Patent Publication Number: US-2022217302-A1

Title: Adminstrator device and user interface for inmate initiated video visitation system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/437,940 filed Jun. 11, 2019; which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/392,223 filed Apr. 23, 2019; which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/788,542 filed Oct. 19, 2017 and now issued U.S. Pat. No. 10,313,632; which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/842,611, filed on Sep. 1, 2015 and now issued U.S. Pat. No. 9,800,830; which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/771,053 filed on Feb. 19, 2013 and now issued U.S. Pat. No. 9,124,763; which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/363,498 filed Feb. 1, 2012 and now U.S. Pat. No. 9,094,569 (hereinafter the &#39;569 patent), the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure related to remote video and/or VoIP telephonic visitation and, more particularly, to an Internet-based system, enabling outside originated video and/or VoIP telephonic visitation from a remote site with incarcerated persons having a personal electronic device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art. 
     When two parties want to communicate over great distances in real-time, the telephone has heretofore been the communication technology of choice. However, advancements in communication technologies over the past several years now allow both audio and video communication between parties over great distances, typically via the Internet. These forms of communication are commonly referred to as video conferencing. Modern video conferencing, depending on the complexity (and associated expense) of the equipment involved can provide virtually real-time communication among two or more parties. 
     Video conferencing typically requires local equipment associated with each person seeking to participate in the conference. When the conference is to be started, the equipment at each location is used to call in (e.g., “conference in”) to a call center or the like. As each of these endpoints establishes a connection with the central location, the video and audio signals may then be accessed by all of the participants so that a conversation with both audio and video can take place. One common type of video conferencing equipment uses especially dedicated equipment at each geographic location for the participants. Such equipment typically uses an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) or similar data connection to transmit and receive audio/video communication data during the video conference. 
     Unfortunately, conventionally available video conferencing equipment of the prior art has a common characteristic: each system requires initiation and/or termination of the communication at the visitor&#39;s and/or at the inmate&#39;s end (i.e., end point control. Such end point control is problematic when the video conferencing system used is a remote Internet-based visitation system where one participant is incarcerated (i.e., a prisoner in a jail, prison, penitentiary, etc.). 
     As used hereinafter, the term inmate will be applied to such incarcerated persons and the term prison will be used to refer to any and all facilities where an inmate may be incarcerated. 
     To allow an inmate to have unrestricted Internet access in order to gain end point control of a video visitation system is universally disallowed. Prisons do not want inmates to have unrestricted access to the Internet. Consequently, in such Internet-based systems of the prior art, prison personnel are required to be involved in audio/video and telephonic visitation initiation and termination. 
     However, the advantages of an Internet-based video visitation system in the prison environment are many. Often, an inmate is incarcerated in a location a great distance from his family or friends. Such distances often result in visitation of the inmate being inconvenient or even impossible due to travel time and expense for friends and family. Consequently, an audio/video conference with the inmate provides an alternative to an in-person visit. 
     As noted, the expense and complexity of traditional video visitation equipment, and associated personnel cost incurred by the prison to facilitate end point control is significant. A critically important aspect of end point control within the prison is the need to make sure that the correct inmate is communicating with the correct visitor. This issue is addressed as “positive party identification”. A prison&#39;s Internet-based VoIP and video visitation system should provide positive identification of the parties to the communication. By means of illustration, it could be disastrous if a convicted child molester inmate was erroneously made a party to an incoming video visit from a minor child attempting to visit with another inmate. 
     Likewise, while inmate originated telephone calls to outside visitors are well known in the prior art, no system is known to the inventor that allows direct, incoming phone calls to an inmate, that is to say, without the need for intervention by prison personnel. Rather, only direct outgoing phone calls, from the inmate to the visitor, may be made. In addition, to take part in a phone call the visitor has to wait for an inmate to have access to an inmate phone, and then wait for the inmate to call. Of course the call can only be completed if the visitor is available. 
     The prior art discloses systems whereby an outside visitor may call in to an inmate in a prison. In such systems, prison personnel should locate the inmate and cause the inmate to move to an available inmate phone equipped to receive incoming telephone calls. Prison personnel then need to transfer the call to that phone once the inmate is in position to receive the call. Prison personnel then still need to monitor the call. 
     None of the known prior art means of communications maximize the recognized beneficial result of keeping an inmate connected with his family and loved ones. The presently available prior art means of communications do not allow visitors to initiate VoIP telecommunications or video visits directly with the particular inmate, spontaneously, at the visitor&#39;s convenience. 
     While traditional video conferencing equipment may be used in the prison environment, the above-mentioned problems are present. To illustrate the point; a VoIP telecommunication or video communication initiated outside of the prison, over the Internet, directed to an inmate, using a traditional video visitation system must be received by one or more designated prison employees. The prison employee then has to contact prison employees working in the inmate&#39;s cell block, and determine whether the inmate is available to receive the visit. If the inmate is available to receive a visit at that time the prison employees, working in the inmate&#39;s cell block, are then required to coordinate ushering the inmate to the designated video visitation station to receive the visit, and the visit is connected. Outgoing Internet based video visitation using traditional systems also puts demands on prison personnel in that the system requires prison personnel to initiate the communication and coordinate placement of the correct inmate at the correct visitation station within his or her cell block to receive the communication in accordance with industry standard operating procedures for party identification. 
     Thus, a traditional video visitation system, using the Internet to facilitate the communication, whether the communication is incoming or outgoing, places a heavy labor burden on the prison, and allows a risk of human error in the positive party identification. Further, Internet-based traditional video visitation using prior art systems cannot be initiated directly by an inmate, without prison personnel intervention, because prisons will not allow unrestricted inmate access to the Internet. 
     In applicants claimed priority patent &#39;569, the applicant disclosed a system (i.e., the HomeWAV Video Visitation System) allowing inmate initiated video visitation with preregistered outside visitors that overcome known shortcomings of prior art video conferencing systems. That novel system requires no involvement by prison personnel to connect a video visit between the inmate and his visitor, and contains many security safeguards. For purposes of disclosure, a remote, web-based visitation system for prisons provided by HomeWAV, LLC, is described. HomeWAV and HomeWAV Web Access Visitation are trademarks of HomeWAV, LLC. 
     The system disclosed in the &#39;569 patent utilizes prison-hardened terminals located throughout the prison and usable by one inmate at a time during allowable time periods. Such an arrangement does not lend itself to receiving either video visitation or VoIP telephonic communication originated by an outside visitor wishing to communicate with an inmate. Simply put, there is no positive identification established on the receiving end at the commencement of the communication. Rather, any inmate walking past the receiving terminal could pick up the receiver and engage in a video visitation. 
     However, the advantages of a remote visitation video conferencing system in the prison environment are many. Often, an inmate is incarcerated in a location a great distance from his family or friends. Such distances often result in visitation of the inmate being inconvenient or even impossible due to travel time and expense for friends and family. Consequently, a video conference with the inmate would seem to provide an acceptable alternative to an in-person visit. However, the expense and complexity of traditional video visitation equipment, and associated personnel cost incurred by the prison to facilitate end point control may be prohibitive. Perhaps more important is the potential security risk if an inmate has endpoint control. In conventional face-to-face visits, conversations between inmates and their visitors are monitored to ensure that no greater security risk is created than already exists with an outsider&#39;s presence in the prison. However, if endpoint control, in Internet based video visitation, were given to an inmate, it would be difficult to effectively monitor the visit to ensure security. Potential security breaches include, but are not limited to, coded dialog between the inmate and a visitor, as well as hand and facial gestures used to communicate prohibited information. 
     While traditional video conferencing equipment could potentially be used in the prison environment, the above-mentioned problems would still be present. To illustrate the point; a video communication initiated outside of the prison, over the Internet, directed to an inmate, using a traditional video visitation system, must be received by one or more designated prison employees. The prison employee then has to contact prison employees working in the inmate&#39;s cell block, and determine whether the inmate is available to receive the visit. If the inmate is available to receive a visit then the prison employees, working in the inmate&#39;s cell block, are then required to coordinate ushering the inmate to the designated video visitation station to receive the visit, and the visit is connected. Outgoing Internet based video visitation using traditional systems also puts demands on prison personnel in that the system requires prison personnel to initiate the communication and coordinate placement of the inmate at a station within his cell block to receive the communication. Thus, a traditional video visitation system, using the Internet to facilitate the communication, whether the communication is incoming or outgoing, places a heavy labor burden on the prison. An Internet based traditional video visitation cannot be initiated directly by an inmate, without prison personnel intervention, because prisons will not allow unrestricted inmate access to the Internet. 
     One further reason traditional video conferencing would not be workable for prison visitation and other similar situations is the lack of synchronicity between data connections during the conference. More specifically, as each participant in the video conference connects to the conversation, a new data connection, or path, is created. In a prison situation, at least three data paths would be present: one for the inmate, one for the visitor, and one for the overseer monitoring the conversation. Unfortunately, an inherent latency exists between these multiple connections that pose a significant security risk for the prison. Because of latency in the data path during data transmission, communication is not instantaneous; the delay is a function of all intermediate equipment and media along the data path. Because different routes may be taken along each data path, there may exist a difference in latency and the delay experienced by each when each party is connected with a separate data path. Unfortunately, this difference in latency among multiple simultaneous data paths poses a significant security risk for a prison. As a result, the visitor or inmate may engage in an improper communication during the visit, but the difference in latency between connections prevents the overseer from learning of the improper conduct in time to prevent it or further improper conduct from occurring. 
     Accordingly, what is needed is an Internet based video or telephonic visitation system that; (i) permits video or telephonic visits between inmates and visitors that are initiated either by inmates or by authorized outside visitors, under strictly controlled parameters, and (ii) utilizes individual electronic devices in the possession of inmates to directly initiate and receive Internet-based video or telephonic visitation. 
     DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART 
     Several attempts to solve some of the problems, that are solved by the present disclosure, may be found in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,382,972 for VIDEO CONFERENCING SYSTEM FOR COURTROOM AND OTHER APPLICATIONS, issued Jan. 17, 1995 to Kannes, teaches a conferencing system for interactive video (and preferably also audio) communication, which includes a composite video signal generation means. The system preferably also includes a recording unit for producing a permanent, combined video and audio record of a conference. The system includes a monitor for each conferee, which displays a composite video signal including a principal video image in a large picture region of the monitor screen and secondary video images in small picture regions of the monitor screen. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,844,893 for RESTAURANT VIDEO CONFERENCING SYSTEM AND METHOD, issued Jan. 18, 2005 to William G. Miller et al., provides a system and method that combines restaurant services with video-conferencing and multimedia access for diverse customer appeal. The MILLER et al. system and method employ a number of booths in a number of restaurants whereby each booth can video-conference with each other booth, particularly in different time zones, while also providing multi-media access such as satellite TV, cable, broadcast TV, computer programs and gaming, internet access. Each booth is linked to a local area network and is equipped with a display screen and video and audio controls. The local area network of each restaurant is linked to the local area network of each other restaurant forming a corporate intranet that allows media uses and various management capabilities such s scheduling, accounting, security, training and the like. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,046,779 for VIDEO CONFERENCE SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR USE AT MULTI-STATION SITES, issued May 16, 2006 to Hesse, provides a video conference system that includes at each of several sites multiple participant stations and a control station. A conference coordinator (e.g., a guard or receptionist) operating the control station receives notice from the control station that a scheduled conference is about to begin and directs a person identified to be a participant of the conference to a station designated by the notice. Signals from participant stations are monitored and if a participant station is determined to be unavailable, the conference may be rescheduled to replace the available station with an alternate available station. Notice sufficient to direct a participant to the alternate station is provided via the control station to the coordinator. The subject of detecting availability and rescheduling alternatives may be an item of equipment or an equipment capability (e.g., a recorder channel to be used for recording the conference). Higher ranking requests may force rescheduling of already scheduled lower ranking conferences. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,061,521 for VIDEO CONFERENCE SYSTEM PROVIDING PRIVATE AND ATTORNEY-CLIENT PRIVILEGED COMMUNICATIONS, issued Jun. 13, 2006 to Bulriss et al., discloses a conference system that includes a first conference station generating at least one of audio and video signals from at least an attorney and a second conference station generating at least one of audio and video signals from the attorney&#39;s client, the attorney and the attorney&#39;s client having a relationship protected by the attorney-client privilege. The system also includes at least one communications link connecting the first and second conference stations that carries the audio and/or video signals between the first and second conference stations. A signal processor is disposed within the communications link between the first and second conference stations to route signals between the first and second conference stations. At least one control panel communicates with the signal processor and provides control over audio and/or video signals so that the attorney and the attorney&#39;s client are permitted to engage in a private communication without vitiating the attorney-client privilege. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,256,816 for SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES FOR SCHEDULING AND CONDUCTING AUDIO/VIDEO COMMUNICATIONS, issued Aug. 14, 2007 to Profanchik et al., discloses methods of scheduling and conducting video visits, as well as computer architecture for providing such scheduling and conducting, where the participants in the visit are not required or able to interact with the audio/video equipment for the initial connection to start the video visit. In some embodiments, participants are also not able to interact with the equipment during the actual visit, and thus the equipment employed during the video visit may be isolated from physical contact by the participants. To initiate or terminate a video visit, a data center establishes a data connection with each participant, and thus the flow of data between the participants moves across a computer network via the data center. The visit may be monitored in virtually real-time by splitting the data transmitted between the participants and sending it to a monitoring terminal, rather than establishing a separate connection for the monitoring. 
     United States Published Patent Application No. 2009/0228383 for SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROACTIVELY ESTABLISHING A THIRD-PARTY PAYMENT ACCOUNT FOR SERVICES RENDERED TO A RESIDENT OF A CONTROLLED-ENVIRONMENT FACILITY, published Sep. 10, 2009 upon application by Veronica Martinez et al., provides systems and methods for proactively establishing a third party payment account for services rendered to a resident of a controlled-environment facility (“CEF”). A campaign-triggering event is detected, which triggers contact of prospective third-party (“3rd party”) payers for a resident of a CEF in order to encourage such prospective 3rd party payers to establish 3rd-party payment accounts for the resident. In this manner, the prospective third party payers are proactively contacted prior to an expected future demand for service by the resident. A method thus comprises identifying at least one prospective third-party payer for a resident of a controlled-environment facility, and proactively contacting the identified at least one prospective third-party payer prior to demand for service by the resident to encourage the identified at least one prospective third-party payer to establish a third-party payment account for payment for future service expected for the resident. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,054,756 for METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SPECIAL SERVICE CALL HANDLING, issued Oct. 18, 1977 to Comella et al., discloses a for serving special service calls such as collect, person-to-person and charge-to-third number on a wholly automatic basis without any operator intervention normally being required. The system requests specific information from the calling party such as, his or her name for collect calls, and utilizes the received answers in the formulation of additional announcements to the “called” subscriber. The system is responsive to information received from the called station or third party station for instituting billing for the requested call after a connection is established between the calling and called stations. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,158,621 for PRE-PAID CALLING AND VOICE MESSAGING SERVICE FOR INMATES, issued Jan. 2, 2007 to Anthony J. Bayne, discloses a system wherein inmates place free incoming calls to a call processing system and are prompted to choose between accessing a voice mail system and calling an outside party. If an outside party is to be called, an inmate provides a phone number and an outgoing call is placed to the outside party. If the outside party provides payment for the call, the inmate is connected to the outgoing call and the incoming call is terminated. If the outgoing call is not accepted, the inmate may record a voice message for the outside party in a voice mailbox assigned to the inmate. For an access fee, the outside party may access the voice mailbox assigned to the inmate. Advertising messages may be presented to inmates during incoming calls and/or to outside parties during outgoing calls. Advertising revenue may cover incoming call charges. Inmates and/or outside parties may record voice messages for advertisers. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 8,064,580 for TELEPHONY SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH IMPROVED FRAUD CONTROL, issued Nov. 22, 2011 to Wesley Larry Apple et al., teaches an inmate communications system providing a feature-rich platform with a high degree of flexibility and security employing call control facilities located off institutional premises. Authentication processes for calling and called party verification include biometric techniques in some embodiments. Distributed processing of call control and billing provide flexible interactive call payment processes. Preferred embodiments feature voice over IP transmission and control featuring controlled access to avoid addition of unauthorized third-party call participants. Monitoring, recording and selective forwarding of calls is provided under control of system administrators. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 8,160,219 for CONTROLLED THREE-WAY CALLING, issued Apr. 17, 2012 to Anthony Jeremiah Bayne, provides a system wherein an inmate calls a call processing system and provides two phone numbers to it. The first phone number is for a 2nd Party who will accept the inmate&#39;s collect call and who will agree to pay any additional charge for adding a third party to the collect call. The second phone number is for a 3rd Party the inmate would like added to the collect call. The call processing system places the inmate on hold while the system dials the 2nd Party. When the 2nd Party accepts the inmate&#39;s collect call and agrees to pay for an additional fee for establishing a three-way call during the collect call, the inmate is taken off hold and is connected to the 2nd Party. 
     None of the patents and the published patent application, taken singly, or in any combination, are seen to teach or suggest the present disclosed and claimed system and method. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention provides an inmate initiated an audio/video conferencing system and method adapted for use in providing remote visitation of inmates incarnated in a prison, wherein the inmate is enabled to initiate the remote visitation via a text message initiated by the inmate. The need for prison personnel to provide endpoint control to initiate or terminate a visit is eliminated in the novel visitation system of the invention. Further, all visitations are initiated by the inmates during defined visitation times established by the prison. 
     The present disclosure provides, in some embodiments, a VoIP telecommunication and video visitation system and method adapted for use in providing both inmate and outside visitor originated remote, Internet-based visitation with inmates incarcerated in a prison. The need for prison personnel to provide endpoint control to schedule, initiate, or terminate a visit is eliminated in the novel visitation system of the present disclosure. Further, all visitations are initiated or received by the inmates during defined visitation times established by the prison. Also importantly, while this is a fee for services system, with a programmable per minute charge, no monies pass through the prison, but rather are paid directly to the owner/operator of the remote visitation system. 
     In one aspect, a method of providing inmate text message initiated audio/video visitation services to inmates located in a prison on an endpoint control free basis for self-initiating via texting communication services to an inmate selected visitor located external to the prison, in a server having a processor, memory and non-transitory memory with computer executable instructions, and having instructions for performing the following method includes the steps of hosting a web-based audio/video visitation service application having one or more webpages accessible over a data network and hosting an inmate interface, a visitor interface and an administrative interface, each of which is configured separately and each of which has separate and distinct functions, but each of which cooperate to provide the functioning of the audio/video visitation service application. This further include the administrative interface hosting an administrative user web-interface accessible over the data network of the audio/video visitation service application and providing authorized access to one or more administrators having administrative terminals having an administrator web-browser application, as authorized by the prison in which the inmate is located, the authorized access including the administering of the audio/video visitation service application including inmate use and operations thereof and use of the audio/video visitation service, the operations of the inmate interface and the visitor interface, and the web-based communications between the inmate interface and the visitor interface. Additionally, this includes the visitor interface hosting an visitor-inmate user web-interface accessible over the data network by a communication terminal of the visitor having a visitor web-browser application, the visitor interface configured to enable the visitor terminal to receive an inmate initiated request to establish a web-based communication with the visitor terminal. The method also includes the inmate interface hosting an inmate-visitor user web-interface accessible over the data network by a communication terminal of the inmate having an inmate web-browser application, the inmate interface configured to enable the inmate terminal to initiate the inmate initiated request to a visitor by creating a text message to establish the web-based communication with the visitor terminal. The method additionally includes the server further configured for performing the steps of receiving from the administrative interface a registration of the inmate interface for the inmate including a plurality of inmate operating parameters and receiving from the administrative interface an inmate-visitor for the inmate interface including visitor information containing name and communication address for the visitor terminal of the visitor. Additionally the steps of providing to the inmate interface a displayed listing of the name of each inmate visitor for the inmate, the providing including enabling the inmate to initiate a text message to a potential visitor requesting a web-based audio/video visitation communication with the visitor and receiving from the inmate interface the inmate initiated request to send a text message to a potential selected visitor for requesting the establishment of a web-based audio/video visitation communication with that selected visitor. This further includes the steps of verifying a current authority at the time of the receipt of the inmate initiated text message request for the inmate to have a text message communication with the potential selected visitor and in response to the verified current authority for the inmate to send the text message communication to the selected visitor, transmitting the inmate initiated text message to the visitor interface of the selected visitor. The steps further include receiving from the visitor interface an acceptance input from the selected visitor for having a web-based audio/video visitation communication with the inmate and establishing a web-based audio/video communications between the inmate interface and the selected visitor interface to form the inmate initiated web-based audio/video visitation between the inmate terminal and the visitor terminal. The steps also include receiving a request to terminate the established inmate initiated web-based audio/video visitation from at least one of the administrative terminal, the inmate terminal, the visitor terminal and terminating the web-based communication in response to the receive termination request. 
     In another aspect, a web-based audio/video visitation system for prisons providing inmate initiated audio and video communications, includes a webserver having a processor and non-transitory memory with computer executable instructions to host the web-based audio/video visitation web service over an Internet, the webserver having a administrative interface interfacing to an administrative system and hosting an administrative user web-interface and being associated with a prison in which a particular inmate is located, a inmate-visitor interface hosting an inmate-visitor user web-interface interfacing with an inmate-visitor workstation of an inmate-visitor of the particular inmate with each being located remote from a location of the particular inmate and providing an inmate-visitor user web-interface to the inmate-visitor, a inmate interface hosting an inmate user web-interface on an inmate terminal accessible by the particular inmate, the inmate interface being enabled to receive an input from the inmate user web-interface as to a selection of the inmate-visitor and a request from the inmate to establish a web-based communication to the workstation of the selected inmate-visitor. The webserver is further configured with computer executable instructions stored in a non-transitory memory to operatively communicate with each of the inmate-visitor workstations via the Internet to host the inmate-visitor user web-interface, to operatively communicate with the administrative system via the Internet to host the administrative user web-interface and to enable the management of the inmate user web-interface and the inmate-visitor user web-interface and the web server, and to store in a database information related to both the particular inmate and the inmate-visitor using the visitor workstation associated with the particular inmate. The server is further enabled to monitor the inmate-visitor interface to determine a current availability for the inmate-visitor to receive a web-based communication from the particular inmate, and to communicate via the inmate interface to the inmate user web-interface the determined current availability indicator status for the inmate-visitor of the particular inmate that indicates their current availability. The server is also configured to enable the inmate to prepare and transmit a text-message to an inmate selected inmate-visitor, the text-message indicating a request of the inmate to establish an web-based audio/video communication with a selected inmate-visitor, the enablement of the inmate transmitting of the text-message being limited to when the current call receipt status of the selected inmate-visitor indicates that the selected inmate-visitor is not currently available to receive an web-based audio/video communication from the particular inmate, to enable the visitor interface of the selected inmate-visitors to receive the inmate initiated text-message, and to establish the inmate initiated web-based audio/video communication to the inmate-visitor workstation of the selected inmate-visitor, the established web-based audio/video communication forming a visit. 
     Further aspects of the present disclosure will be in part apparent and in part pointed out below. It should be understood that various aspects of the disclosure may be implemented individually or in combination with one another. It should also be understood that the detailed description and drawings, while indicating certain exemplary embodiments, are intended for purposes of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various aspects, features, and attendant advantages of the present disclosure will become more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1 a    is a front, elevational, schematic view of a “jail-hardened” communication station for use by an inmate using the system of the invention; 
         FIG. 1 b    is a simplified schematic block diagram of a web-enabled computer suitable for use as a visitor workstation; 
         FIG. 2  is a simplified schematic diagram of a system suitable for use in practicing the method of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a simplified flow chart of the visitor process of the invention; 
         FIG. 4 a    is a screenshot of a login screen of the system for practicing the method of the invention; 
         FIG. 4 b    is a screenshot of an add a new visitor screen of the system for practicing the method of the invention; 
         FIG. 4 c    is a screenshot of a registered inmate screen of the system for practicing the method of the invention; 
         FIG. 4 d    is a screenshot of an add minutes screen of the system for practicing the method of the invention; 
         FIG. 4 e    is a screenshot of a call history screen of the system for practicing the method of the invention; 
         FIG. 4 f    is a screenshot of “your account” screen of the system for practicing the method of the invention; 
         FIG. 4 g    is a screenshot of an add a new inmate screen of the system for practicing the method of the invention; 
         FIG. 4 h    is a screenshot of a delete an inmate screen of the system for practicing the method of the invention; 
         FIG. 4 i    is a screenshot of a purchase equipment/minutes screen of the system for practicing the method of the invention; 
         FIG. 4 j    is a screenshot of a visit screen of the system for practicing the method of the invention; 
         FIG. 5 a    is a screenshot of a first portion of an inmate&#39;s login screen of the system for practicing the method of the invention; 
         FIG. 5 b    is a screenshot of a second portion of an inmate&#39;s login screen of the system for practicing the method of the invention; 
         FIG. 5 c    is a screenshot of a begin visit screen of the system for practicing the method of the invention; 
         FIG. 5 d    is a screenshot of a call initiation screen of the system for practicing the method of the invention; 
         FIG. 5 e    is a screenshot of an inmate view of a visit screen of the system for practicing the method of the invention; 
         FIG. 6 a    is a screenshot of a manage detention facility screen of the system for practicing the method of the invention; 
         FIG. 6 b    is a screenshot of a disable calls screen of the system for practicing the method of the invention; 
         FIG. 6 c    is a screenshot of a manage inmates screen of the system for practicing the method of the invention; 
         FIG. 6 d    is a screenshot of a video playback screen of the system for practicing the method of the invention; 
         FIG. 6 e    is a screenshot of a video playback screen of the system for practicing the method of the invention; 
         FIG. 7 a    is a screenshot of the manage operators screen of the system for practicing the method of the invention; 
         FIG. 7 b    is a screenshot of the add an operator screen of the system for practicing the method of the invention; and 
         FIG. 7 c    is a screenshot of the “Edit an Operator” screen of the system for practicing the method of the invention. 
         FIGS. 8 a  and 8 b    are top plan schematic views of a representative tablet style and representative smart phone style electronic device, respectively, suitable for use in some embodiments as described herein; 
         FIG. 9  is a simplified system block diagram of a portion a security system supporting the electronic devices of  FIG. 1  in accordance with one exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 10 a    is a screen shot of the screen the inmate views when his/her device wakes up in accordance with one exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 10 b    is a screen shot of an inmate&#39;s sign in screen; 
         FIGS. 10 c  and 10 d    are screen shots of an inmate&#39;s create a new PIN process in accordance with one exemplary embodiment; 
         FIGS. 10 e  and 10 f    are screen shots of an inmate&#39;s existing PIN entry and validation process in accordance with one exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 10 g    is a screen shot of an application loading status screen in accordance with one exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 10 h    is a screen shot of an inmate&#39;s home screen in accordance with one exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 10 i    is a screen shot of a view and play messages process in accordance with one exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 10 j    is a screen shot of a send message process in accordance with one exemplary embodiment; 
         FIGS. 10 k    and  101  are screen shots of the record a message process in accordance with one exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 10 m    is a screen shot of the initiate a video visitation process; 
         FIG. 10 n    is a screen shot of a video visitation in process in accordance with one exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 10 o    is a screen shot of the initiate a VoIP telecommunication process in accordance with one exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 10 p    is a screen shot of the VoIP telecommunication in process in accordance with one exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 11 a    is a screen shot of a visitor&#39;s login process in accordance with one exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 11 b    is a screen shot of the Registered Inmate screen in accordance with one exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 11 c    is a screen shot of the Registered Inmate screen of  FIG. 4 b    with a pop-up window displayed in accordance with one exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 11 d    is a screen shot of a visitor&#39;s view and play messages process in accordance with one exemplary embodiment; 
         FIGS. 11 e  through 11 g    are screen shots of a visitor&#39;s record and send a message process in accordance with one exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 11 h    is a screen shot of the process whereby a visitor initiates a video visit in accordance with one exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 11 i    is a screen shot of an inmate&#39;s alert screen that a visitor is attempting to initiate a video visit in accordance with one exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 11 j    is a screen shot of a video visit from the visitor&#39;s point of view in accordance with one exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 11 k    is a screen shot of the process whereby a visitor initiates a VoIP telecommunication in accordance with one exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 11 l    is a screen shot of an inmate&#39;s alert screen that a visitor is attempting to initiate a VoIP telecommunication in accordance with one exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 11 m    is a screen shot of a VoIP telecommunication screen from the point of view of the visitor in accordance with one exemplary embodiment; and 
         FIG. 11 n    is a screen shot of the add minutes process in accordance with one exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure or the disclosure&#39;s applications or uses. 
     The present invention provides a system for providing audio/video conference visitation between an inmate incarcerated in a prison and a visitor having an Internet connected computer or other Internet appliance. 
     Referring first to  FIG. 1 a   , there is shown a front, elevational, schematic view of a “j ail-hardened” communication station for use by an inmate using the system of the invention, generally at reference number  100 . 
     A “jail-hardened” steel cabinet  102  has a top or lid  104  securely affixed thereto. Cabinet  102  is typically formed from 14 gauge hardened cold rolled steel and is formed using a uni-body design to prevent any seams being accessible. Cabinet  102  is designed for ease of installation and maintenance while providing the necessary security required for equipment installed in a prison. Cabinet  102  is typically mounted to a vertical wall, not shown, and is provided with five holes, not shown, in the back wall, not shown, of cabinet  102 . Four of the holes may be keyed holes allowing cabinet  102  to be hung on preinstalled screws or other similar fasteners, not shown. However, a fifth hole is a non-keyed hole to prevent cabinet  102  from being slid upward and removed from the wall. Once cabinet  102  is hung on the wall by four screws or the like through the four keyed holes, the screws may be tightened and finally, a screw is placed through the non-keyed hole thereby securely fastening cabinet  102  to the wall. 
     Ventilation for the equipment housed in cabinet  102  is provided by a series of offset holes, not shown, in an upper edge of cabinet  102 . These offset holes are hidden by cabinet top  104  and align with complementary offset holes, not shown in cover  104 . 
     Lid or top  104  is typically secured to cabinet  102  with a single security screw, not shown, that, in combination with a series of interlocks, not shown, allow ready access to an internal region of cabinet  102  by authorized service personnel. 
     The cabinet is finished with an electrostatically applied sintered metal, scratch resistant finish to maintain a good cabinet appearance in a potentially hostile environment. 
     It is believed that numerous alternate construction methods and materials may be known to those of skill in the art. Cabinets formed from such material or construction methods may be substituted for the steel cabinet  102  chosen for purposes of disclosure. Consequently, the invention is not considered limited to the cabinet chosen for purposes of disclosure. Rather, the invention is intended to include any suitable cabinet. 
     Openings  106  and  108  are provided in a front surface of enclosure  102  for a video monitor and a camera, respectively. Both openings  106  and  108  are covered with a transparent but destruction resistant polymer, not specifically identified. Suitable transparent materials include ⅜ inch thick Lexan®. Lexan® is a trademark of SABIC Innovative Plastics (formerly General Electric Plastics) brand of polycarbonate resin thermoplastic. It will be recognized that alternate material suitable for use in prisons may be known to those of skill in the art and any suitable material may be substituted for the Lexan® material chosen for purposes of disclosure. Lexan® covered openings  106  and  108  are considered to be resistant to most physical forces applied thereto, including bullets. 
     An institutional commercial grade telephone handset  110 , also formed from a material suitable for a jail telephone system is connected to enclosure  102  by a steel sheathed cable  112  and a steel lanyard, not specifically identified. 
     A chrome steel handset cradle  114  is provided on the front surface of enclosure  102  to facilitate storage of handset  110  when not in active use. Cradle  114  is secured to cabinet  102  in a way to render its removal difficult. 
     An institutional keypad  116  is also provided on the front surface of enclosure  102 . Keypad  116  is also constructed as a “jail-hardened” device to prevent vandalism or destruction. Keypad  116  is typically a USB connected device. 
     A video camera (typically a USB camera) is housed in enclosure  102  and aligned therein such that a camera lens, not specifically identified, is aimed forward through opening  108 . A video monitor  120  is mounted within enclosure  102  and a front screen area thereof is aligned with monitor opening  106 . In the embodiment chosen for purposes of disclosure, video monitor  120  is a 20 inch video monitor forming a part of a so-called all-in-one PC computer. An ASUS Model ET-2011 has been found satisfactory for the application. It will be recognized by those of skill in the art that other similar computers are or may become available and any suitable computer may be used. Consequently, the invention is not considered limited to the ASUS computer chosen for purposes of disclosure. 
     An electronic unit, shown schematically at reference number  122 , typically implemented as part of the all-in-one PC computer, is housed within enclosure  102  and operatively connected to handset  110 , camera  118 , and video monitor  120 . Electronic units such as electronic unit  122  are believed to be well known to those of skill in the video conferencing arts and, consequently, are not further discussed herein. In the embodiment chosen for purposes of disclosure, electronic unit  122  is the CPU of the all-in-one PC computer of which video monitor  122  is a part. Electronic unit  122  includes a power supply, not specifically identified, that is typically connected externally to an electrical power receptacle via an electrical power cord  124  terminating in a connector  126 . Typically, electrical power cord  124  is not accessible to an inmate using inmate communication station  100 . Only authorized personnel have access to electrical power cord  124 . 
     In addition, electronic unit  122  includes a network communication interface, not specifically identified, that is typically designed to connect to an Ethernet or another standard network type via communication cable  128  terminating in a connector  130 . The electrical cable  128  and connector  130  are also inaccessible to all but an authorized person. In the embodiment chosen for purposes of disclosure, connector  130  is a standard RJ-45 8 conductor connector. 
     It will be recognized that other configurations for a “jail-hardened” inmate communication stations may be substituted for the communication station  100  chosen for purposes of disclosure. Consequently, the invention is not considered limited to communication station  100 . Rather, the invention is intended to include any suitable alternate inmate communication station configurations. 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 1 b   , there is shown a simplified schematic block diagram of a web-enabled computer suitable for use as a visitor workstation, generally at reference number  150 . While a typical so-called “desktop” computer configuration is shown in  FIG. 1 b    for purposes of disclosure, it will be recognized by those of skill in the art that any Internet enabled device may be substituted therefor. Such devices include, but are not limited to, smartphones, tablet computers, netbook computers, notebook computers, laptop computers, and dedicated Internet appliances, etc. 
