Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm William H. Bollman
  • Patent number: 7933615
    Abstract: A method interactive menus and sub-menus to a mobile device via SMS messaging in order to provide WAP like services at a fraction of the cost of CSD. Mobile Originated Interactive Menus are implemented as a feature of a Short Message Service Center (SMSC), thus leaving traffic channels available for voice calls. Interactive SMS menus allow service providers to offer targeted subscribers personalized messaging menus with multiple options for quick and easy access to Web-based content. Users may define the content and frequency they want, whether it is a scheduled delivery or on-demand for checking, e.g., stock quotes, local weather, and/or other Web-based news and information. Replacement of messages in TDMA and GSM mobile devices allow for heavy usage without filling up the user's phone buffer, i.e., prior messages may be overwritten, to assure that only the latest information is all that is being displayed and read.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Hronek, Erik Wallace, Phillip Geil, Tom McCormick, Walter Weichselbaumer, Orville Pike, Mark Titus
  • Patent number: 7933385
    Abstract: A voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) positioning center (VPC) is implemented in configuration with support from a text-to-voice module, emergency routing database, and VoIP switching points (VSPs) to allow a public safety access point (PSAP) or other emergency center to effectively communicate the nature of an emergency alert notification and the area of notification to the VoIP positioning center (VPC). The inventive VPC in turn determines which phones (including wireless and/or VoIP phones) are currently in the area for notification, and reliably and quickly issues the required warning to all affected wireless and VoIP phones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Dickinson, Don Mitchell, Jonathan Croy
  • Patent number: 7929530
    Abstract: A SIP ancillary data server provides host to auxiliary data for an emergency SIP session (call) uniquely referred to in a transported SIP header. In a manner similar to how location is represented in an emergency call, a SIP header is extended. The extended SIP Header contains one of two possible types of content elements: either (a) a content pointer element to a SIP Message body part (a “cid:”, or content identifier); or (b) an <information_URI> (a.k.a, “info_URI” in this document).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger S. Marshall, Yinjun Zhu
  • Patent number: 7925283
    Abstract: A message distribution center (MDC) and Intelligent Delivery Agent are implemented in a wireless Internet gateway interposed between content providers and a wireless carrier to subjectively examine and direct messages via SMTP based on desired rules (e.g., non-peak hours, paying subscribers only, etc.) using standard SMTP Gateway and other well-known protocols. The MDC includes an individual queue for each subscriber, and the provider is informed through conventional SMTP protocol messages that the short message has been accepted. If the carrier has specifically disallowed service for a particular MIN (e.g., in the case of churning), then the content provider is informed through an SMTP interchange that the recipient is invalid. An MDC provides a single mechanism for interacting with subscribers of multiple carriers, regardless of each carrier's underlying infrastructure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Smith, Michael Dewey
  • Patent number: 7921225
    Abstract: A messaging system, method, and computer program product is disclosed, including a client device having stored therein a client application, which is adapted to be executed by the client device, a server having stored therein a server application, which is adapted to be executed by the server, a plurality of wireless networks, each of which is adapted to communicate messages between the client device and the server, and support one or more wireless network protocols, a protocol gateway encapsulating a fundamental network protocol, which underlies each of the one or more wireless network protocols, means for communicating a message between the client application and the server application, over a selected wireless network protocol through the protocol gateway, independent of the selected wireless network protocol, and a message router for routing the message between the protocol gateway and the server, the message router including means for authenticating an origin of the message, wherein the authenticating me
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudy G. Bonefas, James M. Zombek, Richard K. Sobchak
  • Patent number: 7913179
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for sending and retrieving location relevant information to a user by selecting and designating a point of interest that is displayed on a graphical user interface and sending the location information associated with that point of interest to a receiver that is also selected using the graphical user interface. The location relevant information may also include mapped routes, waypoints, geo-fenced areas, moving vehicles etc. Updated location relevant information may also be continuously sent to the user while generating updated mapping information on the graphical user interface. The present invention may be practiced by using communication devices such as a personal computer, a personal digital assistance, in-vehicle navigation systems, or a mobile telephone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Sheha, Angie Sheha, Stephen Petilli
  • Patent number: 7912446
    Abstract: An E-9-1-1 voice-over-IP (VoIP) solution is provided wherein a 911 call from a mobile VoIP device is routed directly to the correct Public Safety Answer Point (PSAP) via dedicated trunks, together with correct location information and call-back number. VoIP gateways are implemented locally, at least one per LATA, and accept VoIP packetized data inbound, and convert it to standard wireline voice calls. Calls are routed to an IP address at the VoIP gateway, which then egresses the call to a voice port at a selective router. Mid-call updating of location of a moving VoIP terminal is provided to a PSAP. The location of the VoIP is validated using HTTP based protocol by pushing location information to a VoIP location server, and comparing it against a geographic location database to confirm that a contained street address is valid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Yinjun Zhu, Richard Dickinson, Roger Marshall, Steven P. Helme
  • Patent number: 7907551
    Abstract: Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) emergency calls to an Emergency Response Center (ERC) are handled through a VoIP conference bridge on a VoIP service provider's soft switch. The soft switch works with a VoIP positioning center (VPC) to obtain location information, which is compared against a PSAP database to find an initial best-appropriate PSAP for the location of the emergency caller. The PSAP is issued an Invite message to join the conference, establishing an emergency call. Third parties such as police, ambulance may be issued Invite messages to join the conference. Cold transfers are avoided by Inviting participants to join a single emergency conference rather than passing an emergency call from party to party (e.g., from PSAP to police to ambulance, etc.) The PSAP, other emergency responders, and even the initial VoIP emergency caller may leave and rejoin the VoIP conference without dropping the conference between the others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Croy, John Gordon Hines, Darrin Johnson
  • Patent number: 7903791
    Abstract: An E-9-1-1 voice-over-IP (VoIP) solution is provided wherein a 911 call from a wireless VoIP device is routed directly to the correct Public Safety Answer Point (PSAP) via dedicated trunks, together with correct location information and call-back number. VoIP gateways are implemented locally, at least one per LATA, and accept VoIP packetized data inbound, and convert it to standard wireline voice calls. Calls are routed to an IP address at the VoIP gateway, which then egresses the call to a voice port at a selective router. Dedicated voice trunks (CAMA, SS7, FG-D) are installed between each local VoIP gateway and appropriate selective routers. An Automatic Location Identification (ALI) database is provisioned with ESRKs dedicated for VoIP use. TCP/IP circuits may be established between some or all of the various local VoIP gateways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Dickinson, Roger Marshall, Steven P. Helme
  • Patent number: 7903587
    Abstract: A protocol converter or translator between ANSI-41 ORREQs and VoIP V2 messaging. The protocol converter may alternatively (or also) provide conversion between GSM MAP and VoIP V2 messaging. Interaction of VSPs with a Mobile Positioning Center (MPC) or a Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC) is permitted, as is interaction of wireless carriers with a VoIP Positioning Center (VPC). In this way existing GMLCs or MPCs may be used to service VoIP 9-1-1 calls. Moreover, operators of VoIP Positioning Centers (VPCs) who implement wireless offerings can re-use their existing VPCs to service wireless 9-1-1 calls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Poremba, Gordon J. Hines, Victor Burton
  • Patent number: 7903001
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for storing, referencing, retrieving, and graphically displaying spatial and non-spatial related information of a mobile computing device, such as a laptop computer or a cellular telephone. The spatial-related information may be obtained by using positioning tracking systems such as a global positioning system, whereas the non-spatial related information may include communication activities associated with the mobile computing device, such as phone calls, e-mails, text messages, pages, etc. The present invention also provides methods and apparatus of sharing event information between mobile communication devices as well as related navigational information for traveling to an event from a real-time position of a mobile communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Sheha, Angie Sheha, Stephen Petilli, Mark Goddard
  • Patent number: 7904100
    Abstract: The present invention provides a ‘411xx’ value added service to wireless users. The disclosed ‘411xx’ service allows a mobile user who may be unfamiliar with their current geographic location to nevertheless obtain quick, accurate, and current information relating to the geographic area, e.g., different services in their current location, stores, libraries, gas stations, etc., via a mobile terminated (MT) short message system (SMS) message. In addition to the traditional ‘4-1-1’ dialed digits, a mobile user would also dial a number (or numbers) representing a feature code for a particular service, e.g., nearby ATMs, or traffic information. Upon receiving a 411xx call, the MSC generates an ORREQ/TCAP trigger based on a translation of the requested service represented by the extra ‘xx’ digits. The 411xx call is terminated on the MSC after an audible whisper notice plays to the caller, e.g., “thank you for calling, your requested information will be sent momentarily”.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Pohutsky, Joel Groen, Steve Helme
  • Patent number: 7899473
    Abstract: The present invention provides a ‘411xx’ value added service to wireless users. The disclosed ‘411xx’ service allows a mobile user who may be unfamiliar with their current geographic location to nevertheless obtain quick, accurate, and current information relating to the geographic area, e.g., different services in their current location, stores, libraries, gas stations, etc., via a mobile terminated (MT) short message system (SMS) message. In addition to the traditional ‘4-1-1’ dialed digits, a mobile user would also dial a number (or numbers) representing a feature code for a particular service, e.g., nearby ATMs, or traffic information. Upon receiving a 411xx call, the MSC generates an ORREQ/TCAP trigger based on a translation of the requested service represented by the extra ‘xx’ digits. The 411xx call is terminated on the MSC after an audible whisper notice plays to the caller, e.g., “thank you for calling, your requested information will be sent momentarily”.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: TeleCommunications Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Pohutsky, Joel Groen, Steve Helme
  • Patent number: 7899450
