Patents by Inventor Robin Daniel Roberts
Robin Daniel Roberts 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).
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Patent number: 8458486Abstract: A method to provide problem-based access to a computing device is disclosed herein. In one embodiment of the invention, such a method includes detecting a problem on a computing device. The method automatically generates a user account on the computing device in response to detecting the problem. The problem is then tied to the user account. A support provider is then notified of the problem and the user account associated with the problem. This user account may be assigned to a service technician to enable access to the computing device. The service technician may then log into the computing device using the user account and address the problem. A corresponding apparatus and computer program product are also disclosed herein.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2010Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Benjamin Samuel Terris, Richard Albert Welp, Robin Daniel Roberts
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Patent number: 7529976Abstract: To log errors of a plurality of subsystems, a master reporting tool provides a table identifying the subsystems and their interface protocol addresses with respect to a network. A subsystem reports errors, via the network, to the master reporting tool, and the reporting subsystem identifies and reports other subsystems associated with the errors, if any, to the master reporting tool. The master reporting tool employs the interface addresses of the table to request reportable data from the other subsystems identified by the originally reporting subsystem as associated with the reported error. The network may be separate from a data handling network of the data handling system.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2006Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Jonathan Douglas Beard, Louis Daniel Echevarria, Andrew Gary Hourselt, Robin Daniel Roberts, Kerri Renee Shotwell
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Publication number: 20070294604Abstract: To log errors of a plurality of subsystems, a master reporting tool provides a table identifying the subsystems and their interface protocol addresses with respect to a network. A subsystem reports errors, via the network, to the master reporting tool, and the reporting subsystem identifies and reports other subsystems associated with the errors, if any, to the master reporting tool. The master reporting tool employs the interface addresses of the table to request reportable data from the other subsystems identified by the originally reporting subsystem as associated with the reported error. The network may be separate from a data handling network of the data handling system.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2006Publication date: December 20, 2007Inventors: Jonathan Douglas Beard, Louis Daniel Echevarria, Andrew Gary Hourselt, Robin Daniel Roberts, Kerri Renee Shotwell
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Patent number: 7257713Abstract: A system and method for generating access authorization in a secure manner. After establishing data communications, a product and product center exchange unique information for the independent generation of a valid access authorization by both the product and product center. The access authorization then allows a computer system associated with the product center to access the product for testing, diagnostics, etc. An added security feature invalidates the access authorization after a predetermined time period.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2002Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Arthur John Colvig, Brian Gerard Goodman, Robin Daniel Roberts
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Patent number: 6957328Abstract: Provided is a method, system, and program for selecting a code image to execute. Multiple copies of a code image are maintained in a non-volatile memory device. A first operation routine is executed. A first counter is incremented if the first operation routine succeeds. A second operation routine is executed and a second counter is incremented if the second operation routine succeeds. The first and second counters are used to select one of the code images from the memory device to execute.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2001Date of Patent: October 18, 2005Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Brian Gerard Goodman, Ronald Faye Hill, Jr., Leonard George Jesionowski, Robin Daniel Roberts
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Patent number: 6954712Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for testing a peripheral device such that the device can remain installed in a housing and connected to a communication bus such as a SCSI bus. The apparatus, system, and method include a communication port that is connectable to a peripheral device connected to a terminated communication bus. The communication port is connected to a first transceiver and a second transceiver. A microcontroller is also connected to the first transceiver and the second transceiver. The microcontroller is programmed to detect an operation mode for the peripheral device and selectively activate the first transceiver or the second transceiver based on the detected operation mode. The microcontroller is further programmed to perform a logical diagnostic test on the peripheral device using the activated transceiver. A user interface is included to communicate to a user a result of the diagnostic test.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2003Date of Patent: October 11, 2005Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Robert LaMar Bingham, Jeremy Andrew Cohn, Kamal Emile Dimitri, Hector E. Mery, Daniel Scott Moore, Robin Daniel Roberts
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Patent number: 6931564Abstract: Failure isolation in a distributed processing system of processor nodes coupled by a multi-drop bus network. The processor nodes have information of relative locations of the processor nodes on the network, and have an associated local error indicator, such as a character display. Each node independently tests access to other nodes on the network, and upon detecting a failure to access one or more nodes, determines, from the relative locations, the node having failed access which is closest. The failure detecting processor posts, at its associated local error indicator, an identifier of the closest failed access node. A user may inspect the local error indicators and thereby isolate the detected failure.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2001Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Brian Gerard Goodman, Michael Philip McIntosh, Robin Daniel Roberts
