Patents Issued in February 7, 2017
  • Patent number: 9563846
    Abstract: A mechanism is provided in a data processing system for predicting and enhancing ingestion time for a set of input documents. The mechanism receives a set of documents to be added to a corpus of the data processing system. The mechanism records document features of each document within the set of documents using an annotation engine within the data processing system. The mechanism predicts an ingestion time for each document within the set of documents based on the document characteristics and a machine learning model. The mechanism assigns the set of documents to data processing system resources to be processed based on the predicted ingestion time for each document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Corville O. Allen, Andrew R. Freed
  • Patent number: 9563847
    Abstract: This disclosure describes, among other things, an apparatus for generating an inference engine about a document. The apparatus includes at least one processor and a memory with instructions. The memory including instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform a number of processes. The processor accesses a set of documents. Each document has a corresponding inference. The processor also generates a vector representation for each document in the set of documents. First, the processor parses text of the document into groups of words, and generates a vector representation for each group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: MultiModel Research, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen I. Gallant
  • Patent number: 9563848
    Abstract: A multi-year yield analysis in precision agriculture characterizes variables affecting crop yield to enable site-specific prescription mapping for a bounded field for one or more crops in the field. The multi-year yield analysis enables recommendations for variable-rate applications to the bounded field such as seeding, fertilizing, tilling, and applying crop treatments. The multi-year yield analysis evaluates each of coverage data, uniformity data, age data, and weather data related to crop yield in the bounded field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: AGRIAN, INC.
    Inventor: Aaron Dale Hunt
  • Patent number: 9563849
    Abstract: A management system for determining causal relationships among system entities may include a causal relationship detector configured to receive events from a computing environment having a plurality of entities, and detect causal relationships among the plurality of entities, during runtime of the computing environment, based on the events, and a rules converter configured to convert one or more of the causal relationships into at least one behavioral rule. The at least one behavioral rule may indicate a causal relationship between at least two entities of the plurality of entities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: BMC SOFTWARE, INC.
    Inventors: Derek Dang, Bharat Mitbander
  • Patent number: 9563850
    Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products for displaying geographical locations with the one or more annotations. In a particular embodiment, a language model is used to obtain the probability distribution of the locations over one or more annotations. Further, the system and the method utilizes the probability data obtained from the language model to determine a probability score for each location over the one or more annotations. Subsequently, one or more geographical locations are displayed on a world map, based on the probability score of the geographical locations over the one or more annotations. In one embodiment, geographical locations may be highlighted using a color code on a heat map overlaid on the world map. The color code may represent the ranking of the geographical locations based on the calculated probability score for each identified geographical location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Yahoo! Inc.
    Inventors: Roelof van Zwol, Vanessa Murdock, LluĂ­s Garcia Pueyo
  • Patent number: 9563851
    Abstract: In an aspect, in general, a programmable computation device performs computations of an inference task specified by a plurality of variables and a plurality of factors, each factor being associated with a subset of the variables. The device includes one or more processing elements. Each processing element includes a first storage for a definition of a factor, a second storage for data associated with the inputs and/or outputs of at least some of the computations, and one or more computation units coupled to the first storage and the second storage for performing a succession of parts of the at least some of the computations that are associated with a factor, the succession of parts defined by data in the storage for the definition of the factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Bernstein, Benjamin Vigoda, Kartik Nanda, Rishi Chaturvedi, David Hossack, William Peet, Andrew Schweitzer, Timothy Caputo
  • Patent number: 9563852
    Abstract: A pest and disease modeling framework for precision agriculture applies weather information, pest biological characteristics, and crop management data to anonymous crowd-sourced observations of pest presence for a reporting field. A risk assessment profile of pest occurrence for targeted fields in proximity to reporting fields is modeled to generate field-specific measures for pest management of pest infestation. The pest and disease modeling framework matches and filters weather and crop information in infested and pest-free fields based on the anonymous, crowd-sourced reporting of an existing pest presence, by evaluating similarities in pest-relevant data. Fields that are similar to infested fields have the highest risk of infestation, and the modeling framework provides output data in the form of a prediction of pest occurrence based on the risk assessment profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: ITERIS, INC.
