U.S. patent number 10,986,187 [Application Number 16/558,931] was granted by the patent office on 2021-04-20 for system and method for personalized virtual reality experience in a controlled environment.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Global Tel*Link Corporation. The grantee listed for this patent is GLOBAL TEL*LINK CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Stephen L. Hodge.
United States Patent |
10,986,187 |
Hodge |
April 20, 2021 |
System and method for personalized virtual reality experience in a
controlled environment
Abstract
A system and method for initiating a personalized virtual
reality session via a virtual reality communication system in a
controlled environment is disclosed. The system includes a profile
subsystem configured to store an inmate profile of the inmate of
the controlled environment. The system also includes a virtual
reality subsystem that retrieves the inmate profile associated with
the inmate from the profile subsystem, initiates the virtual
reality session involving a first communication device used by the
inmate of the controlled environment, and personalizes the virtual
reality session based on the inmate profile. The system also
includes a communication subsystem configured to transmit
information related to the virtual reality session to a monitoring
system.
Inventors: |
Hodge; Stephen L. (Aubrey,
TX) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GLOBAL TEL*LINK CORPORATION |
Reston |
VA |
US |
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Assignee: |
Global Tel*Link Corporation
(Reston, VA)
|
Family
ID: |
1000005503274 |
Appl.
No.: |
16/558,931 |
Filed: |
September 3, 2019 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20190394282 A1 |
Dec 26, 2019 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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15419772 |
Jan 30, 2017 |
10404804 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L
67/141 (20130101); H04W 12/065 (20210101); H04L
67/306 (20130101); H04L 63/0861 (20130101); G06F
3/011 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G06F
15/16 (20060101); H04L 29/06 (20060101); H04L
29/08 (20060101); H04W 12/06 (20210101); G06F
3/01 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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WO 2009/077901 |
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Jun 2009 |
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WO |
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Other References
International Search Report and Written Opinion directed to
International Patent Application No. PCT/US2017/034694, dated Aug.
16, 2017; 13 pages. cited by applicant .
International Search Report and Written Opinion directed to
International Patent Application No. PCT/US2018/015989, dated Apr.
12, 2018; 18 pages. cited by applicant .
International Search Report and Written Opinion directed to
International Patent Application No. PCT/US2018/024616, dated Jun.
14, 2018; 17 pages. cited by applicant.
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Primary Examiner: Book; Phyllis A
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein &
Fox P.L.L.C.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method for personalizing a virtual reality session, the method
comprising: receiving, from a device located within a controlled
environment, a request to initiate the virtual reality session,
wherein the request includes user information for a user associated
with the device; receiving a second user request for a second
device to join the virtual reality session; responsive to receiving
the request, initiating a registration process for registering the
user to participate in the virtual reality session; responsive to
completing the registration process, retrieving a profile
associated with the user information, wherein the profile includes
first user preferences for the virtual reality session; retrieving
a second profile associated with a user of the second device,
wherein the second profile includes second user preferences for the
virtual reality session; retrieving session initiation information
and the first user preferences from the profile; detecting a
conflict between the first user preferences and the second user
preferences; determining, based on the conflict, a higher priority
preference between the first user preferences and the second user
preferences; and initiating, based on the session initiation
information and the higher priority preference, the virtual reality
session.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: joining the second
device to the virtual reality session.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the second user request is
received from an outside device located outside of the controlled
environment and wherein the second profile is an outsider profile,
the method further comprising: retrieving the outsider profile
associated with the second user request; and personalizing the
virtual reality session based on the outsider profile.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the profile further includes
information regarding a virtual avatar of the user associated with
the device and wherein initiating the virtual reality session
comprises including the virtual avatar in the virtual reality
session.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the registration process
comprises: receiving initial information associated with the user
associated with the device; generating a user profile based on the
initial information; and reviewing the user profile based on a
predefined standard provided by the controlled environment.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: retrieving an
authorization condition associated with the controlled environment;
and restricting an attempted action within the virtual reality
session based on the authorization condition.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the authorization condition is a
global authorization condition that indicates at least authorized
content for all users within the controlled environment.
8. The method of claim 6, wherein the authorization condition is a
user-specific authorization condition that indicates at least
authorized content for the user associated with the device.
9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: transmitting session
information to a monitoring center; and receiving, from the
monitoring center, an alert associated with the session
information.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the alert is configured to
terminate the virtual reality session.
11. A method for initiating a virtual reality session within a
controlled environment, the method comprising: receiving, from a
device located within the controlled environment, a request to
initiate the virtual reality session, wherein the request includes
user information for a user associated with the device; responsive
to receiving the request, initiating a registration process for
registering the user to participate in the virtual reality session;
receiving a second user request for a second device to join the
virtual reality session; responsive to completing the registration
process, retrieving a profile associated with the user information,
wherein the profile includes first user preferences for the virtual
reality session; retrieving a second profile associated with a user
of the second device, wherein the second profile includes second
user preferences for the virtual reality session; retrieving
session initiation information and the first user preferences from
the profile; detecting a conflict between the first user
preferences and the second user preferences; determining, based on
the conflict, a higher priority preference between the first user
preferences and the second user preferences; transmitting
authentication information to a monitoring system; receiving, via a
network, an approval message from the monitoring system based on
the authentication information; and initiating, based on the
session initiation information, the higher priority preference, and
the approval message, the virtual reality session.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: joining the second
device to the virtual reality session.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the second user request is
received from an outside device located outside of the controlled
environment and wherein the second profile is an outsider profile,
the method further comprising: retrieving the outsider profile
associated with the second user request; and personalizing the
virtual reality session based on the outsider profile.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein the profile further includes
information regarding a virtual avatar of the user associated with
the user and wherein initiating the virtual reality session
comprises including the virtual avatar in the virtual reality
session.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein the registration process
comprises: receiving initial information associated with the user
associated with the device; generating a user profile based on the
initial information; and reviewing the user profile based on a
predefined standard provided by the controlled environment.
