Call Diversion Patents (Class 455/417)
  • Patent number: 8879537
    Abstract: A communication system comprises a communication platform and a wireless service node. The communication platform receives first signaling for a call to a telephone number, and in response, transfers second signaling to alert a packet network appliance of the call, and the communication platform transfers third signaling. The wireless service node receives the third signaling, and in response, transfers fourth signaling to alert a wireless telephone of the call. The wireless telephone and the packet network appliance are simultaneously alerted of the call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventor: Warren B. Cope
  • Patent number: 8880047
    Abstract: Enhancements of and to cell phone operations are based in whole or in part on determining the location of the cell phone. Systems and methods select and determine locations or areas of importance or relevance, and based on that information and other programmed factors affect or alter the operations of the cell phone. While the systems and methods are illustrated by use of cell phone embodiments and applications, they are equally applicable to virtually any portable or mobile communication device, including for example, wireless laptop computers and PDAs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Konicek, Steven G. Lisa
  • Patent number: 8880080
    Abstract: This publication discloses a method and system for delivering messages in a telecommunications network (1, 2, 6, 11, 12). In the method a voice-message call attempt is received (43), or a connection is formed to a potential user of a service, on the basis of a voice-message call attempt. According to the invention, as a response to the voice-message connection formed or to the call attempt, to the second part (41) of the connection is sent a text-form message, which initiates a long, logically continuous, temporally discontinuous session N, in such a way that the sender address (e.g., the A number) is converted to correspond to the session number N and the session stage J at the time, and in the message there is at least one selection query.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Bookit Oy Ajanvarauspalvelu
    Inventor: Jukka Salonen
  • Patent number: 8874069
    Abstract: A wireless communication device (WCD) may be configured to engage in a wireless data communication session of a given type. The WCD may determine the given type of wireless data communication session, and based on the given type, the WCD may set itself to operate in a current operational state selected from a group consisting of a first and second operational state. While engaged in the wireless data communication session, the WCD may wirelessly receive a voice call setup request from a radio access network (RAN) seeking to set up a voice call to the WCD over an air-interface protocol. In accordance with the current operational state, the WCD may make a decision of whether to accept or reject the voice call request so as to interrupt or not interrupt the wireless data communication session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Sprint Spectrum L.P.
    Inventors: Young Zhao, Jasinder P. Singh
  • Patent number: 8874038
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for negotiating a communication link between first and second near field communication (NFC) devices is disclosed. A third NFC device is placed in close proximity with a first host device operatively containing the first NFC device to determine communication information including at least one of a communication mechanism and a data transfer protocol usable by the first host device. The communication information usable by the first host device is stored in a portable device operatively containing the third NFC device. The third NFC device is momentarily placed in close proximity with the second NFC device. The stored communication information of the first host device is transferred from the portable device to a second host device operatively containing the second NFC device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: John Waters, Brima Ibrahim, Mohamed Awad
  • Publication number: 20140315529
    Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for processing a call as between a mobile device and a linked base telephone system are described. A phone docking station allows the mobile device to be linked to the base telephone system. Features of either the mobile device or the base telephone system may be used to support a call. For example, through the phone docking station, one or more features and functions of the mobile device may be enabled on or supported by the base telephone system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventor: Vladimir Shmunis
  • Publication number: 20140315530
    Abstract: Distributed locater, alert, repeater, and call technologies for communication devices are presented herein. A base component can be configured to receive a message at a base unit, the message corresponding to at least one of a call directed to a wireless communication device or another message directed to at least one of the wireless communication device or a wired communication device. The base component can distribute an alert to at least one remote unit based on the message. A remote component can be configured to receive the alert at the at least one remote unit, and broadcast the alert or another alert from the at least one remote unit. An interface component can be configured to receive an input at the at least one remote unit based on the alert. Further, the remote component can be configured to transmit a response based on the input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Max Faulkner, Erick Haughn, John Lewis
  • Patent number: 8868054
