Patent Description:
It is common practice in a corrections environment to record and/or monitor inmates' conversations. Such recording and monitoring takes place in the very controlled atmosphere of permitted inmate communications with individuals outside of the facilities housing prisoners or inmates. Normally prisoners are limited to a small number of individuals that they are permitted to call. These may include family members, their lawyers, and friends and may specifically exclude others, for example judges, jury members, witnesses, former co-conspirators and other like individuals to whom calls from a particular inmate may be of a harassing or other undesired nature. There may be a time of day, a length of call, three-way call or other restrictions on calls, all of which must be controlled by way of various instrumentalities that may include computer controlled equipment at the facility and/or at remote locations in addition to human monitoring and/or control. In almost all instances, such communications must be recorded; yet even in those instances, there are conditions that may impact on the desire, ability, or legal right to record such conversations. For example, it is inappropriate to record or monitor conversations between an inmate and his/her attorney, and thus, measures must be taken to insure that, where calls are made from an inmate to his/her attorney, no recording is made or monitoring is allowed.

While it is considered well-known that the recording of inmate communications is advantageous to governmental agencies and appropriate authorities in that information regarding the security of facilities and general continuing or past criminal activity may be found in such recordings, advances in the communications technology have opened avenues for inmates to circumvent such monitoring and/or recording advantages. Maintaining the ability to ensure control and/or monitoring of communications from or to a controlled facility is, therefore, an important aspect to previously implemented telecommunications systems. With the advances in cellular communications technology, maintaining security is hindered by such issues as the clandestine delivery of prohibited equipment into a monitored facility. Due to the small size of certain of the more recently-developed devices, such may avoid detection by more conventional search techniques including, but not limited to, walk through and manual metal detectors and even physical "pat-down" searches.

Conventionally, some correctional facilities have prevented the use of contraband cellular devices through the use of jamming devices or managed access devices (e.g., Stingray surveillance device manufactured by Harris Corporation) which emit a blanketing signal(s) around a correctional facility to prevent the use of any unauthorized cellular devices. However, these technologies are highly discouraged in most jurisdictions as they can interfere with public use of cellular phones when visiting or merely passing by the correctional facility. Despite the disadvantages of these jamming and monitoring technologies, they are occasionally used for a limited amount of time during emergency situations such as a riot.

While various aspects and alternative features are known in the field of communication monitoring, no one design has emerged that generally addresses the concerns of the prison industry, as discussed herein. <CIT> relates to a microprocessor-based method and apparatus for controlling wireless communications (via cellular radiotelephone or some other known means) into or out of a controlled, institutional environment, such as a prison, military base, hospital, school, business or government organization. <CIT> relates to recognizing wireless communications, whether voice, text, video, or data, terminating within a controlled environment facility and controlling one or more aspects of the communication using a call processing platform or other communication control system. <CIT> relates to an apparatus and methodology for monitoring for the occurrence of use of unauthorized telecommunications equipment within a designated area.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the disclosure and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the embodiments.

The present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. Additionally, the left most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the drawing in which the reference number first appears.

The present disclosure is defined by the independent claims. Dependent claims refer to preferred embodiments.

The following Detailed. Description refers to accompanying drawings to illustrate exemplary embodiments consistent with the disclosure. References in the Detailed Description to "one exemplary embodiment," "an exemplary embodiment," "an example exemplary embodiment," etc., indicate that the exemplary embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every exemplary embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same exemplary embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an exemplary embodiment, it is within the knowledge of those skilled in the relevant art(s) to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other exemplary embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

The exemplary embodiments described herein are provided for illustrative purposes, and are not limiting. Other exemplary embodiments are possible, and modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiments within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Therefore, the Detailed Description is not meant to limit the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention is defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Embodiments may be implemented in hardware (e.g., circuits), firmware, software, or any combination thereof. Embodiments may also be implemented as instructions stored on a machine-readable medium, which may be read and executed by one or more processors. A machine-readable medium may include any mechanism for storing or transmitting information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computing device). For example, a machine-readable medium may include read only memory (ROM); random access memory (RAM); magnetic disk storage media; optical storage media; flash memory devices; electrical, optical, acoustical or other forms of propagated signals (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.), and others. Further, firmware, software, routines, instructions may be described herein as performing certain actions. However, it should be appreciated that such descriptions are merely for convenience and that such actions in fact result from computing devices, processors, controllers, or other devices executing the firmware, software, routines, instructions, etc. Further, any of the implementation variations may be carried out by a general purpose computer, as described below.

For purposes of this discussion, any reference to the term "module" shall be understood to include at least one of software, firmware, and hardware (such as one or more circuit, microchip, or device, or any combination thereof), and any combination thereof. In addition, it will be understood that each module may include one, or more than one, component within an actual device, and each component that forms a part of the described module may function either cooperatively or independently of any other component forming a part of the module. Conversely, multiple modules described herein may represent a single component within an actual device. Further, components within a module may be in a single device or distributed among multiple devices in a wired or wireless manner.

