Patents by Inventor Bruce Barnes

Bruce Barnes 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).

  • Publication number: 20140122656
    Abstract: Disclosed example methods to distribute communication of a data stream include, in response to a request received from a first device, assigning a number of communication ports to a stream splitting session via which communication of the data stream is to be distributed among a plurality of devices. Such example methods also include determining a type of the request from among a plurality of possible types. Such example methods further include, when the request corresponds to a first type, providing information to the first device for distribution among the plurality of devices, the information to be used to establish respective data connections via which respective portions of the data stream are to be received by the plurality of devices during the stream splitting session.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Christopher Baldwin, Bruce Barnes, Wayne Robert Heinmiller, Patrick Kenny, Dolores J. Mallian
  • Patent number: 8687128
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to systems and methods of navigating previously viewed channels. In a particular embodiment, a method may include maintaining a channel list in a memory, the channel list comprising multiple previously viewed channels. The method may also include receiving a first signal to select a first selected channel in the channel list. The method may also include tuning a channel tuner to the first selected channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Charles Stahulak, Bruce Barnes, Dolores J. Mallian, Nikhil Marathe
  • Publication number: 20140040364
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture for distributing communication of a data stream among multiple devices are disclosed. Example methods disclosed herein include receiving a request from a first one of a plurality of devices to establish a shared connection to distribute communication of a first data stream among the plurality of devices. Such example methods also include establishing, in response to the request, respective data connections with the plurality of devices based on device capability information obtained from a system providing service for the plurality of devices. Such example methods further include splitting the first data stream into a plurality of partial data streams to be communicated to the plurality of devices via the respective data connections, the partial data streams, when aggregated, forming the first data stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: Christopher Baldwin, Bruce Barnes, Wayne Robert Heinmiller, Patrick Kenny, Dolores J. Mallian
  • Publication number: 20140029615
    Abstract: Network-based content filtering utilizing user-specified parameters is disclosed. Example methods disclosed herein to perform network-based content filtering include receiving, at an incoming edge router of a provider network, incoming data to be routed in the provider network to a destination device, and before routing the incoming data in the provider network, determining whether to restrict the routing of the incoming data in the provider network to the destination device based on a parameter associated with the destination device, the parameter being related to a content classification of the incoming data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventors: Christopher Baldwin, Bruce Barnes, Wayne Robert Heinmiller, Patrick Kenny, Shadi Khoshaba, Dolores J. Mallian, Nikhil Shreerang Marathe
  • Publication number: 20130337791
    Abstract: The subject disclosure describes monitoring when a headset is in communication with a mobile communication device, detecting the headset, comparing a name of a caller and a telephone number of the caller against a list of names and telephone numbers previously stored in a memory, determining that the name of the caller or the telephone number of the caller matches one of the names and telephone numbers in the list, determining that the one of the names and telephone numbers is associated with a pre-recorded message that the user previously recorded and stored in the memory, retrieving the pre-recorded message, and performing a text-to-speech conversion on the name and telephone number of the caller to generate a synthesized speech signal spoken text message and sending the synthesized speech signal and the pre-recorded message to the headset. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventors: Shadi Khoshaba, Bruce Barnes, Tyrone Curtin
  • Publication number: 20130317979
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products charge a battery in a vehicle. A charging station selects charging parameters based on a vehicle identification number associated with the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventors: NIKHIL S. MARATHE, CHRISTOPHER F. BALDWIN, BRUCE BARNES, PATRICK JOHN KENNY, SHADI KHOSHABA, CHARLES STAHULAK
  • Publication number: 20130254097
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products describe payment for charging a battery. A battery identification number is received that uniquely identifies the battery. The battery is charged with electrical power, and the electrical power consumed is metered. The battery identification number is associated to the electrical power consumed during charging the battery. A query is made for payment for the electrical power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: NIKHIL S. MARATHE, CHRISTOPHER F. BALDWIN, BRUCE BARNES, I, PATRICK JOHN KENNY, SHADI KHOSHABA, CHARLES STAHULAK
  • Patent number: 8538385
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed which relate to recording a conversation on a portable communications device. This allows the user to press a panic button or a series of buttons on their portable communications device to begin recording the conversation. This conversation may be stored on a memory of the portable communications device or in a network in communication with the portable communications device. With the conversation recorded, there is a record of what was said during the call. This record may later be used if necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Charles Stahulak, Bruce Barnes, Patrick Kenny, Shadi Khoshaba, Dolores J. Mallian, Nikhil Marathe
  • Patent number: 8538491
    Abstract: The subject disclosure describes monitoring when a headset is in communication with a mobile communication device, detecting the headset, comparing a name of a caller and a telephone number of the caller against a list of names and telephone numbers previously stored in a memory, determining that the name of the caller or the telephone number of the caller matches one of the names and telephone numbers in the list, determining that the one of the names and telephone numbers is associated with a pre-recorded message that the user previously recorded and stored in the memory, retrieving the pre-recorded message, and performing a text-to-speech conversion on the name and telephone number of the caller to generate a synthesized speech signal spoken text message and sending the synthesized speech signal and the pre-recorded message to the headset. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventors: Shadi Khoshaba, Bruce Barnes, Tyrone Curtin
  • Patent number: 8515865
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products charge a battery in a vehicle. A charging station selects charging parameters based on a vehicle identification number associated with the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Nikhil S. Marathe, Christopher F. Baldwin, Bruce Barnes, Patrick John Kenny, Shadi Khoshaba, Charles Stahulak
