Patents Examined by Natasha Cosme
  • Patent number: 9357451
    Abstract: Methods, device and apparatus for use in a cellular network are disclosed. An example method disclosed herein comprises: receiving, via the cellular network, a bias parameter of a neighbor cell; and determining based on the bias parameter whether or not to perform at least one mobility measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Muhammad Khaledul Islam, Andrew Farnsworth
  • Patent number: 9332129
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the automated updating of forwarding preferences for communications in a telecommunications network. In one embodiment, the network includes a wireless (e.g., cellular) network with user mobile user devices configured to detect a change to their configuration (such as a user changing out SIM cards or virtual access clients). In response, the device causes an update to its associated communication forwarding preferences to reflect the change. If the configuration alteration meets certain criteria (e.g., changes the phone number at which the device may be reached), the device sends a forwarding message instructing a network entity (e.g., routing server) to direct communications addressed to the old phone number to the new phone number. Thus, a user with two or more user profiles (such as two different carrier accounts) may be reached at any number associated with any of the profiles, even if only one profile is currently active.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Li Li, Ben Juang, Arun Mathias
  • Patent number: 9288641
    Abstract: Exemplary methods and systems for facilitating SMS data transfer services in mobile devices are described. An exemplary method includes sending a first SMS message to a device with a payload of the first SMS message including machine-readable information. Next, a second SMS message may be received from the device with a payload of the second SMS message including machine-readable information. The first or second SMS message payloads may include, for example, a synchronization message, a call message, call data, or a scheduling message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignees: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc., Verizon Data Services India Private Limited
    Inventors: Craig L. Reding, Christopher L. Helbling, Robert C. Baruch, Sathish Subramanian, Paula A. Dromlewiez
  • Patent number: 9276645
    Abstract: An inductive charger for a portable electronic device is provided. The portable electronic device has a radio frequency (“RF”) antenna configured for receiving an outgoing RF signal, as well as a secondary coil. The inductive charger includes a primary coil configured for creating a magnetic flux. The magnetic flux is configured for coupling to the secondary coil in the portable electronic device to induce current. The inductive charger includes RF coupling assembly that receives an incoming RF signal. The RF coupling assembly is configured to radiate the outgoing RF signal that is based on the incoming RF signal. The inductive charger includes a radiator configured to receive the outgoing RF signal from the RF coupling assembly. The radiator is configured to radiate the outgoing RF signal to the RF antenna of the portable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Wisnewski, David J. Trzcinski, Gregg R. Kittinger, Donald B. Hibbard, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9277362
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating and using location information is provided to a user of a mobile device. The method involves obtaining and processing a location history of the mobile device to determine locations of significance; automatically generating potential location identifiers associated with the locations of significance; and prompting, at a determined appropriate time, for user input for refining the set of one or more potential location identifiers into a customized location identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: BLACKBERRY LIMITED
    Inventor: Andrey Li
  • Patent number: 9256283
    Abstract: A mobile terminal and a method of controlling an operation thereof are disclosed. In the method of controlling the operation of the mobile terminal, the mobile terminal is communicatively with a head mounted display for displaying an augmented reality (AR) screen obtained by combining a virtual image with a real environment. If image data acquired through a camera is analyzed and a predetermined gesture input is detected, the head mounted display is controlled such that a display change corresponding to the detected gesture input is displayed on the AR screen. In a state of displaying the AR screen through the head mounted display, various operations related to the mobile terminal can be controlled according to the predetermined gesture input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Heejoon Kang
  • Patent number: 9204313
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method in a first communication node in a wireless communications network comprising a plurality of second communication nodes for enabling a central processing of local data from second communication nodes in the network. The first communication node establishes (82) an intemode connection in a radio access network of the wireless communications network to a second communication node wherein information is sent of a virtual cell of the first communication node. The first communication node then requests (84) and receives (86) local information from the second communication node. The received local information is then processed (88) into processed data to be used to centrally process the local information of the second communication node. For centrally processing the local information, the processed data is transmitted (90) to a third communication node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (publ)
    Inventors: Anders Dahlén, Paul Stjernholm
  • Patent number: 9198122
    Abstract: System and method are provided for redirecting a communication device between a macro network and a femtocell network using a service redirection message (SRDM). In an embodiment, the communication device registers with the network which then determines the subscription status of the communication device to a femtocell network. If the subscription is confirmed, using the SRDM the system redirects the communication device to a communication frequency used by the femtocell network. Upon receipt of the SRDM, the communication devices tunes to a communication frequency specified in the SRDM. The system may segregate the CDMA channels used by the macro network, one set containing channels exclusive to the macro network and the other containing channel or channels used by both the macro network and the femtocell network. In this way, the communication device is prevented from entering a frequency re-hashing loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventor: Aleksandar M. Gogic
  • Patent number: 9179339
    Abstract: A method and system for testing the wireless signal propagation model of the cellular network is provided in the invention. The method comprising: selecting a testing site to install a receiving testing apparatus; moving a transmission apparatus along a testing route transmitting a testing signal upon moving; the receiving testing apparatus receiving the testing signal, and detecting the strength of the received testing signal; and obtaining field strength testing data along the testing route based on a synchronization established between the transmission apparatus and the receiving testing apparatus. By this invention, the testing efficiency of the wireless signal propagation model correction in the area covered by the cellular network can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: ZTE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yanwei Wu
  • Patent number: 9154977
    Abstract: A system and methods for maintaining or optimizing a mobile phone network by spatially correlating geolocated radio access network (RAN) performance measurement data and geolocated subscriber account data, which in embodiments provides additional technical information on the RAN performance. These data are integrated in a spatial data structure and provided with a spatial querying and data correlation system for identifying, and addressing problem areas of the RAN.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: ACTIX LIMITED