The following Detailed Description of the exemplary embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention that others can, by applying knowledge of those skilled in relevant art(s), readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such exemplary embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and plurality of equivalents of the exemplary embodiments based upon the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by those skilled in relevant art(s) in light of the teachings herein.

As discussed above, with the advances in communications technologies, correctional facilities have had difficulty in preventing the entrance and use of prohibited equipment. Due to the small size of certain of the more recently developed devices, such may avoid detection by more conventional search techniques. Further, once within, a correctional facility's ability to stop cellular device use is limited to insider tips and room searches, due to the limited if any use of jamming devices. Further, even when jamming devices are used inmates are able to circumvent conventional jamming technologies by using cellular devices in "dead" spots, or areas of the prison that are outside of zones where jamming and monitoring devices are effective in locating the cellular device.

In light of the above, the present disclosure provides details of a system and method for detecting and monitoring a contraband device including communication devices such as cellular phones by utilizing a combination of mobile devices, fixed monitoring devices, and a contraband monitoring center. The mobile devices include smart phones, tablets, or e-readers that are borrowed, rented, or purchased by an inmate from a correctional facility. In addition to performing traditional functions such as communications, these mobile devices are configured to detect, monitor, and intervene in the communications of target devices. Further, the mobile devices are configured to communicate with fixed monitoring devices located throughout the correctional facility in performing intervention operations. The contraband monitoring center may also be utilized in the coordination, monitoring, and intervention of target devices.

<FIG> illustrates a block diagram of detection and monitoring system <NUM>, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown by <FIG>, a number of mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> are illustrated in a correctional facility <NUM>. Mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> are communication devices such as smart phones, tablets, e-readers, or other portable devices that are borrowed, rented, and/or purchased by inmates or workers, such as guards, from correctional facility <NUM> for communications with individuals outside of correctional facility <NUM> such as families, friends, counselors, or others with whom the inmates are permitted to communicate with. Mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> are configured to transmit and receive authorized communications to/from outsiders including text, audio, or video communications. All communications between mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> and an outside communication device (not shown) are routed by communication center <NUM>. Services for monitoring and recording authorized communications via mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> are also performed by, or on behalf of, correctional facility <NUM> at communication center <NUM>.

Mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> and communication center <NUM> connect via network <NUM> which includes a Local-Area Network (LAN), a Wide-Area Network (WAN), or the Internet, depending on the relative locations of communication center <NUM> and mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM>. For example, communication center <NUM> may be located at a correctional facility where mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> is located and therefore a LAN is used. In another example, communication center <NUM> is located at a different location than the correctional facility and therefore network <NUM> is a WAN or the Internet. In an embodiment, mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> connects to the network <NUM> by way of an interface (not shown) such as a router or access point that is located at the correctional facility <NUM>.

In an embodiment, interface 140a is configured to couple signals between mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> and communication center <NUM>. Interface 140a connects to mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> via wireless technologies such as, but not limited to, Bluetooth®, WiFI, or radio frequency (RF) transmissions. Interface 140a connects to communication center <NUM> via wired technologies including, but not limited to, optical cables or RF cables and/or wireless technologies including, but not limited to, a LAN, a WAN, or the Internet. In an embodiment, interface 140a is an access point, a gateway, a router, a hotspot, or a hub. However, in an embodiment, one or more of the mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> is configured to directly connect to the communication center <NUM> without the use of interface <NUM>.

Mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> are configured to detect and monitor communications by target device <NUM>. Examples of target device <NUM> include a cellular phone, a network router, a hotspot, or any communication device. To do this, mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> are configured to monitor different radio access technologies including, but not limited to, GSM, <NUM>-<NUM>, WCDMA, CDMA, TDMA, UMTS, WIMAX, WIFI, IBEACON, Bluetooth, LTE, <NUM> to <NUM> or other frequency bands, and/or other modes and frequencies. While monitoring a radio access technology, mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> are configured to detect a transmission of a signal on the radio access technology from target device <NUM>. For example, mobile device <NUM> may detect a carrier frequency of a transmitted signal from target device <NUM>.

Mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> are also configured to gather information from target device <NUM>. Mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> can gather information related to the target device <NUM> from content of the transmitted communication from target device <NUM> or if needed mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> can perform additional steps to gather additional information. For example, mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> are configured to utilize an RF transmission to gather information from target device <NUM>. As an example, mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> are configured to simulate a cellular tower, such as cellular tower <NUM>, and thereby gather information from target device <NUM>. Cellular tower <NUM> may be a macrocell, femtocell, a node, an access point or any other type of communication base station. To simulate a cellular tower, To simulate a cellular tower, mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> are configured to transmit RF signals having a signal strength that exceeds a signal strength of the cellular tower. The signal strength of the cellular tower may be known by the mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> or known based on results of a survey, as described in more detail below. When a mobile device (either mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM>) transmits the RF signal, due to the strength of the RF signal, target device <NUM> is forced to disconnect from the cellular tower <NUM> and establish a connection with the mobile device. In this situation, the mobile device receives and transmits data between the target device <NUM> and the cellular tower <NUM>. Once connection is established between target device <NUM> and the mobile device, the mobile device gathers information from target device <NUM> including identification information of the target device <NUM>, comprising the international mobile subscriber identity number (IMSI), the electronic serial number (ESN), and information on the communication, including a phone number of the outside communication device.

Mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> are configured to compare the gathered information with stored data, as will be described below. Based on the results of the comparison, mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> can determine whether target device is authorized to be used within the correctional facility or is contacting an authorized outsider.

Mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> are configured to transmit information, as will be described in further detail below, to contraband monitoring center <NUM>. Mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> connect to contraband monitoring center <NUM>, which provides additional monitoring and detection services in relation to unauthorized communications by target device <NUM>. These additional services include the comparison of gathered data with stored data, the coordination of target device intervention measures, alerts, and/or notifications to one or more mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM>, one or more fixed devices <NUM>-<NUM>, and/or workers (not shown) at correctional facility <NUM>. These services are likewise performed at the contraband monitoring center <NUM> by, or on behalf of, the correctional facility <NUM>.

In an embodiment, interface 140b is configured to couple signals between mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> and contraband monitoring center <NUM>. Interface 140b connects to mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> via wireless technologies such as, but not limited to, Bluetooth ®, WiFI, or radio frequency (RF) transmissions. Interface 140b connects to contraband monitoring center <NUM> via wired technologies including, but not limited to, optical cables or RF cables and/or wireless technologies including, but not limited to, a LAN, a WAN, or the Internet. However, in an embodiment, one or more of the mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> is configured to directly connect to the contraband monitoring center <NUM> without the use of interface 140b. In an embodiment, interface 140a is an access point, a gateway, a router, a hotspot, or a hub. In an embodiment, interface 140a and interface 140b are the same interface and configured to direct signals between mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> and communication center <NUM> or contraband detection center <NUM> based on the information within the signals.

Mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> are also configured to intervene between unauthorized communications and target device <NUM>. In an embodiment, intervention operations by mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> include transmitting a jamming signal of low RF strength that radiates within predetermined areas <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> about a location of the mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM>. For example, the predetermined areas <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be jamming signals that radiate <NUM>-<NUM> meters in all directions around the mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM>. Jamming signals include a signal that interferes or blocks a detected frequency or a signal that associates with the detected frequency. For example, the jamming signal may interfere with a downlink signal that is associated with a detected uplink signal of a cellular phone. Jamming signals include signals that have an increased power or signals that include a predetermined number of transmissions that overpower unauthorized communications. Jamming signals may also include signals that corrupt unauthorized communications. For example, mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> can analyze packet headers transmitted by the target device <NUM> and transmit a signal that overwrites portions of the unauthorized communication such that packets of the unauthorized communication become corrupted.

In an embodiment, jamming signals are configured to not interfere with communications between mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> and an outside communication device. To do this, mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> emit jamming signals having a frequency band and/or radio access technology that is different from the frequency band and/or radio access technology used for communication between the mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> and communication center <NUM>.

Jamming signals are activated based on the detection of target device <NUM> and/or instructions received from contraband monitoring center <NUM>. In doing so, mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> preserve battery power. While the jamming signal is described as being dependent on the detection of target device <NUM>, the present application is not limited as so, and may include an always on mode where such detection of the target device and the subsequent activation of the jamming signal is always transmitted by the mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM>. In this mode, at least one of mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> are configured to transmit a jamming signal when a main operating system (OS) of the mobile device is powered on, in sleep mode, and/or powered off. In other words, in this mode, jamming features are operated independently of the main processor power of the mobile device.

In an embodiment, intervention operations by mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> also include a recording operation where audio and/or video is recorded by a mobile device at the time of detection. In this operation, mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> are configured to activate their own microphone or camera to record communications and/or images of the area when target device <NUM> is detected. This allows a mobile device the ability to record actual conversations or capture visual confirmation of the unauthorized use of target device <NUM>. Once recorded, the recorded audio/video data is transmitted from the mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> to contraband monitoring center <NUM> to analyze the recorded audio/video data.

In an embodiment, intervention operations by mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> further include a managed access point operation. For this, mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> are configured to utilize an RF transmission to simulate a cellular transmission tower, as previously described. Once connection is established between target device <NUM> and one of the mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM>, the mobile device can capture the content of the communication itself and record communications.

