Rental Patents (Class 455/409)
  • Patent number: 10701557
    Abstract: Authentication device and method for a system that includes a subscriber device and a companion device. The authentication method includes the subscriber device delivering to the companion device a temporary profile and an authentication response signed by the subscriber device for sending to a server, installing the temporary profile to configure a second wireless communication interface of the companion device, and requesting a second authentication from the server via the second interface by using the delivered authentication response so as to authorize the second interface when the companion device and the subscriber device are not in communication with each other via the first communication interface. The device and method may be used by systems that include a subscriber device (e.g., a mobile telephone) and a companion device, e.g. a connected watch or object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: IDEMIA FRANCE
    Inventors: Tomasz Wozniak, Guillaume Larignon
  • Patent number: 9807816
    Abstract: A method comprises a control device encodes a control command in a first management packet, wherein the encoding of the control command the first management packet is identifier by a predetermined identifier; transmits the encoded first management packet to a plurality of target devices. A target device determines whether a first management packet received from a control device includes a predetermined identifier; decodes the first management packet based on a predetermined decoding scheme if the first management packet received from the control device includes the predetermined identifier to obtain a control command; encodes a response to the control command in a second management packet; and transmits the encoded second management packet to the control device. The control device decodes the second management packets received from at least one of the plurality of target device, wherein the second management packets include dedicatedly encoded response in response to the control command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: MONTAGE TECHNOLOGY (SHANGHAI) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: I-Yuan Lin
  • Patent number: 9020836
    Abstract: A method for transmitting data between a mobile communication device and a server. The method includes running a mobile application on the mobile communication device. The mobile application is hosted on the mobile communication device through the server as a Software as a Service (SaaS). The method further includes transmitting data associated with the mobile application between the mobile communication device and the server, in which transmission of the data between the mobile communication device and the server is monitored through the server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventors: Michelle Fisher, Rathin Guha
  • Patent number: 9015063
    Abstract: A method for transmitting data between a mobile communication device and a server. The method includes running a mobile application on the mobile communication device. The mobile application is hosted on the mobile communication device through the server as a Software as a Service (SaaS). The method further includes transmitting data associated with the mobile application between the mobile communication device and the server, in which transmission of the data between the mobile communication device and the server is monitored through the server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Michelle Fisher
  • Patent number: 8995305
    Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments relate to a method performed by a policy and charging rules node (PCRN), the method including: sending a first Sy spending limit request (SLR) to an online charging system (OCS) without specifying any policy counters; receiving from the OCS a first spending limit answer (SLA) including policy counters and associated status reports for a subscriber; creating an Sy session; determining required policy counters based upon the policy counter statuses; sending a second Sy SLR to the OCS for the required policy counters; and receiving a second SLA including status reports for the required policy counters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Shanawaz Shaik, Kugendran Sabaratnam, Ivy Mao, Matthew Yee
  • Patent number: 8971843
    Abstract: A system for billing communications between a subscriber and a verified professional comprising a verified professional repository and a central tracking system. The central tracking system is configured to receive a communication request targeting the registered device ID, determine an applied billing rate using a value set by the verified professional, and transmit the applied billing rate to the subscriber. The central tracking system is further configured to track the connection, generate a communication data file comprising the registered device ID, the subscriber ID, the applied billing rate, the communication duration, and the billing signal. The central tracking system is further configured to obtain a billable duration by parsing the communication data file using the billing signal and the communication duration, calculate a communication charge using the applied billing rate and billable duration, and pay the verified professional a portion of the communication charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Amana Future, LLC
    Inventor: Ibrahim N. Al-Zaben
  • Patent number: 8958813
    Abstract: A platform to facilitate transferring spectrum use rights is provided that includes a database to ascertain information regarding available spectrum for use in wireless communications. A request for spectrum use from an entity needing spectrum may be matched with available spectrum. The Cloud Spectrum Services (CSS) process allows entities to access spectrum they would otherwise not have; it allows the end user to complete their download during congested periods while maintaining high service quality; and it allows the holder of rental spectrum to receive compensation for an otherwise idle asset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Srikathyayani Srikanteswara, Carlos Cordeiro, Bahareh Sadeghi, Reza Arefi, Geoff O. Weaver, David M. Horne
  • Patent number: 8942687
