Importance

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a microprocessor-based method and apparatus for controlling wireless communications (via cellular radiotelephone or some other known means) into or out of a controlled, institutional environment, such as a prison, military base, hospital, school, business or government organization. With the reduced size, cell phones can be smuggled into prison facilities, or be otherwise made available to inmates, to communicate information with individuals outside the facility. Inmates may thus bypass the normal land line telephone control system commonly used to control communication into and out of a prison, such as described in Gainsboro U.S. Pat. No. 5,655,013. Accordingly, a radiotelephone interface is provided, with apparatus for detecting and controlling wireless transmissions either by a caller from within the institution or by a caller from outside the institution. The identification of an unauthorized wireless transmission is accomplished through the detection of certain identifying signals, i.e. NPA/NXX/ESN, which are commonly associated with such transmissions, or, alternatively, via voice recognition. The method and apparatus herein are for managing institutional telephone activity, and utilize a wireless communication scanner/receiver, a microprocessor-based control unit, and optional transmitter. The system monitors wireless transmissions, tests signals for approval, and enables or prevents the transmissions via jamming or other means. An alternate embodiment comprises the integration of cellular radiotelephone base station equipment into the prison facility.

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First Claim