In an embodiment, intervention operations by mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> also includes blocking or sending instructions to have communications from/to the target device <NUM>. For example, during a managed access point operation, the mobile device is configured to act as an intermediary between the target device <NUM> and the cellular tower <NUM>. In this example, the mobile device can capture communication information from intercepted communications between the target device <NUM> and the cellular tower <NUM> to gather information and then can completely block the target device <NUM> from receiving or transmitting communications to/from the cellular tower <NUM>. In another example, the mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> are configured to transmit identifying information (e.g., IMSI, ESN, and/or phone numbers) of the target device <NUM> to the contraband detection center <NUM> which, in turn, passes this information to a controller of the cellular tower <NUM> with a request for the target device <NUM> to be added on an exclusion list which blocks communications from/to the target device <NUM>. In this embodiment, signals of the target device <NUM> are not jammed using radio frequencies. Rather, the signals are received by the respective access point, but dropped or otherwise prevented from being forwarded based on the device identification information associated with the signals.

In an embodiment, one or more of the mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> is configured to perform a survey of transmitted frequencies from communication sources nearby correctional facility <NUM>, for example cellular tower <NUM>. Information gathered by the survey is then used to focus the detecting of transmissions from target device <NUM> based on the results of the search. For example, mobile device <NUM> can perform a survey to determine the uplink and downlink frequencies of cellular tower <NUM> and, based on results of the survey, can focus monitoring, detection, and jamming operations on the frequencies used by cellular tower <NUM>.

As described above, mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> operate individually by detecting target device <NUM>, transmitting information to contraband monitoring center <NUM>, and performing intervening operations. However, in an embodiment, mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> are also configured to operate in a mesh infrastructure where mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> communicate with each other and/or with fixed monitoring devices <NUM>-<NUM> to detect target device <NUM> and perform intervening operations. In this embodiment, each of the mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> acts as a node in a mesh infrastructure where each of the nodes can communicate and even instruct the other node to perform operations such as performing a jamming operation, a recording operation, or a managed access operation. For example, as shown by <FIG>, if mobile device <NUM> detects target device <NUM>, mobile device <NUM> communicates this information to one or more of the mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> and instructs one or more of these devices to output a jamming signal. In a mesh infrastructure, mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> are able to perform intervention operations without the use of contraband detection center <NUM> or before receiving instructions from contraband detection center <NUM>.

In an embodiment, mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> use a change in location (motion data) to determine what intervention operations to perform, information to transmit between each other, fixed monitoring devices <NUM>-<NUM>, and the contraband monitoring center <NUM>. Mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> can transmit motion data to other devices when target device <NUM> is detected and/or after a request to share motion data by another device. For example, after mobile device <NUM> detects target device <NUM>, mobile device <NUM> shares motion data with mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> and/or fixed monitoring devices <NUM>-<NUM> to indicate that it is moving away from target device <NUM> such that mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> or fixed monitoring devices <NUM>-<NUM> can perform intervention operations. In another example, after mobile device <NUM> detects target device <NUM>, mobile device <NUM> can poll other devices (e.g., mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> or fixed monitoring devices <NUM>-<NUM>) and receive location and motion data from these devices, if available, to determine whether any of these devices are or will be in close proximity to perform an intervention operation.

In an embodiment, fixed monitoring devices <NUM>-<NUM> are placed in locations, indoor or outdoor, throughout correctional facility <NUM>. Fixed monitoring devices <NUM>-<NUM> may be a standalone device or combined with common electronics within correctional facility <NUM> such as a kiosk or a wireless access point. Fixed monitoring devices <NUM>-<NUM> are configured to perform all or some of the functions as the mobile devise <NUM>-<NUM>, as described above, in detecting target device <NUM> and performing an intervening operation, as described above.

In an embodiment, one or more fixed monitoring devices <NUM>-<NUM> include a directional antenna to focus an RF signal at a particular area. Directional antennas of fixed monitoring devices <NUM>-<NUM> may be used to supplement areas of correctional facility <NUM> where mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> are not typically allowed or difficult to access such as the yard or sparsely populated areas. These types of fixed monitoring devices <NUM>-<NUM> may be placed in areas such as fences around correctional facility <NUM> and directed towards the inside of the correctional facility <NUM> to avoid jamming issues with the public.

As shown by <FIG>, fixed monitoring devices <NUM>-<NUM> connect to contraband monitoring center <NUM> by way of interface 140b. Connection to interface 140b is by wired technologies including, but not limited to, optical cables or RF cables and/or wireless technologies including, but not limited to, a LAN, a WAN, or the Internet. In an embodiment, one or more of the fixed monitoring devices <NUM>-<NUM> connects directly to contraband monitoring center <NUM> by way of the wired or wireless technologies, as previously discussed.

