Patents by Inventor Stephen T. Hardin

Stephen T. Hardin 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: 20230177371
    Abstract: Internet-of-things (IOT) devices can be identified based on specific behavioral patterns when their identification data is unknown. Previously identified IOT devices with similar behavioral patterns can be used as a baseline from which to compare data that is available about unknown IOT devices. For example, an IOT device can be pooled with a group of IOT devices based on the frequency with which they connect to a wireless network. Additionally, a confidence level of the unknown device being associated with the group of IOT devices can be generated based on such comparison data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2023
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Inventors: Stephen T. Hardin, Johnathan Webb, Jordan Alexander
  • Patent number: 11574224
    Abstract: Internet-of-things (IOT) devices can be identified based on specific behavioral patterns when their identification data is unknown. Previously identified IOT devices with similar behavioral patterns can be used as a baseline from which to compare data that is available about unknown IOT devices. For example, an IOT device can be pooled with a group of IOT devices based on the frequency with which they connect to a wireless network. Additionally, a confidence level of the unknown device being associated with the group of IOT devices can be generated based on such comparison data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: AT&T MOBILITY II LLC
    Inventors: Stephen T. Hardin, Johnathan Webb, Jordan Alexander
  • Publication number: 20220329989
    Abstract: A lightweight machine-to-machine (LWM2M) protocol can be utilized as a management layer for other applications pertaining to communication and retrieval of information from hardware peripherals. The applications can be managed via a client and the applications can communicate to the client via a standard proxy or message broker. Consequently, sensor codes can be decoupled from the client codes, thus allowing them to both be independent interchangeable components of a specific device's architecture. Therefore, sensors can be added, removed, and/or manipulated without modifying the underlying management layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Inventors: Jordan Alexander, Stephen T. Hardin, Dennis McCain
  • Patent number: 11418933
    Abstract: A lightweight machine-to-machine (LWM2M) protocol can be utilized as a management layer for other applications pertaining to communication and retrieval of information from hardware peripherals. The applications can be managed via a client and the applications can communicate to the client via a standard proxy or message broker. Consequently, sensor codes can be decoupled from the client codes, thus allowing them to both be independent interchangeable components of a specific device's architecture. Therefore, sensors can be added, removed, and/or manipulated without modifying the underlying management layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: AT&T MOBILITY II LLC
    Inventors: Jordan Alexander, Stephen T. Hardin, Dennis McCain
  • Publication number: 20210297824
    Abstract: A lightweight machine-to-machine (LWM2M) protocol can be utilized as a management layer for other applications pertaining to communication and retrieval of information from hardware peripherals. The applications can be managed via a client and the applications can communicate to the client via a standard proxy or message broker. Consequently, sensor codes can be decoupled from the client codes, thus allowing them to both be independent interchangeable components of a specific device's architecture. Therefore, sensors can be added, removed, and/or manipulated without modifying the underlying management layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2020
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Inventors: Jordan Alexander, Stephen T. Hardin, Dennis McCain
  • Publication number: 20210103842
    Abstract: Internet-of-things (TOT) devices can be identified based on specific behavioral patterns when their identification data is unknown. Previously identified IOT devices with similar behavioral patterns can be used as a baseline from which to compare data that is available about unknow IOT devices. For example, an IOT device can be pooled with a group of IOT devices based on the frequency with which they connect to a wireless network. Additionally, a confidence level of the unknown device being associated with the group of IOT devices can be generated based on such comparison data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Publication date: April 8, 2021
    Inventors: Stephen T. Hardin, Johnathan Webb, Jordan Alexander
  • Patent number: 10587626
    Abstract: An aspect includes storing data elements in a storage space of a memory device. The storage space is allocated for an account of a subscriber of a universal subscriber identification system. An aspect also includes assigning subscriber-inputted security levels to the data elements. The security levels define varying degrees of access protections associated with the data elements. An aspect further includes generating a security envelope that includes a data element selected from the storage space. The security envelope is configured with an access protection scheme that is commensurate with a corresponding assigned security level. An aspect also includes providing access to the selected data element by another subscriber of the universal subscriber identification system via the security envelope. The access is provided in accordance with the access protection scheme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T MOBILITY II LLC
    Inventors: Robert Osterwise, Brian Greaves, Stephen T. Hardin, Erie Lai Har Lau
  • Publication number: 20180324189
    Abstract: An aspect includes storing data elements in a storage space of a memory device. The storage space is allocated for an account of a subscriber of a universal subscriber identification system. An aspect also includes assigning subscriber-inputted security levels to the data elements. The security levels define varying degrees of access protections associated with the data elements. An aspect further includes generating a security envelope that includes a data element selected from the storage space. The security envelope is configured with an access protection scheme that is commensurate with a corresponding assigned security level. An aspect also includes providing access to the selected data element by another subscriber of the universal subscriber identification system via the security envelope. The access is provided in accordance with the access protection scheme.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Robert Osterwise, Brian Greaves, Stephen T. Hardin, Erie Lai Har Lau
  • Patent number: 10057272
    Abstract: An aspect includes storing data elements in a storage space of a memory device. The storage space is allocated for an account of a subscriber of a universal subscriber identification system. An aspect also includes assigning subscriber-inputted security levels to the data elements. The security levels define varying degrees of access protections associated with the data elements. An aspect further includes generating a security envelope that includes a data element selected from the storage space. The security envelope is configured with an access protection scheme that is commensurate with a corresponding assigned security level. An aspect also includes providing access to the selected data element by another subscriber of the universal subscriber identification system via the security envelope. The access is provided in accordance with the access protection scheme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: AT&T MOBILITY II LLC
    Inventors: Robert Osterwise, Brian Greaves, Stephen T. Hardin, Erie Lai Har Lau
  • Publication number: 20170171217
    Abstract: An aspect includes storing data elements in a storage space of a memory device. The storage space is allocated for an account of a subscriber of a universal subscriber identification system. An aspect also includes assigning subscriber-inputted security levels to the data elements. The security levels define varying degrees of access protections associated with the data elements. An aspect further includes generating a security envelope that includes a data element selected from the storage space. The security envelope is configured with an access protection scheme that is commensurate with a corresponding assigned security level. An aspect also includes providing access to the selected data element by another subscriber of the universal subscriber identification system via the security envelope. The access is provided in accordance with the access protection scheme.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Robert Osterwise, Brian Greaves, Stephen T. Hardin, Erie Lai Har Lau
  • Patent number: 9513776
    Abstract: A system for providing wireless control of a visual aid based on movement detection is disclosed. The system also enables a presenter to gesture at a visual aid and have a pointer be displayed on screens displaying the visual aid. The system may generate a three-dimensional depth image of an environment including a user and a device displaying the visual aid. Additionally, the system may determine a position of the user relative to the environment and to the device based on the three-dimensional image. Furthermore, the system may detect a gesture based on the position of the user and the three-dimensional depth image. If the gesture made by the user matches a predetermined input gesture corresponding to a controller operation for controlling the visual aid, then the controller operation may be executed. The system may display an output of the executed controller operation at a remote device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: AT&T MOBILITY II, LLC
    Inventors: J. Brad Webb, Stephen T. Hardin, Zachary O. Morsbach
  • Publication number: 20140157130
    Abstract: A system for providing wireless control of a visual aid based on movement detection is disclosed. The system also enables a presenter to gesture at a visual aid and have a pointer be displayed on screens displaying the visual aid. The system may generate a three-dimensional depth image of an environment including a user and a device displaying the visual aid. Additionally, the system may determine a position of the user relative to the environment and to the device based on the three-dimensional image. Furthermore, the system may detect a gesture based on the position of the user and the three-dimensional depth image. If the gesture made by the user matches a predetermined input gesture corresponding to a controller operation for controlling the visual aid, then the controller operation may be executed. The system may display an output of the executed controller operation at a remote device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: AT&T Mobility II, LLC
    Inventors: J. Brad Webb, Stephen T. Hardin, Zachary O. Morsbach
  • Patent number: 7983707
    Abstract: A push-to-talk communications device (PCD) provides improved push-to-talk (PTT) communications. The PCD may include a PTT activator and a PTT module having a buffer and communications logic for providing full duplex PTT communications. In a Point-to-Point PTT mode of operation, PTT communications are performed between two PCDs with the PCDs exercising floor control. After the establishment of communications between the PCDs, the PCDs may enter a PTT talk mode wherein messages are transmitted between the PCDs in real time when a PTT activator is engaged. A PCD may also enter a group PTT mode wherein a PTT server exercises floor control between an initiating PCD and multiple target PCDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventor: Stephen T. Hardin
  • Patent number: 7921079
    Abstract: Synchronizing database files of a central node with database files of a local node in which the central node is coupled to the local node via a communication link. The communication link performance being continuously monitored via a periodic signal sent back and forth between the central node and local node. Information indicative of the files of the central database are integrated with the monitoring signal portion sent from the central node to the local node and a determination is made whether the files integrated with the monitoring signal corresponds with files of the local database via indications in the monitoring signal portion returned from the local node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: Marvin U. Fuller, Jr., Stephen T. Hardin
  • Publication number: 20100216502
    Abstract: A push-to-talk communications device (PCD) provides improved push-to-talk (PTT) communications. The PCD may include a PTT activator and a PTT module having a buffer and communications logic for providing full duplex PTT communications. In a Point-to-Point PTT mode of operation, PTT communications are performed between two PCDs with the PCDs exercising floor control. After the establishment of communications between the PCDs, the PCDs may enter a PTT talk mode wherein messages are transmitted between the PCDs in real time when a PTT activator is engaged. A PCD may also enter a group PTT mode wherein a PTT server exercises floor control between an initiating PCD and multiple target PCDs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen T. Hardin
  • Publication number: 20100138386
    Abstract: Synchronizing database files of a central node with database files of a local node in which the central node is coupled to the local node via a communication link. The communication link performance being continuously monitored via a periodic signal sent back and forth between the central node and local node. Information indicative of the files of the central database are integrated with the monitoring signal portion sent from the central node to the local node and a determination is made whether the files integrated with the monitoring signal corresponds with files of the local database via indications in the monitoring signal portion returned from the local node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Marvin U. Fuller, JR., Stephen T. Hardin
  • Patent number: 7729713
    Abstract: A push-to-talk communications device (PCD) provides improved push-to-talk (PTT) communications. The PCD may include a PTT activator and a PTT module having a buffer and communications logic for providing full duplex PTT communications. In a Point-to-Point PTT mode of operation, PTT communications are performed between two PCDs with the PCDs exercising floor control. After the establishment of communications between the PCDs, the PCDs may enter a PTT talk mode wherein messages are transmitted between the PCDs in real time when a PTT activator is engaged. A PCD may also enter a group PTT mode wherein a PTT server exercises floor control between an initiating PCD and multiple target PCDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventor: Stephen T. Hardin
  • Patent number: 7627328
    Abstract: Synchronizing database files of a central node with database files of a local node in which the central node is coupled to the local node via a communication link. The communication link performance being continuously monitored via a periodic signal sent back and forth between the central node and local node. Information indicative of the files of the central database are integrated with the monitoring signal portion sent from the central node to the local node and a determination is made whether the files integrated with the monitoring signal corresponds with files of the local database via indications in the monitoring signal portion returned from the local node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: Marvin U. Fuller, Jr., Stephen T. Hardin
  • Patent number: 6795704
    Abstract: A teleservice based capability report and mobile station status (CRAMSS) message provides information to a base station about the capabilities of a mobile station, including its mandatory features and its optional features. The supported features that are included in the capability report pertain to those features in the latest protocol version (PV) as well as in earlier PVs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen T. Hardin
  • Patent number: 6405038
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for selecting a cellular carrier frequency for accessing cellular airtime services based upon a list of preferred system identification codes (SIDs). A cellular telephone is programmed to accept into memory a list of preferred SIDs corresponding to carriers through which service is preferred. While any SID remains in a preferred list, the standard A/B system selection function is replaced by a substitute system selection function which includes only three carrier selection modes including the Home Only mode, the SID Only mode, and a Roam Saver mode. With the Roam Saver carrier selection mode, the cellular telephone first prefers service through a home carrier and then through a carrier broadcasting a SID matching a SID on the preferred list, but never denies service to emergency or non-emergency destinations if any SID is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventors: Clifton J. Barber, Stephen T. Hardin