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).

  • Multifunction Wireless Device
    Publication number: 20160381556
    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: September 9, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Applicant: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen HODGE, Garth JOHNSON, Christopher MCNITT
  • Multifunction Wireless Device
    Publication number: 20160381212
    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: September 9, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Applicant: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen HODGE, Garth JOHNSON, Christopher MCNITT
  • Indirect multi-touch interaction
    Patent number: 9513798
    Abstract: Indirect multi-touch interaction is described. In an embodiment, a user interface is controlled using a cursor and a touch region comprising a representation of one or more digits of a user. The cursor and the touch region are moved together in the user interface in accordance with data received from a cursor control device, such that the relative location of the touch region and the cursor is maintained. The representations of the digits of the user are moved in the touch region in accordance with data describing movement of the user's digits. In another embodiment, a user interface is controlled in a first mode of operation using an aggregate cursor, and switched to a second mode of operation in which the aggregate cursor is divided into separate portions, each of which can be independently controlled by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: John Helmes, Nicolas Villar, Hrvoje Benko, Shahram Izadi, Daniel Rosenfeld, Stephen Hodges, David Alexander Butler, Xiang Cao, Richard Banks
  • Multifunction Wireless Device
    Publication number: 20160219146
    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: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Applicant: Global Tel*Link Corp.
    Inventors: Stephen HODGE, Garth JOHNSON, Christopher MCNITT
  • Securely joining a secure wireless communications network
    Patent number: 9392450
    Abstract: Securely joining a secure wireless communications network is described, for example, where a printer or other device is securely added to a home wireless network. In various embodiments, a temporary wireless network is established between a new joiner device and a second wireless communications device which is already a member of a secure home wireless network. In an example, the temporary wireless network is set up using a secret key known to the new joiner device and the second wireless communications device by virtue of physical proximity. In various examples, the secure, temporary wireless network is used to transfer credentials of the secure home network to the new joiner device which then joins the home network. In an example the temporary wireless network is cancelled once the new joiner device becomes a member of the secure home (or other) wireless network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: James Scott, Alice Jane Bernheim Brush, Ratul Mahajan, Stephen Hodges
  • USER INTERFACE CONTROL USING A KEYBOARD
    Publication number: 20160195936
    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: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Publication date: July 7, 2016
    Inventors: Harper LaFave, Stephen Hodges, James Scott, Shahram Izadi, David Molyneaux, Nicolas Villar, David Alexander Butler, Mike Hazas
  • Code suggestions
    Patent number: 9383973
    Abstract: Code suggestion technique embodiments are presented that improve the productivity of a programmer by assisting in both the writing of code and in debugging the code as it is being written. In general, this is accomplished by automating a search of a database of the past work and problem solving activities of programmers to make suggestion to a programmer currently writing code. For example, as a programmer enters code, suggested ways of finishing a line or code section are presented based on how previous programmers finished a similar line or code section. Another example involves a programmer who encounters an error message while writing code. In such a case, the programmer is provided with a suggested fix or fixes, based on the actions taken by previous developers when encountering a similar problem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Nicolas Villar, James Scott, Stephen Hodges, Albrecht Schmidt
  • Electronic Messaging Exchange
    Publication number: 20160156625
    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: June 2, 2016
    Applicant: Global Tel*Link Corp.
    Inventors: Stephen Hodge, David Woody
  • Voice Message Exchange
    Publication number: 20160142537
    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: November 19, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Applicant: Value-Added Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen HODGE, David WOODY
  • Electronic messaging exchange
    Patent number: 9306883
    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: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Hodge, David Woody
  • Multifunction wireless device
    Patent number: 9307386
    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: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Hodge, Garth Johnson, Christopher McNitt
  • User interface control using a keyboard
    Patent number: 9292194
    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: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LC
    Inventors: Harper LaFave, Stephen Hodges, James Scott, Shahram Izadi, David Molyneaux, Nicolas Villar, David Alexander Butler, Mike Hazas
  • Optimizing battery use for known future load
    Patent number: 9285851
    Abstract: Methods for optimizing battery use for a known future load are described. In an embodiment, one or more battery cells are selected from a set of battery cells to provide power to a computing-based device. The battery cells are selected based on discharge profile data for each battery cell and both the current power requirement and a known future power requirement of the computing-based device. The known future power requirement is calculated based on information available to the operating system running on the computing-based device. In some examples, one or more battery cells may also be selected for charging when a power source is available and these cells may be selected based on charge profile data and the known future power requirement. The selection of the battery cells may also be made in order to satisfy a battery optimization goal, which may be defined by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Hodges, Ranveer Chandra, Julia Louise Meinershagen, James Scott
  • Voice message exchange
    Patent number: 9282188
    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: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Value-Added Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Hodge, David Woody
  • Multifunction Wireless Device
    Publication number: 20160066182
    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: November 6, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Applicant: Global Tel*Link Corp.
    Inventors: Stephen HODGE, Garth JOHNSON, Christopher McNITT
  • Digital Telecommunications Call Management and Monitoring System
    Publication number: 20150358457
    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: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Applicant: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen HODGE
  • System and Method for Authenticating Called Parties of Individuals Within a Controlled Environment
    Publication number: 20150319612
    Abstract: A method and system are described for enhancing the security of calls made by a member of a controlled environment to an outside party, particularly when the outside party communicates via a cellular phone. An application is provided for the cellular device, which must communicate and register with a calling platform of the controlled environment. Certain elements of personal verification data are obtained by the user of the cellular device and stored at the calling platform for later reference. Calls from the inmate to the cellular device cause the calling platform to issue a notification to the user via the application. The user verifies his/her identity using the application, after which the call can be connected. As a further security measure, certain conditions can be required and periodically checked during the call to ensure the user remains verified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Applicant: Global Tel*Link Corp.
    Inventor: Stephen Hodge
  • Digital telecommunications call management and monitoring system
    Patent number: 9143609
    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: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen Hodge
  • Message Exchange
    Publication number: 20150201081
    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: February 19, 2015
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Applicant: Value-Added Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen HODGE, David WOODY
  • Message Exchange
    Publication number: 20150201080
    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: February 19, 2015
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Applicant: Value-Added Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen HODGE, David Woody