Patents by Inventor Anita Hogans Simpson

Anita Hogans Simpson 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).

  • Patent number: 9667918
    Abstract: A network recording system records multimedia programs responsive to transport streams being unavailable. A first portion of a multimedia program may be stored on a customer premises equipment and a second portion stored on the network recording system. The network recording system may transport the multimedia program via file download or real-time streaming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Anita Hogans Simpson, James Carlton Bedingfield, Sr.
  • Patent number: 9118510
    Abstract: Voice service over a next generation network is provided using Advanced Intelligent Network solutions. According to an exemplary embodiment, a Voice over Network system includes a communications device having a directory communication address in communication with a telecommunications network, means for decoding the directory communications address to identify a voice over internet protocol service feature of the communications address, and means for establishing an internet protocol telephony communications connection of the communications device with a called party's communications address via a VoN hotline. According to further exemplary embodiments, the hotline may include a media gateway, an application server, a feature server, and means for communicating among the media gateway, the application server, and the feature server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Henry J. Kafka, Maria Adamczyk, Frederick C. Iffland, Anita Hogans Simpson, Stephen R. LaPierre, Karen M. McCourt, John P. Ruckart
  • Patent number: 8989365
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for monitoring calls routed to a telephone network-based voice mail system. When a subscriber receives a telephone call, a determination is made as to whether the call should be routed to the voice mail system. If call monitoring services are activated, a three-way communication is set up between the calling party, the voice mail system and the subscriber. The subscriber is bridged into the call on a listen-only basis, but upon command by the subscriber, the subscriber may answer the call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Anita Hogans Simpson, Hong T. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8879696
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for monitoring calls routed to a telephone network voice mail system from a variety of remote telephone locations. When a subscriber receives a telephone call, a determination is made as to whether the subscriber's line is busy or whether the call goes unanswered. If remote call monitoring services are activated, a three-way communication is set up between the calling party, the voice mail system and the subscriber via a remote call monitoring directory number provided by the subscriber. The subscriber is patched into the call on a listen-only basis, but upon command by the subscriber, the subscriber may answer the call. The subscriber may set up a number of remote call monitoring filters, including an “always monitor” list, a “never monitor” list, and a schedule of days or times during which the subscriber allows or excludes remote call monitoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Anita Hogans Simpson
  • Patent number: 8565385
    Abstract: The preferred embodiments of the present invention include providing automated passcode recovery in an interactive voice response system by providing to a caller an automated passcode recovery question and processing a caller answer to the automated passcode recovery question to authenticate the caller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Anita Hogans Simpson
  • Publication number: 20130272298
    Abstract: Voice service over a next generation network is provided using Advanced Intelligent Network solutions. According to an exemplary embodiment, a Voice over Network system includes a communications device having a directory communication address in communication with a telecommunications network, means for decoding the directory communications address to identify a voice over internet protocol service feature of the communications address, and means for establishing an internet protocol telephony communications connection of the communications device with a called party's communications address via a VoN hotline. According to further exemplary embodiments, the hotline may include a media gateway, an application server, a feature server, and means for communicating among the media gateway, the application server, and the feature server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Henry J. Kafka, Maria Adamczyk, Frederick C. Iffland, Anita Hogans Simpson, Stephen R. LaPierre, Karen M. McCourt, John P. Ruckart
  • Patent number: 8477758
    Abstract: Voice service over a next generation network is provided using Advanced Intelligent Network solutions. According to an exemplary embodiment, a Voice over Network system includes a communications device having a directory communication address in communication with a telecommunications network, means for decoding the directory communications address to identify a voice over internet protocol service feature of the communications address, and means for establishing an internet protocol telephony communications connection of the communications device with a called party's communications address via a VoN hotline. According to further exemplary embodiments, the hotline may include a media gateway, an application server, a feature server, and means for communicating among the media gateway, the application server, and the feature server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Henry J. Kafka, Maria Adamczyk, Frederick C. Iffland, Anita Hogans Simpson, Stephen R. LaPierre, Karen M. McCourt, John Paul Ruckart
  • Publication number: 20120233642
    Abstract: A particular method includes presenting video content at a display and receiving a request to purchase playback rights to musical content associated with the video content. The method includes, in response to the request, determining whether a video content provider associated with the video content permits presentation of a menu at the display while the video content is being presented. The method includes, in response to determining that the video content provider permits the presentation of the menu at the display while the video content is being presented, presenting the menu concurrently with the video content. The method further includes, in response to determining that the video content provider prohibits the presentation of the menu at the display while the video content is being presented, inhibiting presentation of the menu at the display while the video content is being presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Kathy Piatt, Anita Hogans Simpson
  • Patent number: 8190125
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media provide for detecting a missing cellular device. According to embodiments, a method for detecting a missing cellular device is provided. According to the method, a connection between a cellular device and a base module is established. Whether a distance between the cellular device and the base module exceeds a distance threshold based on the connection is detected. In response to detecting that the distance between the cellular device and the base module exceeds the distance threshold, the cellular device is switched from an operational mode to a missing phone mode. The operational mode enables regular function of the cellular device. The missing phone mode restricts the regular function of the cellular device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Anita Hogans Simpson, Barbara Stark
  • Patent number: 8102971