16. The method of claim 11, further comprising: retrieving an
authorization condition associated with the controlled environment;
and restricting an attempted action within the virtual reality
session based on the authorization condition.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the authorization condition is
a global authorization condition that indicates at least authorized
content for all users within the controlled environment.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein the authorization condition is
a user-specific authorization condition that indicates at least
authorized content for the user.
19. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions
stored therein, which when executed by a processor in a wireless
device cause the processor to perform operations, the operations
comprising: receiving, from a device located within a controlled
environment, a request to initiate a virtual reality session,
wherein the request includes user information for a user associated
with the device; responsive to receiving the request, initiating a
registration process for registering the user to participate in the
virtual reality session; receiving a second user request for a
second device to join the virtual reality session; responsive to
completing the registration process, retrieving a profile
associated with the user information, wherein the profile includes
first user preferences for the virtual reality session; retrieving
a second profile associated with a user of the second device,
wherein the second profile includes second user preferences for the
virtual reality session; retrieving session initiation information
and the first user preferences from the profile; detecting a
conflict between the first user preferences and the second user
preferences; determining, based on the conflict, a higher priority
preference between the first user preferences and the second user
preferences; and initiating, based on the session initiation
information and the higher priority preference, the virtual reality
session; transmitting session information to a monitoring center;
and receiving, from the monitoring center, an alert associated with
the session information.
20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 19, the
operations further comprising: wherein the alert is configured to
terminate the virtual reality session.
Description
BACKGROUND
Field
This disclosure relates to a system and method for providing a
monitored virtual reality experience within a controlled
environment.
Background
In a controlled environment such as a correctional facility,
inmates have limited opportunities to interact with the outside
world. Inmates may have opportunities to have certain
communications with loved ones, browse websites using a mobile
device, or interact with certain content, but these opportunities
are limited to the inmate's room or cell and designated rooms
within the controlled environment. In other words, an inmate's
experiences are limited to one or two physical communications when
conducting conventional communications in a controlled
environment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS/FIGURES
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.
FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a virtual reality
communication system, according to embodiments of the present
disclosure.
FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a communication center of the
virtual reality communication system of FIG. 1, according to
embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a virtual reality
communication device of the virtual reality communication of FIG.
1, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4A illustrates a block diagram of a virtual reality
communication system, according to embodiments of the present
disclosure.
FIG. 4B illustrates a block diagram of a virtual reality
communication system, according to embodiments of the present
disclosure.
FIG. 4C illustrates a block diagram of a virtual reality
communication system, according to embodiments of the present
disclosure.
FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart diagram of a method of registering a
user via the communication system of FIG. 1, according to
embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart diagram of a method of initiating a
virtual reality session via the communication system of FIG. 1,
according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart diagram of a method of monitoring a
virtual reality session via the communication system of FIG. 1,
according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of a general purpose computer
that may be used to perform various aspects of the present
disclosure.
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.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
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 disclosure. Rather, the scope of the disclosure 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 disclosure 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.
Virtual Reality Communication System
FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of virtual reality communication
system 100, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
Virtual reality communication system 100 includes communication
center 110 configured to receive and transmit virtual reality
information within a virtual reality session to inmate
communication system 120. A virtual reality session allows an
inmate of a controlled environment to interact with content in
virtual environment and, for a brief time, imagine himself outside
or away from the controlled environment.
In some embodiments, the virtual reality session can also include
outsider communication system 130 if an outsider is authorized and
registered and otherwise allowed to communicate with the inmate
associated with inmate communication system 120. In this
disclosure, a session refers to a virtual reality communication,
which may include real-time communications such as voice calls and
video calls, and non-real time communications such as a text or
email, between an inmate using inmate communication system 120,
communication center 110, and an outsider using outsider
communication system 130.
In an embodiment, inmate communication system 120 includes one or
more devices provided to inmates within a correctional facility and
includes any or all devices such as wireless communication device
122, virtual reality communication devices 123, 124, and 136,
and/or computer station 126. In an embodiment, virtual reality
communication device 135 is connected to computer station 126 and
virtual reality communication device 136 is connected to wireless
communication device 122. Virtual reality communication devices
123, 124, and 136 have wired and/or wireless communication
capabilities. In an embodiment, virtual reality communication
device 124 may communicate directly with network 101 through a
wireless connection, such as Bluetooth.TM. or Wi-Fi connections. In
another embodiment, virtual reality communication device 124 may
communicate directly with network 101 through a wired connection
such as a USB cable.
Similarly, virtual reality communication device 123 communicates
with network 101 through a connection with wireless communication
devices 122. The communication with wireless communication devices
122 may be a wireless connection, such as Bluetooth.TM. or Wi-Fi
connections or through a wired connection such as with a USB
cable.
In an embodiment, virtual reality communication device 136
communicates with network 101 through a connection with computer
station 126. The communication with computer station 126 may be a
wireless connection, such as Bluetooth.TM. or Wi-Fi connections or
through a wired connection such as with a USB cable.
In an embodiment, communication center 110 connects to wireless
access point 125 (e.g., a router), which may provide connectivity
to virtual reality communication device 124. Inmate communication
system 120 connects to communication center 110 via network 101,
which may include any or all of a Local-Area Network (LAN), a
Wide-Area Network (WAN), or the Internet.
Outsider communication system 130 includes one or more devices
available to outsiders to the controlled environment and includes
any and all devices such as virtual reality communication device
132, virtual reality communication device 134, computer station
136, and/or wireless communication device 138. In an embodiment,
outside communication system 130 may be located within the
controlled environment, such as in a designated area or room of the
controlled environment. In another embodiment, outside
communication system 130 may be located outside of the controlled
environment such as in the outsider's home. Outsider communication
system 130 connects to communication center 110 via network 103,
which may include any or all of a WAN, the Internet, and/or a
Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). The WAN may facilitate
communications with other nearby prisons, such as those within the
same county, state, etc.
In an embodiment, WebRTC may be utilized in place of a session
initiation protocol (SIP) over a WAN or the Internet, each of which
provides a dedicated, private link between inmate communication
system 120 and outsider communication system 130. The Internet is
utilized to provide access to computer station 136 such as remotely
distributed control stations, scheduling clients, and home
visitation devices.
In an embodiment, virtual reality communication system 100 also
includes monitoring center 140 for monitoring communications within
virtual reality communication system 100 and between inmate
communication system 120 and outsider communication system 130.
Monitoring by monitoring center 140 occurs both automatically and
manually by a reviewer. Monitoring center 140 is configured to
receive communications from communication center 110 via network
105, which may include any or all of a LAN, a WAN, or the Internet.
In an embodiment, monitoring center 140 is further configured to
communicate with communication center 110 to indicate approval of
starting, sending, or receiving a virtual reality session after an
initial authentication of the virtual reality session has been
performed. Monitoring center 140 receives information related to
all virtual reality sessions that take place between devices in
virtual reality communication system 100 through communication
center 110. Monitoring center 140 can then utilize this information
by recording the virtual reality session for later review and/or
monitor the actions of users within the virtual reality
communication system 100. In an embodiment, recording of the
virtual reality session entails recording one or more aspects of
the virtual reality session. Aspects of the virtual reality session
include an audio stream of the virtual reality session, a video
stream of the virtual reality session, and actions performed by the
users during the virtual reality session. If users perform
prohibited actions or interactions, monitoring center 140 may
terminate the virtual reality session or provide a warning to the
users. Monitoring center 140 may provide a predetermined number of
warnings to the users prior to terminating the virtual reality
session. In another embodiment, monitoring center 140 is integrated
into communication center 110.
In an embodiment, monitoring center 140 provides to communication
center 110 authorized content that is available for use as part of
any virtual reality sessions. For example, authorized content
includes a list of web sites that are available to be accessed by a
user within a virtual reality session, a list of websites that are
not available to be accessed, a list of games, and a list of
applications such as a word processing application, a text
messaging application, a video calling application, and a
multimedia application.
In an embodiment, content is authorized on a per user basis (i.e.,
applies only to a specific user or users based on, for example, the
profile information) or on a global basis (i.e., applies to all
virtual reality sessions through communication center 110). In
Monitoring center 140 can modify user profiles to include
information that indicates the content for which the users are
authorized and not authorized. For global restrictions, monitoring
center 140 can send information that indicates the content that is
authorized and not authorized for all users and all virtual reality
sessions.
Communication Center
FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of communication center 200,
according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In an
embodiment, communication center 200 represents an exemplary
embodiment of communication center 110 of FIG. 1. Communication
center 200 includes at least processing subsystem 210 and
communication database 220, as shown by FIG. 2. Processing
subsystem 210 includes one or more processors, computers, or
servers identified as subsystems and can be constructed as
individual physical hardware devices, or as virtual devices, such
as a virtual server. The number of processing subsystems can be
scaled to match the number of simultaneous user connections desired
to be supported by virtual reality communication system 100.
Processing subsystem 210 includes communication subsystem 212,
profile subsystem, 214, and authentication subsystem 216.
In an embodiment, communication subsystem 212 controls the routing
of communications to an end destination such as one or more devices
within inmate communication system 120, one or more devices within
outsider communication system 130, or monitoring center 140.
Communication subsystem 212 performs switching required to
electrically connect the one or more devices within inmate
communication system 120 and one or more devices within outsider
communication system 130 for a virtual reality session. Further,
communication subsystem 212 logs communication information,
including time of communications and parties involved in the
communications, and store the logs and communications as files. The
files stored by communication subsystem 212 can be stored
indefinitely for use by monitoring center 140 in monitoring and
investigation of an inmate and/or communication. Communication
subsystem 212 also determines whether a communication should be
monitored such that privileged communications such as
attorney/client, doctor/client, or investigative communications are
not monitored. Criteria for monitoring a communication may be based
on jurisdictional requirements and/or identities of the
parties.
In an embodiment, communication subsystem 212 is configured to
receive contact information such as a phone number, email address,
internet protocol address or other identifying data of the parties
involved in the communication. The received contact information may
be used by each of the subsystems of the communication center 200
for identifying respective data and processes related to the
contact information, such as purported identities of parties
involved in the communication.
Because there may be a variety of different communication standards
employed by different audio, video, image, and text devices that
wish to participate in communications, in an embodiment,
communication subsystem 212 is also configured to perform format
conversion of non-real time communications. Conversion of incoming
and outgoing communications are performed, as needed, to be
compatible with inmate communication device 120, outsider
communication device 130, or monitoring center 140.