Similar to mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM>, fixed monitoring devices <NUM>-<NUM> are configured to perform operations individually, or in a mesh infrastructure, where one of the fixed monitoring devices <NUM>-<NUM> provides or receives instructions from at least one of mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM>, another one of fixed monitoring devices <NUM>-<NUM>, and/or contraband monitoring center <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a block diagram of mobile device <NUM>, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Mobile device <NUM> may be an exemplary embodiment of one or more of mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM>. Mobile device <NUM> includes processor circuitry <NUM> that is communicatively coupled to plurality of communication interfaces <NUM>, input/output circuitry <NUM>, and positional and motion circuitry <NUM>. Processor circuitry <NUM> includes one or more processors <NUM>, circuitry, and/or logic configured to control the overall operation of mobile device <NUM>, including the operation of communication interfaces <NUM>, input/output circuitry <NUM>, and positional and motion circuitry <NUM>. Processor circuitry <NUM> further includes memory <NUM> to store data and instructions. Memory <NUM> may be any well-known volatile and/or non-volatile memory that is removable and/or non-removable.

Communication interfaces <NUM> include one or more transceivers, transmitters, and/or receivers that communicate via one or more antennas <NUM>. Communication interfaces <NUM> are configured to transmit and receive communications between an inmate and an outsider via network <NUM>. Communication interfaces <NUM> are also configured to detect transmissions by target device <NUM>. Detection of target device <NUM> transmissions include reception of a communication of an unauthorized communication via one or more antennas <NUM>. For example, to detect an unauthorized communication, a receiver of the communication interface <NUM> may cycle through different frequencies bands and/or radio access technologies. Communication interfaces <NUM> are further configured to output an RF signal during intervention operations. For example, a transmitter of the communication interfaces <NUM> may be configured to transmit an interference signal based on the received unauthorized communication. Lastly, communication interfaces <NUM> is configured to communicate with other mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM>, fixed monitoring devices <NUM>-<NUM>, and/or contraband monitoring center <NUM> to provide or receive information and/or instructions.

Input/output circuitry <NUM> includes circuitry such as a keypad, a touch interface, a microphone, a camera, and a video screen for displaying information. Input/output circuitry <NUM> may be used by a user for traditional mobile device communications such as audio, video, or texting communications. Input/output circuitry <NUM> such as the microphone and camera are used during intervention operation to capture audio and/or video of surrounding areas when a unauthorized communication is detected.

Positional and motion sensors <NUM> include circuitry for determining a current location and a change in location of mobile device <NUM>. Positional and motion circuitry <NUM> may include such circuitry as Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, indoor positioning systems (IPS) technology, accelerometers, and/or gyroscopes to determine position and motion. Positional and motion sensors <NUM> are configured to triangulate a first current location of mobile device <NUM> based on signals received from, for example, positioning systems. Positional and motion sensors <NUM> are configured to determine whether mobile device <NUM> is in motion based on second location of the mobile device <NUM> and determining whether a change of location occurred between the first current location and the second current location.

<FIG> illustrates a block diagram of contraband monitoring center <NUM>, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Contraband monitoring center <NUM> includes communication server <NUM>, location server <NUM>, database server <NUM>, biometric server <NUM>, application server <NUM>, and data storage <NUM>, that are all connected to each other via a network bus <NUM>.

Each of the servers <NUM>-<NUM> can be constructed as individual physical hardware devices, or as virtual servers. The number of physical hardware machines can be scaled to match the number of simultaneous user connections desired to be supported detection and monitoring system <NUM>.

Communication server <NUM> consists of any number of servers, and is configured to receive and transmit information to/from mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM>, fixed monitoring devices <NUM>-<NUM>, and/or interface <NUM>. Communication server <NUM> receives information such as alerts, recorded audio/video data, and locations of devices at time of detection of target device and is configured to record and log the information. Because communication server <NUM> receives and transmits information by way of a network, in an exemplary embodiment, communication server <NUM> can encrypt and decrypt the information for security purposes.

Location server <NUM> consists of any number of servers, and is configured to receive location and motion data from one or more of mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> and/or fixed monitoring devices <NUM>-<NUM>. The location and motion data is used by location server <NUM> to determine a location and/or motion of target device <NUM>, location and motion of devices <NUM>-<NUM> that are near a location of the detection of target device <NUM>, and location and motion of devices <NUM>-<NUM> that are moving towards or away from the location of the detection of the target device <NUM>. If location information is received from multiple devices, location server <NUM> can use the information to triangulate an accurate location of target device <NUM>. Location information is received by location server <NUM> based any one or more of a request to one or more of the devices <NUM>-<NUM>, a predetermined time for devices <NUM>-<NUM> to communicate respective location and motion data, or based on an event performed by one of the devices <NUM>-<NUM>, for example detection of target device <NUM>. Location server <NUM> is further configured to provide instructions to devices (e.g., mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> and/or fixed monitoring devices <NUM>-<NUM>) to perform intervention operations based on the received location information.

