Patents by Inventor Robert J. Morrill

Robert J. Morrill 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: 9042370
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a system and method for determining a communications path to assign a communications over a packet network. For example, in one embodiment, the method includes determining at least two potential communications paths over a packet network over which a received communications request may be established by accessing network performance information associated with each node segment on the respective at least two potential communications paths. In one embodiment, the network performance information associated with each node segment includes a first set of network performance information for communicating in a first direction on the node segment and a second set of network performance information for communicating in a second direction on the node segment. The method determines a value indicative of communications operations associated with each potential communications path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Morrill, Carl M. Coppage, Amar N. Ray, William L. Wiley
  • Patent number: 9032461
    Abstract: A system and method for implementing a video conference through a television forwarding device. A remote user is authenticated through a website. A selection of a user is received for the remote user to communicate with through the video conference. An invitation is sent to the television forwarding device. The invitation being configured to prompt the user to accept implementation of the video conference. The video conference is implemented between the remote user and the user in response to the user accepting the invitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Curtis E. Tucker, Shekhar Gupta, Robert J. Morrill
  • Patent number: 9025000
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a method, apparatus, and computer program product for initiating by a remote user a video conference through a streaming device of a first user. One embodiment is a computer-implemented method that includes the steps of activating the streaming device; granting the remote user access to a website for controlling the streaming device in response to activating the streaming device; authenticating the remote user; receiving a selection of video conference options from the remote user in response to the remote user being authenticated; generating an invitation for the first user to accept a video conference with the remote user; and initiating the video conference in response to the first user to accepting the invitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Curtis E. Tucker, Shekhar Gupta, Robert J. Morrill
  • Patent number: 9025734
    Abstract: A system and method for routing an emergency data message to a PSAP may include receiving an emergency data message and cell code identifier indicative of a location of a wireless communications device of a user. A PSAP local to the user may be selected, and the emergency data message is sent to the selected PSAP. The location may be a centralized network location associated with an emergency network address, where the emergency network address is an easy address for users to remember.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Amar N. Ray, Carl M. Coppage, Lynn T. Greene, Robert J. Morrill
  • Patent number: 9020124
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a system, method, and computer program product for implementing do-not-disturb feature during media content. For example, in one embodiment, a determination is made on whether to implement the do-not-disturb feature is implemented on at least one of a plurality of devices associated with a user during the playback of the media content based on user preferences, wherein the user preferences specify a type of media content that triggers the do-not-disturb feature. In response to the do-not-disturb feature being implemented, notification of an incoming communication is suspended during playback of the media content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Shekhar Gupta, Curtis Tucker, Robert J. Morrill
  • Publication number: 20150110097
    Abstract: A system, method and network communications device including a processing unit configured to communicate data packets with one or more network communications devices. The data packets include network performance information generated by the one or more network communications devices in response to receiving a portion of the data packets. The network communications device further includes a memory in communication with the processing unit. The memory is configured to store a table containing network performance information associated with the node segments through which the data packets are communicated with the one or more network communications devices. The processing unit is further configured to process the data packets to store the network performance information in the table. The network performance information is utilized to alter future communications of the data packets through the node segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Robert J. Morrill, William L. Wiley, Michael K. Bugenhagen
  • Patent number: 9014764
    Abstract: A system and method for playing ringtones on a communication device. User preferences indicating a desired method for selecting a ringtone are received from the number of ringtones. The ringtone is selected from the number of ringtones based on the user preferences indicating the desired method for selecting the ringtone from the number of ringtones. Playback of the ringtone is initiated for playback on the communication device in response to being selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Sweeney, Kelsyn D. Rooks, Michael C. Robinson, Robert J. Morrill, Charles E. Lumbirt
  • Patent number: 9014204
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a computer-implemented method for controlling network communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: William L. Wiley, Michael K. Bugenhagen, Robert J. Morrill
  • Patent number: 9001989
    Abstract: A system and method for coordinating communications. User selection of multiple contacts from an address book are received. The user selection of multiple contacts are added to a contact schedule. The multiple contacts listed in the contact schedule are automatically called. A voice communication is initiated in response to a receiving party answering a call. A message specified by a user is sent to the receiving party in response to the receiving party not answering the call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Shekhar Gupta, Robert J. Morrill, David E. Rondeau
  • Patent number: 8948036
    Abstract: A system, method and network communications device including a processing unit configured to communicate data packets with one or more network communications devices. The data packets include network performance information generated by the one or more network communications devices in response to receiving a portion of the data packets. The network communications device further includes a memory in communication with the processing unit. The memory is configured to store a table containing network performance information associated with the node segments through which the data packets are communicated with the one or more network communications devices. The processing unit is further configured to process the data packets to store the network performance information in the table. The network performance information is utilized to alter future communications of the data packets through the node segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Morrill, William L. Wiley, Michael K. Bugenhagen
