a second combination of bits in the re-initiate field of the status-acceptance packet are set, indicating that the channel will re-initiate the channel program. The method further includes transmitting the status-acceptance packet to a control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Giles R. Frazier, Robert J. Dugan
  • Publication number: 20080205434
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a method, system, and storage medium for resolving contention issues by a channel in a fibre optic switch environment that occur during channel program execution. The method comprises a channel receiving a status packet indicating a device is no longer busy. The method also includes specifying whether the channel intends to re-initiate a channel program that previously resulted in the device busy status. If the channel does not intend to re-initiate the channel program, a first combination of bits in a re-initiate field of a status-acceptance packet are set which indicate that the channel will take no further action. If the channel intends to re-initiate the channel program, a second combination of bits in the re-initiate field of the status-acceptance packet are set, indicating that the channel will re-initiate the channel program. The method further includes transmitting the status-acceptance packet to a control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Giles R. Frazier, Robert J. Dugan
  • Patent number: 7409448
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a method, system, and storage medium for resolving contention issues by a channel in a fiber optic switch environment that occur during channel program execution. The method comprises a channel receiving a status packet indicating a device is no longer busy. The method also includes specifying whether the channel intends to re-initiate a channel program that previously resulted in the device busy status. If the channel does not intend to re-initiate the channel program, a first combination of bits in a re-initiate field of a status-acceptance packet are set which indicate that the channel will take no further action. If the channel intends to re-initiate the channel program, a second combination of bits in the re-initiate field of the status-acceptance packet are set, indicating that the channel will re-initiate the channel program. The method further includes transmitting the status-acceptance packet to a control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Giles R. Frazier, Robert J. Dugan