Patents by Inventor Karen Mullis

Karen Mullis 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: 20150215422
    Abstract: A persona determination approach can be utilized to apply digital personas across multiple communications domains. A service gateway can determine whether to transfer a request for communications services to a Persona Determination Mechanism (PDM). The PDM can select a digital persona based on available information and transmit the digital persona to the service gateway. The service gateway can process the communications services based on the selected digital persona or based on the determination not to transfer the request. In some methods, the service gateway can forward the processed request to one or more network elements for further processing. Related systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Inventors: Steven A. Siegel, Steven Brown, David Feng-Lin Chen, Mark Foladare, Paul Gausman, Reuben Klein, Gilbert McGrath, Karen Mullis
  • Patent number: 9092773
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed for tracking financial transactions at their source, generating transaction records, categorizing and storing the records, and providing services related to the records. Transactions performed between a mobile device and a point-of-sale may automatically generate transaction records including electronic receipts that may be categorized and stored on a database. More traditional transactions such as those involving cash, paper receipts, etc. may be captured via a scanner on the mobile device for inclusion within a transaction record and subsequent categorization and storage. Notifications such as alerts, offers, and recommendations may be provided in real-time or close-in-time to the transaction being performed, thereby enabling services such as budgeting, inventory management, rewards, offers, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignees: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P., AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: Brian Kevin Daly, Qingmin Hu, Karen Mullis, Jamie Toren, Mark Edward Causey
  • Publication number: 20150149531
    Abstract: A system and method includes transmitting, from a client device, a message to a server via a network (including a core network, an access network, other additional networks or network elements). The method further includes determining a characteristic associated with the network. The method also includes determining, at the client device, a session refresh period based on the determined characteristic associated with the network. The method also includes transmitting, from the client device, a refresh message to the server upon expiration of the session refresh period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Randolph Wohlert, Karen Mullis
  • Patent number: 9002966
    Abstract: A persona determination approach can be utilized to apply digital personas across multiple communications domains. A service gateway can determine whether to transfer a request for communications services to a Persona Determination Mechanism (PDM). The PDM can select a digital persona based on available information and transmit the digital persona to the service gateway. The service gateway can process the communications services based on the selected digital persona or based on the determination not to transfer the request. In some methods, the service gateway can forward the processed request to one or more network elements for further processing. Related systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Steven A. Siegel, Steven Brown, David Chen, Mark Foladare, Paul Gausman, Reuben Klein, Gilbert McGrath, Karen Mullis
  • Patent number: 8930982
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a server having a memory coupled to a processor. The processor can be operable to receive a request for promotional information responsive to a media processor detecting a promotional tag in a media program stream and transmit to the media processor promotional information associated with a promotion responsive to a determination that a promotional offer is available. The processor can also be operable to receive from the media processor a request for redeemable material associated with the promotion and store the redeemable material in a portion of a database associated with a user of the media processor. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventors: Reuben Klein, Sreenivasa Gorti, Karen Mullis
  • Publication number: 20140237206
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for managing personal information by providing a centralized source or database for a user's information and enabling the user to regulate privacy levels for each information item or category of information. Templates are provided as a table of hierarchies or an onion layers model. Private information may be stored in an inner layer while public information may be stored in an outer layer, and multiple layers and categories can be defined and customized within the template. A requesting entity requests information via a disseminating server that acts as a gateway for authenticating, authorizing, and providing access to the requesting entity. The user may therefore control and regulate their online presence simply by monitoring who requests their information and adjusting privacy levels accordingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Qingmin Hu, Brian Kevin Daly, Mark Edward Causey, Karen Mullis, Jamie Toren
  • Publication number: 20140220932
    Abstract: Network servers, systems, and methods are disclosed which relate to providing a plurality of user identities or personas on a single mobile device. The mobile device has a unique address to communicate with entities on the network. The mobile device is further associated with a plurality of telephone numbers. The usage of each telephone number may be billed to a separate account. Each telephone number is associated with a plurality of personas, and each persona has a corresponding visual interface on the mobile device and a corresponding set of rules. The relationship between personas, telephone numbers, and associated rules is stored on an application server on the network. The application server routes incoming connections to a specific persona on the mobile device based on the plurality of rules. The rules can be edited by a user of the mobile device via an interface or another device connected to the network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Douglas Scott Ring, Yakun Gao, Karen Mullis, Steven A. Siegel, Scott Andrew Steinbrueck