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Patent number: 6816332Abstract: An accessor moveably disposed within a data storage and retrieval system which includes at least one electromagnetic radiation emitter and at least one electromagnetic radiation detector, where each emitter/detector combination have a facing relationship. A data storage and retrieval system which includes one or more of Applicants' accessors moveably disposed therein. A method using Applicants' accessor to assist the inventory of Applicants' data storage and retrieval system. A method to prevent collisions between Applicants' accessor and one or more portable data storage cartridges improperly stored within Applicants' data storage and retrieval system. A method using Applicants' accessor to monitor the insertion and/or retrieval of a portable data storage cartridge from a storage slot, a data storage device, an import/export station, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2002Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Brian Gerard Goodman, Leonard George Jesionowski, Robin Daniel Roberts
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Publication number: 20040199353Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for testing a peripheral device such that the device can remain installed in a housing and connected to a communication bus such as a SCSI bus. The apparatus, system, and method include a communication port that is connectable to a peripheral device connected to a terminated communication bus. The communication port is connected to a first transceiver and a second transceiver. A microcontroller is also connected to the first transceiver and the second transceiver. The microcontroller is programmed to detect an operation mode for the peripheral device and selectively activate the first transceiver or the second transceiver based on the detected operation mode. The microcontroller is further programmed to perform a logical diagnostic test on the peripheral device using the activated transceiver. A user interface is included to communicate to a user a result of the diagnostic test.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2003Publication date: October 7, 2004Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Robert LaMar Bingham, Jeremy Andrew Cohn, Kamal Emile Dimitri, Hector E. Mery, Daniel Scott Moore, Robin Daniel Roberts
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Publication number: 20040167662Abstract: Disclosed are a system, a method, and a computer program product to provide for the expansion of an automated data storage library by the use of a multi-purpose frame. When the library is expanded, the multi-purpose frame functions as a service bay for the accessor. The multi-purpose frame that functions as a service bay is easily converted to a supplementary storage frame, when the library is expanded, to accommodate additional data storage media shelves and/or data storage drives. Because the multi-purpose frame is easily converted for use as either a service bay or a supplementary storage frame the relocation of library frames is avoided, thus simplifying and improving the expansion of the library.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2003Publication date: August 26, 2004Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Brian Gerard Goodman, Leonard George Jesionowski, Michael Philip McIntosh, Robin Daniel Roberts, Staley Bert Slawson, Raymond Yardy
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Patent number: 6782448Abstract: An automated data storage library accesses data storage media from storage shelves in response to commands from external host(s). The library receives a code update image while continuing to operate. The library is operated to an off-line status at external interface(s) that permit communication with the host(s). Then, and after the image is stored in nonvolatile memory, the processor(s) are reset, thereby activating the code update image, the processor(s) subsequently coming up from the reset to an operational state. Then, the library goes to an on-line status at the external interface(s).Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2002Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Brian Gerard Goodman, Leonard George Jesionowski, Robin Daniel Roberts
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Patent number: 6735704Abstract: A power management system and method for multiple redundant power supplies. The present invention provides management and control of N+M power supplies, where N represents the minimum number of power supplies required and where M is the number of redundant power supplies (M>1), where any one of the power supplies may be capable of supplying power to all the loads of the power subsystems. In the preferred embodiment each power subsystem includes a power supply and a controller coupled to a power bus. A communication bus is provided common to each power subsystem. During reset or power-on periods, the controllers are programmed to uniquely delay the start time of each power supply, thereby protecting against an overcurrent/overvoltage condition on the power bus during reset periods. A master controller is provided to monitor normal operating conditions of the power subsystems and communication bus.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2000Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: David Butka, Brian Gerard Goodman, Leonard George Jesionowski, Michael Philip McIntosh, Robin Daniel Roberts, Raymond Yardy
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Publication number: 20030234999Abstract: An accessor moveably disposed within a data storage and retrieval system which includes at least one electromagnetic radiation emitter and at least one electromagnetic radiation detector, where each emitter/detector combination have a facing relationship. A data storage and retrieval system which includes one or more of Applicants' accessors moveably disposed therein. A method using Applicants' accessor to assist the inventory of Applicants' data storage and retrieval system. A method to prevent collisions between Applicants' accessor and one or more portable data storage cartridges improperly stored within Applicants' data storage and retrieval system. A method using Applicants' accessor to monitor the insertion and/or retrieval of a portable data storage cartridge from a storage slot, a data storage device, an import/export station, and the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2002Publication date: December 25, 2003Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Brian Gerard Goodman, Leonard George Jesionowski, Robin Daniel Roberts
