Patents by Inventor Troy C. Meuninck

Troy C. Meuninck 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: 20150082353
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computer-readable storage medium having computer instructions to present a plurality of unassociated media programs from a single presentation device having overlapping presentation periods, and cause the single presentation device to present a user interface for one of the plurality of unassociated media programs responsive to detecting a request for the user interface. Each of the plurality of unassociated media programs can be viewable only with a viewing apparatus. The viewing apparatus can be configured for viewing one of the unassociated media programs at a time. Other embodiments are disclosed and contemplated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Troy C. Meuninck, William A. Brown, Nadia Morris, Virginia Ng, James Carlton Bedingfield, SR.
  • Patent number: 8984574
    Abstract: A method that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may embedding a watermark in media content for presentation at a rendering device using an editor to associate the watermark with one or more metadata pointers that point to additional media content according to an embedded link of the watermark to generate a group of one or more metadata pointers where the watermark includes an embedded link to additional media content used to modify the media content based on a content exchange between the rendering device and a computer. The method may further include storing the group of one or more metadata pointers, where a selection of the watermark invokes access to the altered media content containing the additional media content associated with the watermark, thereby producing the altered media content at the one or more user devices. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventors: Troy C. Meuninck, Oleg Kashapov
  • Publication number: 20150040197
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium operating in a mobile device server having computer instructions to execute a web server application in the mobile device server. The web server application can be operable to detect a resource control manager while roaming in a communication zone of the resource control manager, and to transmit a pairing key to the resource control manager. The web server application can also be operable to receive from the resource control manager authorization to pair with one or more resources selected by the resource control manager according to the pairing key, and to establish communications with the one or more resources selected by the resource control manager. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: William A. Brown, Troy C. Meuninck
  • Publication number: 20150012824
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a system having a controller to detect a selection of media content from a media content source, detect that the selected media content comprises a plurality of media content types, present a plurality of media content type options, each option corresponding to one of the plurality of media content types or combinations thereof, detect a selection from the plurality of media content type options, submit a request to a targeted communication device to accept or decline the selected media content according to the selected media content type option, retrieve one or more metadata pointers from the media content source for retrieving the selected media content responsive to receiving an acceptance from the targeted communication device, and store the one or more metadata pointers and the selected media content type option. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Troy C. Meuninck, N. Peter Hill, Oleg Kashapov
  • Patent number: 8918831
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computer-readable storage medium having computer instructions to present a plurality of unassociated media programs from a single presentation device having overlapping presentation periods, and cause the single presentation device to present a user interface for one of the plurality of unassociated media programs responsive to detecting a request for the user interface. Each of the plurality of unassociated media programs can be viewable only with a viewing apparatus. The viewing apparatus can be configured for viewing one of the unassociated media programs at a time. Other embodiments are disclosed and contemplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventors: Troy C. Meuninck, William A. Brown, Nadia Morris, Virginia Ng, James Carlton Bedingfield, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20140359666
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a set top box (STB) comprising a controller to analyze scheduled media content with limited temporal accessibility provided by a content provider, select a portion of the media content based on the analysis of the media content and a recipient media device to receive the portion of the media content, transmit the portion of the media content to a DVR to store the portion of the media content, and transmit a metadata pointer associated with the portion of the media content to a server. A request to accept the portion of the media content is received by the recipient media device via the server, and the portion of the media content is retrieved from the DVR by the server based on the metadata pointer when the recipient media device accepts the request. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Troy C. Meuninck, Oleg Kashapov
  • Patent number: 8875181
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a system having a controller to detect a selection of media content from a media content source, detect that the selected media content comprises a plurality of media content types, present a plurality of media content type options, each option corresponding to one of the plurality of media content types or combinations thereof, detect a selection from the plurality of media content type options, submit a request to a targeted communication device to accept or decline the selected media content according to the selected media content type option, retrieve one or more metadata pointers from the media content source for retrieving the selected media content responsive to receiving an acceptance from the targeted communication device, and store the one or more metadata pointers and the selected media content type option. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Troy C. Meuninck, N. Peter Hill, Oleg Kashapov
  • Patent number: 8843975
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a set-top-box (STB) comprising a controller to analyze media content provided by a media content provider, wherein the media content is scheduled content with limited temporal accessibility, select at least a portion of the media content and at least one recipient media device to receive the portion of the media content, the selection of the portion of the media content being based on the analysis of the media content, transmit the portion of the media content to a DVR, wherein the DVR stores the portion of the media content, and transmit a metadata pointer associated with the portion of the media content stored in the DVR to a server, wherein a request to accept the portion of the media content is received by the at least one recipient media device via the server, and wherein the portion of the media content is retrieved from the DVR by the server based on the metadata pointer when the at least one recipient media device
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Troy C. Meuninck, Oleg Kashapov
  • Publication number: 20140237577
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products authenticate users for access to devices, applications, and services. Skills of a user are learned over time, such that an electronic model of random subject matter may be generated. The user is prompted to interpret the random subject matter, such as with a drawing, physical arrangement, or performance. The user's interpretation is then compared to the electronic model of the random subject matter. If the user is truly who they purport to be, their interpretation will match the electronic model, thus authenticating the user. If interpretation fails to match the electronic model, authentication may be denied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Kevin A. Li, Troy C. Meuninck, Robert Raymond Miller, II, James H. Pratt, Horst J. Schroeter, Behzad Shahraray
  • Patent number: 8812986
