Usage Measurement Patents (Class 455/405)
  • Patent number: 8868063
    Abstract: A personal wireless device is utilized to carry out measurements of one or more network-performance related metrics in response to a triggering event. The triggering event can be a message that is transmitted by a network element to the personal wireless device. The personal wireless device may be exemplified by a variety of personal devices such as, for example, a cellular phone, or a personal digital assistant (PDA). The measurements may be used to derive network-performance related information such as cellular signal coverage areas, signal hole areas, and signal interference areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Interdigital Patent Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter S. Wang, Janet A. Stern-Berkowitz, Nobuyuki Tamaki
  • Patent number: 8868041
    Abstract: A multi-use embedded universal integrated circuit card contains more than one active MNO (mobile network operator) profile. The example card may include a time manager and a radio resource schedule for managing access to a radio within a wireless device. The time manager enables one of the active MNO profiles at a time in accordance with the radio resource schedule, effectively allocating respective time slices to applications associated with each of the active MNO profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Rogers Communications Inc.
    Inventor: Edward A. O'Leary
  • Patent number: 8868031
    Abstract: A method of operating a charging system (22) for a telecommunications network comprises: (1) receiving a charging request in conjunction with a telecommunications activity involving a telecommunications terminal; (2) determining a default account to which a charge resulting from the charging request may be allocated; (3) making a request for an externally-controlled account selection of a selected account; and, (4) finally allocating the charge to the selected account. In an example embodiment and mode the method further comprises, prior to making the request for the externally-controlled account selection of the selected account, making a temporary allocation for a reservation for the telecommunications activity; and performing a default account rating for the telecommunications activity, the default account rating being performed upon assumption of use of the default account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (Publ)
    Inventors: Peter Lindau Nordhammer, Andreas Abrahamsson
  • Patent number: 8868029
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing network resource consumption. In various embodiments, excessive resource consumption within a network such as a Long Term Evolution (LTE) wireless network attributed to one or more user devices (UDs) is constrained by adjusting a Policy Control and Charging (PCC) rule associated with a network element serving the UD such that the corresponding network resource consumption level is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Hua Shu, Gurudas Somadder, Joël R. Calippe, Claudio A. Ortega
  • Patent number: 8869229
    Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Personalized Media Communications, LLC
    Inventors: John Christopher Harvey, James William Cuddihy
  • Publication number: 20140308916
    Abstract: A radio base station generates a congestion status flag, based on measured resource usage in its cell, and based on performance of sessions in the cell. The flag may be a one bit, or a small number of bits, indicating whether the base station is congested. The flag can be sent to neighbouring radio base stations, for use in determining whether to perform handovers to that radio base station. The flag generated in a radio base station, and the flags generated in neighbouring radio base stations, can also be sent to user equipment in a cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: Muhammad Ali Kazmi, Gabor Fodor
  • Patent number: 8862093
    Abstract: A method of operating a communications charging system comprises receiving an override message comprising an override code indicative of a charging rule override request which affects a terminal. The method further comprises, in response to the override code, making an association of a use of the terminal during an override term to an alternate account rather than to a default account as would otherwise occur by a charging rule; and thereafter at reception of a charging request which is subsequent and separate from the override message, allocating a charge for a service for which the charging request occurs to the alternate account in accordance with the association.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (Publ)
    Inventor: Peter Zackrisson
  • Patent number: 8862170
    Abstract: Cloud communication center system and method for processing data in a cloud communication system. An apparatus for supporting a cloud communication system may include at least one remote unit and a centralized unit. The at least one remote unit may be configured to process one of radio signals received from a user equipment or radio signals to be transmitted to a user equipment according to at least one sub-layer of an open system interconnection reference model. The centralized unit may be configured to receive the processed signal from the remote unit and to process the received signal based on the remaining sub-layers of the open system interconnection reference model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: KT Corporation
    Inventors: Ki-Ho Lee, Jong-Ho Park
  • Patent number: 8863307
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of generating a user signature associated with a user and authenticating a user. At least one behavior associated with at least one sensor in a computing device is identified. A timestamp is generated and associated with the behavior. A user signature corresponding to a user based at least in part upon the behavior and the timestamp is generated and stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Noam Sorek
