Patents Assigned to Securus Technologies, Inc.
  • Patent number: 9922048
    Abstract: Embodiments use pictures of detainees and automatically scan image databases to detect when a detainee has a criminal record and to alert controlled-environment facility personnel to that record. A picture of the detainee is captured during booking or at another time. The picture is compared to a database of images of individuals with criminal records. If the picture matches an existing image in the database, then information associated with the matching image is provided to the controlled-environment facility personnel. The information is analyzed to identify key issues, such as active warrants. The controlled-environment facility personnel are alerted to any such key information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Securus Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Danny C. Milliorn
  • Patent number: 9924135
    Abstract: Rules-based systems and methods for video visitation. In some embodiments, a method may include receiving a request for a video visitation between a resident and a non-resident of a controlled-environment facility, identifying, among a plurality of predetermined rules, one or more rules that are applicable to the request, and evaluating the request based upon the one or more identified rules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Securus Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Richard Smith
  • Patent number: 9916462
    Abstract: The present embodiments describe methods and systems for intercepting unauthorized communications in a controlled-environment facility. Unauthorized communications may originate from contraband cell phones, for example. In an embodiment, attempted communications from the contraband communication device are intercepted by the facility communication systems. The attempted communication may or may not be connected or completed, depending upon facility rules, policies, and regulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Securus Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Adam C. Edwards
  • Patent number: 9866607
    Abstract: A system for receiving satellite radio signals and/or internet content and extracting a plurality of channels from the satellite radio signals and/or internet content is disclosed. The content of the channels is converted to IP packets and streamed across an Ethernet network. In one embodiment, each of the channels is associated with an IP address or port. Users receive the content of the channels by selecting the IP address or port associated with the desired content. An administrator may control the channels that are available to the users. In one embodiment, the users each have a subscription to access the content, and the subscription may control the channels that the user access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Securus Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Keiser, Scott Passe
  • Publication number: 20170374196
    Abstract: Inbound call processing systems and methods for processing inbound calls to controlled-environment facility resident media and/or communications devices employ an inbound resident call server configured to host inbound calling accounts established by non-residents, receive inbound calls from the non-residents, route the inbound calls to an authenticating server, confirm that the resident device is active, and connect the inbound resident call system with the resident device if active or inform the non-resident the resident is not available if not. The inbound resident call server also connects the non-resident inbound call with the resident device if the non-resident is associated with the inbound calling account, the inbound calling account is associated with an address identifier of the resident device and the resident's personal identification number is associated with the address identifier of the resident device, all of which may be authenticated by the authenticating server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: Securus Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Keiser, Scott Passe, Krishna Balantrapu
  • Patent number: 9854087
    Abstract: Systems and methods for identification of a controlled-environment facility resident in possession of a contraband communications device capture or otherwise accept managed access data and/or contraband communications device assessment data for contraband communications devices operating in the controlled-environment facility. Controlled-environment facility resident call data for each resident of the controlled-environment facility is gathered from the controlled-environment facility resident communications system. Correlations in the managed access data and/or assessment data with the controlled-environment facility resident communications system call data are analyzed to identify each resident of the controlled-environment facility in possession of a contraband communications device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Securus Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kelly S. Solid, Mark Baker
  • Patent number: 9832605
    Abstract: Systems and methods for developing, deploying, providing, and/or operating location-based services are disclosed. A computer system receives a search request for location information associated with a wireless device. The search request is received from a requesting party, such as an investigator or law enforcement officer. The search request includes an indication of exigent circumstances. A service provider associated with the wireless device is identified. A notification message is generated comprising information associated with the search request. The notification message is provided to at least one notification party, who is other than the requesting party. When approval is received from the notification party, location information is obtained from the service provider. The location information may be provided to the notification party. When approval is received from the notification party, the location information is provided to the requesting party.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Securus Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Mathew D. Anderson
  • Patent number: 9832318
    Abstract: Systems and methods provide a resident of a controlled-environment facility with voice messaging. The facility provides the resident with voice communication services. In response to a request by a resident for a voice communication with a non-resident, a call request to the non-resident may be initiated. In certain scenarios, the non-resident is unable to accept the call request. If a voice message is authorized, the resident is allowed to record a voice message for the non-resident. Certain restrictions may limit the resident to selecting from automated voice messages. A notification of the recorded voice message is dispatched to the non-resident. The notification identifies a unique link that directs the non-resident to a voice message retrieval system that allows the resident to retrieve and listen to the voice message recorded by the resident. The voice message recording remains under the control of the controlled-environment facility based on applicable security policies and procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Securus Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Smith, Alexander Noland
  • Patent number: 9819756
    Abstract: Systems and methods for dissemination of information from a controlled-environment facility may offer a non-resident and/or resident an option to subscribe to notifications about a particular resident of a controlled-environment facility and/or notifications about the controlled-environment facility. Identification and contact information may be accepted from the non-resident to establish the non-resident as a paid or non-paid subscriber to notifications about the resident and/or the controlled-environment facility. A determination may be made, or an indication may be received from a controlled-environment facility administration and management system, when information about the resident hosted by the controlled-environment administration and management system changes and/or when a change is made to information about the controlled-environment facility. As a result, the subscriber is contacted and notified of the change(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Securus Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Katie Welker-Muraguri, Luke Keiser, Matthew Smith
  • Patent number: 9813551
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention facilitates the investigation of networks of criminals, by gathering associations between phone numbers, the names of persons reached at those phone numbers, and voice print data. In another aspect the invention automatically detects phone calls from a prison where the voiceprint of the person called matches the voiceprint of a past inmate. In another aspect the invention detects identity scams in prisons, by monitoring for known voice characteristics of likely imposters on phone calls made by prisoners. In another aspect, the invention automatically does speech-to-text conversion of phone numbers spoken within a predetermined time of detecting data indicative of a three-way call event while monitoring a phone call from a prison inmate. In another aspect, the invention automatically thwarts attempts of prison inmates to use re-dialing services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Securus Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay Gainsboro, Lee Weinstein, Charles Barrasso
  • Patent number: 9800721
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention facilitates the investigation of networks of criminals, by gathering associations between phone numbers, the names of persons reached at those phone numbers, and voice print data. In another aspect the invention automatically detects phone calls from a prison where the voiceprint of the person called matches the voiceprint of a past inmate. In another aspect the invention detects identity scams in prisons, by monitoring for known voice characteristics of likely imposters on phone calls made by prisoners. In another aspect, the invention automatically does speech-to-text conversion of phone numbers spoken within a predetermined time of detecting data indicative of a three-way call event while monitoring a phone call from a prison inmate. In another aspect, the invention automatically thwarts attempts of prison inmates to use re-dialing services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Securus Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay Gainsboro, Lee Davis Weinstein, Ken Sinclair, Charles Barrasso
  • Publication number: 20170302885
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing remote visitation and other services to non-residents of controlled-environment facilities via display devices. In some embodiments, a method may include performing, by one or more computer systems, receiving a command to initiate a remote visitation session between a resident and a non-resident of a controlled-environment facility, and enabling the non-resident's participation in the remote visitation session, wherein the non-resident participates in the remote visitation session using a display device selected from the group consisting of: a display device set, a projector, and a monitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Applicant: Securus Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Adam C. Edwards
  • Patent number: 9787656
    Abstract: Embodiments of intelligent facility devices for use in controlled facility environments are described. In various embodiments, the intelligent facility devices provide limited or controlled access to data networks for inmates of a controlled facility. An embodiment of a method may include receiving a request for access to a network from a user interface device. The method may also include determining an authorized duration of network access for the user interface device. Additionally, the method may include establishing a temporary network access session between the user interface device and the network for the authorized duration of network access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Securus Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Keiser, Scott Passe
  • Patent number: 9774733
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to communication systems and methods that allow a resident of a controlled environment facility to report a past, on-going or threatened crime, such as a rape. The resident is able to make the report using a facility communications system without alerting other residents of the controlled environment facility that the crime has been reported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Securus Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Keiser, Adam Christopher Edwards
  • Publication number: 20170264448
    Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating family communications in a controlled-environment facility. In some embodiments, a method may include receiving a request for an electronic communication between a resident and a non-resident of a controlled-environment facility, identifying that the non-resident is the resident's child or parent and, in response to the identification, enabling a family counseling provider to access the electronic communication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Applicant: Securus Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Keiser, Ted Hull, Matthew Richard Smith
  • Publication number: 20170264753
    Abstract: Systems and methods which detect unauthorized, impermissible, or otherwise undesired call activity through the use of one or more third-party databases are shown. For example, a controlled environment facility information management system may access a database external thereto, such as a victim notification database, which is created and maintained by a third party unrelated to the controlled environment facility. Such third-party database access may be accomplished at the point of call validation or caller verification for determining the treatment of the call (e.g., allowed, blocked, allowed with limitations, etcetera). Such call treatment determinations may be made with respect a particular prisoner or other resident of the controlled environment facility making the call, may be made with respect to all calls made from a particular controlled environment facility, may be made with respect to a group of controlled environment facilities, etcetera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Applicant: Securus Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Rae, John J. Viola, Richard Falcone
  • Publication number: 20170257485
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing emergency communications within controlled-environment facilities are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method may include providing a communication platform. The communication platform may be configured to, in a first mode of operation, enable communications between devices (e.g., telephones, etc.) operated by residents (e.g., inmates, etc.) of a controlled environment facility (e.g., jail, prison, etc.) and devices (e.g., telephones, etc.) operated by non-residents of the controlled environment facility. The method may also include switching the communication platform from the first mode of operation to an emergency mode of operation. In the emergency mode of operation, the communication platform may be configured to enable an emergency communication from a first device operated by a resident of the controlled environment facility to a second device controlled by emergency response personnel (e.g., hostage negotiator, counselor, police officer, etc.).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2017
    Publication date: September 7, 2017
    Applicant: Securus Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Adam Christopher Edwards
  • Publication number: 20170251100
    Abstract: An inbound call connection request may be received from a non-resident, directed to a controlled-environment facility resident and/or the resident's device. A determination may be made that a calling account of the resident does not have sufficient funds to pay for the inbound call, whereupon a message may be provided to the non-resident offering billing options, including at least a wireless carrier billing option, to complete the call connection. The call may be connected with the resident device in response to a determination a calling account of the inmate has sufficient funds to pay for the call or acceptance of one of the payment methods by the non-resident, along with authentication that the non-resident is associated with an address identifier (AID) of the resident device, and verification that the resident operating the device is associated with the AID of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: Securus Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Keiser, Scott Passe, Krishna Balantrapu, Alexander Noland
  • Patent number: 9742910
    Abstract: Inbound call processing systems and methods for processing inbound calls to controlled-environment facility resident media and/or communications devices employ an inbound resident call server configured to host inbound calling accounts established by non-residents, receive inbound calls from the non-residents, route the inbound calls to an authenticating server, confirm that the resident device is active, and connect the inbound resident call system with the resident device if active or inform the non-resident the resident is not available if not. The inbound resident call server also connects the non-resident inbound call with the resident device if the non-resident is associated with the inbound calling account, the inbound calling account is associated with an address identifier of the resident device and the resident's personal identification number is associated with the address identifier of the resident device, all of which may be authenticated by the authenticating server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Securus Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Keiser, Scott Passe, Krishna Balantrapu
  • Patent number: 9736428
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing remote visitation and other services to non-residents of controlled-environment facilities via display devices. In some embodiments, a method may include performing, by one or more computer systems, receiving a command to initiate a remote visitation session between a resident and a non-resident of a controlled-environment facility, and enabling the non-resident's participation in the remote visitation session, wherein the non-resident participates in the remote visitation session using a display device selected from the group consisting of: a display device set, a projector, and a monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Securus Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Adam C. Edwards