Database server <NUM> consists of any number of servers, and is configured to store and organize data in a relational database. Database server <NUM> is configured to run a database management system, such as MYSQL™, to provide an example. Database server <NUM> stores data related to correctional facility <NUM> such as locations of fixed monitoring devices <NUM>-<NUM>, and/or interfaces 140a, 140b, past locations of detected target device <NUM>, and whitelist and blacklist information, such as information (e.g., IMSI, ESN, and/or phone numbers) on devices authorized and/or unauthorized to be used within correctional facility <NUM> and devices/people authorized an/or unauthorized for communications with those from correctional facility <NUM>. Examples of these lists may include a list of IMSI numbers of mobile devices of guards or correctional facility workers that are authorized to be used in the correctional facility, or an unauthorized called phone numbers list including phone numbers of witnesses, judges, or victims of crimes. The database server <NUM> is configured to share stored data with mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> and fixed monitoring devices <NUM>-<NUM> for monitoring operations, as described below.

Biometric server <NUM> consists of any number of servers, and is configured to store biometric data of inmates. Biometric data includes at least one of voice data, facial recognition data (2D or 3D), device data. Biometric server <NUM> is configured to assist analyzing audio/video data received from mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM>. Biometric server <NUM> assists by comparing received audio/video data against stored biometric data to determine identities of those near a device at the time of detection.

Data storage <NUM> provides access to a wide variety of data such as past location information, logs for alerts, notifications etc., audio/video information received from mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM>, fixed monitoring devices <NUM>-<NUM>, and/or interface <NUM>, and/or database data. In general, data storage <NUM> stores any data stored by communication server <NUM>, location server <NUM>, database server <NUM>, biometric server <NUM>, and application server <NUM>. Because the data stored on data storage <NUM> may consume a significant amounts of storage space, data storage <NUM> may include a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device, which is configured as a mass storage device. In order to reduce the required size, data storage <NUM> preferably includes a backup routine to transfer data to permanent storage devices, such as archival permanent storage or optical disks, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the initial recording of that data. Data storage <NUM> is connected to the servers <NUM>-<NUM> by way of the network bus <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates application server <NUM>, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Application server <NUM> may represent an exemplary embodiment of the application server <NUM> depicted in <FIG>. Application server <NUM> consists of any number of servers, and functions as the primary logic processing center in detection and monitoring system <NUM> such as coordinating a response to detection of target device <NUM>. Application server <NUM> is configured to manage and facilitate communication between communication server <NUM>, location server <NUM>, database server <NUM>, biometric server <NUM>, and data storage <NUM>.

Application server <NUM> includes one or more central processing units (CPU) <NUM> connected via a bus <NUM> to several other peripherals. Such peripherals include an input device, such as keyboard and/or mouse <NUM>, monitor <NUM> for displaying information, network interface card <NUM> and/or modem <NUM> that provide network connectivity and communication.

Application server <NUM> also includes internal data storage <NUM>. This data storage <NUM> is non-volatile storage, such as one or more magnetic hard disk drives (HDDs) and/or one or more solid state drives (SSDs). Data storage <NUM> is used to store a variety of important files, documents, or other digital information, such as operating system files, application files, user data, and/or temporary recording space.

Application server <NUM> also includes system memory <NUM>. System memory <NUM> is preferably faster and more efficient than Data storage <NUM>, and is configured as random access memory (RAM) in an embodiment. System memory <NUM> contains the runtime environment of application server <NUM>, storing temporary data for any of operating system <NUM>, java virtual machine <NUM>, java application server <NUM>, and detection and monitoring control logic <NUM>.

Operations of detecting, monitoring, and intervening in detection and monitoring system <NUM> will be described with respect to <FIG>. Although the physical devices and components that form the system have largely already been described, additional details regarding their more nuanced operation will be described below with respect to <FIG>. While <FIG> contain methods of operation of detection and monitoring system <NUM>, the operations are not limited to the order described below, and various operations can be performed in a different order. Further, two or more operations of each method can be performed simultaneously with each other.

<FIG> illustrates a flowchart diagram of a method of detecting and monitoring a contraband device, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In step <NUM>, a detecting device such as one of mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> or fixed monitoring devices <NUM>-<NUM> search for a contraband device. When searching for a cellular device or hotspot, for example, the detecting device enables a receiver to receive transmissions. The detecting device may focus the receiver on specific types of transmissions such as GSM, CDMA, LTE, or other cellular transmissions and/or may rotate through a variety of frequencies and transmission types including, for example, cellular transmissions and WIFI signals of a specific type. In an embodiment, the detecting device performs a survey of frequencies from communication sources nearby correctional facility <NUM>, for example cellular tower <NUM>, as previously described. Based on the results of the survey, detecting device can determine what frequencies the search should focus on.

