| Patent application number | Description | Published |
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| 20080201195 | SYSTEM AND METOD FOR TRANSFORMING AN ENTERPRISE USING A COMPONENT BUSINESS MODEL - A system and method are described for using a Component Business Model (CBM) to transform a business. A CBM map is used to identify components that collaborate to provide a specified capability, and a repository supporting the CBM map is filtered to provide a view of the identified components that highlights how they collaborate. The view is used to identify component features contributing to the specified capability. The specified capability is then enhanced by a transformation strategy that includes re-engineering particular components, identifying a pattern characterizing the collaboration between components and adding a component to perform the collaborative pattern, and/or adding an additional feature to the collaboration and adding component to perform the additional feature. The CBM repository provides exemplar best practices that can be adapted for use in a re-engineered component. | 08-21-2008 |
| 20080215398 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING A COMPONENT BUSINESS MODEL TO MANAGE AN ENTERPRISE - A method and system are described for using the structure and relationships between components in a component business model of an enterprise to assign components providing monitoring data to a management component. In response to the monitoring data, the management component executes a business rule invoking a service that alters a behavior of the enterprise. The management component contains data rules limiting the information provided by the assigned components, analysis rules defining the interaction between components, and report rules for consolidating recommendations for altering behavior of the enterprise, including decisions to invest in certain aspects of the business, to reengineer certain processes of the business, and to alter operation of certain aspects of the business. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080221940 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING THE COMPONENT BUSINESS MODEL TO ANALYZE BUSINESS VALUE DRIVERS - The method and system uses the component business model as a framework for locating business activities. Business value drivers are identified, related in an influence model, and structured into a prioritized driver tree. The driver tree is used to determine the relative contributions of leaf drivers to the overall value of the business. Business activities contributing to the leaf drivers are then identified, and the relative contributions of the leaf drivers are allocated to the business activities and then rolled up to the components for display as a heat map overlay on a component map. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080222043 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRANS-VENDOR LICENSE REGISTRATION AND RECOVERY - Computer implemented method, system and computer usable program code for recovering application software in a data processing system. A computer implemented method for recovering application software in a data processing system includes receiving user data and application data from a plurality of users over a computer network, wherein the application data relates to application software of the plurality of users and includes application license data for applications that include a license. The received user data and application data are stored. A request is received over the computer network from a user of the plurality of users to recover application software of the user, and the requested application software is provided to the user over the computer network, wherein the provided application software is enabled and configured based on the user data and application data related to the provided application software. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080229227 | Methods and Apparatus for Implementing an Integrated User Interface for Managing Multiple Virtual Machines Operative in a Computing System - The present invention concerns methods and apparatus for managing multiple virtual machines simultaneously operative in a computing environment. The methods and apparatus of the present invention provide an integrated work environment—for example, a desktop—which incorporates graphical and control elements from multiple virtual machines. In embodiments of the present invention, application programs and resources available in multiple virtual machines can be accessed from a single desktop. Methods and apparatus of the present invention provide visual cues for associating control elements and resources with particular virtual machines. In embodiments of the present invention, multiple virtual machines operative in a computing environment can comprise a plurality of collaborative virtual machines, or a private virtual machine and one or more collaborative virtual machines. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080294734 | System and Method for E-Mail Client with Proactive Indication Unit - A system and method provide an enhanced e-mail (electronic mail) system with a proactive indication of recipient away message. The system and method provide an enhanced e-mail system with a proactive indication of away messages of individuals related to the recipient. The system and method also provides for enhanced e-mail with a variety of away messages automatically sent based on criteria such as the nature of the e-mail sender, the date the e-mail was received, and the content of the e-mail. | 11-27-2008 |
| 20090037905 | METHOD FOR TRANSFERRING INVENTORY BETWEEN VIRTUAL UNIVERSES - The present invention provides a computer implemented method for transferring an item from a source virtual universe to a target virtual universe. A target virtual universe host opens a session between a source virtual universe host and itself. Next, it determines that the source virtual universe host is authorized to transmit the item to the target virtual universe host. Next, it receives a command from a client computer to transfer the item from the source virtual universe host to the target virtual universe host. Next, it receives item data in the target virtual universe host. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090046094 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PREDICTING AVATAR MOVEMENT IN A VIRTUAL UNIVERSE - The present invention provides a computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer useable program code to offer to move an avatar in a virtual universe. A computer predicts a location selection to form a prediction. The computer renders a first viewport in a computer display, based on the prediction. The first viewport includes a first user-control; a first coordinate; and a first attitude. The computer renders a second viewport comprising a second user-control, a second coordinate and a second attitude wherein at least one object is rendered in a computer display from a perspective distinct from a perspective of the first viewport. The computer receives an instruction corresponding to the first user-control. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090046102 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SPAWNING PROJECTED AVATARS IN A VIRTUAL UNIVERSE - The present invention provides a computer implemented method and apparatus to project a projected avatar associated with an avatar in a virtual universe. A computer receives a command to project the avatar, the command having a projection point. The computer transmits a request to place a projected avatar at the projection point to a virtual universe host. The computer renders a tab associated with the projected avatar. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090046109 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MOVING AN AVATAR IN A VIRTUAL UNIVERSE - A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for moving an avatar. A computer renders a first viewport in a computer display. The first viewport may comprise a first tab, a first coordinate, and a first attitude. A first object is rendered based on the first coordinate and the first attitude in a region. The computer renders a second tab. The computer receives a user selection corresponding to the second tab. Next, the computer renders a second viewport comprising a second coordinate and a second attitude. The computer renders the second object in a computer display from a perspective distinct from the first viewport. In addition, the computer registers the avatar as associated with the second coordinate and second attitude in the virtual universe, wherein the first tab is a visual indication of movement history. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090049008 | SYSTEM FOR EVOLVING EFFICIENT COMMUNICATION - An improved system, method, service method, and data structure that facilitates collaboration with, communication of, and access to information, particularly in an education environment is disclosed. The invention includes a database having one or more records. Each record defines a logical connection between one or more querents and one or more respondents. Each logical connection has a strength value indicating the value of the logical connection. Some embodiments of the invention include a selecting process that selects one or more of the respondents to respond to one or more queries from a querent. Alternative embodiments of the invention include processes that mine the database and/or provide services to users. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090124349 | SYSTEM FOR PERSONALIZING CONTENT PRESENTED IN AN AVATAR WAIT STATE - Customized wait state experiences are provided for an avatar in a virtual universe are provided by determining user alternative wait context preferences, selecting alternative wait state content objects accordingly, creating a wait state context in the virtual universe system using the alternative wait state content objects, and transporting the waiting avatar to the newly created wait state context for the duration of the wait. The custom context can include scenery, sounds, and even information streams and feeds. The avatar is optionally returned to the original context upon an event, such as a customer service representative, being available and ready to interact with the user. Artificial intelligence processes are optionally used to determine probable wait state context preferences for the user. Rewards may be given to the user for waiting, and for completing games or challenges. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090171781 | LOCATION BASED ADVERTISEMENT DELIVERY TO PERVASIVE DEVICES - A computer implemented method, computer program product, and data processing system display advertisements on a pervasive device. A wireless signal for an advertisement is received by the pervasive device. The advertisement includes advertisement information. Responsive to receiving the wireless signal, the advertisement information is compared to user preferences to determine whether the advertisement information matches the user preferences. In the event that the advertisement information matches at least one of the user preferences, the advertisement is displayed on the pervasive device. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090198664 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MERGING DISPARATE VIRTUAL UNIVERSES ENTITIES - A migration tool for merging disparate virtual universes by selecting a source region or source account, selecting a destination edge or destination account, retrieving and storing virtual universe information for the source region or account, inserting the virtual universe resources of the source region or account into the destination region or account, activating the inserted resources, and deleting the source resources from the source region or account. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090201299 | Pack Avatar for Shared Inventory in a Virtual Universe - Generally speaking, systems, methods and media for providing a pack avatar for sharing inventory in a virtual universe are disclosed. Embodiments of a method may include receiving a request to create a pack avatar carrying one or more shared inventory items in a virtual universe and creating a pack avatar based on the received requests. Embodiments may include rendering the pack avatar in the virtual universe. Embodiments may also include, in response to receiving a request from a virtual universe user to borrow one or more shared inventory items carried by the pack avatar, accessing the one or more requested shared inventory items and rendering the one or more requested shared inventory items in the virtual universe. Further embodiments may include associating the pack avatar with a user and moving the pack avatar within the virtual universe. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090204514 | Systems, Methods, and Media for Managing Shared Inventory in a Virtual Universe - Generally speaking, systems, methods and media for managing shared inventory in a virtual universe are disclosed. Embodiments of the method may include receiving notification of a user session being established between a user and a virtual universe simulator. The method may also include accessing a list of shared inventory items for the user where the list of shared inventory items includes one or more shared inventory items each having an inventory source associated with it. Embodiments may also include retrieving at least one shared inventory item from its associated inventory source and passing the retrieved shared inventory item to the virtual universe simulator. Further embodiments may include retrieving an updated listing for the shared inventory items from their associated inventory sources and passing the updated shared inventory item list to the virtual universe simulator. Further embodiments may include passing metadata for shared inventory items to the virtual universe simulator. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090204628 | Shared Inventory Item Donation in a Virtual Universe - Generally speaking, systems, methods and media for managing donations of shared inventory items in a virtual universe are disclosed. Embodiments of the method may include receiving a request to make available for donation a shared inventory item list that can be borrowed simultaneously by a plurality of users of a virtual universe where the request includes an indication of donation conditions for the donated shared inventory item. Embodiments may also include generating and storing metadata associated with the donated shared inventory item and receiving a request from a plurality of users to borrow the item. Embodiments may include lending the donated shared inventory item to the plurality of borrowing users such that multiple users are borrowing the item simultaneously. Embodiments may also include tracking usage of the donated shared inventory item by the plurality of borrowing users and optionally determining a donation amount resulting from the tracked usage. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090222338 | Monitoring and Rewards Methodologies for "Green" Use of Vehicles - Energy-efficiency related data corresponding to dynamic energy-efficiency related operational parameters of a vehicle are collected from in-vehicle sensors and energy-efficiency parameters may be computed therefrom. The energy efficiency-related parameters and energy-efficiency parameters are then transmitted either directly of through a wireless and/or network link(s) to a station at which a transaction with a vehicle operator may be performed. An incentive based on efficiency of vehicle operation is computed and awarded to provide feedback to a vehicle operator to provide information concerning efficient vehicle operation and to encourage efficient and environmentally responsible vehicle operation. Both energy efficiency and environmental effects may be displayed at the station or substantially continuously and in substantially real time within the vehicle. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090267937 | FLOATING TRANSITIONS - A computer implemented method and apparatus for floating object transitions. In one embodiment, tracking data identifying a location of an avatar in relation to a range of an object in a virtual universe is received. The range comprises a viewable field. In response to the tracking data indicating an occurrence of a trigger condition, a set of flotation rules associated with the trigger condition is identified. An optimal location and orientation of the object is identified for each flotation action in a set of flotation actions associated with the set of flotation rules. The set of flotation actions are initiated to float the object above a surface. The object changes the location and orientation of the object in accordance with the set of flotation actions associated with the set of flotation rules. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090267948 | OBJECT BASED AVATAR TRACKING - A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for object based avatar tracking. In one embodiment, a range for an object in a virtual universe is identified. The range comprises a viewable field of the object. Avatars in the viewable field of the object are capable of viewing the object. Avatars outside the viewable field of the object are incapable of viewing the object. In response to an avatar coming within the range of the object, an object avatar rendering table is queried for a session associated with the avatar unique identifier and the object unique identifier. The object avatar rendering table comprises a unique identifier of a set of selected objects and unique identifiers for each avatar in a range of a selected object in the set of selected objects. An object initiation process associated with the object is triggered. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090267950 | FIXED PATH TRANSITIONS - A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for fixed path transitions in a virtual universe environment. In one embodiment, tracking data that identifies a location of an avatar in relation to a range of an object in a virtual universe is received. The range comprises a viewable field. In response to the tracking data indicating an occurrence of a trigger condition associated with a fixed path rule, a fixed path defined by the fixed path rule is identified. A speed of movement and an orientation of the object associated with the fixed path rule is identified. Movement of the object along the fixed path defined by the fixed path rule is initiated. The object then moves along the fixed path at the identified speed and with the orientation associated with the fixed path rule. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090267960 | Color Modification of Objects in a Virtual Universe - A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for modifying an object. In one embodiment, the process obtains avatar tracking data that identifies a location of an avatar in relation to a range of an object. The range includes a viewable field. The process then calculates modified pixel color values to form a modified color in response to detecting a condition for triggering modification of the object. Thereafter, the process modifies a color of the object to form the modified color when the location of the set of avatars is within the range of the object. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090271422 | Object Size Modifications Based on Avatar Distance - A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for modifying objects. In one embodiment, tracking data is obtained which identifies a location of a set of avatars in relation to a range of the object. The range of the object includes a viewable field. In response to determining that the object requires modification, a size of the object is compared with a set of size constraints to form a comparison. Thereafter, the size of the object is modified based on the comparison to form a set of size modifications. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090327219 | Cloning Objects in a Virtual Universe - In one embodiment, the process obtains avatar tracking data that identifies a location of an avatar in relation to a range of an object. The range includes a viewable field. In response to the location of the avatar being within the range of the object, the process queries a data structure storing cloning data for a record of a clone of the object. Thereafter, the process instantiates the clone of the object in response to the presence of the record of the clone of the object in the data structure. The process then invokes a set of object methods associated with the record of the clone in the data structure. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20100001993 | GEOMETRIC AND TEXTURE MODIFICATIONS OF OBJECTS IN A VIRTUAL UNIVERSE BASED ON REAL WORLD USER CHARACTERISTICS - A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program product for modifying objects in a virtual universe. A user priority controller determines a real world identity of a set of users controlling a set of avatars within a viewable field of an object in a virtual universe. The user priority controller receives user information describing characteristics of the set of users based on the real world identity of each user in the set of users. The user priority controller generates a temporary and dynamic rule to control modification of the object based on the user information. The user priority controller modifies the object in accordance with the temporary and dynamic rule to increase visibility of the object to an avatar in the set of avatars. The temporary and dynamic rule initiates implementation of geometric and texture modifications to modify the object in accordance with the temporary and dynamic rule. | 01-07-2010 |
| 20100005423 | Color Modifications of Objects in a Virtual Universe Based on User Display Settings - A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for modifying an object. In one embodiment, the process obtains avatar tracking data that identifies a location of an avatar in relation to a range of an object. The range includes a viewable field. The process then selects a data collection method based on the location of the set of avatars. In response to detecting an event for triggering modification of the object, the process calculates a set of color modifiers based on display setting data to form a modified color. Thereafter, the process renders the object using the modified color when the location of the set of avatars is within the range of the object. | 01-07-2010 |
| 20100094476 | ENERGY USAGE MONITORING METHOD AND SYSTEM - A monitoring method and system. The method includes monitoring by a monitoring apparatus, a power configuration for electrical devices and a status for power supplier entities. The monitoring apparatus re-balances a power usage for the electrical devices. The monitoring apparatus generates a first report indicating current loads associated with the electrical devices. The monitoring apparatus transmits the first report to the power supplier entities. The monitoring apparatus generates a group of reports indicating power consumption associated with the power supplier entities. The monitoring apparatus transmits each report of the group of reports to an associated power supplier entity of the power supplier entities. The monitoring apparatus generates a second report indicating updated power consumption associated with the power supplier entities. The monitoring apparatus stores the second report. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100177117 | CONTEXTUAL TEMPLATES FOR MODIFYING OBJECTS IN A VIRTUAL UNIVERSE - A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for modifying object styles in a virtual universe. An object is rendered in accordance with a first contextual style template from a plurality of contextual style templates. The first contextual style template comprises first geometric and texture data to display the object with a first style. In response to detecting a set of contextual changes associated with the object, a second contextual style template is identified from the plurality of contextual style templates. The set of contextual changes triggers implementation of the second contextual style template to change the first style of the object to a second style. The object is rendered in accordance with second geometric and texture data in the second contextual style template to form a modified object, wherein the modified object is displayed with the second style. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100251337 | SELECTIVE DISTRIBUTION OF OBJECTS IN A VIRTUAL UNIVERSE - A method, product, and system are directed to selective distribution of a virtual universe in a virtual universe. In one embodiment, permission is granted to access the virtual universe, whereby a user navigates to a region. Metadata is detected in a user's profile. A virtual universe object is detected in the region. The virtual universe object includes a tag, which includes one or more fields. The tag and the metadata are compared. A level of similarity is detected between the tag and the metadata in the user's profile. Responsive to detecting the level of similarity between the fields included with the tag and the metadata in the user's profile, the virtual universe object is presented to the user. Either an acceptance or a rejection of the virtual universe object is received. Responsive to receiving an acceptance, the virtual universe object is included in the user's inventory. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100332241 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING AND REPORTING TO AN OPERATOR GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION FROM A VEHICLE - A method and system for monitoring greenhouse gas emission from a vehicle. The vehicle is monitored for greenhouse gas emission, which includes identifying a running total of greenhouse gas emitted by the vehicle into an external environment that is external to the vehicle. Satisfaction of a payment triggering condition that triggers collection of a required payment pertaining to the identified running total of greenhouse gas emitted is detected. Responsive to the detecting satisfaction of the payment triggering condition the required payment is computed as a function of the stored running total of greenhouse gas emitted. A processor of a computer system provides notice of the required payment to an operator of the vehicle; an owner of the vehicle, a collecting party authorized to collect the required payment, a responsible party responsible for submitting the required payment to the collecting party, or combinations thereof. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20110054642 | Optimizing Consumption of Resources - Methods, systems and apparatus for optimizing consumption of one or more resources are presented. For example, a method that may be implemented on a processor device and includes obtaining user preferences for the consumption of resources that include water and electricity, predicting the consumption of, and a first metric for the consumption of, the resources for each of a plurality of first time periods, determining a projected second metric for the consumption of the resources during a second time period according to the predicted consumption and the predicted first metric, and optimizing the consumption of the resources according to the projected second metric and the user preferences. The second time period includes the plurality of first time periods. The first metric is associated with the user preferences and at least one of the plurality of first time periods. The second metric indicates full or partial projected attainment of the preferences during the second time period. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110055087 | Determining Cost and Processing of Sensed Data - Methods, systems and apparatus for determining a proposed cost for use of sensor resources and selecting a method of processing of sensed data are presented. Such a method includes the steps of: predicting a state of an environment, obtaining at least one criterion related to the use of the sensor resources comprising one or more data sensors, determining the proposed cost for use of the sensor resources, acquiring the sensed data from the one or more data sensors, determining a characteristic of the sensed data, and selecting the method of processing the sensed data according to the determined characteristic and the predicted state. The at least one criterion is based upon the predicted state. The determining of the proposed cost is based on the at least one criterion. One or more of steps are implemented on the processor device. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110077934 | Language Translation in an Environment Associated with a Virtual Application - Methods and apparatus for language translation in a computing environment associated with a virtual application are presented. For example, a method for providing language translation includes determining languages of a user and a correspondent; determining one or more sequences of translators; determining a selected sequence of selected translators from the one or more sequences of the translators; requesting a change in virtual locations, within the computing environment associated with the virtual application, of one or more selected translator virtual representations of the selected translators to a virtual meeting location within the computing environment associated with the virtual application; and changing virtual locations of the one or more selected translator virtual representations to the virtual meeting location. One or more of determining languages, determining one or more sequences, determining a selected sequence, requesting a change in virtual locations, and changing virtual locations occur on a processor device. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110087430 | DETERMINING TRAVEL ROUTES BY USING AUCTION-BASED LOCATION PREFERENCES - A method and system for determining a travel route that includes a location as a result of an auction. A user request is received for determining a route from point A to point B. Locations are selected that are capable of being included along routes from point A to point B. Selecting the locations is based on the request. An auction among vendors is initiated. The vendor winning the auction is determined. The route is determined so that a location of the selected locations is included along the route. The location is associated with the winning vendor. The determined route is presented to the user as a recommended route. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110087524 | DETERMINING TRAVEL ROUTES BY USING FEE-BASED LOCATION PREFERENCES - A method and system for determining a travel route that includes a location as a result of fee-based preferential weighting. A user request is received for determining a route from point A to point B. A preferential weight is assigned to a location associated with a vendor. The location is selected as being capable of being included along the route. Selecting the location is based on the request and preferential weight. A fee to be charged to the vendor is determined. The fee is for presenting the route to the user as a recommended route and is based on the location being included along the recommended route. The route is determined so that the location is included along the route. The route is presented to the user as the recommended route. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110087525 | ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP BASED ON DRIVING BEHAVIOR - A method and system for managing driving patterns by charging a variable incentive and/or disincentive based on individual driving behaviors. Distances detected between a vehicle and other vehicles are detected within a time period. N tailgating incidents are identified based on the detected distances being less than a threshold value for distance. A variable toll is determined by evaluating a function of a base amount and N. The driver of the vehicle is charged the variable toll. Charging the variable toll provides an incentive to the driver to encourage driving that does not include tailgating or a disincentive to the driver to deter tailgating. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110113018 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MERGING DISPARATE VIRTUAL UNIVERSES ENTITIES - A migration tool for merging disparate virtual universes by selecting a source region or source account, selecting a destination edge or destination account, retrieving and storing virtual universe information for the source region or account, inserting the virtual universe resources of the source region or account into the destination region or account, activating the inserted resources, and deleting the source resources from the source region or account. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110166958 | CONDUCTING ROUTE COMMERCE FROM A CENTRAL CLEARINGHOUSE - A method and system for managing route resources. After receiving a request for a route from a user, user-specified constraints, route supplier-specified constraints, and weights assigned to the constraints, a dynamic model of available routes is queried to generate proposed routes based on the constraints and weights. The model is updated according to the proposed routes. Current bids on related routes are retrieved. Prices of the proposed routes are determined and presented to the user. The prices are based on the updated model and the current bids on related routes. If no price is acceptable, the user modifies the constraints and a new set of proposed routes is generated. A bid from the user to purchase a selected proposed route is received. | 07-07-2011 |
