Patents by Inventor Linda Roberts

Linda Roberts 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).

  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A COMMUNICATION EXCHANGE WITH AN AVATAR IN A MEDIA COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20140101689
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a processor that causes a STB to present an avatar. The processor can receive from the STB a response of the user, detect from the response a change in an emotional state of the user, adapt a search for media content according to the change in the emotional state of the user, and adapt a portion of the characteristics of the avatar relating to emotional feedback according to the change in the emotional state of the user. The processor can cause the STB to present the adapted avatar presenting content from a media content source identified from the adapted search for media content. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventors: Linda Roberts, Horst Juergen Schroeter, E-Lee Chang, Darnell Clayton, Madhur Khandelwal
  • System and method for distributing an avatar
    Patent number: 8683354
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a first computing device having a controller to present an avatar having characteristics that correlate to a user profile and that conform to operating characteristics of the first computing device, and transmit to a second computing device operational information associated with the avatar for reproducing at least in part the avatar at said second computing device. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Madhur Khandelwal, E-Lee Chang, Horst Juergen Schroeter, Linda Roberts, Darnell Clayton
  • Apparatus and method for transmitting media content
    Patent number: 8645997
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computing device having a controller to transmit a client program having a GUI to a media device, where the client program presents an overlay that superimposes onto media content received by the media device and enables the media device to associate a user-generated comment with the media content received at the media device. The controller can receive user-generated comments and media content in a temporal vicinity of the user-generated comments via the client program, and can receive a request for the user-generated comments. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Linda Roberts, E-Lee Chang, Ja-Young Sung, Natasha Barrett Schultz, Robert King
  • System and method for a communication exchange with an avatar in a media communication system
    Patent number: 8631432
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a processor that causes a STB to present an avatar. The processor can receive from the STB a response of the user, detect from the response a change in an emotional state of the user, adapt a search for media content according to the change in the emotional state of the user, and adapt a portion of the characteristics of the avatar relating to emotional feedback according to the change in the emotional state of the user. The processor can cause the STB to present the adapted avatar presenting content from a media content source identified from the adapted search for media content. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventors: Linda Roberts, Horst Schroeter, E-Lee Chang, Darnell Clayton, Madhur Khandelwal
  • System and method for conducting a communication exchange
    Patent number: 8589803
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an avatar engine having a controller to retrieve a user profile associated with a user, present the user an avatar having characteristics that correlate to the user profile, detect one or more responses of the user during a communication exchange between the user and the avatar, identify from the one or more responses a need of the user, establish a communication session with a second avatar engine responsive to the identified need of the user, engage in a communication exchange with the second avatar engine in relation to the identified need of the user, and identify one or more results from the communication exchange. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Horst Schroeter, E-Lee Chang, Linda Roberts, Darnell Clayton, Madhur Khandelwal
  • Automated demographic analysis by analyzing voice activity
    Patent number: 8554554
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and media for determining a response to be generated in an environment are provided. The methods, systems, and media monitor the environment for a voice activity of an individual. The voice activity of the individual is detected and analyzed. A content descriptor of the voice activity is determined based on the voice activity of the individual. A demographic descriptor of the individual is determined based on the voice activity of the individual. The content descriptor, the demographic descriptor, and known information are correlated to determine the response to be generated in the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael Johnston, Hisao M. Chang, Harry E. Blanchard, Bernard S. Renger, Linda Roberts
  • System and method to search a media content database based on voice input data
    Patent number: 8548127
    Abstract: A method includes initiating a call from an interactive voice response (IVR) system to a first device associated with a user in response to a request. The method includes receiving voice input data at the IVR system via the call. The method also includes performing a search of a media content database based at least partially on the voice input data. The method further includes sending search results identifying media content items based on the search of the media content database to a second device associated with the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I. L.P.
    Inventors: Hisao Chang, Dale Malik, Linda Roberts, Horst Schroeter
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR REMOTE CONTROL
    Publication number: 20130251336
    Abstract: A method and system for remote control at a client of a multimedia content distribution network (MCDN) enables a user to configure a wireless user device as a remote control device (RCD). The RCD may communicate via a wireless network and an MCDN server to execute remote control commands at the MCDN client. The RCD may implement a remote control interface, including control elements configured for touch operation. The control elements may provide specific interactive functionality for channel selection, volume selection, playback of multimedia content, and other remote control features. The RCD may also receive feedback and status information associated with remote control commands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Linda A. Roberts, E-Lee Chang, Tuck Seng Tan
  • Apparatus and method for managing a social network
    Patent number: 8504484
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a system having a controller to collect one or more user-generated comments from each of a plurality of computing devices, detect a correlation in the one or more user-generated comments collected from the plurality of computing devices, and establish a social network between the plurality of computing devices according to the detected correlation. The one or more user-generated comments can be temporally associated with media content presented at the plurality of computing devices. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventors: Linda Roberts, E-Lee Chang, Ja-Young Sung, Natasha Barrett Schultz, Robert King
  • Method and system for remote control
    Patent number: 8453186
    Abstract: A method and system for remote control at a client of a multimedia content distribution network (MCDN) enables a user to configure a wireless user device as a remote control device (RCD). The RCD may communicate via a wireless network and an MCDN server to execute remote control commands at the MCDN client. The RCD may implement a remote control interface, including control elements configured for touch operation. The control elements may provide specific interactive functionality for channel selection, volume selection, playback of multimedia content, and other remote control features. The RCD may also receive feedback and status information associated with remote control commands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Linda A. Roberts, E-Lee Chang, Tuck Seng Tan
  • Method and apparatus for presenting media programs
    Patent number: 8387088