Further, because communication subsystem 212 receives and transmits
communications by way of a network, in an exemplary embodiment,
communication subsystem 212 is configured to decrypt received
communications and encrypt transmitting communications, for
security purposes.
Profile subsystem 214 obtains and stores profile information on
parties registered to communicate via virtual reality communication
system 100. In an embodiment, profile subsystem 214 stores inmate
profiles and outsider profiles. Profile subsystem 214 obtains
information related to the parties from one or more of (a) a jail
management system (JMS) or an offender management system (OMS)
operated by the jurisdiction of the correctional facility, (b)
public database containing information on the parties, or (c) a
questionnaire provided by a web page, a personal approved number
(PAN) list, or booking information. Information obtained by profile
subsystem 214 may include personal information such as previous
residences or correctional facilities, authorized contacts, family
members, languages, special needs, medication requirements,
etc.
Profile subsystem 214 also performs a registration process for
those parties not enrolled or registered to use virtual reality
communication system 100. During the registration process, or at a
later time, profile subsystem 214 determines accommodations and
settings associated with a party and/or a party is able to select
preferred settings for a communication. These accommodations and
settings include, but are not limited to, preferences of the
virtual reality session, such as virtual locales (e.g., beach,
forest) and avatar information such as the appearance of the
party's virtual representation within the virtual reality
session.
In an embodiment, profile subsystem 214 also receives authorization
information indicating content that is authorized and not
authorized for each profile. The information may be received from a
monitoring system such as monitoring center 140 as illustrated in
FIG. 1. Profile subsystem 214 can store the authorization
information internally or in communication database 222. If the
information is specific to a user or user(s), profile system 214
can also store the information as part of the user or user(s)
profile(s). The authorization information is used to personalize
the virtual reality session by limiting or allowing access to the
content by users of the virtual reality session.
Authentication subsystem 216 collects and stores identity data of
inmates and outsiders authorized to access virtual reality
communication system 100. Identity data includes at least one of a
username and password data, challenge questions, challenge answers,
biometric data, device data such as make and model of a
communication device, and/or location data. Biometric data includes
one or more of a finger print, a hand print, a voice sample, an
iris or retinal sample, an image of the user (2D or 3D), a hand
geometry, a signature identification, an infrared camera
identification, or any other biometric as deemed appropriate. The
challenge question form of identity data may be a series of
challenge questions, or a single challenge question such as the
last four digits of an inmate's social security number, mother's
maiden name, and the like. Authentication subsystem 216 is further
configured to facilitate a secure communication between parties
receiving/transmitting a communication by performing identity
verifications to authenticate identities of purported parties. The
identity verification includes logon verifications, such as
username and password verifications, biometric verification,
response to challenge questions, device verification, and/or
location verification.
In embodiment, authentication subsystem 216 continuously tracks
biometric information during an on-going virtual reality session.
For example, authentication subsystem 216 continuously tracks a
user's eyes and provides the iris or retinal sample to a monitoring
center through communication subsystem 212. In this manner, the
monitoring center may monitor the virtual reality session to insure
that an authenticated user does not hand off the virtual reality
communication device to another user who has not been authenticated
by authentication subsystem 216. Authentication subsystem 216 may
also continuously monitor the voices during the virtual reality
session and provide this voice information to the monitoring
subsystem through communication subsystem 212.
Authentication subsystem 216 performs an identity verification by
receiving identity information such as one or more of a username
and password, a response to a challenge question(s), a keypad or
touch pad entry, dual tone multi frequency (DTMF) response, a voice
sample, a fingerprint sample, a retinal sample, a facial image (2D
or 3D), device information such as a make and model of the
communication device, and/or a location of the communication
device, from a communication device (such as a device of inmate
communication system 120 or outsider communication system 130) used
by a purported party and comparing the identity information of the
purported party with stored identity data. Authentication subsystem
216 also uses the collected information to register users of
virtual reality communication system 100. Once registered and
entered into the system, users may log into virtual reality
communication system 100 and initiate a virtual reality
session.
Web subsystem 218 runs web server software such as Apache and/or
Microsoft Internet Information Server and/or an interactive voice
response (IVR) server software. The primary function of web
subsystem 218 is to operate as a frontend and/or backend server in
receiving and transmitting information to a party outside of
communication center 200. In an embodiment, web subsystem 218
serves as a maintenance point into communication center 200, by
which servicing, configuring, and updating can be performed. In an
embodiment, the web subsystem 218 provides managing services for
generating communications, receiving instructions from a party to
send or receive communications, and coordinating and scheduling the
transmission of communications. For example, web subsystem 218 can
facilitate a party in generating a non-real time communication when
the party uses a front-end application having a user interface.
In an embodiment, virtual reality subsystem 220 consists of any
number of servers, and functions as the primary logic processing
center in communication center 200. Virtual reality subsystem 220
manages and facilitates overall communication between subsystems
off the communication center 200 and devices external to the
communication center, such as any device within inmate
communication system 120 and outsider communication system 130.
After undergoing registration and authentication procedures as
described above, virtual reality subsystem 220 initiates the
virtual reality sessions for one or more virtual reality
communication devices within virtual reality communication system.
