Patents Examined by Kiet Doan
  • Patent number: 9408035
    Abstract: A method and associated device is provided for providing context based information to a user. The device is a mobile device and information is provided on a display to a user. The mobile device enabled to receive input and in processing communication with one or more computers and comprising the steps of storing a user profile having at least information about a plurality of stores; creating a plurality of icons such that each icon at least includes one store; determining if more than one store should be represented under same icons; dynamically updating information about each store represented by said icons to see if a special condition can be associated with any of the stores represented by the icons; and displaying said plurality of icons on a display of the mobile device and adding a special effect to any icon that includes a store identified as having a special condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Inventor: Michael Flynn
  • Patent number: 9407754
    Abstract: Techniques for authenticating a user of a mobile device at a computing platform are provided. A method according to these techniques includes generating a first profile and second profile of user behavior for the user of the mobile device, the first profile comprising a first type of profile having at least a first duration and the second profile comprising a second type of profile having a second duration that is shorter than the first duration, monitoring user behavior to generate usage behavior data, comparing the usage behavior data to the first profile and the second profile, performing a first type of authentication action responsive to the usage behavior data deviating from the first profile, and performing a second type of authentication action responsive to the usage behavior data deviating from the second profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Olivier Jean Benoit, Rishab Nithyanand, Rosario Cammarota, Anand Palanigounder
  • Patent number: 9398441
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for identifying a re-subscribed user and a corresponding apparatus. Based on call records of a user, communication numbers of the user which meet a preset condition are identified. Then a re-subscribed user is identified by calculating a communication number coincidence rate between users within different charging periods. In accordance with the present invention, call records of users are used as a basis of comparative analysis, thereby improving an accuracy rate of identifying a re-subscribed user; a new method is practiced to sequenced communication numbers of a user and group communication records, thereby effectively reducing the number of calculations and improving calculation efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shikai Liu, Guodong Shen
  • Patent number: 9386438
    Abstract: A deterrent device is disclosed. At the deterrent device, a first wireless communications link is established with a mobile computing device. The deterrent device is not the mobile computing device and the mobile computing device is not included in the deterrent device. At the deterrent device, a user indication to initiate a deterrent is received. An image capture device component of the deterrent device is activated to capture at least one image in response to the user indication to initiate the deterrent. At least the image is transferred, via the first wireless communications link, from the deterrent device to the mobile computing device. The mobile computing device establishes a connection via a second communication link to at least an emergency contact and at least transmits the image and user information to the emergency contact via the second communication link. In response to the user indication to initiate the deterrent, a releasing of the deterrent from the deterrent device is initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Pangaea Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Allen Hymowitz
  • Patent number: 9386436
    Abstract: An example method includes receiving at a cell broadcast center information for distribution to at least one user equipment. The cell broadcast center determines an alert category and a message number for the alert category. The alert category is based on the information for distribution. The alert category is associated with one or more corresponding alert categories of a plurality of technology networks with which the cell broadcast center is configured to interact. The message number for the alert category is based on a number of alert messages previously forwarded for the alert category. An alert message is forwarded from the cell broadcast center to the at least one user equipment via one or more of the plurality of technology networks. The alert message includes the message number for the alert category and an alert category indicator indicating a respective corresponding alert category of the one or more corresponding alert categories that corresponds with the alert category.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Zdzislaw Grzywacz, Yigang Cai
  • Patent number: 9374459
    Abstract: In various embodiments, advertising campaigns can be defined that incorporate technologies such as two-dimensional bar codes or embedded links in electronic material, for directing a user to communicate with a call center. For instance, in particular embodiments, the reading of a two-dimensional bar code by a user with a smart phone may cause various forms of communication requesting a return communication. The communication from the smart phone may be sent to, and received at, the call center, where a calling campaign associated with an advertising campaign is identified using information associated with the communication. A responding communication may be initiated from the call center to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: NOBLE SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Karl H. Koster
  • Patent number: 9369875
    Abstract: An approach is provided to protect a portable electronic device from use by an unauthorized user. In the approach, a motion at a device is detected, with the motion being caused by someone handling the device. The motion pattern of the device is compared to an expected motion pattern previously configured and stored at the device. In response to the motion pattern matching the expected motion pattern, usage of the device is allowed. However, one or more security actions are performed at the device in response to a mismatch between the motion pattern and the expected motion pattern. The security actions inhibit use of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: John C. Mese, Russell S. VanBlon, Nathan J. Peterson, Rod D. Waltermann, Arnold S. Weksler
  • Patent number: 9369583
    Abstract: A method and system for automatically triggering call redirecting in response to a mobile device detecting its connection to a host such as a personal computer, is provided. In one embodiment, the mobile device detects connection by sensing application of a charging voltage via a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection, and signaling the mobile device processor of the event. In response, the mobile device processor automatically decides to which alternative endpoint communications should be forwarded, and either instructs its transmitter to transmit a forwarding command to a network operations centre or instructs the host to transmit the command through the Internet. The network operations centre switch is operable to receive a call redirecting command respecting the mobile device from either the mobile device or the host to which the mobile device is connected, and adjusting its settings to effect call redirecting for subsequent communications for the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventor: Mihal Lazaridis
  • Patent number: 9355409
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for exchanging information between a mobile device and a physical advertising medium, such as a billboard. The method and system enables a pluggable device, coupled with the mobile device, to detect the mobile device within its vicinity of the physical advertising medium. On detection of the mobile device, the pluggable device establishes a handshake communication channel with the mobile device by authorizing the mobile device. Upon authorizing the mobile device, the pluggable device initiates the advertisement information exchange between the physical advertising medium and the mobile device in a non-intrusive manner. In one aspect, the method and system further enables the mobile device to relay the advertisement information to other mobile devices or any other physical advertisement mediums within its vicinity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Tata Consultancy Services Limited
    Inventors: Sathish Vallat, Shalin Garg, Vibhor Goswami
  • Patent number: 9350836
    Abstract: A mobile terminal including a wireless communication unit configured to wirelessly communicate with at least one other terminal; a flexible display; at least one sensor arranged in a prescribed form on the flexible display and configured to convert a flex state of the flexible display into an electric signal; and a controller configured to determine the flex state of the flexible display using the electric signal input from the at least one sensor, and control a visual effect corresponding to the determined flex state and output the visual effect on the flexible display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Hochan Song
  • Patent number: 9351151
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method performed by a connectivity service platform (2) in a communication network (1). The method comprises storing a fall-back policy comprising information about a fall-back timer. The method also comprises sending a policy message comprising information about the fall-back policy to a radio device (5) comprising an eUICC (6). The method also comprises determining that the radio device experiences a problem with a wireless network connection from a first subscription of the radio device with a first network operator (7). The method also comprises starting the fall-back timer in accordance with the stored fall-back policy in response to said determining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (publ)
    Inventors: Qiang Li, Justus Petersson
  • Patent number: 9344553
    Abstract: Techniques for authenticating a user of a mobile device at a computing platform are provided. A method according to these techniques includes generating a first profile and second profile of user behavior for the user of the mobile device, the first profile comprising a first type of profile having at least a first duration and the second profile comprising a second type of profile having a second duration that is shorter than the first duration, monitoring user behavior to generate usage behavior data, comparing the usage behavior data to the first profile and the second profile, performing a first type of authentication action responsive to the usage behavior data deviating from the first profile, and performing a second type of authentication action responsive to the usage behavior data deviating from the second profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Olivier Jean Benoit, Rishab Nithyanand, Rosario Cammarota, Anand Palanigounder
  • Patent number: 9342966
    Abstract: A method and system for determining restricted apparatuses with respect to a location is provided. The method includes determining that a user is in possession of a restricted apparatus. A video based process and a global positioning system (GPS) based process is executed with respect to the restricted apparatus and a location associated with a user. Restrictions associated with the restricted apparatus with respect to the location associated with the user are determined based on results of the video based process and the GPS based process. The restrictions are presented to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ahamed Jalaldeen, Shihabudheen V. Kavungathodika
  • Patent number: 9338606
