Patents by Inventor William M. Houston
William M. Houston 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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Publication number: 20220129878Abstract: A method, system and/or device for validating encoded information, the validation device including a memory having computer readable instructions stored thereon and a database including a plurality of validation rules, and at least one processor configured to execute the computer readable instructions to receive formatted data from at least one formatting device, extract attributes associated with encoded information from the formatted data, the extracted attributes including at least one of a formatting device identifier, a store identifier, value information from the encoded information, and time information, validate the formatted data based on the extracted attributes and the plurality of validation rules, store the results of the validation and at least a subset of the extracted attributes in the database, generate modified formatted data compatible with a POS terminal based on the results of the validation, and transmit the modified formatted data to the at least one of formatting device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2022Publication date: April 28, 2022Applicant: Altria Client Services LLCInventors: Michael FITZSIMMONS, William M. HOUSTON
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Patent number: 11216796Abstract: A method, system and/or device for validating encoded information, the validation device including a memory having computer readable instructions stored thereon and a database including a plurality of validation rules, and at least one processor configured to execute the computer readable instructions to receive formatted data from at least one formatting device, extract attributes associated with encoded information from the formatted data, the extracted attributes including at least one of a formatting device identifier, a store identifier, value information from the encoded information, and time information, validate the formatted data based on the extracted attributes and the plurality of validation rules, store the results of the validation and at least a subset of the extracted attributes in the database, generate modified formatted data compatible with a POS terminal based on the results of the validation, and transmit the modified formatted data to the at least one of formatting device.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2020Date of Patent: January 4, 2022Assignee: Altria Client Services LLCInventors: Michael Fitzsimmons, William M. Houston
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Publication number: 20200160314Abstract: A method, system and/or device for validating encoded information, the validation device including a memory having computer readable instructions stored thereon and a database including a plurality of validation rules, and at least one processor configured to execute the computer readable instructions to receive formatted data from at least one formatting device, extract attributes associated with encoded information from the formatted data, the extracted attributes including at least one of a formatting device identifier, a store identifier, value information from the encoded information, and time information, validate the formatted data based on the extracted attributes and the plurality of validation rules, store the results of the validation and at least a subset of the extracted attributes in the database, generate modified formatted data compatible with a POS terminal based on the results of the validation, and transmit the modified formatted data to the at least one of formatting device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2020Publication date: May 21, 2020Applicant: Altria Client Services LLCInventors: Michael FITZSIMMONS, William M. HOUSTON
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Patent number: 10558966Abstract: A method, system and/or device for validating encoded information, the validation device including a memory having computer readable instructions stored thereon and a database including a plurality of validation rules, and at least one processor configured to execute the computer readable instructions to receive formatted data from at least one formatting device, extract attributes associated with encoded information from the formatted data, the extracted attributes including at least one of a formatting device identifier, a store identifier, value information from the encoded information, and time information, validate the formatted data based on the extracted attributes and the plurality of validation rules, store the results of the validation and at least a subset of the extracted attributes in the database, generate modified formatted data compatible with a POS terminal based on the results of the validation, and transmit the modified formatted data to the at least one of formatting device.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2019Date of Patent: February 11, 2020Assignee: Altria Client Services LLCInventors: Michael Fitzsimmons, William M. Houston
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Publication number: 20190354954Abstract: A method, system and/or device for validating encoded information, the validation device including a memory having computer readable instructions stored thereon and a database including a plurality of validation rules, and at least one processor configured to execute the computer readable instructions to receive formatted data from at least one formatting device, extract attributes associated with encoded information from the formatted data, the extracted attributes including at least one of a formatting device identifier, a store identifier, value information from the encoded information, and time information, validate the formatted data based on the extracted attributes and the plurality of validation rules, store the results of the validation and at least a subset of the extracted attributes in the database, generate modified formatted data compatible with a POS terminal based on the results of the validation, and transmit the modified formatted data to the at least one of formatting device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2019Publication date: November 21, 2019Applicant: Altria Client Services LLCInventors: Michael FITZSIMMONS, William M. HOUSTON
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Patent number: 10395231Abstract: A method, system and/or device for validating encoded information, the validation device including a memory having computer readable instructions stored thereon and a database including a plurality of validation rules, and at least one processor configured to execute the computer readable instructions to receive formatted data from at least one formatting device, extract attributes associated with encoded information from the formatted data, the extracted attributes including at least one of a formatting device identifier, a store identifier, value information from the encoded information, and time information, validate the formatted data based on the extracted attributes and the plurality of validation rules, store the results of the validation and at least a subset of the extracted attributes in the database, generate modified formatted data compatible with a POS terminal based on the results of the validation, and transmit the modified formatted data to the at least one of formatting device.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2016Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: Altria Client Services LLCInventors: Michael Fitzsimmons, William M. Houston
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Patent number: 9928480Abstract: Disclosed are a method, system and computer program for collecting inventory data about a group of machines at an office. This method comprises the steps of running an inventory tool on each of the machines, and the tool presenting dialog displays on each of the machines, filling in or changing data in the dialogs presented by the tool, and submitting the collected information to a server. Also disclosed are a method, system and computer program for customizing an inventory data collection tool for a plurality of logical groups of users. Each of the logical groups of users is provided with a copy of the inventory data collection tool and with a first copy of a common control file. Each of the groups of users uses the first copy of the common control file to customize the tool for the group of users.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2014Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: PAYPAL, INC.Inventors: Carol I. DelGaudio, Scott D. Hicks, William M. Houston, Rachele Shannon Kurtz, Victoria A. Hanrahan, James A. Martin, Jr., Donald P. Mummey, Douglas G. Murray, Jeffrey E. Prince, Richard R. Pritsky, Diane C. Rauch
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Publication number: 20170372289Abstract: A method, system and/or device for validating encoded information, the validation device including a memory having computer readable instructions stored thereon and a database including a plurality of validation rules, and at least one processor configured to execute the computer readable instructions to receive formatted data from at least one formatting device, extract attributes associated with encoded information from the formatted data, the extracted attributes including at least one of a formatting device identifier, a store identifier, value information from the encoded information, and time information, validate the formatted data based on the extracted attributes and the plurality of validation rules, store the results of the validation and at least a subset of the extracted attributes in the database, generate modified formatted data compatible with a POS terminal based on the results of the validation, and transmit the modified formatted data to the at least one of formatting device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2016Publication date: December 28, 2017Applicant: Altria Client Services LLCInventors: Michael FITZSIMMONS, William M. HOUSTON
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Publication number: 20140337187Abstract: Disclosed are a method, system and computer program for collecting inventory data about a group of machines at an office. This method comprises the steps of running an inventory tool on each of the machines, and the tool presenting dialogue displays on each of the machines, filling in or changing data in the dialogues presented by the tool, and submitting the collected information to a server. Also disclosed are a method, system and computer program for customizing an inventory data collection tool for a plurality of logical groups of users. Each of the logical groups of users is provided with a copy of the inventory data collection tool and with a first copy of a common control file. Each of the groups of users uses the first copy of the common control file to customize the tool for the group of users.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2014Publication date: November 13, 2014Inventors: Carol I. DelGaudio, Scott D. Hicks, William M. Houston, Rachele Shannon Kurtz, Victoria A. Hanrahan, James A. Martin, JR., Donald P. Mummey, Douglas G. Murray, Jeffrey E. Prince, Richard R. Pritsky, Diane C. Rauch
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Patent number: 8793368Abstract: Disclosed are a method, system and computer program for collecting inventory data about a group of machines at an office. This method comprises the steps of running an inventory tool on each of the machines, and the tool presenting dialog displays on each of the machines, filling in or changing data in the dialogs presented by the tool, and submitting the collected information to a server. Also disclosed are a method, system and computer program for customizing an inventory data collection tool for a plurality of logical groups of users. Each of the logical groups of users is provided with a copy of the inventory data collection tool and with a first copy of a common control file. Each of the groups of users uses the first copy of the common control file to customize the tool for the group of users.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2010Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Ebay Inc.Inventors: Carol I. DelGaudio, Scott D. Hicks, William M. Houston, Rachele Shannon Kurtz, Victoria A. Locke, James A. Martin, Jr., Donald P. Mummey, Douglas G. Murray, Jeffrey E. Prince, Richard R. Pritsky, Diana C. Rauch
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Patent number: 7925670Abstract: A method and system for updating a database structure. The database structure includes a dynamically changing list of control documents. A control document specifies tasks to be performed on the database structure. An agent finds an approved control document on the list such as by looking into a view of control documents. Processing the approved control document includes causing an execution of at least one task on the approved control document. Execution of a such task includes updating of the database structure, and may be implemented by the agent that found the control document or by another agent called by the agent.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: William M. Houston, James A. Martin, Jr., Eric J. Morin
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Patent number: 7904800Abstract: A method and computer system for transforming a portion (e.g., a view) of a database into a custom spreadsheet. The transforming includes determining whether to omit in the custom spreadsheet a column that is in the view, determining whether to add to the custom spreadsheet a column that is not in the view, or both. The transforming may also include implementation of rules that control how various portions of the custom spreadsheet are configured.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2005Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Jo-Ann M. Geuss, William M. Houston, James A. Martin, Jr., Raymond A. Rupert
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Patent number: 7853498Abstract: The present invention provides a method, system, and computer program product for the on-demand creation and distribution of customized dynamic contracts. At least one business opportunity is extracted from an opportunity database. For each extracted business opportunity, a credit score for a customer associated with the extracted business opportunity is obtained and a dynamically modifiable contract for the extracted business opportunity is generated. The dynamically modifiable contract is distributed to a contact associated with the extracted business opportunity, who presents the dynamically modifiable contract to the customer associated with the extracted business opportunity. The contact can modify the dynamically modifiable contract, if necessary, during negotiations with the customer, to provide a contract that is acceptable to the contact and the customer.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2005Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Daniel J. Finley, Louis Guglielmo, William M. Houston, Martina L. Kim, Randy B. Klipstein, Joseph L. Simons, Christian Toft-Nielsen
