Patents by Inventor Kevin K. Zhu

Kevin K. Zhu 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: 8689012
    Abstract: A method of diagnosing a mobile device is provided. The method comprises obtaining an access key from a key store based on an identity of the mobile device and based on an identity associated with an issuer of a confidential information, wherein the access key is associated with a secure element of the mobile device storing the confidential information. The method also comprises wirelessly transmitting a message from a station associated with the issuer to the mobile device to initiate diagnostics of at least the secure element of the mobile device, the message comprising the access key, wherein the diagnostics are performed by diagnostic instructions stored on the mobile device. The method also comprises displaying the result of the diagnostics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Bierbaum, Robin D. Katzer, Todd N. Koellner, Kevin K. Zhu
  • Patent number: 8244169
    Abstract: A system for impeding reception of confidential information is disclosed. The system comprises a point-of-sale transceiver configured to receive confidential information transmitted by a mobile device incorporating an electronic wallet and a signal generator in communication with the point-of-sale transceiver and configured to broadcast a jamming signal substantially concurrently with the point-of-sale transceiver receiving the confidential information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Allison A. DiMartino, Ryan P. Dreiling, Elizabeth C. Roche, Kevin K. Zhu
  • Patent number: 8225997
    Abstract: A mobile device is provided. The mobile device comprises a near field communication transceiver, a memory that contains a secure element, and an application that can pay multiple transit fares. The near field communication transceiver is used to complete fare payment transactions with a fare gate, based on a transit funds balance. The secure element in the memory stores the transit funds balance. The application, when executed on the mobile device, pays a plurality of fares corresponding to a plurality of passengers entering a public transportation system via the fare gate at substantially the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Bierbaum, Robin D. Katzer, Todd N. Koellner, Kevin K. Zhu
  • Patent number: 8126782
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system and method for performing automated location integrated ordering of products and services at an event. This may be accomplished through placing product orders to one or more vendors using a portable electronic device, wherein upon placing an order, event-specific location information stored on the portable electronic device may be sent along with the order. Upon fulfilling the order, the products may be delivered to the event-specific location information. In addition to performing product ordering, the portable electronic device may also be used to remotely sign up for or check the status of event-specific services or activities. Also, the portable electronic device may be used to locate event services, activities, or attendees and provide a map or directions from the event-specific location to the event service, activity, or attendee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Kevin K. Zhu, Jeffrey M. Stone, Sei Y. Ng
  • Patent number: 8121295
    Abstract: To manage playout of digital media by a media player, a wireless communication device (WCD) will include partitioned data storage including discrete partitions having distributor-modules corresponding with various media distributors, and including a digital rights management (DRM) controller. When the media player seeks to play media, it will request a DRM key from the WCD. The DRM controller may then identify the appropriate distributor-module and request the key from the distributor-module. If the distributor-module possesses the key, it will return it for transmission to the media player. Otherwise, the distributor-module may engage in secure communication with a provisioning system to obtain the DRM key and may then return the key. Upon receipt of the key, the media player may then play the media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Sprint Spectrum L.P.
    Inventors: John M. Everson, Jarrod A. Nichols, James W. Norris, Jason R. Delker, Kevin K. Zhu
  • Patent number: 8055184
    Abstract: A system for impeding reception of confidential information is disclosed. The system comprises a point-of-sale transceiver configured to receive confidential information transmitted by a mobile device incorporating an electronic wallet and a signal generator in communication with the point-of-sale transceiver and configured to broadcast a jamming signal substantially concurrently with the point-of-sale transceiver receiving the confidential information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Allison A. DiMartino, Ryan P. Dreiling, Elizabeth C. Roche, Kevin K. Zhu
  • Patent number: 7769394
    Abstract: A system and method for location-based device control is provided. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems comprising a locating subsystem, a server, and a mobile device comprising a component manager. The component manager allows modifications to the operation of components of the mobile device based on a location provided by the locating subsystem. The component manager also provides confirmation of the modified operation of the components of the mobile device to the server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventor: Kevin K. Zhu