Patents by Inventor Stephen Lee Hodge

Stephen Lee 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).

  • Patent number: 11943696
    Abstract: The growing problem of contraband devices being smuggled into a correctional facility raises both security and safety issue. General fixed contraband detection systems are not cost effective because they require a high up-front cost and high maintenance, training and upgrade cost after installation. The present disclosure provides details of a system and method to detect and control the usage of contraband devices in a correctional facility cost effectively. Such a system is portable and can be relocated to different locations. Such as system both detects contraband devices and disrupts the operations of the contraband devices. Such a system further provides a report on the severity of contraband usage to the correctional facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen Lee Hodge
  • Patent number: 11908029
    Abstract: A machine and process for managing restrictions of a wireless device associated with an inmate service account. The machine and process include a kiosk operable to exchange data with the wireless device, including limited-use restrictions related to: an inmate associated with the inmate service account, a correctional facility, and/or a parole requirement. The kiosk may also unlock the wireless device when the inmate is released from the correctional facility by removing the limited-use restrictions from the wireless device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: TouchPay Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Craig Bullard, David DuWayne Wise, Stephen Lee Hodge
  • Patent number: 11895265
    Abstract: An incoming communication processing system and method is disclosed for providing communication and data services to residents of a controlled facility. Specifically, the incoming communication processing system allows outside parties to initiate communications to residents of a controlled facility. The incoming communication processing system may work in conjunction with or separately from an outgoing communication processing system. Many restrictions and safeguards may be implemented within the incoming communication system in order to prevent improper use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen Lee Hodge
  • Publication number: 20240022669
    Abstract: A system for customizing time limits for inmate communications in a correctional facility is disclosed. The system includes a profile subsystem that stores an inmate profile of the inmate and a communication processing subsystem comprising one or more processors configured to receive data of an inmate communication of an inmate, identify a type of communication device of the inmate and a call recipient of the inmate communication based on the data of the inmate communication, retrieve the inmate profile of the inmate form the profile subsystem, identify a plurality of behaviors of the inmate based on the inmate profile, determine a time limit based on at least one of the type of communication device, the call recipient of the inmate communication, and the plurality of behaviors of the inmate, and assign the time limit to the inmate communication of the inmate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2023
    Publication date: January 18, 2024
    Applicant: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen Lee HODGE
  • Publication number: 20240014681
    Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed for providing electrical charge to residents of a controlled-environment facility. In an embodiment, a charging station may be provided in an area accessible to an inmate to allow charging of in an inmate smart device, such as a phone or tablet. In an embodiment, a portable charger may be provided to an inmate for charging a smart device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2023
    Publication date: January 11, 2024
    Applicant: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen Lee HODGE
  • Patent number: 11863703
    Abstract: A system for detecting inmate to inmate conference calls in a correctional facility is disclosed herein. The system includes a database and a conference call detection server, wherein the conference call detection server is configured to monitor a plurality of inmate communications, convert an audio signal of each inmate communication to a frequency domain signal, identify frequency data comprising one or more frequency peaks and corresponding frequency values in the frequency domain signal for each inmate communication, generate a record comprising the frequency data for each inmate communication, resulting in a plurality of records, store the plurality of records in the database, detect an inmate to inmate conference call by matching a frequency subset of a new inmate communication with frequency data in a detected record in the database, and verify the inmate to inmate conference call by matching audio with voice biometric samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen Lee Hodge
  • Patent number: 11854105
    Abstract: A system is described herein that facilitates the easy scheduling and conducting of prison visitations. The system provides a remotely-accessible means for visitors to authenticate themselves, check the availability of those they wish to visit, and schedule a visit with that individual. As part of this process, the system tracks the availability of prison inmates as well as the devices and visit sites that are available to those inmates. In this manner, the system can quickly identify the availability of different inmates in order to provide on-demand scheduling capabilities to potential visitors. The system is connected to multiple facilities as well as public networks, and therefore can be remotely accessed. Additionally, the system also functions to monitor visits while they are in progress, as well as to store visit recordings for future review. Because the system is networked, remote monitors can access the review system in order to monitor visits or review recordings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Lee Hodge, Anthony Bambocci
