Patents by Inventor Marian Croak

Marian Croak 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).

  • Method and apparatus for storing user selected video content
    Patent number: 8667545
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling registered users to select and purchase video sessions from a network to be viewed from any video display devices connected to the network are disclosed. Specifically, these purchased video sessions can be stored within the network and accessed from any viewable display device connected to any video endpoint device at any time upon the users' request. In one embodiment, the stored video sessions can be downloaded and recorded onto a recording medium for future use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ENABLING GLOBAL TELEPHONY CAPABILITIES IN COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    Publication number: 20140056181
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a network service provider, e.g., a VoIP network provider, to create configuration files containing network based parameters that support global telephony capabilities (e.g., in country services) such as in country ring tones, dialing patterns, network announcements, and signaling tones that can be offered to users who want in country telephony capabilities independent of their location is disclosed. These global telephony capability configurations can be downloaded to intelligent IP phones or based in the VoIP network for access by subscribers' telephony devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossien Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for placing interactive retail orders
    Patent number: 8660903
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing local retailers, e.g., local restaurants, a network based interactive ordering service are disclosed. The network based interactive ordering service enables local retailers to display their menu online so that electronic orders can be placed by a subscriber of the network. If a selected item is not available, the network informs the subscriber in real time and alternative selections are displayed to the subscribers. The payment for the retail order is charged against the subscriber's network account, credit card account, or prepaid account. The approximate pick up or delivery time is also given to the subscriber at the end of the ordering process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ROUTING A CALL TO A SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT VIA A PACKET NETWORK
    Publication number: 20140050314
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for routing a call to a subject matter expert via a packet network is described. In one embodiment, a request to route said at least one call to the SME is received. A predefined location associated with the SME is also obtained. The call is then routed to a foreign Internet Protocol gateway associated with the predefined foreign location to communicate with the SME.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for determining a direct measure of quality in a packet-switched network
    Patent number: 8654670
    Abstract: A method and system for analyzing deficiencies in a packet-switched network is described. In one example, network measurement data pertaining to components within a packet-switched network are obtained. Reliability estimates of access networks and associated access links coupled to the packet-switch network are conducted. Lastly, an end-to-end direct measure of quality (DMOQ) is calculated from the network measurement data and network estimation data derived from the reliability estimates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for dynamically adjusting broadband access bandwidth
    Patent number: 8654788
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a method to enable subscribers of broadband access services, such as Digital Subscriber Loop based or Cable based broadband access services, to dynamically reconfigure their access arrangements as a function of the bandwidth usage of subscribers are disclosed. The present invention provides a method for broadband service providers to dynamically adjust access bandwidth allocation for subscribers by monitoring access bandwidth usage by subscribers and dynamically adjust the needed access bandwidth for the subscribers accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING DYNAMIC INTERNATIONAL CALLING RATES
    Publication number: 20140036731
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling VoIP service providers to dynamically adjust international calling rates as a function of adjustments made with partner carrier arrangements that VoIP service providers put in place are disclosed. Thus VoIP service providers can pass on savings, if the new calling rate is lower than the old calling rate, to their subscribers in order to enhance the loyalty of existing subscribers. Instead of having subscribers to call into customer service centers to take advantage of these new lower international calling rates, the new calling rates will be updated dynamically and immediately for subscribers without these subscribers having to call in to request their billing rates to match the new calling rates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for establishing a media path between a gateway system and a border element
    Patent number: 8644296
    Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for establishing at least one media path. Specifically, the method comprises receiving at least one connection request message, generating at least one connection setup message in response to each of the at least one connection request message, and transmitting the at least one connection setup message towards at least one communication network comprising at least one call control element, each of the at least one connection setup message operable to establish the at least one media path between at least one gateway system and at least one border element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for routing calls to an alternative endpoint during network disruptions
    Patent number: 8638656
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling calls destined for a terminating point on a packet network, e.g., a VoIP network, that is experiencing a service disruption to be forwarded by the network to another endpoint is disclosed. The method enables subscribers to register an alternative number, such as a cell phone number, a relative's phone number, or a work number, that the network can use to forward calls in the event of a service disruption. In one embodiment, the provider can even use an alternative transport network, such as the PSTN, to forward these calls until the VoIP network service is restored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for monitoring a network element
    Patent number: 8625770
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring a network element in a communications network are described. In one example, an alarm message from the network element when a change in rate associated with at least one of a central processing unit (CPU) utilization or a memory usage by the network element exceeds a predefined threshold. An instruction is subsequently sent to the network element to reduce the change in rate associated with the at least one of the CPU utilization or the memory usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for providing information associated with embedded hyperlinked images
    Patent number: 8625754
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for allowing a network provider to embed hyperlinks within streaming video contents that will enable users to click on an embedded hyperlinked image to obtain more information related to the streaming video contents are disclosed. For example, someone watching a tennis match can click on the hyperlinked image corresponding to one of the players and receive a frame of data about his or her recent performance, or someone watching the news can click on a hyperlinked image of a segment of a world map and receive a frame of data about current events occurring in a particular region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P. via a transfer from AT&T Corp.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING END-TO-END CALL COMPLETION STATUS
    Publication number: 20130343203
    Abstract: The present invention enables a method for following the state of a call and generating defects as function of call completion success as opposed to discrete events that happen at individual network elements during the call. In one embodiment, the invention uses Call Detail Records (CDR) to analyze the end-to-end completion status to measure per call basis defects instead of using defect codes generated by network elements on a per equipment basis. CDR is data associated with a telephone call, including the calling and the called numbers, the date and timestamp, the duration, the call setup delay, and the final handling code of the telephone call.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: MARIAN CROAK, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING SPECIAL CALL HANDLING FOR VALUED CUSTOMERS OF RETAILERS
    Publication number: 20130343533
    Abstract: The present invention enables users of a network service to register with the network as valued shoppers, thereby allowing them to receive specialized treatment when calling registered retailers. The present invention enables retailers to register with the network, thereby allowing them to set preferred service logic for handling valued customer calls by the network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for certifying a signal message in a communications network
    Patent number: 8614959
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a message set in a communications network are described. In one embodiment, a change in the communications network is initially detected. Communication between a customer premise equipment (CPE) and at least one border element in the communication network is subsequently established. Afterwards, a test suite is executed to simultaneously certify that a message set employing a plurality of protocols supported by the communication network is supported by the at least one border element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for supporting on-net VoIP calls for cellular service subscribers
    Patent number: 8615004
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a subscriber of VoIP services to register a cellular phone as an on-net device with a defined interface to the VoIP network are disclosed. The present method enables calls placed between originating and terminating subscribers using registered cellular phones to be rerouted between the cellular networks and the VoIP network for call establishment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for handling network element timeouts in a packet-switched communication network
    Patent number: 8615003
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for handling timeouts in a packet-switched communication network is described. In one example, at least one timeout condition of a network element is identifies in the packet-switched communication network. Packet delay is determined in a transport network of the packet-switched communication network in response to the at least one timeout condition. The packet delay is compared to a threshold packet delay. A timeout parameter of the network element is automatically adjusted if the packet delay satisfies the threshold packet delay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING VOICE CONTROL FOR ACCESSING TELECONFERENCE SERVICES
    Publication number: 20130336171
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing access to teleconference services using voice recognition technology to receive information on packet networks such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Service over Internet Protocol (SoIP) networks are disclosed. In one embodiment, the service provider enables a caller to enter access information for accessing a conference service using at least one natural language response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian CROAK, Hossein ESLAMBOLCHI
  • Method and apparatus for integrating video and instant messaging application sessions
    Patent number: 8611258
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling service providers to offer video services while enabling users to engage in an instant messaging session in a separate display frame on a video display device, such as a television, are disclosed. Specifically, a user can request the network to activate and display a video session, such as a movie. The user can invite one or more other users to participate in the video session. As other users accept to participate in the video session, the network can activate another session that enables the participants to communicate with each other via instant messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for providing network based virtual tours
    Patent number: 8612512
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing subscribers of network services to enjoy in a virtual environment the experience of visitors who physically visit cultural landmarks, e.g., museums around the world are disclosed. These visitors often rent audio equipment to walk through popular exhibits as they listen to recorded information about each display. Thus, the present method enables a network to provide subscribers with the ability to select audio and video sessions that allow them to virtually stroll through popular destinations or landmarks of interest throughout the world and listen to audio information about each site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for mapping media access control addresses to service addresses
    Patent number: 8600009
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling broadband access providers to use the subscriber service address associated with the Media Access Control (MAC) address and the Internet Protocol (IP) address of the subscriber's Digital Subscriber Loop (DSL) modem or cable modem as the service address that is sent to the appropriate Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) are disclosed. The present method enables a mapping between a subscriber's VoIP telephone number, broadband access modem MAC and IP addresses, and the subscriber's registered broadband service address to determine the correct PSAP to route an E911 call to.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi