Format Conversion (e.g., Text, Audio, Etc.) Patents (Class 455/414.4)
  • Patent number: 8682314
    Abstract: A first interface includes a packet switched network connector mechanism. A second interface includes a public switched telephone network connector mechanism. A digital signaling mechanism and an analog signaling mechanism accompany the first and second interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventor: Kyle W. Fahrenthold
  • Patent number: 8670754
    Abstract: A method and system are disclosed herein for accepting multimodal inputs and deriving synchronized and processed information. A reusable multimodal application is provided on the mobile device. A user transmits a multimodal command to the multimodal platform via the mobile network. The one or more modes of communication that are inputted are transmitted to the multimodal platform(s) via the mobile network(s) and thereafter synchronized and processed at the multimodal platform. The synchronized and processed information is transmitted to the multimodal application. If required, the user verifies and appropriately modifies the synchronized and processed information. The verified and modified information are transferred from the multimodal application to the visual application. The final result(s) are derived by inputting the verified and modified results into the visual application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Waloomba Tech Ltd., L.L.C.
    Inventor: Ewald C. Anderl
  • Patent number: 8670753
    Abstract: Provided herein are exemplary techniques for determining and delivering, appropriate multimedia content comprising a combination of text, images, sounds, rich-text, animation, video, etc. to personal data communication devices (107), such as wireless cell-phones or wireless PDA's, based upon device specific information such as the network protocol used by the device, the network provider, the device capabilities (110), the current state of the device, user specified settings, etc. An application server (109) contains an interpreter capable of executing a set of instructions to manage the delivery and receipt of appropriate multimedia and simple text content to and from personal communication devices (107). Appropriate content (104) is sent to the personal data communication device (107) based on the network protocol used by the device, the network provider, the device capabilities, the current state of the device and user specified settings under the control of the interpreter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: M-Qube, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald Hewes, Eswar Priyadarshan, Boon Hwang, Randall Snyder
  • Patent number: 8666374
    Abstract: A method and system applied on a mobile device comprising internal processing means to create an image of message wherein a screen capture means in the mobile device provides a single processing step in the mobile device comprising means to convert the entire contents of a displayed message and including a background to a single MMS compliant image in creating a multimedia picture message for transmission to a destination mobile device, wherein transmitting an image of a displayed message comprises executing a single instruction on the mobile device wherein executing the single instruction both activates the screen capture means in the mobile device in creating a single MMS compliant image of a displayed message and transmits the created image thereof as a multimedia picture message to a destination mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Dian Blades
  • Patent number: 8660537
    Abstract: A system for the centralized storage of messages on a telecommunications network includes a processor, memory, and a storage device. The storage device has a message store portion for storing message information, a transaction segment portion for storing segment information, and a message device status portion for storing device information. The message store portion is associated with the transaction segment portion and the device status portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: John Ervin Lewis, Danh Tan Lai, Justin McNamara, Karl J. Schlieber
  • Patent number: 8660592
    Abstract: A method of assembling a communication system includes providing a short message service (SMS) system. The SMS system includes at least one SMS text message transmission device coupled in communication with at least one SMS text message receiving device. The method also includes configuring the SMS system to transmit to the at least one SMS text message transmission device an SMS text message that includes an SMS character string that includes at least one character defined to represent a predetermined priority of the SMS text message. The method also includes configuring the at least one SMS text message receiving device to notify a user of the predetermined priority of the SMS text message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Sridhar Gudala, Himangshu Chowdhury
  • Patent number: 8660551
    Abstract: A network device may receive a call request message. The call request message may include information identifying a user to which the call is destined. The network device may further retrieve, using the information identifying the user, information identifying a device with which the user is associated. In addition, the network device may retrieve, using the information identifying the device, a first list of codecs that the device is willing to support, and establish the call to the device using a codec from the first list of codecs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy M. Dwight, Paul T. Schultz, Martin W. McKee
  • Publication number: 20140051410
    Abstract: A method for providing a voice call using text data and an electronic device thereof are provided. The method includes converting the detected text data into audio data when an input of the text data is detected during call connection, and converting the converted audio data into a digital signal to transmit the converted digital signal to another party.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Ho-Min KWON, So-Jeong IM
  • Patent number: 8649780
    Abstract: A wireless communication device is configured to visually prompt a user to initiate a text session, and to receive a text session request from the user including a called number. In response to the text session request, the device initiates the text session by placing a first call to a service node using a service node number, and transfers the called number to the service node over the first call. The service node then extends the text session by placing a second call to the called number. Once the text session is established, the device sends a first text message to the service node over the first call, and receives a second text message from the service node over the first call. The device then visually displays the second text message to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: DaeSik Oh, Dennis Allan Selznick, Brent Allen Burpee
  • Patent number: 8649810
    Abstract: A wireless telecommunication device conducts base station pages at large intervals, such as 30 seconds, rather than the more conventional 0.5 to 4 seconds. The network processes calls placed to that telecommunication device in accordance with an SMS (Short Messaging Service) type protocol rather than a conventional voice call protocol. Particularly, the network sends an SMS to the telephone indicating that a third party is calling (hereinafter termed a “pre-call SMS”). The pre-call SMS indicates the telephone number of the third party. The user of the telephone may call the third party back. In accordance with this protocol, the need to page at very short intervals so as to permit a telephone call to be established in “real-time” is eliminated. Therefore, the paging interval can be increased substantially, thereby substantially prolonging battery charge lifetime of the telephone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Agere Systems LLC
    Inventors: Stanley Reinhold, Xiao-An Wang
  • Patent number: 8649772
    Abstract: A method for delivering a stored message to a satellite radio receiver is disclosed. The method includes receiving a request to retrieve the message, receiving the message, encoding the message for satellite transmission, and transmitting the message for delivery to the satellite radio receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: John Blake Slemmer, Ryan Schaub
  • Publication number: 20140038574
    Abstract: A communications system may include at least one mobile wireless communications device, and a wireless communications network for sending text messages thereto. More particularly, the at least one mobile wireless communications device may include a wireless transceiver and a controller for cooperating therewith for receiving text messages from the wireless communications network. It may further include a headset output connected to the controller. The controller may be for switching between a normal message mode and an audio message mode based upon a connection between the headset output and a headset. Moreover, when in the audio message mode, the controller may output at least one audio message including speech generated from at least one of the received text messages via the headset output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: DARRELL REGINALD MAY, ALAIN R. GAGNE
  • Patent number: 8644857
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a communication technology and discloses a method, device, and system for implementing a Location-Based Service (LBS). A corresponding particular service area is set for a User Equipment (UE) and services in the particular service area are provided by a corresponding application server. By applying the technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, an operator can provide services for particular users in the particular service area, and implement intelligence and personalization to avoid the spread of junk information and to improve user satisfaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jian Chen, Xu Zeng
  • Patent number: 8644809
    Abstract: A system and method of transmitting electronic voucher through short message. The method of transmitting an electronic voucher through a short message includes converting an electronic voucher to be transmitted into a bit stream; mapping each n-bits of the bit stream to any one text character of one of a plurality of text character groups, wherein text characters in each of the text character groups have at least one same or similar feature, and bit number n corresponding to each text character depends on the number m of the text character groups; arranging the text characters obtained through the mapping into a character sequence; and transmitting the character sequence through a short message. The present invention greatly reduces the cost for issuing an electronic voucher, significantly increases the convenience and apparently improves the safety and the stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignees: GMedia Technology (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Beijing Sigone Venture Limited
    Inventors: Wei Shen, Jia Bing Liu, Xiao Wei Guo, Si Ping Wang, Feng Ai, Li Duo Zhong
  • Patent number: 8644810
    Abstract: The method and system for dynamic font support on a mobile communication device is disclosed herein. The present invention determines if a mobile communication device such as a mobile phone can properly render a digital communication from an enterprise using the native language of the mobile communication device. If not, the invention will render the digital communication at a server and transmit a raster equivalent to the mobile communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Joingo, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen S. Boyle, Russell S. Greer
  • Patent number: 8644806
    Abstract: A Uniform Resource Locator (URL), or a portion thereof, or an e-mail address are employed as auxiliary indicators of dialing of a voice call from a mobile phone to an URL- or specific e-mail address-associated part, with the part originating the call not identifying the telephone number of the other part An automated conversion is performed from an URL, or a portion thereof, or e-mail address, for an intended telephone number, or multiple intended telephones, in response to requirements started at the telephone system by the caller A part with presence in the Internet achieves a better availability with the public by means of voice telephone calls, since the URL's and e-mail addresses are convenient, known by, and significant to the clients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Siter Smart Software LTDA
    Inventor: Athos Comolatti
  • Patent number: 8639214
    Abstract: The communication device comprising a voice communicating implementer, a payment monetary value data transmitting implementer, a remaining monetary value data updating implementer, an automated supplementary monetary value data adding implementer, and a simultaneous implementation implementer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: Iwao Fujisaki