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for restoring a transferred mobile service by a mobile transfer service. To this end, the present invention provides a method for restoring a mobile service that releases a mobile transfer state of a first mobile terminal when it is confirmed that a state where the power strength of a common pilot channel received from a second mobile terminal is a previously set threshold value or less is maintained for a previously set threshold time or more. In addition, the present invention provides a method for restoring mobile service that releases a mobile transfer state of the first mobile terminal when it is confirmed that the frequency of a period that is the power threshold value or less of the common pilot channel received from the second mobile terminal exceeds the previously set threshold frequency within the previously set time unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: KT Corporation
    Inventors: Jong-Hyuk Choi, Jong-Il Park, Takeshi Tsukagoshi, Yuji Hirano, Yasuhisa Nakamura, Akiko Yano
  • Patent number: 8866606
    Abstract: A subscriber device for use in an automated personal emergency response system implemented as a conference bridge on a remote computing network. The device, intended to be worn as a pendant, wristband or in another wearable configuration, includes a color high-resolution display for signaling a user of the subscriber device with notifications, arrows for directional guidance, and/or other status messages. The device also includes microphones and speakers for enabling a teleconference between a user of the subscriber device in need of assistance and parties joined to the teleconference via the automated personal emergency response system. The user of the subscriber device may initiate the call for assistance and teleconference via a press of a single button on the device; alternatively, accelerometers in the device may detect a fall and automatically initiate the call. The device can receive medical telemetry and provide it to conference participants and perform home automation tasks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Rockwilli RMR LLC
    Inventors: Travis E. Will, Russell E. VanDevanter, Steven M. Myhre, Michael J. Myhre
  • Publication number: 20140308928
    Abstract: A system and method for incremental do-not-disturb. User input is received to activate the incremental do-not-disturb on a telephone. The incremental do-not-disturb is activated for a time period in response to receiving the user input to activate the incremental do-not-disturb. Incoming calls are diverted during the time period in response to activating the incremental do-not-disturb.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: David E. Rondeau, Jill B. Brunton, Victoria M. Toner, Jenny Lou Fisher, Randall Robert Blair
  • Publication number: 20140308939
    Abstract: A wireless headset system comprising a first telecommunication device, a second telecommunication device, such as a mobile phone or a smart phone and a wireless headset adapted to be wirelessly connected by a first radio link to the first telecommunication device. The headset system is adapted to transfer a call from the first telecommunication device to the second telecommunication device, when the first wireless link or a second radio link between the first telecommunication device and the second telecommunication device is broken or becomes sufficiently weak. The invention also relates to a method and a headset to be used with such a system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: Tomasz Jerzy Goldman, Stefan Heise
  • Patent number: 8863267
    Abstract: A subscriber network can provide services. External applications can use the services on the subscriber network. A service access gateway can control application access to services of the subscriber network. The service access gateway can filter requests from an external application to access services on the subscriber network based on the customer for which the external application is accessing the service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Oracle International Corporation
    Inventors: Boris Selitser, Daniel Jansson
  • Patent number: 8862078
    Abstract: A method for communication in a communication terminal having a single communication module and at least two Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) cards is provided. The method includes performing a first call mode when a call is connected through a first base station in a standby mode by using the communication module and a first SIM card through a first time slot in each frame allocated by the first base station, and performing, when a second call is connected through a second base station while performing the first call mode, a second call mode using the communication module and a second SIM card through a second time slot in each frame allocated by the second base station, the second time slot being spaced apart from the first time slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ga Ram Yu
  • Patent number: 8862106
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing alternate communication paths for telephone calls. Calls directed to a telephone are relayed to a second electronic communication device, which may be a second telephone, based on the physical relationship of the telephone and the second device. According to one aspect, the physical relationship is automatically detected and compared with one or more conditions. When one of the conditions is met, an incoming call directed to the telephone is relayed to the second electronic communication device. Detection of the physical relationship may include detecting whether the telephone and the second device are in close proximity, whether one or both of the telephone and the second device is moving, or other aspects of the relationship. Relaying a call to the second device may be accomplished by call forwarding, a ring-no-answer treatment, three-way calling, or other methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Greatcall, Inc.
