Release compliance systems and methods

Abstract

A method performed by a release compliance monitoring (RCM) application configured to be executed by a Participant operated mobile device includes establishing communication with an RCM server once the Participant is authenticated, receiving at an unpredictable time a check-in notification prompted by the RCM server, obtaining biometric information from a first sensor of the mobile device, obtaining geolocation information from a second sensor of the mobile device, the geolocation information representing a geolocation of the mobile device, and submitting the biometric information with a recently obtained geolocation information to the RCM server responsive to the check-in notification, wherein the submission of the biometric information and the geolocation information is received by the RCM server and is used to verify identity and location of the Participant based on a comparison by the RCM server of the received biometric information to original biometric information for the Participant obtained during a registration process.

Description

267251.000002PCT ApplicationRELEASE COMPLIANCE SYSTEMS AND METHODSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONSThis application claims priority to Provisional U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 690,686 filed September 4, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety'.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE1. Field of the Disclosure

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of monitoring, and more particularly to release compliance monitoring for persons leaving a penal system or (re)-entering society with governing restrictions.2. Description of Related Art

[0002] The cost of providing detention facilities to cope with ever-increasing numbers of individuals requiring detention, such as suspects, convicted criminals or defendants awaiting trial, has led many local and state government justice systems to seek alternative forms of sentencing and detention, which often includes house arrest with electronic monitoring.

[0003] Conventional house arrest monitoring systems utilize an electrical power source as well as a telephone landline to transmit data. Persons under supervision (also referred to as Participants) who use this technology typically wear a non-removable, waterproof, shock-resistant transmitter device affixed to the wrist or ankle of the Participant twenty-four (24) hours a day. Typically, the transmitter device is worn on the ankle. Sometimes the transmitter device is worn on the wrist, such as when there is a verified medical reason.

[0004] The transmitter device and a receiver device can use radiofrequency (RF) technology. For example, the transmitter device can send constant radio signals back to a receiver device. The signals can be detected by the receiver device when the transmitter device is located within a radius of the receiver device that allows for detection. A law enforcement officer is automatically notified when the receiver device ceases or resumes receiving the radio signals, such as due to tampering with the equipment, movement of the transmitter device, or the transmitter and receiver devices are out of range of one another (such as when the Participant enters / leaves a designated location (e.g., their residence)). Non-receipt of the radio signals by the receiver device can be an indication of a violation of the Participant’s obligations for release compliance.

[0005] In more recent systems, the receiver unit includes a cellular unit. This receiver device can have the same requirements and features as a landline-tethered receiver device, and can further transmit data for reporting purposes using a cellular network; thus, no telephone landline is required. For telephone landline-based or cellular-based receiver devices, locational data is limited Page 1 of 35319023698vl267251.000002PCT Application to using the location of the receiver device. Communication between the transmitter device and the receiver device may require that the transmitter device worn by the participant be located within a maximum radius of the receiver device. Restrictions to permissible receiver locations may lead to overly restrictive limitations on movement allowed by the Participant.

[0006] In more recent systems, the wearable non-removable transmitter device can include a global position system (GPS) sensor that includes a waterproof, shock-resistant GPS tracker. The Participant’s location is determined by exchanging signals with GPS satellites, cellular towers and / or Wi-Fi.

[0007] GPS trackers receive satellite signals rather than transmitting signals and do not require an unobstructed view of the sky. GPS operations use an accurate time reference, such as that which is provided by atomic clocks. GPS satellites transmit data which can be used to determine a location (also referred to as a geolocation) and current time of a GPS tracker that is associated with and worn by a particular Participant. Monitoring of the geolocation determined can indicate a violation of the Participant’s obligations for release compliance.

[0008] Under procedural guidance endorsed by a regulator}’ body, such as the Committee on Criminal Law of the Judicial Conference of the United States (also referred to generally as a criminal law committee), supervisors assigned to monitor a Participant are required to respond to violations. However, the guidance may vary depending on the circumstances (e.g.,. reliability of the technology being used, the risk-level of the particular Participant, etc.), such that every violation may not require an immediate response. The procedural guidance, aware of the pervasiveness of false-positive violations, can allow a supervisor to respond only after a number of violations have occurred or can provide a generous time-window for responding. A Participant may be aware of this leeway and leverage the amount of time that can pass before a response is elicited to the violations.

[0009] For example, although the Participant may be obligated under terms of their release compliance to charge the transmitter device on a regular basis (e.g., daily), in practicality, the Participant may unwittingly or intentionally neglect to charge the transmitter device, thus violating the Participant’s obligations for release compliance. Since this can happen frequently, a Participant’s supervisor may become lax in responding to violations, assuming they are unintentional. This can lead to supervisors being lulled into disregarding violations that are truly substantive.

[0010] When wearing a transmitter device, a Participant can experience significant societal stigma, which can interfere with their attempts to (re-)inte grate into society’. Additionally, a violation may be caused by an unintentional malfunction (e.g., lost its charge, damage or wear and tear to the device, etc.). The Participant may be unaware of the malfunction or be unable to remedyPage 2 of 35319023698vl267251.000002PCT Application the situation. Such a purported violation may result in unnecessary harsh treatment by the Participant's supervisor.

[0011] More recent systems can use voice recognition (VR). Computerized random or scheduled telephone calls are placed by and received from a Participant’s approved location, typically his or her residence, to verify the Participant’s presence at that location. While VR- based monitoring may free the Participant from wearing a transmitter device, it is less secure, may not be as closely monitored, and is best suited for monitoring lower-risk, non-violent Participants. Further, it has limited functionality in that it does not cover intervals between the scheduled phone calls, is limited to using live, audio data, and still restricts the Participant’s freedom of movement.

[0012] Each supervisor may monitor release compliance of multiple Participants. This monitoring can include determination by the supervisor, for each Participant, when to escalate violations(s) by a Participant by reporting the violation(s) to law enforcement or a judicial authority. Additionally, this monitoring can include checking on the whereabouts of each Participant, which can include scheduling spontaneous check-ins by the Participant, such as via a landline telephone. Additionally, this monitoring can include scheduling and monitoring drug and alcohol testing and scheduling and performing face-to-face meetings. The Participant’s accessibility to the supervisor may be limited to the supervisor’s scheduled prompts as well as by regulated restrictions, such as requirements to record and / or supervise any interactions. Since the face-to-face meetings are conducted in-person, they need to be scheduled in advance in order for the Participant to arrive at an appointed. The supervisor does not have the flexibility to require an impromptu face-to-face meeting. Other than alerting a supervisor when individual Participants’ non-removable, wearable transmitter devices are not in communication with a receiver device as required, this technology does not enhance or assist with the supervisor’s monitoring tasks.

[0013] There exists a need for a more technologically advanced method that enhances monitoring of release compliance, both from the perspective of the Participant and their supervisor.

[0014] It is an object of the disclosure to provide a technology that overcomes the disadvantages of technologies that are currently available for managing release compliance, or that are still nonexistent.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0015] The purpose and advantages of the below described illustrated embodiments will be set forth in and apparent from the description that follows. Additional advantages of the illustrated embodiments will be realized and attained by the devices, systems and methods particularlyPage 3 of 35319023698vl267251.000002PCT Application pointed out in the written description and claims hereof, as well as from the appended drawings. To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the illustrated embodiments, in one aspect, disclosed is a method of release compliance monitoring (RCM) for monitoring release compliance of a Participant who is a person leaving a penal system or (re)- entering society with governing restrictions. The disclosed method is performed by an RCM application configured to be executed by a processor of a computing device used by the Participant. The method includes establishing communication with an RCM server after being authenticated with the RCM server, the RCM server being under the authorization of a governing body, receiving at an unpredictable time a check-in notification prompted by the RCM server for a check-in by the Participant, obtaining biometric information from a first sensor of the computing device, obtaining geolocation information from a second sensor of the computing device, the geolocation information representing a geolocation of the computing device, and submitting the biometric information with a recently obtained geolocation information to the RCM server responsive to the check-in notification. The submission of the biometric information and the geolocation information is received by the RCM server and is used to verify identity and location of the Participant based on a comparison by the RCM server of the received biometric information to original biometric information for the Participant obtained during a registration process.

[0016] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method of release compliance monitoring for monitoring release compliance of a Participant is performed by a computer- implemented RCM server that is under authorization of a governing body. The method includes establishing communication with an RCM application executed by a processor of a computing device used by a Participant, receiving original biometric information associated with the Participant during a registration process, prompting transmission of check-in notifications at unpredictable times, transmitting the check-in notifications to the RCM application when prompted, and receiving, from the RCM application responsive to the respective check-in notifications, biometric information and geolocation information, wherein the biometric information is generated by a first sensor of the computing device and the geolocation information represents a geolocation of the computing device generated by a second sensor of the computing device. The method further includes comparing the received biometric information with the original biometric information, verifying identity of the Participant using a result of the comparison, verifying the geolocation information based on locations permitted for Participant in accordance with release compliance restrictions for the Participant, and reporting occurrences of a failure of verifying the identity or a failure of verifying the geolocation information.

[0017] According to a further aspect of the disclosure, a release compliance monitoring (RCM) system for release compliance monitoring a Participant, the RCM system comprising a computing device used by the Participant and an RCM server. The computing device includes atPage 4 of 35319023698vl267251.000002PCT Application least one first memory configured to store an RCM application having first instructions and at least one first processing device in communication with the at least one first memory. The at least one first processing device upon execution of the RCM application is configured to perform the corresponding disclosed method that is performed by the computing device used by the Participant. The RCM server includes at least one second memory configured to store second instructions and at least one second processing device in communication with the at least one second memory. The at least one second processing device upon execution of the second instructions is configured to perform the corresponding disclosed method that is performed by the RCM server.

[0018] In accordance with still further aspects of the disclosure, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium and one or more computer programs embedded therein are provided for one or more of the disclosed methods. When executed by a corresponding computer system of one or more computer systems, the one or more computer programs cause the corresponding computer system to perform the corresponding disclosed method.

[0019] These and other aspects of the present disclosure are described in the Detailed Description below and the accompanying drawings. Other aspects and features of embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary’ skill in the art upon reviewing the following description of specific, exemplary' embodiments in concert with the drawings. While features of the present disclosure may be discussed relative to certain embodiments and figures, all embodiments of the present disclosure can include one or more of the features discussed herein. Further, while one or more embodiments may be discussed as having certain advantageous features, one or more of such features may also be used with the various embodiments discussed herein. In similar fashion, while exemplary embodiments may be discussed below as device, system, or method embodiments, it is to be understood that such exemplary embodiments can be implemented in various devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] A more detailed description of the disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to various embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. While the appended drawings illustrate select embodiments of this disclosure, these drawings are not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

[0021] FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of illustrative computing device architecture 100. according to embodiments of the disclosure.Page 5 of 35319023698vl267251.000002PCT Application

[0022] FIG. 1A is a block diagram showing a network environment according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0023] FIG. IB is a block diagram of an additional portion of the computing device architecture 100, according to certain embodiments of the disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram according to according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method performed by an application of the release compliance monitoring system used by the Participant, according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method performed by a server of the release compliance monitoring system that provides a platform accessible to the supervisor, according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0027] Identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. However, elements disclosed in one embodiment may be beneficially utilized on other embodiments without specific recitation.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0028] Although certain embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated. Accordingly, it is not intended that the disclosure is limited in its scope to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Other embodiments of the disclosure are capable of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, in describing the embodiments, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. It is intended that each term contemplates its broadest meaning as understood by those skilled in the art and includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

[0029] It should also be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a, “ “an, “ and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. References to a composition containing “a” constituent is intended to include other constituents in addition to the one named.

[0030] Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” or “substantially” one particular value and / or to “about” or “approximately” or “substantially” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, other exemplary embodiments include from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value.

[0031] Herein, the use of terms such as “having, “ “has, “ “including, “ or "includes” are open-ended and are intended to have the same meaning as terms such as “comprising” or “comprises” and not preclude the presence of other structure, material, or acts. Similarly, though the use of terms such as “can” or “may” are intended to be open-ended and to reflect that structure,Page 6 of 35319023698vl267251.000002PCT Application material, or acts are not necessary, the failure to use such terms is not intended to reflect that structure, material, or acts are essential. To the extent that structure, material, or acts are presently considered to be essential, they are identified as such.

[0032] It is also to be understood that the mention of one or more method steps does not preclude the presence of additional method steps or intervening method steps between those steps expressly identified. Moreover, although the term "step” may be used herein to connote different aspects of methods employed, the term should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly required.

[0033] The components described hereinafter as making up various elements of the disclosure are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many suitable components that would perform the same or similar functions as the components described herein are intended to be embraced within the scope of the disclosure. Such other components not described herein can include, but are not limited to, for example, similar components that are developed after development of the presently disclosed subject matter. Additionally, the components described herein may apply to any other component within the disclosure. Merely discussing a feature or component in relation to one embodiment does not preclude the feature or component from being used or associated with another embodiment.

