Patents by Inventor Eric W Parsons

Eric W Parsons 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: 8879682
    Abstract: A wireless access terminal, system and method for the wireless access terminal to synchronize to system times in a wireless communication system. A first timing hierarchy in a first wireless communication network is used to operate the wireless access terminal The lint wireless communication network has a first radio access technology. Operating with the first timing hier-archy includes determining a frame cycle for the first wireless communication network. The frame cycle has a frame cycle boundary. Broadcast parameters for a second wireless communication network having a second radio access technology different from the first radio access technology are received. The broadcast parameters include the system time of the second wireless communication network. The system time of second wireless communication network is aligned, from the perspective of the wireless access terminal, with the frame cycle boundary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Ke-Chi Jang, Eric W. Parsons, Larry T. Bolen
  • Patent number: 8577370
    Abstract: To perform handoff of a mobile station from a source wireless network controller of one wireless access technology to a target wireless network controller of a different wireless access technology, a first message for initiating a handoff is sent from the source wireless network controller to the target wireless network controller. The source wireless network controller receives, from the target wireless network controller, a second message responsive to the first message, where the second message contains information to enable identification of cell segments neighboring the target wireless network controller for which signal strength measurements are to be performed. In response to the second message, signal strength measurements made by the mobile station are received by the target wireless network controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Karl D. Mann, Michael Pate, Vijay Kesavarapu, Sandra L. Foster, Azeem Ahmad, Henry Lee, Jiangbin Yang, Eric W. Parsons
  • Patent number: 8538430
    Abstract: A system and method of facilitating handoff of communications with a mobile terminal between a first wireless access network and a second wireless access network having different air interfaces. The system and method including pre-registering the mobile terminal in the second access network prior to handoff, while the mobile terminal is conducting a communication session using the first access network. Upon a determination that a handoff is needed, communication is transparently tunneled to the secondary access network through the primary access network. During tunneling, the air link of the first wireless access network is employed to communicate with the secondary access network to facilitate the handoff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Filiatrault, Azeem Ahmad, Larry T. Bolen, Eric W. Parsons
  • Publication number: 20130235801
    Abstract: A system and method of enabling a mobile device to communicate with a local IP network host and an external IP network host using a femto cellular access point on a femto cellular access network. A local gateway is coupled to the femto cellular access network for receiving data packets transmitted on the femto cellular access network and for routing the data packets to one of a local IP network and an external IP network, based on a destination address associated with the data packets. The femto cellular access network includes an LTE network, an EVDO network connected to an EPC, or a WiMax 802.16e/m network connected to the EPC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Eric W. Parsons, Philippe Reininger, Saso Stojanovski, Barnaba Barnowski
  • Patent number: 8446863
    Abstract: A system and method of enabling a mobile device to communicate with a local IP network host and an external IP network host using a femto cellular access point on a femto cellular access network. A local gateway is coupled to the femto cellular access network for receiving data packets transmitted on the femto cellular access network and for routing the data packets to one of a local IP network and an external IP network, based on a destination address associated with the data packets. The femto cellular access network includes an LTE network, an EVDO network connected to an EPC, or a WiMax 802.16e/m network connected to the EPC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Eric W. Parsons, Philippe Reininger, Saso Stojanovski, Barnaba Barnowski
  • Patent number: 8422616
    Abstract: A wireless access terminal, system and method for the wireless access terminal to synchronize to system times in a wireless communication system. A first timing hierarchy in a first wireless communication network is used to operate the wireless access terminal. The first wireless communication network has a first radio access technology. Operating with the first timing hierarchy includes determining a frame cycle for the first wireless communication network. The frame cycle has a frame cycle boundary. Broadcast parameters for a second wireless communication network having a second radio access technology different from the first radio access technology are received. The broadcast parameters include the system time of the second wireless communication network. The system time of second wireless communication network is aligned, from the perspective of the wireless access terminal, with the frame cycle boundary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Ke-Chi Jang, Eric W. Parsons, Larry T. Bolen
  • Publication number: 20130010757
    Abstract: A wireless access terminal, system and method for the wireless access terminal to synchronize to system times in a wireless communication system. A first timing hierarchy in a first wireless communication network is used to operate the wireless access terminal The lint wireless communication network has a first radio access technology. Operating with the first timing hierarchy includes determining a frame cycle for the first wireless communication network. The frame cycle has a frame cycle boundary. Broadcast parameters for a second wireless communication network having a second radio access technology different from the first radio access technology are received. The broadcast parameters include the system time of the second wireless communication network. The system time of second wireless communication network is aligned, from the perspective of the wireless access terminal, with the frame cycle boundary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Ke-Chi Jang, Eric W. Parsons, Larry T. Bolen
  • Publication number: 20110038318
