Patents by Inventor Brenda S. Thompson

Brenda S. Thompson 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).

  • Patent number: 7983409
    Abstract: A method for location-based communicating includes defining a first service area and a second service area for a service provider. The method also includes associating, at a memory apparatus accessible to a networked data processing apparatus, the first service area with multiple addresses within the first service area and the second service area with multiple addresses within the second service area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: AT&T Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard E. Sabinson, Gregory Steven Fosburgh, Mark Tamasi, Brenda S Thompson
  • Publication number: 20110058663
    Abstract: A method for location-based communicating includes defining a first service area and a second service area for a service provider. The method also includes associating, at a memory apparatus accessible to a networked data processing apparatus, the first service area with multiple addresses within the first service area and the second service area with multiple addresses within the second service area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: AT&T LABS, INC.
    Inventors: Richard E. SABINSON, Gregory Steven FOSBURGH, Mark TAMASI, Brenda S. THOMPSON
  • Patent number: 7853003
    Abstract: A method for location-based communicating includes defining a first service area and a second service area for a service provider. The method also includes associating, at a memory apparatus accessible to a networked data processing apparatus, the first service area with multiple locations within the first service area and the second service area with multiple locations within the second service area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: AT&T Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard E. Sabinson, Gregory Steven Fosburgh, Mark Tamasi, Brenda S Thompson
  • Patent number: 7817793
    Abstract: Communications are routed in a communications network based on a location of a requesting party. A communication from the requesting party is received. A location of the requesting party is determined using a geographic address which defines the smallest of two of a set of multiple geographic areas defined by multiple available geographic addresses for the location of the requesting party. A communications destination address for the communication is selected, from multiple possible communications destination addresses, based on the location of the requesting party. The communication is forwarded to the selected communications destination address.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: AT&T Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold C. Fleischer, III, Gwen H. Gaffney, Susan D. Eiffert, James C. Merlotti, Michael W. Boeckman, Brenda S. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20100111280
    Abstract: A method for location-based communicating includes defining a first service area and a second service area for a service provider. The method also includes associating, at a memory apparatus accessible to a networked data processing apparatus, the first service area with multiple locations within the first service area and the second service area with multiple locations within the second service area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: AT&T LABS, INC.
    Inventors: Richard E. SABINSON, Gregory Steven FOSBURGH, Mark TAMASI, Brenda S. THOMPSON
  • Patent number: 7653194
    Abstract: A method for location-based communicating includes identifying a service provider based on information received from a requesting party at a networked communications apparatus. The method also includes determining whether a plurality of predefined service areas have been defined for the identified service provider. When the plurality of the at least one predefined service areas have been defined for the service provider, determinations are made as whether the requesting party is in one of the predefined service areas. When the requesting party is in a predefined service areas, information specified for a service location for the predefined service area is forwarded to the requesting party.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: AT&T Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard E. Sabinson, Gregory Steven Fosburgh, Mark Tamasi, Brenda S. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20090086931
    Abstract: A method for location-based communicating includes identifying a service provider based on information received from a requesting party at a networked communications apparatus. The method also includes determining whether a plurality of predefined service areas have been defined for the identified service provider. When the plurality of the at least one predefined service areas have been defined for the service provider, determinations are made as whether the requesting party is in one of the predefined service areas. When the requesting party is in a predefined service areas, information specified for a service location for the predefined service area is forwarded to the requesting party.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: AT&T LABS, INC.
    Inventors: Richard E. SABINSON, Gregory Steven FOSBURGH, Mark TAMASI, Brenda S. THOMPSON
  • Publication number: 20080310613
    Abstract: Communications are routed in a communications network based on a location of a requesting party. A communication from the requesting party is received. A location of the requesting party is determined using a geographic address which defines the smallest of two of a set of multiple geographic areas defined by multiple available geographic addresses for the location of the requesting party. A communications destination address for the communication is selected, from multiple possible communications destination addresses, based on the location of the requesting party. The communication is forwarded to the selected communications destination address.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: AT&T LABS, INC.