     The exemplary Internet enabled computer system  150  has a CPU  152 , a video monitor  154 , a keyboard  156 , a pointing device (e.g., a mouse)  158 , and a modem  164 , each operatively connected to CPU  152  In addition, a camera  160  and a microphone  162  are also operatively connected to CPU  152 . A camera  160  and a microphone  162  complete a computer system suitable for use as a visitor computer system. Such system topologies as well as all included and/or attached components are believed to be well known to those of skill in the art. Consequently, neither the system topology nor any individual component are further described or discussed herein. 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 2 , there is shown a simplified system block diagram of the remote web-based visitation system (RWVS) in accordance with the invention, generally at reference number  200 . For purposes of disclosure, a remote, web-based visitation system for prisons provided by HomeWAV, LLC, a limited liability company of the state of Virginia, located in Virginia Beach Va. is described. HomeWAV and HomeWAV Web Access Visitation are trademarks of HomeWAV, Inc. 
     A prison facility,  202  contains one or more inmate communication stations  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   n  typically disposed throughout prison  202 . While most inmate communication terminals  100   a ,  100   b  . . .  100   n  are typically located in cell block common areas, not specifically identified, such terminals  100   a ,  100   b  . . .  100   n  may be placed at any other convenient locations throughout prison  202 . In some prisons  202 , public visitation terminals, not specifically identified, may be located in areas of the prison accessible to the public. Each inmate communication station  100   a ,  100   b  . . .  100   n  is connected to a network, shown schematically at reference number  204 . Network  204  is supported by a network device  206 , typically a multiport switch. It will be recognized that numerous network topologies may be implemented within prison  202 . Consequently the invention is not considered limited to any particular network topology or any specific networking components. 
     Network component  206  is connected to an Internet interface, typically a modem  208 . The type of modem  208  and the nature of the Internet connection depends upon the number of inmate visitation stations  100   a ,  100   b  . . .  100   n  at the prison  202 . In the embodiment chosen for purposes of disclosure, modem  208  is a cable modem. As cable modems, as well as other Internet interface devices are believed to be well known to those of skill in the art, they are not further described or discussed herein. Consequently, the invention is not considered limited to the cable modem chosen for purposes of disclosure. Rather, the invention comprehends any and all network interface devices, known and to be invented. 
     A prison administrator workstation (PAWS)  210  may be located within prison  202  and also connected to either network  204  or directly to network controller (e.g., switch)  206 . In alternate embodiments, PAWS  210  may have its own modem associated and connected directly to the Internet. Also PAWS  210  may be located outside prison  202  when desired. 
     An Internet connection  212  is provided between Internet interface/modem  208  and the Internet “cloud” represented schematically at reference number  214 . 
     A visitor workstation or Internet “appliance”  150  discussed in detail hereinabove is also connected to Internet  214  via an Internet connection  216 . Visitor workstation  150  is intended to represent a plurality of visitor workstations, each connected to Internet  214 . 
     HomeWAV website  218  supports a web server  220 . Web server  220  runs application code, not shown, that implements the applications of the novel remote web-based visitation system of the invention. In the embodiment chosen for purposes of disclosure, the applications, discussed in detail herein below, are implemented in either JAVA or PHP (http://www.php.net). PHP is a server-side HTML embedded scripting language that provides web developers with a full suite of tools for building dynamic websites. In addition, some custom Adobe® Flash® ActionScript codes are provided to interact with flash.homeway.com  230  discussed in more detail herein below. ActionScript is a dialect of ECMAScript (i.e., it is a superset of the syntax and semantics of the language more widely known JavaScript), and is used primarily for the development of websites and software targeting the Adobe Flash Player platform. ECMAScript is the scripting language standardized by Ecma International in the ECMA-262 specification and ISO/IEC 16262 specifications. The language is widely used for client-side scripting on the web. 
     It will be recognized that website design and implementation is believed to be well known to those of skill in the art. Consequently, alternate web development tools/languages may be utilized to develop similar applications. Consequently, the invention is not considered limited to the development tools and/or languages chosen for purposes of disclosure. Rather, the invention is intended to include any suitable languages, scripts, etc. 
     HomeWAV website  218  also embodies and supports storage, shown schematically at reference numbers  222   a ,  222   b  to contain application code and the databases necessary to implement the remote web-based visitation system of the invention. 
     A second website associated with the remote web-based visitation system of the invention is Flash.HomeWAV.com website  230 . Flash.HomeWAV.com website  230  records and stores all audio/video (A/V) visits. As later discussed, certain A/V visits by clergy or legal representatives may be exempt from recording. Typically, all other A/V visits are recorded by one or more A/V servers  232 . Storage devices, shown schematically at reference numbers  234   a  . . .  234   d  retain A/V transcripts of all visits not exempt from the recording requirement. 
     Finally, one or more HomeWAV Administrators at workstations  250  that include a computer  252  and a modem  254  and that are connected to the Internet by Internet connection  256  provide certain gate keeping and administrative functions by interacting with HomeWAV website  218 . Such gate keeping and administrative functions are discussed in detail herein below. The system of  FIG. 2  is suitable for practicing the method of the invention. For brevity, the novel remote web-based visitation system for prisons is abbreviated RWVS. RWVS operates completely differently than any prison visitation system of the prior art. Two of the important differences between RWVS and the prior art include the feature that all visitation calls are initiated by inmates with no need for any intervention by prison personnel. All calls are automatically recorded (both audio and video) unless the call is between an inmate and a clergy person or a lawyer or another professional who has the right to privileged communication with the inmate. A flag in the visitor record of such a visitor automatically suspends recording. 
     A second unique feature of the RWVS of the invention is that prison personnel are not involved in collecting, or handling, the fees charged for using the system. Rather, RWVS is a pay-for-services based system wherein all money transactions are initiated by a visitor and all monies are recorded and tracked by the RWVS software. An online payment service such as PayPal® is used to receive payments from visitors or potential visitors. Received payments are credited to the visitor&#39;s account for use in visiting with a particular inmate. Generally, funds associated with one inmate may not be used for visitation with a different inmate. Also, deposited funds are associated with the visitor making the deposit and may not be used by a different visitor for visiting that inmate. 
     Before the RWVS is functional, administrative startup tasks must be performed, both by HomeWAV administrative personnel and prison administrative personnel at each prison. 
     A person wishing to utilize the HomeWAV system logs into the system in one of three user categories: as a visitor, as an inmate, or as an administrator. The features available to a visitor are first described. 
     Visitor Station 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a simplified flow chart generally at reference number  300 , of the operation of the HomeWAV features available to a visitor (i.e., a person outside the prison who will communicate (i.e., “visit”) with an inmate in accordance with the method of the invention. The visitor process starts, block  302  with a login process  304 .  FIG. 4 a    is a screenshot of the HomeWAV login screen, shown generally at reference number  400 . 
     If the visitor is logging in for the first time, block  306 , the “New Visitor” button  402  is selected and the new visitor is then directed to a new visitor screen  420  ( FIG. 4 b   ). 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 4 b   , there is shown a screenshot of the new visitor screen, generally at reference number  420 . A proposed user name  422  and a password  424  are entered. The user must then re-enter the password  424 . After that, typical demographic information  426  is entered. 
     The new user is required to agree to the terms of use, button  428  and then select “Sign Up” button  430 . 
     A FAQs section  432  is provided on screen to assist new users with their registration process. 
     If however, the visitor has already registered, block  306 , he/she enters a user name  404  and password  406  and selects the “Login” button  408 . In the event that the visitor has forgotten his/her password, the “Lost Password” button  410  may be selected for password help. If “Lost Password” button  410  is selected, the user is asked to enter his/her e-mail address and a reset password request is then forwarded to that address. 
     Upon entry of a valid username  404  and password  406  and pressing the login button  408  the visitor is logged into the HomeWAV system and immediately presented the Registered Inmate screen  440  ( FIG. 4 c   ), block  310 . 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 4 c   , there is shown a screen shot of the “Registered Inmates” screen  440 . Several actions are available to the visitor: proceed to the “Your Account” screen  500  ( FIG. 4 f   ) selectable from the “Your Account” tab  444 , or log out of the HomeWAV system, tab  458 . Note that the “Registered Inmates” tab  442  does nothing as the visitor is already at the registered inmate screen  440 . 
     Selecting link  458  allows the user to log out of the HomeWAV system. 
     The “Registered Inmates” screen  440  provides information relating to all inmates with which the visitor has registered and with whom a HomeWAV visit may be conducted. The Inmate Status Ball column  446  displays a colored ball indicating the current status of each registered inmate. The colors have the following meanings: 
     Red—Inmate not logged on and/or there are no funds available for a visit with the selected inmate. If this is so, the call is not allowed; 
     Green—Inmate is currently logged into the HomeWAV system at an inmate visitation station  100  and there are funds available to allow a visit. 
     A green ball indicates that the inmate is available to initiate a call. The process whereby an inmate initiates a call is discussed in detail herein below. 
     The columns “Name”  448 , and “ID Number”  450 , are believed to be self explanatory. 
     Available minutes column  452  indicates the number of minutes in the visitor&#39;s account available for a visit with the selected registered inmate. Note that minutes purchased for visitation cannot be used for visitation with another inmate. Adjacent the remaining minutes value is an “Add Minutes” button  454  that allows the visitor to add additional minutes when necessary. 
     Selecting the “Add Minutes” button  454  associated with any registered inmate transfers a visitor to an “Add Minutes” screen  460  ( FIG. 4 d   ) to which the user is directed. 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 4 d   , there is shown an “Add Minutes” screen  460 . An “Order Summary” block  462  displays the selected inmate name. An “Order Quantity” box  464  allows the visitor to enter the number of minutes he/she wishes to purchase for visitation with the inmate. 
     For purposes of disclosure PayPal® has been chosen as the online payment service through which a visitor may purchase minutes for a selected inmate. PayPal® is believed to be well known to those of skill in the art and is, therefore, not further discussed herein. It will be recognized that any alternate online payment service may be used in addition to or in place of PayPal® to purchase visitation minutes. Consequently, the invention is not considered limited to any particular on-line funds collection and/or transfer agent. Funds paid through PayPal® or the like to purchase minutes are automatically transferred to HomeWAV server  220  ( FIG. 2 ) and are typically recorded and made available to a visitor&#39;s account for use in as little as 15 seconds. 
     A HomeWAV visitor is assumed to have a PayPal® or other equivalent account and enters his/her e-mail address  466  and password  468  and then clicks the login button  470 . When the PayPal® transaction has been completed, the user is returned to the Registered Inmate screen  440  ( FIG. 4 c   ). 
     “Call History” button  456  allows a user access to a call log for a selected inmate. Referring now also to  FIG. 4 e    there is shown a screen shot of a portion of a call history or call log for the selected inmate, generally at reference number  480 . 
     Two navigation buttons, “Registered Inmates”  482  and “Your Account”  484  are provided. In addition a “Return to Registered Inmates” button  486  performs identically to “Registered Inmates” button  482 . Call log records  488  each show a date  490 , a duration and inmate name  492 , and the billed time  494  for the call. Billed time  494  is based upon the minimum number of minutes billed for a call regardless of the actual call duration. Typically there is no minimum call length. 
     Selecting any “Your Account” button, for example “Your Account” button  484  on “Call History” screen  480  directs the user to the “Your Account” screen  500  ( FIG. 4 f   ), block  326 . For simplicity, not all paths to block  316  are included on flow chart  300 . 
     From “Your Account” screen  500 , four actions are possible. First, a user may return to the “Registered Inmate” screen  440  ( FIG. 4 c   ). In addition, the user may select one of three other functions: “Add an Inmate” button  506 , “Delete an Inmate”, button  508 , and “Purchase Equipment/Minutes”, button  510 . 