    Abstract: A system and method of enabling a mobile device to communicate with a local IP network host and an external IP network host using a femto cellular access point on a femto cellular access network. A local gateway is coupled to the femto cellular access network for receiving data packets transmitted on the femto cellular access network and for routing the data packets to one of a local IP network and an external IP network, based on a destination address associated with the data packets. The femto cellular access network includes an LTE network, an EVDO network connected to an EPC, or a WiMax 802.16e/m network connected to the EPC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: NORTEL NETWORKS LIMITED
    Inventors: Eric W. Parsons, Philippe Reininger, Saso Stojanovski, Barnaba Barnowski
  • Publication number: 20110007856
    Abstract: A wireless access terminal, system and method for the wireless access terminal to synchronize to system times in a wireless communication system. A first timing hierarchy in a first wireless communication network is used to operate the wireless access terminal. The first wireless communication network has a first radio access technology. Operating with the first timing hierarchy includes determining a frame cycle for the first wireless communication network. The frame cycle has a frame cycle boundary. Broadcast parameters for a second wireless communication network having a second radio access technology different from the first radio access technology are received. The broadcast parameters include the system time of the second wireless communication network. The system time of second wireless communication network is aligned, from the perspective of the wireless access terminal, with the frame cycle boundary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: NORTEL NETWORKS LIMITED
    Inventors: Ke-Chi Jang, Eric W. Parsons, Larry T. Bolen
  • Patent number: 7603411
    Abstract: A presence management system is described whereby connections between watching parties and watched parties in a multiple access communications network are managed. When the presence management system receives a contact request from a watching party it determines whether the required watched party is available for contact. The system then provides information about this to the watching party who made the request. The presence management system chooses the best mode of communication (e.g. email or fax) taking into account the watched parties preferences and details about the facilities available to the watching party. If, the presence management system informs the watching party that the watched party is unavailable, the watching party is able to set up a monitor. In determining whether the required watched party is available for contact, the presence management system uses stored information about the watched party, information about the required connection (e.g. size and type) and also rules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventors: Elwyn B Davies, Andrew Newton Harker, David Robert Stringer, Eric W Parsons, Steven M Armstrong
  • Patent number: 7373428
    Abstract: A personal communications portal maintains presence information about a user who may be available at one or more terminal devices on one or more access networks comprising a multiple access network. The access networks may operate in different transmission modes and may utilize different signaling formats (text, graphics, voice, video, etc.). A watched party specifies preferences as to who may contact him, at what times, on what kind of network and device. A watching party requesting to contact the watched party may be given direct contact information for contacting the user, may be given indirect contact information for contacting the user without being informed of the watched party's whereabouts, may be placed directly in communication with the watched party, or may forward a message to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventors: Steven M. Armstrong, Eric W. Parsons, Elwyn B. Davies, Andrew Newton Harker, David Robert Stringer
  • Patent number: 7359938
    Abstract: A presence management system is described whereby connections between watching parties and watched parties in a multiple access communications network are managed. When the presence management system receives a contact request from a watching party it determines whether the required watched party is available for contact. The system then provides information about this to the watching party who made the request. The presence management system chooses the best mode of communication (e.g. email or fax) taking into account the watched parties preferences and details about the facilities available to the watching party. If, the presence management system informs the watching party that the watched party is unavailable, the watching party is able to set up a monitor. In determining whether the required watched party is available for contact, the presence management system uses stored information about the watched party, information about the required connection (e.g. size and type) and also rules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventors: Elwyn B Davies, Andrew Newton Harker, David Robert Stringer, Eric W Parsons, Steven M Armstrong
  • Patent number: 7221658
    Abstract: A personal communications portal maintains presence information about a user who may be available at one or more terminal devices on one or more access networks comprising a multiple access network. The access networks may operate in different transmission modes and may utilize different signaling formats (text, graphics, voice, video, etc.). A watched party specifies preferences as to who may contact him, at what times, on what kind of network and device. A watching party requesting to contact the watched party may be given direct contact information for contacting the user, may be given indirect contact information for contacting the user without being informed of the watched party's whereabouts, may be placed directly in communication with the watched party, or may forward a message to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Ltd
    Inventors: Steven M. Armstrong, Eric W. Parsons, Elwyn B. Davies, Andrew Newton Harker, David Robert Stringer
  • Patent number: 7031437