    Inventors: John Salisbury, Dean Williams, Kotaro Matsuo
  • Patent number: 8862109
    Abstract: Systems and methods for terminating telephony communications to a mobile telephony device that is roaming outside of its native service area make use of a mobile roaming termination service. The mobile roaming termination service causes the native mobile telephony service provider that provides service to the mobile telephony device to forward incoming telephony communications directed the native telephone number of the mobile telephony device to a forwarding access number. The mobile roaming termination service receives telephony communications directed to the forwarding access number, and then terminates the telephony communication to the mobile telephony device via any one of multiple different methods. The mobile telephony service provider can be instructed to implement and cancel call forwarding instructions by dialing a special character string on the mobile telephony device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Vonage Network, LLC
    Inventor: Guy Fighel
  • Publication number: 20140302833
    Abstract: A method and device are provided for forwarding an incoming call according to a remaining battery capacity. The method includes determining that the remaining battery capacity is below a threshold; providing an indication that the remaining battery capacity is below the threshold and that a call forwarding function may be set; receiving an input from a user to select a contact number; and sending, to an adjacent base station, a request for call forwarding an incoming call to the selected contact number.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Pyeong-Gyu JIN, Jae-Chan KOH, Jung-Hyung KIM, Jong-Hyun PARK, Jae-Bong CHUN, Yoon-Jeong CHOI
  • Publication number: 20140302832
    Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention provide a phone connection method, electronic terminal and system. The phone connection method includes: establishing a session by a first electronic terminal and a second electronic terminal; and establishing association by the first electronic terminal with a third electronic terminal by using a near-field communication device, so that the third electronic terminal establishes phone connection with the second electronic terminal. An electronic terminal includes a session establishing unit or module to establish and maintain a phone conversation or connection, and an association unit or module to associate terminals by NFC. With the embodiments of the present invention, the operational complexity in a phone connection procedure may be lowered, and better user experiences may be obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Bozhi FU, Nan BAO, Hongqing JIANG, Jing LI
  • Patent number: 8855607
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to a method and system of integrating a user's voice mail onto a single voice messaging service, e.g., a Unified Messaging (UM) service, such that a client may access this single source for voice mail retrieval, even where such voice mails are from a variety of sources, e.g., work, mobile phone, etc. A user, or the user's mobile operator, need only agree to accept the service, and the registration and configuration requirements for providing the service and forwarding calls to the service are automatically configured. The user's existing “speed dial” key or other setting for retrieving voice mail may also be automatically configured to the access number(s) for the service. Configurations may monitor the status of the service and update access and/or forwarding numbers. Voice mail forwarding and settings may also be automatically reverted back to the user's original service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Juan V. Esteve Balducci, Michael Higashi, Selvaraj Nalliah, David Paul Limont, John Allen Atwood, Chris J. Hinman, Imran Masud
  • Publication number: 20140295812
    Abstract: The location of a mobile terminal associated with a user is determined using GPS or by monitoring signals generated and received by the mobile terminal, etc. Coordinates for at least one hot spot defined by the user are accessed to determine whether the location of the mobile terminal is within the hot spot. When an incoming contact is received for the user, a determination is made as to whether there are any contact routing rules associates with the user. If so, the record of contact routing rules associated with the user is accessed. If the record of contact routing rules includes at least one contact routing rule assigned to a hot spot, the contact is routed according to the at least one contact routing rule, based on whether or not the mobile terminal is determined to be within the hot spot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: James Mulcahy, Anders Brownworth
  • Patent number: 8849267
    Abstract: An architecture is presented that automatically detects a location of a user and forwards messages to a pre-configured number associated with the detected location. A location system is provided that comprises a location component and a routing component. The location component publishes presence information of a mobile device. The presence information is associated with a physical location of the mobile device. Once the mobile device's presence information is published, the routing component automatically sets the call forwarding to the physical location for communication to a user of the mobile device. The message is routed to a pre-configured number associated with the physical location of the mobile device. A user of the mobile device pre-configures numbers associated with various frequently visited physical locations (e.g., home, club, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Neeraj Kumar Garg
  • Patent number: 8849352
    Abstract: Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate supporting multiple connections associated with a wireless terminal. Notifications may be provided to a primary base station upon establishment and/or removal of connections between the wireless terminal and secondary base station(s). Additionally, the multiple connections may be evaluated and a preferred connection from the set of multiple connections may be utilized to transfer data to the wireless terminal over a downlink connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Rajiv Laroia, Das Arnab, Murari Srinivasan, Pablo Anigstein, Vladimir Parizhsky, M. Scott Corson
  • Patent number: 8849264
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for the sharing of information about the time availability of a telephone user. Initially, at least one status is set in a telephone of user. The status may contain information about the current or future availability or busy status of the user and/or the user's ability to accept or decline phone and/or video calls. A caller who is preparing to make a phone and/or video call to user, is provided with a real-time graphic, textual and/or audio interpretation of the status of the user. The status may further include the time and/or date on which the user will be available for an incoming call, or it may additionally include any graphic, textual, and/or audio message entered by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Rebstock Consulting s.r.o.