  • Publication number: 20150011201
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a method for configuring a femtocell. In one embodiment, the method includes identifying a cellular device within near-field communication range of the femtocell. The method identifies a carrier network associated with the cellular device and automatically configures the femtocell to operate on the carrier network associated with the cellular device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Robert J. Morrill
  • Publication number: 20140321273
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include system and method for routing communications over a communications network. In one embodiment, a determination is made as to whether to establish a communication along a communication path based on network performance information. The disclosed embodiments provide several alternatives for establishing the communication and improving communications along the communication path in response to a determination that at least one network node along the communication path is impaired or congested.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Robert J. Morrill, William L. Wiley, Michael K. Bugenhagen
  • Patent number: 8868058
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a method for configuring a femtocell. In one embodiment, the method includes identifying a cellular device within near-field communication range of the femtocell. The method identifies a carrier network associated with the cellular device and automatically configures the femtocell to operate on the carrier network associated with the cellular device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventor: Robert J. Morrill
  • Publication number: 20140247318
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a method, apparatus, and computer program product for initiating by a remote user a video conference through a streaming device of a first user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Curtis E. Tucker, Shekhar Gupta, Robert J. Morrill
  • Publication number: 20140247932
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a system, method, and computer program product for implementing do-not-disturb feature during media content. For example, in one embodiment, the do-not-disturb feature is implemented on an electronic device during the playback of the media content based on user preferences, where the user preferences specify the media content that triggers the do-not-disturb feature on the electronic device. In response to the do-not-disturb feature being implemented, notification of an incoming communication is suspended during playback of the media content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Shekhar Gupta, Curtis Tucker, Robert J. Morrill
  • Publication number: 20140247928
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a system, method, and computer program product for implementing do-not-disturb feature during media content. For example, in one embodiment, a determination is made on whether to implement the do-not-disturb feature is implemented on at least one of a plurality of devices associated with a user during the playback of the media content based on user preferences, wherein the user preferences specify a type of media content that triggers the do-not-disturb feature. In response to the do-not-disturb feature being implemented, notification of an incoming communication is suspended during playback of the media content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Shekhar Gupta, Curtis Tucker, Robert J. Morrill
  • Patent number: 8811160
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include system and method for routing communications over a communications network. In one embodiment, a determination is made as to whether to establish a communication along a communication path based on network performance information. The disclosed embodiments provide several alternatives for establishing the communication and improving communications along the communication path in response to a determination that at least one network node along the communication path is impaired or congested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Morrill, William L. Wiley, Michael K. Bugenhagen
  • Publication number: 20140194068
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a network management system for managing communications of a wireless device. The network management system includes memory for storing data and executable instructions; and a processing component in communication with the memory. In one embodiment, the processing component configured to execute the executable instructions to perform operations such as, but not limited to, receiving network performance information from a plurality of wireless access points; and sending an instruction to the wireless device that modifies at least one wireless connectivity parameter of the wireless device to improve communications on the wireless device based on the network performance information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Carl M. Coppage, Steven E. Kozisek, Robert J. Morrill
  • Patent number: 8761720
    Abstract: A system and method for updating a public safety answering point (PSAP) with a current location of a user may include communicating a first emergency message including a set of geographic coordinates to a PSAP in response to a user request to send an emergency message from a wireless communications device. The emergency may be a text message. The set of geographic coordinates of the wireless communications device may be updated, and a second emergency message including the updated set of geographic coordinates of the wireless communications device may be communicated to the PSAP. By updating the geographic coordinates, an operator at the PSAP may provide emergency personnel with changes in location of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Amar Nath Ray, Lynn T. Greene, Carl M. Coppage, Robert J. Morrill
  • Patent number: 8750905
    Abstract: A method and database management system for controlling the operability of a mobile communications device. A geographic location of a vehicle is determined. A position of the mobile communications device with in the vehicle is determined. Conditional parameters of the mobile communications device are determined. Database records correlating location information with restrictions are accessed. A determination is made whether use of the mobile communications device should be restricted within the vehicle in response to the geographical location, the position of the mobile communications device within the vehicle, the conditional parameters, and the database records The capabilities of the mobile communications device are configured in response to the restrictions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Jamie Christopher Howarter, Charles Michael Lesher, Jeffrey Sweeney, Robert J. Morrill, Heather Ann Hull