  • Publication number: 20140189725
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a server having a memory coupled to a processor. The processor can be operable to receive a request for promotional information responsive to a media processor detecting a promotional tag in a media program stream and transmit to the media processor promotional information associated with a promotion responsive to a determination that a promotional offer is available. The processor can also be operable to receive from the media processor a request for redeemable material associated with the promotion and store the redeemable material in a portion of a database associated with a user of the media processor. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventors: Reuben Klein, Sreenivasa Gorti, Karen Mullis
  • Publication number: 20140156741
    Abstract: A persona determination approach can be utilized to apply digital personas across multiple communications domains. A service gateway can determine whether to transfer a request for communications services to a Persona Determination Mechanism (PDM). The PDM can select a digital persona based on available information and transmit the digital persona to the service gateway. The service gateway can process the communications services based on the selected digital persona or based on the determination not to transfer the request. In some methods, the service gateway can forward the processed request to one or more network elements for further processing. Related systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Steven A. Siegel, Steven Brown, David Chen, Mark Foladare, Paul Gausman, Reuben Klein, Gilbert McGrath, Karen Mullis
  • Publication number: 20140143433
    Abstract: A particular method includes receiving a signal to invoke a central server-directed service from a first communication device at a session initiation protocol application device. The first communication device is coupled to at least one second communication device via a pathway of a half call model communication session. The method includes sending first instructions to the first communication device via the session initiation protocol device in response to the signal. The first instructions enable the first device to access the central server-directed service. The method also includes sending second instructions to the at least one second device via the session initiation protocol device in response to the signal. The second instructions enable the at least one second communication device to access the central server-directed service.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Steven A. Siegal, Reuben Klein, Karen Mullis
  • Publication number: 20140136630
    Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a messaging server, a message from a first device associated with a first user. The message is directed to a second user. The method also includes determining whether the message is associated with a meeting and, in response to determining that the message associated with the meeting, sending data related to the meeting to a platform server to enable the platform server to send an alert regarding the meeting to a second device associated with the second user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Steven A. Siegel, Richard R. Erickson, Karen Mullis
  • Patent number: 8713638
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for managing personal information by providing a centralized source or database for a user's information, and enabling the user to regulate privacy levels for each information item or category of information. Templates are provided as a table of hierarchies, or an onion layers model. Private information may be stored in an inner layer while public information may be stored in an outer layer, with the ability to define and customize multiple layers and categories within the template. A requesting entity requests information via a disseminating server that acts as a gateway for authenticating, authorizing, and providing access to the requesting entity. The user may therefore control and regulate their online presence simply by monitoring who requests their information and adjusting privacy levels accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.L.P.
    Inventors: Qingmin Hu, Brian Kevin Daly, Mark Edward Causey, Karen Mullis, Jamie Toren
  • Patent number: 8713594
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a server having a memory coupled to a processor. The processor can be operable to receive a request for promotional information responsive to a media processor detecting a promotional tag in a media program stream and transmit to the media processor promotional information associated with a promotion responsive to a determination that a promotional offer is available. The processor can also be operable to receive from the media processor a request for redeemable material associated with the promotion and store the redeemable material in a portion of a database associated with a user of the media processor. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventors: Reuben Klein, Sreenivasa Gorti, Karen Mullis
  • Patent number: 8699413
    Abstract: Network servers, systems, and methods are disclosed which relate to providing a plurality of user identities or personas on a single mobile device. The mobile device has a unique address to communicate with entities on the network. The mobile device further has a plurality of telephone numbers associated with it. The usage of each telephone number may be billed to a separate account. Each telephone number further has a plurality of personas associated with it. Each persona has its own visual interface on the mobile device and a corresponding set of rules. The relationship between personas and telephone numbers, and associated rules, are stored on an application server on the network. The application server routes incoming connections to a specific persona on the single mobile device based on the plurality of rules. The rules can be edited by a user of the mobile device via an interface or via another device connected to the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Douglas Scott Ring, Yakun Gao, Karen Mullis, Steven A. Siegel, Scott Andrew Steinbrueck
  • Patent number: 8650248