    Inventor: Martin Rebstöck
  • Publication number: 20140287732
    Abstract: Systems and methods for call forwarding in a telecommunications network are described herein. A request to update a call forwarding number associated with a subscriber in the telecommunications network is provided. The request includes a phone number of an active mobile device, which is located within geographic proximity to a subscriber mobile device. The active mobile device is associated with a priority level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventor: Ramesh Kannan K
  • Patent number: 8843176
    Abstract: This private branch exchange includes a first communication portion acquiring connection target specifying information related to a connection target from a portable terminal, a second communication portion allowing telephone communication between a fixed telephone corresponding to the portable terminal and the connection target, and a control portion making a call to the connection target on the basis of the connection target specifying information and ringing the fixed telephone corresponding to the portable terminal from which the connection target specifying information has been acquired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuhiro Morisada
  • Publication number: 20140273962
    Abstract: Technologies for handling a call based on user identification include determining a personal profile identification for a user of a communal mobile communication device and initiating a call to a personal communication device using a phone number of the personal communication device and the personal profile identification. The personal communication device may apply a call treatment to the incoming call based on the personal profile identification. Additionally, the personal communication device may originate a call to a call recipient of the communal mobile communication device using a personal profile identification to identify the call recipient. The communal mobile communication device may apply a call treatment to the incoming call based on the personal profile identification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Ananth Sankaranarayanan, Mubashir A. Mian, Jim S. Baca
  • Publication number: 20140274216
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a cellular telephone are described, including embodiments having no external physical buttons and no external physical switches. In one embodiment, the device is small enough to fit in a small pocket yet has a touchscreen large enough for a smartphone-sized virtual keyboard. In one embodiment, the device automatically switches between various power modes configurations and can send at least one notification to a user when its battery needs charging. Each described embodiment of a cellular telephone can be used as a primary cellular device or a secondary cellular device, where the secondary cellular device can share the same cellular number as that of the primary cellular device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: OnBeond, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Olodort
  • Publication number: 20140274008
    Abstract: Using various embodiments, methods and systems for operating a secondary cellular telephone are described. The secondary cellular telephone, which is associated with subscriber ID account information of a primary cellular telephone, can be used to receive incoming calls or make outgoing calls. The secondary cellular telephone, in one embodiment, has its own telephone number, which is different from that of the primary cellular telephone. Incoming calls made to the primary cellular telephone number, by association with the subscriber ID account information of a primary cellular telephone, can be forwarded to the secondary cellular telephone. Similarly, with the association of the subscriber ID account information of the primary cellular telephone, outgoing calls made by the secondary cellular telephone can be spoofed with the primary cellular telephone number such that the receiver of the call would assume the call was made via the primary cellular telephone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: OnBeond, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Olodort
  • Publication number: 20140274007
    Abstract: A method includes detecting a first call placed with a first mobile device by a caller to a called party with a second mobile device and not answered by the called party, determining at least one candidate contact having a third mobile device, an association with the called party, and a probability of being in proximity to the called party at the time of the first call; and placing a second call using the first mobile device to the third mobile device. The method may include determining the association of the candidate contact with the called party, and determining the probability that the candidate is in proximity to the called party at the time of the first call. The probability determination may include generating a list of candidate contacts from an association map, where each of the candidates has an association with the called party according to the association map.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Motorola Mobility LLC
    Inventors: Craig J. Detter, Alan S. Hshieh, Daniel C. Wong
  • Publication number: 20140282888
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling communication systems for the hearing impaired are disclosed. A portable communication device requests control over a plurality of communication devices. The portable communication device connects to and controls the plurality of communication devices. The portable communication device includes a user interface that enables a user to transfer a call from a first communication device to a second communication device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Scot L. Brooksby, Trevor Wagner, Tara Ault, Bradley Grimm, Jennifer Harris
  • Patent number: 8838083
    Abstract: A telephone adapted to switch a voice call from an Instant Messaging (IM) based voice network to a cellular voice network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: TP Lab Inc.