     If the user selects “Registered Inmate” button  502 , block  328 , he/she is returned to “Registered Inmate” screen  440  ( FIG. 4 c   ), block  310 . If, however, the user selects “Add an Inmate” button  506 , block  330 , he/see is transferred to “Add an Inmate” screen  520  ( FIG. 4 g   ). 
     Selecting the “Your Account” button  522  returns the user to the “Your Account” screen  500  ( FIG. 4 f   ). 
     Selecting the “Registered Inmate” button  524  returns the user to the “Registered Inmate” screen  440  ( FIG. 4 c   ). 
     Selecting “Delete Inmate” button  526  transfers the user to the “Delete Inmate” screen  540  ( FIG. 4 h   ). 
     When registering a new inmate, the visitor first selects the detention facility (i.e., prison) housing the inmate to be registered using a pull down list box  530 . 
     Once the detention facility has been selected, the visitor enters the inmate&#39;s first and last name,  532 ,  534 , respectively. 
     Finally, the visitor selects “Save” button  536  to save the inmate information to the HomeWAV web server  220  ( FIG. 2 ). 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 4 h   , there is shown a screenshot  540  of the delete an inmate process. 
     Selecting the “Your Account” button  542  returns the user to the “Your Account” screen  500  ( FIG. 4 f   ). 
     Selecting the “Registered Inmate” button  544  returns the user to the “Registered Inmate” screen  440  ( FIG. 4 c   ). 
     If the visitor selects “Add an Inmate” button  546 , he/she is transferred to the “Add an Inmate” screen  520  ( FIG. 4 g   ). 
     A list of inmates  550  registered by the visitor is shown on screen  540 , each having a radio button control  552  adjacent each listed inmate name  550 . Only one radio button  552  is labeled to maintain clarity of screen  540 . Selecting the radio button  552  adjacent the name of the inmate from list  550  who is to be deleted, and then selecting “Delete Inmate” button  554  deletes (i.e., unregisters) the selected inmate at the HomeWAV server  220 . If the visitor selects “Purchase Equipment/Minutes” button  548 , he/she is transferred to the “Purchase Equipment/Minutes” screen  560 , ( FIG. 4 i   ). 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 4 i   , there is shown the “Purchase Equipment/Minutes” screen  560 . 
     Selecting the “Your Account” button  564  returns the user to the “Your Account” screen  500  ( FIG. 4 f   ). 
     Selecting the “Registered Inmates” button  562  returns the user to the “Registered Inmates” screen  440  ( FIG. 4 c   ). 
     Selecting the “Add Inmate” button  566  transfers the visitor to the “Add an Inmate” screen  520  ( FIG. 4 g   ). 
     Selecting the “Delete Inmate” button  568  transfers the visitor to the “Delete Inmate” screen  540  ( FIG. 4 h   ). 
     Selecting the “Purchase Minutes” button  570  returns the visitor to “Registered Inmates” screen  440  ( FIG. 4 c   ) where button  454  associated with the inmate name  448  for which additional minutes are required is used to add the minutes. A series of equipment  572   a ,  572   b  . . .  572   n  is displayed. Any equipment  572   a ,  572   b  . . .  572   n  may be purchased by selecting the associated “Buy Now” button  574   a ,  574   b  . . .  574   n.    
     As has previously been mentioned, all visitation calls are initiated by an inmate. The process whereby an inmate initiates a call is described in detail herein below. 
     To receive a call, a visitor logs into the HomeWAV system as previously described and then selects the “Registered Inmate” screen  440  ( FIG. 4 c   ). As previously discussed, Inmate Status Ball column  446  displays a colored ball indicating the current status of each registered inmate. Any inmate displaying a green ball is on-line and may initiate a call. 
     When an inmate initiates a call, a ringing sound is heard through speakers  160  at the visitor station  150  at which the visitor is logged into the HomeWAV system. A pop up box also appears on the screen showing the name of the calling inmate. An “Answer” button in the pop-up box is selected to answer the call. Referring now to  FIG. 4 j   , there is shown a screen  580  that is displayed once the call is answered. An image of the calling  582  is displayed at the left side of screen  580  while a smaller image  584  of the visitor is displayed at the right side of the screen  580 . 
     A message  586  reminds the visitor that the call is being recorded. 
     The visitor may terminate the call using “Disconnect Call” button  588 . 
     The visitor may mute his/her microphone  162  ( FIG. 1 b   ) sing “Mute Microphone” button  590 . 
     The time remaining for the call based upon the maximum allowable call length is displayed at reference number  594 . 
     Finally, the number of minutes remaining in the account for the inmate to which the visitor is currently “talking” is displayed at reference number  596 . 
     Inmate Station 
     Up to this point, the HomeWAV system has been described from the perspective of a visitor. The system as utilized by an inmate is now described. Referring now also to  FIG. 5 a   , there is shown a screenshot of an inmate sign in screen, generally at reference number  600 . A schematic representation of keypad  116  forming a part of a “jail-hardened” terminal forming an inmate communication station  100  as shown in  FIG. 2 . Keypad  116  is the only device available to an inmate with which to communicate at a “jail-hardened” inmate communication station  100 . 
     A single field “Inmate ID#”  602  is available on screen  600 . The inmate must enter his/her ID number using keypad  116 . As there is neither an “Enter” key nor a “Backspace” key on keypad  116 , the “*” is used as an enter key while the # is used as a backspace key. Consequently, when the inmate has entered his/her ID number, he/she presses the “*” key on keypad  116 . 
     The inmate ID number is validated and, if not recognized, the inmate must reenter his/her ID number. Once the inmate ID is validated, an inmate PIN screen  620  ( FIG. 5 b   ) is displayed. Referring now also to  FIG. 5 b   , there is shown an “Inmate PIN” screen  620 . The inmate is instructed, REFERENCE NUMBER  622 , to “ENTER” his/her PIN. The inmate then enters his/her PIN in field  624  using “*” as an enter key. 
     Once the entered PIN  624  is verified, a screen  640  appears that displays a list of the inmate&#39;s visitors and their availability status. 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 5 c    there is shown a screenshot of a “Begin Visit” screen  640 . The inmate is provided with a reminder  642  that “ALL VISITS ARE RECORDED.” However, as discussed herein below, certain visits with clergy, legal representatives, etc. are generally not recorded. 
     A second reminder  648  reminds the inmate that the web visit may be ended by pressing the “*” key on keypad  116  ( FIG. 1 a   ). 
     The names of one or more potential visitors are displayed, column  646 , each with an associated visitor status ball  644 . A particular number  650  is assigned to each listed visitor, which number must be entered on keypad  116  to initiate a visit with that visitor. Assuming that the visitor status ball is green, pressing the associated number  650  initiates the visiting process. If the visitor status ball is red, the visitor is not logged on and/or there are no funds available for a visit with this visitor, and accordingly no visit can be initiated. In such an event, the inmate can select an option to send a text message to the red status visitor, advising the visitor that the inmate is ready and desiring to initiate a visit. Referring now also to  FIG. 5 d   , there is shown a screenshot of A “Begin Visit” screen  660  having a pop-up box  662  displayed thereupon. Pop-up box  662  shows the name  664  of the visitor being called and the number of rings  666 . 
     Once the visitor “answers” the call, an “Inmate Visit Screen”  680  is displayed. 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 5 e   , there is shown a screenshot of an “Inmate Visit” screen  680 . An image  682  of the called visitor is displayed at the left side of screen  680  while a smaller image  684  of the inmate is displayed at the right side of screen  680 . 
     The remaining available minutes for the call  686  are displayed beneath image  682 . The remaining time  686  is based upon the maximum call length allowed as well as the minutes remaining in the visitor&#39;s account for the calling inmate. 
     Available minutes  688  are displayed beneath image  684 . 
     To end the call (i.e., web visit), the inmate may simply press the “*” key on keypad  116 . 
     Administrator Station 
     The third class of HomeWAV users is administrators. Some functions performed by HomeWAV administrative personnel using management software residing on web server  220  ( FIG. 2 ) associated with the HomeWAV.com website  218  include: 
     Enter or Delete a prison 
     Assign Prison Administrators 
     Set cost per minute for calls 
     Delete Recorded Video 
     Set retention duration of archived recorded video Register Visitors including Name, Address, Phone, and Password 
     Reset a Visitor Password 
     Delete a Visitor 
     Manage Visitors minutes 
     Manage Purchase of Minutes 
     Track Used and unused minutes 
     Issue Credit for unused minutes 
     Update Inmate List as data is provided by a prison 
     Generate usage and other reports 
     There are currently three classes of administrator defined within the HomeWAV system. The names and privileges (i.e., the allowable operations) of each of these classes of administrator are: 
     Class 1—Facility Manager 
     1) Manage Detention Facility 
     Can View Facility Information (i.e. Name, Location, Min/Max Call Length, Price per Minute). 
     Can modify the Facility Maximum Call Length. 
     Has the ability to disable all Calls 
     2) Manage Inmates 
     View Inmate Information (i.e. Name, ID #, Available Minutes). 
     Can disable calls for a specific Inmate. 
     Can Reset PIN for specific Inmate. 
     Can View List of Registered Visitors for a specific Inmate and have the ability to turn off their Record. 
     Can View Visitor Information (i.e. First and Last Name, Phone Number, Address) 
     Video Playback 
     a) Can playback recorded video for specific Inmates. 
     Manage operators 
     View operator information (i.e. Username, Email, Privileges). 
     Has the ability to edit operator information and privileges. 
     Class 2—Jail Administrator 
     Detention Facility 
     a) Can view facility information (i.e. Name, 
     Location, Min/Max Call Length, Price-per-Minute). 
     Manage Inmates 
     View inmate information (i.e. Name, ID #, Available Minutes). 
     Can disable calls for a specific inmate. Reset PIN for a specific inmate. 
     View registered visitors for a specific inmate. 
     View visitor information (i.e. First and Last Name, Phone Number, Address). 
     3) Video Playback. 
     a) Playback recorded video for specific inmates. 
     Class 3-Monitor 
     1) Detention Facility 
     a) Can view facility information (i.e. Name, 
     Location, Min/Max Call Length, Price-per-Minute). 
     2) Inmates 
     View inmate information (i.e. Name, ID #, Available Minutes). 
     View registered visitors for a specific Inmate. 
     View visitor information (i.e. First and Last Name, Phone Number, Address) 
     3) Video Playback 
     a) Playback recorded video for specific inmates 
     An administrator logs into the HomeWAV system using login screen  400  ( FIG. 4 a   ). Once the administrator&#39;s user name  404  and password  496  are validated, he/she is immediately transferred to the “Manage Detention Facility” screen. 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 6 a   , there is shown a screenshot of “Manage Detention Facility” screen  700 . 
     “Manage Inmates” buttons  704 , “Video Playback” button  706 , and “Manage Operators” button  708  all direct the operator to different screens, each discussed in detail herein below. Log out link  724  logs the operator out of the HomeWAV system. 
     Displayed on “Manage Detention Facility” screen  700  are the Facility Name  710 , the Facility Location  712 , Maximum Call Length  716 , Cost per Minute  718 , and All Calls Disabled  720 . 
     Pressing “Update Detention Facility Settings” button  722  directs the operator to “Update Detention Facility Settings” screen  730 . 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 6 b   , there is shown the “Update Detention Facility Settings” screen  730 . 
     The Maximum Call Length value  732  may be set to a desired call length. All calls may be disabled for the facility by clicking check box  734 . 