    Abstract: Communication networks and methods are disclosed for selectively applying call forwarding between a mobile device and a fixed line device based on the location of the mobile device. A communication network includes a call control function that receives a call attempt to a mobile directory number. Responsive to the call attempt, the call control function identifies a location of the mobile device, and determines whether to apply call forwarding based on the location of the mobile device. If call forwarding is applied, then the call control function forwards the call attempt to the fixed line device instead of the mobile device. A similar process is performed for a call attempt to the fixed line device for forwarding the call to the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Yigang Cai, Xiangyang Li
  • Patent number: 8942669
    Abstract: One or more servers may: receive information regarding a content file stored by a device; provide information associated with a first cost value corresponding to a cost to deliver the content file from the device to a user device; receive a delivery instruction directing the one or more servers to provide a portion of the content file to the user device via one or more ports or via one or more access points, each of the one or more ports or the one or more access points being associated with respective one or more second cost values; generate a key associated with the information regarding the content file and with the delivery instruction; receive an indication of selection of the key by the user device; deliver, to the user device, the portion of the content file via the one or more ports or the one or more access points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignees: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc., Cellco Partnership
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Parker, Phillip A. Ritter, Chris S. Neisinger, Barry F. Hoffner
  • Patent number: 8923838
    Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are provided for activating a cellular phone account utilizing automated speech recognition. In use, information about a user is received over a network utilizing automated speech recognition. Thereafter, a cellular phone account is activated based on the information received utilizing the automated speech recognition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan J. Bush, Vipul Niranjan Vyas
  • Patent number: 8918077
    Abstract: Methods for adding minutes to a calling plan having a calling plan period. The methods including determining whether a threshold number of minutes have been reached during the calling plan period; and incrementally adding minutes to the calling plan when the threshold number of minutes has been reached. The cost per minute of the added minutes is less than the high-cost per minute rate normally associated with exceeding the threshold number of minutes during the calling plan period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: Coulter C. Henry, Jr., Francis Richard Lazaro, Jr., Andrew Lamont Hines, Jr., Derek Eko-Badu Johnson
  • Patent number: 8914025
    Abstract: A method performed by a mobile device to register for cellular data connection service provided by a mobile telecommunications service provider. In one embodiment, the mobile device transmits a probe, through a wireless cellular network, to a main Access Point Name (APN), and the probe is configured to determine whether the mobile device has a valid cellular data connection subscription. The mobile device determines, from a response to the probe, that it does not have a valid cellular data connection subscription with the mobile telecommunications service provider. Responsive to that determination, the mobile device connects to a cellular data connection service registration site to allow a user of the mobile device to register for data connection service provided by the mobile telecommunications service provider. The mobile device is limited to accessing the data connection service registration site until the user registers for data connection service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Arun Mathias, Matthew Klahn, Robert Kukuchka
  • Patent number: 8903358
    Abstract: Various embodiments illustrated and described herein include at least one of systems, software, and methods to perform one or more tasks such as quoting wireless service plans, receiving wireless service orders, generating wireless service contracts, and effectuating these contracts in a wireless service network. In particular, such embodiments provide mechanisms through which a primary subscriber is allowed to choose wireless services for a primary subscriber and one or more secondary subscribers with differing and customizable service levels while having a single rate-plan, which may be pre-paid, post-paid, or a combination thereof. These embodiments are facilitated by an application that allows for defining and capturing of one rate plan that covers wireless services for a plurality of subscribers each having different pre-paid or post-paid accounts with an ability for each subscriber to have differing services and service levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: SAP SE
    Inventors: Stefan Kiene, Dennis Landscheidt
  • Patent number: 8886170
    Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for managing service for carrier subscribers and migrating them to service bundles. In an embodiment, the method comprises obtaining a list of existing services to which a subscriber is subscribed; comparing the list of services to available service bundles; and determining if there is an exact match of services between the list of existing services and services included in one or more available service bundles, and if so, migrating the subscriber to the one or more available service bundles with the exact match. A subscriber may be manually migrated if migration is not possible with an exact match or partial match.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Ronald Roth, Cynthia Taylor, Jia-Lin Chin
  • Patent number: 8848691
    Abstract: A framework of a common mobility management protocol for Q.5/16 includes a high level protocol for performing the functions of address resolution, routing, location update and authentication. The common mobility management protocol can be used by existing and future multimedia applications (MA's) to support mobility management for messaging among mobility management authentication function (AuF), home location function (HLF) and visitor location function (VLF) databases/servers, and the corresponding multimedia application functional entities (MAFEs) of the multimedia applications (MA's). The common mobility management protocol may replace, act in concert with or in sequence with existent interworking protocols for the various multimedia applications. Reference point architectures, functional characteristics, features, and capabilities of the protocol are described including call flows and message syntax. The disclosure presents the scope of Q.5/16 and how H.MMS.1 (H.323 Mobility), H.MMS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventor: Radhika R. Roy
  • Patent number: 8842650
    Abstract: A method of operating a mobile router network, comprises: providing a plurality of wireless mobile routers, each having access a cellular network provided by a predetermined cellular carrier, operating each mobile router to upload and download data via the cellular network, operating each mobile router to monitor the uploaded data and downloaded data to generate usage statistical; providing a server coupleable to the plurality of wireless mobile routers via the cellular network; operating the server to access billing data from the predetermined carrier for each mobile router; automatically operating each mobile router to upload its corresponding usage statistical data to the server; and operating the server to compare the usage statistical data for each wireless mobile router to corresponding billing data to determine if there is a billing discrepancy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Autonet Mobile, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas S Moeller, Ronald W Pashby
  • 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: 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: 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: 8824438
    Abstract: A networked mobile router system comprises a plurality of mobile routers; and a main server operable to track and monitor the plurality of mobile routers. Each mobile router is initially configured to communicate with the main server and is operable to establish first communication with the main server to register with the main server to upload configuration information from each the mobile router to the main server. The main server is operable in response to each mobile router registering with the main server to assign each mobile router with a predetermined group. Each mobile router is operable to establish a second communication with the main server. The main server is operable in response to each mobile router second communication to reassign each mobile router to communicate with at least one group server assigned to communicate with the predetermined group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Autonet Mobile, Inc
    Inventors: Douglas S Moeller, Ronald W Pashby
  • Patent number: 8817764
    Abstract: A mobile router comprises: a wide area network wireless interface operable to access a cellular network; first apparatus operable to upload data and to download data via the interface to the cellular network; second apparatus operable to monitor the uploaded data and the downloaded data and to generate data corresponding to predetermined quantifiable units corresponding to the uploaded data and the downloaded data; and the first apparatus and second apparatus cooperatively operate to automatically upload the usage data to a server for generation of usage discrepancy reports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Autonet Mobile, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas S Moeller, Ronald W Pashby
  • Patent number: 8817763
    Abstract: A mobile router network, comprises: a plurality of wireless mobile routers, each comprising a wide area network wireless interface to access a cellular network provided by a predetermined cellular carrier. Each mobile router is operable to upload data and to download data via the cellular network. Each mobile router is monitors the uploaded and downloaded data to generate statistical usage. The network further comprises a server coupleable to the plurality of wireless mobile routers via the cellular network. The server is operable to access billing data from the predetermined carrier for each of the mobile routers. Each of the mobile routers automatically operates to upload the statistical data to the server. The server operates to compare the statistical data for each mobile router to corresponding billing data for each mobile router to determine if there is a billing discrepancy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Autonet Mobile, Inc
    Inventors: Douglas S Moeller, Ronald W Pashby
  • Patent number: 8817765
    Abstract: A network operations center is operable with a plurality of wireless mobile routers, each comprising a wide area network wireless interface to access a cellular network provided by a predetermined cellular service provider. Each mobile router is operable to upload and download data via the cellular network, each mobile router is operable to monitor the uploaded and downloaded data to generate usage data. The network operations center comprises: first apparatus operable to manage communications with the plurality of mobile routers, operable to receive the usage data, and operable to access billing data from the predetermined cellular service provider for each of the mobile routers; and second apparatus operable to compare the usage data for each mobile router to corresponding billing data to determine if there is a billing discrepancy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Auto Lot Mobile, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas S Moeller, Ronald W Pashby
  • Patent number: 8805275
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for robust scheduling of beam switching patterns in satellite communications systems. Embodiments operate in context of a hub-spoke satellite communications architecture having a number of gateway terminals servicing large numbers of user terminals over a number of spot beams. The satellite includes switching subsystems that distribute capacity to the user beams from multiple of the gateway terminals in a shared manner according to a beam group switching pattern. The beam group switching pattern is robustly formulated to continue distributing capacity during gateway outages (e.g., when one or two gateway terminals are temporarily non-operational due to rain fade, equipment failure, etc.). For example, the beam group switching pattern can be formulated to minimize worst-case degradation of capacity across user beams, to prioritize certain beams or beam groups, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Viasat Inc.
    Inventors: John Hai O'Neill, Donald W. Becker, Mark J. Miller
  • Patent number: 8761725
    Abstract: A method for performing a telecommunication service, including identifying, on a Service Delivery Platform (SDP) and by a processor, the telecommunication service, selecting, on the SDP and by the processor, the telecommunication service, and executing, on the SDP and by the processor, the telecommunication service on a cellular network, where the SDP is configured to implement the telecommunication service on the cellular network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Telecomax Group
    Inventors: Amr Assem, Wael Metwally, Mohamed Abd El Wahab, Hisham Sabry
  • Patent number: 8737954
    Abstract: Equipment and methods for facilitating service provisioning in a system that includes a payment processor, a number of service providers and a mediator that mediates information exchange between the payment processor and service providers, and a mobile terminal operated by payment card holder. In some disclosed embodiments, service provisioning can be facilitated in cases wherein the payment processor must reside in a strictly regulated Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliant environment and the service providers operate servers that are not PCI-compliant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Bookit Oy Ajanvarauspalvelu
    Inventor: Jukka Salonen
  • Patent number: 8730004
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for controlling access within a multi-facility room are provided. More specifically, a guest of the multi-room facility is allowed to remotely confirm reservations to the facility as well as bypass the front desk of the multi-room for check-in purposes. At a location within the facility, the guest is allowed to confirm their arrival, check-in, and have their access credential written with personalized access data that may be useable for the duration of the guest's stay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Assa Abloy Hospitality, Inc.
    Inventors: Jan Elfström, Martin Kjällman, Arnon Alexander, Halvor Aase
  • Patent number: 8725112
    Abstract: To securely factory activate a mobile device according to authorized records, factory activation server generates and sends a signed factory activation record including a signed factory activation ticket. Signed factory activation record and ticket are cryptographically signed using factory private key stored in factory activation server. Factory private key is different from customer private key stored in the activation server that provides activation tickets for customer activation. If factory activation record is valid, application processor (AP) included in the device performs factory activation of the device which includes AP activating to allow for factory testing and rebooting at a predetermined reboot time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Dallas B. De Atley, Jerrold V. Hauck, Muralidhar S. Vempaty, Onur E. Tackin
  • Patent number: 8712382
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for managing a subscriber connection, the device including a mechanism for granting connection services to the subscriber connection, mechanism for monitoring reception behavior concerning predetermined messages conveyed to the subscriber connection, and a mechanism for controlling a further connection service grant to the subscriber connection based on the reception behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Janne Aaltonen, Timo Ahopelto, Timo Romppanen
  • Patent number: 8706100
    Abstract: User controlled temporary mobile phone service device swapping systems and methods including particular implementations and embodiments comprising a plurality of mobile phone user control accounts at least a first telephone number registered with each of the plurality of mobile phone user control accounts, and at least two different mobile phone devices registered with each of the plurality of mobile phone user control accounts, and a mobile phone user interface configured to receive input from the mobile phone user to indicate which of the at least two different mobile phone devices associated with the mobile phone user control account is to be associated and to transmit data indicating the association to a phone number registry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Klone Mobile, LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth C. Booth
  • Patent number: 8675841
    Abstract: A method and system for operating a telephone service are disclosed, in which callers with insufficient credit or network airtime are able to contact a call recipient. The network monitors call attempts from callers to identify call attempts from callers with insufficient credit or airtime to make a call. When such a call attempt is detected, a call request is transmitted to the intended recipient of the call, to notify the recipient of the call attempt. The notification may take the form of an in-call notification if the call recipient is on-line, or an SMS or voicemail message if the recipient is off-line. The method and system permit individuals who otherwise would not be able to access the network to indicate to a call recipient that they have attempted to contact the call recipient. The call recipient can then contact the would be caller at his/her discretion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Starscriber Corporation
