Virtual Communication Device Interfaces

Abstract

Systems and methods for virtual communication device interfaces are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method may include receiving identification from a resident (e.g., an inmate or prisoner) of a controlled-environment facility (e.g., a jail or prison) and authenticating the resident based upon the identification. The method may also include retrieving, from one or more of a plurality of electronic information sources over a computer network, information associated with the resident. The method may further include subjecting the information to a security protocol, the security protocol configured to identify a first portion of the information that is suitable for disclosure to the resident and a second portion of the information that is unsuitable for disclosure to the resident. The method may then include withholding the second portion of the information from the resident and providing the first portion of the information to the resident.

1 . A method for distributing content to a resident of a controlled-environment facility, the method comprising:
 receiving a request for content from the resident, wherein the request specifies a first type of content requested by the resident;   receiving one or more files from a plurality of electronic information sources, wherein each of the one or more files includes content of the first type;   retrieving one or more security rules applicable to the resident, wherein the one or more security rules specify content the resident is allowed to receive;   determining a score associated with each of the one or more files, wherein the score is determined based in part on the one or more security rules applicable to the resident;   determining whether the resident is allowed to receive each of the one or more files, wherein the determination is made based on the score determined for each file: and   providing the resident with an interface that lists one or more files, wherein the listed files are the files determined as allowed with respect to the resident.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the score is determined for a file of the one or more files based on automated keyword searches of text contained in the file. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the score is determined for a file of the one or more files based on human review of contents of the file. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the score is determined for a file of the one or more files based on processing of an image contained in the file. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the score is determined for a media file based on a rating provided for the media file by a third-party. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the rating is indicates the suitability of the content of the media file for various audiences. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein a plurality of the one or more security rules are applicable to groups of residents of the controlled-environment facility. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein a first rule of the one or more security rules prohibits the resident from contacting a particular individual. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the score is determined for a first file of the one or more files based on keyword searches of text contained in the first file for information relating to the particular individual. 
     
     
         10 . A system for distributing content to a resident of a controlled-environment facility, the system comprising:
 one or more processors; and   a memory device coupled to the one or more processors, the memory device storing computer-readable instructions that, upon execution by the one or more processors, cause the system to:   receive a request for content from the resident, wherein the request specifies a first type of content requested by the resident;   receive one or more files from a plurality of electronic information sources, wherein each of the one or more files includes content of the first type;   retrieve one or more security rules applicable to the resident, wherein the security mules specify content the resident is allowed to receive;   determine a score associated with each of the one or more files, wherein the score is determined based in part on the one or more security mules applicable to the resident;   determine Whether the resident is allowed to receive each of the one or more files, wherein the determination is made based on the score determined for each file; and   provide the resident with an interface that lists one or more files, wherein the listed files are the files determined as allowed with respect to the resident.   
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the score is determined for a first file of the one or more files based on automated keyword searches of the text contained in the first file, and wherein the score is determined for a second file of the one or more files based on human review of the contents of the second file, and wherein the score is determined for a third file of the one or more files based on processing of an image contained in the third file. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the score is determined for a media file of the one or more files based on a rating provided for the media file by a third-party. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the rating indicates the suitability of the content of the media file for various audiences. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein a plurality of the one or more security rules are applicable to groups of residents of the controlled-environment facility. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein a first rule of the one or more security rules prohibits the resident from contacting a particular individual. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the score is determined for a file of the one or more files based on keyword searches of the text contained in the file for information relating to the particular individual. 
     
     
         17 . A system for receiving allowed content by a resident of a controlled-environment facility,
 the system comprising:   one or more processors; and   a memory device coupled to the one or more processors, the memory device storing computer-readable instructions that, upon execution by the one or more processors, cause the system to:
 issuing a request for content, wherein the request specifies a first type of content requested by the resident; 
 displaying an interface that lists one or more allowed files with respect to the resident, wherein the listed files are allowed with respect to the resident, wherein the listing of each tile of the listed allowed files is determined based on a score determined for each file, and wherein the score for each file is determined based in part on one or more security rules applicable to the resident; and wherein a plurality of the one or more security rules specify content the resident is allowed to receive. 
   
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the first type of requested content is specified in a preference file. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the score for a file is provided by a third-party. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein the file is a media file, and wherein the rating is indicates the suitability of the contents of the media file for various audiences.