[0034] The present disclosure eliminates the Participant’s use of a wearable non-removable transmitter device, such as an ankle monitor worn on the ankle, and the limitations and social stigma that come with wearing such a device. The present disclosure uses the convenience, power, and data accessibility of a smartphone to satisfy rules, regulations and court orders that accompany release compliance. The mobile application on a Participant’s mobile telephone can interact with a platform accessible to a supervisor to receive check-in notifications, to approve or disprove verifications, to submit approved verifications, to automatically inform the supervisor of the Participant’s physical location, to receive instructions to perform drug and alcohol testing, to receive a noneditable code that can be accessed only by an authorized third party with information about the Participant and the tests to be performed, request and / or participate in recordable private group meetings with the supervisor and a qualified observer.

[0035] The platform is configured for the supervisor to interact with one or more Participants via each Participant’s respective mobile application, such as to request a verification by sending a check-in notification once a day at an unpredictable time in a fair manner, receive and process a verification, designate the verification as having passed or failed, receive the Participant’s location, schedule drug and alcohol testing in a fair manner and in accordance with release compliance requirements, assign a drug and alcohol testing center based on the Participant’sPage 7 of 35319023698vl267251.000002PCT Application location, generate and provide to the Participant’s mobile application a code that can only be decoded by an authorized third party and includes information about the Participant and the tests to be performed, request and / or participate in recordable private group meetings with the Participant, including the participation of a qualified observer when required.

[0036] Various aspects described herein may be implemented using standard programming or engineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof to control a computing device to implement the disclosed subject matter. Programmable instructions can be stored on a computer-readable medium and may cause one or more processors to execute the disclosed methods. A computer-readable medium may include, for example: a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk, a floppy disk, or a magnetic strip; an optical storage device such as a compact disk (CD) or digital versatile disk (DVD); a smart card; and a flash memory device such as a card, stick or key drive, or embedded component. Additionally, it should be appreciated that a carrier wave may be employed to carry computer-readable electronic data, including those used in transmitting and receiving electronic data such as electronic mail (e-mail) or in accessing a computer network, such as the Internet or a local area network (LAN). Of course, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize many modifications may be made to this configuration without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed subject matter.

[0037] FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of an illustrative computing device architecture 100, according to an example implementation. Certain aspects of FIG. 1 may be embodied in a computing device (for example, a mobile or stationary computing device or a server). As desired, embodiments of the disclosed technology may include a computing device with more or less of the components illustrated in FIG. 1. It will be understood that the computing device architecture 100 is provided for example purposes only and does not limit the scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosed systems, methods, and computer-readable mediums.

[0038] The computing device architecture 100 of FIG. 1 includes a CPU 102. where computer instructions are processed; a display interface 106 that acts as a communication interface and provides functions for rendering video, graphics, images, and texts on a display. According to certain some embodiments of the disclosed technology, the display interface 106 may be directly connected to a local display, such as a display screen coupled to a server, a touch-screen display associated with a mobile device and / or presence sensitive display 107. In another example embodiment, the display interface 106 may be configured for providing data, images, and other information for an external / remote display that is not necessarily physically connected to the mobile device or server, such as external / remote display 150. For example, a desktop monitor may be utilized for mirroring graphics and other information that is presented on a server or mobile device. According to certain some embodiments, the display interface 106 may wirelesslyPage 8 of 35319023698vl267251.000002PCT Application communicate, for example, via a Wi-Fi channel or other available network connection interface 112 to the external / remote display.

[0039] The presence-sensitive display 107 may detect when a user is present, e.g., nearby or interacting with the display. The presence-sensitive display 107 can include sensors, e.g., infrared, capacitive, or ultrasonic sensors, to determine the proximity or presence of the user. When the user is detected, the presence-sensitive display 107 can activate or change its state, such as turning on or adjusting its brightness. Additionally or alternatively, the presence-sensitive display 107 can store, transmit, and / or display an indication of the sensed presence of the user.

[0040] According to certain some embodiments of the disclosed technology, the presencesensitive display 107 may provide a communication interface to various devices such as a pointing device, a touch screen, a depth camera, etc. which may or may not be associated with a display.

[0041] In an example embodiment, the network connection interface 112 may be configured as a communication interface and may provide functions for rendering video, graphics, images, text, other information, or any combination thereof on the display. In one example, a communication interface may include a serial port, a parallel port, a general-purpose input and output (GPIO) port, a game port, a universal serial bus (USB), a micro-USB port, a high-definition multimedia (HDMI) port, a video port, an audio port, a Bluetooth port, a near-field communication (NFC) port, another like communication interface, or any combination thereof.