     Save button  736  records any changes made to the maximum call length or to the all calls disabled status. 
     The operator may return to “Manage Detention Facility” screen  700  by selecting button  702 . Other actions “Manage Inmates”, “Video Playback”, and “Manage Operator” may be selected using buttons  704 ,  706 , and  708 , respectively. 
     If the operator selects “Manage Inmates” using button  704  from any screen, he/she is directed to the “Manage Inmates” screen  750 . 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 6 c   , there is shown the “Manage Inmates” screen  750 . 
     A list of inmate names  752  reflects the registered inmate population of the selected detention facility. A column of associated PINs (Personal Identification Numbers)  754 , Available Minutes  756 , and Calls Disabled Status  758  are associated with each inmate name. Each inmate name  752  also has a “Disable Calls” button  760  and a “Reset Pin” button  762 . 
     Selecting either “Disable Calls” or “Reset PIN” buttons  760 ,  762 , respectively, does not transfer the operator to a different screen but merely presents a pop-up box requesting confirmation of the action. 
     As with previous screens, the operator may return to “Manage Detention Facility” screen  700  by selecting button  702 . Other actions “Manage Inmates”, “Video Playback”, and “Manage Operators” may be selected using buttons  704 ,  706 , and  708 , respectively. 
     If an operator selects “Video Playback” from any screen using the “Video Playback” button  706 , he/she is transferred to “Video Playback” screen  790 . 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 6 d   , there is shown a screenshot of the “Video Playback” screen  790 . 
     A pull-down list box  792  activated by control  794  displays all inmates of the detention facility that have registered with the HomeWAV system. Selecting an inmate from the list of inmates transfers the operator to “Video Display” screen  810 . 
     As with previous screens, the operator may return to “Manage Detention Facility” screen  700  by selecting button  702 . Other actions “Manage Inmates”, “Video Playback”, and “Manage Operators” may be selected using buttons  704 ,  706 , and  708 , respectively. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 e    there is shown a screenshot of the “Video Display” screen  812 . The name and PIN  812  of the selected inmate for whom recorded video is to be viewed is displayed. A matrix of calls  813  with the most recent call at the top of the list is displayed. The columns of the call matrix  813  includes: Date  814 , Visitor  816 , Inmate  818 , and Duration  820 . A fifth column includes either a “Play” button  822  or status information if recorded data for the call is not available. 
     Selecting “Play” button  822  associated with a desired call initiates playback of the selected audio/video file. 
     A Call Details area, not specifically identified, contains date and start time  824   a  and date and end time  824   b  of the selected call. 
     A Visitor video display area  826  and an Inmate video display area  828  display respective visitor and inmate recorded video. 
     Controls  830  are used to control playback of the recorded video. 
     As with previous screens, the operator may return to “Manage Operators” screen  700  by selecting button  708 . Other actions “Manage Detention Facility”, “Manage Inmates”, and “Video Playback” may be selected using buttons  702 ,  704 , and  706 , respectively. 
     If “Manage Operators” button  708  is selected from any screen, the operator is transported to “Manage Operators” screen  840 . 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 7 a    there is shown a screenshot of the manage operators screen  840 . An “Add Operator” button  842  transfers the operator to “Add Operator” screen  860  described in detail herein below. 
     A list of operators  844  is displayed. Information displayed in operator list  844  includes: Username  846 , E-Mail  848 , Is Controller? (can make modifications)  850 , Is monitor? (can only view)  852 , and Options  854 . An “Edit” button associated with each Username  846  is located in Options column  854 . 
     Selecting “Edit” (column  854 ) associated with an operator Username transfers the operator to “Edit an Operator” screen  860 . 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 7 c    there is shown a screenshot of “Edit an Operator” screen  860 . The Username  882 , the E-Mail address  884 , the Password  886 , and the Password Confirmation fields are displayed. 
     A pair of check boxes  890 ,  892 , respectively, allow the operator associated with the selected Username  882  to “Modify Facility Settings”  890 , and “Only Display Settings,  892 . 
     When all information on screen  880  is correct, the operator selects the “Save Changes” button  894  to save the record with all changes. 
     If “Add Operator” button  842  has been selected, the operator is transferred to “Add Operator” screen  860 . 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 7 b   , there is shown a screenshot of the “Add an Operator” screen  860 . As with previous screens, the operator may return to “Manage Detention Facility” screen  700  by selecting button  702 . Other actions “Manage Inmates, “Video Playback”, and “Manage Operators” may be selected using buttons  704 ,  706 , and  708 , respectively. 
     Web-Based Embodiments 
     The present disclosure provides a system for providing video and/or telephonic visitation between inmates incarcerated in a prison, and visitors located remotely from the prison. Visitors each have an authorized, Internet connected computer or other Internet appliance including Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) capability. Visitation may be initiated by either the inmate or the remote visitor. 
     As used herein the term VoIP refers to a specific method of packaging voice signals for transmission over an Internet connection. However, the applicant believes that other methods, protocols, etc. for packaging voice signals for Internet transmission may exist or may emerge in the future. Consequently, as used herein the term VoIP is intended to include any and all existing or emerging voice transmission methods or protocols in addition to the specific method chosen for purposes of disclosure (i.e., VoIP). 
     Referring next to  FIGS. 8 a  and 8 b    there are shown top plan schematic views of two possible form factors for a device in accordance with the present disclosure.  FIG. 8 a    shows a device  1100   a  in the form factor of a so-called tablet computer while  FIG. 8 b    shows a device in the form factor of a so-called “smart” phone. It will be recognized that devices may be provided in a wide range of form factors and, consequently, the disclosure is not considered limited to the form factors chosen for purposes of disclosure. 
     Each device  1100   a ,  1100   b  has four fundamental elements depicted. Each device  1100   a ,  1100   b  has a forward-facing camera  1100   a ,  1100   b ; a screen  1104   a ,  1104   b ; a built-in microphone shown schematically at reference numbers  1106   a ,  1106   b , respectively; and a headphone jack  1108   a ,  1108   b , respectively. 
     Each device  1100   a ,  1100   b  has a wireless communications interface. For purposes of disclosure, a so-called “Wi-Fi” interface has been chosen as a communications interface. It will be recognized by those of skill in the art that other wireless interfaces currently exist and that the pace of development in wireless digital communication is rapid. Consequently, the disclosure is not considered limited to a particular wireless communications interface. Rather, the disclosure is intended to include any suitable wireless interface whether known or yet to be developed in addition to the Wi-Fi interface chosen for purposes of disclosure. 
     Each device  1100   a ,  1100   b  has a unique identifier that may be transmitted by the wireless interface to identify a particular device  1100   a ,  1100   b . Such unique identifiers include but are not limited to a Media Access Control address (“MAC” address) or the like. MAC addresses are most often assigned by the manufacturer of the wireless interface included within a device  1100   a ,  1100   b  and are typically stored in the device&#39;s hardware, not specifically identified, for example, in read-only memory, or some other firmware mechanism. Such MAC addresses are referred to as burned-in addresses. 
     It will be recognized that exemplary devices  1100   a ,  1100   b  contain electronic support circuitry and a power supply (e.g., a rechargeable battery). Such devices  1100   a ,  1100   b  are considered to be well known and may be purchased as off-the-shelf devices. Optionally, such devices  1100   a ,  1100   b  may be custom built for the application and may contain security features, not specifically identified, designed to allow more secure operation in a correctional facility environment. 
     In a prison, any communication apparatus for use by inmates has heretofore been an apparatus constructed using “prison hardened” techniques and materials. Inmates have used such apparatus for all communications with the outside world. 
     The present disclosure supplements or replaces such apparatus with the devices  1100   a ,  1100   b  individually “owned” (i.e., purchased, rented, or leased) by individual inmates from the prison or from the system operator of the prison visitation system. The HomeWAV Web Access Visitation for Correctional Facilities by HomeWAV, LLC of Virginia Beach, Va. USA, hereinafter the HomeWAV system or simply the system, is assumed to be the system operator for purposes of disclosure. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , there is shown a greatly simplified block diagram of the novel HomeWAV, LLC prison visitation system in accordance with the disclosure, generally at reference number  1200 . Hereinafter, for purposes of brevity, the HomeWAV prison visitation system is referred to as “the HomeWAV system”. The HomeWAV system  200   1200  provides “gate keeping” security functions that assure only valid, authorized devices  1100   a ,  1100   b  are allowed to communicate with the HomeWAV system  1200 . Further, the HomeWAV system  1200  ensures that inmates may communicate only with authorized visitors as approved and controlled by the prison. 
     As used herein, reference number  100   x ,  1100   x  or simply  100  or  1100  is used to generically refer to any and all devices for example, devices  100   a ,  100   b ,  1100   a ,  1100   b.    
     Using the devices  100   x  and  1100   x  with the system  1200  and methods of the present disclosure, inmates may communicate only with the HomeWAV system. Each device  1100   x  is pre-programmed such that it can only access the HomeWAV system. As used herein, the term pre-programmed refers to either software or hardware modifications or add-ons that limit an off-the-shelf device to exclusive communication with the HomeWAV system. Prisoners are allowed access to only those applications and programs on the HomeWAV system that have been approved by the prison. Specifically, device  1100   x  is pre-programmed to prevent uncontrolled access to the Internet. 
     More specifically, each device  1100   x  may be pre-programmed so that it will only link with a particular wireless  1202  router located within the prison. It is especially important to note that no two devices  1100   x  are allowed to communicate directly with one another, and each device will only be allowed to communicate with visitors who have been approved to visit with the inmate to whom the particular device has been assigned. 
     Communication capabilities usually associated with an off-the-shelf electronic appliance such as cell phones, smart phones, or tablet computers, etc. may be modified. In device  1100   x , any existing cellular network communications or open wireless network communication (i.e., Wi-Fi) is typically disabled. 
     HomeWAV system  1200  incorporates security features that make it practical for an individual inmate to posses his or her own device  1100   x . For example, each device  1100   x  may require biometric input from a particular inmate for the device to be activated. In most embodiments, a unique prisoner-generated personal identification number (PIN) may be required for device  1100   x  activation. Further, HomeWAV system  1200  limits each device  1100   x  to communicating with the IP addresses of a particular inmate&#39;s approved visitors&#39; equipment as controlled by the HomeWAV, LLC website  1210  via portion  1208   a  of the “cloud”. It will be recognized that while three “cloud portions”  1208   a ,  1208   b ,  1208   c  are shown on  FIG. 9 , that representation is done for clarity in depicting the flow of information in the HomeWAV prison visitation system. There is, of course, only a single “cloud” representing the entire Internet. 
     Three devices  1100   x , representative of any number of such devices  1100   x  found in a prison, are shown communicating with a wireless router  1202  via communications paths  1204   a ,  1204   b  . . .  1204   n  using a built-in Wi-Fi communications interface, not specifically identified, within devices  1100   x.    
     Router  1202  may have an integrated server, for example, an Interface Device shown schematically at reference number  1220 , or it may be connected, along with other routers, not shown, with a server, not shown, located elsewhere in the prison. The prison&#39;s routers, servers, and associated connections, none of which are shown, constitute the prison&#39;s local area network (LAN), not specifically identified. The prison&#39;s LAN is, in turn connected to the wide area network (WAN) outside of the prison via a communications portion  1206  that may include the prison&#39;s Internet Service Provider (ISP), not specifically identified. The prison&#39;s LAN is thereby connected to the Internet, shown schematically as cloud portion  1208   a.    
     A prison administration workstation, not shown, but described in detail in the &#39;569 patent is connected to the HomeWAV website  1210  via another Internet connection shown schematically as portion  1208   b  of the cloud. 
