Patents by Inventor Gary W. Lafreniere

Gary W. Lafreniere 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: 10602227
    Abstract: A system for conducting a voice call includes a set-top box operable to control the selection of a television channel for display on a television. The set-top box is also operable to initiate a voice call in response to a selection of a user-interface displayed on the television. The system also includes a wireless set in communication with the set-top box, the wireless set operable to establish a portion of the voice path for the voice call. Signaling for the voice call is initiated by the set-top box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Gary W. LaFreniere, David Emerson, David Rondeau, Michael Goergen
  • Patent number: 10575056
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a system, computer readable medium, and method for recording and distributing video content based on DRM parameters. For example, in one embodiment, a set-top box is disclosed that includes a processor for executing a set of instructions. The set-top box also includes memory in communication with the processor. The processor is configured to execute the set of instructions to receive user input to record a video content; determine DRM parameters associated with the video content, wherein the DRM parameters are established by at least of a content owner and a communications service provider, the DRM parameters indicating designated portions of the video content that is recordable; and record the video content based on the DRM parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: David E. Emerson, Gary W. LaFreniere, Kelsyn D. S. Rooks, Sr., Michael S. Goergen
  • Patent number: 10477279
    Abstract: A method and system for providing a content notification for a set-top box is disclosed. An embodiment is disclosed that receives security information at a web portal and the security information has identification information for a user assigned to a set-top box, services a request to create a content notification preference for the set-top box at the web portal in response to successful entry of security information, determines media content received by the set-top box and the media content selected for display, determines the content notification preference associated with the set-top box, the content notification preference has a content notification rule to monitor media content received by the set-top box, and sends a content notification to a recipient based on the content notification preference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Michael Goergen, Gary W. LaFreniere, David Emerson, David Rondeau
  • Publication number: 20180139503
    Abstract: A system for conducting a voice call includes a set-top box operable to control the selection of a television channel for display on a television. The set-top box is also operable to initiate a voice call in response to a selection of a user-interface displayed on the television. The system also includes a wireless set in communication with the set-top box, the wireless set operable to establish a portion of the voice path for the voice call. Signaling for the voice call is initiated by the set-top box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Inventors: Gary W. LaFreniere, David Emerson, David Rondeau, Michael Goergen
  • Publication number: 20180124471
    Abstract: A method and system for providing a content notification for a set-top box is disclosed. An embodiment is disclosed that receives security information at a web portal and the security information has identification information for a user assigned to a set-top box, services a request to create a content notification preference for the set-top box at the web portal in response to successful entry of security information, determines media content received by the set-top box and the media content selected for display, determines the content notification preference associated with the set-top box, the content notification preference has a content notification rule to monitor media content received by the set-top box, and sends a content notification to a recipient based on the content notification preference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Goergen, Gary W. LaFreniere, David Emerson, David Rondeau
  • Patent number: 9872078
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a method for providing viewing notifications for a set-top box that includes the steps of: storing usage information associated with a media content received by the set-top box, the usage information containing a length of time that the media content was displayed; determining, using a processor, whether a viewing notification is to be sent to a particular user based on user preferences and the usage information; responsive to a determination that the viewing notification is to be sent to the particular user, retrieving a notification identifier associated with the particular user and sending the viewing notification regarding the usage information; receiving a response to the viewing notification from the particular user, wherein the response includes a partial command that is interpreted based on the viewing notification as a requested command to be performed by the set-top box; and performing, using the processor, the requested command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Michael Goergen, Gary W. LaFreniere, David Emerson, David Rondeau
  • Patent number: 9866917
    Abstract: A method and system for providing a content notification for a set-top box is disclosed. An embodiment is disclosed that receives security information at a web portal and the security information has identification information for a user assigned to a set-top box, services a request to create a content notification preference for the set-top box at the web portal in response to successful entry of security information, determines media content received by the set-top box and the media content selected for display, determines the content notification preference associated with the set-top box, the content notification preference has a content notification rule to monitor media content received by the set-top box, and sends a content notification to a recipient based on the content notification preference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Michael Goergen, Gary W. LaFreniere, David Emerson, David Rondeau
  • Patent number: 9866911
    Abstract: A system for conducting a voice call includes a set-top box operable to control the selection of a television channel for display on a television. The set-top box is also operable to initiate a voice call in response to a selection of a user-interface displayed on the television. The system also includes a wireless set in communication with the set-top box, the wireless set operable to establish a portion of the voice path for the voice call. Signaling for the voice call is initiated by the set-top box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Gary W. LaFreniere, David Emerson, David Rondeau, Michael Goergen
  • Patent number: 9521465
    Abstract: A system for initiating a voice call includes a set-top box operable to control a selection of a television channel for display on a television. The set-top box is further operable to initiate a voice call between a first telephone and a second telephone. The first telephone is associated with a first telephone network and the second telephone is associated with a second telephone network. The system includes a remote control in communication with the set-top box. The remote control is operable to receive a first input associated with the selection of the television channel from a user and a second input associated with the voice call. The voice call is initiated by the set-top box in response to the second input being received by the set-top box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Gary W. LaFreniere, David Emerson, David Rondeau, Michael Goergen
  • Patent number: 9503496