    Inventors: Lori J. Wiles, Dustin C. Balsley
  • Patent number: 9563853
    Abstract: Provided is an information reconciliation method in a quantum key distribution system between a transmitter and a receiver, which includes receiving a parity bit from the transmitter through a quantum channel, correcting an error of a receiver quantum key by using the received parity bit, and removing a residual error of the receiver quantum key through an open channel by using a cascade protocol to harmonize the receiver quantum key with a transmitter quantum key, wherein the parity bit is generated at the transmitter by using turbo codes. This method may enhance quantum key generation efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: KOREA UNIVERSITY RESEARCH AND BUSINESS FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Sung-sik Yoon, Jun Heo
  • Patent number: 9563854
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a device determines that a machine learning model is to be trained by a plurality of devices in a network. A set of training devices are identified from among the plurality of devices to train the model, with each of the training devices having a local set of training data. An instruction is then sent to each of the training devices that is configured to cause a training device to receive model parameters from a first training device in the set, use the parameters with at least a portion of the local set of training data to generate new model parameters, and forward the new model parameters to a second training device in the set. Model parameters from the training devices are also received that have been trained using a global set of training data that includes the local sets of training data on the training devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Javier Cruz Mota, Jean-Philippe Vasseur, Andrea Di Pietro
  • Patent number: 9563855
    Abstract: Systems and methods may provide for using one or more generic classifiers to generate self-training data based on a first plurality of events associated with a device, and training a personal classifier based on the self-training data. Additionally, the one or more generic classifiers and the personal classifier may be used to generate validation data based on a second plurality of events associated with the device. In one example, the personal classifier is substituted for the one or more generic classifiers if the validation data indicates that the personal classifier satisfies a confidence condition relative to the one or more generic classifiers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Xue Yang, Lakshman Krishnamurthy, Lama Nachman
  • Patent number: 9563856
    Abstract: A user may be exposed to multiple token instances representing stimuli that may influence the affective state of the user. Described herein are embodiments of systems, method, and computer programs for estimating affective response to a token instance of interest, selected from among the token instances. The token instance of interest is selected based on attention levels received from an external source such as, information received from other users, information received from analysis of communications of the users, and/or information received from an external site such as an online retailer or a social network. In one example embodiment, the token instance of interest is a token instance for which attention level of the user is higher than at least one other token instance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Affectomatics Ltd.
    Inventors: Gil Thieberger, Ari M Frank
  • Patent number: 9563857
    Abstract: Disclosure is a multi-objective semiconductor product capacity planning system and method thereof. The system comprises a data input module, a capacity planning module and a computing module. The machine information of the production stations, the product information and the order information are input by the data input module. According to the demand quantity of order, capacity information and product information, the capacity planning module plans a capacity allocation to determine the satisfied quantity of orders. The capacity allocation information is used to form a gene combination by chromosome encoding method. The computing module calculates the gene combination several times to generate numerous candidate solutions by a multi-objective genetic algorithm. The numerous candidate solutions sorts out and generates a new gene combination, and repeats the calculation to form candidate solution set until stop condition is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: NATIONAL TSING HUA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Chen-Fu Chien, Jei-Zheng Wu, Jia-Nian Zheng
  • Patent number: 9563858
    Abstract: An artifact repository can be queried for a set of different pre-existing presentation artifacts based on requirements and constraints of a presentation event to produce a query result. The query result can comprise a set of presentation artifacts suitable for satisfying at least a portion of the requirements and constraints. The querying can match the artifact specific metadata against the requirements and constraints to produce the query result. An agenda comprising a set of different agenda items can be automatically constructed utilizing the query result. Each of the different agenda items can occupy a time slot of the presentation event. Creation of agenda items can be a non-manual effort automatically determined by a computing device in a data driven manner given the requirements, the constraints, and the pre-existing presentation artifacts of the artifact repository. Resources for the different agenda items can be automatically booked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nils Haustein, Thorsten Krause, Michael Maurus, Daniel J. Winarski
  • Patent number: 9563859
    Abstract: A system includes a gatekeeper system for validating ticket information for a plurality of attendees of an event, the gatekeeper system being operable to communicably connect by a wireless connection signal to mobile check-in devices, and one or more mobile check-in devices communicably connected to the gatekeeper system, each mobile check-in device being operable to receive ticket identifiers for attendees of the event and to transmit the ticket identifiers for the attendees to the gatekeeper system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Eventbrite, Inc.
    Inventor: Simon M. Bascombe
  • Patent number: 9563860
    Abstract: Permit applications for construction or property improvement projects can be processed for multiple jurisdictions at the same time through a networked system. A kiosk can be provided as a central point of interaction for the user. A property address is received from the user and compared with multiple jurisdictions to determine one or more jurisdictions in which the property address is located. Permit requirement information for each of the jurisdictions is output for the user. Permit application information is then received from the user. The permit application information includes electronic fee payment information. A permit application can then be transmitted to at least one of the jurisdictions. If the permit is approved, one or more permits are received from the jurisdictions. The kiosk or other device can print paper copies of the permits for the user or provide them in electronic format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Home Depot Product Authority, LLC
    Inventor: Mark S. Mullaly
  • Patent number: 9563861
    Abstract: Content management includes populating a library with modular objects and metadata associated with the modular objects. In response to a query, the library can be searched based in part on the metadata. The query can relate to implementation of an industrial process. One or more modular objects in the library can be identified as satisfying the query. A result of the query can be output and the output can include the identified modular objects and the respective metadata associated with the identified modular objects. The metadata can be anything known about the object that might not be accessible at runtime control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Norman Weatherhead, Andrew R. Stump, Haithem Mansouri, Axel Rodriguez, Joachim Thomsen
  • Patent number: 9563862
    Abstract: An electronic voting terminal includes: a display; a data input device; a biometric input device; a case having an open and a closed position, the case protecting the display, the input device, and the biometric input device in the closed position, the case making the display, input device and biometric input device accessible by the voter in the open position; a communications medium; a microprocessor to control the display, the data input device, the biometric input device, and the communications medium; and a power supply that accepts alternating current and provides direct current to the microprocessor The device utilizes the biometric input device to validate the identity of the voter, utilizes the data input device to receive the ballot from the voter, and utilizes the communications medium to transmit the ballot. A system for voting also includes a centralized computer and voter registration database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Inventor: Brian T. Liesenfelt
  • Patent number: 9563863
    Abstract: Marking apparatus and methods, in which first ticket information relating to a locate request ticket is received, and second ticket information derived from the first ticket information is displayed on a display device of the marking apparatus. A field technician may provide some input to generate an electronic record or log of technician activity during a marking operation. In one example, a checklist may be generated (e.g., based at least in part on the first ticket information) and displayed locally to the technician as a guide to perform and verify various aspects of the operation. In another example, a set of instructions or “workflow” may be generated to guide the technician through a sequence of steps to perform the marking operation. Performance via a process guide (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: CertusView Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Nielsen, Curtis Chambers, Jeffrey Farr
  • Patent number: 9563864
    Abstract: Historic and current development data associated with the project may be gathered. A catalog of patterns, each pattern associated with a data measure and an analysis routine capable of detecting the pattern according to the data measure in a given data set may be obtained. A pattern describes a particular indication in the historical and development data, which arises one or more of, at a discrete point in time or over a period of time. The analysis routine may be applied to the historic and current development data. A notification may be issued responsive to identifying the pattern in the historic and current development data. The applying and the issuing may be performed for each pattern in the catalog of patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Murray R. Cantor, Evelyn Duesterwald, Tamir Klinger, Peter K. Malkin, Paul M. Matchen, Stanley M. Sutton, Peri L. Tarr, Mark N. Wegman
  • Patent number: 9563865
    Abstract: The invention relates to the optimized management of one or more fluid production units, especially those involving fluid separation treatment, comprising: a) a data collection step, the data being on one or more values of current parameters defining a current operating point of the production unit, on a future production demand and on at least one optimization criterion; and b) a computation step for computing one or more parameters defining a new operating point of the unit, at least in accordance with this demand. The computation step b) comprises at least: 1) an estimation of at least one optimum solution for defining the new operating point; and 2) a validity test carried out on this optimum solution, at least in accordance with an analysis of the transition of the production unit from the current operating point to the new operating point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide Société Anonyme Pour L'Étude Et L'Exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Thierry Roba, Gaetan Guillet, Athanasios J. Kontopoulos
  • Patent number: 9563866
    Abstract: In a method for estimating a complexity of a computing job, selected data objects relevant to a data repository are retrieved. In addition, points are assigned to multiple elements of the selected data objects according to a predefined schedule and scores for the selected data objects are calculated by applying a mathematical function to the multiple elements and complexities of the data objects are estimated based upon the calculated scores and the predefined schedule. In addition, a complexity of the computing job is estimated based upon the estimated complexities of the data objects and the estimated complexity of the computing job is stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: ACCENTURE GLOBAL SERVICES LIMITED
    Inventors: Dharmesh Rajendra Mehta, Sudha Sahasrabudhe, Shagufta Shashank Kohli, Anu Tayal, Vineet Tiyagi, Shalini Agarwal, Santosh Ray, Satyendra Chauhan, Kalamalla Basha
  • Patent number: 9563867
    Abstract: A system for allocating resources includes a plurality of first machines at a work area and a plurality of second machines at a remote location. A controller stores a material movement goal for a production time period, and determine a total capacity at the work area based upon a capacity of the first machines and the production time period. The total capacity at the work area is compared to the desired material movement goal and upon the total capacity at the work area exceeding the desired material movement goal, operational instructions are generated for and communicated to selected ones of the first machines. Upon the total capacity at the work area being less than the desired material movement goal an alert command is generated and some of the second machines may be moved to the work area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Sanat A. Talmaki, Jason Smallenberger
  • Patent number: 9563868
    Abstract: A computer system arrangement for minimizing communication and integration complexity between a plurality of software applications having each an individual data model defining an individual set of application parameters, includes a bus arrangement having connections to each one of said plurality of applications, the bus being arranged to interpret between each application and to orchestrate incoming and outgoing requests from each application, the bus arrangement including, a generic information model defining a set of generic parameters in relation to the application parameters of each application, an adaptor together with said generic information model, in connection with an incoming request, arranged to map parameters of that individual data model to said generic parameters, a device arranged to transfer the mapped generic information model together with the request to a process execution engine, which includes a device arranged to handle the request to identify a corresponding adaptor to which the reques
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: TARIFFLEX AB
    Inventor: Thomas Norberg
  • Patent number: 9563869
    Abstract: Documents related to delivery of loads shipped by trucking operators can be scanned or otherwise captured using mobile computing devices having document capture and/or document delivery functionality. Load related data can be manually input by drivers during the capture process. Such data can be incorporated into the scanned document as metadata. The concepts disclosed herein encompass establishing a logical connection between the mobile computing device implementing the document capture functionality and a vehicle ECU or vehicle data bus. The document capture application is configured to extract data from the vehicle ECU or vehicle data bus and incorporate that data into the document captured. Data, such as location data, can be similarly captured to establish a logical connection with a telematics device including a GPS component. Where the telematics device includes a wireless data link, the capture document can be wirelessly conveyed to a remote data center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: ZONAR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Charles Michael McQuade, Michael Charles King
  • Patent number: 9563870
    Abstract: A non-transitory processor-readable medium stores code representing instructions to be executed by a processor. The code stored in the medium includes code to cause the processor to receive a first signal indicating a quantity of an item listed on a website of a first marketplace from a set of marketplaces. The item is listed on a website of each marketplace from the set of marketplaces. The code stored in the medium includes code to cause the processor to change, based on the first signal, an inventory parameter associated with the item from a first value to a second value. The code stored in the medium includes code to cause the processor to send, to a device of each marketplace, a second signal indicating the updated inventory parameter such that the item remains listed on the website of each marketplace until the second value is zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Optoro, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Szmajda, Adam Vitarello
  • Patent number: 9563871
    Abstract: A computer for storing computer infrastructure inventory data includes a processor and a memory device coupled to the processor. The computer also includes a database system stored on the memory device. The database system includes computer-executable instructions allowing the computer to manage stored records. The computer is configured to receive an inventory file associated with a scan of a host device. The computer is also configured to receive a mapping schema associated with the inventory file. The mapping schema comprises a structured relationship description between the inventory file and an inventory record. The computer is further configured to translate the inventory file to the inventory record using the mapping schema and to update the database system with the inventory record.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: MasterCard International Incorporated