The detecting device next determines if a contraband device, such as target device <NUM>, is detected in step <NUM>. Detection is based on whether target device transmits a communication. However, it will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art that other methods for detecting target device <NUM> may be used. If target device <NUM> is not detected, the detecting device continues to search for a contraband device in step <NUM>. Otherwise, when target device <NUM> is detected, the detecting device gathers information from target device <NUM> in step <NUM>. Gathered information is retrieved by the detecting device simulating a cellular transmission tower, such as cellular tower <NUM>, which has been previously described. Gathered information includes information such as an IMSI, an ESN, and/or a phone number of target device <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the gathered information also includes a phone number of a called device.

In step <NUM>, the gathered information is used by the detecting device to determine whether target device <NUM> is authorized for use in correctional facility <NUM>. Determination of whether target device <NUM> is authorized for use is based on the comparison of gathered information with stored data on the database server <NUM>, such as IMSIs, ESNs, and/or phone numbers of devices authorized for use or blocked from use within correctional facility <NUM>.

As an example, the detecting device is configured to perform the comparison of the gathered information with stored data. The detecting device may obtain the stored data, such as a list of devices allowed for use in correctional facility <NUM>, from database <NUM> by way of a request for the list or a pre-scheduled or automatic transmission of the list by the contraband detection center <NUM>. As another example, the detecting device is configured to transmit the gathered information to the contraband detection center <NUM>, where a comparison of the gathered information and stored data is performed, the results of which are transmitted to the detection device.

In an embodiment, the gathered information is used by the detecting device to determine whether target device <NUM> has contacted an authorized or blocked number from within correctional facility <NUM>. For example, the detecting device is configured to compare the gathered information with a list of blocked telephone numbers. As another example the detecting device can transmit the gathered information to the contraband detection center <NUM> to perform the comparison. If the results of the comparison indicate that target device <NUM> is authorized and/or the called party are authorized, the detecting device searches for another contraband device, in step <NUM>.

Otherwise, the detecting device performs an intervention operation, in step <NUM>. Intervention operations include transmitting a jamming signal, performing a recording operation, performing a managed access point operation, and/or alerting, coordinating, or instructing other devices, such as mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM>, fixed monitoring devices <NUM>-<NUM>, and/or contraband detection device <NUM>, regarding the target device <NUM> and/or intervention operations to perform.

In an embodiment, the detecting device transmits an alert to contraband monitoring center <NUM> to allow contraband monitoring center <NUM> to coordinate an intervention plan. The alert includes one or more of an indication that target device <NUM> has been detected, a time and a location of the detecting device when the detection occurred, or a motion of the detecting device since detection. If instructions are received from contraband monitoring center <NUM>, the detecting device receives the instructions and performs the intervention operations.

Intervention operations continue until completed, in step <NUM>. Completion of an intervention operation may be determined based on one or more of a predetermined time since an intervention operation began or motion information indicating that the device has moved. The predetermined time is determined based on the intervention operation performed. For example, the predetermined time may be an arbitrary time for transmitting a jamming signal. As another example the predetermined time may be a sufficient amount of time to sample an audio or video recording, or receive data from the contraband device when performing managed access operation.

If determined that the intervention operation is complete, the detecting device searches for another contraband device in step <NUM>. Otherwise, the detecting device continues to perform the intervention operation, in step <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a flowchart diagram of a method of detecting and monitoring a contraband device, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In step <NUM>, contraband monitoring center <NUM> receives an alert from one or more of mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> or fixed monitoring devices <NUM>-<NUM>. The alert includes a time and a location of the one or more of mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> or fixed monitoring devices <NUM>-<NUM> when detection of target device <NUM> occurred. Once received, contraband monitoring center <NUM> gathers additional data to generate an intervention plan. Gathering additional information may include polling one or more of mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> or fixed monitoring devices <NUM>-<NUM> near the location information received and requesting location information, motion information, and/or detection information. Additional information may also include gathering information on locations or availability of prison workers and/or capabilities of mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM> or fixed monitoring devices <NUM>-<NUM>. Next, contraband monitoring center <NUM> generates an intervention plan which coordinates one or more intervention operations to be performed to intercept, locate, and/or gather information from target device <NUM>. After the contraband monitoring center <NUM> generates the intervention plan, instructions are transmitted to those mobile devices <NUM>-<NUM>, fixed monitoring devices, or workers designated to perform intervention operations.

It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) that various elements and features of the present disclosure, as described herein, can be implemented in hardware using analog and/or digital circuits, in software, through the execution of computer instructions by one or more general purpose or special-purpose processors, or as a combination of hardware and software.

The following description of a general purpose computer system is provided for the sake of completeness. Embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented in hardware, or as a combination of software and hardware. Consequently, embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented in the environment of a computer system or other processing system. For example, the method of <FIG> can be implemented in the environment of one or more computer systems or other processing systems. An example of such a computer system <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. One or more of the modules depicted in the previous figures can be at least partially implemented on one or more distinct computer systems <NUM>.

