Patents by Inventor Alan Blackburn
Alan Blackburn has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 10972385Abstract: Methods and apparatus to provide a consumer services cloud in a communications network are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a processor and a computer readable storage medium including computer readable instructions that cause the processor to analyze authentication information in a request for access to a communications network to identify which of multiple possible users associated with a communications network customer is a current user of a client device, analyze second network communications based on a security rule to identify a security risk of the second network communications, access a first profile corresponding to the identified current user to determine a rule to be used to handle network communications transferred within the communications network from the client device of the communications network customer that are diverted via a software-defined network (SDN) switch, and configure a forwarding table of the SDN switch to comply with information obtained from the client device.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2019Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignees: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P., AT&T MOBILITY II LLCInventors: Zhi Cui, Thomas A. Anschutz, Alan Blackburn, Arthur Richard Brisebois
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Publication number: 20190363979Abstract: Methods and apparatus to provide a consumer services cloud in a communications network are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a processor and a computer readable storage medium including computer readable instructions that cause the processor to analyze authentication information in a request for access to a communications network to identify which of multiple possible users associated with a communications network customer is a current user of a client device, analyze second network communications based on a security rule to identify a security risk of the second network communications, access a first profile corresponding to the identified current user to determine a rule to be used to handle network communications transferred within the communications network from the client device of the communications network customer that are diverted via a software-defined network (SDN) switch, and configure a forwarding table of the SDN switch to comply with information obtained from the client device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2019Publication date: November 28, 2019Inventors: Zhi Cui, Thomas A. Anschutz, Alan Blackburn, Arthur Richard Brisebois
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Patent number: 10361950Abstract: Methods and apparatus to provide a consumer services cloud in a communications network are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a processor; and a computer readable storage medium including computer readable instructions which, when executed, cause the processor to perform operations. The operations include identifying which of multiple possible users associated with a communications network customer is a current user of a client device based on authentication information included in a request for access from the client device to a communication network. The network communication containing the request is diverted to the apparatus by a software-defined networking switch. The operations also include, in response to identifying the current user, accessing a first profile corresponding to the identified current user to determine a rule to be used to handle network communications within the communications network. Further operations include configuring the software-defined networking switch.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2017Date of Patent: July 23, 2019Assignees: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P., AT&T Mobility II LLCInventors: Zhi Cui, Thomas A. Anschutz, Alan Blackburn, Arthur Richard Brisebois
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Patent number: 10149238Abstract: Intelligent radio access control selecting a first cell device of a first cell layer or a second cell device of a second cell layer or selecting a radio access technology for communication by a mobile device are provided. A device receives information indicative of an access assignment for communication. The access assignment is generated based on a defined criterion, which is associated with a policy of determining a cell layer assignment prior to determining a radio access technology (RAT) assignment. In response to receiving the information, the device can update its configuration to transmit via a transmission parameter based on the information. The cell layer assignment can offload traffic from the first cell device to the second cell device while the RAT assignment can re-assign the device from a first RAT to a second RAT. Assignment can be based on network conditions or mobility state or applications of the device.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2016Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.Inventors: Zhi Cui, Alan Blackburn, Sangar Dowlatkhah, Ryan Hallahan, James W. Rembert
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Patent number: 10045279Abstract: Concepts and technologies are described herein for a hybrid network-based and device-based intelligent radio access control. According to one aspect disclosed herein, a radio access technology (“RAT”) selection system and a mobile device cooperate to enable an intelligent multi-radio access control that can select a RAT that is best-suited for the mobile device. The RAT selection system can select networks based upon network conditions, policies, user profiles, applications, and/or other information, and provide a list of the networks to the mobile device. The mobile device can utilize local device information to select a network from the list. In this manner, the RAT selection system and the mobile device can cooperate to steer traffic to various networks operating in accordance with different RATs to improve user experience, especially in network traffic congested areas, and to efficiently leverage network resources for mobile telecommunications and WI-FI networks.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2017Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignees: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P., AT&T Mobility II LLCInventors: Zhi Cui, Alan Blackburn, William G. Mansfield