[0042] The computing device architecture 100 may be configured to use an input device via one or more of input / output interfaces (for example, a keyboard interface 104 (that provides a communication interface to a keyboard), the display interface 106, the network connection interface 112, a camera interface 114. a sound interface 116. etc.) to allow a user to capture information into the computing device architecture 100. The input device may include a mouse, a trackball, a directional pad. a track pad, a touch-verified track pad, a presence-sensitive track pad, a presence-sensitive display, a scroll wheel, a digital camera, a digital video camera, a web camera, a microphone, a sensor, a smartcard, and the like. Additionally, the input device may be integrated with the computing device architecture 100 or may be a separate device. For example, the input device may be an accelerometer, a magnetometer, a digital camera, a microphone, a global positioning system (GPS) module (that inputs a geolocation obtained by communicating with satellites), and an optical sensor.

[0043] Example embodiments of the computing device architecture 100 may include an antenna interface 110 that provides a communication interface to an antenna (e.g., for wireless communication) and network connection interface 112 that provides a communication interface to a wired network.Page 9 of 35319023698vl267251.000002PCT Application

[0044] According to example embodiments, a random-access memory (RAM) 118 is provided, where computer instructions and data may be stored in a volatile memory device for processing by the CPU 102. According to an example embodiment, the computing device architecture 100 includes a read-only memory (ROM) 120 where invariant low-level system code or data for basic system functions such as basic input and output (I / O), startup, or reception of keystrokes from a keyboard are stored in a non-volatile memory device. According to an example embodiment, the computing device architecture 100 includes a storage medium 122 or other suitable type of memory (e.g., RAM, ROM, programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic disks, optical disks, floppy disks, hard disks, removable cartridges, flash drives), where the files include an operating system 124, application programs 126 (including, for example, a web browser application, a widget or gadget engine, and or other applications, as necessary) and data files 128 are stored.

[0045] According to an example embodiment, the computing device architecture 100 includes a power source 130 that provides an appropriate alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) to power components. According to an example embodiment, the computing device architecture 100 includes a telephony subsystem 132 that allows the device 100 to transmit and receive sound over a telephone network (e.g., for cellular communications or voice over internet protocol (VOIP). The constituent devices and the CPU 102 communicate with each other over a bus 134.

[0046] According to an example embodiment, the CPU 102 has appropriate structure to be a computer processor. In one arrangement, the CPU 102 may include more than one processing unit. The RAM 118 interfaces with the computer bus 134 to provide quick RAM storage to the CPU 102 during the execution of software programs such as the operating system application programs, and device drivers. More specifically, the CPU 102 loads computer-executable process steps from the storage medium 122 or other media into a field of the RAM 118 in order to execute software programs. Data may be stored in the RAM 118. where the data may be accessed by the computer CPU 102 during execution. In one example configuration, the device architecture 100 includes at least 125 MB of RAM, and 256 MB of flash memory.

[0047] The storage medium 122 itself may include a number of physical drive units, such as a redundant array of independent disks (RAID), a floppy disk drive, a flash memory, a USB flash drive, an external hard disk drive, thumb drive, pen drive, key drive, a High-Density Digital Versatile Disc (HD-DVD) optical disc drive, an internal hard disk drive, a Blu-Ray optical disc drive, or a Holographic Digital Data Storage (HDDS) optical disc drive, an external mini-dual inline memory module (DIMM) synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), or anPage 10 of 35319023698vl267251.000002PCT Application external micro-DIMM SDRAM. Such computer readable storage media allow a computing device to access computer-executable process steps, application programs and the like, stored on removable and non-removable memory media, to off-load data from the device or to upload data onto the device. A computer program product, such as one utilizing a communication system may be tangibly embodied in storage medium 122, which may comprise a machine-readable storage medium.

[0048] In some embodiments of the disclosed technology, the computing device may include any number of hardware and / or software applications that are executed to facilitate any of the disclosed operations. In some embodiments, one or more I / O interfaces may facilitate communication between the computing device and one or more input / output devices. For example, a universal serial bus port, a serial port, a disk drive, a CD-ROM drive, and / or one or more user interface devices, such as a display, keyboard, keypad, mouse, control panel, touch screen display, microphone, etc., may facilitate user interaction with the computing device. The one or more I / O interfaces may be utilized to receive or collect data and / or user instructions from a wide variety of input devices. Received data may be processed by one or more computer processors as desired in various embodiments of the disclosed technology and / or stored in one or more memory devices.

[0049] One or more network interfaces may facilitate connection of the computing device inputs and outputs to one or more suitable networks and / or connections; for example, the connections that facilitate communication with any number of external devices (e.g., computing devices or sensors) and / or external systems associated with the system. The suitable networks can include, for example, a local area network, a wide area network, the Internet, a cellular network, a radio frequency network, a Bluetooth enabled network, a Wi-Fi enabled network, a satellite-based network, any wired network, any wireless network, etc.