  • Patent number: 8639222
    Abstract: A message transmission method includes storing message data whose message contents change depending on a value of a parameter in a storage unit, acquiring the value of the parameter based on an operation of a called party when a second terminal device receives a call from a first terminal device, determining the contents of the message based on the acquired parameter value and the message data, and transmitting the message whose contents are determined to the first terminal device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Tomohiro Ikeda, Yuuji Nanba, Shuichi Enomoto, Tooru Natsumi, Hiroyuki Tanaka, Yukio Kise, Hideo Shirai, Minao Tanaka, Naoto Matsuo, Takashi Nagata, Shigehiro Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 8630671
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods are disclosed for enabling a telecommunications terminal to notify its user of the arrival of a message via an acoustic or visual signal whose properties are based on attributes of the message. A network infrastructure element (e.g., a switch, a private branch exchange [PBX], a server, etc.) receives a message directed to a terminal and sets the values of ringtone properties (e.g., tempo, volume, pitch, rhythm, etc.) based on attributes of an incoming message (e.g., the sender, a priority, a subject, the location from which the message was sent, etc.). In a first illustrative embodiment the network infrastructure element sends the message and the instantiated ringtone to the terminal, while in a second illustrative embodiment the network infrastructure element sends the message and the property values to the terminal, and the terminal plays a locally-stored ringtone in accordance with the property values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Avaya Inc.
    Inventors: Taryn Moody, Doree Duncan Seligmann
  • Patent number: 8626209
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and an article of manufacture for forwarding messaging service messages within a mobile communications network are shown and described. In some instances, upon receipt of a messaging service message a network element responds with a different destination for the received message and a command to resolve the location of the different destination. The resolution may occur by a network element that is different from the receiving network element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Cellco Partnership
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Mullen, Eugene Carucci
  • Patent number: 8626212
    Abstract: A method for group messaging at a mobile terminal in autonomous network includes acquiring a message and a list of target identifiers, containing the identifiers of multiple mobile terminals to which the message is to be sent; transmitting the message via the autonomous network to any mobile terminal of the multiple mobile terminals that locates in the autonomous network, and removing the identifier of the mobile terminal from the list of target identifiers to obtain an updated list of target identifiers; generating an aggregate message, wherein the aggregate message contains the message and the identifiers in the updated list; sending the aggregate message to a base station if the length of the aggregate message does not exceed a threshold; dividing the aggregate message into multiple fragment messages and sending the multiple fragment messages to the base station if the length of the aggregate message exceeds the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Li Li, Chi Liu, Liang Liu, Ju Wei Shi, Wen Jie Wang, Wei Xue
  • Patent number: 8626188
    Abstract: A position estimation server estimates the position of a target mobile node by using position information of a minimum number of anchor nodes knowing their position, distance information estimated between mobile nodes or between the anchor nodes and the mobile nodes, and connectivity information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Seong Yun Cho, Youngwoo Choi, Jooyoung Kim
  • Patent number: 8626120
    Abstract: Techniques are provided to automate at least some of the information gathering required for check-in using a mobile device. A user may enter at least some required information using a mobile application on a mobile device. The mobile application may convert the entered data into a Quick Response (“QR”) code or other type of readable form that may be read or received by a device at the location of check-in. The information entered may be stored in the mobile device's memory and may be modified for future check-ins. A user would enter the location of check-in and present the mobile phone containing the information previously entered by the user to a reader at the location. The reader reads the information which may be transmitted to the location's database. Using the information submitted, the user may be checked in automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Kristoffer Dominic Amora, Cres Daryl C. Sadernas
  • Patent number: 8620361
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus that facilitate effective routing of short message service (SMS) and multimedia messaging service (MMS) messages via short codes are presented herein. A group message component can be configured to receive a message transmitted via a wireless communications device, and determine whether the message comprises at least two addressees. A short code component can be configured to identify whether the at least two addressees are associated with at least one short code, and recognize whether the message comprises only text. A routing component can be configured to convert the message to an SMS message when the message comprises the at least two addressees, the at least two addressees are associated with the at least one short code, and the message comprises only text. Further, the routing component can be configured to route the SMS message to the at least one short code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Bailey, Chris Bryant, William Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 8620280