    Abstract: A radar/laser emission detector is augmented with a cellular communications capability to provide the capability to share emission detection information amongst drivers to give other drivers even more advanced warning. A network of a plurality of cellular augmented radar/laser emission detector devices may be formed, each having the capability to source the location of radar or laser emission detections to others requesting access to such information, and each being warned when within a proximity of a recent radar or laser emission detection reported by at least one of the plurality of hybrid radar/laser detector devices. A local area, mobile area wireless network (MAWN) is formed in a cellular network to share radar/laser detection information among drivers. Mobile Position Centers (MPCs) are provided in ANSI-41 networks and Gateway Mobile Location Centres (GMLCs) (GSM networks), to determine other members that are proximate to a device that is detecting radar emission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Lance Douglas Pitt, Daniel D. DeLapp, Sarah Jean Lawrence
  • Patent number: 7899468
    Abstract: Methods including computer program products for receiving a request from a first device, the request incorporating a message. One or more users from a first set of one or more users are selected where each of the selected one or more users is associated with a second device that is in a proximity to a current location of the first device. The message and the current location of the first device are sent to each of the second devices associated with the selected one or more users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Sunit Lohtia, Joseph H. Astroth, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7894825
    Abstract: A technique and apparatus to provide status tracking of presence and/or location of a mobile, wireless device to a requesting entity even outside of a particular wireless system. This allows wireless service providers the ability to monitor and log changes in the status of mobile stations within and/or outside their networks. Embodiments are disclosed wherein presence and/or location information is provided to entities outside of a particular servicing wireless network using the mechanisms of call processing components of a mobile network (e.g., call setup procedures), and using standard mechanisms currently available to any appropriately conforming Mobile Switching Center (MSC) element. A mobile activity status tracker (MAST) is disclosed which contains a database of information similar to the information contained in the Home Location Register.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik L. Wallace, Walter Weichselbaumer, Daniel J. Hronek, Mark Titus, Dara Ung
  • Patent number: 7894797
    Abstract: A technique and apparatus to provide status tracking of presence and/or location of a mobile, wireless device to a requesting entity even outside of a particular wireless system. This allows wireless service providers the ability to monitor and log changes in the status of mobile stations within and/or outside their networks. Embodiments are disclosed wherein presence and/or location information is provided to entities outside of a particular servicing wireless network using the mechanisms of call processing components of a mobile network (e.g., call setup procedures), and using standard mechanisms currently available to any appropriately conforming Mobile Switching Center (MSC) element. In one disclosed embodiment, a wireless chat tracking system is implemented which utilizes a change in mobile registration status to automatically notify a chat group system outside the wireless network of current status information activity regarding a relevant device, e.g., registration activity or inactivity timeout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Dara Ung, Mark Titus, Johanna Wilson, Richard Smith
  • Patent number: 7895256
    Abstract: A messaging system, method, and computer program product includes a client device having stored therein a client application, which is adapted to be executed by the client device, a server having stored therein a server application, which is adapted to be executed by the server, a plurality of wireless networks, each of which is adapted to: communicate messages between the client device and the server; and support one or more wireless network protocols, and a protocol gateway encapsulating a fundamental network protocol. The fundamental network protocol underlies each of the one or more wireless network protocols and includes a protocol stack that corresponds substantially to an Open System Interconnection (OSI) model and incorporates a simple network transport layer (SNTL).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Zombek, Richard K. Sobchak, Rudy G. Bonefas
  • Patent number: 7890809
    Abstract: A high level Operational Support System (OSS) framework provides the infrastructure and analytical system to enable all applications and systems to be managed dynamically at runtime regardless of platform or programming technology. Applications are automatically discovered and managed. Java applications have the additional advantage of auto-inspection (through reflection) to determine their manageability. Resources belonging to application instances are associated and managed with that application instance. This provides operators the ability to not only manage an application, but its distributed components as well. They are presented as belonging to a single application instance node that can be monitored, analyzed, and managed. The OSS framework provides the platform-independent infrastructure that heterogeneous applications require to be monitored, controlled, analyzed and managed at runtime.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Blaine Nye, David Sze Hong
  • Patent number: 7890127
    Abstract: A phone number only messaging experience is provided in an Inter-Carrier Messaging System service. Subscriber to subscriber digital messages containing user data are routed between carrier's networks using an Inter-Carrier messaging module with appropriate MIN/carrier/carrier routing look-up capabilities. Digital messages containing user data (e.g., short messages, email, digital messages in general, etc.) may be sent to a subscriber in another carrier's network addressed only with a phone number. If the recipient is outside of the sender's carrier network, the Inter-Carrier messaging module of the Inter-Carrier service provider (ICSP) determines the appropriate carrier for the recipient, appends the appropriate syntax to the digital message containing user data to allow internet protocol (IP) or other standardized communication techniques between message service centers of the two carriers, and routes the digital message containing user data to the destination carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Chris Knotts