    Abstract: A persona determination approach can be utilized to apply digital personas across multiple communications domains. A service gateway can determine whether to transfer a request for communications services to a Persona Determination Mechanism (PDM). The PDM can select a digital persona based on available information and transmit the digital persona to the service gateway. The service gateway can process the communications services based on the selected digital persona or based on the determination not to transfer the request. In some methods, the service gateway can forward the processed request to one or more network elements for further processing. Related systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Steven A. Siegel, Steven Brown, David Chen, Mark Foladare, Paul Gausman, Reuben Klein, Gilbert McGrath, Karen Mullis
  • Publication number: 20140019313
    Abstract: The subject disclosure provides systems and methods for enhancing a purchasing experience by enabling a purchaser to receive a variety of real-time updates or recommendations regarding products that the purchaser, such as a user, may need or intend to purchase. A recommendation provided by the system may be based upon comparing the product with a plurality of sources. The recommendation may include a recommendation that a product may near depletion and thus may need to be replaced, a recommendation that the user may already have a sufficient amount or number of the product, a recommendation that the product may or may not match an existing item owned by the user, or a recommendation not to purchase a product. A virtual closet may also be created according the systems and methods of the subject disclosure, allowing users and contacts selected by the user to collaborate on products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicants: AT&T MOBILITY II LLC, AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Qingmin Hu, Jamie Toren, Mark Edward Causey, Brian Kevin Daly, Karen Mullis
  • Publication number: 20140006451
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed which relate to enabling wireless communication between an information kiosk and a mobile device operated by a user. The user may operate the mobile device to request information from the kiosk, with the kiosk authenticating the user before displaying information. The authentication may involve a biometric identifier. The kiosk may provide information to the user via the display on the kiosk or on the mobile device. The profile may be regularly updated with the user's past queries, and other biographical information. Consequently, the user may be able to receive information pertinent to their needs without having to come into physical contact with the kiosk. Kiosks may be installed at public transit terminals such as bus stops, shopping centers or malls, attractions such as amusement parks, museums, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicants: AT&T MOBILITY II LLC, AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Karen Mullis, Mark Edward Causey, Brian Kevin Daly, Qingmin Hu, Jamie Toren
  • Publication number: 20140006198
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed for tracking financial transactions at their source, generating transaction records, categorizing and storing the records, and providing services related to the records. Transactions performed between a mobile device and a point-of-sale may automatically generate transaction records including electronic receipts that may be categorized and stored on a database. More traditional transactions such as those involving cash, paper receipts, etc. may be captured via a scanner on the mobile device for inclusion within a transaction record and subsequent categorization and storage. Notifications such as alerts, offers, and recommendations may be provided in real-time or close-in-time to the transaction being performed, thereby enabling services such as budgeting, inventory management, rewards, offers, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicants: AT&T MOBILITY II LLC, AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Brian Kevin Daly, Qingmin Hu, Karen Mullis, Jamie Toren, Mark Edward Causey
  • Publication number: 20140006329
    Abstract: The subject disclosure provides systems and methods for recommending optimal consumption of a variety of resources that may be consumed by a consumer. A recommendation provided by the system may be based upon resource-consumption statistics gathered by a plurality of sensors, consumer's resource-consumption behavior, consumer-defined criteria, resource availability, and a cost of consumption. The recommendation may include a recommendation on how the consumer may lower resource consumption costs. The recommendation may further include optimal consumption considering consumption trends of a plurality of consumers living in a geographical proximity. The recommendation may include optimal usage of a consumer's vehicle such that the vehicle may consume the least amount of energy. The recommendation may further include offer(s) of credit/incentives by resource providers to consumers in exchange for less consumption of resource, alternative consumption of resources, and any combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicants: AT&T MOBILITY II LLC, AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Qingmin Hu, Brian Kevin Daly, Jamie Toren, Mark Edward Causey, Karen Mullis
  • Publication number: 20140007191
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for managing personal information by providing a centralized source or database for a user's information, and enabling the user to regulate privacy levels for each information item or category of information. Templates are provided as a table of hierarchies, or an onion layers model. Private information may be stored in an inner layer while public information may be stored in an outer layer, with the ability to define and customize multiple layers and categories within the template. A requesting entity requests information via a disseminating server that acts as a gateway for authenticating, authorizing, and providing access to the requesting entity. The user may therefore control and regulate their online presence simply by monitoring who requests their information and adjusting privacy levels accordingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicants: AT&T MOBILITY II LLC, AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Qingmin Hu, Brian Kevin Daly, Mark Edward Causey, Karen Mullis, Jamie Toren