     Outside visitors communicate with the HomeWAV website  1210 , via the Internet, shown schematically as cloud portion  1208   c.    
     The HomeWAV website  1210  maintains and accesses databases of visitors  1216  and of inmates and prisons  1218 . Using information from databases, the HomeWAV visitation system  1200  acts as a gate keeper whereby only registered visitors are connected to registered inmates with whom that visitor is specifically authorized to visit. 
     Based on input from Prison Administration  1212  all or selective portions of an inmate&#39;s communication may be disabled. Single, identified groups (e.g., a cell block, etc.), or all devices  1100   x  may be disabled by prison administration  1214 . In addition to complete disabling of devices  1100   x , hours of operation may be imposed on a device by device basis at the discretion of prison administration  1214 . Additional control may be exercised by prison administration  1212  as also described in detail in the priority &#39;569 patent. 
     The HomeWAV system  1200  of  FIG. 9  relates only to prison visitation system using devices  1100   x  in possession of individual inmates. In the priority &#39;569 patent, there is disclosed a system for video visitation that allows inmates to initiate video visitation calls from secure terminals within the prison during allowed hours to pre-approved outside visitors equipped with an Internet enabled computer or other similar appliance. These prisoner-initiated video visitations do not rely on prison personnel to either establish, schedule, or monitor these visitations. All visits, unless excepted by attorney-client or clergy privilege, are recorded for security purposes. The system of the &#39;569 patent, however, has no provision for video or telephone visitation originated by an approved outside visitor to an inmate. 
     The HomeWAV system  1200  of  FIG. 9  is assumed to have all necessary security enhancements to allow outside visitor originated video or telephonic visitation. Such system enhancements are discussed in detail herein below. 
     The novel concept of letting inmates have individual communications devices under their own control opens numerous possibilities for enhanced visitation via VoIP telephone and/or video visitation. 
     Refer now also to  FIGS. 10 a   - 10   p.    
       FIG. 10 a   , shows a “wakeup” screen shot  1300  of device  1100   x  that is displayed when device  1100   x  is turned on, and assuming that device  1100   x  is a touch screen device and the screen is touched. A field  1301  shows where the inmate may enter his or her Inmate ID No. An “Enter” button  1302  is also shown. 
       FIG. 10 b    shows a screen  1310  that appears after “wakeup” screen  1300  and displays a touch screen keyboard  1303  and field  1301  into which an inmate has typed his or her Inmate ID Number,  1312 . 
     Once the inmate has entered his or her ID Number  1312 , a status message  1314  that indicates that the information is being validated is displayed. In addition, a rotating icon  1316  indicates that the device  1100   x  is processing the information. The entered Inmate ID Number  1312  is checked against a list of authorized inmate numbers possibly stored in device identification database  1208 . In addition, the MAC Address or similar unique ID of the device  1100   x  is checked against a list of authorized devices  1100   x . In some cases, the MAC Address is checked against the Inmate ID Number  1312  to ensure that the correct inmate is using the device  1100   x.    
     Assuming that the MAC address etc. is valid and the inmate has entered a valid Inmate ID Number  1312 , one of two screens will be displayed to the inmate. 
     If this is the first time signing into the HomeWAV system from device  1100   x , a new screen  1320  ( FIG. 10 c   ) is displayed. On screen  1320 , the inmate is instructed to Create a 4 Digit PIN in a field  1322 . After the inmate enters a 4 digit PIN  1324 , the system informs the inmate that the PIN  1324  is being created (screen  1330 = FIG. 10 d   ). 
     If, however, it is not the first time the inmate has logged into the HomeWAV system from device  1100   x , then screens  1320  and  1330  ( FIGS. 10 c  and 10 d   ) are not displayed. Instead, screen  1340  ( FIG. 10 e   ) is displayed and the inmate is instructed to enter his or her PIN  1324  in window  1322  using virtual keyboard  1303 . 
     Once the PIN  1324  is entered, screen  1350  ( FIG. 10 f   ) is displayed and a status message  1354  indicates that the PIN  1324  is being validated. Again, rotating icon  1316  indicates that the device  1100   x  is processing the information. 
     Once the PIN  1324  is validated, a new screen  1360  ( FIG. 10 g   ) is displayed that indicates to the inmate that the “application” (i.e., the HomeWAV system) is loading. 
     When the loading is complete, the Inmate sees screen  1370  ( FIG. 10 h   ). This is the home screen from which all inmate initiated HomeWAV visitation tasks are managed. 
     The device  1100   x  is constrained via hardware, software, firmware, or by other means believed to be known to those of skill in the art such that the only options that an inmate may choose are displayed on screen  1370 . The four options are: 1) viewing received video messages  1388 ; 2) creating and sending a video message  1390 ; 3) initiating a video visit with an authorized visitor  1392 ; and 4) initiating a VoIP phone call to an authorized visitor  1394 . The inmate selects the desired action by touching the appropriate controls on the screen of device  1100   x . Screen  1370  presents the inmate a list of visitors  1386  who have registered and prepaid for minutes for visitation with that particular inmate. The priority &#39;569 patent includes a complete discussion of visitor registration and payment procedure. Consequently, neither visitor registration nor payment procedures are further discussed herein. 
     An “Indicator Key” link  1372 , when selected, produces pop-up box  1374 . Pop-up box  1374  shows the definitions of all possible colors of indicator(s)  1376 . Selecting control  1378  removes pop-up box  1374  from the screen. 
     The message “Welcome “John Doe” (the actual inmate name is displayed)  1380  is displayed at the top of the screen  1370 . A logout control  1382  near the upper right corner of screen  1370 , when activated, logs the inmate out of the HomeWAV system. 
     A “Test your audio and video” button  1396  allows the inmate to test the operational readiness of his or her device  1100   x  and to ensure that audio volume is properly adjusted. 
     One or more lines of information  1384  (only one line shown for simplicity) give the inmate the current status of all potential (i.e., registered) visitors. When multiple potential visitors are registered, a line for each such visitor is displayed. The scrolling functions of device  1100   x  are used to select and highlight the desired visitor with whom the inmate wishes to communicate. 
     The Visitor Name  1386  is shown adjacent status indicator  1376 . Four option buttons  1388 ,  1390 ,  1392 ,  1394  allow the inmate to “View Messages”, “Send Message”, “Send Video Call”, and “Send Audio Call”, respectively. 
     A message  1398 , typically provided in both English and Spanish, reminds the inmate that any audio call or video visit may be monitored and/or recorded. 
     Selecting “View Messages” control  1388  causes screen  1400  ( FIG. 10 i   ) to be displayed. A status line  1406  displays which of the saved messages is currently being displayed. 
     A central portion of screen  1400  displays an image  1408  originated by the person leaving the message being viewed. 
     Volume level may be adjusted using control  1410 . 
     Play button  1412 , Pause button  1414 , and Next Message button  1416  each perform the indicated action. 
     Pressing Exit button  1404  returns the inmate to home screen  1370 . 
     Another action selectable from home screen  1370  is to record and send a video message. This is accomplished using the Send Messages button  1390 . Pressing Send Messages button  1390  causes screen  1420  ( FIG. 10 j   ) to be displayed. It should be noted that the message will be sent to the visitor previously selected on screen  1370 . 
     The name  1422  of the visitor to whom the inmate is sending a message is displayed near the top of screen  1420 . Again, Exit button  1404  returns the inmate to home screen  1370 . 
     An image  1424  of the inmate creating the message is displayed in a central portion of screen  1420 . 
     Microphone level is adjustable using control  1410 . 
     Two action buttons, Cancel  1426  and Record  1428  are used to control the recording of a message to be sent. 
     Selecting record button  1428  causes screen  1430  ( FIG. 10 k   ) to be displayed. 
     Most of screen  1430  needs no additional explanation as it is in large part a replication of screen  1420  previously discussed. 
     A status message  1436  indicates the amount of recording time remaining during which the inmate should complete his or her recording. 
     Two action buttons, Stop Recording  1432  and Cancel  1434  perform the indicated functions. Selection of the Stop Recording button  1432  causes screen  1440  ( FIG. 10 l   ) to be displayed. 
     Screen  1440  allows the inmate to select several functions related to the just-recorded message. He or she may choose to re-record the message by selecting Re-record button  1442 . When selected, Re-record button  1442  returns the inmate back to screen  1420  where he or she may re-record his or her message. 
     Send button  1444  sends the message to the selected visitor and, once sent, the inmate is returned to home screen  1370 . 
     Review button  1446  allows the inmate to play back his or her message. 
     Cancel button  1448  discards any recorded message and return the inmate to home screen  1370 . 
     Once back at home screen  1370  the inmate may select another action. 
     The inmate may initiate a video visit to the selected visitor by pressing Send Video Call control  1392 . When Send Video Call control  1392  is selected, screen  1450  ( FIG. 10 m   ) is displayed and the call to the selected visitor is initiated. The status message  1452  indicates that the visit is started. 
     Message  1454  indicates the name of the visitor being called  1456  and the number of rings  1460 . 
     Cancel button  1458  terminates the calling process. 
     Assuming the visitor being called  1456  answers, screen  1470  ( FIG. 10 n   ) is then displayed. 
     A hang up control  1472  is used to terminate the call. Video  1474  captured by camera  1102   a  ( FIG. 8 a   ) of device  1100   x  is displayed in a left panel of screen  1470 . 
     Visitor originated video  1476  is displayed in a right panel of screen  1470 . 
     The maximum time remaining for the visit  1478  is displayed above the upper right hand corner of visitor originated video  1476 . The maximum time for a visit may be a prison-imposed time maximum or may indicate the number of prepaid minutes remaining in an inmate&#39;s account. 
     At the conclusion of the call, either the inmate or the visitor may hang up, control  1472 . The inmate is then returned to home screen  1370 . 
     Finally, an inmate may initiate a VoIP call to a selected visitor by selecting “Send Audio Call” button  1394 . Selecting button  1394  causes screen  1480  ( FIG. 10 o   ) to be displayed. 
     A status message “Call Started”  1482  is displayed. 
     A message  1484  Calling “Jane Smith” (actual visitor&#39;s name is shown)  1486  and a count of the rings  1490  is also displayed. 
     A Cancel button  1488  is used to terminate the calling process. 
     When the visitor being called answers, screen  1500  ( FIG. 10 p   ) is displayed. The telephone icon  1504  remains on the screen for the duration of the call. A Hang Up control  1502  is used to terminate the voice call. 
     Call time remaining  1506  is displayed on screen  1500  under telephone icon  1504 . 
     Inmate originated video messages, VoIP phone calls or video visits have been described hereinabove. Device  1100   x  is also adapted and configured to directly receive visitor originated VoIP telecommunications and video visitations. 
     Such video visitations and/or VoIP telecommunications are received directly by the inmate without any intervention by prison personnel. 
     A visitor who has been registered by the prison and who has placed funds in an account associated with the inmate with whom he or she wishes to visit logs into the HomeWAV system from his or her computer. As mentioned hereinabove, the term computer is used herein to represent any device capable of VoIP and/or video communication with the HomeWAV system. 
     The visitor station displays a login screen  1510  ( FIG. 11 a   ) and is requested to enter his or her user name  1512  and password  1514 . User name and password were previously established during a visitor registration process described in the priority &#39;569 patent. Consequently, the registration process is not further described or discussed herein. 
     Once the user name  1512  and password  1514  are entered, the visitor selects the Login button  1516  to log into the HomeWAV system. Alternately if the user wishes to terminate the process, he or she selects the Exit button  1518 . 
     Upon logging in, the user is presented with screen  1530  ( FIG. 11 b   ), the Registered Inmates Screen. All visitor actions are initiated from screen  1530 . 
     An “Indicator” link  1542 , when selected, causes a pop-up box  1570  to appear. Pop-up box is shown in  FIG. 11 c    overlying screen  1530 . Pop-up box  1570  provides definitions  1574  of colors displayed in an Indicator (Ind.) field  1546  on screen  1530 . A green indicator shows that an inmate is logged into the HomeWAV system. A fuchsia indicator shows that the particular inmate has had his or her privileges suspended and is unavailable for either a video visit or VoIP telecommunication. A red indicator shows that the particular inmate is currently not logged into the HomeWAV system. Pop-up screen  1570  is closed by selecting the close button  1572 . 
     One of the selectable actions available to the registered visitor is to view messages received from an inmate. A “New Messages” shows a count  1540  of messages received but not yet viewed by the visitor. Pressing the “View Messages” button  1544  causes a “View Incoming Messages” screen  1580  ( FIG. 11 d   ) to be displayed. 
     Screen  1580  shows a list  1582  of received messages. Each message has a date &amp; time stamp  1584 , an inmate name  1586  and an associated “Play” button  1588 . 
     Selecting a “Play” button  1588  associated with the message desired to be played displays the message in a display window  1590 . A playback control panel  1590  controls playback control using standard symbols believed to be universally known. Playback control panel  1592  typically contains “Stop” and “Play” control, a “Speaker Volume Control”, and “Elapsed Time Display”, etc. None of these playback controls are individually identified. It will be recognized that other control may be added or some existing controls may be removed. Consequently, the disclosure is not considered limited to a particular set of playback controls. Rather, the disclosure is intended to include any combination of playback controls. 
     Each video message received may be viewed a predetermined number of times after which it will be automatically erased from the System. The number of times is typically chosen by the system operator (i.e., HomeWAV). 
     When a visitor has played all messages of interest, selecting “Return to Registered Inmates” control  1594  returns the user to Registered Inmates Screen  1530 . 
     For each inmate name  1548 , four action buttons are provided: “Send Message”, “Send Video Call”, “Send Audio Call”, And “Add Minutes”. 
     When the visitor selects the “Send Message” button  1554 , screen  1600  ( FIG. 11 e   ) is presented. An image  1602  of the visitor is displayed and two recording controls “Record Message”  1604  and “Review Message”  1606  may be selected by the visitor. When “Record Message” button  1604  is selected, screen  1620  ( FIG. 11 f   ) replaces screen  1600 . Screen  1620  is similar to screen  1600  except that the recording controls now consist of “Stop Recording”  1622  and “Review Recording”  1606 . A status line  1624  displays a message that a recording is in process and the time remaining for the recorded message. 
     Upon selecting the “Stop Recording” control  1622 , a third screen, screen  1640  ( FIG. 11 g   ) is displayed. Screen  1640  is similar to both screen  1600  and  1620 . Recording controls again consist of “Record Message”  1604  and “Review Recording”  1606 . A status line  1642  shows that the recording process is stopped. 
     All of the screens  1600 ,  1620 , and  1640  have a message details box  1616  that displays the name of the inmate selected to receive the message,  1610 . In addition, a “Send” button is included to actually send the message to the inmate  1610 . However, before the message is sent, the visitor should acknowledge that the cost of sending the message will be the cost of one video minute. The user acknowledges this by clicking check box  1612 . Once acknowledged, the message is sent when the “Send” button is selected. 
     Once the message is sent, the visitor is returned to the Registered Inmates Screen  1530 . 
     If the visitor wishes to initiate a video visit, he or she selects “Send Video Call”  1556  and a new screen  1660  ( FIG. 11 h   ) is presented. 
     Screen  1660  displays a status message “Visit Started”  1662 . In addition, another status message  1666  displays the name of the inmate being called. 
     A Cancel button  1666  may be selected to cancel the establishment of a video visit. An additional control  1668  likewise cancels the establishment of a video visit. 
     If cancelled, the visitor is returned to the Registered Inmates Screen  1530 . 
     If the device  1100   x  in possession of the inmate being called is turned on and, assuming that the inmate&#39;s privileges have not been suspended, inmate&#39;s device  1100   x  displays screen  1680  ( FIG. 11 i   ). 
     Screen  1680  displays the message “Start Visit”  1682 . A message “Mary Smith is calling. Connect?”  1684  is also displayed. The inmate should use either “Yes” button  1686  or “No” button  1688  to either accept or reject the visit, respectively. A control  1670  also declines the visit and returns the inmate&#39;s device to its home screen  1370  ( FIG. 10 h   ). 
     If the inmate chooses to accept the visit by selecting the “Yes” button  1686  screen  1700  ( FIG. 11 j   ) is displayed on the visitors screen. Screen  1700  displays images of the inmate being called and the visitor at reference numbers  1702 ,  1704 , respectively. The maximum time remaining for the visit  1708  is also displayed. The visit may be terminated by the visitor by selecting the “Hang Up” control  1706 . When the video visit is complete, the visitor is returned to the “Registered Inmates Screen”  1530 . 
     A visitor may initiate a VoIP telecommunication with the selected inmate by selecting a “Send Audio Call” button  1558  associated with the desired inmate from the Registered Inmates Screen  1530 . Upon selecting the “Send Audio Call” button  1558 , screen  1720  ( FIG. 11 k   ) is presented. Screen  1720  indicates that the call is started  1722 . A message “Calling Smith, John”  1724  is also displayed. A ring count  1728  shows the number of times the inmate&#39;s phone has rung. A “Cancel” button  1726  may be used by the visitor to terminate the call. Another control  1730  also terminates the calling attempt and returns the visitor to the “Registered Inmates Screen”  1530 . 
     If the device  1100   x  in possession of the inmate being called is turned on and, assuming that the inmate&#39;s privileges have not been suspended, screen  1104  of inmate&#39;s device  1100   x  displays screen  1740  ( FIG. 11 l   ). 
     Screen  1740  displays the message “Start Call?  1742 . A message “Mary Smith is calling. Connect?”  1744  is also displayed. The inmate should use either “Yes” button  1746  or “No” button  1748  to either accept or reject the call, respectively. A control  1750  also declines the call a returns the inmate&#39;s device to its home screen  1370  ( FIG. 10 h   ). 
     If the inmate chooses to accept the call by selecting the “Yes” button  1746  screen  1760  ( FIG. 11 m   ) is displayed on the visitors screen. A telephone icon  1762  remains on the visitor&#39;s screen for the duration of the call. 
     The call duration  1764  is displayed on the visitor&#39;s screen  1760 . 
     An “End Call” button  1766  provides a mechanism whereby the visitor may terminate the call. 
     When the VoIP call is ended, the visitor is returned to the Registered Inmate Screen  1530 . 
     Finally, the visitor may add funds to an account associated with a particular inmate. By selecting the “Add Minutes” button  1560  associated with the particular inmate, the new screen  1780  is displayed on the visitor&#39;s screen. Screen  1780  has two portions, a HomeWAV order portion  1782  and a PayPal payment portion  1784 . 
     Screen  1784  displays “Minutes to visit with Smith, John”  1786 . The price per minute (i.e., Item price)  1788 , usually set by the system operator, is also displayed. 
     The visitor enters the number of minutes he or she wishes to purchase in a quantity box  1790 . Selecting the “Update” link  1792  updates the Item Total 1793. 
     A Shipping and Handling charge  1794  may be imposed by the system operator. In the case chosen for purposes of disclosure, the Shipping and Handling charge  1794  is $0.50. 
     Finally, the total for the transaction  1798  is displayed. 
     The only way to add funds to an inmate&#39;s visitation account is by using an on-line payment service. The well known PayPal® has been chosen for purposes of disclosure. Those of skill in the art will recognize that other on-line payment services exist, any suitable one of which may be substituted for PayPal®. Consequently, the disclosure is intended to include any suitable on-line payment service. Consequently, the disclosure is not considered limited to the PayPal® on-line payment service chosen for purposes of disclosure. 
     Assuming the visitor has previously set up a PayPal account, he or she enters an e-mail address  1800  and a password  1802 ], and selects the Login button to sign in to their PayPal® account. Once signed in the financial transaction is completed. 
     If the user does not already have a PayPal® account set up, the “Don&#39;t have a PayPal account?” link  1808  is selected. 
     A “Cancel and return to HomeWAV, LLC”. Link  1810  terminates the Add Minutes operation. 
     At the conclusion of the “Add Minutes” process, the user is returned to the Registered Inmates Screen”  1530 . 
     The operation of the novel inmate visitation system of the present disclosure wherein either inmates or visitors may originate video visitations or VoIP telecommunications has been described in detail hereinabove. It will be recognized that the operation of the inventive system depends upon “infrastructure” described in detail in the &#39;569 patent. For that reason, some points regarding the information described and clamed in the &#39;569 patent are reiterated below. 
     As has been described in detail in the priority &#39;569 patent a prison administrator workstation (PAWS) may be located within the prison and also connected to either a network or directly to a network controller and/or switch. In alternate embodiments, the PAWS may have its own modem associated and connected directly to the Internet. Also the PAWS may be located outside the prison when desired. 
     An Internet connection is typically provided between Internet interface/modem and the Internet “cloud” represented schematically at reference number  214  in  FIG. 2  of the &#39;569 patent. 
     A visitor workstation or Internet “appliance” also described in detail in the &#39;569 patent is also connected to Internet by a suitable Internet connection. 
     A HomeWAV, LLC website supports a web server. The web server runs application code that implements the applications of the novel remote web-based visitation system of the disclosure. In the embodiment chosen for purposes of disclosure, the applications, discussed in detail herein below, are implemented in either JAVA or PHP (http://www.php.net). PHP is a server-side HTML embedded scripting language that provides web developers with a full suite of tools for building dynamic websites. In addition, some custom Adobe® Flash® ActionScript codes are provided to interact with flash.homeway.com discussed in detail in the &#39;569 patent. ActionScript is a dialect of ECMAScript (i.e., it is a superset of the syntax and semantics of the language more widely known JavaScript), and is used primarily for the development of websites and software targeting the Adobe Flash Player platform. ECMAScript is the scripting language standardized by Ecma International in the ECMA-262 specification and ISO/IEC 16262 specifications. The language is widely used for client-side scripting on the web. 
     It will be recognized that website design and implementation is believed to be well known to those of skill in the art. Consequently, alternate web development tools/languages may be utilized to develop similar applications. Consequently, the disclosure is not considered limited to the development tools and/or languages chosen for purposes of disclosure. Rather, the disclosure is intended to include any suitable languages, scripts, etc. 
     The HomeWAV, LLC website also embodies and supports storage provided to contain application code and the databases necessary to implement the remote web-based visitation system of the disclosure. 
     A second website associated with the remote web-based visitation system of the disclosure is Flash.HomeWAV.com website. Flash.HomeWAV.com website records and stores all audio/video (A/V) visits. As discussed in detail in the &#39;569 patent, certain A/V visits by clergy or legal representatives may be exempt from recording. Typically, all other A/V visits are recorded by one or more A/V servers. Storage devices retain A/V transcripts of all visits not exempt from the recording requirement. 
     Finally, one or more HomeWAV Administrators at workstations that include a computer and a modem that are connected to the Internet through an Internet connection provide certain gate keeping and administrative functions by interacting with HomeWAV website. Such gate keeping and administrative functions are also discussed in detail in the &#39;569 patent. 
     Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the disclosure is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this disclosure. 
     When describing elements or features and/or embodiments thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements or features. The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements or features beyond those specifically described. 
     Those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes can be made to the exemplary embodiments and implementations described above without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 
     It is further to be understood that the processes or steps described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative processes or steps may be employed.