Search Patents
  • Method and apparatus for enabling global telephony capabilities in communication networks
    Patent number: 8576832
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a network service provider, e.g., a VoIP network provider, to create configuration files containing network based parameters that support global telephony capabilities (e.g., in country services) such as in country ring tones, dialing patterns, network announcements, and signaling tones that can be offered to users who want in country telephony capabilities independent of their location is disclosed. These global telephony capability configurations can be downloaded to intelligent IP phones or based in the VoIP network for access by subscribers' telephony devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING EMERGENCY RING TONES FOR URGENT CALLS
    Publication number: 20100098065
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling calling parties to request the VoIP network to provide a special ring tone to be signaled as the occurrence of an urgent call to called parties are disclosed. Alternatively, a high frequency intercept tone or call waiting tone is also provided when the called parties are already engaged in conversation when an urgent call is incoming.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for routing calls to an alternative endpoint during network disruptions
    Patent number: 8638656
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for monitoring client software usage in end user device
    Patent number: 9014053
    Abstract: The present invention enables a capability for packet-switched network service providers, e.g., VoIP network service providers, to monitor the CPE application usage of their subscriber to ensure that changes to the network do not interfere with these applications and to potentially provide changes to the network to enhance these premise based applications. Monitoring software will be installed in the CPE to monitor upgrades and features installed by the end users so that any potential impact to these applied applications can be assessed before a VoIP network upgrade is carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    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
    Patent number: 8064452
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for dynamically providing comfort noise
    Patent number: 7668714
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for dynamically enabling the activation and deactivation of comfort noise over a VoIP media path or channel are disclosed. The present method detects all sound levels in the media path and only activates the comfort noise in the absence of sound and when the background noise level or the telephone line noise level is low rather than only in the absence of speech.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: AT&T Corp.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for notifying the calling party about the status of the called endpoint
    Publication number: 20060182257
    Abstract: The present invention enables a packet-switched network, e.g., a VoIP network, to play a network announcement as to the true status of a subscribed residential user on busy or unanswered conditions. The called party can subscribe to this service feature so that callers, the calling parties, will be informed that either the user is busy or that the user is not present to receive a call.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Publication date: August 17, 2006
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING VOICE CONTROL FOR ACCESSING TELECONFERENCE SERVICES
    Publication number: 20090323561
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing access to teleconference services using voice recognition technology to receive information on packet networks such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Service over Internet Protocol (SoIP) networks are disclosed. In one embodiment, the service provider enables a caller to enter access information for accessing a conference service using at least one natural language response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for providing emergency calls to a disabled endpoint device
    Patent number: 7522717
    Abstract: The present invention enables the remote activation of a device by a packet-switched service, e.g., VoIP network service for the purposes of receiving calls identified as urgent from a pre-identified calling party when the device is disabled. The present invention enables registered users to select the calling parties they wish to receive emergency calls from.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: AT&T Corp.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for providing emergency ring tones for urgent calls
    Patent number: 7664237
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling calling parties to request the VoIP network to provide a special ring tone to be signaled as the occurrence of an urgent call to called parties are disclosed. Alternatively, a high frequency intercept tone or call waiting tone is also provided when the called parties are already engaged in conversation when an urgent call is incoming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: AT&T Corp.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for monitoring client software usage in end user device
    Patent number: 8457108
    Abstract: The present invention enables a capability for packet-switched network service providers, e.g., VoIP network service providers, to monitor the CPE application usage of their subscriber to ensure that changes to the network do not interfere with these applications and to potentially provide changes to the network to enhance these premise based applications. Monitoring software will be installed in the CPE to monitor upgrades and features installed by the end users so that any potential impact to these applied applications can be assessed before a VoIP network upgrade is carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for providing emergency calls to a disabled endpoint device
    Patent number: 7224773
    Abstract: The present invention enables the remote activation of a device by a packet-switched service, e.g., VoIP network service for the purposes of receiving calls identified as urgent from a pre-identified calling party when the device is disabled. The present invention enables registered users to select the calling parties they wish to receive emergency calls from.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: AT&T Corp.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for providing E911 services via network announcements
    Publication number: 20070201433
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing emergency services, e.g., E911 services, for nomadic users by utilizing network announcements to remind customers to update location information used to provide services on packet networks, such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Service over Internet Protocol (SoIP) networks, are disclosed. For example, the method enables the VoIP or SoIP service provider to detect a change in the IP address associated with either the broadband modem or the router through which a terminal adaptor is used to access services when a customer is logging on from a new location. In turn, the method sends a reminder network announcement message to the terminal adaptor, e.g., to be played when the terminal adaptor goes off-hook.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for enabling the network to disconnect unintentionally idle off-hook endpoints
    Publication number: 20060140171
    Abstract: The present invention enables a packet-switched network service provider, e.g., a VoIP network service provider, to periodically check the status of all registered endpoints and keep state information about them for a specified period of time. Phones that are off-hook and have been idle for some specified period of time will be placed on-hook by the network as a courtesy to the registered user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Publication date: June 29, 2006
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING E911 SERVICES VIA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS
    Publication number: 20100098062
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing emergency services, e.g., E911 services, for nomadic users by utilizing network announcements to remind customers to update location information used to provide services on packet networks, such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Service over Internet Protocol (SoIP) networks, are disclosed. For example, the method enables the VoIP or SoIP service provider to detect a change in the IP address associated with either the broadband modem or the router through which a terminal adaptor is used to access services when a customer is logging on from a new location. In turn, the method sends a reminder network announcement message to the terminal adaptor, e.g., to be played when the terminal adaptor goes off-hook.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: MARIAN CROAK, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for dynamically providing comfort noise
    Patent number: 7925503
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for dynamically enabling the activation and deactivation of comfort noise over a VoIP media path or channel are disclosed. The present method detects all sound levels in the media path and only activates the comfort noise in the absence of sound and when the background noise level or the telephone line noise level is low rather than only in the absence of speech.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING VOICE CONTROL FOR ACCESSING TELECONFERENCE SERVICES
    Publication number: 20120230226
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing access to teleconference services using voice recognition technology to receive information on packet networks such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Service over Internet Protocol (SoIP) networks are disclosed. In one embodiment, the service provider enables a caller to enter access information for accessing a conference service using at least one natural language response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: AT&T Corp.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Method and apparatus for providing emergency calls to a disabled endpoint device
    Patent number: 8130923
    Abstract: The present invention enables the remote activation of a device by a packet-switched service, e.g., VoIP network service for the purposes of receiving calls identified as urgent from a pre-identified calling party when the device is disabled. The present invention enables registered users to select the calling parties they wish to receive emergency calls from.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING VOICE CONTROL FOR ACCESSING TELECONFERENCE SERVICES
    Publication number: 20130336171
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing access to teleconference services using voice recognition technology to receive information on packet networks such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Service over Internet Protocol (SoIP) networks are disclosed. In one embodiment, the service provider enables a caller to enter access information for accessing a conference service using at least one natural language response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian CROAK, Hossein ESLAMBOLCHI
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ENABLING COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANCE FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT ACT SERVICES
    Publication number: 20130003614
    Abstract: The present invention enables packet-switched network providers, e.g., VoIP network providers, to use commonly deployed components and capabilities to support surveillance services, e.g., CALEA services. Specifically, signaling and media streams that flow through Border Elements can be forked and simultaneously redirected to a surveillance server, a CALEA Server in addition to the terminating endpoint. Additionally, a Media Server (MS) can unobtrusively join a third leg to a communication media path between the CALEA Server and the two, calling party and called party, endpoints. A CALEA Server provides the ability to identify and collect content of voice telephone calls traversing the VoIP Network, as mandated by the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: AT&T Corp.
    Inventors: MARIAN CROAK, Hossein Eslambolchi
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