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for monitoring calls that have been forwarded to a network-based voice mail system (VMS). The VMS receives the forwarded call and sends a start of greeting signal at the beginning and an end of greeting signal at the completion of the voice message greeting to the central office switch. The switch sends an activate call monitoring data message and a call monitoring alert signal to the customer premises equipment (CPE). If the CPE is adapted for call monitoring and includes a speaker assembly, then the speaker assembly is engaged in response to the activate call monitoring data message, thereby allowing hands-free call monitoring. If the CPE does not include a speaker assembly, then the called party may activate call monitoring by lifting the handset in response to detecting a call monitoring alert from the CPE. While monitoring the call, the called party may intercept the call to speak with the calling party.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Edward Michael Silver, Anita Hogans Simpson
  • Patent number: 8090088
    Abstract: A communications network-based system and service is disclosed. The service permits subscribers to control and manage incoming telephone calls. Subscribers can establish preferences for how calls will be handled by a communications network if the calls are received while the subscriber has a privacy screening service engaged. The service also notifies a subscriber of a calling party's call based on whether preselected or predesignated preferences of the called party correspond to identifier(s) of the calling party.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Karen Mullis, Anita Hogans Simpson
  • Patent number: 8064587
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for monitoring calls that have been forwarded to a network-based voice mail system (VMS). The VMS receives the forwarded call and sends a start of greeting signal at the beginning and an end of greeting signal at the completion of the voice message greeting to the central office switch. The switch sends an activate call monitoring data message and a call monitoring alert signal to the customer premises equipment (CPE). If the CPE is adapted for call monitoring and includes a speaker assembly, then the speaker assembly is engaged in response to the activate call monitoring data message, thereby allowing hands-free call monitoring. If the CPE does not include a speaker assembly, then the called party may activate call monitoring by lifting the handset in response to detecting a call monitoring alert from the CPE. While monitoring the call, the called party may intercept the call to speak with the calling party.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Edward Michael Silver, Anita Hogans Simpson
  • Patent number: 7995714
    Abstract: Included are embodiments of methods for providing voicemail conversion. At least one embodiment of a method includes receiving a message waiting indicator signal in a first protocol, the message waiting indicator signal being received from a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) based voicemail server, the message waiting indicator signal being configured to indicate that a message for a called party has been received by the PSTN based voicemail server. Some embodiment of a method include receiving a PSTN based identifier for an Internet Protocol (IP) based communications device associated with the called party and converting the received message waiting indicator signal from the first protocol to a second protocol, the second protocol being configured for communication to the IP based communications device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Maria Adamczyk, Anita Hogans Simpson
  • Publication number: 20110145865
    Abstract: A method and system for enabling Internet-protocol television (IPTV) users to maintain personal channel lists is configured to receive user input via an access network. The access network may comprise portions of an IPTV network, a public network, an Internet network, and/or a wireless network. A request from an IPTV user may be received for accessing/creating a personal channel list specific to the IPTV user. Input from the IPTV user may further be received to add IPTV channel identifiers to the personal channel list. IPTV user input may then be received to perform operations for maintaining the personal channel list. The IPTV user may optionally specify a security element for restricting access to the personal channel list.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Anita Hogans Simpson
  • Patent number: 7945623
    Abstract: A system and method for notifying an offline global computer network user of an online interaction in which the offline user could participate. The system and method specify notification criteria of the offline user, monitor activities occurring on the global computer network, compare the activities to the notification criteria, and, if the activities satisfy the notification criteria, forward an offline communication to the offline user, which notifies the offline user of the online interaction. Examples of the online interactions include chat rooms, game sites, instant messaging services, auctions, and calls made over the global computer network. Examples of the offline communication include calls to a wireline telephone, calls to a wireless telephone, messages to a caller identification device, messages to a wireless access protocol device, messages to a one-way pager, and messages to an interactive pager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Anita Hogans Simpson
  • Publication number: 20110026688
    Abstract: The preferred embodiments of the present invention include providing automated passcode recovery in an interactive voice response system by providing to a caller an automated passcode recovery question and processing a caller answer to the automated passcode recovery question to authenticate the caller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: Anita Hogans Simpson
  • Patent number: 7801289
    Abstract: Voice service over a next generation network is provided using Advanced Intelligent Network solutions. A voice over network communications signal is communicated from an analog communications device over a telecommunications network to a softswitch (SSW) complex that detects and decodes a directory communications address to identify an internal, secret line number (SLN) communications address and, if associated with an SLN, to activate a voice over network application trigger to enable voice communications over an Internet Protocol, data communications network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Maria Adamczyk, Sharolyn S. Farmer, Henry J. Kafka, Anita Hogans Simpson, John Paul Ruckart
  • Publication number: 20100218223
    Abstract: A network recording system records multimedia programs responsive to transport streams being unavailable. A first portion of a multimedia program may be stored on a customer premises equipment and a second portion stored on the network recording system. The network recording system may transport the multimedia program via file download or real-time streaming.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Anita Hogans Simpson, James Carlton Bedingfield, SR.
  • Patent number: 7742583
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for alerting of a call. A message is received that notifies of a call to a called number having an established connection to a data network. A customer-selected style and a customer-selected location of a control is retrieved that responds to the customer's action. The message and the control are processed to alert of the call to the called number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Anita Hogans Simpson, John L. Bradberry, Linda A. Roberts
  • Patent number: 7715532
    Abstract: The preferred embodiments of the present invention include providing automated passcode recovery in an interactive voice response system by providing to a caller an automated passcode recovery question and processing a caller answer to the automated passcode recovery question to authenticate the caller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Anita Hogans Simpson