Patents by Inventor Thomas R. Haynes

Thomas R. Haynes 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: 20130007704
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present provide a method, system and computer program product for reviewer selection during distributed software development. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for reviewer selection during distributed software development can include receiving a request to review a module of source code stored in a source code repository and managed by an IDE executing in memory of a computer. The method also can include retrieving meta-data for the module of source code referencing different collaborators previously accessing the module of source code in the IDE. The method yet further can include ranking the collaborators according to at least one user centric characteristic of the module of source code. Finally, the method can include selecting a highest ranked one of the collaborators to review the module of source code.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas R. Haynes, Lin Sun
  • Publication number: 20120296859
    Abstract: User events scheduled during a user absence period are managed by identifying a user absence period and a buffer period on a user calendar. At least one calendaring repository is searched to determine whether there are user events with a due date coming due during the user absence period that were scheduled prior to a user defining the user absence period and a response is made to each located user event. Moreover, at least one calendaring repository is searched to determine whether there are user events with a due date coming due during the buffer period that were scheduled prior to the user defining the buffer period and a response is made to each located user event in a manner differently from responding to user events coming due during the user absence period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas R. Haynes, Lin Sun
  • Patent number: 8255256
    Abstract: A solution for improved management of user events scheduled during a user absence period a determination module configured to determine a user absence period having a start date and an end date. A detection module configured to detect a new user event scheduled during the user absence period. A reporting module configured to report statistics on the new user events. A response module configured to automatically respond to the new user event scheduled during the user absence period, the new user event scheduled after the user absence period is defined. A definition module configured to define the user absence period having a start date and an end date. A search module configured to search two or more calendaring repositories for a scheduled user event having a start/end date during the user absence period, and a presentation module configured to present to the user the scheduled user event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas R. Haynes, Lin Sun
  • Patent number: 8219629
    Abstract: An extent to which a user has reviewed an email is estimated, and a review value is assigned to the email based upon the estimated extent of review. A visual indicator associated with the email is displayed, wherein the appearance of the visual indicator is determined at least by the review value. In an exemplary embodiment, the email contains one or more recipient email addresses, wherein each recipient email address is associated with a recipient review value. In the exemplary embodiment, a visual indicator is displayed corresponding to the recipient review value associated with each recipient email address.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas R. Haynes, Lin Sun
  • Patent number: 8219624
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for electronic communication initiation contingent on busyness. The method includes receiving a request from a requester to contact a user. The requested contact includes a request to engage in electronic communication. The method also includes determining a busyness of the user. The busyness is determined by accessing a quantity of active contact related tasks for the user. The method also includes comparing the busyness of the user to a condition. The condition is a complex condition having threshold levels for a plurality of contact related tasks. The method also includes contacting the user in response to satisfaction of the condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas R. Haynes, Lin Sun
  • Patent number: 8191010
    Abstract: The present invention provides enhanced dropdown selection lists and combination boxes. A method in accordance with an embodiment includes: providing a graphical user interface (GUI) control that displays a dropdown list when actuated, and displaying indicia in the GUI control indicating a number of entries in the dropdown list, wherein a user can visually determine from the indicia the number of entries in the dropdown list prior to display of the dropdown list. A method in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention includes: providing a GUI control having an entry field; and displaying indicia in the GUI control indicating whether the entry field of the GUI control is writable, wherein a user can visually determine from the indicia whether the entry field of the GUI control is writable before placing a cursor in the entry field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas R. Haynes, Bryan E. Aupperle, Gabriel A. Cohen, Jonathan C. Gellin
  • Publication number: 20120117489
    Abstract: A method includes associating a user-defined shortcut command with at least two different user-drafted status responses. In response to a user receiving a first instant message from a first sender at an inopportune time and the user then inputting the user-defined shortcut command, the method includes automatically transmitting a first user-draft status response to the first sender of the first instant message that was received at the inopportune time. In response to the user receiving a second message from a second sender at the inopportune time and the user then inputting the user-defined shortcut command, the method includes automatically transmitting a second user-draft status response to the second sender of the instant message that was received at the inopportune time. A relationship between the first sender and the user is different than a relationship between the second sender and the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Judith H. Bank, Lisa M. W. Bradley, Thomas R. Haynes, Lin Sun, Chunhui Yang
  • Publication number: 20120084645
    Abstract: A solution for permitting users to customize subject headings of email subscriptions is disclosed. The customizations can be applied on a per subscription basis and/or on a per sender basis. Further, the customizations can be performed by a software program that changes an original email heading established by a subscription providing source. Specifically, the solution recognizes that most, if not all, subscription emails are automatically generated in consistent fashion and inherently have a repeating structure. The disclosed solution permits a user to identity portions of these repeating structures, which are to be used to generate replacement subject headings designed to be meaningful to the user. The solution can optionally maintain the original subject heading, which can be used in many situations, such as for use when replying or forwarding an email.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: THOMAS R. HAYNES, LIN SUN
  • Patent number: 8103958
    Abstract: Communicating an Instant Messaging (IM) user's availability status message is managed by a user-defined shortcut command, which is used to generate a user-drafted status response. When the user receives an instant message at an inopportune time, the user inputs the user-defined shortcut command, which results in the user-drafted status response being automatically transmitted to a sender of the instant message that was received at the inopportune time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Judith H. Bank, Lisa M. W. Bradley, Thomas R. Haynes, Lin Sun, Chunhui Yang
  • Patent number: 8091044
    Abstract: System, computer readable medium, and method for filtering the display of file objects for computer systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas R. Haynes, William G. Pagan
  • Publication number: 20110246591
    Abstract: An extent to which a user has reviewed an email is estimated, and a review value is assigned to the email based upon the estimated extent of review. A visual indicator associated with the email is displayed, wherein the appearance of the visual indicator is determined at least by the review value. In an exemplary embodiment, the email contains one or more recipient email addresses, wherein each recipient email address is associated with a recipient review value. In the exemplary embodiment, a visual indicator is displayed corresponding to the recipient review value associated with each recipient email address.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas R. Haynes, Lin Sun
  • Patent number: 8005907
    Abstract: An extent to which a user has reviewed an email is estimated, and a review value is assigned to the email based upon the estimated extent of review. A visual indicator associated with the email is displayed, wherein the appearance of the visual indicator is determined at least by the review value. In an exemplary embodiment, the email contains one or more recipient email addresses, wherein each recipient email address is associated with a recipient review value. In the exemplary embodiment, a visual indicator is displayed corresponding to the recipient review value associated with each recipient email address.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Interational Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas R. Haynes, Lin Sun
  • Publication number: 20110145744
    Abstract: An abbreviated user interface for instant messaging (or other type of communications occurring in a graphical user interface environment permitting concurrent running of multiple application) is provided. The abbreviated user interface is different from a related primary user interface and is presented when the primary user interface is instantiated, yet is not on top of a z-order of a graphical environment. The abbreviated user interface can be a light-weight one that permits a user to quickly read messages. In one embodiment, a user can create outgoing messages using the abbreviated user interface. Presentation of the abbreviated user interface can require a user action, such as hovering a pointer over a task bar element for a duration or pressing a hot-key combination. In one embodiment, presentation of an otherwise unread message within the abbreviated interface for a designated time can cause the message to be marked as read.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: THOMAS R. HAYNES, STEVEN K. MA, LIN SUN
  • Patent number: 7962850
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a solution for permitting users to customize subject headings of email subscriptions. The customizations can be applied on a per subscription basis and/or on a per sender basis. Further, the customizations can be performed by a software program that changes an original email heading established by a subscription providing source. Specifically, the solution recognizes that most, if not all, subscription emails are automatically generated in consistent fashion and inherently have a repeating structure. The disclosed solution permits a user to identity portions of these repeating structures, which are to be used to generate replacement subject headings designed to be meaningful to the user. The solution can optionally maintain the original subject heading, which can be used in many situations, such as for use when replying or forwarding an email.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas R. Haynes, Lin Sun
  • Publication number: 20110072091
    Abstract: An instant message addressed to a recipient associated with an instant messaging device is received at the instant messaging device. A configured calendar event for the recipient associated with a time period during which the instant message is received is determined. Authorization information associated with a sender of the instant message is received. The instant message is processed based upon the configured calendar event for the recipient and the authorization information associated with the sender of the instant message.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael D. Facemire, Thomas R. Haynes, Lin Sun, Michael C. Wanderski
  • Patent number: 7895277
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a solution for providing conditional reminders for electronic messages. The solution can identify an electronic message conveyed from a sender to a recipient, wherein the electronic message is an email message or text exchange message. A software program can determine a response time and a response condition for the electronic message. When the response time expires and when the response condition is unsatisfied, a software program can present a reminder to the sender and/or the recipient, where the reminder indicates that a response is due. When a software program detects a recipient action that satisfies the response condition before the response time expires, no reminder will be presented to either the sender or the recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Tal Drory, Thomas R. Haynes, David Konopnicki, Yafit Sami, Lin Sun
  • Patent number: 7890595
    Abstract: A method of and system for providing enhanced user control of computer chat minimize a chat window in response to user input and then restore the chat window in response to receipt of a message from a sender, in which the message has a predetermined characteristic. The user input may include activation of an intelligent or smart minimize function. An example of a predetermined characteristic that may cause the chat window to be restored in the intelligent minimized mode is the presence of the user's name in a chat message. Other examples of predetermined characteristics that may cause the chat window to be restored include the text of the message being in a bold font or otherwise marked as being urgent, the sender of the message being on an exception list or occupying a management position with respect to the recipient. Embodiments may include a shout function by which a sender can override the intelligent mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas R. Haynes, Lin Sun
  • Publication number: 20100241483
    Abstract: A solution for improved management of user events scheduled during a user absence period a determination module configured to determine a user absence period having a start date and an end date. A detection module configured to detect a new user event scheduled during the user absence period. A reporting module configured to report statistics on the new user events. A response module configured to automatically respond to the new user event scheduled during the user absence period, the new user event scheduled after the user absence period is defined. A definition module configured to define the user absence period having a start date and an end date. A search module configured to search two or more calendaring repositories for a scheduled user event having a start/end date during the user absence period, and a presentation module configured to present to the user the scheduled user event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas R. Haynes, Lin Sun
  • Publication number: 20100077332
    Abstract: An addition of an object or a change to an object is detected within a document. At least one of a time date-stamp or an embellishment of the object is provided, indicative of a relative time at which the change was made to the object. When an embellishment is associated with the object, the object is displayed the object with the embellishment, where the embellishment provides a visual indication of both a location and a change status of the object that was recently changed within the document, relative to a remainder of the document. When a time date-stamp is associated with the object, the object is displayed along with the time date-stamp within the document to provide a visual indication of the time and date at which the change was made to the object relative to a remainder of information within the document.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUISNESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas R. Haynes, Lin Sun
  • Publication number: 20090313336
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to presence awareness for instant messaging and provide a novel and non-obvious method, system and computer program product for adaptive instant messaging awareness. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for adaptive instant messaging awareness can be provided. The method can include receiving an instant message for transmission to a user of an instant messaging system and determining that the user is not currently available to receive an instant message. The method can further include delaying transmission of the instant message to the user until a later determination that the user is available to receive an instant message.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas R. Haynes, Lin Sun