No matter the number of virtual communication devices, virtual
reality subsystem 220 routes information regarding all virtual
reality sessions to a monitoring center, such as monitoring center
140 in FIG. 1, through communication subsystem 212. Using this
information, the monitoring center may monitor all aspects of
virtual reality sessions, including the avatars, the actions taken
by the avatars, the virtual reality environment such as the virtual
details, and the interactions between the avatars and the virtual
reality environment.
In an embodiment, virtual reality subsystem 220 initiates virtual
reality sessions based on the stored profiles of the user(s)
involved in the virtual reality session. An example profile is an
inmate profile that includes the preferences of an inmate of a
controlled environment and/or an outsider profile that includes the
preferences of an outsider of the controlled environment. If a
virtual reality session involves a user with a virtual reality
communication device, virtual reality subsystem 220 retrieves the
user profile for the user and personalizes the virtual reality
session based on the preferences and information stored in the user
profile. Personalizing the virtual reality session includes using a
stored avatar with the stored appearance settings, setting the
environment of the virtual reality session, and making available
within the virtual reality session preferred content and
applications such as games. If the virtual reality session involves
two or more users, virtual reality subsystem 220 retrieves the user
profiles for each of the users and personalizes the virtual reality
session based on the preferences and information stored in the user
profiles. If there are any conflicts in preferences, virtual
reality subsystem 220 can prioritize certain user profiles and
implement the preferences of user profiles that are prioritized
higher than others.
In an embodiment, personalizing the virtual reality session also
includes incorporating administrator preferences provided by an
administrator of virtual reality system 100, such as a designated
employee of the controlled environment. Administrator preferences
are rules or restrictions provided by the administrator and have
higher priority than the preferences specified in the user
profiles. In an embodiment, administrator preferences include
global preferences that influence all virtual reality sessions, no
matter the users involved in the virtual reality session and
inmate-specific preferences that only apply to specific
inmates.
Administrator preferences generally limit or allow actions that can
be performed by users during a virtual reality session. For
example, the administrator can restrict all inmates and outsiders
from accessing websites deemed to be inappropriate or certain
applications and/or specify specific websites or applications that
may be accessed during a virtual reality session. As discussed
above, an administrator can implement such restrictions on a global
(all virtual reality sessions) or inmate-specific basis.
In an embodiment, virtual reality subsystem 220 controls content
that is available to users within virtual reality sessions based on
authorization information indicating authorized content and
unauthorized content. The authorization information can be specific
to a user or user(s) and/or applied globally to all virtual reality
sessions. Authorization information can indicate that a user or
user(s) are not allowed to access certain content, such as
websites, games, and/or applications, while participating in the
virtual reality session. For example, if a user's profile indicates
that the user is not allowed to access a certain website, the user
would not prevented from using a virtual reality browser within a
virtual reality session, such as virtual reality browser window 406
of FIG. 4B, to access the certain website.
Communication database 222 consists of any number of databases
and/or servers, and stores and organizes data in a relational
database. Communication database 222 runs a database management
system, such as MYSQL.TM., to provide an example. Communication
database 222 includes organized data such that respective identity
data, authentication data, jurisdictional requirements and rules,
and settings that are indexed and linked to allow access to data
for each of the parties involved in a communication and data
associated with each of the parties.
Virtual Reality Communication Device
FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of virtual reality communication
device 300, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
Virtual reality communication device 300 may be an exemplary
embodiment of any of virtual reality communication devices 123,
124, 132, 134, or 135 as illustrated in FIG. 1. In an embodiment,
virtual reality communication device 300 includes processor
circuitry 310 that is communicatively coupled to plurality of
communication interfaces 320, input/output circuitry 330,
positional and motion circuitry 340, and virtual reality display
350. Processor circuitry 310 includes one or more processors 312,
circuitry, and/or logic configured to control the overall operation
of communication device 300, including the operation of
communication interfaces 320, input/output circuitry 330, and
positional and motion circuitry 340. Processor circuitry 310
further includes memory 314 to store data and instructions. Memory
314 may be any well-known volatile and/or non-volatile memory that
is removable and/or non-removable.
Communication interfaces 320 include one or more transceivers,
transmitters, and/or receivers that communicate via a wireless
interface, such as through one or more antennas 322, or a wired
interface, such as through a USB cable. In an embodiment,
communication interfaces 320 are configured to transmit and receive
communications between an inmate and an outsider via network 101
and network 103, as illustrated in FIG. 1. In an embodiment,
communication interfaces 320 connect virtual reality communication
device 300 with other devices such as a mobile device and/or
external input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, camera, or touch
interface.
In an embodiment, virtual reality communication device 300 includes
integrated input/output circuitry 330 includes circuitry such as a
keypad, a touch interface, a microphone, and a camera. Input/output
circuitry 330 may be used by a party for traditional mobile device
communications such as audio, video, or text communications.
Input/output circuitry 330 such as the microphone and camera are
used during monitoring operations to capture audio and/or video of
a party and surrounding areas.
In an embodiment, virtual reality communication device 300 may
include positional and motion sensors 340 include circuitry for
determining a current location and a change in location of
communication device 300. Positional and motion circuitry 340 may
include such circuitry as Global Positioning System (GPS)
technology, indoor positioning systems (IPS) technology,
accelerometers, and/or gyroscopes to determine position and motion
of virtual reality communication device 300.
Input/output circuitry 330 and positional and motion sensors 340
can provide input to virtual reality communication device 300
through head, body, arm, eye and finger, movements. Eye movement of
a user of a virtual reality communication device 300 can be
monitored. Eye movement of the user can operate much like a mouse
by following the eye movement moving a cursor and utilizing the
blinks of the eyes to select an item (i.e., similar to a mouse
click). This allows for the entry of alpha numeric or the selection
of items from the display without the user having to use his
fingers or hands. Lunges and direction changes can be captured with
accelerometers and gyroscope devices of positional and motion
sensors 340.
