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: 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
  • Patent number: 11778417
    Abstract: There is a growing problem in correctional facilities in which contraband devices may be smuggled into a correctional facility. These devices are not subject to the typical monitoring and control provided by the inmate communication system provided by the correctional facility, and thus pose a significant security risk. The present disclosure provides details of a system and method that leverages the sanctioned mobile devices and the wireless infrastructure of the inmate communication system to scan for and triangulate the location of contraband devices. The mobile and wireless infrastructure devices scan for transmissions indicative of a contraband device and send alerts to each other and to a central monitoring system. The central monitoring system then leverages multiple alerts to determine a location of the contraband device using multiple triangulation techniques. The triangulation may also be performed by the mobile devices themselves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen L. Hodge
  • Publication number: 20230281994
    Abstract: A monitoring system and a method for operating the monitoring system in an inmate tracking system in a controlled environment is disclosed. The monitoring system receives video and audio data from devices located within the controlled environment and organizes the video and audio data within profiles that allow for searches of the video and audio to be performed. The monitoring system analyzes the video and audio data and generates the profiles to include identified objects associated with the video and audio data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2023
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Applicant: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen L. HODGE, Anthony BAMBOCCI
  • Patent number: 11743684
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen L. Hodge
  • Patent number: 11727789
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen L. Hodge
  • Patent number: 11706165
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen L. Hodge
  • Patent number: 11682922
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Global Tel* Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen L. Hodge
  • Patent number: 11677558
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen L. Hodge
  • Patent number: 11671832
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen L. Hodge
  • Patent number: 11665168
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen L. Hodge
  • Publication number: 20230155970
    Abstract: A messaging system for relaying messages to groups of inmates located in one or more controlled-environment facilities. The system receives a message from a user and a recipient designation identifying those inmates designated for receiving the message. The system performs a content check of the message or requests administrator authorization of the message, and then packages the message in a format designated by the facility. The packaged message includes the message itself, and also recipient information and other delivery information. The message may be packaged uniquely according to facility specifications. At the facility, the received message is unpacked. Recipients are identified from the recipient designation in the message, and delivery methods are retrieved for each of the intended recipients. Delivery of the message is then carried out, at a time designated in the message, according to the retrieved delivery methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2022
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Applicant: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen L. HODGE
  • Patent number: 11651642
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Global Tel* Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen L. Hodge
  • Patent number: 11640644
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Global Tel* Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen L. Hodge
  • Patent number: 11621934
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen L. Hodge
  • Patent number: 11605229
    Abstract: A monitoring system and a method for operating the monitoring system in an inmate tracking system in a controlled environment is disclosed. The monitoring system receives video and audio data from devices located within the controlled environment and organizes the video and audio data within profiles that allow for searches of the video and audio to be performed. The monitoring system analyzes the video and audio data and generates the profiles to include identified objects associated with the video and audio data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen L. Hodge, Anthony Bambocci
  • Publication number: 20230051388
    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: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2022
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Applicant: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen L. HODGE
  • Patent number: 11582171
    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 analyzes 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: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen L. Hodge
  • Publication number: 20230022557
    Abstract: There is a growing problem in correctional facilities in which contraband devices may be smuggled into a correctional facility. These devices are not subject to the typical monitoring and control provided by the inmate communication system provided by the correctional facility, and thus pose a significant security risk. The present disclosure provides details of a system and method that leverages the sanctioned mobile devices and the wireless infrastructure of the inmate communication system to scan for and triangulate the location of contraband devices. The mobile and wireless infrastructure devices scan for transmissions indicative of a contraband device and send alerts to each other and to a central monitoring system. The central monitoring system then leverages multiple alerts to determine a location of the contraband device using multiple triangulation techniques. The triangulation may also be performed by the mobile devices themselves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2022
    Publication date: January 26, 2023
    Applicant: GLOBAL TEL*LINK CORP.
    Inventor: Stephen L. HODGE
  • Publication number: 20230015909
    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: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventor: Stephen L. Hodge