Search Patents
  • Method and apparatus for providing an audible calling party identification for a call waiting service
    Patent number: 7639790
    Abstract: The present invention enables users of packet-switched network services, e.g., VoIP network services, to hear a very gentle whispering tone that quietly conveys the identity of the calling party when they are engaged in conversation and to receive a call-waiting signal. The tone is audible only to the called party but does not mute the ongoing conversation path. This enables subscribed users to hear their ongoing conversation while receiving the whispering tone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: AT&T Corp.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STORING USER SELECTED VIDEO CONTENT
    Publication number: 20140165084
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling registered users to select and purchase video sessions from a network to be viewed from any video display devices connected to the network are disclosed. Specifically, these purchased video sessions can be stored within the network and accessed from any viewable display device connected to any video endpoint device at any time upon the users' request. In one embodiment, the stored video sessions can be downloaded and recorded onto a recording medium for future use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for providing customer configurable Quality of Service settings of customer premise based equipment
    Publication number: 20070047527
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a method for precedence-based Quality of Service (QoS) to become a customer configurable parameter on network interfacing premise equipment, such as a Terminal Adapter (TA), a customer gateway or a customer router is disclosed. The invention enables customers to dynamically adjust the QoS level of voice traffic handling by premise based access equipment from an access perspective as a function of their specific requirements, e.g., on either a call by call basis, a time of day basis, or a day of the week basis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for routing a call to a subject matter expert via a packet network
    Patent number: 8565409
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for routing a call to a subject matter expert via a packet network is described. In one embodiment, a request to route said at least one call to the SME is received. A predefined location associated with the SME is also obtained. The call is then routed to a foreign Internet Protocol gateway associated with the predefined foreign location to communicate with the SME.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for dynamically adjusting broadband access bandwidth
    Patent number: 8654788
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a method to enable subscribers of broadband access services, such as Digital Subscriber Loop based or Cable based broadband access services, to dynamically reconfigure their access arrangements as a function of the bandwidth usage of subscribers are disclosed. The present invention provides a method for broadband service providers to dynamically adjust access bandwidth allocation for subscribers by monitoring access bandwidth usage by subscribers and dynamically adjust the needed access bandwidth for the subscribers accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING DISASTER RECOVERY USING NETWORK PEERING ARRANGEMENTS
    Publication number: 20120300770
    Abstract: The present invention enables network providers to create peering arrangements with other providers that allow them to fail over to other networks in the event of a site failure. This invention would lower the cost to provide site diversity within a provider's network by allowing cost sharing between the provider's network and other networks. For example, when an Application Server (AS) in a network fails, the network provider can send a call to a partner's network and uses an AS in the partner's network to process the call request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: AT&T Corp.
    Inventors: Marian CROAK, Hossein ESLAMBOLCHI
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING ACCESS OF NETWORK BASED RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION
    Publication number: 20130013746
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling consumers to scan RFID tags using home based endpoint devices that can transmit the scanned information to network based services are disclosed. Using the RFID scanned information, consumers can then access, retrieve and view additional information regarding products, in which RFIDs are embedded, on video display devices, such as televisions or video display monitors. This product related information can include interactive technical support, companion product information, or instructional guidelines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: AT&T Corporation
    Inventors: MARIAN CROAK, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for providing automatic crankback for emergency calls
    Patent number: 7447160
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for automating test procedures to determine if non-emergency signaling message processing errors impact emergency calls, e.g., E911 calls, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the present method alerts network engineers so that crankback procedures to alternative routes can be instituted when these E911 call impacting error conditions are detected in a network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: AT&T Corp.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for providing special call handling for valued customers of retailers
    Patent number: 8520811
    Abstract: The present invention enables users of a network service to register with the network as valued shoppers, thereby allowing them to receive specialized treatment when calling registered retailers. The present invention enables retailers to register with the network, thereby allowing them to set preferred service logic for handling valued customer calls by the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for ubiquitous access to dialing plans for enterprise networks
    Patent number: 8750479
    Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for providing at least one network endpoint of an enterprise customer network access to at least one dialing plan. Specifically, the method comprises receiving at least one dialing plan request from the at least one network endpoint, retrieving at least one address mapping in response to the at least one dialing plan request, and responding to the at least one dialing plan request using the at least one address mapping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for providing an audible calling party identification for a call waiting service
    Patent number: 8379817
    Abstract: The present invention enables users of packet-switched network services, e.g., VoIP network services, to hear a very gentle whispering tone that quietly conveys the identity of the calling party when they are engaged in conversation and to receive a call-waiting signal. The tone is audible only to the called party but does not mute the ongoing conversation path. This enables subscribed users to hear their ongoing conversation while receiving the whispering tone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for integrating customer care inquiries across different media types
    Publication number: 20070047528
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for integrating queries across different media types so that the response time performance of a customer care agent, such as time to respond and/or time to repair can be uniformly measured are disclosed. The present method can provide configurable time to respond and time to repair targets on a per media type basis or on a per queue basis across all different media types. Individual media type and/or queue thresholds can be set and alarms and notifications can be triggered when customer care agents exceed these thresholds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for enabling the receipt of phone calls behind a network address translation device
    Patent number: 8737381
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling users behind NAT devices to receive unsolicited VoIP calls by allowing the VoIP network to dynamically open a temporary tunnel between the users' VoIP endpoint and the VoIP network for the subscriber to receive call set up messages and media streams from other callers are disclosed. An unsolicited call is a call that can be originated from any calling party endpoint. Once the call is finished, the temporary tunnel will be closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for monitoring and the prevention of call storms in a communications network
    Patent number: 7593343
    Abstract: The present invention allows monitoring and the prevention of call storms in a communications network, e.g., a VoIP network. More specifically, the present invention enables a VoIP network to monitor the calling pattern, e.g., the number of calls within a period of time that occurs between the same endpoints. If the number of calls exceed a certain threshold, then these calls with the same endpoints will be terminated and an alarm notification will be sent, e.g., to a network operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: AT&T Corp.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATING THE DETECTION AND CLEARANCE OF CONGESTION IN A COMMUNICATION NETWORK
    Publication number: 20100097927
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a network to determine the call volume rate versus the call blocking rate on a predefined time interval basis over multiple predefined time intervals are disclosed. For example, if call blocking rates do not show a progressive trend of decline as call volume rates decline over multiple predefined time intervals, an alarm can be generated and corrective actions to flush out congested signaling message queues can be initiated to return the network to normal operating conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: MARIAN CROAK, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for automating the detection and clearance of congestion in a communication network
    Patent number: 7664033
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a network to determine the call volume rate versus the call blocking rate on a predefined time interval basis over multiple predefined time intervals are disclosed. For example, if call blocking rates do not show a progressive trend of decline as call volume rates decline over multiple predefined time intervals, an alarm can be generated and corrective actions to flush out congested signaling message queues can be initiated to return the network to normal operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: AT&T Corp.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for enabling dynamic codec selection on a per application basis
    Patent number: 7733850
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling dynamic codec selection on a per application basis are disclosed. Specifically, before establishing call legs to connect VoIP endpoints, the Call Control Element (CCE) consults any invoked application server to determine the preferred codec method and communicates this preference to the appropriate Border Elements involved in the call. The preferred codec method is then negotiated between the corresponding calls legs while the call media path is being established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for providing automatic crankback for emergency calls
    Patent number: 7843841
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for automating test procedures to determine if non-emergency signaling message processing errors impact emergency calls, e.g., E911 calls, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the present method alerts network engineers so that crankback procedures to alternative routes can be instituted when these E911 call impacting error conditions are detected in a network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for routing calls to an alternative endpoint during network disruptions
    Publication number: 20060251053
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling calls destined for a terminating point on a packet network, e.g., a VoIP network, that is experiencing a service disruption to be forwarded by the network to another endpoint is disclosed. The method enables subscribers to register an alternative number, such as a cell phone number, a relative's phone number, or a work number, that the network can use to forward calls in the event of a service disruption. In one embodiment, the provider can even use an alternative transport network, such as the PSTN, to forward these calls until the VoIP network service is restored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Publication date: November 9, 2006
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ROUTING CALLS TO AN ALTERNATIVE ENDPOINT DURING NETWORK DISRUPTIONS
    Publication number: 20100098067
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling calls destined for a terminating point on a packet network, e.g., a VoIP network, that is experiencing a service disruption to be forwarded by the network to another endpoint is disclosed. The method enables subscribers to register an alternative number, such as a cell phone number, a relative's phone number, or a work number, that the network can use to forward calls in the event of a service disruption. In one embodiment, the provider can even use an alternative transport network, such as the PSTN, to forward these calls until the VoIP network service is restored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: MARIAN CROAK, HOSSEIN ESLAMBOLCHI
Narrow Results

Filter by US Classification