    Abstract: A system and method for interference mitigation. The system and method includes a number of base stations configured to coordinate with each other to perform a joint transmission to one or more subscriber stations. The base stations allocate a portion of a frequency band for the joint transmission and jointly schedule the joint transmission. Further, the base stations are configured to select a common codebook or separate codebooks to perform the joint transmission. Thereafter, the joint transmission is performed wherein the one or more subscribers stations substantially simultaneously receive the joint transmission from each of the base stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lingjia Liu, Jianzhong Zhang
  • Patent number: 8620256
    Abstract: A data channel for the transmission of voice from a subscriber and of additional data characterizing the cause of an accident is used for an emergency call from a vehicle. These characterizing data are likewise transmitted in the form of voice. The data transmission is effected sequentially in this case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Ulrich Stählin, Peter Rieth
  • Patent number: 8614676
    Abstract: A mouse for an electronic device comprises a housing to receive component therein; a display attached on the housing for displaying, wherein the display includes image icon to perform pre-determined function; a user motion detecting device attached on the display for detection the motion of user finger; a controller received in the housing for generating a control signal in responsive to the user motion detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Inventor: Kuo-Ching Chiang
  • Patent number: 8615596
    Abstract: A method of operating a communication system to provide content to a communication device operated by a user is described herein. The method comprises setting in the communication device a content preference, wherein the content preference is set by the user, sending the content preference from the communication device to the communication system, receiving in the communication system a content request from the communication device, receiving in the communication system the content in a first format from a content provider, modifying in the communication system the content from the first format to a second format, wherein the second format is based on the content preference set by the user, and transmitting from the communication system the content in the second format to the communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Piyush Upadhyay, Badri Prasad Subramanyan, John W. Davis, Ayodeji Abidogun, Lyle T. Bertz
  • Patent number: 8606247
    Abstract: A platform for supporting network enabled applications enables billing for microtransactions associated with the applications using the users wireless network carriers. The platform also enables access to billing for third party network enabled applications by wrapping the third party network enabled applications in code that allows the third party network enabled applications to be rendered to the user and the billing component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: SMS.ac, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Pousti, Andrew Ballester
  • Patent number: 8606307
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for mobile stations for enhancing the ease of use of a mobile station. Through the system and method, a user may more easily view the phone number of a caller identification card. The user may be alerted when the user tries to send messages while out of GPRS coverage, or the mobile station may recognize extension numbers in address book user interface applications to assist with a dialing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Mihal Lazaridis, Gary P. Mousseau
  • Patent number: 8607296
    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: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Personalized Media Communications LLC
    Inventors: John Christopher Harvey, James William Cuddihy
  • Patent number: 8606309
    Abstract: A dispatch communication and management system method is provided, allowing a dispatcher and remote service technicians to exchange messages over a network in a prescribed format to notify the technicians of new dispatch orders, and to update status information for dispatch orders in corresponding customer service records in a database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: John P. Hart, Wayne H. Smith
  • Patent number: 8606232
    Abstract: A system and method for provisioning a mobile device with user preferences and settings. The user preferences and settings may be default preferences and settings selected by the various applications loaded onto the mobile device or previously user preferences and settings selected by a user. User selected preferences and settings may be stored in a remote server memory. The preferences and settings may be retrieved by new mobile device. The preferences and settings stored in the remote server memory may contain triggers which initiate a connection with various third party servers. In response to the trigger, various third party servers may transmit further instructions to the mobile device which allows the mobile device to complete the restoration of the user's preferences and settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Ta-yan Siu, Guangming Shi, Venkat Tangirala
  • Patent number: 8606325
    Abstract: A method for determining a preferred image format in a User Equipment (UE) supporting a mobile video call between UEs. The UEs should each have a camera and a display Upon receiving, from an opposing UE, video transmission control information including therein a preferred image format. If the preferred image format requested by the opposing UE is acceptable, then the opposing UE is sent video transmission control information is sent including therein at least one of an acceptable response message and an acceptable new preferred image format according to acceptability of the preferred image format requested by the opposing UE.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kyung-Hun Jung
  • Patent number: 8600368
    Abstract: A visual voicemail system can convert visual voicemail message content to an alternate format based on the location of the recipient device, whether and how the recipient device is in motion, a priority of the message content, user preferences, or other criteria. Alternately, a recipient wireless device may also convert content to an alternate format based on the similar criteria. Content may be presented automatically to a user on recipient device based on such criteria. Content may be converted from audio to text, text to audio, or from any format to any other format. Location, motion data, user preferences, etc. may be obtained from a location based service system, a recipient wireless device, or any other source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Venson M. Shaw