Virtual reality display 350 is component for displaying virtual
reality images or scenes for viewing by a user of the virtual
reality communication device 300. In an embodiment, virtual reality
display 350 is a display of a standalone virtual reality device
that may be worn by a user. Virtual reality display 350 provides a
high-resolution and wide angle view (e.g., 115 degrees) of a
virtual reality session. In another embodiment, virtual reality
display 350 may be implemented as a display of a mobile device such
as a mobile phone, smartphone, or tablet. The mobile device may
then be attached to a headpiece that may be worn by the user.
System Operation
Exemplary usage of virtual reality communication system 100 in a
correctional environment will be described with respect to FIGS.
4A-4C. In an embodiment, FIG. 4A depicts an exemplary embodiment of
a virtual reality session 400A between inmate communication device
401A, outsider communication device 401B, and monitoring center
402. Virtual reality session 400A includes virtual reality
communication 403 depicts an exemplary visual environment that is
simultaneously viewable by inmate communication device 401A,
outsider communication device 401B, and monitoring center 402.
Virtual reality communication 403 is simultaneously viewable
through a display of inmate communication device 401A and a display
of outsider communication device 401B. Virtual reality
communication 403 also provides an audio channel through which
users of inmate communication device 401A and outsider
communication device 401B talk with each other using for example a
microphone of inmate communication device 401A and outsider
communication device 401B or that is part of an external device
connected to inmate communication device 401A and outsider
communication device 401B. In an embodiment, virtual reality
communication 403 includes an inmate avatar 404 and an outsider
avatar 405. Inmate avatar 404 is a personalized virtual
representation of a user of inmate communication device 401A and
outsider avatar 405 is a personalized virtual representation of a
user of outsider communication device 401B. As further discussed
with respect to FIG. 5, a user, such as an inmate of a controlled
environment or an outsider of the controlled environment, can
customize his avatar as part of a registration process.
Accordingly, users of inmate communication device 401A and outsider
communication device 401B may talk with and view a virtual
representation of each other as part of virtual reality
communication 403.
In an embodiment, virtual reality communication 403 is also
viewable by monitoring center 402. As will be further discussed
with respect to FIG. 7, monitoring center 402 monitors virtual
reality communication 403 including the actions of users of inmate
communication device 401A and outsider communication device 401B.
Monitoring center 402 monitors virtual reality communication 403 to
prevent prohibited actions from occurring within virtual reality
communication 403.
In an embodiment, inmate communication device 401A, outsider
communication device 401B, and monitoring center 402 are
implemented within a virtual reality communication system such as
virtual reality communication system 100. One of ordinary skill in
the art would understand that virtual reality session 403 is merely
exemplary. For example, virtual reality session is not limited to
only two users within virtual reality session 400A, which may
include one user or more than two users participating in virtual
reality communication 403.
FIG. 4B depicts an exemplary embodiment of a virtual reality
session 400B between inmate communication device 401A, outsider
communication device 401B, and monitoring center 402. Virtual
reality session 400B includes virtual reality communication 403
which depicts an exemplary image that is viewable by communication
device 401A, outsider communication device 401B, and monitoring
center 402. Virtual reality communication 403 includes virtual
browser window 406 that is simultaneously viewable through a
display of inmate communication device 401A, a display of outsider
communication device 401B, and a display at monitoring center 402.
Virtual browser window 406 is also controllable by users of inmate
communication device 401A and outsider communication device 401B.
Virtual browser window 406 can display information or content
simultaneously to users of inmate communication device 401A and
outsider communication device 401B. The information or content is
also controllable by the users such that any user participating in
virtual communication 403 to manipulate or interact with virtual
browser window 406. In an embodiment, content includes game play
activity such as a game that is played by a user of inmate
communication device 401A and/or a user of outsider communication
device 401B. Other content can also include displaying multimedia
such as movies or television shows, documents such as emails, or
websites. Users may control and interact with content displayed on
virtual reality communication window 406 using input/output
circuitry of inmate communication device 401A and/or a user of
outsider communication device 401B or external input/output devices
as discussed with respect to FIG. 3.
In an embodiment, virtual reality communication 403 provides an
audio channel through users of inmate communication device 401A and
outsider communication device 401B may talk with each other while
interacting with the virtual browser window 406. Virtual reality
communication also includes an inmate avatar 404 and an outsider
avatar 405. Accordingly, users of inmate communication device 401A
and outsider communication device 401B may talk with, view a
virtual representation of each other, and interact with virtual
elements of virtual reality communication 403.
FIG. 4C depicts an exemplary embodiment of a virtual reality
session 400A between inmate communication device 401A, outsider
communication device 401B, and monitoring center 402. Virtual
reality session 400C includes virtual reality communication 403
which depicts an exemplary image that is viewable by communication
device 401A, outsider communication device 401B, and monitoring
center 402. In an embodiment, virtual reality communication 403
includes a virtual reality environment having virtual elements such
as a virtual sun 308 and virtual tree 307 that is simultaneously
viewable through a display of inmate communication device 401A, a
display of outsider communication device 401B, and a display at
monitoring center 402. In an embodiment, users of inmate
communication device 401A and outsider communication device 401B
may select the virtual reality environment from a set of options
pre-approved by the controlled environment. Examples of other
environments include a beach, a forest, a house, or a store. In an
embodiment, the virtual store environment is modeled on the
controlled environment's commissary and the virtual elements
include items that may be purchased by the user.