    Abstract: A method and system is described where a plurality of position reference devices use short-range wireless communication protocols to transmit positioning assistance data to nearby mobile devices, and the mobile devices use the assistance data to model errors and re-calibrate their positioning systems. The short-range communication methods include NFC, RFID, Bluetooth®, short-range 802.11, Wi-Fi Direct, and high frequency focused beams such as 60 GHz. The position reference devices are passive or active NFC tags, passive or active RFID tags, other devices that include such tags as their components, Bluetooth®-enabled devices, 60 GHz-enabled devices, and 802.11 access points that can lower their transmit power. The reference devices are located at various indoor and outdoor locations such as smart posters, kiosks, ATM machines, malls, store checkout counters, store security gates, wireless access points, cellular base-stations, tollbooths, traffic lights, and street lamp posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: GOLBA LLC
    Inventor: Mehran Moshfeghi
  • Patent number: 9332410
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method, an apparatus, and a terminal for answering a call and relates to the field of terminal technologies. The method includes, after a call is received from a calling party, answering the call by using an automatic call answering function of a terminal, and talking with the calling party. If an instruction is received from an owner in the process of talking with the calling party, an operation is performed according to the instruction of the owner. If no instruction is received from an owner in the process of talking with the calling party, an emergency level of the call according to call content is determined, and an operation is performed according to the determined emergency level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: HUAWEI DEVICE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hui Jin
  • Patent number: 9332394
    Abstract: A method and system is described where a plurality of position reference devices use short-range wireless communication protocols to transmit positioning assistance data to nearby mobile devices, and the mobile devices use the assistance data to re-calibrate their positioning systems. In some embodiments, mobile device includes an accelerometer and the accelerometer measurements are used to calculate an updated velocity of the mobile device and an updated position of the mobile device based on the accelerometer measurements and previous velocity and position of the mobile device. The short-range communication methods include NFC, RFID, Bluetooth®, short-range 802.11, Wi-Fi Direct, and high frequency focused beams such as 60 GHz. The position reference devices are passive or active NFC tags, passive or active RFID tags, other devices that include such tags as their components, Bluetooth®-enabled devices, 60 GHz-enabled devices, and 802.11 access points that can lower their transmit power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: GOLBA LLC
    Inventor: Mehran Moshfeghi
  • Patent number: 9319892
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for managing a network of a plurality of base stations of small cells, placed in a region of a macro-cell in which at least one terminal is found, each small cell base station being adapted for covering a small cell, the method being characterized in that a set A of at least one small cell covering said at least one terminal present in the region, is determined, and the smallest subset B of at least one small cell allowing coverage of said at least one terminal is selected from said set A, such that only said at least one small cell of the subset B will have to be active.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Antonio De Domenico, Emilio Calvanese Strinati
  • Patent number: 9319499
    Abstract: A device is provided with a housing adapted to engage a portion of a head of a user, such as the ear of the user. The device includes a camera component adapted to face in the same direction as the user when engaged with the portion of the head of the user. The device may be adapted to be controlled using voice commands from the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: FotoNation Limited
    Inventors: Stuart E. Wilson, Ilyas Mohammed, Charles White, Hari Chakravarthula
  • Patent number: 9294254
    Abstract: Disclosed systems and methods mitigate interference in heterogeneous networks. Embodiments include adaptive or selective inter-cell interference coordination, adaptive multi-user zero forcing, adaptive power, and/or combinations of the foregoing. Techniques may be used to favor one group of users (e.g., femto users or macro users) over another. Certain embodiments focus quality of service (QoS) improvements on a first group of users, while using constraint processes to provide a threshold QoS for a second group of users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Ahmed S. Ibrahim, Hani H. Elgebaly, Esraa Makled, Ahmed M. Darwish
  • Patent number: 9294891
    Abstract: A short message sending method, a short message service center (SMS-SC) and a gateway are provided. The short message service center constructs a message body for bearing short message, includes routing information of the short message in this message body, and sends the message body to a short message mobile switching center gateway; after receiving the message body and determining that the message body includes the routing information of the short message, the short message mobile switching center gateway sends the short message to a core network service node according to the routing information. The SMS-SC sends the obtained routing information together with the short message to an SMS-GMSC, so that the SMS-GMSC does not need to request the routing information from an HSS or an HLR, which can reduce the interactive signaling, save the network resources, and optimize the system performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: ZTE Corporation
    Inventors: Hao Wu, Fang Xie