  • Publication number: 20140302811
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of pattern-based message transmission. The method can predetermine a transmission pattern for the message transmission between a base station and a user equipment according to a service type, an equipment identifier, and etc., of the equipment and can hereby determine a transmission process of signaling and data and thus can handle the remaining transmission of either signaling or data to be performed in the predetermined pattern, which means that scheduling resources can be greatly saved and thus signaling overheads and the resource consumption can be greatly reduced. With an optimized design of a pattern, an acknowledgement message and subsequent signalings and/or data could be encapsulated in a same data packet for transmission and reception, thereby resources are further saved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: ALCATEL LUCENT
    Inventors: Yu Chen, Jialin Zou, Sudeep Palat
  • Patent number: 8855561
    Abstract: In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, a method is described that includes establishing a wireless communication link between a mobile device and a document processing device; transmitting, by a transmitter of the document processing device, data stored in a memory of the document processing device related to the functionality of the document processing device to the mobile device; and receiving, by a receiver of the document processing device, data to control a functionality of the document processing device from the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Eugene S. Evanitsky, Jeffrey R. Earl
  • Patent number: 8855613
    Abstract: The specification describes systems, and operation thereof, allowing parents or other parties to monitor mobile device activities of a child. In addition, parent can dynamically control mobile device activities of the child. Software, or network adjuncts, can link a mobile device to a station set or mobile phone under the control of the parent. Calling traffic to and from the mobile device may be routed to a receiver at a location monitored by the parent. In some embodiments, software allows the parent to intervene in the communications of the child. The intervention may take a variety of forms, such as interrupting a call in progress, terminating call activity, interrupting or terminating Internet access. Where the mobile device is provided with pre-programmed restraining software, the intervention may be modifying the restraining software.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Paul J. Fellingham, Christopher P. Gilboy
  • Patent number: 8855597
    Abstract: Communication networks and associated methods are disclosed that provide offline charging in IMS networks. One of the methods includes receiving call signaling for a call from an access network serving user equipment for the call. The call signaling includes an access network identifier for the access network. The method further includes identifying location information related to the access network identifier. The method further includes determining a local time for the user equipment based on the location information. The method further includes generating a charging message for the call, and inserting a timestamp in the charging message based on the local time for the user equipment. The timestamp in the charging message provides the billing system with the local time for the user equipment to allow for variable-rate billing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventor: Yigang Cai
  • Patent number: 8855564
    Abstract: System and method for zero client communications. A zero client device includes a housing, and in the housing, a transcoding processing unit (transcoder) and a communications processing unit coupled to the transcoder. The transcoder is configured to receive input data from human interface device(s), encode the input data, and provide the encoded input data to the communications processing unit for transmission over a network to a server. The communications processing unit is configured to receive the encoded input data from the transcoder, transmit the encoded input data over the network to the server, receive output data from the server, and send the output data to the transcoder. The transcoder is further configured to receive the output data from the communications processing unit, decode the output data, and send the decoded output data to at least one of the human interface devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: ClearCube Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Syed Mohammad Amir Husain, Randy P. Printz, Rajesh K. Mellacheruvu
  • Publication number: 20140295788
    Abstract: A system monitors calls for a service provider. A number of simultaneous communications of a given technology type is monitored for either inbound communications and/or outbound communications associated with at least one service provider. A determination is made if the number of simultaneous communications from the service provider is in excess of a adjustable but set number of simultaneous communications of a given technology type that are permissible. A predetermined action is taken if the number of simultaneous calls or text messages (e.g., SMS, IM, email) is in excess of the set limit, e.g., the call may be terminated or other action taken. Both voice communications and/or non-voice communications (such as SMS, IM, Email, or MMS) can be monitored and throttled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventor: Todd Poremba
  • Publication number: 20140295787