    Inventors: Chi Fai Ho, Shin Cheung Simon Chiu
  • Patent number: 8837703
    Abstract: A personal communications device may be placed in, or removed from, a docking station. In response, a predetermined command may be selected from a plurality of predetermined commands and transmitted from the docking station to at least one of a plurality of network devices. Each predetermined command may include the address of the network device and may be configured to cause the network device to respond. In this way, a user's communication infrastructure may be reconfigured in a simple and intuitive manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Paul Henry Fuoss, Howard Paul Katseff, Bethany Scott Robinson
  • Patent number: 8838082
    Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for utilizing location information in a virtual private branch exchange (vPBX) system are described. In some implementations, the vPBX system can use the location information to determine an availability status of a user of a mobile device (e.g., out of the office, in the office, at home, busy, and the like). The vPBX system can obtain the geographic coordinates of the mobile device and correlate these coordinates with known coordinates for locations associated with the user (e.g., the user's office, home, or other predefined locations). An inference of the user's availability can then be determined based on the correlation (e.g., whether the user is currently out of the user's office, at the user's home, or at another location). The user's availability can be made available to other users associated with the vPBX system, and can be used for call management (e.g., routing).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: RingCentral, Inc.
    Inventors: Vlad Vendrow, Bruce Young, Praful Shah, Boris Elpiner, Vladimir Shmunis
  • Patent number: 8831574
    Abstract: The present invention relates in a general manner to the generation of unavailability messages (MESS.TXT, MESS.VOC) upon a failure to establish a communication. Thus, in a method of communication comprising, on the sending of a call from a calling user (B) to a called user (A), there are provided the following steps: determining (E406), in an address book (100) of the called user, a group of contacts (110) comprising a contact corresponding to the calling user; determining the availability of the called user for the calling user as a function of an availability cue (142) associated, in the address book, with said determined group; in the event of determined unavailability of the called user, generating (E410, E320), for the attention of the calling user, a personalized unavailability message (MESS.TXT, MESS.VOC) on the basis of at least one information cue supplied (130, 142, 144, 146), in the address book, at the level of the group determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: France Telecom
    Inventors: Giles Corbett, Paul Beardow, Romain Pabot, Remy Bourganel, Paula des Cognets, Ghislain Ulrich
  • Patent number: 8831583
    Abstract: A multimode handset and method that includes a first communications path adapted to communicate using a mobile telephone communications protocol, a second communications path adapted to communicate using a local cordless communications protocol, and a processing unit in communication with the first communications path and the second communications paths and configured to switch between the first communications path and the second communications path during a telephone call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Amar N. Ray, Cadathur V. Chakravarthy
  • Patent number: 8824651
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and software application for associating one or more phone numbers with an action on a phone and performing an action on the phone in response to the user initiating a call to one of such phone numbers. Certain phone numbers are associated with an action. The user's phone, or a server with which the user's phone communicates, maintains a table of the phone numbers associated with an action, and each phone number in the table is related to an action. Software on the user's phone listens for call initiated by a user. When the user initiates a call, software on the phone “intercepts” the call, and the phone (or a server with which the phone communicates) determines whether the call is to a phone number that is in the table. If the phone number is in the table, then it is associated with an action, and the user's phone performs that action at a time specified by instructions for such action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl Mikael Berner, Assaf Baciu, Sandeep M. Bhojwani, Jayadev Billa, Kevin M. Stone, David A. Winarsky
  • Patent number: 8818272
    Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a system providing remote control of Bluetooth enabled electronic equipment comprises Bluetooth enabled electronic equipment for initiating a pairing mode to authorize a virtual remote controller transfer, a Bluetooth enabled wireless device for activating a setup mode so as to pair with the Bluetooth enabled electronic equipment and for downloading the virtual remote controller. The virtual remote controller may be described in an advanced markup language, for example. In one embodiment, a method for utilizing a Bluetooth enabled wireless device to remotely control a Bluetooth enabled electronic equipment comprises initiating a pairing mode of the Bluetooth enabled electronic equipment to authorize a virtual remote controller transfer, activating a setup mode of the Bluetooth enabled wireless device so as to pair with the Bluetooth enabled electronic equipment, and downloading the virtual remote controller to the Bluetooth enabled wireless device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Harish Paryani
