Patents by Inventor Paul Andrew Erb

Paul Andrew Erb 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: 10009437
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to communication formats and more particularly, to media delivery by preferred communication formats. In one illustrative embodiment, communications between an originator and receiver can be converted into a format preference based on the receiver's context. The context can refer to device type, application usage, time of day, location and user role. The originator can be free to choose their desired format of communication and the recipient can be equally free to choose the best suited format to receive the message. In outgoing communications, the receiver can use their own defined format and the communications can be converted into the originator's chosen format. Media format conversion can be performed unilaterally, for example, the first person can send an email which can be translated to speech for the second person who responds by voice which can be received as voice by the first person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Mitel Networks Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Andrew Erb, Peter Matthew Hillier
  • Patent number: 9621721
    Abstract: Systems and methods for redirecting incoming phone calls made to a user are disclosed. A system includes a call server configured to receive a phone call. A determination module determines whether to provide the user with an option to route the call to an alternate destination. The alternate destination can include a different user. A destination selection module selects the alternate destination to be provided to the user based on a predetermined criterion. A presentation module presents the alternate destination as an option to the user when the determination to provide the alternate destination option is affirmative. A user input module enables user selection of the alternate destination option. A routing module routes the phone call to the alternate destination when the user selects to redirect the phone call to the alternate destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Mitel Networks Corporation
    Inventor: Paul Andrew Erb
  • Patent number: 9008683
    Abstract: Described are a system and method of managing a real-time communication initiated to a mobile communications device. A communication from an originating communications device is sensed as being directed to a first destination address corresponding to a mobile communications device. Location information of the mobile communications device is determined. The communication is directed to a second destination address based on the determined location of the mobile communications device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Mitel Networks Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Andrew Erb, Peter Hillier
  • Patent number: 9007415
    Abstract: There is provided a system and method of audio-video communications including a plurality of end-user terminals coupled via a communications link. Each end-user terminal includes a video processor component, a user interface, a display, a speaker and a microphone, a video camera device and a storage device, all coupled to the processor. The user interface includes a video muting function. The video processor component includes a module responsive to the video muting function for switching from a video source of the video camera to a predetermined video signal. The video muting function includes a selection for muting video sent from one of the plurality of end-user terminals, muting video received by one of the plurality of end-user terminals, muting video, both video sent from and video received by one of the plurality of end-user terminals, or muting audio and video sent from one of the plurality of end-user terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Mitel Networks Corporation
    Inventor: Paul Andrew Erb
  • Patent number: 8843119
    Abstract: There is provided a system and method of call handling comprising a first communications device having an acceptor of call purpose from a first party for a call, a communications channel including a conveyor of call purpose and a second communications device coupled to the first communications device via the communications channel and having a presenter of call purpose to a second party.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Mitel Networks Corporation
    Inventor: Paul Andrew Erb
  • Patent number: 8738772
    Abstract: A system and method for regulating use of a mobile computing device is disclosed. The method comprises identifying a location of the mobile computing device. A role of the user at the identified location is determined. Predetermined limitations are classified for the mobile computing device based on the role of the user at the identified location. A functionality of applications operating on the mobile computing device is regulated based on the predetermined limitations while the mobile computing device is at the identified location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Mitel Networks Corporation
    Inventor: Paul Andrew Erb
  • Patent number: 8676169
    Abstract: A phone system for providing dial by specialty features that can dynamically update providers within the system. A dial by specialty service can be provided on a user's mobile device. The dial by specialty service can prompt the user to enter in specialty information, which can represent specific services or goods the user is looking for. The dial by specialty service can then search an augmented directory to find the telephone number of a provider who best satisfies the search criteria. In one embodiment, the service can place a call on behalf of the user to transfer the user to the telephone number. The providers at the time of being called can decline to accept the call from the dial by specialty service. The selected provider can also choose to be removed from the augmented directory altogether.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Mitel Networks Corporation
    Inventor: Paul Andrew Erb
  • Patent number: 8606235
    Abstract: Described are systems and methods notifying a recipient of use of a communications device. A communications device is configured to include a parameter that indicates a condition for generating a notification. A state of the communications device is determined. The state of the communications device and the condition are compared. The notification is provided from the communications device to the recipient in response to the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Mitel Networks Corporation
    Inventor: Paul Andrew Erb
  • Patent number: 8571190
    Abstract: A communication system, comprising at least one telephone appliance having multiple line appearances selectable via associated self-labeling line buttons, and a switch for receiving an incoming call intended for a particular one of the line appearances and in response generating a message containing predetermined information and an indication of an associated one of the line buttons, whereupon the predetermined information is displayed in abbreviated format on the associated self-labeling line button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Mitel Networks Corporation
    Inventor: Paul Andrew Erb
  • Patent number: 8565398
    Abstract: A method of configuring a telephone, comprising configuring a plurality of self-labeling role keys to represent respective user roles, and configuring a plurality of self-labeling role associated keys associated with respective ones of the self-labeling role keys such that upon user selection of one of the self-labeling role keys representing a predetermined user role, the plurality of self-labeling role associated keys are presented to the user for invoking respective features associated with the selected user role. The method incorporates end user behavior patterns to collect programmable key data for the system to automatically update dynamic programmable keys, in conjunction with role associated keys or role independent keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Mitel Networks Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Matthew Hillier, Paul Andrew Erb