    Abstract: A method for visualizing record data with a mobile forensic device for collecting and managing the record data including partner information when an event, such as a call or text service, occurs, includes: calculating an event occurrence frequency for each partner information using the collected record data; and classifying the partner information on the basis of a grade according to the calculated event occurrence frequency. Further, the method includes generating graphic data showing a relation between the partner information and user information of a mobile terminal on the basis of the classified grade; and displaying the graphic data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Keonwoo KIM, Sung Kyong UN, Youn-Hee GIL, Youngsoo KIM, Sang Su LEE, Jooyoung LEE, Su Hyung JO, Woo Yong CHOI
  • Patent number: 8849262
    Abstract: A user can have a contract with a mobile communication provider such that a limited number of communication minutes can be used overall or a limited number of minutes can be used with other providers. When incoming call identification information is disclosed, additional information can be presented relating to the contract, such as what provider the incoming call uses and how many free minutes the user has with an incoming provider. The user, in determining if the incoming communication should be engaged, can employ the additional information and make an appropriate decision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Kushang Desai, Shailesh Maheshwari
  • Patent number: 8849241
    Abstract: An apparatus for enabling provision of energy-aware connection and code offloading may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured, with the processor, to cause the apparatus to perform at least monitoring, at a client terminal, communications or processes associated with at least two applications of the client terminal, determining whether a trigger condition associated with the communications or processes monitored is met based at least on a directed graph defining a plurality of triggers for different applications and corresponding inputs and outputs associated with each respective trigger, and determining whether to direct an operational adjustment with respect to at least one of the communications or processes monitored based at least on profile information in response to the trigger condition being met. A corresponding method and computer program product are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Sasu Tarkoma
  • Patent number: 8848888
    Abstract: Communication networks and associated methods are disclosed that provide charging for long duration sessions. A charging data system of the communication network receives interim accounting request messages from a network element that is serving a session. The charging data system identifies interim timestamps for the interim accounting request messages, and stores the interim timestamps. After a time period during the long duration session, the charging data system generates a partial CDR. The charging data system then inserts duration information for the long duration session in the partial CDR based on the stored interim timestamps, and transmits the partial CDR to a correlation system. The correlation system may then calculate a total duration for the session based on the duration information in the partial CDR. Even if a start/stop timestamp is not available, the correlation system may estimate the total duration of the session based on the interim timestamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventor: Yigang Cai
  • Patent number: 8849273
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a method for reporting fixed network access information, in which an Evolved Packet Data Gateway (ePDG) reports fixed network access information to a Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF), and the PCEF notifies a Policy and Charging Rule Function (PCRF) of the fixed network access information. The disclosure also provides a system for reporting fixed network access information, in which a reporting unit is configured to allow an Evolved Packet Data Gateway (ePDG) to report fixed network access information to a Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF), which notifies a Policy and Charging Rule Function (PCRF) of the fixed network access information. According to the disclosure, the fixed network access information can be reported, so that an S9* session still can be established even if the BPCF cannot be aware of access of the UE to the WLAN.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: ZTE Corporation
    Inventors: Tong Rui, Xiaoyun Zhou, Mo Sun
  • Patent number: 8849243
    Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments, systems and methods that provide unified charging across different network interfaces are provided. A system can include an online charging system, executing on one or more microprocessors, a SCIM, which is operable to manage communication between a plurality of subscribers over a plurality of different network interfaces, and a set of interworking charging modules that use a unified charging structure to provide mappings between network protocol parameters and capabilities. The interworking charging modules can be configured to provide a same charging behavior to a plurality of different network protocols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Oracle International Corporation
    Inventors: Shlomo Livne, Dima Polsky, Vladimir Furman, Renana Seidman, Marina Bunin, Avi Zohary, Yoel Amram, Amnon Heiman, Nadav Kadosh, Tzach Livyatan
  • Patent number: 8843106
    Abstract: In some aspects, a method of the present disclosure includes collecting user activity data from a client device. The method also includes defining an activity-productivity map that defines a rule for determining a unit of productivity based on the activity data. A productivity metric may be determined using the user activity data and the rule for determining the unit of productivity. Upon determining the productivity metric, a visual representation of the productivity metric may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Work Meter, Inc.
