Patents by Inventor Stephen Hodge

Stephen Hodge has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20180213090
    Abstract: Disclosed is a voice message exchange system and method for improving communication between an inmate and a third party by enabling the inmate to leave a message when a call is not answered and further allowing the third party who receives the message to reply with a message to the inmate. Additionally, outside parties that meet the institution's requirements can leave messages for inmates at any time. The present invention can be used as an add-on to legacy inmate call management systems or incorporated internally into an inmate call management system. The system also provides monitoring, controlling, recording, and billing means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Publication date: July 26, 2018
    Applicant: Value-Added Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen HODGE, David Woody
  • Publication number: 20180198908
    Abstract: There is a growing problem in correctional facility telecommunications systems in which parties on a voice call may connect inmate callers with restricted parties. Prison communication systems monitor calls to prevent such activity, but in Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) environments such systems may fail to detect this activity. The present disclosure provides details of a system and method for using SIP messages common in VoIP environments to detect illicit activity initiated by a party on a voice call within a controlled environment. Scenarios are detected in which a called party connects an inmate caller to a restricted party via three-way call conferencing, call forwarding, or other call features. Corrective actions are then taken when such activity is detected, such as call blocking or alerting officials illicit activity is occurring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Applicant: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen HODGE, Eric GONZALEZ
  • Publication number: 20180159972
    Abstract: A communication device and system are disclosed for providing communication and data services to residents of a controlled facility. The device can be restricted to communicating only using an internet protocol so as to restrict the device communication to an internal intranet. Wireless access points may be disposed throughout the environment to route calls and data between the device and a central processing center. By converting a protocol of the communications received from the device to a protocol used by the central processing center, minimal modifications to the central processing center are needed to support a wireless communication infrastructure. Many restrictions and safeguards may be implemented within the phone and system in order to prevent improper use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Applicant: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen HODGE, Garth Johnson, Christopher McNitt
  • Patent number: 9967291
    Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for secure electronic message exchange including coupling a control platform to a workstation of a plurality of workstations via a communications medium, where the control platform includes one or more apparatuses for monitoring, controlling, conversion, and billing, related to messages exchanged between a plurality of local users and a plurality of remote users. The system prevents forwarding or copying of a message sent by a local user of the plurality of local users and received by a remote user of the plurality of remote users, to another party by the control platform. The system and method also provides for authenticating the remote user with the control platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Hodge, David Woody
  • Publication number: 20180092863
    Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a compound of formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3 and n have meanings given in the description, or a pharmaceutically acceptable solvate, salt or prodrug thereof for use as an anticoagulant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: Stephen HODGES, Robin SOPER
  • Patent number: 9930088
    Abstract: Controlled-environment communication systems are increasingly using voice over internet protocol (VoIP) to serve their users. VoIP allows voice to be sent in packetized form, where audio is encoded using one of several codecs. Because of bandwidth constraints, particularly during peak call times, codecs may be used which sacrifice audio quality for bandwidth efficiency. As a result, several features of communication systems, including critical security features. The present disclosure provides details for systems and methods by which a controlled-environment communication system may shift between codecs to perform security-related features or to alleviate bandwidth considerations. This involves the special formatting of control-signaling messages, including session initiation protocol (SIP) and session description protocol (SDP) messaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen Hodge
  • Patent number: 9923932
    Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for secure electronic message exchange including coupling a control platform to a workstation of a plurality of workstations via a communications medium, where the control platform includes one or more apparatuses for monitoring, controlling, conversion, and billing, related to messages exchanged between a plurality of local users and a plurality of remote users. The system prevents forwarding or copying of a message sent by a local user of the plurality of local users and received by a remote user of the plurality of remote users, to another party by the control platform. The system and method also provides for authenticating the remote user with the control platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Hodge, David Woody
  • Patent number: 9888108
    Abstract: A communication device and system are disclosed for providing communication and data services to residents of a controlled facility. The device can be restricted to communicating only using an internet protocol so as to restrict the device communication to an internal intranet. Wireless access points may be disposed throughout the environment to route calls and data between the device and a central processing center. By converting a protocol of the communications received from the device to a protocol used b r central processing center, minimal modifications to the central processing center are needed to support a wireless communication infrastructure. Many restrictions and safeguards may be implemented within the phone and system in order to prevent improper use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Hodge, Garth Johnson, Christopher McNitt
  • Patent number: 9876900
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a centralized, digital, computer-based telephone call management system for authenticating users of a telephone system in an institutional facility. The system includes the capacity to allow an institution to control, record, monitor, and bill and report usage and access to a telephone network. The telephone call management system further includes both accounting and management software for use in controlling, monitoring, billing, recording, and reporting usage and access. Also, it can operate over both a Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) and a Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) infrastructure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen Hodge
  • Patent number: 9876915
    Abstract: Disclosed is a voice message exchange system and method for improving communication between an inmate and a third party by enabling the inmate to leave a message when a call is not answered and further allowing the third party who receives the message to reply with a message to the inmate. Additionally, outside parties that meet the institution's requirements can leave messages for inmates at any time. The present invention can be used as an add-on to legacy inmate call management systems or incorporated internally into an inmate call management system. The system also provides monitoring, controlling, recording, and billing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Value-Added Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Hodge, David Woody
  • Patent number: 9871915
    Abstract: Disclosed is a voice message exchange system and method for improving communication between an inmate and a third party by enabling the inmate to leave a message when a call is not answered and further allowing the third party who receives the message to reply with a message to the inmate. Additionally, outside parties that meet the institution's requirements can leave messages for inmates at any time. The present invention can be used as an add-on to legacy inmate call management systems or incorporated internally into an inmate call management system. The system also provides monitoring, controlling, recording, and billing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Value Added Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Hodge, David Woody
  • Patent number: 9866683
    Abstract: There is a growing problem in correctional facility telecommunications systems in which parties on a voice call may connect inmate callers with restricted parties. Prison communication systems monitor calls to prevent such activity, but in Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) environments such systems may fail to detect this activity. The present disclosure provides details of a system and method for using SIP messages common in VoIP environments to detect illicit activity initiated by a party on a voice call within a controlled environment. Scenarios are detected in which a called party connects an inmate caller to a restricted party via three-way call conferencing, call forwarding, or other call features. Corrective actions are then taken when such activity is detected, such as call blocking or alerting officials illicit activity is occurring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Hodge, Eric Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 9866680
    Abstract: A communication device and system are disclosed for providing communication and data services to residents of a controlled facility. The device can be restricted to communicating only using an internet protocol so as to restrict the device communication to an internal intranet. Wireless access points may be disposed throughout the environment to route calls and data between the device and a central processing center. By converting a protocol of the communications received from the device to a protocol used by the central processing center, minimal modifications to the central processing center are needed to support a wireless communication infrastructure. Many restrictions and safeguards may be implemented within the phone and system in order to prevent improper use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Hodge, Garth Johnson, Christopher McNitt
  • Patent number: 9851809
    Abstract: User interface control using a keyboard is described. In an embodiment, a user interface displayed on a display device is controlled using a computer connected to a keyboard. The keyboard has a plurality of alphanumeric keys that can be used for text entry. The computer receives data comprising a sequence of key-presses from the keyboard, and generates for each key-press a physical location on the keyboard. The relative physical locations of the key-presses are compared to calculate a movement path over the keyboard. The movement path describes the path of a user's digit over the keyboard. The movement path is mapped to a sequence of coordinates in the user interface, and the movement of an object displayed in the user interface is controlled in accordance with the sequence of coordinates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Harper LaFave, Stephen Hodges, James Scott, Shahram Izadi, David Molyneaux, Nicolas Villar, David Alexander Butler, Mike Hazas
  • Publication number: 20170346940
    Abstract: A communication device and system are disclosed for providing communication and data services to residents of a controlled facility. The device can be restricted to communicating only using an internet protocol so as to restrict the device communication to an internal intranet. Wireless access points may be disposed throughout the environment to route calls and data between the device and a central processing center. By converting a protocol of the communications received from the device to a protocol used by the central processing center, minimal modifications to the central processing center are needed to support a wireless communication infrastructure. Many restrictions and safeguards may be implemented within the phone and system in order to prevent improper use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen HODGE, Garth Johnson, Christopher Mcnitt
  • Publication number: 20170323070
    Abstract: A system and method for integration of telemedicine into multimedia video visitation systems of correctional facilities is disclosed herein. The system includes a telemedicine center that communicates with a medical center located at a correctional facility and a physician kiosk remote to the correctional facility. The medical center includes an inmate kiosk and a medical assistant station. The inmate kiosk and physician kiosk participate in a secure video call as part of an appointment between the inmate and physician. The inmate kiosk coordinates with the telemedicine center to verify an identity of the inmate. The inmate kiosk interfaces with a number of medical sensors and communicates data collected from the sensors to the physician kiosk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventor: Stephen Hodge
  • Patent number: 9807123
    Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for secure electronic message exchange including coupling a control platform to a workstation of a plurality of workstations via a communications medium, where the control platform includes one or more apparatuses for monitoring, controlling, conversion, and billing, related to messages exchanged between a plurality of local users and a plurality of remote users. The system prevents forwarding or copying of a message sent by a local user of the plurality of local users and received by a remote user of the plurality of remote users, to another party by the control platform. The system and method also provides for authenticating the remote user with the control platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Hodge, David Woody
  • Patent number: 9787724
    Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for secure electronic message exchange including coupling a control platform to a workstation of a plurality of workstations via a communications medium, where the control platform includes one or more apparatuses for monitoring, controlling, conversion, and billing, related to messages exchanged between a plurality of local users and a plurality of remote users. The system prevents forwarding or copying of a message sent by a local user of the plurality of local users and received by a remote user of the plurality of remote users, to another party by the control platform. The system and method also provides for authenticating the remote user with the control platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Global Tel*Link Corp.
    Inventors: Stephen Hodge, David Woody
  • Publication number: 20170289143
    Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for secure electronic message exchange including coupling a control platform to a workstation of a plurality of workstations via a communications medium, where the control platform includes one or more apparatuses for monitoring, controlling, conversion, and billing, related to messages exchanged between a plurality of local users and a plurality of remote users. The system prevents forwarding or copying of a message sent by a local user of the plurality of local users and received by a remote user of the plurality of remote users, to another party by the control platform. The system and method also provides for authenticating the remote user with the control platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Applicant: Global Tel*Link Corp.
    Inventors: Stephen Hodge, David Woody
  • Publication number: 20170279857
    Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for secure electronic message exchange including coupling a control platform to a workstation of a plurality of workstations via a communications medium, where the control platform includes one or more apparatuses for monitoring, controlling, conversion, and billing, related to messages exchanged between a plurality of local users and a plurality of remote users. The system prevents forwarding or copying of a message sent by a local user of the plurality of local users and received by a remote user of the plurality of remote users, to another party by the control platform. The system and method also provides for authenticating the remote user with the control platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Inventors: Stephen HODGE, David Woody