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computing device, including a controller to: transmit a client program having a graphical user interface (GUI) to a media device operating in an interactive television (iTV) network, wherein the client program presents a symbolic overlay that superimposes onto media content received by the media device and enables the media device to associate commentary with the media content received at the media device; and present the commentary by symbolic representations in a carrousel format within a window of the presentation of the symbolic overlay and in a vicinity of the media content. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventors: Linda Roberts, E-Lee Chang, Ja-Young Sung, Natasha Barrett Schultz, Robert Arthur King
  • Apparatus and Method for Transmitting Media Content
    Publication number: 20130042286
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computing device having a controller to transmit a client program having a GUI to a media device, where the client program presents an overlay that superimposes onto media content received by the media device and enables the media device to associate a user-generated comment with the media content received at the media device. The controller can receive user-generated comments and media content in a temporal vicinity of the user-generated comments via the client program, and can receive a request for the user-generated comments. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventors: Linda Roberts, E-Lee Chang, Ja-Young Sung, Natasha Barrett Schultz, Robert Arthur King
  • Apparatus and method for collaborative network in an enterprise setting
    Patent number: 8373741
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a system having a controller to present an overlay combined with a presentation of media content at each of a plurality of computing devices on an electronic communications network to illustrate a collection of one or more commentaries temporally associated with portions of the presented media content where the portions of the presented media content comprises portions of a teleconference workflow meeting, to collect one or more commentaries from each of the plurality of computing devices, and to present the commentaries from the plurality of computing devices. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventors: Linda Roberts, E-Lee Chang, Ja-Young Sung, Natasha Barrett Schultz, Robert Arthur King
  • System and method to search a media content database based on voice input data
    Patent number: 8358749
    Abstract: A computer implemented method includes initiating a call from an interactive voice response (IVR) system to a first device associated with a user in response to a user request. The computer implemented method includes receiving voice input data at the IVR system via the call. The computer implemented method also includes performing a search of a media content database based at least partially on the voice input data. The computer implemented method further includes sending search results identifying media content items based on the search of the media content database to a second device associated with the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Hisao Chang, Dale Malik, Linda Roberts, Horst Schroeter
  • Multi-touch interfaces for user authentication, partitioning, and external device control
    Patent number: 8339374
    Abstract: Multi-touch interfaces allow user interaction with multiple points of contact to control external devices such as game consoles, authenticate users, partition the interface for multiple users, and so forth. The multi-touch interface may provide graphical representations that are manipulated by users through multiple points of contact to participate in games running on an external game console. Additionally, user authentication may occur through multiple points of contact with the multi-touch interface where each user has a unique contact pattern that includes points of contact, location of points of contact, rhythm of points of contact, and so forth. The graphical representations may be customized based on the authentication of a user, and the multi-touch surface may be partitioned based on the number of users present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventors: E. Lee Chang, Madhur Khandelwal, Linda Roberts, Sharon Carter
  • AUTOMATED DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS BY ANALYZING VOICE ACTIVITY
    Publication number: 20120323566
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and media for determining a response to be generated in an environment are provided. The methods, systems, and media monitor the environment for a voice activity of an individual. The voice activity of the individual is detected and analyzed. A content descriptor of the voice activity is determined based on the voice activity of the individual. A demographic descriptor of the individual is determined based on the voice activity of the individual. The content descriptor, the demographic descriptor, and known information are correlated to determine the response to be generated in the environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael Johnston, Hisao M. Chang, Harry E. Blanchard, Bernard S. Renger, Linda Roberts
  • Methods, Systems, and Products for Locating File
    Publication number: 20120321061
    Abstract: Files are easily located based on addresses associated with calls. When a call is processed to, or received at, an address, the address may be used to query a database. The database stores associates between addresses and files stored in memory. All filenames related to the address may be displayed, thus allowing a user to quickly launch the files associated with a calling number.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Edward M. Silver, Linda A. Roberts, Hong T. Nguyen
  • System and method for a communication exchange with an avatar in a media communication system
    Patent number: 8316393
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) system having a controller to retrieve a user profile, cause a set-top box (STB) to present an avatar having characteristics that correlate to the user profile, receive from the STB one or more responses of the user, detect from the one or more responses a change in an emotional state of the user, adapt a search for media content according to the user profile and the detected change in the emotional state of the user, adapt a portion of the characteristics of the avatar relating to emotional feedback according to the user profile and the detected change in the emotional state of the user, and cause the STB to present the adapted avatar presenting content from a media content source identified from the adapted search for media content. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Linda Roberts, Horst Schroeter, E-Lee Chang, Darnell Clayton, Madhur Khandelwal
  • Method and apparatus for presenting media programs
    Patent number: 8316303
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computing device, including a controller to: transmit a client program having a graphical user interface (GUI) to a media device operating in an interactive television (iTV) network, wherein the client program presents a symbolic overlay that superimposes onto media content received by the media device and enables the media device to associate comments with the media content received at the media device, and wherein the comments are presented by at least one symbol in a temporal vicinity of the media content; and perform a highlighting event when a cursor of an input device is positioned at or near the at least one symbol of the presentation of the symbolic overlay. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Linda Roberts, E-Lee Chang, Ja-Young Sung, Natasha Barrett Schultz, Robert Arthur King
  • Automated demographic analysis by analyzing voice activity
    Patent number: 8301444
    Abstract: A method of generating demographic information relating to an individual is provided. The method includes monitoring an environment for a voice activity of an individual and detecting the voice activity of the individual. The method further includes analyzing the detected voice activity of the individual and determining, based on the detected voice activity of the individual, a demographic descriptor of the individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael Johnston, Hisao M. Chang, Harry E. Blanchard, Bernard S. Renger, Linda Roberts