Patents by Inventor Stephen Sprigg

Stephen Sprigg 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: 10602348
    Abstract: A system and method for selectively updating the versions of stored datasets on a wireless device that selectively communicates to a wireless network and downloads datasets, such as software applications and information, from download servers on the wireless network. The wireless device has a resident dataset version summary file that identifies the version of each resident dataset, and upon the wireless device attempting to communicate with the download server, the wireless device compares the version of each specific resident dataset listed in the resident dataset version summary file with the version of downloadable datasets resident on the download server to thereby determine if the version of a wireless device resident dataset is different from the version of a download server resident dataset. If the download server resident dataset is more recent, the wireless device can download it to overwrite the wireless device resident dataset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian E. Minear, Eric J. Lekven, Mitchell B. Oliver, Phil Nguyen, Richard Wayne Gardner, III, Stephen A. Sprigg
  • Patent number: 10360593
    Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for presenting marketing information to a customer based on proximity to marketing areas. A wireless identity transmitter associated with the customer may periodically transmit wireless broadcast messages that include obscured identifiers. A proximity broadcast receiver within a retail store, such as near a product display or aisle, may receive and relay the broadcast messages to a server which may process the included information. Based on proximity information and other conditions, the server may transmit marketing information relevant to the customer and a proximate marketing area, such as coupons and offers. In an embodiment, the server may store data based on broadcast messages that may indicate foot traffic and other information valuable to merchants. The server may also transmit messages based on stored permissions that indicate whether the customer desires to receive marketing information and whether the server is authorized to provide the customer's identity to merchants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Kevin E Hunter, Stephen A Sprigg, Neville J Meijers, Charles S Wurster, Paul E Jacobs
  • Patent number: 10348804
    Abstract: System to automatically process components on a device. A method is provided for automatically processing components on a device. The method includes receiving a version identifier associated with an action list, determining that the version identifier is not equivalent to a stored version identifier, receiving the action list, parsing the action list to obtain a component identifier and an associated action, and performing the action on a component identified by the component identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Stephen A. Sprigg, Brian Minear
  • Patent number: 10038999
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and programs for processing extra data when a triggering event occurs. In one embodiment, an application, triggering event data, and extra data is stored on a wireless device. The wireless device monitors a triggering event parameter associated with an application, such as the expiration of the application. When the triggering event occurs, the wireless device processes the extra data in addition to processing associated with the triggering event data. The extra data may include URLs, scripts or other instructions that involve processing locally to the wireless device or requiring connection to a wireless network for remote processing on other devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Stephen A. Sprigg, Brian Minear, Paul E. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 10009743
    Abstract: A system and method for the provision of downloadable subscription-based software applications to one or more wireless devices where the applications are downloadable from one or more application download servers across a wireless network. An accounting module receives subscription-based application download data from the one or more application download servers for each subscription-based application downloaded by a wireless device, and subscription-based application deletion data from each wireless device that has deleted a subscription-based application. The accounting module accounts for the use of the subscribed software applications based upon the subscription-based software application download data and subscription-based application deletion data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian Minear, Richard Wayne Gardner, III, Stephen A. Sprigg, Phil Tien Nguyen, Mitchell B. Oliver, Eric J. Lekven
  • Publication number: 20170070847
    Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for locating a wireless identity transmitter with a central server connected with one or more proximity broadcast receivers, such as stationary receivers or mobile devices operating as wireless receivers. The wireless identity transmitter may be a compact device configured to broadcast messages, such as through Bluetooth® advertisements, including an identification code. When within proximity, a proximity broadcast receiver may receive broadcast messages from the wireless identity transmitter and relay location information along with the wireless identity transmitter's identification code to a central server as sighting messages. The proximity broadcast receiver's own location may provide an approximate location for the wireless identity transmitter. The central server may process sighting messages, which may include signal strength information, to accurately locate the wireless identity transmitter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: Steven R. Altman, Stephen A. Sprigg, Liz Gasser, Joel Linsky, Leif Woodahl, Jason Kenagy, Jose Menendez, Charles S. Wurster, Paul Jacobs, Neville Meijers, Peggy Johnson, Dave Wise, Kevin Hunter
  • Patent number: 9591428
    Abstract: A system and method for performing actions on a wireless device using action lists and versioning. The system includes receiving, over a network, a remote action list version number, the remote action list version number associated with a remote action list containing an instruction for the wireless device. The system further includes determining whether the remote action list version number is different from a local action list version number. The system also includes sending, over a network, a request for the remote action list in response to determining the remote action list version number is different from the local action list version number. Also, the system includes receiving, over a network, the remote action list.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Sudheer Koganti, Stephen Sprigg, Amy McGaraghan, Brian Minear, Phil Nguyen
  • Patent number: 9544075
    Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for locating a wireless identity transmitter with a central server connected with one or more proximity broadcast receivers, such as stationary receivers or mobile devices operating as wireless receivers. The wireless identity transmitter may be a compact device configured to broadcast messages, such as through Bluetooth® advertisements, including an identification code. When within proximity, a proximity broadcast receiver may receive broadcast messages from the wireless identity transmitter and relay location information along with the wireless identity transmitter's identification code to a central server as sighting messages. The proximity broadcast receiver's own location may provide an approximate location for the wireless identity transmitter. The central server may process sighting messages, which may include signal strength information, to accurately locate the wireless identity transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven R Altman, Stephen A Sprigg, Liz Gasser, Joel Linsky, Leif Woodahl, Jason Kenagy, Jose Menendez, Charles S Wurster, Paul Jacobs, Neville Meijers, Peggy Johnson, Dave Wise, Kevin Hunter
  • Publication number: 20160286335
    Abstract: A system and method for performing actions on a wireless device using action lists and versioning. The system includes receiving, over a network, a remote action list version number, the remote action list version number associated with a remote action list containing an instruction for the wireless device. The system further includes determining whether the remote action list version number is different from a local action list version number. The system also includes sending, over a network, a request for the remote action list in response to determining the remote action list version number is different from the local action list version number. Also, the system includes receiving, over a network, the remote action list.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Inventors: Sudheer Koganti, Stephen Sprigg, Amy McGaraghan, Brian Minear, Phil Nguyen
  • Patent number: 9386397
    Abstract: A system and method for performing actions on a wireless device using action lists and versioning. The system includes receiving, over a network, a remote action list version number, the remote action list version number associated with a remote action list containing an instruction for the wireless device. The system further includes determining whether the remote action list version number is different from a local action list version number. The system also includes sending, over a network, a request for the remote action list in response to determining the remote action list version number is different from the local action list version number. Also, the system includes receiving, over a network, the remote action list.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Sudheer B. Koganti, Stephen A. Sprigg, Amy Suzanne Therrell, Brian Minear, Phil Tien Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20150382183
    Abstract: A system and method for selectively updating the versions of stored datasets on a wireless device that selectively communicates to a wireless network and downloads datasets, such as software applications and information, from download servers on the wireless network. The wireless device has a resident dataset version summary file that identifies the version of each resident dataset, and upon the wireless device attempting to communicate with the download server, the wireless device compares the version of each specific resident dataset listed in the resident dataset version summary file with the version of downloadable datasets resident on the download server to thereby determine if the version of a wireless device resident dataset is different from the version of a download server resident dataset. If the download server resident dataset is more recent, the wireless device can download it to overwrite the wireless device resident dataset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Brian E. MINEAR, Eric J. LEKVEN, Mitchell B. OLIVER, Phil NGUYEN, Richard Wayne GARDNER, III, Stephen A. SPRIGG
  • Publication number: 20150373536
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and programs for processing extra data when a triggering event occurs. In one embodiment, an application, triggering event data, and extra data is stored on a wireless device. The wireless device monitors a triggering event parameter associated with an application, such as the expiration of the application. When the triggering event occurs, the wireless device processes the extra data in addition to processing associated with the triggering event data. The extra data may include URLs, scripts or other instructions that involve processing locally to the wireless device or requiring connection to a wireless network for remote processing on other devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Inventors: Stephen A. SPRIGG, Brian MINEAR, Paul E. JACOBS
  • Patent number: 9191276
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and programs for activating a feature on a wireless device includes requesting the feature at the wireless device. A feature includes additional functions and services that add capability to or accessed by the wireless device, such as, but not limited to, voice mail, voice recognition, access to GPS, MPEG functions, and access to a data channel or increased data rates. The wireless device downloads a component from a download server that contains the logic to configure the wireless device as well as a carrier server to activate the feature. An expiration parameter or other licensing term may be associated with the requested feature. Upon expiration, the wireless device and/or carrier server is reconfigured to deactivate the feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Paul E. Jacobs, Stephen A. Sprigg, Jan K. Lezny, Jason B. Kenagy
  • Publication number: 20150319218
    Abstract: System to automatically process components on a device. A method is provided for automatically processing components on a device. The method includes receiving a version identifier associated with an action list, determining that the version identifier is not equivalent to a stored version identifier, receiving the action list, parsing the action list to obtain a component identifier and an associated action, and performing the action on a component identified by the component identifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2015
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Inventors: Stephen A. SPRIGG, Brian MINEAR
  • Patent number: 9143622
    Abstract: A system and method for managing a billing account including a client device, a transceiver, logic configured to establish at least one primary account wherein the at least one primary account represents periodic fees that are charged to the billing account on a periodic basis; and logic configured to establish at least one secondary account wherein the at least one secondary account represents an amount of prepaid service that is available for the billing account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Stephen A. Sprigg, Brian Minear, Mitchell B. Oliver, Richard Wayne Gardner, III
  • Patent number: 9134989
    Abstract: A system and method for selectively updating the versions of stored datasets on a wireless device that selectively communicates to a wireless network and downloads datasets, such as software applications and information, from download servers on the wireless network. The wireless device has a resident dataset version summary file that identifies the version of each resident dataset, and upon the wireless device attempting to communicate with the download server, the wireless device compares the version of each specific resident dataset listed in the resident dataset version summary file with the version of downloadable datasets resident on the download server to thereby determine if the version of a wireless device resident dataset is different from the version of a download server resident dataset. If the download server resident dataset is more recent, the wireless device can download it to overwrite the wireless device resident dataset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian Minear, Eric J. Lekven, Mitchell B. Oliver, Phil Nguyen, Richard Wayne Gardner, III, Stephen A. Sprigg
  • Patent number: 9092286
    Abstract: System to automatically process components on a device. A method is provided for automatically processing components on a device. The method includes receiving a version identifier associated with an action list, determining that the version identifier is not equivalent to a stored version identifier, receiving the action list, parsing the action list to obtain a component identifier and an associated action, and performing the action on a component identified by the component identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Stephen A. Sprigg, Brian Minear
  • Patent number: 9041530
    Abstract: A system, methods and server for monitoring health and safety of individuals in a population and sending alert notifications when exceptions are detected include comparing biometric data obtained from the individuals to a biometric model generated for the individual through computer-learning methods. Biometric data may be gathered by wireless biometric sensor devices which transmit biometric data to receiver devices, which relay the biometric data to a server. The biometric model may be maintained in the server and include nominal and threshold biometric parameters for each individual based on biometric sensor data gathered or analyzed over a period of time. An alert may be issued by the server when an individual's biometric data is outside a threshold in the biometric model. The transmitted alert may depend upon the nature of the exception, user settings and past notification experience. Alerts may be escalated when not answered within defined durations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Stephen A. Sprigg, Richard Wayne Gardner, III
  • Patent number: 8937930
    Abstract: Methods and devices provide a virtual peripheral hub and services enabling remote access to peripherals commonly connected to personal computers in a manner that simplifies device networking. A virtual peripheral hub device may include a processor and wireless communication transceivers configured to connect to cellular and/or WiFi networks to access a remote server, and wired and/or wireless local networks for connecting to peripheral devices. The virtual peripheral hub device may plug into a power source (e.g., a wall socket or cigarette lighter), connect to a peripheral device, and be configured to enable any computer attached to a local area network or the Internet to use or access the peripheral device. An associated server-based service enables discovery of the virtual peripheral hub device and connected peripherals. The associated server-based server may provide the drivers for various peripherals, store and forward data, and provide remote access to the various peripherals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: QUALCOMM, Incorporated
    Inventors: Stephen A. Sprigg, Noam A. Ziv, Craig B. Lauer, Kedarnath Pathikonda, Richard W. Gardner, III
  • Patent number: RE48001
    Abstract: The present invention provides safe and secure application distribution and execution by providing systems and methods that test an application to ensure that it satisfies predetermined criteria associated with the environment in which it will execute. Furthermore, by using rules and permission lists, application removal, and a modification detection technique, such as digital signatures, the present invention provides mechanisms to safely distribute and execute tested, or untested, applications by determining whether the application has been modified, determining if it has permission to execute in a given wireless device environment, and removing the application should it be desirable to do so.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Laurence Lundblade, Marc S. Phillips, Brian Minear, Yan Zhuang, Anand Krishnan, Stephen A. Sprigg, Mazen Chmaytelli, Mitchell Oliver, Gerald Horel, Karen Crossland