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2001 Patents -- Selected Highlights
Among the U.S. patents issued for IBM inventions in 2001:

Mirror image improves chip performance
This patent refers to an alternate type of transistor -- the basic building block of semiconductors or microchips. Dual or double gate transistors use two gates, rather than one, to switch a transistor on and off, and this patent describes a breakthrough method for effectively manufacturing them. Double gate transistors improve on existing devices since they effectively double the electrical current that can be sent through a transistor or, alternatively, lower the amount of electricity running through a given gate for better power management. This makes these new transistors very suitable for high-performance processors or for very low power uses. (Patent 6207530: Dual gate FET and process)

Instant recovery: early example of self-healing capabilities
This patent describes how a computer system can recover more easily from a crash due to a corrupted application or operating system. With this invention, computer users can revert within minutes to a back-up copy of applications and operating system software stored in a separate area of the hard drive, without having to download or install a new copy from an outside computer. Called "Rapid Restore PC," this technology is available now on IBM ThinkPad notebooks and NetVista desktop PCs. (Patent 6195695: Data Processing System and Method for Recovering from System Crashes)

Linking data made easier
Computers store data in diverse and often incompatible forms: structured, unstructured, relational or hierarchical databases, in flat files or as multimedia objects. This patent allows users to access all types of data using a "single-query" search. This invention makes it possible for businesses to integrate the management and retrieval of traditional coded information with newer digitized data, and is at the heart of IBM's DiscoveryLink software, which is fueling the company's growth in the nascent Life Sciences industry. (Patent 6263342: Federated searching of heterogeneous datastores using a federated datastore object)

New way to analyze fingerprints
This patent helps accurately identify and analyze fingerprints. Fingerprints can be distorted due to skin elasticity and the varying amount of pressure an individual applies when providing a fingerprint. In this invention, fingerprints are identified by counting the number of ridges between features in the print. By using the "ridge count," different images of the same fingerprint can be identified as identical. (Patent 6266433: System and method for determining ridge counts in fingerprint image processing)

Drivers' friend: artificial passenger
IBM researchers have developed an invention to keep drivers awake on the road. An automatic in-car dialog system carries on a conversation with the driver on various topics. The system analyzes the driver's answers together with his or her voice patterns to determine if the driver is alert while driving. The system warns the driver or changes the topic of conversation if it determines that the driver is about to fall asleep. Such a system also can be used for voice-activated operation of audio equipment, such as in-car CD/DVD players, radios and telephones. (Patent 6236968: Sleep prevention dialog based car system)

Results and rankings also were reported today by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services, which compiles the CLAIMS(c) patent database and annually reports the number of U.S. patents issued to companies. According to IFI CLAIMS, IBM inventors were listed on 42 additional patents awarded to other primary assignees for a total of 3,453 patents.

About IBM:
IBM is the world's largest information technology company, with 80 years of leadership in helping businesses innovate. IBM offers a wide range of services, solutions and technologies that enable telecommunications service providers and equipment suppliers to take full advantage of the new era of e-business. IBM Global Services is the world's largest information technology services provider, with 2000 revenues of more than $33 billion. Services is the fastest growing part of IBM, with nearly 150,000 professionals serving customers in 160 countries. IBM Global Services has about 150 data centers around the world keeping thousands of businesses running 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information on IBM, visit www.ibm.com.