Patents by Inventor Robert R. Miller

Robert R. Miller 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: 9118732
    Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to an architecture that can employ a control plane for managing communications with respect to a set of sensors. By utilizing a control plane, a distinction between control messages and data messages can be provided in a standardized way and the set of sensors can benefit from additional functionality and configurability. For example, the control plane can be employed to modify parameters associated with the set of sensors, which can be effectuated in real time and in situ as opposed to at the time of fabrication or deployment. Moreover, such modifications can relate to both the sensing portions of a particular sensor as well as the communication portions of a particular sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Lusheng Ji, Robert R. Miller, II
  • Publication number: 20150223541
    Abstract: The subject disclosure provides a system and method for remote monitoring of a subject wearing a sports helmet. In one aspect, the system includes a safety helmet and a sensor integrated with the helmet for continuously gathering head acceleration force data, the head acceleration force data associated with the head movements of a subject. The system also includes a wireless transceiver coupled to the sensor for transmitting the head acceleration force data and a mobile device for receiving the head acceleration force data from the wireless transceiver. The system further includes a database engine for displaying the head acceleration force data to a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Inventor: Robert R. Miller, II
  • Publication number: 20150170146
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for verifying that a transaction is legitimate. The methods and apparatuses use protected memory space, such as kernel space of an operating system, or a separate memory space, such as is available on a SIM card of a cellular phone. The method of the invention proceeds by creating a transaction identification string (TID) and associating the TID with a transaction. The TID contains data relevant to or associated with the transaction and is typically readable by an end-user. The transaction is then interrupted until a user responds in the affirmative to allow completion of the transaction. Methods and devices used in the invention are particularly well suited to M-commerce, where transactions originating from a device are typically recognized by a merchant as coming from the owner of the device without further authentication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Lusheng Ji, Donald John Bowen, Thomas Killian, David Kormann, Robert R. Miller, II, Norman L. Schryer
  • Publication number: 20150170488
    Abstract: A security device for detecting the position of a manhole cover includes a pinger device, such as an acoustic pinger, that transmits a signal in the direction of the expected position of the manhole cover. The device takes energy samples to determine if the signal has been reflected back by the manhole cover. If the device determines the signal has not been reflected, it determines that the manhole cover has been moved from the expected position. In response, the device captures an image of an area around the expected position of the manhole cover. In addition, the device can notify a remote security station via a network that the manhole cover has been moved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Inventors: Robert R. Miller, Edward G. Amoroso, Susan R. Bailey, Lusheng Ji, Harry R. Worstell, David M. Britz
  • Patent number: 9042281
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for initializing a radio frequency identification tag are disclosed. For example, the method receives an optical signal having a unique identifier and an encryption key from a display by a radio frequency identification repeater associated with the radio frequency identification tag, wherein the radio frequency identification repeater comprises an optical reader. The method then transmits a communication comprising radio frequency identification information associated with the radio frequency identification tag and the unique identifier via the radio frequency identification repeater to a wireless access point, wherein the communication is encrypted using the encryption key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert R. Miller, Lusheng Ji
  • Patent number: 9042260
    Abstract: A path configuration message is sent to nodes in a multi-hop network along a path between a source node and destination nodes. The path configuration message includes path information and one or more special channel access parameters associated with the path information. The path configuration message temporarily changes the channel access priority for packets matching the path information in the special message. The nodes along the path therefore have higher channel access priority relative to other nearby nodes and other traffic flows. At the end of the a length of a time determined by a time to live parameter in the special message, the nodes resume using default channel access parameters in place of the special channel access parameters for packets matching the path information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Lusheng Ji, Bo Han, Robert R. Miller, II
  • Publication number: 20150138027
    Abstract: A method includes determining a configuration of an antenna. The method also includes selecting a first light source of a plurality of light sources based on the configuration. The method further includes activating the first light source and transmitting an optical signal to a first active filter node of a plurality of active filter nodes of the antenna. In response to receiving the optical signal, the first active filter node deactivates a corresponding radiating element of a plurality of radiating elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Robert R. Miller, II
  • Patent number: 9035776
    Abstract: The subject disclosure provides a system and method for remote monitoring of a subject wearing a sports helmet. In one aspect, the system includes a safety helmet and a sensor integrated with the helmet for continuously gathering head acceleration force data, the head acceleration force data associated with the head movements of a subject. The system also includes a wireless transceiver coupled to the sensor for transmitting the head acceleration force data and a mobile device for receiving the head acceleration force data from the wireless transceiver. The system further includes a database engine for displaying the head acceleration force data to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventor: Robert R. Miller, II
  • Publication number: 20150098064
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for generating a projected image are provided. Movement measurements are received from an accelerometer within a projection device. A determination is made as to whether the movement measurements indicate movement of the projection device. Upon determining that the movement measurements indicate movement of the projection device, a movement correction factor is determined based on the movement measurements to compensate for the movement of the projection device. The projection device is caused to generate a projected image according to the movement correction factor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Donald Bowen, Robert R. Miller, II
  • Patent number: 8996867
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for verifying that a transaction is legitimate. The methods and apparatuses use protected memory space, such as kernel space of an operating system, or a separate memory space, such as is available on a SIM card of a cellular phone. The method of the invention proceeds by creating a transaction identification string (TID) and associating the TID with a transaction. The TID contains data relevant to or associated with the transaction and is typically readable by an end-user. The transaction is then interrupted until a user responds in the affirmative to allow completion of the transaction. Methods and devices used in the invention are particularly well suited to M-commerce, where transactions originating from a device are typically recognized by a merchant as coming from the owner of the device without further authentication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Lusheng Ji, Donald John Bowen, Thomas Killian, David Kormann, Robert R. Miller, II, Norman L. Schryer
  • Patent number: 8976038
    Abstract: A security device for detecting the position of a manhole cover includes a pinger device, such as an acoustic pinger, that transmits a signal in the direction of the expected position of the manhole cover. The device takes energy samples to determine if the signal has been reflected back by the manhole cover. If the device determines the signal has not been reflected, it determines that the manhole cover has been moved from the expected position. In response, the device captures an image of an area around the expected position of the manhole cover. In addition, the device can notify a remote security station via a network that the manhole cover has been moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert R. Miller, II, Edward G. Amoroso, Susan R. Bailey, Lusheng Ji, Harry R. Worstell, David M. Britz
  • Patent number: 8919965
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for generating a projected image are provided. Movement measurements are received from an accelerometer within a projection device. A determination is made as to whether the movement measurements indicate movement of the projection device. Upon determining that the movement measurements indicate movement of the projection device, a movement correction factor is determined based on the movement measurements to compensate for the movement of the projection device. The projection device is caused to generate a projected image according to the movement correction factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Donald Bowen, Robert R. Miller, II
  • Patent number: 8848719
    Abstract: In one or more embodiments of the disclosed technology, an Access Point (AP) schedules communication traffic flows or service tasks between an Access Point (AP) and one or more member stations in a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). The communication traffic flows or service tasks may include both control and management flows and data traffic flows. The communication traffic flows or service tasks may include traffic flows or streams of different types, each of which may have different service intervals. The order of service tasks can be changed from cycle to cycle, randomly, by rotation, or based on historical delay records.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Lusheng Ji, Bo Han, Robert R. Miller, II
  • Patent number: 8837324
    Abstract: A system is described for providing personalized network access and services in a distributed end-to-end broadband transport network having a telecommunication device used by a user having a unique personal identifier, a premises-based broadband access agent (BAA), the BAA connected to and in communication with the telecommunication device, a switch specific to an underlying transport medium, the switch connected to and in communication with the distributed end-to-end broadband transport network, a network access server platform (NASP), the NASP connected to and in communication with the BAA and the switch, the NASP provides personalized network access and services on demand and a call connection agent (CCA) to complete a call placed by the user to a terminating user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Albert T. Chow, Kenny X. Huang, Jinman Kim, Robert R. Miller, Wenchu Ying
  • Publication number: 20140226014
    Abstract: A set of cameras can operate in coordination for surveillance purposes to provide situation awareness at a system level. Any infrastructure of cameras, public or private, can incidentally view and record an individual's mobile property when in view of any of these cameras. A locating unit can determine the approximate location of a mobile property. A monitoring device that correlates to the mobile property's location can be selected. The transmission of surveillance information from the selected monitoring device can be provided to a user, such as via a transmission to the user's mobile device. Thus, the individual can have access to the monitoring device's viewing or recorded data to increase surveillance of mobile property.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventor: Robert R. Miller, II
  • Publication number: 20140226976
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a central controller that executes instructions facilitating performance of operations including monitoring multiple network nodes, at least some of the network nodes being in communication with others through respective point-to-point links. Each point-to-point link includes a respective free space optical channel. The central controller detects optical received signal strength of a free space optical channel falling below a certain level and provides control signals to reconfigure the multiple network nodes. Signals are re-routed along one of the respective point-to-point links through other network nodes responsive to detecting the optical received signal strength falling below the certain level Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property II, LP
    Inventors: David M. Britz, Jeevan Dodley, Lih-Yuan Lin, Robert R. Miller
  • Publication number: 20140163898
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products measure health data related to a user. A time-stamped device identifier is received that uniquely identifies a communications device. A time-stamped sensor measurement is separately received. A difference in time between the time-stamped device identifier and the time-stamped sensor measurement is determined. When the difference in time is within a window of time, then the sensor measurement is associated with the device identifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Lusheng Ji, Robert R. Miller, II, Harry R. Worstell
  • Patent number: 8736678
    Abstract: A set of cameras can operate in coordination for surveillance purposes to provide situation awareness at a system level. Any infrastructure of cameras, public or private, can incidentally view and record an individual's mobile property when in view of any of these cameras. A locating unit can determine the approximate location of a mobile property. A monitoring device that correlates to the mobile property's location can be selected. The transmission of surveillance information from the selected monitoring device can be provided to a user, such as via a transmission to the user's mobile device. Thus, the individual can have access to the monitoring device's viewing or recorded data to increase surveillance of mobile property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Robert R Miller, II
  • Publication number: 20140132395
    Abstract: The present method enables an RFID repeater to be used in conjunction with an RFID tag to allow data in the RFID tag to be read using wireless packet switched technologies. For example, the present method enables an RFID repeater to be coupled with an RFID tag. The RFID repeater reads and records the data from the RFID tag and then transmits the retrieved data from the RFID tag over a wireless packet network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: TIMOTHY CUNNINGHAM, Robert R. Miller, II
  • Patent number: 8682171
    Abstract: A communication system includes a plurality of nodes and a plurality of point-to-point links that interconnect the plurality of nodes into a network. Each node includes an optical switch to controllably route a plurality of in-ports of the optical switch into a plurality of out-ports of the optical switch. Each point-to-point link includes a free space optical channel. A first free space optical channel couples to a first node through a receive path and through a transmit path. The receive path couples to a respective in-port of the optical switch of the first node, and the transmit path coupled to a respective out-port of the optical switch of the first node. In an alternative embodiment, a communication hub includes a plurality of neighborhood links, and a trunk coupled between the optical switch and a free space optical channel link to the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: David M. Britz, Jeevan Prakash Dodley, Lih-Yuan Lin, Robert R. Miller