  • Patent number: 8811963
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for establishing a telephone connection to a mobile communications terminal device (11) via a mobile communications network (5, 7, 9), with at least one mobile telephone number being assigned to the mobile communications terminal device (11), wherein a supplement i.e. prefix or suffix as a control parameter is added to the mobile telephone number, the supplement being independent from the mobile telephone number. Before establishing the telephone connection an analysis of this supplement is made and the reachability of the mobile communications terminal device (11) is determined. The “reachability” is that the calling party only wants to make the call if the called party is available in real time i.e. does not want to be forwarded to voice-mail. Another example is that the call should only be established for calls that remain in the same network, so as to save costs. The supplement indicates whether the establishment of a telephone connection shall be initiated or suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Deutsche Telekom
    Inventor: Gerrit Voehringer
  • Patent number: 8812036
    Abstract: A system and method for communicating with an audience. The system includes a radio transmitter that transmits a first communication to a plurality of audience members. A server receives a plurality of short message service communications, wherein each of the plurality of short message service communications is transmitted from a portable communication device in reply to the first communication. A display operably coupled to the server automatically displays each of the plurality of short message service communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Vibes Media, LLC
    Inventors: John Joseph Philbin, Alexander Gates Campbell, Samuel Thomas Benediktson, Leon Xiaoliang Zhao, Vincent Borreros Villaruel
  • Patent number: 8811960
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer-readable media for providing caller identification information. A server receives a call notification that identifies a call originating from a calling address for connection to a destination address associated with a wireless destination device. The server makes the determination that the wireless destination device is within a predetermined proximity of a media station. Based on the determination, the server communicates a caller identifier to the media station for presentation on a display device communicatively coupled to the media station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Bright House Networks, LLC
    Inventor: Leo Cloutier
  • Patent number: 8811964
    Abstract: A user may carry a wearable device and may push a button on the wearable device to initiate a voice call. A computing system receives the request to initiate a voice call and may analyze datasets provided by the wearable device. The computing system may dynamically route voice calls to different destinations based on datasets received from a wearable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Numera, Inc.
    Inventors: Ram David Adva Fish, Henry Messenger
  • Patent number: 8811991
    Abstract: A wireless communications device is disclosed. The wireless communications device is configured to support a call over a cellular network or an IP network to a remote communications device. The wireless communications device is further configured to handoff the call between the cellular network and the IP network. An Interworking Function (IWF) is configured to maintain a call between a wireless communications device and a communications device as the wireless communications device is handed off between a cellular network and an IP network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Nikhil Jain, Avneesh Agrawal, Ahmad Jalali, Charles A. Bergan
  • Patent number: 8798605
    Abstract: Devices, methods, and programmed instructions useful for transferring an end of an existing call session from a wireless handheld telephony device to a second device, such as a desk phone. The second device provides information useful for transferring the call directly to the handheld device on which the call session is established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: David Lloyd Heit, Eric Martin Ritter
  • Patent number: 8798660
    Abstract: Processing an incoming request message and transmitting outgoing request messages to telephony devices located in various different geographic regions of a telephony system are provided. The telephony devices include at least one group of potential recipient telephony devices. A group of potential recipient devices include mobile telephony devices that can move between the various different geographic regions. An incoming request message comprising a telephony party identifier is received. The telephony party identifier is recognized as a telephony party identifier to be subject to location-based processing. A subgroup, including a plurality of potential recipient telephony devices currently within one or more target geographic regions associated with the recognized telephony party identifier, of the group of potential recipient telephony devices is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Metaswitch Networks Ltd.