Operations of providing access, initiating communications, and
monitoring communications within virtual reality communication
system 100 in a correctional system will be described with respect
to FIGS. 5-7. 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 FIGS. 1-3. While FIGS. 5-7 contain methods of
operation of authentication for virtual reality communication
system 100, 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. 5 illustrates a flowchart diagram of a method 500 of
registering a user via a virtual reality communication system, such
as virtual reality communication system 100 of FIG. 1, according to
embodiments of the present disclosure. In FIG. 5, a registration or
enrollment process is facilitated for a party by inmate
communication device 120 or outsider communication device 130. In
501, a user registers before or during the first use of virtual
reality communication system 100. Registration may be performed via
a website or IVR system, for example, when a party visits a
designated website or calls a designated phone number facilitated
by the controlled environment. In 501, profile subsystem 214 (as
described with respect to FIG. 2) requests for initial information
from the user via inmate communication device 120 or outsider
communication device 130. The initial information can include name,
birthdate, social security number, contact information, a biometric
sample, and/or other essential data needed to verify the user and
obtain additional information associated with the user, as
described below. The initial information can also include
preferences from the user regarding the user's avatar. These
preferences allow the user to customize the appearance of the
avatar such as the avatar's hair, facial features, clothing, and
other physical attributes. Such preferences can allow the user to
create an avatar with a similar virtual appearance as the user. The
initial information may be received by input/output circuitry 330
of virtual reality communication device 300 and transmitted to
communication center 110 via communication interface 320.
Once the initial information is received by communication center
110, profile subsystem 214 generates a user profile, such as an
inmate profile, based on the initial information provided by the
user at 502. Next, profile subsystem 214 generates an avatar based
on the initial information provided by the user at 503. At 504, a
component of the controlled environment, such as communication
center 200, reviews the generated profile and avatar as part of a
review process to ensure that the profile and avatar meet
predefined standards. After review of the initial information, the
generated profile, and the generated avatar, communication center
200 may accept the registration, at 504, or reject the
registration. In an embodiment, during steps 501-503, all gathered
and generated information obtained by communication center 110 is
stored at 505 in a component of the controlled environment, such as
in database 220 of communication center 200.
FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart diagram of a method 600 for
initiating a virtual reality session via a virtual reality
communication system, such as virtual reality communication system
100 of FIG. 1, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
At 601, a method of initiating a virtual reality session begins
with a user request. The user request can be from an inmate of the
controlled environment or may be from an outsider of the controlled
environment. The user request is transmitted by the inmate's
virtual reality communication device or the outsider's virtual
communication device via virtual reality communication system 100.
In an embodiment, submitting a user request requires special
software provided by the controlled environment and installed on
the virtual communication devices. For example, an inmate opens the
special software and presses an icon to submit a request for a
virtual reality session, which can be limited to only the inmate or
can also include an outsider using outsider communication device
130.
Next, at 602, communication center 110 determines whether the user
submitting the request is authorized to initiate a virtual reality
session. Communication center 110 can make this determination based
on information included in the user request such as the identity of
the user, the virtual reality communication device from which the
request is submitted, or any other information identifying the user
and/or the virtual reality communication device. In an embodiment,
authorizing the user includes authenticating the user's identity.
Examples of authentication that may be performed include one or
more of challenge questions and biometric verifications. For
example, a party may be required to answer a challenge question
including responding to questions regarding one or more of a
previous addresses of the party, the name of the party, a birthdate
of the party, a PIN, a name of someone associated with the party,
or an identification number of the party. Further, a challenge
question may request only a portion of the actual answer, such as
only the last four digits of the party's social security number be
a response. Combination of authentication processes may also occur
and may include a rolling challenge question that requires the
party to audibly or visually respond to the challenge question.
Examples of combinations of authentication may include a response
to a challenge question that requires a party to audibly state
his/her mother's maiden name or for the party to respond to the
answer either verbally or by touch paid while in front of a camera
of inmate communication device 120 or outsider device 130 such that
an audio sample, a video sample, or an image sample of the party is
captured. In embodiment, authentication subsystem 216 receives
required information from inmate communication device 120 or
outsider communication device 130 and the received information is
compared to stored identity data to determine whether the user is
in fact authorized. If the user is not authorized, the method ends.
If the user is authorized, communication center 110 can further
determine whether the user is registered to use virtual reality
communication system 100 at 603. In an embodiment, communication
center 110 can retrieve the relevant information to make this
determination from profile subsystem 214. If the user is not
registered, a registration or enrollment process is performed at
604. An exemplary registration process may include steps described
above for FIG. 5.
Upon determining that the user is authorized an registered,
communication center 110 can then determine if any other users are
joining the virtual reality session at 605. Method 600 repeats
steps 602-604 for any additional users joining the virtual reality
session. Once all users joining the session have been authorized
and registered, communication center 110 personalizes the virtual
reality session based on the user(s) and their profiles at 606. In
an embodiment, personalizing the virtual reality session includes
retrieving the profile(s) for each user and determining the
preferences and other information related to the virtual reality
session. Each profile can include information regarding the user's
avatar, preferences for content such as games, applications, or
virtual environments, and restrictions as to the content that is
available or not available to the user and/or the virtual reality
session. At 607, the virtual reality session is further
personalized based on any administrator preferences. In an
embodiment, this step entails retrieving the administrator
preferences and implementing the rules and restrictions on the
virtual reality session. As discussed above, administrator
preferences may be applied on a global or in-mate specific basis.