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Publication number: 20100257072Abstract: Disclosed are a method, system and computer program for collecting inventory data about a group of machines at an office. This method comprises the steps of running an inventory tool on each of the machines, and the tool presenting dialogue displays on each of the machines, filling in or changing data in the dialogues presented by the tool, and submitting the collected information to a server. Also disclosed are a method, system and computer program for customizing an inventory data collection tool for a plurality of logical groups of users. Each of the logical groups of users is provided with a copy of the inventory data collection tool and with a first copy of a common control file. Each of the groups of users uses the first copy of the common control file to customize the tool for the group of users.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2010Publication date: October 7, 2010Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Carol I. DelGaudio, Scott D. Hicks, William M. Houston, Rachele Shannon Kurtz, Victoria A. Locke, James A. Martin, JR., Donald P. Mummey, Douglas G. Murray, Jeffrey E. Prince, Richard R. Pritsky, Diane C. Rauch
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Patent number: 7725352Abstract: Disclosed are a method, system and computer program for collecting inventory data about a group of machines at an office. This method comprises the steps of running an inventory tool on each of the machines, and the tool presenting dialogue displays on each of the machines, filling in or changing data in the dialogues presented by the tool, and submitting the collected information to a server. Also disclosed are a method, system and computer program for customizing an inventory data collection tool for a plurality of logical groups of users. Each of the logical groups of users is provided with a copy of the inventory data collection tool and with a first copy of a common control file. Each of the groups of users uses the first copy of the common control file to customize the tool for the group of users.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2005Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Carol I. DelGaudio, Scott D. Hicks, William M. Houston, Rachele Shannon Kurtz, Victoria A. Locke, James A. Martin, Jr., Donald P. Mummey, Douglas G. Murray, Jeffrey E. Prince, Richard R. Pritsky, Diane C. Rauch
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Patent number: 7685027Abstract: Disclosed are a method of and system for enterprise-wide migration. The method comprises the steps of creating instances of databases for a migration, for billing and reporting, and repositing reports; gathering information on the organization, location, hardware, and software affected by said migration into a database for planning said migration; and building an inventory of the affected hardware and software using an inventory tracking tool or an inventory mailer. Migration hardware and software is ordered based on said planning and said inventory, using an inventory tool; and labor, hardware, and software as installed are tracked and billed, using said billing and reporting database. Agents for said creating, gathering, building and tracking are enabled using an agent control facility.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2003Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Carol I. DelGaudio, Scott D. Hicks, William M. Houston, Victoria A. Locke, James A. Martin, Jr., Douglas G. Murray, Diane C. Rauch
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Patent number: 7640312Abstract: Under the present invention, an initial distribution list of electronic message recipients within an organization undergoing an IT migration is generated using a personnel directory of the organization and at least one selection criterion. Once initial electronic message recipients are known, messages will be generated and sent using information from a mailing database and a designated schedule. User records for each of the initial electronic message recipients will be created in an inventory database and will include user information from the personnel directory as well as message information. Based on responses to the initial electronic message, follow-up and final electronic messages can be sent to respective distribution lists, and corresponding information stored in the user records of the inventory database.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2006Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Carol I. DelGaudio, Scott D. Hicks, William M. Houston, Victoria A. Locke, Douglas G. Murray, Jeffrey E. Prince, Diane C. Rauch
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Publication number: 20080222175Abstract: A method and system for updating a database structure. The database structure includes a dynamically changing list of control documents. A control document specifies tasks to be performed on the database structure. An agent finds an approved control document on the list such as by looking into a view of control documents. Processing the approved control document includes causing an execution of at least one task on the approved control document. Execution of a such task includes updating of the database structure, and may be implemented by the agent that found the control document or by another agent called by the agent.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2008Publication date: September 11, 2008Inventors: William M. Houston, James A. Martin, Eric J. Morin
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Patent number: 7395272Abstract: A method and system for updating a database structure. The database structure includes a dynamically changing list of control documents. A control document specifies tasks to be performed on the database structure. An agent finds an approved control document on the list such as by looking into a view of control documents. Processing the approved control document includes causing an execution of at least one task on the approved control document. Execution of a such task includes updating of the database structure, and may be implemented by the agent that found the control document or by another agent called by the agent.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2005Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: William M. Houston, James A. Martin, Jr., Eric J. Morin
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Publication number: 20070282782Abstract: Under the present invention, information pertaining to an existing network topology is imported into a migration database. This information typically comprises information about devices in the existing network topology, existing network addresses for the devices, whether each device has a static or a dynamic address, information about locations of the devices, and information about users of the devices. In addition, information pertaining to a new network topology is received in the migration database. This type of information typically comprises new network addresses or ranges of addresses for the devices, network port identifiers, connections to specific closets, racks, and switches, and whether each device requires a static or a dynamic address. Regardless, the information provided will then be sorted according a set of database views, which can then be provided to viewers.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2006Publication date: December 6, 2007Inventors: Julie M. Carey, Carol I. DelGaudio, Brenda L. Fowler, Anne M. Henderson, Scott D. Hicks, William M. Houston, Douglas G. Murray, Diane C. Rauch, Jamie P. Rigoni