    Inventor: Paul John Brittain
  • Patent number: 8798604
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus that utilize distributed locater, alert, repeater, and/or call technologies for communication devices are presented herein. A base component can be configured to receive a message at a base unit, the message corresponding to at least one of a call directed to a wireless communication device or another message directed to at least one of the wireless communication device or a wired communication device. The base component can distribute an alert to at least one remote unit based on the message. A remote component can be configured to receive the alert at the at least one remote unit, and broadcast the alert or another alert from the at least one remote unit. An interface component can be configured to receive an input at the at least one remote unit based on the alert. Further, the remote component can be configured to transmit a response based on the input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: Max Faulkner, Erick Haughn, John Lewis
  • Patent number: 8798603
    Abstract: A system and method for forwarding a telephone call includes routing a telephone call from a calling party to a first telephone of a called party. A determination may be made that the telephone call was not answered by the called party. A determination may be made as to whether the telephone call is to be forwarded to an unrelated second telephone within a predetermined distance of the first telephone. Geographic coordinates of the first telephone may be determined. A determination of geographic coordinates of at least one second telephone may be made. A determination as to whether the at least one unrelated second telephone is within the predetermined distance of the first telephone. An unrelated second telephone determined to be within the predetermined distance of the first telephone may be selected. The telephone call may be forwarded to the selected unrelated second telephone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Johnny Hawkins, Rich Schermerhom, Victoria M. Toner, Shekhar Gupta, Mike A. Roberts
  • Patent number: 8793388
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for processing a call to an aggregate endpoint device over a network are disclosed. For example, the method receives a session request by a Serving-Call Session Control Function (S-CSCF), wherein a route header for the session request comprises an aggregate endpoint identifier, and interacts with an application server to receive a Public User Identity (PUID) of the aggregate endpoint device in accordance with the aggregate endpoint identifier. The method performs a termination processing for the session request using the PUID of the aggregate endpoint device, and forwards the session request towards the aggregate endpoint device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Steven A. Siegel, Nancy E. Lambros, Leopold Strahs
  • Patent number: 8787898
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for remotely configuring selective call features includes receiving a selective call feature request message addressed to a feature configuration address associated with a first communication device from a second communication device. The selective call feature request message includes a selective call feature command. The method further includes enabling a selective call feature indicated by the selective call feature command for the first communication device. In various embodiments, the selective call feature request message is a text message. In some embodiments, the method further includes sending a selective call feature acknowledgment message to the second communication device. The selective call feature acknowledgment message indicates that the selective call feature is enabled for the first communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Shekhar Gupta, Mike A. Roberts, Victoria M. Toner, Jim Kevin Edwards
  • Patent number: 8787876
    Abstract: An adult associated with a mobile station of a minor is allowed to monitor and control the multimedia content, such as multimedia messaging service (MMS) message content, that is accessible via the minor's mobile station. A mobile station of the minor may be identified as such in the network information associated with that station's mobile number. The information for the minor's mobile station also identifies a mobile station of an associated adult. An MMS message addressed for delivery to the mobile station of the minor is first sent to the mobile station of the associated adult. This enables the adult to determine if the content of the MMS message is approved for delivery to the minor. If the adult approves the MMS content, the MMS message is forwarded to the minor's mobile station, but the MMS message is not forwarded to the minor if the adult disapproves of the content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Cellco Partnership
    Inventors: Carlos A. Cazanas, Azam Khan, Brian Tims
  • Patent number: 8787890
    Abstract: A method for saving number applied to a handheld electronic device is provided. The method has the following steps. An entered number is shown on a screen of the handheld electronic device. Whether the entered number is one of saved numbers is determined. If the entered number is not corresponding to one of the saved numbers, a save button is shown on the screen, and the entered number is saved after the save button is triggered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: HTC Corporation
    Inventor: Yuan-Mao Tsui
  • Publication number: 20140199978
    Abstract: A system and a method for processing calls. The system comprises a database including: a plurality of telephony identifiers; and for each telephony identifier, information regarding a group of persons that is associated with the telephony identifier, each person of the group of persons being reachable by placing a call to the telephony identifier, the Information comprising, for each person of the group of persons, information related to processing of calls involving the person. The system also comprises a processing element having access to the database and being operative for: determining that a given call involves a particular person of the group of persons that is associated with a given one of the telephony identifiers; and processing the given call based on the information related to processing of calls involving the particular person.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Inventors: David William CLARK, Eric John WOLF, Yannick LESSARD, Danica ROGERS, Nathan Gerald ARCHER, Jonathan Allan ARSENAULT, Luan Cao Tuong NGUYEN