Patents by Inventor Thomas Watson

Thomas Watson 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: 20050131702
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for creating a voice response grammar in a voice response server that include identifying a user for a presentation, the user having a user grammar, the user grammar including one or more user grammar elements and storing a multiplicity of user grammar elements for the user in a voice response grammar on a voice response server. In typical embodiments, identifying a user for a presentation includes creating a data structure representing a presentation and listing in the data structure at least one user identification. In typical embodiments, each grammar element includes an identifier of a structural element, a key phrase for invoking a presentation action, and a presentation action identifier representing a presentation action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Publication date: June 16, 2005
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: William Bodin, Michael Burkhart, Daniel Eisenhauer, Daniel Schumacher, Thomas Watson
  • Publication number: 20050132274
    Abstract: Creating a presentation document that include creating, in dependence upon an original document, a structured document comprising one or more structural elements; classifying a structural element of the structured document according to a presentation attribute; and creating a presentation grammar for the structured document, wherein the presentation grammar for the structured document includes grammar elements each of which includes an identifier for at least one structural element of the structured document.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Publication date: June 16, 2005
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
    Inventors: William Bodin, Michael Burkhart, Daniel Eisenhauer, Daniel Schumacher, Thomas Watson
  • Publication number: 20050131703
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for creating a voice response grammar in a voice response server including identifying presentation documents for a presentation, each presentation document having a presentation grammar. Typical embodiments include storing each presentation grammar in a voice response grammar on a voice response server. In typical embodiments, identifying presentation documents for a presentation includes creating a data structure representing a presentation and listing at least one presentation document in the data structure representing a presentation. In typical embodiments listing the at least one presentation document includes storing a location of the presentation document in the data structure representing a presentation and storing each presentation grammar includes retrieving a presentation grammar of the presentation document in dependence upon the location of the presentation document.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Publication date: June 16, 2005
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: William Bodin, Michael Burkhart, Daniel Eisenhauer, Daniel Schumacher, Thomas Watson
  • Publication number: 20050132272
    Abstract: Differential dynamic content delivery including providing a session document for a presentation, wherein the session document includes a session grammar and a session structured document; selecting from the session structured document a classified structural element in dependence upon user classifications of a user participant in the presentation; and presenting the selected structural element to the user. In some embodiments, selecting a classified structural element includes selecting a classified structural element in dependence upon the presentation action identifier and the parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Publication date: June 16, 2005
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: William Bodin, Michael Burkhart, Daniel Eisenhauer, Daniel Schumacher, Thomas Watson
  • Publication number: 20050132271
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for creating a session document from a presentation document that include identifying a presentation document for a presentation. In typical embodiments, the presentation document includes a presentation grammar and a structured document having structural elements classified with classification identifiers. Typical embodiments include identifying a user participant for the presentation, the user having a user profile comprising user classifications and filtering the structured document in dependence upon the user classifications and the classification identifiers. In typical embodiments, identifying a presentation document includes inserting in a list a location for the presentation document. In typical embodiments, identifying a user includes inserting in a list a user identification identifying a user in a presentation participant list.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Publication date: June 16, 2005
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: William Bodin, Michael Burkhart, Daniel Eisenhauer, Daniel Schumacher, Thomas Watson
  • Publication number: 20050127313
    Abstract: A system for preventing IR reflection ghosting in a fluid-dispensing device having a transmitter/receiver pair and control logic. The control logic interfaces with the transmitter and the receiver, activating the fluid-dispensing device when an object is present within the transmitter detection range by comparing a set predefined value with the IR value obtained. When the reflection is above the detection level, the control logic further evaluates two consecutive pulses to detect movement between said two consecutive pulses. An increase in IR value indicates movement, thereby causing the fluid-dispensing device to be activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Publication date: June 16, 2005
    Applicant: Synapse, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Watson
  • Publication number: 20050117912
    Abstract: A data communication system for facilitating communication between infrared devices having an initiating optical interface port that includes an IR emitter and an optical sensor. A receiving optical interface port includes an active IR emitter that emits a pulse at a predetermined interval and an optical sensor. A software application causes an Attention Signal to be emitted from the initiating IR emitter where the initiating IR emitter is positioned in detection range of the receiving optical sensor. The receiving optical interface port is controlled by a firmware application. The firmware is designed to discontinue the pulse of the active IR emitter upon detection of the Attention Signal. Once the normal pulse cycle is discontinued, the active IR emitter is then employed for transmitting data signals to the initiating optical interface port, thereby establishing an optical link between the initiating optical interface port and the receiving optical interface port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Publication date: June 2, 2005
    Applicant: Synapse, Inc.
