Patents by Inventor Michael Robert Zubas

Michael Robert Zubas 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).

  • Publication number: 20130010937
    Abstract: A method for updating voicemail data at least partially stored at a device can include obtaining a command to update the voicemail data at a device. The device can activate a data session through which voicemail data can be downloaded to the device. In some embodiments, the device can automatically activate a data session upon the occurrence of a trigger event, for example, upon the receipt of a message waiting indicator, or upon powering on the device. In other embodiments, the device can wait for a user action or command to download voicemail data. The action or command can be received at the device after a trigger event, or at any other time. Exemplary devices and communications networks for implementing these and other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: AT&T MOBILITY II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8351903
    Abstract: A method for updating voicemail data at least partially stored at a device (30) can include obtaining a command to update the voicemail data at a device (30). The device (30) can activate a data session through which voicemail data can be downloaded to the device (30). In some embodiments, the device (30) can automatically activate a data session upon the occurrence of a trigger event, for example, upon the receipt of a message waiting indicator, or upon powering on the device (30). In other embodiments, the device (30) can wait for a user action or command to download voicemail data. The action or command can be received at the device after a trigger event, or at any other time. Exemplary devices (30) and communications networks (10) for implementing these and other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II, LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8340644
    Abstract: A voicemail system (18, 30) includes a memory (38, 64) and a processor (34, 62). The memory (38, 64) can store data relating to one or more users. An incoming communication can be handled by the voicemail system (18, 30) and provided with functionality based upon a user's preferences, for example. The voicemail system (18, 30) can include functionality to allow a user to convert a voicemail message to a desired format and forward the file to one or more designated destinations. Methods (700, 800, 900, 1000) for forwarding one or messages are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8306509
    Abstract: A method (400) for creating and managing a distribution list can include creating a distribution list (410) at a voicemail system. The distribution list can include at least one recipient and at least one language preference for one or more of the at least one recipients. The method can further include selecting the created distribution list (504) and recording an audio message (508) to be sent to the at least one recipient. Translating the audio message (510) into the at least one language preference for one or more of the at least one recipients thereby creating at least one translated audio message and sending the at least one translated audio message (512) to the at least one recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8032122
    Abstract: Methods for provisioning and initializing visual voicemail services on a mobile device, setting or changing a voicemail greeting for visual voicemail service, changing a password for accessing visual voicemail service, setting or changing a recorded name for a visual voicemail service, managing incoming voicemail messages for a visual voicemail system, managing a telephone user interface (TUI) for a visual voicemail system, managing multiple subscriber identify modules on a mobile device configured for visual voicemail service, and secure connections to a visual voicemail system are described herein. Corresponding systems are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Publication number: 20110111375
    Abstract: A Braille cell is incorporated within a messaging device. The Braille cell may be defined on a portion of a keypad, a touchscreen, or a navigation pad. An alphanumeric string, such as a text message, is transcribed into Braille. A resulting Braille character or contraction is represented on the Braille cell via actuators coupled to the keypad, touchscreen, or navigation pad. The actuators mechanically raise, lower, or vibrate to correspond to active bits in the Braille character. A tactile sensation is therefore experienced by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: AT&T MOBILITY II LLC
    Inventors: Adrianne Binh Luu, Mark Edward Causey, Michael Robert Zubas
  • Publication number: 20110085646
    Abstract: A voicemail system (100) can include at least one processor (104) and at least one communication interface (102) operatively linked and in communication with the at least one processor (104) that is configured to receive an incoming call. The voicemail system (100) can further include at least one memory (108) operatively linked and in communication with the processor (104), wherein the at least one memory (108) is configured to store a call treatment application (112) that includes at least one rule for determining call handling treatment of the incoming call. A method (400) for operating the voicemail system (100) can include receiving (406) an address message (200) at the voicemail system (100), wherein the address message (200) identifies at least a called party number (206) of the incoming call.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: AT&T MOBILITY II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Publication number: 20110074692
    Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed which relate to improving the efficiency of text input by generating a dynamic virtual keyboard. Examples display a soft keyboard on a touchscreen of a text-entry device. The touchscreen works with the soft keyboard as a form of text input. Keyboard logic on the text-entry device allows the user to select a desired layout for the keyboard, such that the user can change the ergonomics of the keyboard in order to make text input more comfortable. Different layouts reflect different typing styles, hand positions, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: AT&T MOBILITY II LLC
    Inventors: Mark Edward Causey, Adrianne Binh Luu, Michael Robert Zubas
  • Publication number: 20100222024
    Abstract: A method for providing a voicemail password reset feature can include receiving a password reset request message (220) from a mobile device (118) at a voicemail system (102), resetting a current password to a default password (222) at the voicemail system (102), and sending a response message request (224) to a short message service center (122). The response message request can include a request to generate a response message that includes the default password. The method can further include generating the response message at the short message center (122) and sending the response message (226) to the mobile device (118), wherein the response message includes the default password. A system for providing a voicemail password reset feature and a computer-readable medium for initiating a voicemail password reset from a mobile device (118).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: AT&T MOBILITY II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Publication number: 20100195807
    Abstract: A method (200) for managing voicemail messages for a visual voicemail system (102) can include establishing a secure data session (212) between a voicemail system (102) and a mobile device (118). The voicemail system (102) can receive a voicemail message (202) that is directed to a voicemail account associated with a voicemail subscriber. The voicemail system (102) can generate a notification message and can send the notification message (208) to the mobile device (118) that is associated with the voicemail account that received the voicemail message. In response to the notification message, the mobile device (102) can generate and send a first request for voicemail message header information (234). The voicemail system (118) can send the requested voicemail message header information (236) to the mobile device (102) and, in response, receive a second request for at least one voicemail message (238).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: AT&T MOBILITY II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Publication number: 20100189229
    Abstract: A method (200, 400) for toggling voicemail class of service (CoS) including receiving a subscriber-initiated CoS change request (202, 402) at a billing system (109), wherein the CoS change request includes a request to change from a first CoS associated with a first voicemail system (VMS) (102, 104) to a second CoS associated with a second VMS (102, 104). The method (200, 400) further includes validating the CoS change request (204, 404) at the billing system (109), sending a CoS delete request (206, 406) to the first VMS (102, 104) to at least temporarily disable a first voicemail account, and sending a provisioning request (208, 408) to the second VMS (102, 104) to provision a second voicemail account. A system (100) for toggling voicemail CoS and a computer-readable medium (506) for toggling CoS from a mobile device (118).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: AT&T MOBILITY II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Publication number: 20100167699
    Abstract: Voicemail systems (24, 26, 28) can include at least one memory and at least one processor. A memory can store data relating to one or more users. An incoming communication can be handled by the voicemail system (24, 26, 28), forwarded to another voicemail system (24, 26, 28), provided with functionality based upon a user's preferences, and the like. The voicemail systems (24, 26, 28) can include functionality to allow a user to consolidate voicemail messages and/or calls at one or more designated destinations, for example, a voicemail system (24, 26, 28) and/or a mobile device (18).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Publication number: 20100159891
    Abstract: A method (400) for creating and managing a distribution list can include creating a distribution list (410) at a voicemail system. The distribution list can include at least one recipient and at least one language preference for one or more of the at least one recipients. The method can further include selecting the created distribution list (504) and recording an audio message (508) to be sent to the at least one recipient. Translating the audio message (510) into the at least one language preference for one or more of the at least one recipients thereby creating at least one translated audio message and sending the at least one translated audio message (512) to the at least one recipient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Publication number: 20100159886
    Abstract: A method for updating voicemail data at least partially stored at a device (30) can include obtaining a command to update the voicemail data at a device (30). The device (30) can activate a data session through which voicemail data can be downloaded to the device (30). In some embodiments, the device (30) can automatically activate a data session upon the occurrence of a trigger event, for example, upon the receipt of a message waiting indicator, or upon powering on the device (30). In other embodiments, the device (30) can wait for a user action or command to download voicemail data. The action or command can be received at the device after a trigger event, or at any other time. Exemplary devices (30) and communications networks (10) for implementing these and other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Publication number: 20100159890
    Abstract: A method for operating a voicemail system (110) can include receiving a call (302, 502) at the voicemail system (110), wherein the call originates from a calling party device (106), determining if the calling party device (106) is compatible with a video greeting feature (306, 506), sending a video greeting (308, 510) to the called party device (106) if it is determined that the calling party device (106) is compatible with the video greeting feature, and recording a voicemail message (314) received in response to the video greeting being played on the called party device (106). Another method can include sending a video greeting identifier to the called party device (106), the video greeting identifier being used to identify a video greeting stored on the calling party device (106). Methods for operating a mobile device (200) and a voicemail system (110) are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Publication number: 20100159888
    Abstract: A voicemail system (18, 30) includes a memory (38, 64) and a processor (34, 62). The memory (38, 64) can store data relating to one or more users. An incoming communication can be handled by the voicemail system (18, 30) and provided with functionality based upon a user's preferences, for example. The voicemail system (18, 30) can include functionality to allow a user to convert a voicemail message to a desired format and forward the file to one or more designated destinations. Methods (700, 800, 900, 1000) for forwarding one or messages are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Publication number: 20100159889
    Abstract: A voicemail system (18, 24) includes a memory (36, 62) and a processor (32, 60). The memory (36, 62) can store data relating to one or more users. An incoming communication can be handled by the voicemail system (18, 24) and provided with functionality based upon a user's preferences, for example. The voicemail system (18, 24) can include functionality to allow a user to archive a voicemail message, to convert a voicemail message to a desired format, and/or to forward a voicemail message or converted voicemail message file to one or more designated destinations. The voicemail system (18, 24) can operate on a communications network (10), at a communications device (18), or both. Methods for archiving, converting, and/or forwarding voicemail messages are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Publication number: 20100149300
    Abstract: A method for managing visual voicemail messages includes displaying a list of voicemail messages on a telecommunications handset, receiving user commands for operating on the voicemail messages including a delete message command and in response to a delete message command, marking a voicemail message for deletion with a delete timestamp and moving the voicemail message to a Deleted Messages folder. A Deleted Message Age Indicator function processes to control permanent deletion of voicemail messages in the Deleted Messages folder based on delete timestamps and a global Delete Time value in cooperation with a visual voicemail platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: AT&T MOBILITY II LLC
    Inventors: Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Rainer, William J. Sigmund
  • Publication number: 20090253407
    Abstract: A method for operating a mobile device to set a voicemail password directly from the mobile device includes providing the mobile device with a memory for storing a visual voicemail (VVM) application, an interface for receiving user input to the VVM application, and a transceiver for communication with a VVM system. The VVM application includes an option to create a voicemail password. The method further includes: receiving a selection of the option to create the voicemail password, creating the voicemail password based upon an input of a password string, generating a request that includes instructions to the VVM system to associate the voicemail password with a voicemail account, and transmitting the request to the VVM system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Publication number: 20090253413
    Abstract: A method for managing incoming voicemail messages at a visual voicemail (VVM) system can include receiving a new voicemail message for a voicemail account associated with a mobile device, generating a deposit notification message at the VVM system in response to receiving the new voicemail message, sending the notification message to the mobile device, and receiving a request for voicemail message header information from the mobile device. The method can further include sending the voicemail message header information to the mobile device. The mobile device uses the voicemail message header information to determine a status for each voicemail message presently stored on the mobile device to identify the new voicemail message. The method can further include the VVM system receiving a request for the new voicemail message, and sending the new voicemail message to the mobile device for storage and playback on the mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer