Attorney Docket No.: SEC-P120US
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`VIDEO BLURRING IN A SECURE ENVIRONMENT
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`BACKGROUND
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`[0001]
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`The introduction of video services into inmate housing and common area
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`locations
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`for
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`the purposes of video visitation and/or video calling has
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`introduced an
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`unanticipated issue related to what details are conveyed through the video to whoeveris viewing
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`it at the other end.
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`Inmate housing environments simply were not designed with the expectation
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`that those outside the facility would have a camera inside the housing units. As such, back
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`ground details could include showers, bathrooms,interiors of cells, or just the general population
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`going about their day. Additionally, other inmates who know they are on camera often act up
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`and cause disruptions which can escalate and becomesafety issues.
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`[0002]
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`In prior systems,
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`the camera component of the video visitation/call system
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`reveals more than is intended and much morethan is desired. A means of not showing whatis
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`happening behind inmates participating in video visitations/calls is needed in order to safe guard
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`the privacy and promote the safe use of video services provided within inmate housing areas.
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`[0003]
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`Given the infancy of the use of video services within the correctional institution
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`setting, previous methods of resolving the issue resorted to placing the video terminals outside of
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`the general inmate population. This is undesirable as it negates one of the prime advantages of
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`video visitations; namely, to provide visitations without having the security and administrative
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`issues associated with moving inmates from housinglocationsto visitation locations.
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`[0004]
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`Onealternative solution is to design the housing units in such a waythat the video
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`terminals face an innocent area. This is impractical since most correctional institutions were
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`constructed decades before and reconstruction would be too costly. Also, such floor plan designs
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`will tend to rely on designing “nooks” to house the video services but such “nooks” are difficult
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`for correctional officers to monitor and thus provide locations for violent and/orillicit activities
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`to take place.
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`[0005]
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`Oneprevious technology usesfacial recognition to “lock in” on the facial features
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`of the inmate and blur everything but those features. This approach suffers as the inmate moves
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`around and has the disadvantage of blurring much of the face and or torso of the inmate thus
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`leading to an unsatisfactory visitation experience.
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`-1-
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`

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`Attorney Docket No.: SEC-P120US
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`SUMMARY
`
`[0006]
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`Methods and systems for video blurring in a secure environmentare described. In
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`one embodiment, the method includes receiving video at a video visitation device in a secure
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`environment, adjusting a depth of field parameter for the video, such that an imageof a first
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`object at a first distance from the video visitation device is in focus and an image of a second
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`object at a second distance from the video visitation device is blurred, and providing the video to
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`a viewing device located outside of the secure environment.
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`[0007]
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`In on embodiment, adjusting the depth of field parameter may include adjusting
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`an f-stop setting of a camera associated with the video visitation device. Adjusting the f-stop
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`setting may further include adjusting a focal length of a lens coupled to the video visitation
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`device. In an embodiment, adjusting the f-stop setting includes adjusting an aperture setting of
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`the camera associated with the video visitation device.
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`[0008]
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`In another embodiment, adjusting the depth of field parameter includesdigitally
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`processing the video received from the video visitation device in a video processing device to
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`blur one or more objects at the second distance from the video visitation device.
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`[0009]
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`In one embodiment, adjusting the depth of field parameter is remotely
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`controllable by a third party. Additionally, the method mayinclude providing the video to a
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`second viewing device for security monitoring, the second viewing device being associated with
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`a remote control device configured to allow the third party monitor to remotely control the depth
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`of field parameter.
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`[0010]
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`Various embodiments of tangible computer readable media are described. In one
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`embodiment, the computer readable media comprises computer-readable code for receiving
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`video from a video visitation device in a secure environment, storing the video received from the
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`video visitation device in a data storage device, adjusting a depth offield parameter for the
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`video, such that an imageofa first object at a first distance from the video visitation deviceis in
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`focus and an image of a second object at a second distance from the video visitation device is
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`blurred, and providing the adjusted video to a viewing device located outside of the secure
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`environment.
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`

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`Attorney Docket No.: SEC-P120US
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`[0011]
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`In one embodiment, adjusting the depth of field parameter further comprises
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`processing the video received from the video visitation device in a video processing device to
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`blur one or more objects at the second distance from the video visitation device. Adjusting the
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`depth of field parameter may be remotely controllable by a third-party monitor.
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`[0012]
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`The operations performed may further include providing the video to a second
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`viewing device for security monitoring, the second viewing device being associated with a
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`remote control device configured to allow the third-party monitor to remotely control the depth
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`of field parameter. In an embodiment, the operations include providing the video stored in the
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`data storage device to an investigator in response to indicia from the third-party monitor. In still
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`further embodiments, the operations include providing the video stored in the data storage device
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`to an investigator in response to a request from the investigator.
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`[0013]
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`Embodiments of systems are also described. One embodimentof a system
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`includes a data communication device configured to receive video from a video visitation device
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`in a secure environment. The system mayalso include a data storage device coupled to the data
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`communication device and configured to store the video received from the video visitation
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`device. Additionally, the system may include a data processor configured to adjust a depth of
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`field parameter for the video, such that an imageof a first object at a first distance from the video
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`visitation device is in focus and an image of a second object at a second distance from the video
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`visitation device is blurred, wherein the data communication device is configured to provide the
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`video to a viewing device located outside of the secure environment.
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`[0014]
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`In an embodiment, the system includes a camera controller configured to adjust
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`an f-stop setting of a camera associated with the video visitation device. The camera controller
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`may be controllable by a third-party to remotely adjust the f-stop setting. Additionally, the
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`camera controller may be configured to adjust a focal length of a lens coupled to the video
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`visitation device. In an embodiment, the camera controller is further configured to adjust an
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`aperture setting of the camera associated with the video visitation device.
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`[0015]
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`In one embodiment, the system includes a second viewing device for security
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`monitoring, the second viewing device being associated with a remote control device configured
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`to allow a third-party to remotely control the depth of field parameter.
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`

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`Attorney Docket No.: SEC-P120US
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`[0016]
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`The data communication device may provide the video stored in the data storage
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`device to an investigator in responseto indicia from the third-party. In another embodiment, the
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`system is configured to provide the video stored in the data storage device to an investigator in
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`response to a request from the investigator.
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`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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`[0017]
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`Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made
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`to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
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`[0018]
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`FIG.
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`1 is a block diagram of an environment where a visitation system may be
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`employed according to some embodiments.
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`[0019]
`
`[0020]
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`FIG. 2 is a diagram ofa video visitation device according to some embodiments.
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`FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a video camera device
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`for use in a video visitation system.
`
`[0021]
`
`[0022]
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`[0023]
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`FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an embodimentofa visitation system.
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`FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an embodimentofa video visitation device.
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`FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a computer system configured to implement various
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`systems and methods described herein according to some embodiments.
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`[0024]
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`FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for video blurring in a secure
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`environment.
`
`[0025]
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`FIG. 8 is a flowchart of another embodiment method for video blurring in a
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`secure environment.
`
`[0026]
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`FIG. 9 is an illustrative drawing of one embodimentofa blurred video frame.
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`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0027]
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`This specification discloses systems and methods for video blurring in a secure
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`environment. Generally speaking, the various techniques described herein may find applicability
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`in a wide variety of controlled-environment facilities. Examples of controlled-environment
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`facilities may include correctional institutions or facilities (e.g., municipal jails, county jails,
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`-4-
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`

`

`Attorney Docket No.: SEC-P120US
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`state prisons, federal prisons, military stockades, juvenile facilities, detention camps, home
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`incarceration environments, etc.), healthcare facilities (e.g., hospitals, nursing homes, mental
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`health facilities, rehabilitation clinics, such as drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities, etc.),
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`restricted living quarters (e.g., hotels, resorts, camps, dormitories, barracks, etc.), and the like.
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`For convenience of explanation, various examples discussed herein are presented in the context
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`of correctional facilities.
`
`For instance,
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`in some of the embodiments discussed below, a
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`controlled-environment facility may be referred to as a jail or prison, and its residents may be
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`referred to as residents, arrestees, detainees, or inmates.
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`It should be understood, however, that
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`the systems and methods described herein may be similarly applicable to other types of
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`controlled-environmentfacilities and their respective residents (e.g., a hospital and its patients).
`
`[0028]
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`Turning now to FIG. 1, a block diagram of an illustrative environment where a
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`visitation system may be employed is depicted according to some embodiments. As shown,
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`communication processing system 101 may provide telephone services, videoconferencing,
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`online chat, and other communication services to a controlled-environment facility.
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`For
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`example,
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`in some cases, communication system 101 may be co-located with a controlled-
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`environment facility. Alternatively, communication system 101 may be centrally or remotely
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`located with respect
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`to one or more controlled-environment facilities and/or may provide
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`communication services to multiple controlled-environmentfacilities. More generally, however,
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`it should be noted that communication system 101 may assume a variety of forms, and may be
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`configured to serve a variety of facilities and/or users, whether within or outside of a controlled-
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`environmentfacility.
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`[0029]
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`In one embodiment, a hybrid system may be implemented. The hybrid system
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`may include one or more centrally located components and one or more components that are
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`located on the premises of the controlled facility. For example, a data storage may be located in
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`an off-site cloud storage facility.
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`In some embodiments, servers, security monitoring systems
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`and other components described in further detail below may be located in a central or remote
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`facility.
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`In embodiments of a hybrid system, other components may be located within the
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`controlled facility. For example, in some embodiments a video visitation device as described in
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`FIGs. 2-3 may be located within the controlled facility.
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`In certain embodiments, the inmates
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`

`

`Attorney Docket No.: SEC-P120US
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`may be able to communicate using the video visitation devices with persons located outside of
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`the controlled facility, wherein the person outside of the facility uses a desktop computer, tablet
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`computer, or the like.
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`In another embodiment, the inmate may communicate with a person
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`located inside of the controlled facility such as a visitation area.
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`In such an embodiment, but he
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`inmate and the visitor may communicate using a video visitation device respectively.
`
`[0030]
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`In the context of a correctional facility, for instance, inmates may use video-
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`enabled telephones 102 to access certain communication services.
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`In somefacilities, inmates
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`may also use a personal computer wireless device 104 to access such services. For example, an
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`inmate may initiate telephone services bylifting the receiver on telephone 102, at which time the
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`inmate may be prompted to provide a personal identification number (PIN), other identifying
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`information or biometrics. An interactive voice response (IVR) unit or interactive smart device
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`which may use visual keys (touchscreen or the like) (not shown) may generate and play prompt
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`or other messages to inmates on devices 102 and/or 104.
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`[0031]
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`Underthe control of communication processing system 101, devices 102 and 104
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`may be capable of connecting to a non-resident’s (i.e., a person not committed to a controlled-
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`environmentfacility) telephone 106 or device 105 across a publicly switched telephone network
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`(PSTN) 107. For example, telephone 106 may be located at a non-resident’s home, inmate
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`visitation center, etc. Switch 108 in communication processing system 101 may be used to
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`connect calls across PSTN 107. Additionally or alternatively,
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`the non-resident may be at
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`telephone 109 or device 112, which is on an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), Voice-
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`over-IP (VoIP), or packet data network 110, such as, for example the Internet. Router 111 of
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`communication system 101 is used to route data packets associated with a call connection to
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`destination telephone 109.
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`[0032]
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`Video visitation devices 103a-n (each collectively referred to as “video visitation
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`device 103”) may have video conferencing capabilities to enable inmates to participate in video
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`visitation sessions with non-residents of the correctional facility via video call, secure online
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`chat, etc. For example, a non-resident party may have a personal or laptop computer 113 with
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`camera 114 (or a cell phone, tablet computer, etc.).
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`In another embodiment, the non-residents
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`may also use a separate set of video visitation devices 103c-m.
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`In one embodiment, the non-
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`resident may use a video visitation device 103c-m outside of the facility.
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`In another
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`

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`Attorney Docket No.: SEC-P120US
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`embodiment, the non-resident may use a video visitation device 103c-m located in a secure area
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`within the facility. A network connection between the parties may be established and supported
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`by an organization or commercial service that provides computer services and software for use in
`telecommunications and/or VOIP, such as SKYPE® or by a propriety system. Additionally or
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`alternatively,
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`the correctional
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`facility and/or the destination may use video conferencing
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`equipment compatible with ITU H.323, H.320, H.264, and/or V.80, or other suitable standards.
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`Generally speaking, each video visitation device 103 may be disposed in a visitation area of the
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`controlled-environment facility. As noted above,
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`there may be objects or persons in the
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`environment of the video visitation which maybe private or objectionable. For example, when
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`an inmate is conducting a video visitation call, other inmates of the facility may exhibit
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`objectionable behaviors in the background of the frame captured by the video visitation device
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`103.
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`For these and other reasons, the inventor hereof has developed various systems and
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`methods of blurring video captured by the video visitation devices 103, as described in more
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`detail in connection with FIGS. 2-6 below.
`
`[0033]
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`In addition to providing certain visitation and communication operations,
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`communication processing system 101 may attempt to ensure that an inmate’s calls, video
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`conferences, online chats, etc. are performed only with non-residents whose identities, devices,
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`email addresses, phone numbers, etc. are listed in that inmate’s Pre-Approved Contact (PAC)
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`list. Each inmate’s PAC list may be stored, for example, in database 115 maintained by an
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`Administration and Management System (AMS) 116.
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`In addition to PAC list(s), AMS 116 may
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`also store inmate or resident profile data (RPD), as well as visitation rules applicable to each
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`inmate. As an example, in the context of a correctional facility, database 115 may include
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`information such as balances for inmate trust and calling accounts, trial schedule, conviction
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`data, criminal record, sentencing data, such as time served, time remaining to be served, and
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`release date, cell and cellmate assignments, inmate restrictions and warnings, commissary order
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`history, telephonecall history, call recordings, known or suspected gang or criminalaffiliations,
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`known or suspected affiliates, accomplices, or gang members; and any other information that
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`may be relevant or useful to correctional facility staff to house and maintain inmates.
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`[0034]
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`In some embodiments, database 115 may also indicate a personalized level of
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`lighting that should be provided to a particular inmate during the inmate’s video visitation
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`

`

`Attorney Docket No.: SEC-P120US
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`sessions depending, for example, upon whothe identit(ies) of the inmate and/or the non-resident.
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`Such personalized lighting levels may be configured accordingto the facility’s goals.
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`[0035]
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`Visitation system 130 may be configured to provide, schedule, and manage
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`visitation services to residents and non-residents of a controlled-environmentfacility. To that
`
`end, visitation system 130 may be coupled to PSTN 107 and/or network 110 in a mannersimilar
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`to communication processing system 101 by also including one or more switches and/or routers
`
`(not shown). Accordingly, visitation system 130 may be configured to communicate with one or
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`more residents of the controlled-environmentfacility via devices 102-104 and with one or more
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`non-residents via devices 105, 106, 109, 112, and/or 113. Although visitation system 130 is
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`shown in FIG. 1 as being remotely located with respect to communication processing system 101
`
`and the controlled-environmentfacility, in other cases visitation system 130 may be co-located
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`with the facility and/or integrated within system 101.
`
`[0036]
`
`In some implementations, communication system 101 may be configured to
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`perform video visitation monitoring operations configured to monitor and or record video
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`visitations (e.g., as video files).
`
`In scenarios where communication system 101 is located within
`
`the controlled-environment
`
`facility,
`
`it may have direct access to AMS 116.
`
`In other
`
`embodiments, however, communication system 101 may be located remotely with respect to the
`
`controlled-environment facility, and access to AMS 116 may be obtained via a computer
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`network such as, for example Network 110.
`
`[0037]
`
`FIG. 2 is a diagram of a video visitation device 103.
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`In some embodiments,
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`device 103 may be implemented as a computer-based system such as described in connection
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`with FIG. 4. As illustrated, device 103 includes display 204, camera 205, and handset 201
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`coupled to device 103 via wire 209. Display 204 may be anysuitable electronic display such as,
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`for example, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), a touchscreen display (e.g., resistive, capacitive,
`
`etc.), or the like, whereas camera 205 may be any suitable imaging device suchas, for instance, a
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`video camera or webcam equipped with Charge-Coupled Devices (CCDs), Complementary
`
`Metal—Oxide—Semiconductor (CMOS)active pixel sensors, etc. Handset 201 may be similar to
`
`a traditional telephone handset including an earpiece portion (with a speaker), a handle portion,
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`and a mouthpiece portion (with a microphone).
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`