  • Patent number: 8594568
    Abstract: The invention describes a method of transferring application data (F1, F2) from a first device (Ds) to a second device (DT1, DT2), which method comprises exchanging, through the body of a user (2) touching a touch interface (210) of the first device (Ds), connection-related data (4) between the first device (Ds) and a memory device (1), which memory device (1) is conveyed on the person of the user (2). Application data (F1, F2) is transferred from the first device (Ds) to the memory device (1) over a connection, between the first device (Ds) and the memory device (1), established on the basis of the connection-related data (4), and stored in a memory (220) of the memory device (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Thomas Falck
  • Patent number: 8594639
    Abstract: A system and method to automatically park a voice call on a mobile electronic device so that the device can receive data, comprising a switch for establishing a voice call at the at least one caller device, a database for storing at least one call processing rule, and an enterprise data server for receiving a data message, comparing contents of the data message with at least one rule in the database, and in the event that the contents match the rule then parking the call, switching the mobile electronic device to a data mode of operation, downloading the data message to the device and un-parking the call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Daryl Joseph Martin, James Andrew Godfrey, John Ferguson Wilson
  • Patent number: 8594295
    Abstract: A method includes associating an e-mail address with a plurality of telephone numbers; associating one of the telephone numbers with a one number service (108); allowing telephone calls to the one of the telephone numbers by selecting the e-mail address. In some embodiments, the allowing telephone calls comprises calling a programmed caller number and calling to a called party number associated with the e-mail address. In some embodiments, a called party and a calling party are subscribers to a one-number service (108).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Enterprise Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Chan, William J. Beyda
  • Patent number: 8588750
    Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus for providing interactive services using unicast wireless networks and broadcast wireless networks. A method includes receiving content interaction information indicative of interactions by a user with content presented at a wireless user terminal, obtaining at least one service parameter, and providing a service using the content interaction information and the at least one service parameter, wherein the service is provided using one of the unicast wireless network or the broadcast wireless network. The content for which content interaction information is received is provided to the wireless user terminal using a broadcast wireless network and the content interaction information is received over a unicast wireless network. The service that is provided may include providing modified content over the broadcast wireless network, providing personalized content over the unicast wireless network, operating a proxy for a network-based service, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Randeep S. Bhatia, Girija J. Narlikar, Sampath Rangarajan
  • Patent number: 8588378
    Abstract: A computer-implemented voice mail method includes obtaining an electronic audio file of a recorded user message directed to a telephone user, automatically generating a transcript of the recorded user message, and identifying locations in the transcript in coordination with timestamps in the recorded user message so that successive portions of the transcript can be highlighted in coordination with playing of the recorded user message. The method also include identifying one or characteristics of the message using meta data relating to the recorded user message, and storing the recorded user message and information about the identified locations of the recorded user message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Benedict Davies, Christian Brunschen
  • Patent number: 8583102
    Abstract: A method for determining an amount of time required to download a data file to a wireless device includes receiving information indicating a first amount of wireless bandwidth allocated for the download of the data file, calculating a first length of time required to download the data file to the wireless device based on the first amount of wireless bandwidth allocated, and comparing the first length of time required to a predetermined amount of time. If the first length of time required is less than the predetermined amount of time, the download begins. If the first length of time required is more than the predetermined amount of time, information indicating the first length of time required is sent to the wireless device, a start download signal is received from the wireless device, and download of the data file to the wireless device begins in response to the start download signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Jyotindra Shah, Min Lu, Stephanie Parlamas
  • Patent number: 8583093
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for playing local device information over a telephone connection. In one aspect, a method includes establishing, by a first electronic client communication device, an audio connection between the first electronic client communication device and a remote second electronic client communication device, determining that a user has selected a control of the first electronic client communication device, selecting, with a computer system and in response to determining that the user selected the control, text data that is associated with the user or the first client communication device, translating, with the computer system, the text data into a speech signal, and playing the speech signal to the remote second client device over the audio connection by electronically inserting the speech signal into the audio connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: David P. Bort
  • Patent number: 8577379