  • Patent number: 8525866
    Abstract: A terminal for audio-video communications comprising an IP enabled video phone and a video processor component coupled to the IP enabled video phone and including a module for correcting images from the video camera to render a camera-facing image for transmission to remote viewer. The correcting images may include use of calibrated images for a particular user and may replace background images with neutral images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Mitel Networks Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Andrew Erb, Michael James Conner
  • Publication number: 20130132589
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to communication formats and more particularly, to media delivery by preferred communication formats. In one illustrative embodiment, communications between an originator and receiver can be converted into a format preference based on the receiver's context. The context can refer to device type, application usage, time of day, location and user role. The originator can be free to choose their desired format of communication and the recipient can be equally free to choose the best suited format to receive the message. In outgoing communications, the receiver can use their own defined format and the communications can be converted into the originator's chosen format. Media format conversion can be performed unilaterally, for example, the first person can send an email which can be translated to speech for the second person who responds by voice which can be received as voice by the first person.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Paul Andrew Erb, Peter Matthew Hillier
  • Publication number: 20120284325
    Abstract: A system and method for regulating use of a mobile computing device is disclosed. The method comprises identifying a location of the mobile computing device. A role of the user at the identified location is determined. Predetermined limitations are classified for the mobile computing device based on the role of the user at the identified location. A functionality of applications operating on the mobile computing device is regulated based on the predetermined limitations while the mobile computing device is at the identified location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventor: Paul Andrew Erb
  • Publication number: 20120243444
    Abstract: Generally described, the present disclosure relates to communications, and more specifically, to localizing devices with a communication system to establish phone services. According to one illustrative embodiment, where the communication system is within a hotel, a traveler can download a voice over internet protocol (VoIP) client onto their mobile device. The VoIP client default configuration can then establish a connection between the mobile device and the communication system. Typically, the VoIP client has to be pre-authorized before registering with the communication system. After registering, all subsequent phone service can then be provided to the mobile device by the VoIP client in association with the hotel phone. Upon check-out, the VoIP client can be removed or disabled and the configuration connection to the communication system can be discontinued.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: Peter Matthew Hillier, Paul Andrew Erb
  • Publication number: 20120157112
    Abstract: Described are a system and method of managing a real-time communication initiated to a mobile communications device. A communication from an originating communications device is sensed as being directed to a first destination address corresponding to a mobile communications device. Location information of the mobile communications device is determined. The communication is directed to a second destination address based on the determined location of the mobile communications device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Paul Andrew Erb, Peter Hillier
  • Publication number: 20120154509
    Abstract: There is provided a system and method of audio-video communications including a plurality of end-user terminals coupled via a communications link. Each end-user terminal includes a video processor component, a user interface, a display, a speaker and a microphone, a video camera device and a storage device, all coupled to the processor. The user interface includes a video muting function. The video processor component includes a module responsive to the video muting function for switching from a video source of the video camera to a predetermined video signal. The video muting function includes a selection for muting video sent from one of the plurality of end-user terminals, muting video received by one of the plurality of end-user terminals, muting video, both video sent from and video received by one of the plurality of end-user terminals, or muting audio and video sent from one of the plurality of end-user terminals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventor: Paul Andrew Erb
  • Publication number: 20120157046
    Abstract: Described are systems and methods notifying a recipient of use of a communications device. A communications device is configured to include a parameter that indicates a condition for generating a notification. A state of the communications device is determined. The state of the communications device and the condition are compared. The notification is provided from the communications device to the recipient in response to the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventor: Paul Andrew Erb
  • Publication number: 20120147121
    Abstract: A terminal for audio-video communications comprising an IP enabled video phone and a video processor component coupled to the IP enabled video phone and including a module for correcting images from the video camera to render a camera-facing image for transmission to remote viewer. The correcting images may include use of calibrated images for a particular user and may replace background images with neutral images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventors: Paul Andrew Erb, Michael James Conner
  • Publication number: 20120099719
    Abstract: Systems and methods for redirecting incoming phone calls made to a user are disclosed. A system includes a call server configured to receive a phone call. A determination module determines whether to provide the user with an option to route the call to an alternate destination. The alternate destination can include a different user. A destination selection module selects the alternate destination to be provided to the user based on a predetermined criterion. A presentation module presents the alternate destination as an option to the user when the determination to provide the alternate destination option is affirmative. A user input module enables user selection of the alternate destination option. A routing module routes the phone call to the alternate destination when the user selects to redirect the phone call to the alternate destination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventor: Paul Andrew Erb
  • Publication number: 20120069981
    Abstract: A method of configuring a telephone, comprising configuring a plurality of self-labeling role keys to represent respective user roles, and configuring a plurality of self-labeling role associated keys associated with respective ones of the self-labeling role keys such that upon user selection of one of the self-labeling role keys representing a predetermined user role, the plurality of self-labeling role associated keys are presented to the user for invoking respective features associated with the selected user role. The method incorporates end user behavior patterns to collect programmable key data for the system to automatically update dynamic programmable keys, in conjunction with role associated keys or role independent keys.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Peter Matthew Hillier, Paul Andrew Erb