For example, administrator preferences may include global
restrictions which limit all virtual reality sessions from
accessing inappropriate websites using the virtual reality browser
window. Based on this information from the user profiles and the
administrator preferences, communication center 110 generates and
initiates the virtual reality session at 608, and begins
communicating the virtual reality session to the respective virtual
reality communication devices of each user who is part of the
virtual reality session.
FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart diagram of a method 700 for
monitoring a virtual reality session via a monitoring system, such
as monitoring center 140 of FIG. 1, according to embodiments of the
present disclosure. At 701, monitoring center 140 begins monitoring
a virtual reality session initiated through a virtual reality
communication system, such as virtual reality communication system
100 of FIG. 1. At 702, monitoring center 140 continuously monitors
visual information of the virtual reality session for any
prohibited actions performed by any user within the virtual
session. Prohibited actions can include any actions performed by a
user's avatar that are determined by monitoring center 140 to be
inappropriate for a virtual reality session. For example,
prohibited actions include violent actions and lewd actions.
At 703, monitoring center 140 continuously monitors audio
information of the virtual reality session for any prohibited
verbal statements uttered by any user within the virtual session
such as a session that involves more than one user. Prohibited
verbal statements can include any comments stated by a user during
the virtual session determined by monitoring center 140 to be
inappropriate for a virtual reality session. For example,
prohibited verbal statements can include curse words, lewd phrases,
and/or sexual comments.
At 704, monitoring center 140 continuously monitors biometric
information obtained from any user within the virtual session to
prevent authorized users from giving the virtual reality
communication device to a user that has not yet been authorized for
the virtual reality session. As discussed above, in an embodiment,
monitoring center 140 receives biometric information from
communication center 110 which retrieves the biometric information
from the virtual reality communication devices that are
participating in the virtual reality session. Biometric information
includes audio information, retinal or iris information, and facial
information. During a virtual reality session, monitoring center
140 can compare current biometric information with original
biometric information from the authorized user who initiated or
joined the virtual reality session. If monitoring center 140
determines that there is difference between current biometric
information and the original biometric information, monitoring
center can determine that there has been a change in a user of the
virtual reality communication device.
If any of the steps of 702-704 are determined to be positive, a
component of monitoring center 140 generates an alert to inform an
administrator or other personnel of monitoring center 140 at 705.
The alert can indicate that a prohibited action, prohibited verbal
statement, or a change in the authorized user has taken place in
the virtual reality session. At 707, monitoring center 140
determines whether the positive determines of steps 702-704
triggers a termination of the virtual reality session. Finally, at
706, monitoring center 140 determines whether to continue
monitoring the virtual reality session. If so, monitoring center
140 repeats steps 702-705.
Exemplary Computer Implementation
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 methods of FIGS. 5-7 can be
implemented in the environment of one or more computer systems or
other processing systems. An example of such a computer system 800
is shown in FIG. 8. One or more of the modules depicted in the
previous figures can be at least partially implemented on one or
more distinct computer systems 800.
Computer system 800 includes one or more processors, such as
processor 804. Processor 804 can be a special purpose or a general
purpose digital signal processor. Processor 804 is connected to a
communication infrastructure 802 (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 800 also includes a main memory 806, preferably
random access memory (RAM), and may also include a secondary memory
808. Secondary memory 808 may include, for example, a hard disk
drive 810 and/or a removable storage drive 812, representing a
floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, or
the like. Removable storage drive 812 reads from and/or writes to a
removable storage unit 816 in a well-known manner. Removable
storage unit 816 represents a floppy disk, magnetic tape, optical
disk, or the like, which is read by and written to by removable
storage drive 812. As will be appreciated by persons skilled in the
relevant art(s), removable storage unit 816 includes a computer
usable storage medium having stored therein computer software
and/or data.
In alternative implementations, secondary memory 808 may include
other similar means for allowing computer programs or other
instructions to be loaded into computer system 800. Such means may
include, for example, a removable storage unit 818 and an interface
814. 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 818 and interfaces 814 which allow software and data to be
transferred from removable storage unit 818 to computer system
800.
Computer system 800 may also include a communications interface
820. Communications interface 820 allows software and data to be
transferred between computer system 800 and external devices.
Examples of communications interface 820 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 820 are in the form of signals which
may be electronic, electromagnetic, optical, or other signals
capable of being received by communications interface 820. These
signals are provided to communications interface 820 via a
communications path 822. Communications path 822 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 816 and 818 or a hard disk
installed in hard disk drive 810. These computer program products
are means for providing software to computer system 800.
Computer programs (also called computer control logic) are stored
in main memory 806 and/or secondary memory 808. Computer programs
may also be received via communications interface 820. Such
computer programs, when executed, enable the computer system 800 to
implement the present disclosure as discussed herein. In
particular, the computer programs, when executed, enable processor
804 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 800. Where
the disclosure is implemented using software, the software may be
stored in a computer program product and loaded into computer
system 800 using removable storage drive 812, interface 814, or
communications interface 820.
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).
CONCLUSION
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. The boundaries of these
functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for
the convenience of the description. Alternate boundaries may be
defined so long as the specified functions and relationships
thereof are appropriately performed.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) that
various changes in form and detail can be made therein without
departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, the
disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described
exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance
with the following claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *