Patents by Inventor Nicholas Patrick Alfano

Nicholas Patrick Alfano 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: 9396225
    Abstract: A method and system for addressing a unique device from an address book, the method having the steps of: receiving a message having a root token and a secondary token; checking whether the root token exists within the address book, if no, creating a record in the address book with the root and secondary token; and if yes, checking whether the secondary token exists within the address book, if yes, providing a representation of the unique device; and if no, storing the secondary token against the root token in the address book.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Adrian Buckley, Andrew Michael Allen, Youngae Kim, Jan Hendrik Lucas Bakker, Nicholas Patrick Alfano, Barry Linkert, Gaëlle Christine Martin-Cocher, Suresh Chitturi, Brian Edward Anthony McColgan
  • Patent number: 9374470
    Abstract: A method for controlling access by of communication devices to a conference call, the method comprising associating proximity settings with a conference call, the proximity settings indicating a acceptable proximity of other communication devices relative to a selected communication device; sensing by the selected communication device proximity of the other devices within its proximity of the communication device to obtain proximity information; and determining, by a processor, from the obtained proximity information and the proximity settings an action to be performed with reference to the conference call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Douglas Michael Gisby, Brian Edward Anthony McColgan, Christopher Labrador, Kevin Wilfred Andrewin, Nicholas Patrick Alfano
  • Publication number: 20150079936
    Abstract: A method for controlling access to a conference call, the method comprising authenticating a mobile device in accordance with access requirements for the conference call rejecting the mobile device if the participant does not comply with the access requirements in response to the rejection, determining by a processor based on information other than said access requirements that the mobile device is legitimate and overriding the rejection to allow connection to the conference call if it is determined that the mobile device is legitimate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: BLACKBERRY LIMITED
    Inventors: Douglas Michael GISBY, Brian Edward Anthony MCCOLGAN, Christopher LABRADOR, Kevin W. ANDREWIN, Nicholas Patrick ALFANO
  • Patent number: 8958780
    Abstract: A user equipment (UE) is disclosed comprising an agent configured to monitor and report UE configuration and capability information, wherein the UE is further configured to provide the UE configuration and capability information, and subsequently receive an application based on the configuration and capability information. Also disclosed is a network comprising a provisioning server configured to receive UE configuration and capability information, and subsequently provide an application based on the UE configuration and capability information. Also disclosed is a method comprising providing UE configuration and capability information from a UE, and receiving an application at the UE based on the configuration and capability information. Also disclosed is a method comprising receiving UE configuration and capability information at a provisioning server, and providing an application from the provisioning server based on the UE configuration and capability information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Christopher David Smith, Thomas Owen Parry, Jason Lee Carter, David Clarke, Salim Hayder Omar, Axel Ferrazzini, Nicholas Patrick Alfano
  • Publication number: 20150023487
    Abstract: A method for controlling access by of communication devices to a conference call, the method comprising associating proximity settings with a conference call, the proximity settings indicating a acceptable proximity of other communication devices relative to a selected communication device; sensing by the selected communication device proximity of the other devices within its proximity of the communication device to obtain proximity information; and determining, by a processor, from the obtained proximity information and the proximity settings an action to be performed with reference to the conference call.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Douglas Michael GISBY, Brian Edward Anthony McCOLGAN, Christopher LABRADOR, Kevin W. ANDREWIN, Nicholas Patrick ALFANO
  • Patent number: 8897435
    Abstract: A method for controlling access, of a communication device, to a conference call, the method comprising determining contextual attributes related to the device, evaluating the contextual attributes against a set of access requirements and connecting the device to the conference call if one or more of the access requirements is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Blackberry Limited
    Inventors: Douglas Michael Gisby, Brian Edward Anthony McColgan, Christopher Labrador, Kevin W. Andrewin, Nicholas Patrick Alfano
  • Patent number: 8867720
    Abstract: A method for controlling access by of communication devices to a conference call, the method comprising associating proximity settings with a conference call, the proximity settings indicating a acceptable proximity of other communication devices relative to a selected communication device; sensing by the selected communication device proximity of the other devices within its proximity of the communication device to obtain proximity information; and determining, by a processor, from the obtained proximity information and the proximity settings an action to be performed with reference to the conference call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Douglas Michael Gisby, Brian Edward Anthony McColgan, Christopher Labrador, Kevin W. Andrewin, Nicholas Patrick Alfano
  • Patent number: 8818449
    Abstract: A method and wireless user equipment (UE) device provide the capability to store network information in a database structure on the wireless user equipment device, with the network information containing network entries arranged by radio access technology. Each network entry contains a radio access network (RAN) identification code and a core network (CN) identification code and has a priority within the radio access technology. The UE device determines a currently preferred order of access technologies and selects a network entry according to the currently preferred order of radio access technologies and the priority of network entries within the radio access technologies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Adrian Buckley, Paul Marcus Carpenter, Nicholas Patrick Alfano, Andrew Michael Allen
  • Patent number: 8787874
    Abstract: A method for controlling access to a conference call, the method comprising authenticating a mobile device in accordance with access requirements for the conference call rejecting the mobile device if the participant does not comply with the access requirements in response to the rejection, determining by a processor based on information other than said access requirements that the mobile device is legitimate and overriding the rejection to allow connection to the conference call if it is determined that the mobile device is legitimate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Douglas Michael Gisby, Brian Edward Anthony McColgan, Christopher Labrador, Kevin W. Andrewin, Nicholas Patrick Alfano
  • Publication number: 20140011469
    Abstract: A portable communication device comprises a radio frequency signal transceiver configured to receive an instruction signal; and control electronics configured to detect that the instruction signal has been received; and cause the portable communication device to transmit a beacon signal responsive to the instruction signal being detected by the control electronics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventors: John Barry FENN, Nicholas Patrick ALFANO, Gordon Peter YOUNG
  • Publication number: 20140010120
    Abstract: A method of managing communications services begins with a communications platform receiving a request for a communications service to be provided to a communications device by a source other than the communications platform. The communications platform determines an authorization of the communications device to receive the communications service. The authorization comprises a permission of the communications device to receive the communications service during a lifetime of a communications session maintained with the communications device. The communications network authorizes delivery of the communications service to the communications device during the lifetime of the communications session, in accordance with the authorization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: BLACKBERRY LIMITED
    Inventors: Christopher LABRADOR, Brian Alexander OLIVER, Douglas Michael GISBY, Susan Elizabeth SIMON DANIELS, Brian Edward Anthony McCOLGAN, Adrian Michael LOGAN, Eric Allan FRITZLEY, Nicholas Patrick ALFANO, Richard John GEORGE
  • Publication number: 20140006460
    Abstract: A method and system for addressing a unique device from an address book, the method having the steps of: receiving a message having a root token and a secondary token; checking whether the root token exists within the address book, if no, creating a record in the address book with the root and secondary token; and if yes, checking whether the secondary token exists within the address book, if yes, providing a representation of the unique device; and if no, storing the secondary token against the root token in the address book.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Adrian BUCKLEY, Nicholas Patrick ALFANO, Andrew Michael ALLEN, Jan Hendrik Lucas BAKKER, Youngae KIM, Gaëlle Christine MARTIN-COCHER, Suresh CHITTURI, Brian Edward Anthony McCOLGAN
  • Patent number: 8561149
    Abstract: A method of managing communications services begins with a communications platform receiving a request for a communications service to be provided to a communications device by a source other than the communications platform. The communications platform determines an authorization of the communications device to receive the communications service. The authorization comprises a permission of the communications device to receive the communications service during a lifetime of a communications session maintained with the communications device. The communications network authorizes delivery of the communications service to the communications device during the lifetime of the communications session, in accordance with the authorization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Christopher Labrador, Brian Alexander Oliver, Douglas Michael Gisby, Susan Elizabeth Simon Daniels, Brian Edward Anthony McColgan, Adrian Michael Logan, Eric Allan Fritzley, Nicholas Patrick Alfano, Richard John George
  • Patent number: 8417229
    Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating transferring of a conference call. In some embodiments, users of a secure mobile device may be provided with the ability to transfer a media session for use in a conference call to a non-secure communication device. The method may include displaying a user interface on the primary communication device, the user interface including a transfer option, receiving a command selecting the transfer option, sending a transfer request from the primary communication device to the conference call controller to link an alternate communication device within the conference call session, and determining whether the transfer request requires authentication, and if so performing authentication of the transfer request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Ian James McDonald, Douglas Michael Gisby, Brian Edward Anthony McColgan, Christopher Labrador, Nicholas Patrick Alfano
  • Publication number: 20130010945
    Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating transferring of a conference call. In some embodiments, users of a secure mobile device may be provided with the ability to transfer a media session for use in a conference call to a non-secure communication device. The method may include displaying a user interface on the primary communication device, the user interface including a transfer option, receiving a command selecting the transfer option, sending a transfer request from the primary communication device to the conference call controller to link an alternate communication device within the conference call session, and determining whether the transfer request requires authentication, and if so performing authentication of the transfer request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventors: Ian James McDonald, Douglas Michael Gisby, Brian Edward Anthony McColgan, Christopher Labrador, Nicholas Patrick Alfano
  • Publication number: 20120309344
    Abstract: A method for automated selection of a user account is provided. The method includes analyzing a plurality of parameters associated with operation of plurality of user accounts on a mobile device and selecting a user account based on the analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventors: Axel Ferrazzini, Thomas Owen Parry, Jason Lee Carter, David James Clarke, Salim Hayder Omar, James A. Godfrey, Nicholas Patrick Alfano, Christopher David Smith
  • Patent number: 8295817
    Abstract: In one illustrative example, a technique in a server to facilitate a re-establishing of communication over a data connection between an application server and a wireless communication device which communicates via a base station of a wireless communication network is described. In response to a communication loss between the wireless device and the wireless network which causes the data connection to be terminated, the server receives from the application server a plurality of connection requests which are intended for receipt by the wireless device for re-establishing the data connection. The server operates to limit the number or a rate of the connection requests allowed to pass from the server to the base station of the wireless network during the communication loss between the wireless device and the wireless network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Nicholas Patrick Alfano, Noushad Naqvi, Sarmad K. Musa, Bryan Taylor, Craig A. Dunk, Atul Asthana, Adrian Buckley
  • Publication number: 20120088540
    Abstract: A user equipment (UE) is disclosed comprising an agent configured to monitor and report UE configuration and capability information, wherein the UE is further configured to provide the UE configuration and capability information, and subsequently receive an application based on the configuration and capability information. Also disclosed is a network comprising a provisioning server configured to receive UE configuration and capability information, and subsequently provide an application based on the UE configuration and capability information. Also disclosed is a method comprising providing UE configuration and capability information from a UE, and receiving an application at the UE based on the configuration and capability information. Also disclosed is a method comprising receiving UE configuration and capability information at a provisioning server, and providing an application from the provisioning server based on the UE configuration and capability information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Christopher David Smith, Thomas Owen Parry, Jason Lee Carter, David Clarke, Salim Hayder Omar, Axel Ferrazzini, Nicholas Patrick Alfano
  • Publication number: 20120066736
    Abstract: A method of managing communications services begins with a communications platform receiving a request for a communications service to be provided to a communications device by a source other than the communications platform. The communications platform determines an authorization of the communications device to receive the communications service. The authorization comprises a permission of the communications device to receive the communications service during a lifetime of a communications session maintained with the communications device. The communications network authorizes delivery of the communications service to the communications device during the lifetime of the communications session, in accordance with the authorization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventors: Christopher Labrador, Brian Alexander Oliver, Douglas Michael Gisby, Susan Elizabeth Simon Daniels, Brian Edward Anthony McColgan, Adrian Michael Logan, Eric Allan Fritzley, Nicholas Patrick Alfano, Richard John George
  • Publication number: 20120023548
    Abstract: An apparatus, and an associated method, facilitates implementation of a parental control feature at a mobile station. A parental authority selects a parental control feature to be implemented at the mobile station and by way of a user interface at a computer workstation or a master mobile station. Detection is made of the selection, and a control signal is generated that includes identification of the selection. The control signal is sent to the affected mobile station. Once received at the mobile station, the control signal is detected, its contents ascertained, and the parental control feature is implemented at the mobile station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMTED
    Inventors: NICHOLAS PATRICK ALFANO, SURESH CHITTURI, MICHAEL RAO, JANELE BULLER, VIKRAM RATTAN KEWALRAMANI, THANE EISENER, SHILADITYA SIRCAR, JAMES PAUL WARDEN, AXEL DENIS FERRAZZINI, SALIM HAYDER OMAR