Patents Assigned to Smith Micro Software, Inc.
  • Patent number: 11599661
    Abstract: A method of controlling use of network-connectable devices is provided. First network requests from a first user device executing a first operating system are monitored, and applications operating in the foreground on the first user device during the first network requests are monitored. A model is trained based on the first network requests and based on the applications respectively operating in the foreground on the first user device during the first network requests. Second network requests from a second user device executing a second operating system are monitored, and the model is applied to the second network requests from the second user device to determine a particular application operating in the foreground on the second user device. A function of the second user device is restricted based on the determining of the particular application operating in the foreground on the second user device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Smith Micro Software, Inc.
    Inventors: John Poothokaran, Juyong Do, Rajarshi Gupta
  • Patent number: 11403936
    Abstract: A device includes a display, a camera, a memory storing a software code, and a hardware processor configured to execute the software code to: configure the device to be in a first mode; receive, from the camera, camera data of an environment surrounding the device; determine that a person is present in the environment based on the camera data; determine that the person is facing the display based on the camera data; and transition the device from the first mode to a second mode, in response to determining that the person is facing the display. The display displays a first content when the device is in the first mode, and displays a second content different than the first content when the device is in the second mode. The second content is configured to provide information about the device to the person without requiring the person to touch the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Smith Micro Software, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Christopher Schrebe, Scott Henry Anderson, Andrew L Foulke
  • Publication number: 20220156400
    Abstract: A method of controlling use of network-connectable devices is provided. First network requests from a first user device executing a first operating system are monitored, and applications operating in the foreground on the first user device during the first network requests are monitored. A model is trained based on the first network requests and based on the applications respectively operating in the foreground on the first user device during the first network requests. Second network requests from a second user device executing a second operating system are monitored, and the model is applied to the second network requests from the second user device to determine a particular application operating in the foreground on the second user device. A function of the second user device is restricted based on the determining of the particular application operating in the foreground on the second user device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2022
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Applicant: SMITH MICRO SOFTWARE, INC.
    Inventors: John Poothokaran, Juyong Do, Rajarshi Gupta
  • Patent number: 11244065
    Abstract: A method of controlling use of network-connectable devices is provided. First network requests from a first user device executing a first operating system are monitored, and applications operating in the foreground on the first user device during the first network requests are monitored. A model is trained based on the first network requests and based on the applications respectively operating in the foreground on the first user device during the first network requests. Second network requests from a second user device executing a second operating system are monitored, and the model is applied to the second network requests from the second user device to determine a particular application operating in the foreground on the second user device. A function of the second user device is restricted based on the determining of the particular application operating in the foreground on the second user device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Smith Micro Software, Inc.
    Inventors: John Poothokaran, Juyong Do, Rajarshi Gupta
  • Patent number: 9781645
    Abstract: Presented is a method for controlling network access for the mobile device. The method includes analyzing a first plurality of network parameters, collected by the mobile device, based on one or more local network policies. The method further includes receiving an update for the one or more local network policies from a policy server based on a second plurality of network parameters received by the policy server from a plurality of mobile devices. The method also includes rerouting data traffic for the mobile device from a first wireless network configuration to a second wireless network configuration based on the analyzing of the second plurality of network parameters and the update from the policy server. Rerouting data traffic for the mobile device may include maintaining a constant IP address utilizing a virtual network adapter within the mobile device to provide split tunneling over two or more network connections of the second wireless network configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Smith Micro Software, Inc.
    Inventors: Bikramjit Singh, Dzung Tran, Stephen Mkandawire, Angelo Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 9560683
    Abstract: Messages, such as voice messages, are received at a server and processed to generate extracted data that includes text from the message, envelope information, or contact information. The extracted data is transmitted to a device that displays a visual representation that includes some of the extracted data. The visual representation (e.g., an icon) enables the user to visually see what is in a voice message. By selecting a particular visual representation, the corresponding message can be retrieved from the message server and played at the device. In some instances, the message server also transmits an initial segment to the device that can be played by the device as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Smith Micro Software, Inc.
    Inventors: Konstantin Othmer, Albert Jordan
  • Patent number: 9549018
    Abstract: There is provided a system and method for exchanging messages between a native application and a web browser using a server. The server configured to receive a message from a communication application of a first client device for delivery to the second client device, determine if the second client device includes the communication application, create a link to a webpage for rendering the message on the webpage when the second client device does not have the communication application, transmit the link to the second client device, render the message on the webpage to the second client device in response to receiving a request, receive a reply message from the second client device, and transmit the reply message to the first client device for rendering by the communication application. The message from the first client device may include a multimedia message, such as an animated avatar with a lip-sync audio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Smith Micro Software, Inc.
    Inventors: Audrey Muller, Raja Hithayathuallah, Vinay Chandra
  • Patent number: 9292274
    Abstract: The present invention reduces the time required to apply an update package for generating a new image from an original image within a non-volatile memory device by effectively reducing the number of flash blocks requiring modification by use of whatever free space is available at the end of the image as required. A set of software development guidelines and an improved firmware development tool chain (i.e. compiler, linker, etc.) are utilized to produce new firmware for the client device. A firmware programmer follows or applies this set of guidelines when developing new features and fixes for distribution via a new firmware image. The improved firmware development tool chain executes on a collection of function blocks, available from the development of the original image, used to create new firmware source code, which when complied and linked yields a new image, prior to the delta or differencing processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Smith Micro Software, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Edmonds
  • Patent number: 9220065
    Abstract: There is provided a method of enabling a mobile broadband hotspot by an auxiliary radio. By utilizing a commonly available auxiliary radio, such as a Bluetooth radio, hotspot connectivity using a primary radio, such as Wi-Fi, can be readily enabled. Accordingly, device connections, guest access, and device disconnections can be easily requested on demand from a mobile broadband hotspot. Additionally, the mobile broadband hotspot may be configured to enable or disable connections using a pre-determined schedule. The pre-determined schedule may provide Internet access only when necessary, such as during scheduled device updates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Smith Micro Software, Inc.
    Inventors: David Sperling, Jim Mains
  • Patent number: 9185228
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing voice data in network-based instant connect communications. In an instant connect call, instead of immediately playing voice data when it is received, the voice data is buffered on the recipient's device and the recipient is notified of the incoming voice data. The recipient may then play the voice data at a later time before the instant connect call session times out. The recipient may also take the floor and delete the buffered voice data, reject the voice data, or ignore the voice data until the session times out and the buffered voice data is deleted. The recipient can also prevent voice data from being delivered by selecting an answer mode of operation of the recipient's device that enables the recipient to approve senders before voice data is transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Smith Micro Software, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas R. van Kirk
  • Patent number: 9173144
    Abstract: Presented is a method for controlling network access for the mobile device. The method includes analyzing a first plurality of network parameters, collected by the mobile device, based on one or more local network policies. The method further includes receiving an update for the one or more local network policies from a policy server based on a second plurality of network parameters received by the policy server from a plurality of mobile devices. The method also includes rerouting data traffic for the mobile device from a first wireless network configuration to a second wireless network configuration based on the analyzing of the second plurality of network parameters and the update from the policy server. Rerouting data traffic for the mobile device may include maintaining a constant IP address utilizing a virtual network adapter within the mobile device to provide split tunneling over two or more network connections of the second wireless network configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Smith Micro Software, Inc.
    Inventors: Bik Singh, Dzung Tran, Stephen Mkandawire, Angelo Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20150237116
    Abstract: There is provided a system and method for exchanging messages between a native application and a web browser using a server. The server configured to receive a message from a communication application of a first client device for delivery to the second client device, determine if the second client device includes the communication application, create a link to a webpage for rendering the message on the webpage when the second client device does not have the communication application, transmit the link to the second client device, render the message on the webpage to the second client device in response to receiving a request, receive a reply message from the second client device, and transmit the reply message to the first client device for rendering by the communication application. The message from the first client device may include a multimedia message, such as an animated avatar with a lip-sync audio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Publication date: August 20, 2015
    Applicant: SMITH MICRO SOFTWARE, INC.
    Inventors: Audrey Muller, Raja Hithayathuallah, Vinay Chandra
  • Patent number: 9060318
    Abstract: A system and method for a connected wireless device to hand off from one network to another based on empirical data gathered from real live networks regarding the grade of service available on the network. The invention uses this information in combination with the user's choice of a preferred type of network connection to intelligently manage and conserve device battery life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: SMITH MICRO SOFTWARE, INC.
