Patents by Inventor Sara H. Basson

Sara H. Basson 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: 8219899
    Abstract: A verbal description method and system. A computing system broadcasts first audio data and video data associated with the first audio data. The computing system determines that the video data comprises a graphic without a description in the first audio data. The computing system receives audible description data associated with the graphic. The computing system generates second audio data comprising the first audio data and the audible description data. The computing system synchronizes portions of the second audio data with associated portions of the video data. The computing system generates synchronized audio/video data comprising the portions of said second audio data aligned with the associated portions of said video data. The computing system broadcasts the synchronized audio/video data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sara H. Basson, Brian Reginald Heasman, Dimitri Kanevsky, Edward Emile Kelley, Bhuvana Ramabhadran
  • Patent number: 8201080
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for augmenting audio/visual broadcasts (e.g., movies) with non-textual annotations that are designed to assist an individual to interpret or otherwise understand the content of the audio/visual broadcast. For example, the non-textual annotations can be in the form of visual cues, audio cues, tactile cues, olfactory cues, and/or other types of non-textual cues that assist persons with certain types of sensory deficiencies or cognitive disabilities to understand and interpret the content of a broadcast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sara H. Basson, Alexander Faisman, Dimitri Kanevsky
  • Patent number: 8175882
    Abstract: A method for task execution improvement, the method includes: generating a baseline model for executing a task; recording a user executing a task; comparing the baseline model to the user's execution of the task; and providing feedback to the user based on the differences in the user's execution and the baseline model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sara H. Basson, Dimitiri Kanevsky, Edward E. Kelley, Bhuvana Ramabhadran
  • Patent number: 8161143
    Abstract: The present invention provides prioritization of networks for preferred groups, which decreases network delays when a person from a preferred group is using networks. Generally, the present invention determines if network information is assigned to a preferred group, and configures a network to assign a higher priority to the network information when the network information is assigned to a preferred group, the higher priority being relative to network information not assigned to one or more preferred groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sara H. Basson, Dimitri Kanevsky
  • Patent number: 8103511
    Abstract: An audio file generation method and system. A computing system receives a first audio file comprising first speech data associated with a first party. The computing system receives a second audio file comprising second speech data associated with a second party. The first audio file differs from the second audio file. The computing system generates a third audio file from the second audio file. The third audio file differs from the second audio file. The process to generate the third audio file includes identifying a first set of attributes missing from the second audio file and adding the first set of attributes to the second audio file. The process to generate the third audio file additionally includes removing a second set of attributes from the second audio file. The third audio file includes third speech data associated with the second party. The computing system broadcasts the third audio file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sara H. Basson, Brian R. Heasman, Dimitri Kanevsky, Edward Emile Kelley
  • Publication number: 20110304446
    Abstract: Techniques for preventing a driver of a moving vehicle from using a handheld device while driving. An example system of the invention includes a plurality of biometric sensors configured to receive biometric data from the driver and a user of the handheld device. Contemporaneously with operation of the vehicle and the handheld device, the biometric data is analyzed in order to determine a match between the identity of the vehicle driver and the user of the handheld device. A controller is configured to selectively interrupt operation of the vehicle or handheld device upon detecting the match.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sara H. Basson, Dimitri Kanevsky, David Nahamoo, Tara N. Sainath
  • Publication number: 20110283226
    Abstract: The present invention provides a computer implemented method and data processing system for effectively presenting popup and related windows on a computer GUI. An example system may include a computer processor coupled to the computer readable memory. The computer processor is configured to receive content of a new window for display in the display screen, perform a text analysis on the content of the new window to determine a relevance of the new window to the user, and determine a display position of the new window on the display screen based on the relevance of the new window to the user and a cursor position in the GUI displaying keyboard input such that the new window is displayed on the display screen at the determined display position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sara H. Basson, Dimitri Kanevsky, Clifford A. Pickover, Tara N. Sainath
  • Patent number: 7934264