    Inventors: Richard Kateley, Chris Haines, Richard Harris, Martin Hunt
  • Patent number: 9143552
    Abstract: Systems and methods are presented that enable the transmission of data and applications to a communications device using a most efficient communication pathway. This enables large sized information to be sent to cellular telephones and other devices without using conventional cellular signaling pathways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: Thomas W. Bonner, Judson John Flynn, Scott Allen Swanburg
  • Patent number: 9112962
    Abstract: A method comprises the steps of establishing a call between a first user equipment and a second user equipment, acquiring the identity of the second user equipment, and providing the identity of the second user equipment to the first user equipment. The invention has the advantage that it enables a law enforcement agent (for example a police officer or investigator) to track the equipment that is used by a person for a particular call. When a suspect call is received, a law enforcement agent can easily return a call to that phone, even when the SIM card of that phone is swapped. When placing a call to a suspect number, the law enforcement officer can easily determine on which device the call is answered and then determine which other persons (MSISDNs) have been using that device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (publ)
    Inventor: Rogier August Caspar Joseph Noldus
  • Patent number: 9113183
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring and updating user availability based upon presence and television viewing behavior are described herein. In one embodiment, a presence system is used to detect a user's presence to update the user's availability status. The availability status is then used to update a contact list, voicemail message, and/or busy message. In further embodiments, user preferences are used in combination with presence data to update the user's availability status. In still further embodiments, a user's television viewing behavior is used in combination with the presence data, user preferences, or both to update the user's availability status. Alternative embodiments provide systems and methods in accordance with the present invention for other interactive devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Mikan, Justin McNamara, Fulvio Cenciarelli, Anastasios Kefalas
  • Patent number: 9113107
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for interactive advertising and program promotion that may attract and maintain user interest. The interactive advertisements may be displayed within interactive television application display screens, such as, an interactive television program guide display screen. A user may be able to select an interactive advertisement and may be presented with interactive content or features that may entice the user to view the advertisement. The interactive content or features may be related or unrelated to the product or service being advertised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.
    Inventors: Stacy Jolna, Richard P Cusick
  • Patent number: 9066367
    Abstract: A method for managing signal interference is provided. The method comprising receiving a signal, wherein the signal comprises at least an interfering reference signal from an interfering network interface and a serving reference signal from a serving network interface, and wherein the interfering signal interferes with the serving signal; identifying a power level and offset of the interfering reference signal and a power level and offset of the serving reference signal; comparing the interfering power level and offset to the serving power level and offset to form a comparison; and performing a corrective action based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: INTEL MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Wen Xu, Ming Huang
  • Patent number: 9049677
    Abstract: A method, an apparatus, and a system for paging processing and information displaying are disclosed. The paging processing method includes: receiving a paging request message from a Mobile Switching Center (MSC) which a called User Equipment (UE) registers to; and when the called UE is connected, sending a paging notification message to the called UE, and returning a called-UE paging status message to the MSC. In the embodiments of the present invention, after the Mobility Management Entity (MME) receives the paging request message from the MSC, if the called UE is connected, the MME not only sends a Circuit-Switched (CS) paging notification message to the called UE, but also returns a paging status message to the MSC, indicating that the called UE has received the paging notification message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu Yin, Yijun Yu
  • Patent number: 9042889
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided that facilitate avoiding one or more wireless communication systems based at least in part on determining a level of unreliability of a reverse link channel related to a system. This can be based at least in part on determining whether the system can be accessed over the reverse link channel. If not, the wireless communication system can be avoided to conserve power utilized to perform such access attempts. Where the unreliability is temporary, however, some access attempts can be performed for systems of higher priority than a current system during the period of avoidance of one or more higher priority systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Wei Qi, Arvind Swaminathan, Manasi D. Gandhi, James A. Hutchison, IV, Kishore Srirambhatla, Reza Shahidi, Alok Sharma
  • Patent number: 9026100
    Abstract: It is provided a policy and charging control method carried out in a communication network. The communication network comprises a first network entity (100), PCFR, including a policy and charging rules function and a second network entity (200), PCEF, including a policy and charging enforcement function for enforcing policy and charging rules in at least two groups of cells, each group of cells including at least one cell. The method comprises configuring (S110), on the second network entity, for a first one group of the at least two groups of cells, an event subscription dependent on a location of the user equipment, the event subscription being specific to the first group of cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (publ)
    Inventors: Fabian Castro Castro, Ana Maria Lopez Nieto
  • Patent number: 9020543
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reducing a Cognitive Pilot Channel (CPC) bandwidth used for transmitting lists of information to a plurality of meshes of a geographical area comprising at least one base station (4) covering n meshes to allow a User Equipment camping on a given mesh among said plurality of meshes to select an operator and/or an access technology and/or a communication frequency available in said given mesh. According to the invention, for a given mesh #i (i=2 to n), the base station transmits to said mesh #i an identifier of a predetermined reference mesh and the difference between the list of information intended for said given mesh and the list of information intended for said reference mesh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome Tring, Lahouari Korbaa, Belkacem Mouhouche
  • Patent number: 9014689
    Abstract: A method and system for offering to provide a femtocell to a subscriber is disclosed. The method includes a computer system making a first determination (i) that a level of wireless performance experienced by a mobile station of a subscriber at a given location is less than a threshold and (ii) that at least one cause of the level of wireless performance being less than the threshold level is a network issue rather than a mobile-station specific issue. The method further includes the computer system making a second determination that the given location is location associated with a billing address of the subscriber. The method then includes, in response to making the first and second determinations, the computer system initiating a process of offering to provide a femtocell to the subscriber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Sprint Spectrum L.P.
    Inventor: Matthew J. Pierce