    Inventors: Joan Pons Prieto, David Llort Casanova, Andre Angel
  • Publication number: 20140273926
    Abstract: A method and apparatus in a user terminal (100) for handling contacts with which the user terminal has executed various amounts of communications. A weight is determined for the respective contacts based on obtained statistics of the communications, such that the weight reflects the extent of the communications with respective contact. A visual prominence is then assigned to the contacts depending on the weight and a control signal provided to a screen (100a) of the terminal causing the screen to display contacts (102) with relatively high weights with greater visual prominence than representations of contacts (104) with relatively low weights.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET L M ERICSSON (PUBL)
    Inventor: Magnus Wester
  • Publication number: 20140273924
    Abstract: Structures and protocols are presented for signaling a status or decision concerning a wireless service or device within a region to a communication device (smartphone or wearable device, e.g.) or other wireless communication participant (motor vehicle having a wireless communication capability, e.g.).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Royce A. Levien, Richard T. Lord, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, Douglas O. Reudink, Clarence T. Tegreene
  • Publication number: 20140273923
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture to monitor mobile internet usage are disclosed. An example method includes identifying an application associated with a first request received at a proxy. The application is credited with a presentation duration based on a time difference between the first request and a second request, the second request associated with a same application as the first request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Achilleas Papakostas
  • Publication number: 20140273922
    Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes systems, methods, and computer readable media for adjusting a quota consumption rate. An exemplary method occurs at a first policy node. The method includes detecting a trigger for adjusting a quota consumption rate associated with a subscriber. The method further includes in response to detecting the trigger, adjusting the quota consumption rate associated with the subscriber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Sam Eric McMurry, Apirux Bantukul
  • Publication number: 20140273921
    Abstract: Systems and methods may provide for identifying a virtual geo-fence for a plurality of devices. Additionally, a condition may be detected with respect to two or more devices in the plurality of devices, wherein a status determination may be conducted as to whether at least one of the two or more devices has left the virtual geo-fence based on the condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Hong C. Li, Rita H. Wouhaybi, Rahul C. Shah, Chieh-Yih Wan, Douglas P. Bogia
  • Publication number: 20140273925
    Abstract: An athletic training system includes a personal electronic device having a processor, a memory, and a GPS sensor. The processor runs an application that calculates at least one of distance traveled, elevation change, and speed, of the user carrying the personal electronic device, and based upon location information obtained from the GPS sensor provides a training-related message to the user based upon at least one of the calculated distance traveled, elevation change, and speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Verto Medical Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Seth D. Burgett, Effrosini A. Karayiannis, Richard J. Daniels, Michael Joseph Spenner
  • Patent number: 8837446
    Abstract: A method of operating a mobile router network in one embodiment comprises: providing a plurality of wireless mobile routers, each of the mobile routers comprises a wireless wide area network interface to access a cellular network, and each mobile router is operable to upload data and to download data via the cellular network; providing at least one server coupleable to the plurality of wireless mobile routers via the cellular network; operating each mobile router to determine, on an ongoing basis during a predetermined period, its corresponding accumulated quantity of downloaded data; and operating each mobile router to control its download data rate based on its corresponding the accumulated quantity of downloaded data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Autonet Mobile, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas S. Moeller, Ronald W. Pashby
  • Patent number: 8838067
    Abstract: A system that enables reconciliation of accounts between a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) and a mobile host operator (MHO) includes an asset loader server that receives data that defines a user event. The asset loader server generates a wholesale bill associated with the user event. The rate charged in the generated wholesale bill is based on a negotiated rate between the MVNO and the MHO that is different that the may be different than the rate at which the MVNO charges the user. The asset loader communicates the generated wholesale bill to a billing interface of the MNVO that is configured to receive an extensible markup language (XML) file that defines a wholesale bill associated with the MHO. The format of the generated wholesale bill is substantially the same as the format of the XML file associated with the MHO.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Accenture Global Services Limited
    Inventors: Alberto Bellofatto, Andrea Angeletti
  • Patent number: 8837699
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to respond to monitor subscriber activity are disclosed. An example method includes receiving a first set of client telephone number (TN) data associated with a client and a current time period, and receiving a second set of client TN data associated with a prior time period. The example method also includes receiving a first set of subscriber activity data associated with the current time period, identifying a TN that is in the first set of subscriber activity data and is absent from at least one of the first or second sets of client TN data, and identifying the TN with at least one of a new inroad for a competitor or a new inroad for the client based on at least one activity code from the first set of subscriber activity data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: The Nielsen Company (US), LLC
    Inventors: Jennifer Ann Hurst, Eric Fogle, Paul Stoffel, Alison LeBreton
  • Patent number: 8830975
    Abstract: A method for operating a mobile router, comprises: transferring data via a cellular network at a data rate controlled by the router; receiving data rate information via the cellular network; and utilizing the data rate information to control the data rate of data subsequently transferred via said cellular network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Autonet Mobile, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas S Moeller, Ronald W Pashby
  • Patent number: 8831517
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed which relate to establishing an STC connection by tethering a special purpose connected device (SPCD) through a tethering mobile device having network access. The SPCD accesses an application server on the network, and is authenticated before service to the SPCD begins. Once authenticated, the service provider is billed for the STC connection instead of a user of the tethering mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Nemmara K. Shankaranarayanan
  • Patent number: 8831558
    Abstract: Disclosed in the present invention are a method and device for calculating statistics of inter-system reselection frequency, for realizing calculation and analysis of inter-system reselection frequency of dual-mode user equipment during the 3G network construction in the situation where the 2G and 3G networks are deployed as different location areas at the initial stage of network construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: ZTE Corporation
    Inventors: Qun Li, Minghe Zhao
  • Patent number: 8831559
    Abstract: A method and storage medium with instructions for identifying an association between a Smart Card and a mobile device by selecting card-swiping record pairs from a set of card-swiping records of the Smart Card, each including a card-swiping location and a corresponding card-swiping time; calculating overlap degree in time and location dimensions of the card-swiping record pair and the communication behavior record pair of the mobile phone, which is recorded in a mobile network as a communication log; determining that the card-swiping record pair overlaps with the communication behavior record pair of the mobile phone recorded in the communication log if the overlap degree is greater than a predetermined threshold, and determining that the Smart Card is associated with the mobile phone if each card-swiping record pair of the plurality of card-swiping record pairs overlaps with the communication behavior record pair of the mobile phone recorded in the communication log.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ping Leonhard Pan, Yi Bo Zhang, Yan Feng Zhu
  • Patent number: 8830974
    Abstract: One embodiment of a mobile router, comprises: a wireless wide area network interface to access a cellular network and operable to receive downloaded data; a memory comprising a data rate limiting rule; and a processor. The processor is operable to generate usage data based on the quantity of the downloaded data during a predetermined time period, and is operable to control the data rate of downloaded data based on the usage data and the data rate limiting rule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Auto MFT Mobile, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas S Moeller, Ronald W Pashby
  • Patent number: 8831561
    Abstract: A system and method for tracking billing events in a mobile wireless network for a network operator is disclosed. The method can include, in one embodiment, capturing, by a server, event data associated with a mobile device. The event data specifies communication events at the mobile device and are captured are specific to a network operator which provides services to the mobile device. The method can further include, generating billing data for the mobile device using the event data and associated parameters, and providing, by the server, the billing data to the network operator providing services to the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Seven Networks, Inc
    Inventors: Jay Sutaria, Sridhar Nanjundeswaran, Brian Gustafson, Robert van Gent
  • Publication number: 20140248851
    Abstract: A wireless service provider identifies a mobile computing device capable of short-range wireless communication and in an agreement to receive service from a cellular network. The wireless service provider provides, to the mobile computing device, terms for a third party computing device to accept in order to gain access to the cellular network via the mobile computing device. In response to a third party computing device agreeing to the terms, the wireless service provider indicates to the mobile computing device to allow the third party computing device to access the cellular network via the mobile computing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jason L. Anderson, Gregory J. Boss, Andrew R. Jones, Kevin C. McConnell, John E. Moore, JR.
  • Patent number: 8824433
    Abstract: A method performed by a wireless node includes receiving policies for data offloading; identifying a user associated with a data flow to which a user device is attached; determining whether data offloading is permitted for the user based on the policies; and performing data offloading when it is determined that data offloading is permitted for the user, wherein data offloading includes routing the data flow away from at least one of a higher layer traffic aggregation device relative to the wireless node or a higher hierarchical controlling device relative to the wireless node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: Xuming Chen, Jin Yang
  • Patent number: 8825093
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic short messaging and advertising method where minimal initiative is required from the consumer. Some embodiments of the invention may also be applied to an electronic sales method. The invention may also be applied for normal short messaging. The electronic short messaging method for collect calling may send transmissions to at least one subscriber terminal via the Internet and/or the telephony network. The method may include sending a first transmission to a recipient subscriber terminal for display, wherein the first transmission defines one or more active alternatives including at least one of initiating a collect call and deleting the transmission. In some embodiments, unless the collect call is initiated, the first transmission is automatically deleted after reception after a predefined time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Open Invention Network, LLC
    Inventor: Mikko Kalervo Vaananen
  • Patent number: 8825001
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for delivering a message to and receiving an acknowledgement from a mobile device, and more specifically, the system and method allows network operators, or any central administration group(s) to issue messages and warnings to a mobile device, which requires an acknowledgement in order for the mobile device to continue functioning without restriction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Tangoe Canada, Inc.
    Inventors: Jaan Leemet, Daniel Rudich
  • Patent number: 8825002
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling access to applications available on a second network by a plurality of client mobile communications devices on a first network, wherein the first network includes (a) a first database comprising (i) a product catalog which contains a listing of a subset of the applications available on the second network, and (ii) a set of service rules which governs access to any of the applications in the product catalog by the client mobile communications devices, (b) a second database which specifies the applications that have been activated for each of the plurality of client mobile communications devices, and (c) a network appliance which is in communication with the second database and which grants access by each of the client mobile communications devices to the respective applications specified as active for that device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Macheen, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin B. Meyer, Glenda J. Akers, Richard L. Schwartz, James Cesar Alfred Trotter, Catherine T. Callen
  • Publication number: 20140242938
    Abstract: A method for continuous and optimal utilization of a capacity of a mobile network that is serving mobile phones covering a specific selected geographical area in order to facilitate optimal handling of network traffic without overloading said mobile network. The method includes establishing an overview of maximum network capacity of said mobile network, establishing an overview of an identity of selected mobile phones located within said selected geographical and performing monitoring of current traffic load of one or more mobile services on said mobile network; selecting a type of barring of one or more mobile services to be performed or removed for network traffic to and/or from selected mobile phones based on said maximum network capacity, said possible maximum traffic load, and said current traffic load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: UNIFIED MESSAGING SYSTEMS AS
    Inventor: Kjell-Harald Heen
  • Patent number: 8818268
    Abstract: In this content data delivery method, content data is transmitted from a content server to a first semiconductor device through a network. Then, the content data, content ID identifying the content data, and route data showing a route through which the content data is transmitted are transmitted from the first semiconductor device to a second semiconductor device using close-proximity wireless communication. Thereafter, the content ID and the route data are transmitted from the second semiconductor device to the content server. In addition, based on the route data, a reward corresponding to the content ID is calculated for the first semiconductor device, and the reward is provided to the first semiconductor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Tsukasa Matoba, Shinichi Matsukawa, Akihiro Kasahara, Hiroyuki Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 8817697
    Abstract: A system and method for minimizing call setup latency in a group communication among wireless communication devices by ensuring the requisite amount of communication bandwidth for group member devices that utilize separate communication systems to control communication channels established with each of the wireless communication devices. A group communication server that sets up group communications for wireless communication device members of a communication group communicates with a resource manager resident on a communication system to reserve a predetermined amount of resources, such as bandwidth, for wireless communication devices utilizing that communication system that are members of a communication group. The resource manager communicates the availability to the group communication server of the wireless communication devices utilizing that communication system for group communications only if the predetermined resources are available for a group communication to the wireless communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Gautam Savarkar, Devang Bhatt, Karthik Balu, Rajan Verma
  • Patent number: 8818326
    Abstract: To provide a base station apparatus, mobile communication system and communication control method for enabling appropriate time charging based on actual communication conditions to be performed, the base station apparatus is provided with a connection section that establishes connection with a user equipment (100n), timing sections (2084, 2085, 2011 and 20816) that measure time under charging such that the user equipment (100n) is in a state capable of communicating within a connection period during which the user equipment (100n) is in a connection state, and a charging section (2012) that determines a charging amount based on the time measured by the timing sections (2084, 2085, 2011 and 20816).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: NTT DoCoMo, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Ishii, Anil Umesh, Tadashi Uchiyama, Seigo Harano
  • Patent number: 8818327
    Abstract: A system may be provided that includes one or more servers to: set an availability status setting on an account, associated with a subscriber; receive a quota usage signal via a dedicated direct signaling interface, the quota usage signal indicating that a voice call minutes quota or a data usage quota is exhausted; and change the availability status setting on the account to unavailable for voice calls if the voice call minutes quota is exhausted; and/or change the availability status setting on the account to unavailable for data communications if the data usage quota is exhausted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventor: Imtiyaz Shaikh
  • Publication number: 20140235196
    Abstract: Information associated with a communication is gathered at a switching point during the routing process to determine subscriber metric information associated with an active service identifier. The information relates to the originator of the communication and the target. The information is compared to a provider database to determine a carrier originally associated with the active service identifier. The information is then compared to a porting database to determine if the active service identifier was ported, and if so, to which carrier the active service identifier was ported. A determination can then be made regarding which carrier is associated with the active service identifier. The data may be aggregated for a large amount of switched communications, representing a large amount of active service identifiers for a given market. Thus, a number of subscribers for a given carrier in a given market may be determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventor: Gregory Evan Mishkin
  • Patent number: 8811892
    Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes a method of performing multiple transactions through a single near field communication (NFC) tap. The method includes storing, at a linking application in a wireless device, a plurality of application identifiers (AIDs) that identify a plurality of applications to be processed in a single NFC tap. The method can further include detecting, by a wireless device reader, a linking application AID in the wireless device that identifies the linking application upon interfacing the wireless device with the wireless device reader through the single NFC tap. The method can include accessing, by the wireless device reader, the plurality of AIDs using the linking application. The method can further include processing the plurality of applications associated with the plurality of AIDs through the single NFC tap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Mastercard International Incorporated
    Inventors: Mohammad Khan, Philippe Martin, Jean-Christophe Raynon, Aron Clark
  • Patent number: 8812020
    Abstract: According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a method for location-based policy enhancement. The method includes receiving a message containing location information identifying a current geographic location for a user device. The method also includes analyzing the location information to determine if the user device is located in a geographic region associated with a location based policy enhancement offer. The method further includes in response to determining that the user device is located in the geographic region associated with the location-based policy enhancement offer, generating a signaling message containing instructions to modify a policy attribute associated with the user device, wherein the policy attribute corresponds to the location-based policy enhancement offer. The method further includes communicating the signaling message to a policy control function associated with the user device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Tekelec, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Joseph Marsico