    Abstract: A system and method for reconciling media content available through a number of service providers. A request is received to identify media content. One or more characteristics of the media content are determined. A determination is made whether the media content is associated with an identifier in response to the one or more characteristics. An identifier is associated with the media content in response to determining there is not an existing identifier associated with the media content. The media content is cross referenced between the number of service providers utilizing the identifier and time zones. A database is updated to include the identifier and the one or more characteristics associated with the media content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Kelsyn Rooks, David E. Emerson, Gary W. Lafreniere, Michael S. Goergen
  • Patent number: 9479636
    Abstract: Disclosed are a system and method for associating a plurality of telephone numbers with a mobile telephone that includes a database of a plurality of telephone numbers linked to a plurality of codes and a mobile telephone network configured and arranged to associate the mobile telephone with a particular telephone number when the network receives the code linked to the particular telephone number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Gary W. LaFreniere, Kelsyn D. S. Rooks, David E. Emerson
  • Patent number: 9460611
    Abstract: A system and method for sending emergency communications. An indicator of an emergency is received through a set-top box. A location associated with the emergency is determined. A message indicating the emergency and the location associated with the emergency is sent from the set-top box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: David E. Emerson, Gary W. Lafreniere, Michael S. Goergen, David C. Lando
  • Patent number: 9407748
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed invention include a system and a method for providing, among other things, local calling name caller identification to a broadband phone, personalized user-specified actions associated with a plurality of users based on an incoming caller identification number to a broadband phone, and remote access to locally stored data on a broadband phone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Gary W. Lafreniere, David Emerson, Michael Goergen
  • Publication number: 20160165317
    Abstract: A method and system for providing a content notification for a set-top box is disclosed. An embodiment is disclosed that receives security information at a web portal and the security information has identification information for a user assigned to a set-top box, services a request to create a content notification preference for the set-top box at the web portal in response to successful entry of security information, determines media content received by the set-top box and the media content selected for display, determines the content notification preference associated with the set-top box, the content notification preference has a content notification rule to monitor media content received by the set-top box, and sends a content notification to a recipient based on the content notification preference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Publication date: June 9, 2016
    Inventors: Michael Goergen, Gary W. LaFreniere, David Emerson, David Rondeau
  • Patent number: 9300993
    Abstract: A method and system for providing a content notification for a set-top box is disclosed. An embodiment is disclosed that receives security information at a web portal and the security information has identification information for a user assigned to a set-top box, services a request to create a content notification preference for the set-top box at the web portal in response to successful entry of security information, determines media content received by the set-top box and the media content selected for display, determines the content notification preference associated with the set-top box, the content notification preference has a content notification rule to monitor media content received by the set-top box, and sends a content notification to a recipient based on the content notification preference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Michael Goergen, Gary W. LaFreniere, David Emerson, David Rondeau
  • Publication number: 20160066043
    Abstract: A system for conducting a voice call includes a set-top box operable to control the selection of a television channel for display on a television. The set-top box is also operable to initiate a voice call in response to a selection of a user-interface displayed on the television. The system also includes a wireless set in communication with the set-top box, the wireless set operable to establish a portion of the voice path for the voice call. Signaling for the voice call is initiated by the set-top box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Gary W. LaFreniere, David Emerson, David Rondeau, Michael Goergen
  • Publication number: 20160029101
    Abstract: A system for initiating a voice call includes a set-top box operable to control a selection of a television channel for display on a television. The set-top box is further operable to initiate a voice call between a first telephone and a second telephone. The first telephone is associated with a first telephone network and the second telephone is associated with a second telephone network. The system includes a remote control in communication with the set-top box. The remote control is operable to receive a first input associated with the selection of the television channel from a user and a second input associated with the voice call. The voice call is initiated by the set-top box in response to the second input being received by the set-top box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Inventors: Gary W. LaFreniere, David Emerson, David Rondeau, Michael Goergen
  • Patent number: 9240904
    Abstract: A system and method for utilizing a message assistant. A contact list is updated by retrieving one or more contact lists. Preferences are received for communicating with contacts on the contact list. A message is received to be sent to a group listed in the contact list including one or more contacts at a time specified by a user. The message is sent to the group at the time specified by the user based on the preferences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Gary W. LaFreniere, David E. Emerson, David E. Rondeau
  • Patent number: 9210478
    Abstract: A system for conducting a voice call includes a set-top box operable to control the selection of a television channel for display on a television. The set-top box is also operable to initiate a voice call in response to a selection of a user-interface displayed on the television. The system also includes a wireless set in communication with the set-top box, the wireless set operable to establish a portion of the voice path for the voice call. Signaling for the voice call is initiated by the set-top box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Gary W. LaFreniere, David Emerson, David Rondeau, Michael Goergen
  • Patent number: 9197757
    Abstract: A system for initiating a voice call includes a set-top box operable to control a selection of a television channel for display on a television. The set-top box is further operable to initiate a voice call between a first telephone and a second telephone. The first telephone is associated with a first telephone network and the second telephone is associated with a second telephone network. The system includes a remote control in communication with the set-top box. The remote control is operable to receive a first input associated with the selection of the television channel from a user and a second input associated with the voice call. The voice call is initiated by the set-top box in response to the second input being received by the set-top box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Gary W. LaFreniere, David Emerson, David Rondeau, Michael Goergen