    Inventor: Daniel A. Ruggeri
  • Patent number: 9563872
    Abstract: A method and system for control of bailment inventory is disclosed. The method includes receiving a customer identifier from a customer, receiving from the customer at least one customer item for bailment, associating the customer identifier with the at least one customer item, storing the at least one customer item, and returning the at least one customer item to the customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Chexology, LLC
    Inventors: Derek Pacque, Gerry Hays, Nathan Altman
  • Patent number: 9563873
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system, method, or computer program product for generating resource tag systems and integration of the tag systems on machines for machine use, valuation, and distribution. The tags comprise sensors for monitoring activity of the machine or product and identifies stagnant periods in the use of the machine or product. Based on a triggering stagnant duration, the tag system provides signals to the user indicating product inactivity. The tag may generate a communicable link with outside sources to identify and present the user with a current market value of the machine or product that the tag is affixed. Upon authorization, the tag may post the machine or product for sale and/or present the product for donation. Furthermore, upon sale of the product, the tag may be able to transfer warranty information along with the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Manu Jacob Kurian, Sasidhar Purushothaman
  • Patent number: 9563874
    Abstract: Rule-based content filter is described, including receiving from a user an indication of an attempted posting of content to a target, wherein the attempted posting of the content by the user comprises at least one item provided by the user for display on a website to the target; selecting a rule associated with the user, wherein the rule is selected based on at least one of the content of the attempted posting and an identity of the target; applying the rule to the attempted posting to determine whether a condition applies, the condition relating to whether the attempted posting complies with the rule; when the condition applies, posting to the target; and when the condition does not apply, providing an indication to the user that the attempted post does not comply with the rule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: GOOGLE INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan McPhie, Dan Fredinburg
  • Patent number: 9563875
    Abstract: A system for automatically providing notifications to a user regarding interesting content, which automatically collects information regarding persons that are important to the user, as well as indications of important content sources. The important content sources are then monitored for actions performed by one of the important persons for the user, and notifications are generated to the user in the event that the important person performs an action on a document or other information item stored in the important content source. Important persons for a user may be determined through a communication application used by the user, such as an electronic mail program, instant messaging program, or the like, in response to indications of persons that the user has either sent messages to and/or received messages from. The notifications may be provided through the user's communication application, by electronic mail messages, instant messages, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Niklas Heidloff, Michael R. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 9563876
    Abstract: An instant messaging program is configured by receiving a chat selection input signal from the input device indicating the selection of a chat session; displaying selectable chat configuration parameters on the display; receiving a configuration input signal from the selection device indicating the selection of a chat configuration parameter; and linking the selected chat configuration parameter to the selected chat session so that the selected chat configuration parameter controls the subsequent display of the selected chat session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Randolph M. Forlenza, John P. Kaemmerer, Raghuraman Kalyanaraman, Courtney J. Spooner
  • Patent number: 9563877
    Abstract: Technologies are described herein for providing users of a messaging application with controls that perform one or more selected actions with a message. Any number of default custom action controls may be displayed in a gallery. The selection of a custom action control performs various actions to an active message. New custom action controls may be created and existing controls modified to provide any number of desired actions. Dialogs provide user-friendly interfaces that allow a user to assign the desired functionality to a custom action control. The custom action controls may be organized into groups and shared between messaging applications and computers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Melissa Rodden Morrell MacBeth, Ryan Edward Gregg, Jesse Clay Satterfield, Andrew Mark Coates, Kumiko Yada, Richard P Grutzmacher, Michael Anthony Affronti, Owen C Braun
  • Patent number: 9563878
    Abstract: A system and method for performing automatic detection, storage, correlation and retrieval of specific electronic communications data from heterogeneous computer systems and storage with non-normalized representation of this data on a computer system running specialized software are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: SugarCRM Inc.
    Inventors: Stanislav Malyshev, Lila Tretikov, Clint Oram, Larry Augustin, Majed Itani, Andreas Sandberg, Jenny Gonsalves
  • Patent number: 9563879
    Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for providing accurate recipients lists. Keywords (e.g., processor, monitor) in a document (e.g., electronic mail message) are identified. These keywords are tagged, where tagging refers to an index term assigned to a piece of information, such as these keywords. A list of recipients may be provided to be correlated with these tagged keywords. The list of recipients is associated with these tagged keywords thereby providing a predefined recipient list to be used when a subsequent document with these tagged keywords is identified. Furthermore, the user is provided an option to modify this recipient list when a subsequent document containing the tagged keywords associated with the recipient list is identified thereby ensuring an accurate recipient list is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Al Chakra, Gary Denner, Itzhack Goldberg, Mette F. Hammer, George Kyriacou, Patrick J. O'Sullivan
  • Patent number: 9563880
    Abstract: A personal scheduler is proposed. The scheduler is used to define tasks, each one consisting of an activity to be performed by a defined deadline at a specific location, and appointments, each one consisting of an activity to be performed at a precise time at a specific location. The scheduler warns the user whenever s/he passes close to the location of each task. Moreover, at the morning the scheduler reminds all the tasks that might be performed during the day, according to an expected traveling path of the user based on the appointments to be attended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Roberto Longobardi
  • Patent number: 9563881
    Abstract: Described is an optimistic fair payment protocol in electronic commerce that provides fair payment while resisting an unconscious double spending attack and other attacks. A buyer receives encrypted e-goods from a merchant, and sends payment to the merchant. If decryption information is not received in exchange for the payment, or the decryption information does not render the e-goods useable, the buyer launches a dispute with a third party dispute resolution service. If the decryption information is received and renders the e-goods useable, the buyer determines whether the e-goods are valid, according to a corresponding description. If not valid, the buyer launches a dispute and provides the e-goods and the description. The third party uses the description to evaluate the validity of the goods to determine whether to refund the payment to the buyer or release it to the merchant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Jun Shao, Min Feng, Bin B. Zhu
  • Patent number: 9563882
    Abstract: A method and a system perform software suite activation. In some embodiments, a method includes installing a software suite having a number of software products onto a computer device. If a copy of one of the number of software products is already activated on the computer device, the installing includes deactivating a license of the copy of the one of the number of software products. Additionally, if a copy of one of the number of software products is already activated on the computer device, the installing includes adopting, by the software suite, the copy of the one of the number of software products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Adobe Systems Incorporated
    Inventors: Shyam Sunder Vijay, Xuejun Xu
  • Patent number: 9563883
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer readable medium for usage billing of one or more hosted applications serving one or more clients. The hosted applications are contained within one or more isolated environments or run without isolated environments. The system may include usage billing based on one or more of resources open, amount of data flowing through resources, number of open files, number of transactions, number of concurrent users, number of processes, CPU utilization and memory usage, The system may further include a management interface where administrators may add, remove and configure isolated environments, configure client policies and credentials, and force upgrades. If using isolated environments, the isolated environments may be isolated from other applications and the host operating system on the clients and applications within the isolated environments may run without performing an application-installation on the client.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Open Invention Network LLC
    Inventor: Allan Havemose
  • Patent number: 9563884
    Abstract: An automated retail terminal in which a plurality of goods and/or services are provided in an integrated system. The integrated system generally avoids duplicating hardware or functions in the course of delivering the goods or services offered, so for example in a combination ATM and Internet kiosk the same credit card or smart card reader is used for both the ATM and the Internet kiosk functions, the same control screen activates the ATM functions and the Internet functions, and etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Inventor: David M. Barcelou
  • Patent number: 9563885
    Abstract: Systems and methods for duplicating transponder keys and managing key information thereof are provided. In some embodiments, the system comprises: a kiosk comprising: an antenna; and at least one hardware processor is programmed to: determine that the transponder key is to be scanned; receive information related to the transponder key; retrieve signal properties for the transponder key based on the received information related to the transponder key; cause the antenna to emit a first signal; detect a second signal; receive location information; cause information encoded in the second signal to be used to create the duplicate transponder key; and cause the duplicate transponder key to be delivered based on the location information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: KeyMe, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Marsh, Kristopher Borer, Zachary Salzbank, Paige Pruitt
  • Patent number: 9563886
    Abstract: A checkout apparatus including a self-checkout unit having a product identification device, a payment identification device, a microprocessor and a point-of-sale system configured to allow a touchless speed tender transaction. The invention also includes an apparatus and method for offering a mode-driven and/or customer-driven checkout transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: ECR Software Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Terry Catoe, Burt Aycock
  • Patent number: 9563887