    Inventors: Biju Nair, Christopher A. Heistad, Darryl Lovato
  • Patent number: 9060044
    Abstract: An active play system and method are provided that allow a piece of content to be transferred between multiple content devices associated with the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Smith Micro Software Inc.
    Inventor: Brainerd Sathiananthan
  • Patent number: 9049535
    Abstract: Voice messaging services are used to provide messages for recipients associated with terminated network-based instant connect communication sessions. A first device engages in a communication session with a second device. The communication session between the two devices terminates and the first device records locally a voice message addressed to the second device. The message may be stored on the first device and transmitted to the second device after another communication session is established between the two devices. Alternately, the voice message may be transmitted to a message server and forwarded to the second device at a later time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: SMITH MICRO SOFTWARE, INC.
    Inventors: Konstantin Othmer, Michael P. Ruf
  • Patent number: 9002486
    Abstract: An audio recorder may be configured to automatically send a copy of recorded audio to one or more destinations, such as, one or more default destinations associated with the audio recorder. The audio recorder may be configured to use a wireless connection to send the copy of the recorded audio. For instance, the audio recorder may form part of a wireless communication device that may be configured to send the copy of the recorded audio via one or more wireless connections and/or wireless networks to suitable destinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Smith Micro Software, Inc.
    Inventors: Konstantin Othmer, Michael P. Ruf
  • Patent number: 8989159
    Abstract: There is provided a system and method for managing hotspot network access for a plurality of devices. There is provided a mobile broadband hotspot comprising a processor configured to detect an occurrence of an event, determine a device from the plurality of devices to receive a notification of the event, determine a policy directed to the device, and execute the policy on the mobile broadband hotspot or on the device. Accordingly, by providing notifications of events to appropriate devices of the network, a better user experience is maintained. Moreover, the mobile broadband hotspot may transmit event notification to specific devices that may be affected by the execution of the policy in order to provide a better user experience for the users of those devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Smith Micro Software, Inc.
    Inventors: David Sperling, Kevin Warmerdam
  • Patent number: 8943554
    Abstract: Presented is a system and method for controlling access to a mobile hotspot on a mobile device utilizing a hotspot management application. The method includes detecting unauthorized data traffic over a tethered link between the mobile device and a tethered device by analyzing a signature of the unauthorized data traffic. Analyzing the signature of the unauthorized data traffic may be carried out utilizing a rules engine, where the rules engine is based on one or more carrier controlled tethering policies and one or more user controlled tethering policies. Detecting unauthorized data traffic may further include detecting an unauthorized tethering application on the mobile device utilizing a database of known unauthorized tethering applications. The method further includes controlling the unauthorized data traffic. The method additionally includes redirecting a user of the mobile device to a captive portal for authorized tethering plan support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Smith Micro Software, Inc.
    Inventors: Dzung Tran, Kevin Warmerdam, Thanh Lim, Ryan MacPherson, Bikramjit Singh
  • Patent number: 8892146
    Abstract: Systems and methods for selectively replaying voice data. Voice data received in a communication session is both buffered by the device and played by the device. When input is received from a recipient, the voice data currently being received is no longer played and buffered voice data is replayed to the recipient. While the buffered voice data is replayed, the device continues to buffer any voice data received by the device to ensure that the recipient can listen to all of the voice data in the communication session. By only storing voice data in the buffer, replaying the buffered voice data can catch the real-time voice data. At this point, the device reverts to playing voice data being received while continuing to buffer the voice data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Smith Micro Software, Inc.
    Inventor: Konstantin Othmer
  • Patent number: 8843532
    Abstract: A system and method for a block based differencing algorithm which includes the ability to limit memory requirements regardless of source file sizes by splitting the source file into optimally sized blocks. The invention allows the blocks to be processed in any order allowing in-place operation. Further, the present invention allows a second stage compressor to match the compressor blocks to those used by the differencing algorithm to optimize compressor and decompressor performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Smith Micro Software, Inc.
    Inventors: Serge Volkoff, Mark Armour, Darryl Lovato