[0050] Communications with one or more other devices can include electronic messages, such as email messages, text messages, live audio exchanges (also referred to as audio chats), live video exchanges (also referred to as video chats), etc. Images, video clips and / or audio clips can be included in the electronic messages. As used herein, the terms text message, text messages or text messaging is intended to include SMS (Short Message Service), MIMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) and other types of electronic messaging services or applications including but not limited to those that transmit text, text strings, characters and / or multimedia over the Internet via a Wi-Fi. Bluetooth, or other wireless technology connection. Future messaging services that utilize other electronic data transmission technologies, for example X-ray, RF (Radio Frequency), infrared, visible light, ultraviolet and gamma ray technologies or cloud computing technologies or schemes (e.g., cloud messaging), may be applicable to some embodiments herein.Page 11 of 35319023698vl267251.000002PCT Application

[0051] Mobile communications devices include, but are not limited to. personal digital assistants (PDAs), cell phones, mobile phones, smartphones, gaming devices, mobile computers, tablets, personal computers (PCs) and any other electronic device for which transmitting and receiving electronic messages are frequently utilized (also referred to herein as a mobile communication device).

[0052] As used herein, the terms "software”, "mobile application”, "mobile app” are intended to mean either software or firmware. Note that a mobile app may be downloaded and installed on a smartphone or mobile communication device, whereby a smartphone or mobile communication device may have hardware or chips that have the software (application code) programmed into them. In the case of firmware, the software is essentially built into the hardware of the smartphone or mobile communication device ( precluding the need to download and / or install the software). Additionally, it is possible to incorporate software into the operating system of the smartphone or mobile communication device so that it is integrated into the smartphone or mobile communication device (not needing mobile app software to be downloaded and installed by the end user). It will be appreciated that descriptions herein for example methods will likewise be applicable to suitably configured mobile communications devices, software, or firmware (e.g., mobile apps), or networks or architectures (peer-to-peer or other networks) that perform one or more features of the method.

[0053] With reference to FIG. 1A, an example scenario of an example communications network 101 is shown, which includes one or more Participant’s mobile devices 160, one or more supervisor’s computing devices 162, and a release compliance monitoring (RCM) server 164. The number of Participants' mobile device 160 and supervisors' computing devices 162 illustrated are not intended to limit the number of devices that can be included. Also, the disclosure is not limited to a Participant using a mobile device, and a stationary computing device can be substituted for any of Participant’s mobile devices 160. A Participant can communicate with a supervisor via the RCM server 164. The Participant uses an RCM app installed on Participant’s mobile device 160 to access the RCM server 164. The supervisor accesses the RCM server via supervisor’s computing device 162, such as by using a platform (e.g., a website or private site) provided by the RCM server.

[0054] With reference to FIG. IB, in certain embodiments, the RCM server 164 can be provided with auxiliary capabilities by one or more auxiliary components that can be included with computing device 100 and coupled to bus 134. The auxiliary capabilities can support and / or provide Al capabilities, as well as capabilities to schedule events and / or randomize the scheduling of certain events. The auxiliary capabilities can be available to access via the supervisor computing devices 162 but are not available to the Participant’s mobile devices 160 or the RCMPage 12 of 35319023698vl267251.000002PCT Application app that can be installed on the Participant’s mobile devices 160. Events can include, for example, transmission of requests to a Participant’s mobile device 160 or initiation of a live communication between the Participant’s mobile device 160 and a supervisor’s computing device 162 via the RCM server 164.

[0055] The example auxiliary components shown include Al tools that include neural network (NN) machine learning (ML) models 177, Al processing units 176 (e.g.. one or more of any of accelerators, graphics processing units (GPUs), and tensor processing units (TPUs)) and Al software 178 (e.g.. Al frameworks or libraries used for Al tasks). The NN ML models 177 use neural networks and can include neural network-based models such as feedforward neural networks (FNNs). recurrent neural networks (RNNs). convolutional neural networks (CNNs), autoencoders, and Deep Q-Networks (DQNs). The Al processing units 176 can be used to accelerate processing (e g., by performing processing in parallel) associated with the NN ML models 177, such as for training or applying the NN ML models 177.