`

`Attorney Docket No.: SEC-P120US
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`[0038]
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`During a video visitation session, video visitation device 103 may be configured
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`to capture a video image of an inmate to be transmitted to a non-resident using camera 205, and
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`to display a video image of the non-resident to the inmate using display 204. Video visitation
`
`device 103 may also be configured to capture an audio signal from the inmate to be transmitted
`
`to the non-resident using the mouthpiece portion of handset 201, and to provide an audio signal
`
`from the non-resident to the inmate using the earpiece portion of handset 201. Additionally or
`
`alternatively, audio received from the non-resident may be reproduced via loudspeaker 202, and
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`audio provided by the inmate may be captured via microphone 203.
`
`In some embodiments,
`
`handset holder or holster 208 may be configured to allow a user to securely rest handset 201
`
`against device 103 (e.g., in its “off’ position) when device 103 is not in use. Furthermore,
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`handset holder 208 may include a mechanical or electromechanical switch or sensor (not shown)
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`that senses when handset 201 is not resting against it (e.g. in its “on” position).
`
`[0039]
`
`Video visitation device 103 may also include lighting device 206 andlighting
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`sensor 207.
`
`In some embodiments, lighting device 206 may include one or more incandescent
`
`light sources (e.g., bulbs, lamps, etc.), fluorescent lamps, Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL),
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`Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamps (CCFL), high-intensity discharge sources, Light-Emitting
`
`Diodes (LEDs), or the like. Additionally or alternatively, lighting device 206 may include one or
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`more adjustable lighting devices with variable intensity, brightness, luminance,color, tone, etc.
`
`Lighting or light sensor 207 may include one or more suitable sensors such as, for example,
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`photoresistors, photodiodes, etc.
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`In various implementations, camera 205 mayserve as light
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`sensor 207, and light sensor 207 may be absent.
`
`[0040]
`
`Furthermore,
`
`it should be noted that, outside of correctional facilities, video
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`visitation device 103 may assume the form of any computer, tablet computer, smart phone,etc.,
`
`or any other consumer device or appliance with videoconferencing capabilities. For example, in
`
`the case where video visitation device 103 is a camera-enabled television (or smart phone,etc.)
`
`that does not include a dedicated lightning apparatus, the brightness of display 204 may be
`
`adjusted so that display 204 mayitself act as lighting device 206 (e.g., the brightness of display
`
`204 may be increased to also increase the illumination of the person(s) “watching” the
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`teleconference through the television, for example, upon detection that a video connection has
`
`been established).
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`

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`Attorney Docket No.: SEC-P120US
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`[0041]
`
`In the context of correctional facilities, video visitation device 103 may include
`
`one or more tampering/impact resistant or hardened elements configured to protect them from
`
`vandalism or otherwise destructive acts. For example, one or more of devices 202-207 may be
`
`protected by a transparentplastic or thermoplastic (e.g., Plexiglas, etc.) material.
`
`[0042]
`
`In one embodiment, the video visitation device 103 may include a keypad 210 or
`
`other user input device to allow a user to enter information. For example, the user may dial a
`
`telephone numberassociated with a recipient of a video visitation call, enter an account number
`
`for billing purposes, or enter a Personal Identification Number (PIN) or inmate number for
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`authentication and/or identification purposes.
`
`[0043]
`
`FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a video camera device
`
`205 for use in a video visitation system 103.
`
`In an embodiment, the video camera device 205
`
`may include an image sensor 301. For example, the image sensor may be configured to capture
`
`a sequence of images suitable for generating video. One ofordinary skill will recognize that
`
`there are many different image sensors 301 which may be used according to the present
`
`embodiments,
`
`including Charge-Coupled Devices (CCDs) or Complimentary Metal-Oxide-
`
`Semiconductor (CMOS)imagesensors.
`
`[0044]
`
`In an embodiment, an arrangement of one or more lenses 303 and/or an aperture
`
`mechanism 302 may be coupled to the image sensor 301. For example,a first lens 303a and a
`
`second lens 303b may be usedto set a focal length of the camera device 205. The focal length
`
`may be adjusted by adjusting a distance betweenthe first lens 303a and the second lens 303b.
`
`The aperture mechanism 302 may be adjusted to change the aperture through which light passes
`
`to the image sensor 301. The depth of field of the camera 205 may be adjusted by either
`
`changing the focal length by adjusting the lenses 303a,b or by adjusting the aperture size by
`
`adjusting the aperture mechanism 302.
`
`In general, the ratio of the focal length set by the lenses
`
`303a and/or 303b to the aperture size is referred to as the f-stop or relative aperture of the camera
`
`system 205. The depth of field is the distance between the nearest and farthest objects in a scene
`
`that appear acceptably sharp in an image. The depth of field may be manipulated by adjustment
`
`of the f-stop of the camera system 205 or through digital processing techniques.
`
`[0045]
`
`In such an embodiment, the depth of field of the camera system 205 may be
`
`adjusted such that a first object 304 positioned at a first distance 306 from the image sensor 301
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`Attorney Docket No.: SEC-P120US
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`maybe in focus, while a second image 305 positioned at a second distance 307 or greater may be
`
`blurred. The lenses 303a-b and/or the aperture mechanism 302 may be adjusted to increase or
`
`decrease the depth of field of the camera system such that both the first object 304 and the
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`second object 305 are in focusat a first setting, or such that only the first object 304 is in focusat
`
`a secondsetting, or such that only the second object is in focusat a third setting.
`
`[0046]
`
`FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an embodimentofthe visitation system 130.
`
`In one
`
`embodiment, the visitation system 130 may include a communication device 401, an image
`
`processor 402, data storage device 403, and a camera controller 404. The communication device
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`401 may be configured to receive video from the video visitation devices 102, 103, and/or 104.
`
`Additionally, the communication device 401 may be configured to communicate video to a
`
`remote device, such as computer 113, non-resident’s telephone 106 or 105 or smartphone device
`
`112. Ina particular embodiment, the remote device is located outside of the secure environment.
`
`For example, the communication device 401 may be configured to communicate the video to
`
`family or friends requesting access to video visitation with an inmate in the securefacility.
`
`[0047]
`
`The video received from the video visitation device 103 maybe stored in the data
`
`storage device 403.
`
`In such an embodiment, the received video may bestored for evidence of a
`
`crime, for review by a counselor, for review by an investigator, or for any other reason.
`
`In one
`
`embodiment, the visitation system 130 may be configured to provide the original video stored in
`
`the data storage device 403 to an investigator in response to a request from the investigator.
`
`In
`
`another embodiment, a third party, such as a security officer, investigator, facility administrator,
`
`or counselor may monitor the video as it is received, and tag or flag certain portions of the
`
`received video in a database stored in the data storage device 403 in association with the video
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`for further review by the investigator, counselor,or the like.
`
`[0048]
`
`The image processor 402 may be configured to change certain parameters of the
`
`video received from the video visitation device 103 such that portions of the video frames are
`
`blurred. In one embodiment, certain sets of frames associated with inappropriate conduct may be
`
`censored and blurred before sending them to the remote device.
`
`In another embodiment, a
`
`background portion of received video frames may be blurred or otherwise obscured.
`
`In still
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`another embodiment, a selectable portion of video frames may be blurred or otherwise obscured
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`in response to a selection by a censor or security officer. For example, if a security officer
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`Attorney Docket No.: SEC-P120US
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`reviewing the video identifies that inappropriate conduct is taking place in view of the video
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`visitation device 103, then the censoror security officer may select a portion of the video frames
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`by dragging a box,circle, or other shape around a portion to be blurred.
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`In another embodiment,
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`the censor or security officer may provide indicia indicating that the entire background of a
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`portion of video is to be blurred.
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`In various embodiments discussed with relation to FIG. 6, the
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`visitation system 130 may include or be associated with hardware and software devices suitable
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`for allowing a monitor, censor, or security officer to review video and enter inputs for censoring,
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`blurring, or otherwise obscuring portions of video received by the video visitation device 103. In
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`certain embodiments, image processor 402 may digitally edit or modify the received video to
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`blur or otherwise obscure the received video before sending it to the remote device.
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`In these
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`various embodiments, the image processor 402 mayblur the image according to a blurring factor
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`which may be preset or set by a user. The blurring factor may be a setting used to determine
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`how much objects in the video will be blurred or obscured.
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`[0049]
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`In one embodiment, the visitation system 130 may include a camera controller
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`404 which mayalso be usedto blur the video. In such an embodiment, the camera controller 404
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`may communicate commandsto a lens mechanism 303a,b and/or to an aperture mechanism 302
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`for controlling the depth of field of the camera 205, and thereby blurring portions of images
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`captured by the camera 205.
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`In another embodiment,
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`the camera controller 404 may
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`communicate commands to a secondary camera control 505 as described in FIG. 5. The
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`secondary camera control 505 may be included in the video visitation device 103.
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`In certain
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`embodiments, a monitor, censor, or security officer reviewing the video may enter an input
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`indicating that the camera 205 should blur a portion of the video.
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`In such an embodiment, the
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`camera controller 404 may issue a command to adjust
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`the lens 303 and/or the aperture
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`mechanism 302.
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`[0050]
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`FIG. 5 is a block diagram of software configurable to run on a videovisitation
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`device 130. The communication device 501 may be configured to communicate video to the
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`visitation system 130. The communication device 501 may also receive video control commands
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`from the visitation system 130. For example, the camera controller 404 on the visitation system
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`130 may issue a commandto blur a background portion of the video. The communication device
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`501 may receive the command andrelay it to the camera control 505. The camera control 505
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`may include a lens control 506 configured to adjust the focal length of the lenses 303a,b.
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`Attorney Docket No.: SEC-P120US
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`Additionally, the camera control 505 may include an aperture control 507 configured to adjust an
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`aperture diameter of the aperture mechanism 302. Accordingly, through adjustment of the focal
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`length and or the aperture, the depth offield of the camera system 205 maybe adjusted, thereby
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`blurring some objects in the image while keeping other objects in focus.
`
`[0051]
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`FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a computer
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`system 600 configurable for video blurring in a secure environment.
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`In one embodiment, the
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`video visitation device 130 and/or the visitation system 130 may be implemented on a computer
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`system similar to the computer system 600 described in FIG. 6. Similarly, the remote devices,
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`such as laptop 113 may be implemented on a computer system similar to the computer system
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`
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`600 described in FIG. 6. In various embodiments, computer system 600 may beaserver, a
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`mainframe computer system, a workstation, a network computer, a desktop computer, a laptop,
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`or the like.
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`[0052]
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`Asillustrated, computer system 600 includes one or more processors 601A-N
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`coupled to a system memory 602 via bus 603. Computer system 600 further includes network
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`interface 604 coupled to bus 603, and input/output (I/O) controller(s) 605, coupled to devices
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`such as cursor control device 606, keyboard 607, and display(s) 608.
`
`In one embodiment