    Abstract: In one example of the invention, a notification system is coupled to a plurality of message services including a voice mail server, an email server and an information server in an office. Messages left for a user (e.g. voice mail, email, CRM event, etc.) are deposited in folders maintained by the messaging services. The notification system detects additions to the user's folders and when a new message arrives, the notification system sends an alert to a Wireless Access Protocol (WAP) enabled device (e.g. cell phone) configured for the user. The alert includes the total number of messages of each type received for the user, along with an indication of the most recently received message. Message information associated with the alerts are also archived by the notification system so that a user can remotely access the information so as to learn more about the messages received from the plurality of message services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventors: Eric W. Parsons, Steven M. Armstrong, Helene Saint-Amour
  • Patent number: 6970906
    Abstract: A notification system for providing unified alerts about messages left for a user in a communication system is coupled to a voice mail service in an office. When voice mail messages are left for a user, the voice mail service sends header information about the new message to the notification system. The notification system sends a notification of the new messages to a wireless device configured and selected by the user for receiving message notifications. Depending on the type of wireless device, the notification may include a link to a dialer application with which the wireless device can be connected to the voice mail service for selectively listening to the messages of interest. From the new message, the notification system may further extract information about the message sender, and use it to attempt to retrieve the sender's name from the user's personal contact list, for example. This information can then be included in the message header information sent to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventors: Eric W. Parsons, Steven M. Armstrong, Sylvain S. Huppe
  • Patent number: 6871214
    Abstract: A notification system is coupled to a plurality of message services including a voice mail server, an email server and an information server in an office. Messages left for a user (e.g. voice mail, email, CRM event, etc.) are deposited in folders maintained by the messaging services. The notification system detects additions to the user's folders and when a new message arrives, the notification system sends an alert to a Wireless Access Protocol (WAP) enabled device (e.g. cell phone) configured for the user. The alert includes the total number of messages of each type received for the user, along with an indication of the most recently received message. The notification system may further monitor an information source for new information that may be of interest to the user (e.g. stock or product price quotes), and provide these in the alert notification if certain conditions are met (e.g. stock price exceeds a threshold).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventors: Eric W. Parsons, Steven M. Armstrong, Sylvain S. Huppe, Denis T. Trudeau
  • Patent number: 6853634
    Abstract: A presence management system allows connections between watching parties and watched parties in a multiple access communications network to be managed. When the presence management system receives a contact request from a watching party it determines whether the required watched party is available for contact. The system then provides information about this to the watching party who made the request. The presence management system chooses the best mode of communication (e.g. email or fax) taking into account the watched parties preferences and details about the facilities available to the watching party.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventors: Elwyn B Davies, Andrew Newton Harker, David Robert Stringer, Eric W Parsons, Steven M Armstrong
  • Patent number: 6807423
    Abstract: A personal communications portal maintains presence information about a user who may be available at one or more terminal devices on one or more access networks comprising a multiple access network. The access networks may operate in different transmission modes and may utilize different signaling formats (text, graphics, voice, video, etc.). A watched party specifies preferences as to who may contact him, at what times, on what kind of network and device. A watching party requesting to contact the watched party may be given direct contact information for contacting the user, may be given indirect contact information for contacting the user without being informed of the watched party's whereabouts, may be placed directly in communication with the watched party, or may forward a message to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventors: Steven M. Armstrong, Eric W. Parsons, Elwyn B. Davies, Andrew Newton Harker, David Robert Stringer
  • Publication number: 20030167420
    Abstract: In implementing a reliable distributed shared memory, a weak consistency model is modified to ensure that all vital data structures are properly replicated at all times. Write notices and their corresponding diffs are stored on a parameterizable number of nodes. Whenever a node (say the primary role) releases a lock, it sends its current vector timestamp, write notices generated during the time the lock was held and their corresponding diffs to secondary node. The secondary node keeps this information separate from its own private data structures. If a node fails (detected by all nodes simultaneously through a group membership protocol) while holding a lock, then all nodes complete a lock release method, and enter a recovery operation. During this recovery operation, all nodes exchange all write notices and corresponding diffs, including backup write notices and diffs held by nodes on behalf of the failed node. After the information has been exchanged, diffs are applied and all nodes may start fresh.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventor: Eric W. Parsons
  • Patent number: 6574749
    Abstract: In implementing a reliable distributed shared memory, a weak consistency model is modified to ensure that all vital data structures are properly replicated at all times. Write notices and their corresponding diffs are stored on a parameterizable number of nodes. Whenever a node (say the primary node) releases a lock, it sends its current vector timestamp, write notices generated during the time the lock was held and their corresponding diffs to a secondary node. The secondary nodes keeps this information separate from its own private data structures. If a node fails (detected by all nodes simultaneously through a group membership protocol) while holding a lock, then all nodes complete a lock release method, and enter a recovery operation. During this recovery operation, all nodes exchange all write notices and corresponding diffs, including backup write notices and diffs held by nodes on behalf of the failed node. After all information has been exchanged, diffs are applied and all nodes may start fresh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventor: Eric W. Parsons