    Inventors: Harold C. FLEISCHER, III, Gwen H. GAFFNEY, Susan D. EIFFERT, James C. MERLOTTI, Michael W. BOECKMAN, Brenda S. THOMPSON
  • Patent number: 7443975
    Abstract: A method for location-based communicating includes defining at least one predefined service area for a service provider. A networked communications apparatus receives a communication including a first identifier that identifies the service provider based on input from a requesting party. A determination is made as to whether multiple predefined service areas have been defined for the service provider based on receiving the communication at the networked communications apparatus. A determination is made as to whether the requesting party is in one of the predefined service areas, when the multiple predefined service areas have been defined for the service provider. A determination is made as to which of the predefined service areas the requesting party is in, when the requesting party is in one of the predefined service areas. Information specific to a service provider location is provided for the determined predefined service area the requesting party is in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: AT&T Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard E. Sabinson, Gregory Steven Fosburgh, Mark Tamasi, Brenda S. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7421070
    Abstract: A method for location-based communications routing includes determining a location of a requesting party in accordance with an address of the requesting party. Whether the location of the requesting party is in a first subscriber service area is determined and, when the location of the requesting party is not in the first subscriber service area, whether the location of the requesting party is in a second expanded subscriber service area larger than and including the first subscriber service area is determined. When the location of the requesting party is determined to be in the first subscriber service area, data corresponding to the first subscriber area is forwarded. When the location of the requesting party is determined to be in the second expanded subscriber service area, data corresponding to the second expanded subscriber service area is forwarded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: AT&T Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold C. Fleischer, III, Gwen H. Gaffney, Susan D. Eiffert, James C. Merlotti, Michael W. Boeckman, Brenda S. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7302052
    Abstract: A method for location-based communications routing includes determining a location of a requesting party in accordance with an originating communications address of the requesting party. The method also includes determining whether the location of the requesting party is in a first subscriber service area and, when the location of the requesting party is not in the first subscriber service area, determining whether the location of the requesting party is in a second expanded subscriber service area larger than and including the first subscriber service area. When the location of the requesting party is determined to be in the first subscriber service area, a communication from the requesting party is forwarded to a routing communications address associated with the first subscriber service area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: AT&T Labs, inc.
    Inventors: Harold C. Fleischer, III, Gwen H. Gaffney, Susan D. Eiffert, James C. Merlotti, Michael W. Boeckman, Brenda S. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7292688
    Abstract: Location-based communications routing includes determining whether a network apparatus which receives a communication, from a calling party attempting to contact a service corresponding to at least one predefined service area, provides service to at least one of the at least one predefined service area. When the network apparatus provides service to multiple of the predefined service areas, the location-based communications routing includes determining whether the calling party is in one of the at least one predefined service area. When the calling party is in one of the at least one predefined service area, the location-based communications routing includes determining which predefined service area the calling party is in. The communication is routed based upon determining whether the network apparatus provides service to at least one of the at least one predefined service area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: AT&T Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard E. Sabinson, Gregory Steven Fosburgh, Mark Tamasi, Brenda S. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7218719
    Abstract: A method, system and computer readable medium are provided for defining a service area served by a service location of a telecommunications network customer. The method includes ascertaining a geographic designator of a geographic area. The geographic area includes a plurality of geographic sub-areas that each correspond to a geographic sub-designator. The method also includes determining whether any two of the plurality of geographic sub-areas are not served by the same service location. When any two of the plurality of geographic sub-areas are not served by the same service location, the service area is defined by only the sub-designators corresponding to the geographic sub-areas served by the service location. When each of the plurality of geographic sub-areas are served by the same service location, the service area is defined by the geographic designator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: AT&T Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold C. Fleischer, III, Gwen H. Gaffney, Susan D. Eiffert, James C. Merlotti, Michael W. Boeckman, Brenda S. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7203302
    Abstract: At least one call is routed based on a location of a calling party. A calling party calls a service corresponding to at least one predefined service area, and it is ascertained whether the calling party is within the at least one predefined service area. When the calling party is within the at least one predefined service area, it is determined which at least one predefined service area the calling party is in, and the routing for the call is determined based upon determining which at least one predefined service area the calling party is in. A route for the call to a destination for the service that corresponds to the determined predefined service area is identified based upon determining that the calling party is within the determined predefined service area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: AT&T Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard E. Sabinson, Gregory Steven Fosburgh, Mark Tamasi, Brenda S. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7054432
    Abstract: A communications system is provided for routing calls based on a location of a calling party. The communications system includes a processor that determines routing of a call placed by a calling party using one of a plurality of call origination devices. The call origination devices are operatively connected to a switching device that is operatively connected to the processor. The call is placed to a destination corresponding to a service having a service area. The switching device services calls placed from call origination devices located within the service area and calls placed from call origination devices located outside the service area. The processor determines whether the calling party is within the service area, and the processor instructs the switching device to route the call to the destination based upon the processor determining that the calling party is within the service area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: SBC Technology Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard E. Sabinson, Gregory Steven Fosburgh, Mark Tamasi, Brenda S. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6980636
    Abstract: A method, system and computer readable medium are provided for defining a service area served by a service location of a telecommunications network customer. The method includes ascertaining a geographic designator of a geographic area. The geographic area includes a plurality of geographic sub-areas that each correspond to a geographic sub-designator. The method also includes determining whether any two of the plurality of geographic sub-areas are not served by the same service location. When any two of the plurality of geographic sub-areas are not served by the same service location, the service area is defined by only the sub-designators corresponding to the geographic sub-areas served by the service location. When each of the plurality of geographic sub-areas are served by the same service location, the service area is defined by the geographic designator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: SBC Technology Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold C. Fleischer, III, Gwen H. Gaffney, Susan D. Eiffert, James C. Merlotti, Michael W. Boeckman, Brenda S. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20040190706
    Abstract: A method, system and computer readable medium are provided for defining a service area served by a service location of a telecommunications network customer. The method includes ascertaining a geographic designator of a geographic area. The geographic area includes a plurality of geographic sub-areas that each correspond to a geographic sub-designator. The method also includes determining whether any two of the plurality of geographic sub-areas are not served by the same service location. When any two of the plurality of geographic sub-areas are not served by the same service location, the service area is defined by only the sub-designators corresponding to the geographic sub-areas served by the service location. When each of the plurality of geographic sub-areas are served by the same service location, the service area is defined by the geographic designator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: SBC Technology Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold C. Fleischer, Gwen H. Gaffney, Susan D. Eiffert, James C. Merlotti, Michael W. Boeckman, Brenda S. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20040165711
    Abstract: A communications system is provided for routing calls based on a location of a calling party. The communications system includes a processor that determines routing of a call placed by a calling party using one of a plurality of call origination devices. The call origination devices are operatively connected to a switching device that is operatively connected to the processor. The call is placed to a destination corresponding to a service having a service area. The switching device services calls placed from call origination devices located within the service area and calls placed from call origination devices located outside the service area. The processor determines whether the calling party is within the service area, and the processor instructs the switching device to route the call to the destination based upon the processor determining that the calling party is within the service area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Applicant: SBC Technology Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard E. Sabinson, Gregory Steven Fosburgh, Mark Tamasi, Brenda S. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6724882
    Abstract: A communications system is provided for routing calls based on a location of a calling party. The communications system includes a processor that determines routing of a call placed by a calling party using one of a plurality of call origination devices. The call origination devices are operatively connected to a switching device that is operatively connected to the processor. The call is placed to a destination corresponding to a service having a service area. The switching device services calls placed from call origination devices located within the service area and calls placed from call origination devices located outside the service area. The processor determines whether the calling party is within the service area, and the processor instructs the switching device to route the call to the destination based upon the processor determining that the calling party is within the service area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: SBC Technology Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard E. Sabinson, Gregory Steven Fosburgh, Mark Tamasi, Brenda S. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6697477
    Abstract: A method, system and computer readable medium are provided for defining a service area served by a service location of a telecommunications network customer. The method includes ascertaining a geographic designator of a geographic area. The geographic area includes a plurality of geographic sub-areas that each correspond to a geographic sub-designator. The method also includes determining whether any two of the plurality of geographic sub-areas are not served by the same service location. When any two of the plurality of geographic sub-areas are not served by the same service location, the service area is defined by only the sub-designators corresponding to the geographic sub-areas served by the service location. When each of the plurality of geographic sub-areas are served by the same service location, the service area is defined by the geographic designator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: SBC Technology Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold C. Fleischer, III, Gwen H. Gaffney, Susan D. Eiffert, James C. Merlotti, Michael W. Boeckman, Brenda S. Thompson