    Inventor: Ari Kahn
  • Patent number: 8660523
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of providing rate tiers in a wireless communication system. Embodiments of the method include forming, at a network element in the wireless communication system, a statistical representation of resource usage for a user in the wireless communication system as a function of location and/or time using measurements of the user's resource usage at a plurality of locations. Embodiments of the method also include defining, at the network element, a plurality of rate tiers based on the statistical representation. Each rate tier indicates a rate for a different level of resource usage offered to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Tomas S. Young, Ashok N. Rudrapatna, Nandu Gopalakrishnan
  • Patent number: 8655309
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods of activating an electronic device at a point-of-sale (POS). The device may be identified by an indicia and activation may occur following purchase of the device. The method may include the steps of receiving at a central processor from the POS the indicia identifying the device purchased at the POS; enabling by the central processor a feature or functionality of the device or use of the device; and conveying to the device information material to the feature, functionality, or use. The system may include a central processor that activates the device. The central processor may include various interfaces with the POS, provider, and device, as well as a database with records related to the device and an activation processor for determining if activation is appropriate, activating the device, and sending information material to the feature, functionality, or use to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: e2interactive, Inc.
    Inventors: Merrill Brooks Smith, Phillip Craig Graves, Phil M Chakiris
  • Patent number: 8655308
    Abstract: A method for charging control in a communications network comprises, at a policy manager, responsive to a request for policy regulations for a subscriber, a stimulus is provided to a control system to trigger pre-emptive retrieval of subscriber information. At the control system, responsive to the stimulus, subscriber information is retrieved, information is stored in a cache, and responsive to receiving a request from a party, the information in cache is consulted and a response is provided to the party based on the consultation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Openet Research Limited
    Inventors: Joe Hogan, Alan McNamee
  • Patent number: 8649760
    Abstract: An over the air (OTA) Prepaid system, and a corresponding method, allows wireless connectivity when a wireless network would typically reject a user, such as when the user's profile cannot be validated. In wireless networks, unrecognized users are denied service due to the inability of the network to collect funds from the user for the services to be provided. When such a rejection scenario occurs, the OTA Prepaid system automatically (no user interaction required) initiates the process of local account allocation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: TECORE, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay Salkini, Thomas V. Joseph, III
  • Patent number: 8644800
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing a user identity on a mobile device are provided. The system comprises the mobile device comprising a user agent and a client application, the user agent and the client application in communication with each other. The system further comprises an identity provider in communication with the mobile device, and a client service in communication with the mobile device. The user agent is configured to communicate with the identity provider and retrieve the user identity for the client application, and the client application is configured to transmit the user identity to the client service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Brian Everett McBride, Kenneth Jason William Lambert
  • Patent number: 8630614
    Abstract: Management of multiple subscriber identity modules by server is disclosed. Instructions, when executed by one or more processors, cause the server, for at least one subscriber identity module belonging to a set of subscriber identity modules of a user of a mobile terminal, to: offer a period price of the subscriber identity module for the user covering usage of the subscriber identity module for a predetermined time period; track credit of the subscriber identity module during the predetermined time period; and top up credit of the subscriber identity module on the basis of the tracking of the credit in order to keep the subscriber identity module alive for the predetermined time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: UROS Technology S.A. R.L.
    Inventors: Jari Korkiakoski, Tommi Uhari
  • Patent number: 8620261
    Abstract: An information processing system of the present invention comprises a storage apparatus storing calculation equations for calculating a communication fee corresponding to an identifier of said information terminal regarding first and second subscription courses whose said particular utilization forms are different each other, and storing subscription information including information on a date and time of starting the first subscription course, and an information processing apparatus connected to the storage apparatus through a network. Upon receipt of information on the second subscription course will be selected instead of the first subscription course and a date and time of starting the second subscription course from the information terminal through the network, the information processing apparatus stores received information in the storage apparatus, and changes the calculation equation for calculating the communication fee based on the date and time of starting the second subscription course.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Yukiko Goto
  • Patent number: 8611894
    Abstract: A method and apparatus facilitating access to a communication session for a client is provided. The method may comprise obtaining one or more call plan proposals, receiving a destination phone number for making a call on a wireless communications device (WCD) when the WCD is in a source country, determining the source country from which the call is to be made, determining a destination country code of the destination phone number, identifying each of the one or more call plan proposals available to the WCD in the source country, selecting a call plan proposal from the identified available call plan proposals, generating a destination number string, and executing the call using the destination number string. The destination number string can comprise the destination phone number combined with the destination country code and the country access code and the discount identifier code of the selected call plan proposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Itay Ben-Shaul, Baruch Eruchimovitch
  • Patent number: 8606224
    Abstract: A method and system for providing pre-emptive advice of charge messages (201) to users (5b-2) of a communications system (2), via mobile terminals or fixed terminals (5b-2). Each terminal has at least one physical and at least one functional connection in the communications system (2). The pre-emptive advice of charge messages (201) are based on historical usage (203), administrative (202) and operational (205) information in the communications system (2) and are sent to the user without user's request or initiation of the facility or service for which pre-emptive advice of charge is given.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (publ)
    Inventors: Rogier August Caspar Joseph Noldus, Rakesh Taori, Jos den Hartog
  • Patent number: 8606268
    Abstract: A method reduces a paging zone for a mobile station in a wireless communication system. The wireless communication system includes a plurality of base stations capable of supporting a plurality of application types. A radius of the paging zone is determined. A location update for the mobile station is received. A call setup request for the mobile station is received. The call setup request is associated with an application type. The radius of the paging zone is reduced based on the application type, a speed of the mobile station and an amount of time elapsed since receiving the location update.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Ericsson AB
    Inventors: Carl F. Heavilin, Matthew Warren Heavilin
  • Patent number: 8594626
    Abstract: Methods and media for post-paid wireless service balance management are described. In one embodiment, it is determined that a usage threshold has been met based upon a concluded wireless session occurring during a billing period associated with an account. Upon determining that the threshold has been met, enforcement points are provisioned to monitor wireless service usage associated with the account. Further, upon receiving a request for service, and prior to commencing the wireless session, it is determined whether the request exceeds account resources. If the request does not exceed the account resources, the request is allowed. If the request does exceed the account resources, the request is handled based on an account status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Charles Woodson, Russell Kindred, Christina Spieker, Daniel Steinel, John Gallagher, Keith Fenton, Scott Groth
  • Patent number: 8571564
    Abstract: A system and method can allow a first subscriber who is unable to use his mobile device due to theft, damage, loss, or any other reason to authenticate himself on a telecommunications network using a second subscriber's mobile device. The system and method can also allow the first subscriber to continue to make and receive calls and messages with the second subscriber's mobile device. Any charges incurred by usage of the second subscriber's mobile device by the first subscriber can be billed to an account associated with the first subscriber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Movirtu Limited
    Inventors: Chris Horn, Dingani Brian Nkala
  • Patent number: 8565837
    Abstract: The described invention provides a method and system for allowing subscribers of a telematics service provider (TSP) to make hands-free phone calls within their vehicles through a telematics unit over a network or hardware-based pre-pay system, wherein the telematics unit or a wireless network provider associated with the TSP controls the ingoing and outgoing hands-free calling (HFC) processes. The wireless network provider, through its system at a remote call center or through the telematics unit, may determine whether the subscriber has subscribed to the TSP's HFC service, whether the subscriber has a sufficient remaining balance to initiate, receive or continue a call, and whether a user of the telematics unit is “roaming.” When a user attempts to make or receive a call through the telematics unit, the wireless network provider or the telematics unit may handle the incoming or outgoing call processing, and may further provide subscriber account balance notifications to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: General Motors LLC
    Inventors: Ki Hak Yi, Sethu K. Madhavan, Lawrence D. Cepuran, David A. Holt
  • Publication number: 20130273881
    Abstract: A platform to facilitate transferring spectrum rights is provided that includes a database to ascertain information regarding available spectrum for use in wireless communications. The invention provides a middleware component usable in a mobile terminal device such as a multi-mode device, where the middleware component mediates between an application program and network interfaces and/or hardware to manage the interaction between the device and a cloud spectrum service. The middleware component coordinates scanning for available broadcast, multicast, and/or conditional access platforms, networks, and/or services, as well as maintaining connection with CSS network elements to enable flexible and optimal use of the spectrum and manages the resources among multiple radios and applications on the platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Bahareh Sadeghi, Srikathyayani Srikanteswara, Carlos Cordeiro, David M. Horne, Reza Arefi, Geoff O. Weaver
  • Patent number: 8560408
    Abstract: There is proposed a mechanism for charging control and a charging client relocation. When it is determined that a relocation of a charging related functionality for a communication connection from a previous charging client node to a new charging client node is executed, the new charging client node requests quota information used in a charging procedure for the communication connection from a charging server node. A charging agent is informed by the new charging client node about the relocation to the new charging client node after predetermined information is received from the previous charging client node and the quota information is received from the charging server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Nokia Siemens Networks Oy
    Inventor: Wei Hua Zhou
  • Patent number: 8542661
    Abstract: A method of operating a network server, for a network comprising a plurality of wireless mobile routers is provided. Each mobile router comprises a wide area network wireless interface to access a cellular network provided by a predetermined cellular service provider and is operable to upload and download data via the cellular network. Each mobile router is operable to monitor the uploaded and downloaded data to generate usage. The method comprises: selectively coupling the server to the plurality of mobile routers via the cellular network; receiving from each of the mobile routers the corresponding usage data; operating the server to access billing data from the service provider for each mobile router; and comparing the usage data for each mobile router to corresponding billing data for each mobile router to determine if there is a billing discrepancy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Autonet Mobile, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas S Moeller, Ronald W Pashby
  • Patent number: 8537800
    Abstract: A method of operating a network server for a network comprising a plurality of wireless mobile routers comprises: selectively coupling the server to a plurality of mobile routers via a cellular network; operating the server to access billing data from a predetermined carrier providing the cellular network for each of the mobile routers; receiving from each of the mobile routers corresponding usage statistical data; comparing the usage statistical data for each mobile router to corresponding billing data for each mobile router to determine if there is a billing discrepancy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Autonet Mobile, Inc
    Inventors: Douglas S Moeller, Ronald W Pashby
  • Patent number: 8526929
    Abstract: A mobile communication device provisioning and management system is provided. The system comprises a computer system and an application, that when executed on the computer system, receives instructions for provisioning a set of mobile communication devices, the instructions comprising a range of unique identifiers and user roles associated with the set. The system also receives a first message from a first mobile communication device, the first message containing a request for provisioning, a first unique identifier, a first user role, and a first user identifier. The system also matches the first unique identifier embedded in the first message with a unique identifier contained in the instructions. The system also matches the user role received in the first message with a user role specified in the instructions and sends a second message to the first mobile communication device, the second message containing provisioning information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Deborah L. Gilbert, Carl J. Persson, Thomas H. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8494483
    Abstract: A method and arrangement for providing telecommunication services for subscribers of multiple different operators, using a single communication network controlled by an operator-independent network supervisor. Resources in said network for technically providing telecommunication services can be hired by said operators for serving their subscribers. The operators are then charged for consumed network resources, preferably on the basis of communicated data amounts, used bandwidth, and/or connection time. In this way, only one communication network is needed for offering services from multiple operators in a certain region, and unnecessary duplication of network resources can be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (publ)
    Inventors: Birgitta Blakstad Poolsaar, Bengt Wattenström