    Abstract: Using metadata to detect alteration of data. A first set of metadata characteristics including at least one respective semantic description are recorded for a first set of data representing original data. A second set of metadata characteristics including at least one corresponding semantic description are recorded for a second set of data representing data under test. The first and second sets of metadata characteristics are compared. If the first and second sets of metadata characteristics are not identical, these sets are processed to identify locations in the first set of data that have been altered. Using the at least one semantic description for the first set of data and the at least one corresponding semantic description for the second set of data, one or more metadata characteristics that have changed from the first set of data to the second set of data are identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sara H. Basson, Sarah L. Conrod, Dimitri Kanevsky, Edward E. Kelley, Giridharan R. Iyengar
  • Patent number: 7913155
    Abstract: A synchronization system and method. Text data is received by a computing device. The text data is associated with audio/video data. The audio/video data is generated during a related performance. The audio/video data and the text data are discrete data. The text data is synchronized to correspond with the audio/video data during the performance. The synchronized text data is displayed by the computing device during the performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignees: International Business Machines Corporation, Cape Brown University
    Inventors: Sara H. Basson, Sarah Louise Conrod, Alexander Faisman, Wilfredo Ferre, Julien Ghez, Dimitri Kanevsky, Ronald Francis MacNeil
  • Patent number: 7908060
    Abstract: A method for detecting and alerting a user of objects in their blind spots, includes: tracking movement and relative position of a user to one or more objects; determining a blind spot of the user; determining when at least one of the one or more objects occupies the blind spot of the user; and transmitting a signal to a user mobile device to perform an alarm operation when at least one of the one or more objects occupies the blind spot of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sara H. Basson, Dimitri Kanevsky, Edward E. Kelley, Frances West
  • Patent number: 7904189
    Abstract: An audio system and method. The audio system comprises a sensing device and a memory device. The memory device comprises a list of groups of gesture types. A first specified audio sound is stored within the memory device. A user programs a first association between the first specified audio sound and a first specified gesture received by the sensing device. The first specified gesture is associated with a first group from the list of groups. The first association is stored within the memory device. The audio file is amplified by the audio system. The user uses the sensing device to perform the first specified gesture. The audio system recognizes the first specified gesture as a gesture from the first group. The audio system enables and amplifies the first specified audio sound and integrates the first specified audio sound with the audio file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sara H. Basson, Alexander Faisman, Dimitri Kanevsky
  • Publication number: 20110053129
    Abstract: A method, information processing system, and computer readable article of manufacture reinforce behavior in an individual. A behavior associated with an individual is monitored. A determination is made, based on the monitoring, that the behavior substantially matches a behavior in a set of behaviors. A set of interactive actions associated with the behavior are identified. At least one of the interactive actions in the set of interactive actions is selected. The at least one of the interactive actions that has been selected is performed. A response from the individual is monitored in response to the least one of the interactive actions being performed. An indicator is associated with the at least one of the interactive actions based on the reaction from the individual. The indicator indicates a relative degree of success in obtaining a desired response from the individual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sara H. BASSON, Genady GRABARNIK, Dimitri KANEVSKY, Irina RISH
  • Patent number: 7864072
    Abstract: A system, program product and method for automatically adjusting the traffic light of a traffic light controlled intersection. Personal data relative to a pedestrian cross walking the intersection, including walking speed, and the current speed of a vehicle approaching the intersection are simultaneously acquired. Both the personal data and the vehicle current speed are processed to generate cross walk control signals, such as indicators of risk of collision between vehicle and pedestrian. Where the risk warrants action, the “stop” condition of the traffic light is enable to warn the vehicle to stop. Traffic control signals are also generated to control the duration of the “walk” condition for slow moving pedestrians.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sara H. Basson, Wilfredo Ferre, Julien Ghez, Dimitri Kanevsky, Frances W. West
  • Patent number: 7805224
    Abstract: A vehicle control system and method for facilitating operation of a vehicle by a driver with a potentially debilitating condition. At least one sensor provides sensor data corresponding to at least one of a vehicle condition or a driver condition. A database includes potentially debilitating condition data and symptoms data corresponding thereto. A central processing unit is in data communication with the database and the at least one sensor. The central processing monitors the operation of the vehicle by the driver based on the sensor data and the database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sara H. Basson, Peter G. Fairweather, Dimitri Kanevsky
  • Publication number: 20100242090
    Abstract: A user authentication method and system. A computing system receives from a user, a first request for accessing specified functions executed by a specified software application. The computing system enables a security manager software application and connects the specified software application to a computing apparatus. The computing system executes first security functions associated with the computing apparatus. The computing system executes second security functions associated with additional computing apparatuses. The computing system determines if the user may access the specified functions executed by the specified software application based on results of executing the first security functions and the second security functions. The computing system generates and stores a report indicating the results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Sara H. Basson, Dimitri Kanevsky, Edward Emile Kelley, Irina Rish
  • Patent number: 7797305
    Abstract: A method for utilizing earcons, includes: forming a database of earcons; forming a user profile and preferences database; monitoring user audio content; monitoring the user environment; playing a series of earcons from the database of earcons on a user's communication device; wherein the series of earcons are chosen from the database of earcons based on the user profile and preferences database; and wherein the playing of individual earcons from the series of earcons is based on the monitored user audio content and environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sara H. Basson, Ramesh Gopinath, Dimitri Kanevsky, Edward E. Kelley
  • Patent number: 7792820
    Abstract: A system for implementing intelligent consumer earcons, includes: one or more communication devices for carrying out conversations between users and for playing of earcons; one or more tracking and monitoring devices; one or more servers configured with software for implementing the earcons; one or more storage devices for storing a database of earcons, and for storing user profile and preference databases; one or more networks configured for signal communication between the communication devices, the tracking and monitoring devices, the servers, and the storage devices; wherein the monitoring devices are configured to monitor the user, user audio content, and the user's environment; wherein the earcons are chosen from the database of earcons based on the user profile and preferences database; and wherein the playing of individual earcons from the database of earcons is based on the monitored user audio content and environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sara H. Basson, Ramesh Gopinath, Dimitri Kanevsky, Edward E. Kelley
  • Patent number: 7792701
    Abstract: An accessibility service tool providing accessibility services on demand for converting between content types and program product therefore. Media input, e.g., audio or audio/video is provided to a transformation and augmentation unit that determines from the media content what type of conversion is required and what service is being requested. An auction manager negotiates with service providers and selects one or more service provider for converting the input content into accessible content that is provided instead of or with the original content. Content conversion may be automatic or manual. Manual conversion may be used in background training for automatic conversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sara H. Basson, Peter G. Fairweather, Alexander Faisman, Dimitri Kanevsky, Bradley L. Westpfahl
  • Patent number: 7783028
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method, system and computer program for handing over a communication from a first party to a second party. The method comprises the steps of analyzing an audio communication with said first party for quality; and transcribing to text said audio communication with either a speech recognition function or a shadow or a human transcription service, based on said analyzing. The method comprises the further steps of editing the transcribed text; aligning said text with visual information viewed during said audio communication; and sending said transcribed text along with said visual information to said second party. The preferred embodiment of the invention provides a tool that can be used to great effect in the “Call Handover” scenario.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: David F. Bantz, Sara H. Basson, Dimitri Kanevsky, Dennis G. Shea, Frances W. West
  • Publication number: 20100141778
    Abstract: An electronic photographic device that automatically communicates an authorization signal that enables receivers of the authorization signal to authorize use of a likeness captured in a photographic image. The electronic authorization device includes an image capture mechanism for capturing the photographic image, a controller for initiating photographic authorization by generating an authorization signal at the capture of the photographic image by the image capture mechanism and a transmitter for transmitting the authorization signal generated by the controller towards a physical location at which the photographic image is captured. The authorization signal identifies a website URL at which information relating to the captured photographic image can be accessed to allow a person who has received the authorization signal to access the website and provide or deny an authorization for its use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: International Business Machines
    Inventors: Sara H. Basson, Dimitri Kanevsky, Edward E. Kelley, Irina Rish