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Patent number: 9998983Abstract: Concepts and technologies are described herein for a network-assisted device-based radio access control. According to one aspect disclosed herein, a mobile device selects one or more radio access networks (“RANs”) to connect to, based upon network conditions, policies, user profiles, local device information, and/or other information. The mobile device can receive network load information from multiple RANs. The mobile device can also receive one or more policies from a radio access technology (“RAT”) selection system. The mobile device can also obtain local device information such as, but not limited to, mobility state information, performance measurement information, battery utilization information, channel quality information, applications, and/or a user override selection.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2012Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventors: Zhi Cui, Farooq Bari, Alan Blackburn, Ryan Hallahan
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Publication number: 20180006934Abstract: Methods and apparatus to provide a consumer services cloud in a communications network are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a processor; and a computer readable storage medium including computer readable instructions which, when executed, cause the processor to perform operations. The operations include identifying which of multiple possible users associated with a communications network customer is a current user of a client device based on authentication information included in a request for access from the client device to a communication network. The network communication containing the request is diverted to the apparatus by a software-defined networking switch. The operations also include, in response to identifying the current user, accessing a first profile corresponding to the identified current user to determine a rule to be used to handle network communications within the communications network. Further operations include configuring the software-defined networking switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2017Publication date: January 4, 2018Applicant: AT&T Mobility Il LLCInventors: Zhi Cui, Thomas A. Anschutz, Alan Blackburn, Arthur Richard Brisebois
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Patent number: 9843987Abstract: Concepts and technologies are described herein for a consumer service cloud (“CSC”) for implementing location-based services to control smart devices. According to one aspect disclosed herein, a CSC system can determine a cell identifier (“ID”) associated with a location in which one or more smart devices resides. The smart device(s) can include one or more settings that can be adjusted remotely by the CSC system to control one or more operational aspects of the smart device(s). The CSC system can periodically receive a cell ID update that can include a current cell ID associated with a current cell in which a user equipment (“UE”) is located. When the CSC system determines that the current cell ID matches the cell ID, the CSC system can generate a request to adjust the setting(s) to control the operational aspect(s) of the smart device(s) and can provide the request to the smart device(s).Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2015Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignees: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P., AT&T Mobility II LLCInventors: Zhi Cui, Alan Blackburn, Thomas A. Anschutz, Arthur Richard Brisebois
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Patent number: 9769069Abstract: Methods and apparatus to provide a consumer services cloud in a communications network are disclosed. An example method includes obtaining, at a first device in a communications network, network communications transmitted from a client device of a communications network customer that are diverted via a software-defined networking switch. The example method also includes analyzing the network communications to identify which of multiple possible users associated with the communications network customer is a current user of the client device; in response to identifying the current user, accessing a first profile corresponding to the identified current user to determine a rule to be used to handle the network communications within the communications network.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2015Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignees: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P., AT&T Mobility II LLCInventors: Zhi Cui, Thomas A. Anschutz, Alan Blackburn, Arthur Richard Brisebois
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Patent number: 9693287Abstract: Concepts and technologies are described herein for a consumer service cloud (“CSC”) for implementing location-based services to control smart devices. According to one aspect disclosed herein, a CSC system can determine a cell identifier (“ID”) associated with a location in which one or more smart devices resides. The smart device(s) can include one or more settings that can be adjusted remotely by the CSC system to control one or more operational aspects of the smart device(s). The CSC system can periodically receive a cell ID update that can include a current cell ID associated with a current cell in which a user equipment (“UE”) is located. When the CSC system determines that the current cell ID matches the cell ID, the CSC system can generate a request to adjust the setting(s) to control the operational aspect(s) of the smart device(s) and can provide the request to the smart device(s).Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2015Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignees: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P., AT&T Mobility II LLCInventors: Zhi Cui, Alan Blackburn, Thomas A. Anschutz, Arthur Richard Brisebois