    Abstract: Systems and techniques are disclosed relating to communications. The systems and techniques include receiving an origination request for a call, determining whether the call is allowed on each of a plurality of wireless networks as a function of the origination request, and originating the call over a network selected from a plurality of networks. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Guangming Shi, Andrew Torchalski, Rekha Iyer, Venkat Tangirala, Ting Mui Li
  • Patent number: 8577349
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of decoding at least one image of a physical object as an action executable by a mobile terminal. According to the invention, such a method comprises the following steps: establishment of a bidirectional communication between said terminal and a translation server, said establishment step comprising the following substeps: capture of said image or images of said physical object by said terminal; transmission, from said terminal to said translation server, of said image or images captured; reception, by said terminal, of at least one item of information representative of an action executable by said terminal, termed the action information, and corresponding to a decoding, by said translation server, of said image or images transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Streamezzo
    Inventors: Laetitia Pfaender, Bertrand Audinet, Philippe Lafoucriere, Jean-Claude Dufourd
  • Patent number: 8571584
    Abstract: Delivering the content of an audio-only Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) message to a recipient without requiring the recipient device to be MMS-enabled. A sender creates an MMS message, and sends it to the device of the intended recipient. If the recipient device is not MMS-enabled and the MMS message contains only audio content, the message is conveyed to a message server, where the audio content is transcoded and stored in an IVR system or other location accessible to the recipient. If the intended recipient device supports the SMS protocol, an SMS notification alerting the recipient to the arrival of a new message is transmitted. If the recipient device is neither MMS- nor SMS-enabled, the recipient can be alerted of the receipt of an MMS message by voicemail, email, instant message, page, or another medium able to effect delivery. The notification includes instructions for accessing the message from the IVR system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Smith Micro Software, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Ruf, Konstantin Othmer, Sani El-Fishawy
  • Patent number: 8571529
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for continuously recording surrounding information by a mobile device (11). The mobile device (11) of a user (1) continuously records surrounding information such as surrounding noises or surrounding image data and at least one file (7) is generated from the recording and sent to a remote server (4). Said file or a file derived therefrom (7) is automatically subdivided and/or indexed automatically depending on the contents of the file (7) and/or on metadata (M1, M2, M3) generated from external events (e1, e2, e3) in relation to the mobile device (11) and/or by the user (1). Advantageously, the user (1) searches the subdivided and/or indexed file (7) so that he can easily retrieve the recorded information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Swisscom AG
    Inventor: Eric Lauper
  • Patent number: 8565796
    Abstract: There is provided a method and system of generating a rich-media message using a short message service (SMS) message. In one aspect, the method comprises encoding data and rich-media content information to generate an encoded rich-media message, and formatting the encoded rich-media message into a rich-media SMS message. In one aspect, the method includes transmitting the rich-media SMS over a network. In another aspect, the method includes receiving the rich-media SMS by a mobile device, decoding the SMS, and displaying the message. The method may include obtaining rich-media content from a server. In one embodiment, a system for communicating a rich-media message to a mobile device comprises an alerts generator configured to encode a rich-media message and format the message into a rich-media SMS, a content server configured to provide rich-media content to a mobile device configured to decode and display the rich-media SMS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeremy A. Weinrib
  • Patent number: 8565389
    Abstract: Voicemail messages are transcribed to text in accordance with a subscriber preference. When a new voicemail message is detected or a request to retrieve a voicemail message is detected, a voicemail to text device may alter its behavior based on the voicemail to text subscriber preference and a mobile device status. Subscriber preferences can comprise location (e.g., GPS, AGPS, roaming, international, or national boundaries), date, time, and network resources. Voicemail to text can automatically be re-enabled/disabled based on subscriber preferences set by a subscriber or network provider. A subscriber or network provider can initiate a state change (enable/disable) of voicemail to text.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Venson Shaw
  • Patent number: 8565741
    Abstract: A method of controlling a mobile terminal, and which includes acquiring channel information of a broadcasting program received by at least one other mobile terminal through a client program, arranging and displaying the acquired channel information according to a specific standard, receiving a selection signal corresponding to a selection at least one channel information item from the displayed channel information, and receiving and displaying the broadcasting program corresponding to the selected channel information item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Seung Wan Yang
  • Patent number: 8565740
    Abstract: Various embodiments for a system and method for providing streaming data to a device are provided herein. In one example, a method comprises receiving a request for streaming data from a mobile device, receiving settings with regards to the delivery of the streaming data to the mobile device, retrieving the streaming data from a source of the streaming data, reformatting the streaming data for the mobile device according to the settings and sending the reformatted streaming data to the mobile device in accordance with the settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Mihal Lazaridis, Gary Phillip Mousseau