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Publication number: 20030221120Abstract: A system and method for generating access authorization in a secure manner. After establishing data communications, a product and product center exchange unique information for the independent generation of a valid access authorization by both the product and product center. The access authorization then allows a computer system associated with the product center to access the product for testing, diagnostics, etc. An added security feature invalidates the access authorization after a predetermined time period.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2002Publication date: November 27, 2003Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Arthur John Colvig, Brian Gerard Goodman, Robin Daniel Roberts
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Publication number: 20030188304Abstract: An automated data storage library accesses data storage media from storage shelves in response to commands from external host(s). The library receives a code update image while continuing to operate. The library is operated to an off-line status at external interface(s) that permit communication with the host(s). Then, and after the image is stored in nonvolatile memory, the processor(s) are reset, thereby activating the code update image, the processor(s) subsequently coming up from the reset to an operational state. Then, the library goes to an on-line status at the external interface(s).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2002Publication date: October 2, 2003Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Brian Gerard Goodman, Leonard George Jesionowski, Robin Daniel Roberts
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Patent number: 6625703Abstract: Verification of a primary or backup copy of vital information of a processing system employs a pseudo-fixed reference identifier, defined as an identifier unlikely to change over the life of the system, and controls which copy of vital information is correct. The primary copy of vital information is associated with a copy of the pseudo-fixed reference identifier and a backup copy of the vital information is associated with a copy of the pseudo-fixed reference identifier. A processor, when triggered, reads the pseudo-fixed reference identifier, compares it to the stored copies of the identifier of the primary and backup non-volatile storage. (1) If the read pseudo-fixed reference identifier matches the primary copy of the identifier, the processor indicates the vital information is valid. (2) If the read pseudo-fixed reference identifier matches the backup only, indicating that the backup copy of vital information is to be restore copied to become the primary copy.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2001Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Brian Gerald Goodman, Ronald Faye Hill, Jr., Leonard George Jesionowski, Timothy Keith Pierce, Robin Daniel Roberts
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Publication number: 20030014693Abstract: Failure isolation in a distributed processing system of processor nodes coupled by a multi-drop bus network. The processor nodes have information of relative locations of the processor nodes on the network, and have an associated local error indicator, such as a character display. Each node independently tests access to other nodes on the network, and upon detecting a failure to access one or more nodes, determines, from the relative locations, the node having failed access which is closest. The failure detecting processor posts, at its associated local error indicator, an identifier of the closest failed access node. A user may inspect the local error indicators and thereby isolate the detected failure.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2001Publication date: January 16, 2003Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Brian Gerard Goodman, Michael Philip McIntosh, Robin Daniel Roberts
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Publication number: 20020091919Abstract: Provided is a method, system, and program for method, system, and program for selecting a code image to execute. Multiple copies of a code image are maintained in a non-volatile memory device. A first operation routine is executed. A first counter is incremented if the first operation routine succeeds. A second operation routine is executed and a second counter is incremented if the second operation routine succeeds. The first and second counters are used to select one of the code images from the memory device to execute.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2001Publication date: July 11, 2002Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Brian Gerard Goodman, Ronald Faye Hill, Leonard George Jesionowski, Robin Daniel Roberts
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Publication number: 20020053008Abstract: Verification of a primary or backup copy of vital information of a processing system employs a pseudo-fixed reference identifier, defined as an identifier unlikely to change over the life of the system, and controls which copy of vital information is correct. The primary copy of vital information is associated with a copy of the pseudo-fixed reference identifier and a backup copy of the vital information is associated with a copy of the pseudo-fixed reference identifier. A processor, when triggered, reads the pseudo-fixed reference identifier, compares it to the stored copies of the identifier of the primary and backup non-volatile storage. (1) If the read pseudo-fixed reference identifier matches the primary copy of the identifier, the processor indicates the vital information is valid. (2) If the read pseudo-fixed reference identifier matches the backup only, indicating that the backup copy of vital information is to be restore copied to become the primary copy.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2001Publication date: May 2, 2002Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Brian Gerard Goodman, Ronald Faye Hill, Leonard George Jesionowski, Timothy Keith Pierce, Robin Daniel Roberts