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Publication number: 20170118695Abstract: Concepts and technologies are described herein for a hybrid network-based and device-based intelligent radio access control. According to one aspect disclosed herein, a radio access technology (“RAT”) selection system and a mobile device cooperate to enable an intelligent multi-radio access control that can select a RAT that is best-suited for the mobile device. The RAT selection system can select networks based upon network conditions, policies, user profiles, applications, and/or other information, and provide a list of the networks to the mobile device. The mobile device can utilize local device information to select a network from the list. In this manner, the RAT selection system and the mobile device can cooperate to steer traffic to various networks operating in accordance with different RATs to improve user experience, especially in network traffic congested areas, and to efficiently leverage network resources for mobile telecommunications and WI-FI networks.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2017Publication date: April 27, 2017Applicants: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P., AT&T Mobility II LLCInventors: Zhi Cui, Alan Blackburn, William G. Mansfield
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Patent number: 9544842Abstract: Concepts and technologies are described herein for a network-based radio access control. According to one aspect disclosed herein, a radio access technology selection system enables an intelligent multi-radio access control that can select one or more radio access technologies that is best-suited for one or more target mobile devices based upon network conditions, policies, user profiles, and/or other information. The radio access technology selection system also informs the target mobile device(s) of one or more networks that utilize the selected radio access technology. In this manner, the radio access technology selection system can steer traffic to various networks operating in accordance with different radio access technologies to improve user experience, especially in network traffic congested areas, and to efficiently leverage network resources for mobile telecommunications and WI-FI networks.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2012Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignees: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P., AT&T Mobility II LLCInventors: Zhi Cui, Alan Blackburn, Dimas R. Noriega
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Patent number: 9544841Abstract: Concepts and technologies are described herein for a hybrid network-based and device-based intelligent radio access control. According to one aspect disclosed herein, a radio access technology (“RAT”) selection system and a mobile device cooperate to enable an intelligent multi-radio access control that can select a RAT that is best-suited for the mobile device. The RAT selection system can select networks based upon network conditions, policies, user profiles, applications, and/or other information, and provide a list of the networks to the mobile device. The mobile device can utilize local device information to select a network from the list. In this manner, the RAT selection system and the mobile device can cooperate to steer traffic to various networks operating in accordance with different RATs to improve user experience, especially in network traffic congested areas, and to efficiently leverage network resources for mobile telecommunications and WI-FI networks.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2012Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignees: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P., AT&T Mobility II LLCInventors: Zhi Cui, Alan Blackburn, William G. Mansfield
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Publication number: 20160366635Abstract: Concepts and technologies are described herein for a consumer service cloud (“CSC”) for implementing location-based services to control smart devices. According to one aspect disclosed herein, a CSC system can determine a cell identifier (“ID”) associated with a location in which one or more smart devices resides. The smart device(s) can include one or more settings that can be adjusted remotely by the CSC system to control one or more operational aspects of the smart device(s). The CSC system can periodically receive a cell ID update that can include a current cell ID associated with a current cell in which a user equipment (“UE”) is located. When the CSC system determines that the current cell ID matches the cell ID, the CSC system can generate a request to adjust the setting(s) to control the operational aspect(s) of the smart device(s) and can provide the request to the smart device(s).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2015Publication date: December 15, 2016Applicants: AT&T MOBILITY II LLC, AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.Inventors: Zhi Cui, Alan Blackburn, Thomas A. Anschutz, Arthur Richard Brisebois
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Patent number: 9474020Abstract: Concepts and technologies are described herein for a network-based radio access control. According to one aspect disclosed herein, a radio access technology selection system enables an intelligent multi-radio access control that can select one or more radio access technologies that is best-suited for one or more target mobile devices based upon network conditions, policies, user profiles, and/or other information. The radio access technology selection system also informs the target mobile device(s) of one or more networks that utilize the selected radio access technology. In this manner, the radio access technology selection system can steer traffic to various networks operating in accordance with different radio access technologies to improve user experience, especially in network traffic congested areas, and to efficiently leverage network resources for mobile telecommunications and WI-FI networks.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2012Date of Patent: October 18, 2016Assignees: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P., AT&T Mobility II LLCInventors: Zhi Cui, Alan Blackburn, Dimas R. Noriega