    Abstract: Disclosed is a helmet cleaning apparatus. The apparatus includes a rectangular housing having a cleaning compartment with a transparent lid pivotally connected thereto. The compartment includes a helmet mount having a spheroidal shape and on which a helmet can be positioned for cleaning. The helmet mount further includes apertures thereon that are connected to a vacuum cleaning device and a steam cleaning device contained within the housing. In operation, a helmet is positioned on the helmet mount, and some of the apertures thereon disperse steam in order to clean the helmet. Other apertures draw debris and other materials into the vacuum cleaning device in order to remove the same from the helmet. In this way, a user can easily and conveniently sanitize and clean a helmet without having to manually cleaning the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Inventor: Chester Ely
  • Patent number: 9563888
    Abstract: A method for analyzing mobile handset based transactions between sender handsets and receiver handsets comprising the steps of: identifying locations of a sender handset and a receiver handset for each transaction using mobile base station information; determine a geographical distribution of mobile handset based transactions based on the identified locations; and identifying anomalies by comparing the determined geographical distribution with an expected geographical distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Vodafone IP Licensing Limited
    Inventors: Gregory Reeve, Peter Cornforth, Jason Downing
  • Patent number: 9563889
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a method of masking transaction data for a secure wireless transaction includes transmitting wireless pseudo transaction data that includes false transaction data and processing received pseudo transaction data and transaction data to extract or separate the transaction data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Erik Hershey, Michael James Hartman, Richard Louis Zinser, John Anderson Fergus Ross
  • Patent number: 9563890
    Abstract: Mobile device payments using barcodes are displayed on mobile devices and scanned by merchants at checkout counters. When a customer is ready to tender a payment to a merchant, instead of using a credit card, cash, or check, the customer activates an application on his mobile device. The mobile device includes or obtains information about the payment system of this merchant. Furthermore, the mobile device includes or obtains information about the customer/mobile device user and then uses these two pieces of information to generate and display a barcode that encodes customer payment information specific to this merchant. The barcode is scanned by one scan or one touch at the checkout counter and processed to retrieve customer records from a database of the payment processing system. These records are then used to transfer funds between the merchant and customer, obtain discounts, and/or perform other retail transactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Inventor: Dylan T X Zhou
  • Patent number: 9563891
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for providing a third party service via a wallet client. Service provider information is received from a service provider and stored in a wallet client database. Based on the service provider information, a wallet client is authenticated with a service provider system, a communication session is established, and a servicing environment is invoked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: GOOGLE INC.
    Inventors: Stephen Kuhn, Daniel L. Lipton, Kai P Johnson, Ryan Watkins
  • Patent number: 9563892
    Abstract: A personal digital ID device provides a digital identifier to a service for a predetermined duration in response to user interaction. The user interaction may include a button press. The personal digital ID device may be in the form of a bracelet, a key fob, or other form factor. The service may be provided by a mobile device, in the cloud, or elsewhere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Tyfone, Inc.
    Inventors: Siva G. Narendra, Prabhakar Tadepalli, Saurav Chakraborty, Donald Allen Bloodworth
  • Patent number: 9563893
    Abstract: Determining a fuel card usage exception with the use of a computer that receives fuel card transaction data responsive to a fuel purchase event. The fuel card transaction data identifies a quantity of fuel purchased for a vehicle using a fuel card. In addition, the computer receives first fuel level data and second fuel level data of the vehicle that identifies a quantity of fuel present in a fuel tank of the vehicle prior to a fuel purchase event and after a fuel purchase event respectively. The computer can determine an exception associated with the fuel purchase event based on the fuel card transaction data, the first fuel level data, and the second fuel level data. Responsive to detecting an exception associated with the fuel purchase event, the computer may generate an alert and transmit the alert for presentation by a computing device of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: FleetCor Technologies Operating Company, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Lamb, Jason C. Cole, Max L. Johnson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9563894
    Abstract: A method of operating a computer system is disclosed. An eCommerce authentication request is received from a merchant node. The eCommerce authentication request has content including merchant information. A risk score for the eCommerce authentication request is generated based on comparison of the merchant information of the eCommerce authentication request to merchant information of eCommerce authentication requests of a plurality of merchant nodes. The eCommerce authentication request is selectively provided to an authentication node based on the risk score.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: CA, Inc.
    Inventors: Revathi Subramanian, Paul C. Dulany, Hongrui Gong, Kannan Shashank Shah
  • Patent number: 9563895
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a financial institution system maintained by a financial institution and for tokenization of user accounts for using a direct payment authorization channel, whereby a third party payment authorization network is avoided. Embodiments establish a direct channel of communication between the system and a merchant or a merchant network in communication with the merchant; wherein the direct channel of communication comprises a network communication channel without a third party payment authorization system; receive a token issued by the financial institution and associated with a user account associated with a customer of the financial institution; receive transaction data comprising an amount associated with a transaction between the customer of the financial institution and the merchant; and determine whether to authorize the transaction based on the received token and the received transaction data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: Laura Corinne Bondesen, Scott Lee Harkey