Patents by Inventor Stephen L. Hodge

Stephen L. 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: 20240114111
    Abstract: Video conferencing in a controlled environment facility entails significant security concerns. These concerns are even more prevalent in a system that permits residents of such facilities to communicate via their own personal devices. Therefore, in order to alleviate these concerns and provide a secure system in which a resident is able to make video calls using their personal device, a kiosk unit is provided to which the personal device must be linked for completing a video call. When making the video call, the camera and display on the personal device are disabled, and all video data is captured and displayed by the kiosk unit. The link between the kiosk unit and the personal device facilitates the exchange of the image information for transmission to the outside party, or display to the user. By providing a fixed camera, and disabling the personal device camera, security can be maintained while permitting video calling services.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2023
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Applicant: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen L. HODGE, Anthony BAMBOCCI
  • Patent number: 11948218
    Abstract: A system and method for securely dispensing medication are described herein. The system includes a telemedicine center that communicates with medical assistant station and a medication distribution station located at a correctional facility and a physician center remote to the correctional facility. The medical assistant station transmits a request for medication to the telemedicine center. The telemedicine center verifies an identity of the medical assistant requesting the medication and transmits the request to the physician center. When the telemedicine center receives a confirmation to dispense medicine from the physician center, an identity of the physician transmitting the confirmation is verified. The telemedicine center then verifies an identity of an inmate to receive the medication, by way of the medication distribution station, and allows the medication distribution station to dispense the medication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen L Hodge
  • Patent number: 11937318
    Abstract: A dual-mode mobile device and a method for coordinating calls for the dual-mode mobile device over a first and second connection within a controlled environment is disclosed. The method includes communications between a monitoring server and the dual-mode mobile device over the first connection while the dual-mode mobile device conducts the call over the second connection. The monitoring server transmits control messages to the dual-mode mobile device to control operations of the dual-mode mobile device and establishment of the call and also monitors operations of the dual-mode mobile device as well as the communications transmitted and received by the dual-mode mobile device during the call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen L. Hodge
  • Patent number: 11922793
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides details of a system and method for a communication device for guards in controlled environments. The communication device is established based on an indoor wireless infrastructure in the controlled environment, receiving wireless positioning signals to calculate and determine the real-time location of a user carrying the device. The indoor wireless positioning can be combined with other available positioning methods to provide highly accurate positioning information of the guard. The communication device detects, monitors, and records activities of the guard during a period of time, and is controlled by the control center. The control center and the communication device respond quickly to different abnormal situations. In addition, the communication device detects contraband electronic devices and monitor surroundings of the guard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen L. Hodge
  • Patent number: 11882191
    Abstract: A system and method for initiating a personalized virtual reality session via a virtual reality communication system in a controlled environment is disclosed. The system includes a profile subsystem configured to store an inmate profile of the inmate of the controlled environment. The system also includes a virtual reality subsystem that retrieves the inmate profile associated with the inmate from the profile subsystem, initiates the virtual reality session involving a first communication device used by the inmate of the controlled environment, and personalizes the virtual reality session based on the inmate profile. The system also includes a communication subsystem configured to transmit information related to the virtual reality session to a monitoring system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen L. Hodge
  • Patent number: 11880493
    Abstract: A wearable device and method for operating the wearable device in a wearable device communication system in a controlled environment is disclosed. The wearable device includes at least one module configured to customize an inmate interface on the wearable device based at least in part of an inmate profile and an administrative rule. In some embodiments, the inmate interface is a keyboard. The wearable device also includes additional modules that enable the wearable device to monitor information regarding at least one of the inmate of the wearable device and the physical environment in which the wearable device is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen L. Hodge
  • Publication number: 20240022873
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for preventing a restricted individual from operating a motor vehicle. The system monitors a speed of the individual via a smart device associated with the individual. The system activates a monitoring function based on a detected speed of the device, which may evidence the individual riding in a motor vehicle. The system them verifies that the user of the device is the restricted individual through a variety of different identification methods. Once identified, the system accesses various data sources associated with one or more ride applications running on the smart device in order to determine whether the restricted individual has requested a ride from a third party during a relevant time period. After analyzing the data, a determination is made as to whether the individual is driving, or whether more information is needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2023
    Publication date: January 18, 2024
    Applicant: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen L. HODGE
  • Patent number: 11871073
    Abstract: The Controlled Environment Media And Communication System delivers communications services to residents of controlled facilities using a common network architecture. Some of the communications capabilities of the Controlled Environment Media And Communication System include media distribution, video visitation, intra-facility messaging, and other such communications services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen L. Hodge
  • Patent number: 11856130
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing secure communication between an inmate and an outside user are disclosed. In various aspects, account information of both the user and the inmate is stored. A message transmission is received from a first device that includes a header portion and an encrypted payload portion. The system verifies that confidential communication between the inmate and the outside user is permitted based on the header portion and the stored account information. Once verified, the message is transmitted to a second device without decrypting the payload portion of the message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen L. Hodge
  • Publication number: 20230411994
    Abstract: A method and system for contraband detection is provided that allows for the determining whether devices are authorized to receive power from an outlet. A power adapter and/or an outlet authenticate a device when it is connected to the outlet through the power adapter. On the basis of this authentication, a determination is made whether the devices are to receive power from the outlet. If the device is authorized, the outlet is activated, transitioning from inactive state (where no power is relayed through the outlet) to an active state (where power is relayed through the outlet).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Applicant: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen L. HODGE
  • Publication number: 20230401919
    Abstract: A check-in and tethering system for monitoring persons such as released in court-ordered supervised programs and a method for operating such a system is disclosed. The system includes a tethered mobile device that provides a check-in procedure that requires a response from a user of the tethered mobile device in the form of at least one of a device identifier from a monitored tethered device attached to the user, a biometric response, or a performed action by the user. The tethered mobile device determines whether the response is valid and transmits a notification to a monitoring center in response to the determination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2023
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Applicant: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen L. Hodge
  • Patent number: 11838685
    Abstract: Video conferencing in a controlled environment facility entails significant security concerns. These concerns are even more prevalent in a system that permits residents of such facilities to communicate via their own personal devices. Therefore, in order to alleviate these concerns and provide a secure system in which a resident is able to make video calls using their personal device, a kiosk unit is provided to which the personal device must be linked for completing a video call. When making the video call, the camera and display on the personal device are disabled, and all video data is captured and displayed by the kiosk unit. The link between the kiosk unit and the personal device facilitates the exchange of the image information for transmission to the outside party, or display to the user. By providing a fixed camera, and disabling the personal device camera, security can be maintained while permitting video calling services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen L. Hodge, Anthony Bambocci
  • Patent number: 11836455
    Abstract: A call translation system and a method for operating the management system in a controlled environment is disclosed. The call translation system includes a calling device and a call translation server. The calling device receives authorization from the call translation server to conduct call sessions within the controlled environment. The calling device further receives a call session application from the call translation server that enables the calling device to initiate and establish call sessions through the call translation server. The call session application allows a user of the calling device to select outside parties to add to the call session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen L. Hodge
  • Publication number: 20230386317
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides details of a system and method for a communication device for guards in a controlled environment. The communication device is established based on a wireless infrastructure in the controlled environment, receiving wireless positioning signals to calculate and determine the real-time location of personnel carrying the device. The indoor wireless positioning can be combined with other available positioning methods to provide highly accurate positioning information of the personnel. The communication device detects and records activities of the personnel during a period of time, and is controlled by the control center. The status of personnel is monitored by control center. Meanwhile, the communication device has AR functions that allow physical objects and augmented reality element to be displayed to the personnel at the same time. The personnel can thus have improved awareness of the surrounding environment and can respond to various potential dangers more effectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Applicant: Global Tel'Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen L. HODGE
  • Publication number: 20230362108
    Abstract: A communication system for providing a positive communication to an inmate is provided. The communication system includes memory that stores data, and an application server that that analyzes that data to determine topics that are important to the inmate. The application server includes a topic rating system to rate the topics based on importance to the inmate and based on an emotional tone used by the inmate during a communication. When the application server receives a question from the inmate, the application server searches the data and the Internet and responds based on the answer and the data stored in memory. The application server also provides support to the inmate by suggesting counseling services according to the needs of the inmate. Further, the communication system provides a positive influence to the inmate to encourage educational progression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2023
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Applicant: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen L. HODGE
  • Publication number: 20230354032
    Abstract: A wireless device enterprise management system and a method for operating the management system in a controlled environment is disclosed. The enterprise management system includes implementing a container-based file system on wireless devices within the controlled environment. Enterprise management system manages and controls the organization of files into one or more containers on each wireless device. Each container is associated with one or more execution rules that allow or restrict execution of files that are located in the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Applicant: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen L. HODGE
  • Publication number: 20230353573
    Abstract: A generic wireless device management system and a method for operating the management system in a controlled environment is disclosed. The enterprise management system includes a generic wireless device and a generic provisioning server. The generic wireless device, which is initially in a generic blank state, coordinates with the generic provisioning server to authenticate an inmate and to load an inmate profile. After loading the inmate profile, the generic wireless device provides access to content specific to the inmate. After the inmate signs out of the generic wireless device, the generic wireless device is returned to a generic blank state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Applicant: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen L. HODGE
  • Publication number: 20230351536
    Abstract: Secure system and method of detecting and preventing inmate to inmate message relays. A system and method which monitors inmate communications for similar phrases that occur as part of two or more separate inmate messages. These similar phrases may be overlapping in real time as in a conference call or can occur at separate times in separate messages. The communications that appear similar are assigned a score and the score is compared to a threshold. If the score is above a certain threshold, the communication is flagged and remedial actions are taken. If the flagged communication contains illegal matter then the communication can be disconnected or restricted in the future.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Applicant: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen L. HODGE
  • Publication number: 20230353369
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides details of a system and method for customizing an inmate communication notification. Such a system provides an inmate different customized notification messages to be played to different called parties. The system includes a list of different contacts, and each of the contacts can be associated with one or more contact numbers. Each contact number is associated with one or more customized notification messages. The customized notification messages include terms, phrases, and sentences that draw the called party's attention and sound familiar to the called party. The customized notification messages include customized text files, audio files, and video files. An inmate chooses one or more customized notification messages to be played to a called party.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Applicant: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen L. HODGE
  • Publication number: 20230319000
    Abstract: An forum facilitator device is provided that allows for a controlled environment to provide a secure forum for residents to provide communications to other registered users of the secure forum. The communications are provided through posts made in the secure forum and through other types of communications from the inmate such as but not limited to emails and text messages. The forum facilitator device operates the secure forum and implements rules to control what is posted on the secure forum, who is able to access the secure forum, and what entities are allowed to view and interact with residents of the controlled environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Applicant: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen L. HODGE