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Patent number: 9474019Abstract: Concepts and technologies are described herein for a hybrid network-based and device-based intelligent radio access control. According to one aspect disclosed herein, a radio access technology (“RAT”) selection system and a mobile device cooperate to enable an intelligent multi-radio access control that can select a RAT that is best-suited for the mobile device. The RAT selection system can select networks based upon network conditions, policies, user profiles, applications, and/or other information, and provide a list of the networks to the mobile device. The mobile device can utilize local device information to select a network from the list. In this manner, the RAT selection system and the mobile device can cooperate to steer traffic to various networks operating in accordance with different RATs to improve user experience, especially in network traffic congested areas, and to efficiently leverage network resources for mobile telecommunications and WI-FI networks.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2012Date of Patent: October 18, 2016Assignees: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P., AT&T Mobility II LLCInventors: Zhi Cui, Alan Blackburn, William G. Mansfield
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Publication number: 20160301779Abstract: Methods and apparatus to provide a consumer services cloud in a communications network are disclosed. An example method includes obtaining, at a first device in a communications network, network communications transmitted from a client device of a communications network customer that are diverted via a software-defined networking switch. The example method also includes analyzing the network communications to identify which of multiple possible users associated with the communications network customer is a current user of the client device; in response to identifying the current user, accessing a first profile corresponding to the identified current user to determine a rule to be used to handle the network communications within the communications network.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2015Publication date: October 13, 2016Inventors: Zhi Cui, Thomas A. Anschutz, Alan Blackburn, Arthur Richard Brisebois
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Publication number: 20160234771Abstract: Intelligent radio access control selecting a first cell device of a first cell layer or a second cell device of a second cell layer or selecting a radio access technology for communication by a mobile device are provided. A device receives information indicative of an access assignment for communication. The access assignment is generated based on a defined criterion, which is associated with a policy of determining a cell layer assignment prior to determining a radio access technology (RAT) assignment. In response to receiving the information, the device can update its configuration to transmit via a transmission parameter based on the information. The cell layer assignment can offload traffic from the first cell device to the second cell device while the RAT assignment can re-assign the device from a first RAT to a second RAT. Assignment can be based on network conditions or mobility state or applications of the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2016Publication date: August 11, 2016Inventors: Zhi Cui, Alan Blackburn, Sangar Dowlatkhah, Ryan Hallahan, James W. Rembert
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Patent number: 9380646Abstract: A user equipment device intelligent network selection architecture is provided that enables service provider policy driven dynamic intelligent network selection of a radio technology for user traffic delivery. The network selection is based on radio network conditions, user subscription profile, and device mobility state, including speed and movement pattern. Also provided are application program interfaces that allow access network discovery and selection function carrier clients decision as to communication with a connection manager or other lower layer functions. The architecture and associated application program interface enable automatic network selection and connection, which provides a consistent implementation across different device original equipment manufacturers and operating systems.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2013Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventors: Zhi Cui, Alan Blackburn, Hany Fahmy
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Patent number: 9338712Abstract: Intelligent radio access control selecting a first cell device of a first cell layer or a second cell device of a second cell layer or selecting a radio access technology for communication by a mobile device are provided. A device receives information indicative of an access assignment for communication. The access assignment is generated based on a defined criterion, which is associated with a policy of determining a cell layer assignment prior to determining a radio access technology (RAT) assignment. In response to receiving the information, the device can update its configuration to transmit via a transmission parameter based on the information. The cell layer assignment can offload traffic from the first cell device to the second cell device while the RAT assignment can re-assign the device from a first RAT to a second RAT. Assignment can be based on network conditions or mobility state or applications of the device.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2015Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.Inventors: Zhi Cui, Alan Blackburn, Sangar Dowlatkhah, Ryan Hallahan, James W. Rembert