  • Publication number: 20230412736
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides details on an intermediary service bureau (ISB) system which includes an ISB center that acts as an intermediary communication center between communication devices used by correctional facilities and contract providers. The ISB records communications, stores security data, and provides front end processing to facilitate an inmate to communicate with an outside party by way of a contract provider. Further, the ISB provides accounting services for inmates and friends and family that use services provided the contract provider. The contract provider provides security and routing services for the ISB by obtaining data from the ISB and updating data at the ISB according to the communications. 20451433.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Applicant: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen Lee HODGE
  • Patent number: 11843901
    Abstract: Described are methods and systems in which the censorship and supervision tasks normally performed by secured facility personnel are augmented or automated entirely by a Secure Nonscheduled Video Visitation System. In embodiments, the Secure Nonscheduled Video Visitation System performs voice biometrics, speech recognition, non-verbal audio classification, fingerprint and other biometric authentication, image object classification, facial recognition, body joint location determination analysis, and/or optical character recognition on the video visitation data. The Secure Nonscheduled Video Visitation utilizes these various analysis techniques in concert to determine if all rules and regulations enforced by the jurisdiction operation the secured facility are being followed by the parties to the video visitation session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen Lee Hodge
  • Publication number: 20230394610
    Abstract: Methods and systems for providing location fencing within a controlled environment are disclosed herein. A location fencing server determines a location of a first inmate based on a first beacon device, and determines a location of a second inmate based on a second beacon device. Further, the location fencing server determines a proximity status based on the location of the first inmate and the location of the second inmate. Additionally, the location fencing server determines that the first inmate and the second inmate are in violation of a proximity policy based on the proximity status. In some embodiments, the location fencing server sends a notification to an employee device based on the violation of a proximity policy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2023
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Applicant: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen Lee HODGE
  • Publication number: 20230387966
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for activating remote monitoring functionality of a personal wireless device associated with a released individual. After incarceration, former inmates are released under a variety of different circumstances, many of which require follow-up check-ins with case managers or other individuals. As part of their release, inmates often agree to multiple restrictions and requirements. In order to better monitor compliance with those requirements, a personal wireless device assigned to the released individual can be programmed with certain rules and automatically trigger when a violation is detected. As a result of a detected violation, the personal wireless device activates certain devices, such as a camera, microphone, etc., to capture data in order to remotely monitor the released individual. A case manager can also manually activate monitoring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Applicant: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen Lee HODGE
  • Patent number: 11829955
    Abstract: The current disclosure relates to a system and method for providing job-specific training material to an inmate within a controlled environment. In an embodiment, the system authenticates an inmate by receiving at least one authentication request at a control platform from a wireless multifunction device in response to an inmate-initiated action and provides the inmate access to interactive training materials stored on a training database or an employment subsystem configured to provide an interface for the inmate to perform one or more job-specific tasks upon authenticating the inmate. Access to each of the databases or subsystem is provided to the inmate based on a profile corresponding to the inmate and the tasks are completed using a wireless multifunction device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen Lee Hodge
  • Publication number: 20230379403
    Abstract: A video kiosk inmate assistance system is disclosed herein. A kiosk management server receives, from an inmate agent device, a login request to a presence based service. Further, the kiosk management server authenticates the client device based on client credentials and sets a presence status of a client to available. In addition, the kiosk management server determines client information corresponding to the client, and transmits the client information to a kiosk device located in a booking facility based on the presence status. Additionally, the kiosk management server receives a selection of the client from the kiosk device, and initializes an out of band communication channel between the client device and the kiosk device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2023
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Applicant: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen Lee HODGE
  • Patent number: 11810180
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system that includes an order processing subsystem and a delivery processing subsystem comprising at least one database and one or more processors. The one or more processors of the delivery processing subsystem is configured to receive a request for a user to access the delivery processing subsystem and a scanning device, authenticate the user by verifying the request with user credentials stored in the at least one database, provide the user with access to the delivery processing subsystem and the scanning device, receive scanned data from the scanning device, retrieve package data regarding a package for an inmate based on the scanned data from the scanning device, and generate, based on the package data, a route in the correctional facility for delivery of the package to the inmate in the correctional facility, wherein the route does not include an identity of the inmate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen Lee Hodge
  • Patent number: 11800006
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides details of a system and method for detecting and monitoring a contraband device including communication devices by utilizing a combination of mobile devices, fixed monitoring devices, and a contraband monitoring center. The mobile devices include smart phones or tablets that are borrowed, rented, or purchased by an inmate from a correctional facility. These mobile devices are configured to detect, monitor, and intervene in the communications of target devices. Further, the mobile devices are configured to communicate with fixed monitoring devices located throughout the correctional facility in performing intervention operations. The contraband monitoring center may also be utilized in the coordination, monitoring, and intervention of target devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen Lee Hodge
  • Publication number: 20230316444
    Abstract: A system for high definition (HD) image recognition of criminals is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of cameras, an image recognition server, investigator user devices, a computing device, a database, and a network. At least one processor of the image recognition server is configured to receive a plurality of photographs of a first individual, perform image processing of the plurality of photographs to extract a first set of physical features, store feature data regarding the first set of physical features in the database, receive suspect data regarding a suspected individual from a first investigator user device, match the suspect data with the feature data stored in the database, and transmit an alert to the computing device in the prison, wherein the alert activates a mobile application on each investigator user device to display match data identifying the suspected individual as the first individual based on the feature data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Applicant: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen Lee HODGE
  • Patent number: 11770019
    Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed for providing electrical charge to residents of a controlled-environment facility. In an embodiment, a charging station may be provided in an area accessible to an inmate to allow charging of in an inmate smart device, such as a phone or tablet. In an embodiment, a portable charger may be provided to an inmate for charging a smart device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen Lee Hodge
  • Publication number: 20230283399
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides details of a system and method for detecting and monitoring a contraband device including communication devices and drones/UAVs by utilizing a combination of mobile devices, fixed monitoring devices, and a contraband monitoring center. The mobile devices include smart phones or tablets that are borrowed, rented, or purchased by an inmate from a correctional facility. These mobile devices are configured to detect, monitor, and intervene in the communications of target devices. Further, the mobile devices are configured to communicate with fixed monitoring devices located throughout the correctional facility in performing intervention operations. The contraband monitoring center may also be utilized in the coordination, monitoring, and intervention of target devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2023
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Applicant: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen Lee HODGE
  • Publication number: 20230283811
    Abstract: A system for a video sharing service for inmates in correctional facilities is disclosed. The system includes an inmate device of an inmate, a database storing inmate profiles, and a video sharing server configured to receive a registration request from the inmate device for registration of an inmate for the video sharing service, the registration request including user credentials of the inmate, retrieve an inmate profile of the inmate from the database, authenticate the inmate based on the user credentials and the inmate profile, create an account for the inmate for the video sharing service in response to authentication of the inmate, receive an upload request to upload a video from the inmate device, analyze the video for restricted content, and assign a rating to the video based on the analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2023
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Applicant: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen Lee HODGE
  • Patent number: 11750746
    Abstract: A system for customizing time limits for inmate communications in a correctional facility is disclosed. The system includes a profile subsystem that stores an inmate profile of the inmate and a communication processing subsystem comprising one or more processors configured to receive data of an inmate communication of an inmate, identify a type of communication device of the inmate and a call recipient of the inmate communication based on the data of the inmate communication, retrieve the inmate profile of the inmate form the profile subsystem, identify a plurality of behaviors of the inmate based on the inmate profile, determine a time limit based on at least one of the type of communication device, the call recipient of the inmate communication, and the plurality of behaviors of the inmate, and assign the time limit to the inmate communication of the inmate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen Lee Hodge