  • Publication number: 20130144731
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed which relate to using a remote scanner for mobile transactions. A point of sale (POS) terminal communicates with a remote scanner that is removably coupled to the POS terminal. Logic on the POS terminal generates a request for a transaction information and transmits the request along with a restriction to the remote scanner. Logic on the remote scanner receives the request and the restriction, transmits the request to a mobile device, receives the transaction information while monitoring the restriction, and transmits the transaction information to the POS terminal for processing. The transaction information may be provided subject to the restriction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Christopher F. Baldwin, Bruce Barnes, Wayne Heinmiller, Patrick Kenny, Shadi I. Khoshaba, Dolores J. Mallian, Nikhil S. Marathe, Charles M. Stahulak
  • Publication number: 20130124346
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed which relate to an NFC-enabled security token that is removably coupled to a mobile device. The security token may be provisioned with the information by the mobile device, then decoupled from the mobile device and used to authenticate the user or perform a transaction at a POS terminal equipped with an NFC reader. The security token includes logic for user-controlled restrictions on allowable purchases, such as payment limits, timeouts, vendor identifiers, allowed purchases, and location-based restrictions. The security token is further equipped with “self destruct” security features, such as deactivating itself or erasing any sensitive information upon being unable to contact the mobile device for a specified duration, or being subject to an unauthorized or restricted transaction, until such time as it is re-coupled to the mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Christopher F. Baldwin, Bruce Barnes, Patrick Kenny, Shadi I. Khoshaba, Dolores J. Mallian, Nikhil S. Marathe, Charles M. Stahulak
  • Patent number: 8412284
    Abstract: A spoken caller identification system comprises a headset and mobile communication device. The mobile communication device sends the caller identification to the headset upon a determination that the headset is in communication with the mobile communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventors: Shadi Khoshaba, Bruce Barnes, Tyrone D. Curtin
  • Publication number: 20120322404
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed which relate to recording a conversation on a portable communications device. This allows the user to press a panic button or a series of buttons on their portable communications device to begin recording the conversation. This conversation may be stored on a memory of the portable communications device or in a network in communication with the portable communications device. With the conversation recorded, there is a record of what was said during the call. This record may later be used if necessary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventors: Charles Stahulak, Bruce Barnes, Patrick Kenny, Shadi Khoshaba, Dolores J. Mallian, Nikhil Marathe
  • Patent number: 8254889
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed which relate to recording a conversation on a portable communications device. This allows the user to press a panic button or a series of buttons on their portable communications device to begin recording the conversation. This conversation may be stored on a memory of the portable communications device or in a network in communication with the portable communications device. With the conversation recorded, there is a record of what was said during the call. This record may later be used if necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventors: Charles Stahulak, Bruce Barnes, Patrick Kenny, Shadi Khoshaba, Dolores J. Mallian, Nikhil Marathe
  • Patent number: 8033460
    Abstract: A mobile communication device scans a barcode of a product and comprises a scanner, a processing module, and a receiving module. The scanner scans the barcode. The processing module is in communication with the scanner, and sends a coded information received from the scanner to an information provider. The receiving module is in communication with the processing module, and receives a product information from the information provider as a voice message and sends the product information to the processing module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventors: Bruce Barnes, Shadi Khoshaba, Wayne Heinmiller
  • Publication number: 20110081899
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed which relate to recording a conversation on a portable communications device. This allows the user to press a panic button or a series of buttons on their portable communications device to begin recording the conversation. This conversation may be stored on a memory of the portable communications device or in a network in communication with the portable communications device. With the conversation recorded, there is a record of what was said during the call. This record may later be used if necessary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Charles Stahulak, Bruce Barnes, Patrick Kenny, Shadi Khoshaba, Dolores J. Mallian, Nikhil Marathe
  • Publication number: 20100153226
    Abstract: A method and system provides information and purchasing services for products placed in multimedia content. Product metadata coordinated in time with the multimedia content may be used to determine the product and obtain product information. A user may send a notification at a time when the product occurs in the multimedia content, and the time may be used to coordinate the product metadata. Product information may be provided to the user. The user may be given the option to purchase the product. Validation of the user may occur in order to authorize the purchase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Bruce Barnes, Wayne Robert Heinmiller, Patrick J. Kenny
  • Publication number: 20100127064
    Abstract: A voting server receives votes from a multimedia processing resource (MPR) and executes instructions for determining whether a user location is an approved voting location and determining whether an MPR communication path is an approved path. If the user location is an approved voting location and the MPR communication path is an approved path, ballot data is accessed, a ballot based on the ballot data is presented to a user, and user input is accepted to select an element from the ballot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Bruce Barnes, Wayne Robert Heinmiller, Nikhil S. Marathe
  • Publication number: 20100077436
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a controller to update a profile of preferences and recordings maintained at a central server when a user modifies preferences and recordings at a customer premises at a digital video recorder (DVR) or set top box (STB) with respect to a video on demand system via a link through the Internet and when a user modifies preferences and recordings with a video on demand system within a vehicle. The controller can also enable downloading audio-visual information synchronized with the video on demand system via a first wireless communication system to the vehicle in response to requests sent using a second wireless communication system. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Bruce Barnes, Shadi Khoshaba, Charles Stahulak, Dolores Mallian