    Inventors: Wade Patterson, Thomas Watson
  • Publication number: 20050108429
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention include methods for improving the devices in a domain. Such exemplary embodiments often include receiving, within a network, a plurality of device effectiveness records for a first user created in a first domain, storing the plurality of device effectiveness records, identifying an effective device ID for the first user in dependence upon the plurality of device effectiveness records, and notifying a second user in a second domain of the effective device ID. In some embodiments, an effective device ID identifies a new device for the user. In other embodiments, an effective device ID identifies an upgrade for an existing device for the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: William Bodin, Michael Burkhart, Daniel Eisenhauer, Daniel Schumacher, Thomas Watson
  • Publication number: 20050108366
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention include a method for administering devices. Such embodiments include creating, in a first domain, a domain state object, and transmitting the domain state object from the first domain to a second domain. In many exemplary embodiments, creating, in a first domain, a domain state object includes creating a current device state object, and associating the current device state object with the domain state object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: William Bodin, Michael Burkhart, Daniel Eisenhauer, Daniel Schumacher, Thomas Watson
  • Publication number: 20050108405
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention include a method for creating a user metric pattern. Such embodiments typically include receiving, within the network, a plurality of disparate user metrics, determining that the plurality of disparate user metrics received within the network do not match a predetermined metric pattern, and saving the plurality of disparate user metrics as a new metric pattern. In many embodiments, determining that the plurality of disparate user metrics received within the network do not match a predetermined metric pattern includes comparing the plurality of disparate user metrics with a plurality of metrics associated with the predetermined metric pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: William Bodin, Michael Burkhart, Daniel Eisenhauer, Daniel Schumacher, Thomas Watson
  • Publication number: 20050102120
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention include methods for evaluating a test action for a user. Such methods include creating, within a network, a user metric vector in dependence upon a plurality of disparate user metrics, selecting a test action in dependence upon the user metric vector, executing the test action within the network, and determining a user reaction. Many embodiments also include adding the test action to a user's action list in dependence upon the user reaction. Other embodiments often include deleting the test action from an test action list in dependence upon the user reaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Publication date: May 12, 2005
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: William Bodin, Michael Burkhart, Daniel Eisenhauer, Daniel Schumacher, Thomas Watson
  • Publication number: 20050091384
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention include a method for administering devices in a network. The method includes creating a user metric vector comprising a plurality of disparate user metrics, creating a user metric space comprising a plurality of metric ranges and determining whether the user metric vector is outside the user metric space. If the user metric vector is outside a user metric space, identifying an action in dependence upon the user metric vector the method includes determining whether the action is allowed. If the action is allowed, the method includes executing the action. Many embodiments include receiving an allowed action list, such as for example, receiving an allowed action list from a moderator DML.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Publication date: April 28, 2005
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: William Bodin, Michael Burkhart, Daniel Eisenhauer, Daniel Schumacher, Thomas Watson
  • Publication number: 20050082503
    Abstract: A remotely managed electronically operated dispensing apparatus having a transmitter for transmitting a detection signal and a communication signal is disclosed. When the detection signal is reflected from an object, the dispensing apparatus opens a valve allowing fluid to flow. The communication signal may contain maintenance, status and other information and is received by a communication device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Publication date: April 21, 2005
    Applicant: Synapse, Inc.
    Inventors: Wade Patterson, Thomas Watson
  • Publication number: 20050082502
    Abstract: A remotely managed electronic dispensing apparatus having a transmitter for transmitting a detection signal and a receiver for receiving a reflected signal and a communication signal is disclosed. When the detection signal is reflected from an object, the dispensing apparatus opens a valve allowing fluid to flow. The communication signal may contain software update or other information for the dispensing apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Publication date: April 21, 2005
    Applicant: Synapse, Inc.
    Inventors: Wade Patterson, Thomas Watson
  • Publication number: 20050071463
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a method for administering devices within a network. Such embodiments typically include receiving, within the network, at least one user metric for a user, and receiving, from a device within the network, device content metadata. Such embodiments also typically include identifying an action in dependence upon the user metric and the device content metadata, and executing the action within the network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Applicant: IBM CORPORATION
    Inventors: William Bodin, Michael Burkhart, Daniel Eisenhauer, Daniel Schumacher, Thomas Watson
  • Publication number: 20050071462
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention include a method for creating a user metric pattern. Such embodiments typically include receiving, within the network, a plurality of disparate user metrics, saving the plurality of disparate user metrics, identifying a subset of the saved disparate user metrics that comprise a user metric pattern, and storing the subset of the saved disparate user metrics as a user metric pattern. In many examples of the present invention, receiving, within the network, a plurality of disparate user metrics includes receiving a plurality of disparate user metrics from a metric sensor worn by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Applicant: IBM Corporation
    Inventors: William Bodin, Michael Burkhart, Daniel Eisenhauer, Daniel Schumacher, Thomas Watson
  • Patent number: 6866471
    Abstract: A robotic containerization and palletizing system having a multiple-fingered end effector. In one embodiment, the system carries out a method of loading a tray in a container where the method includes creating a cell with a plurality of bays; assigning each bay a location; moving trays through the cell along a path; grasping a tray off the path with a robot positioned above the path; moving the robot, with the grasped tray, to the location of one bay; and instructing the robot to release the tray at the location of the one bay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: ABB Flexible Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Grams, Thomas Watson, Patrick Resch, Gilbert Dominguez
  • Publication number: 20050050137
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention include a method for administering devices within a network. Such embodiments include receiving, within the network, a plurality of disparate user metrics and determining whether the plurality of disparate user metrics received within the network match a predetermined metric pattern. If the plurality of disparate user metrics received within the network match a predetermined metric pattern, such embodiments also include identifying an action in dependence upon the predetermined metric pattern, and executing the action within the network. In typical embodiments, a predetermined metric pattern includes a plurality of predetermined generic metrics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Publication date: March 3, 2005
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: William Bodin, Michael Burkhart, Daniel Eisenhauer, Daniel Schumacher, Thomas Watson
  • Publication number: 20050033744
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention include a method for administering devices. The method comprises creating a user metric vector comprising a plurality of disparate metrics for a user, selecting a predefined condition space for the user in dependence upon the user metric vector, identifying an action in dependence upon the selected predefined condition space, and executing the action. In many example embodiments, selecting a predefined condition space for the user in dependence upon the user metric vector includes retrieving a predefined condition space from a database in dependence upon the user metric vector. In some example embodiments, retrieving a predefined condition space from a database in dependence upon the user metric vector comprises comparing the user metric vector with a plurality of predefined condition space stored in the database.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Publication date: February 10, 2005
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: William Bodin, Michael Burkhart, Daniel Eisenhauer, Daniel Schumacher, Thomas Watson
  • Patent number: 6850202
    Abstract: Portable devices and associated methods for orienting a receiver that is supported on a mast by a mounting bracket in a desired orientation. In one embodiment, the portable device includes an actuator that is removably coupled to the mounting bracket and, upon actuation thereof, rotates the mounting bracket and the receiver about the mast to the desired orientation and, upon deactivation thereof, may be decoupled from the mounting bracket while the mounting bracket retains the receiver in the desired orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corp.
    Inventor: P. Thomas Watson