Computer system <NUM> includes one or more processors, such as processor <NUM>. Processor <NUM> can be a special purpose or a general purpose digital signal processor. Processor <NUM> is connected to a communication infrastructure <NUM> (for example, a bus or network). Various software implementations are described in terms of this exemplary computer system. After reading this description, it will become apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the disclosure using other computer systems and/or computer architectures.

Computer system <NUM> also includes a main memory <NUM>, preferably random access memory (RAM), and may also include a secondary memory <NUM>. Secondary memory <NUM> may include, for example, a hard disk drive <NUM> and/or a removable storage drive <NUM>, representing a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, or the like. Removable storage drive <NUM> reads from and/or writes to a removable storage unit <NUM> in a well-known manner. Removable storage unit <NUM> represents a floppy disk, magnetic tape, optical disk, or the like, which is read by and written to by removable storage drive <NUM>. As will be appreciated by persons skilled in the relevant art(s), removable storage unit <NUM> includes a computer usable storage medium having stored therein computer software and/or data.

In alternative implementations, secondary memory <NUM> may include other similar means for allowing computer programs or other instructions to be loaded into computer system <NUM>. Such means may include, for example, a removable storage unit <NUM> and an interface <NUM>. Examples of such means may include a program cartridge and cartridge interface (such as that found in video game devices), a removable memory chip (such as an EPROM, or PROM) and associated socket, a thumb drive and USB port, and other removable storage units <NUM> and interfaces <NUM> which allow software and data to be transferred from removable storage unit <NUM> to computer system <NUM>.

Computer system <NUM> may also include a communications interface <NUM>. Communications interface <NUM> allows software and data to be transferred between computer system <NUM> and external devices. Examples of communications interface <NUM> may include a modem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet card), a communications port, a PCMCIA slot and card, etc. Software and data transferred via communications interface <NUM> are in the form of signals which may be electronic, electromagnetic, optical, or other signals capable of being received by communications interface <NUM>. These signals are provided to communications interface <NUM> via a communications path <NUM>. Communications path <NUM> carries signals and may be implemented using wire or cable, fiber optics, a phone line, a cellular phone link, an RF link and other communications channels.

As used herein, the terms "computer program medium" and "computer readable medium" are used to generally refer to tangible storage media such as removable storage units <NUM> and <NUM> or a hard disk installed in hard disk drive <NUM>. These computer program products are means for providing software to computer system <NUM>.

Computer programs (also called computer control logic) are stored in main memory <NUM> and/or secondary memory <NUM>. Computer programs may also be received via communications interface <NUM>. Such computer programs, when executed, enable the computer system <NUM> to implement the present disclosure as discussed herein. In particular, the computer programs, when executed, enable processor <NUM> to implement the processes of the present disclosure, such as any of the methods described herein. Accordingly, such computer programs represent controllers of the computer system <NUM>. Where the disclosure is implemented using software, the software may be stored in a computer program product and loaded into computer system <NUM> using removable storage drive <NUM>, interface <NUM>, or communications interface <NUM>.

In another embodiment, features of the disclosure are implemented primarily in hardware using, for example, hardware components such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and gate arrays. Implementation of a hardware state machine so as to perform the functions described herein will also be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s).

It is to be appreciated that the Detailed Description section, and not the Abstract section, is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The Abstract section may set forth one or more, but not all exemplary embodiments, and thus, is not intended to limit the disclosure and the appended claims in any way.

The disclosure has been described above with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the implementation of specified functions and relationships thereof. Alternate boundaries may be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed.

Claim 1:
A mobile device (<NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>) for detecting and monitoring a target device (<NUM>) used in a facility, the mobile device (<NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
positional and motion circuitry (<NUM>) configured to determine motion data comprising a change in location of the mobile device (<NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>);
one or more transceivers configured to communicate with a first communication network and a second communication network; and
one or more processors (<NUM>) configured to:
establish a connection with the target device;
detect transmissions from the target device (<NUM>) communicating on the second communication network;
gather information regarding the target device (<NUM>) based on the detected transmissions;
transmit the motion data of the mobile device and the gathered information on the first communication network to a contraband detection center;
receive information from the contraband detection center in response to the motion data of the mobile device and the gathered information, wherein the gathereed information comprises identification of the target device including international mobile subscriber identity number, IMSI, or electronic serial number, ESN, and information on the communication including phone number of an outside communication device;
determine whether the target device (<NUM>) is authorized to communicate within the facility on the second communication network based on the received information from the contraband detection center; and
receive, from the contraband detection center, instructions for performing an intervention operation based on the motion data and the determination of whether the target device is authorized, wherein the motion data is used to determine if the mobile device is in close proximity to the target device to perform the intervention operation.