    Abstract: A method of displaying available multimedia content items includes receiving a request to display a set of available content items. In response to the request, a first set of icons are provided for display, where each icon corresponds to a type of available multimedia content. The icons are displayed in an approximately circular arrangement, providing for easy viewing and manipulation. In response to selection of an icon, a second set of icons is displayed in an approximately circular arrangement, where each icon of the second set corresponds to a sub-type of the available multimedia content. The user can continue to select icons based on the type of desired multimedia content until a list of available multimedia content items are displayed. Accordingly, the user is able to quickly locate and view multimedia content of a desired type, resulting in an improved user experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventors: Troy C. Meuninck, Scott Morris
  • Patent number: 8752151
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products authenticate users for access to devices, applications, and services. Skills of a user are learned over time, such that an electronic model of random subject matter may be generated. The user is prompted to interpret the random subject matter, such as with a drawing, physical arrangement, or performance. The user's interpretation is then compared to the electronic model of the random subject matter. If the user is truly who they purport to be, their interpretation will match the electronic model, thus authenticating the user. If interpretation fails to match the electronic model, authentication may be denied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Kevin A. Li, Troy C. Meuninck, Robert Raymond Miller, II, James H. Pratt, Horst J. Schroeter, Behzad Shahraray
  • Publication number: 20140157343
    Abstract: A method that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may embedding a watermark in media content for presentation at a rendering device using an editor to associate the watermark with one or more metadata pointers that point to additional media content according to an embedded link of the watermark to generate a group of one or more metadata pointers where the watermark includes an embedded link to additional media content used to modify the media content based on a content exchange between the rendering device and a computer. The method may further include storing the group of one or more metadata pointers, where a selection of the watermark invokes access to the altered media content containing the additional media content associated with the watermark, thereby producing the altered media content at the one or more user devices. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventors: Troy C. Meuninck, Oleg Kashapov
  • Publication number: 20140156697
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products help users recall memories and search for content of those memories. When a user cannot recall a memory, the user is prompted with questions to help recall the memory. As the user answers the questions, a virtual recollection of the memory is synthesized from the answers to the questions. When the user is satisfied with the virtual recollection of the memory, a database of content may be searched for the virtual recollection of the memory. Video data, for example, may be retrieved that matches the virtual recollection of the memory. The video data is thus historical data documenting past events.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert Raymond Miller, Kevin A. Li, Troy C. Meuninck, James H. Pratt, Horst J. Schroeter, Behzad Shahraray
  • Publication number: 20140145873
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products determine electromagnetic reflective characteristics of ambient environments. A wireless communications device sends a cellular impulse and receives reflections of the cellular impulse. The cellular impulse and the reflections of the cellular impulse may be compared to determine the electromagnetic reflective characteristics of an ambient environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert Raymond Miller, Kevin A. Li, Troy C. Meuninck, James H. Pratt, Horst J. Schroeter, Behzad Shahraray
  • Publication number: 20140101084
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products provide interfaces between intrahost networks and interhost networks within biological hosts. Neuroregional translations are performed to route communications to and from the biological hosts. Bioregional translations may also be performed to route communications to and from the biological hosts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Kevin A. Li, Troy C. Meuninck, Robert Raymond Miller, II, James H. Pratt, Horst J. Schroeter, Behzad Shahraray
  • Publication number: 20140101740
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products authenticate users for access to devices, applications, and services. Skills of a user are learned over time, such that an electronic model of random subject matter may be generated. The user is prompted to interpret the random subject matter, such as with a drawing, physical arrangement, or performance. The user's interpretation is then compared to the electronic model of the random subject matter. If the user is truly who they purport to be, their interpretation will match the electronic model, thus authenticating the user. If interpretation fails to match the electronic model, authentication may be denied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Kevin A. Li, Troy C. Meuninck, Robert Raymond Miller, II, James H. Pratt, Horst J. Schroeter, Behzad Shahraray
  • Publication number: 20140099594
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products monitor a person's regimen for medicinal and dietary restrictions. When the person's regimen requires a liquid medication or supplement, an oral instrument is commanded to dispense a dosage of fluid. The oral instrument stores a reservoir of the fluid. If the oral instrument is a spoon, for example, the spoon may automatically dispense cough syrup or other medicine. A toothbrush, likewise, may automatically dispense mouthwash. A sensor may confirm presence of the oral instrument in the person's mouth, thus ensuring the dosage of fluid is ingested.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Kevin A. Li, Troy C. Meuninck, Robert Raymond Miller, II, James H. Pratt, Horst J. Schroeter, Behzad Shahraray
  • Publication number: 20140101296
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products predict emotional moods. Predicted moods may then be used to configure devices and machinery. A communications device may be configured to a mood of a user. A car may adjust to the mood of an operator. Even assembly lines may be configured, based on the mood of operators. Machinery and equipment may thus adopt performance and safety precautions that account for varying moods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Kevin A. Li, Troy C. Meuninck, Robert Raymond Miller, II, James H. Pratt, Horst J. Schroeter, Behzad Shahraray
  • Patent number: 8683537
    Abstract: A method that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may embedding a watermark in media content for presentation at a rendering device using an editor to associate the watermark with one or more metadata pointers that point to additional media content according to an embedded link of the watermark to generate a group of one or more metadata pointers where the watermark includes an embedded link to additional media content used to modify the media content based on a content exchange between the rendering device and a computer. The method may further include storing the group of one or more metadata pointers, where a selection of the watermark invokes access to the altered media content containing the additional media content associated with the watermark, thereby producing the altered media content at the one or more user devices. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventors: Troy C Meuninck, Oleg Kashapov
  • Publication number: 20140033251
    Abstract: In an Internet protocol television network, a set-top box includes a social network interface module and a remote control interface module. The social network interface module receives a first selection of a content item from the remote control interface module, and receives a second selection of a comment from the remote control interface module. The social network interface module also posts the second selection on a social network system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventors: Nadia Morris, N. Peter Hill, Troy C. Meuninck, Virginia S. Ng