Patents Assigned to AT&T BLS Intellectual Property, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20140025526
    Abstract: A method, computer program product, and apparatus for providing reverse auction services are provided. A reverse auction request for transportation or a reverse auction request for delivery is received from a communications device. Geographical location information of an origination location and a destination location for the reverse auction request for transportation or delivery is received from the communications device. The reverse auction request for transportation or delivery is transmitted. Bids to the reverse auction request for transportation or delivery are received. The bids to the request for transportation or delivery are transmitted to the communications device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. via transfer from AT&T BLS Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Cavanaugh, Ben Balsley
  • Publication number: 20120319849
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media provide for the real-time notification of user events. According to various embodiments described herein, a user initiates a notification process in which the geographic location of a device associated with the user, as well as any desired activity data, is generated into a real-time notification for another party. The location of the user device is determined upon the initiation of the notification process. Original or pre-programmed messages may be posted on a website or delivered along with the location of the user device to any number of communication devices. The various embodiments provide an efficient manner of updating selected individuals with the location of a user and of providing those individuals with desired information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: AT&T BLS Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig Cavanaugh
  • Publication number: 20110110324
    Abstract: Systems, methods and computer products for pooling of wireless collection bandwidth. Exemplary embodiments include a bandwidth management method, in a wireless device, the method, including querying for additional wireless devices within a communication range of the wireless device, the wireless device and additional wireless devices being in communication with a network having downloadable content, initiating communication between the wireless device and the additional wireless devices, establishing an ad-hoc network among the combination of the wireless device and the additional devices, establishing communication between the combined wireless device and additional devices as the ad-hoc network, and the network having the downloadable content and requesting the downloadable content from the network to the wireless device, wherein the downloadable content is transferred over a bandwidth collectively pooled among individual bandwidths of the wireless device and the additional wireless devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. via transfer from AT&T BLS Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventor: John Ruckart
  • Publication number: 20090088214
    Abstract: A cellular system for handling outgoing calls from a mobile station (1) including a network element (8) being capable of recognizing voiced commands and names, and has in memory a database of telephone numbers corresponding to an array of names; The mobile station (1) connects to the network element (8) and the mobile station user communicates the desired outgoing call function to the network element (8) by voice. This desired outgoing call function may be communicated while the mobile station (1) is engaged in using supplementary services provided by the network element (8), at any operation point in those services. The network element (8) evaluate the voice communication, retrieves any corresponding information, including telephone numbers, and communicates the necessary information need by the mobile station (1) to carry out the desired function to the mobile station (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: AT&T BLS Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Holt, M. Laster
  • Publication number: 20090013384
    Abstract: One embodiment of a method for determining a username comprises obtaining a digital certificate from a first computer application requesting a service; authenticating the digital certificate of the first computer application; and retrieving the username from the digital certificate that is recognized by a second computer application performing the service as a user of the second computer application. Other methods and systems are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: AT & T BLS Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Scurlock, JR., Rex Blackwell, Bruce B. Burson, JR., Neal F. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20080304646
    Abstract: The present invention automatically establishes a connection to each participant of a teleconference. Conference call set up and connect information may be provisioned in a variety of ways, including via a menu-based Dual Tone Multiple Frequency (DTMF) mechanism and via a form or formatted file sent from a subscriber. Additionally, a conference participant is not tied to one telephone number or other such address. The present invention queries a profile database to determine a conference participant's current location before connecting the participant to the conference. Therefore a conference participant who happens to be working from home on a particular day need only update one database, and any conferences in which the telecommuting worker is expected to participate will automatically be connected to the worker's home telephone number, rather than the worker's office telephone number.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: AT&T BLS Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventors: Hong Thi Nguyen, Linda Ann Roberts, Edward Michael Silver
  • Publication number: 20080248814
    Abstract: A location visit detail service, typically provided by a wireless carrier to a subscriber, includes a portable wireless device, a location identification means and a central processor. The central processor periodically receives location data generated by the location identification means. The central processor data transforms the location data into time and position data pairs that identify the location of the portable wireless device at a particular time. Through a geographic information system database, the position data is converted to street address data. The details data is provided by the wireless carrier to the subscriber, which can use the details data to provide a summary report describing the activity of the service person. This summary report can be used for preparation of bills or for gathering statistics on (individual or group) service person efficiency. Alternatively, the wireless carrier can prepare the report that is then transmitted to the subscriber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: AT&T BLS Intellectual Property, Inc., formerly known as BellSouth Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventor: Sunil H. Contractor
  • Patent number: 7412047
    Abstract: The present invention automatically establishes a connection to each participant of a teleconference. Conference call set up and connect information may be provisioned in a variety of ways, including via a menu-based Dual Tone Multiple Frequency (DTMF) mechanism and via a form or formatted file sent from a subscriber. Additionally, a conference participant is not tied to one telephone number or other such address. The present invention queries a profile database to determine a conference participant's current location before connecting the participant to the conference. Therefore a conference participant who happens to be working from home on a particular day need only update one database, and any conferences in which the telecommuting worker is expected to participate will automatically be connected to the worker's home telephone number, rather than the worker's office telephone number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: AT&T BLS Intellectual Property, Inc
    Inventors: Hong Thi Nguyen, Linda Ann Roberts, Edward Michael Silver
  • Patent number: 7400713
    Abstract: A system and method that notifies the receipt of a voicemail message at an IP telephone using one or more of instant messaging and short message service. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides an IP telephone that prepares a notification regarding the receipt of a voicemail message. In one embodiment, the IP telephone queries the availability of an instant messaging client via an instant messaging presence server, and forwards the notification to the instant messaging presence server if the instant messaging client is available. In another embodiment, the IP telephone sends the notification to a short message service client via a short message service gateway. In still another embodiment, the IP telephone sends the notification to both instant messaging client and short message service clients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: AT&T BLS Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaofeng Gao, David Scott
  • Patent number: 7379464
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for enabling a virtual personalized network. Communications are established with a personal digital gateway to control access, sharing, security, and/or management of up-to-date personalized data exchanged between or among a plurality of associated communications devices and/or communications networks. The associated communications devices are owned, operated, and/or accessed by a common user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: AT&T BLS Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventors: Barrett Morris Kreiner, Donna K. Hodges, Jonathan M. Peterson
  • Patent number: 7357308
    Abstract: Systems and methods of automatically or semi-automatically loading patient chart information onto a patient room computer system. The systems and methods involve using the patient room computer system to obtain patient identifying information, then requesting the patient chart from a primary computer system. Upon receiving the patient chart from the primary computer system, the invention relates to displaying the patient chart on the patient room computer system. Obtaining the patient information may occur in several ways. For instance, since a patient is typically associated with a specific room within the healthcare facility, the act of obtaining patient information may involve determining the room identification for the patient and using the room identification, requesting the patient chart associated with the room. In an embodiment, the room identification information is transmitted to the patient room computer system automatically upon entering the room, e.g., by using cellular telephone technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: AT&T BLS Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventor: William Randolph Matz
  • Patent number: 7356135
    Abstract: A device and method for controlling the use of a communication device make a determination as to whether a communication may proceed. The determination may be based upon a time reference, such as a total amount of time that the communication may proceed or an interval of time when communication is not permitted. The determination may alternatively be based upon whether the user is authorized by entry of a personal identification number prior to placing the communication. Various other considerations may be accounted for including whether the communication is to a communication address and/or whether the communication is of a particular type. If the communication may not proceed, then the circuit between a communication device and the communication network is obstructed to terminate the communication following an audio or visual warning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: AT&T BLS Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventor: James Edward Dickens
  • Publication number: 20080075239
    Abstract: The preferred embodiments of the present invention include providing automated passcode recovery in an interactive voice response system by providing to a caller an automated passcode recovery question and processing a caller answer to the automated passcode recovery question to authenticate the caller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Applicant: AT&T BLS Intellectual Property, Inc., formerly known as BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporati
    Inventor: Anita Simpson
  • Patent number: 7350099
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for utilizing a logical failover circuit for rerouting data from a failed network circuit in a first data network to a second data network. The network circuit in the first data network includes a logical circuit for communicating data. When a failure in the network circuit in the first data network is detected, a network failover circuit is selected in the second data network. The network failover circuit in the second data network includes a logical failover circuit for communicating data. The data in the failed logical circuit in the first data network is rerouted over the logical failover circuit in the second data network until the failure in the network circuit in the first data network is resolved. After the failed network circuit in the first data network has been restored, the data is rerouted over the restored logical circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: AT&T BLS Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventors: William Taylor, David Massengill, John Hollingsworth
  • Patent number: 7346518
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for determining whether to market an intellectual property asset, where the intellectual property asset is based at least in part on an innovation developed for an internal need. In an embodiment, a description of an intellectual property asset is received, and an assessment of the marketability of the intellectual property asset is generated based at least in part on the description of an intellectual property asset and a marketing criterion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: AT&T BLS Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott M. Frank, Carol T. Beckham, Martin McLendon, Shannon M. Short, Michael Bishop, Vernon Meadows, Steven Overcash
  • Patent number: 7346158
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for wiring a digital subscriber line circuit between a customer premises and a central office. A first connection for a first cable pair is established between the customer premises and a distribution frame in the central office. The first cable pair carries a full range signal from the customer premises to the distribution frame. A second connection is established at the distribution frame for a second cable pair between the distribution frame and a digital subscriber line access mulitplexer (DSLAM) in the central office for routing the full range signal from the first cable pair. A third connection is also established at the distribution frame for a third cable pair between the distribution frame and a voice switch in the central office for routing the full range signal from the first cable pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: AT&T BLS Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventor: Shersrin Naidu
  • Publication number: 20080066164
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for controlling computer access. Briefly described in architecture, some embodiments of such a system provide a control unit for controlling user access to a computer in accordance with a user profile. An administrator of the computer is enabled to remotely access and modify the user profile. The user profile is stored at least in a remote database that is accessible via a server. Other systems and methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Applicant: AT&T BLS Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventors: Anil Chebolu, Timothy Hill, Marie McMenamin, Zakir Patrawala, Samira Virani
  • Patent number: 7340038
    Abstract: A network administration system includes an Internet-based repair (eRepair) subsystem that is configured to accept customer trouble tickets related to a network and to provide customer trouble ticket status information to customers. The administration system also includes a Work Force and Administration-Control (WFA/C) subsystem that is configured to manage repair services that are performed on the network in response to the customer trouble tickets. A repair status update system, method and/or computer program product is configured to automatically push a status change message from the WFA/C subsystem to the eRepair subsystem upon occurrence of a change in a status of a customer trouble ticket in the WFA/C subsystem as a result of repair services that are performed on the network. The customer trouble ticket status information is updated in response to receipt of the status change message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: AT&T BLS Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael B. Boetje, Rita H. Scherer
  • Patent number: 7333597
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for locating and retrieving stored computer files that are related to an incoming telephone call directed to a computer user. A called party receives a telephone call while the called party is operating her computer. A computer telephony interface receives caller identification information on the calling party and uses that information to launch a software synchronization program for locating files stored on the called party's computer that are related to the calling party. A dialog box is displayed on the screen of the called party's computer that provides the caller identification on the calling party and provides an icon for displaying a list of stored files related to the incoming caller. The list of files may be automatically presented to the called party, or the called party may retrieve the list of stored files by selection of the icon presented in the dialog box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: AT&T BLS Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward M. Silver, Linda A. Roberts, Hong T. Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20080030378
    Abstract: A management system using Global Positioning System receivers for tracking remote units from a central office and quickly and conveniently determining if those remote units have varied from a set of predetermined parameters of operation. The system also includes provisions that allows information to be sent from the remote units to the central office and vice versa. The system also has safety features that promote the rapid dispatch of law enforcement personnel when requests for emergency assistance have been made from the remote units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicant: AT&T BLS Intellectual Property, Inc
    Inventors: Marvin Hamrick, R. T. Ingman