[0056] The Al software 178 can be stored with application programs 126 and / or accessed remotely, for example. Depending on the Al software used and the architecture available, the Al software can be executed by any of the CPU 102 or the Al processing units 176. Al software can include models that do not use neural networks. Some examples of Al software than can be provided include reinforcement learning software; anomaly detection algorithms; facial recognition software; facial, voice, and / or body recognition software for recognizing expressions and / or emotional or mental state; voice recognition software; behavioral recognition software; image, video, and audio preprocessing software for normalization tasks; feature extraction software; similarity measurement software,

[0057] The auxiliary components can also include a randomization engine 172 and a scheduler 174. The randomization engine 172 can use a randomization algorithm, such as a pseudo-random number generator (PRNG) that can create random time intervals. These intervals can be adjusted based on the desired frequency and unpredictability. The scheduler 174 can be configured to schedule events, such as validation requests or face-to-face (FTF) group chats, at random times following time intervals input to the scheduler 174 by the randomization engine 172. Scheduling the events can include selecting a testing center when scheduling testing. The selection of the testing center can be based on the location of the testing centers available and a location of the Participant.

[0058] The Al tools 170 can receive input data and / or feedback data that can be used to adjust processing by the randomization engine 172 to provide a desired frequency and unpredictability. NN ML models 177. Input data and / or feedback can include, for example, time zone of current location of the Participant, an initial frequency, degree of unpredictability requested, and / orPage 13 of 35319023698vl267251.000002PCT Application weighting for time periods in a 24-hour cycle. Participant history. The weighting of the time periods can introduce a bias to schedule more notifications during certain time periods. The Participant history can include or indicate reasons to reward or penalize the Participant. For example, perfect compliance for a particular time period can be a reason for a reward. Exceeding a threshold number of verification failures of timely providing compliant biometric or geolocation information can be a reason for a penalty. In another example, increases or decreases in biasing for transmission of notifications in the middle of the night can be applied as a reward or penalty, or the biasing can be adjusted randomly to increase unpredictability.

[0059] Another type of reward or penalty can be adjustments to response time windows during which responses to check-in notifications or testing notifications are compliant and / or frequency of check-in notifications, group chat requests, and / or testing notifications. In certain embodiments, the changes can be implemented and enforced by the RCM server 164. In certain embodiments, the RCM server 164 can notify the supervisor that the supervisor has the authority to change one or more time windows and / or frequencies. The supervisor has the prerogative to implement the change. The RCM server 164 or the supervisor can have the ability and authority to enforce the adjusted time window(s) and frequency(ies).

[0060] FIG. 2 shows a flow diagram of tasks 200 that can be performed by a supervisor and tasks 250 that can be performed by a Participant. Regarding tasks 200, at block 202, a supervisor visits a designated website (e.g., anklepatrol™. com) using its URL (e.g., https: / / anklepatrol.com). At block 204, the supervisor registers to create an initial account. The supervisor must have credentials to register as a supervisor. The credentials may need to be verified by an administrator before allowing the initial account to be created, after which the supervisor can receive or create a username and password that will be used for future logins, e.g.. at block 206. The verification process may require abiding by regulations for the government body (e.g.. penal body of the relevant penal system or court of the relevant court system). Once the supervisor is registered with the RCM server 164, the RCM server 164 can send notifications to the supervisor, either via a portal provided by the RCM server 164 and / or via external channels, such via emails to the supervisor’s email account, preferably a secure email account that may be provided by the governing body that the supervisor represents.

[0061] At block 206. the supervisor can log in using the username and password obtained at block 208. The login process can be secured using multifactor authentication or other security techniques as required by the governing government body. At block 210, the supervisor is provided with access to a website portal provided by the website. The supervisor can continue to block 214 or block 212. At block 212. the supervisor can make changes to his / her account per authorization of the supervisor. At block 214, the supervisor can access information aboutPage 14 of 35319023698vl267251.000002PCT ApplicationParticipants that the supervisor is responsible to monitor and can choose a Participant for performing a task or reviewing tasks that have been previously performed or will be performed, using any of blocks 216, 218, or 220.

[0062] Selecting a specific Participant will allow the supervisor to access specific Participant information, like check-in information, location recordings, and enable two-way communication if needed. The supervisor can also use communication to request drug and alcohol testing be promptly performed and to obtain any such results.

[0063] At block 216, the supervisor can access check-in information and / or location recordings associated with the selected Participant. The supervisor can send a check-in notification (also referred to as an alert) to the Participant, requesting the Participant to check in. The selected task can end at block 224, at which point the supervisor can perform another task for the Participant, choose another Participant, or logout. It is noted that although a check-in notification and / or a testing notification may be scheduled and sent automatically by RCM server 164, the supervisor can send additional check-in notifications and / or testing notifications to the supervisor monitors.

[0064] At block 218, the supervisor can view or enter analytics, including historical information about the Participant, other Participants supervised by the supervisor, or other Participants supervised by other supervisors (in accordance with the supervisor's authorization to see the information) after which the task ends 218.

[0065] Historical data collected will be accessible by the supervisor via the website portal for a history time period. The history time period can be, for example, the prior six (6) months. Data older than the history time period can be collected and stored, preferably offsite, and can be provided by upon a supervisor’s request. Offsite historical data is maintained in the event such information is needed by the supervisor for future court hearings or other legal proceedings.

[0066] At block 220. the supervisor can initiate a group chat or respond to initiation of the group chat, after which the task can end. The supervisor can decide, e g., following or during the group chat, to request testing, such as drug, alcohol, psychological, or psychiatric testing, after which the task can end. The task at block 220 can also be selected regardless of whether a group chat was requested or initiated, such at any time that the Participant is selected. The supervisor can receive a group chat request from a Participant even when not having chosen the Participant. This notification can be seen when the supervisor views information about the selected Participant. In certain embodiments, even when the Participant is not selected when the Participant has initiated a group chat, the supervisor can see the notification and select to participate in the group chat or to not participate at that particular time.Page 15 of 35319023698vl267251.000002PCT Application

[0067] At any time, a group chat can be initiated by the supervisor. Participant and / or a platform representative who is a representative of the remote platform serviced by the RCM server 164. The group chat can use various communication media, such as voice, text, or video communication media. The group chats are established and conducted via the RCM server 164. The Participant accesses the group chat and the RCM server 164 via the RCM mobile app installed on his or her mobile device. Certain types of group chats, such as group chats that satisfy a face- to-face meeting requirement required by the governing body, may be required to include at least three (3) people - the Participant, the supervisor, and a platform representative. Pursuant to current mandated protocols which can change, the supervisor can be the only person who is able to add additional members to a group chat. This technology supports the ability for more than one supervisor to be assigned to govern a particular Participant. Group chats can be terminated and reinstated at the supervisor’s or Participant’s request. In addition, a Participant may simultaneously belong to more than one group chat if required to do so.

[0068] At any time, a testing notification can be sent to the Participant. In certain embodiments, the testing notification can be automatically triggered by the RCM server 164. In certain embodiments the testing notification can only be sent by the supervisor. In certain embodiments, the testing notification can be triggered by the RCM server 164 or sent by the supervisor.

[0069] The testing notification is a request for the Participant to perform a specific test at a specific testing center within a corresponding time window, such as 24 hours. To accommodate the mobility of the Participant afforded by the RCM mobile app and RCM server 164. the supervisor (or RCM server 164 in certain embodiments) can select the testing center to be used based on the last geolocation information provided by the Participant’ s mobile device via the RCM mobile-app. For example, the testing center can be selected to be within a radius of the Participant’s last geolocation or in a same zip code as the last geolocation. The testing notification includes human-readable information that identifies the testing center and its location. The testing notification further includes encoded information that can be decoded by the testing center using previously determined decoding information. The encoded information includes the Participant’s registration information, identifies one or more specific tests that are required, and an email address to which results of the test(s) shall be provided. The Participant cannot read the encoded information but can be decoded by the testing center. The testing center has been previously registered with the RCM server 1 4 and was provided based on this registration with cryptographic information that can be used to decode the encoded information. When the test is completed, the testing center sends the results directly to the email that was provided. The supervisor is notified once the test results are received and can obtain access to the test results, including the time thatPage 16 of 35319023698vl267251.000002PCT Application the test was performed. The supervisor and / or the RCM server 164 will determine the time at which the test was performed is compliant with the testing notification’s time window.

[0070] Regarding tasks 201, at block 252, a Participant visits a designated RCM website (e.g., anklepatrol™. com) using its URL (e.g., https: / / anklepatrol.com) that is serviced by the RCM server 164. At block 254. the Participants begin a registration process, such as via the RCM website. The registration process includes providing required information establish or use an established account. The required information can include, for example, identifying information (e.g., name and email) that can be used to identify the Participant.

[0071] Authorization to be monitored can be performed by the RCM server 164 during this registration process. Authorization to be monitored can include obtaining monitoring information from an authorized body that has ordered and / or is overseeing the release compliance monitoring. The monitoring information can include, for example, a duration requirement of the monitoring, identification of the supervisor or supervising agency in charge of the actual monitoring, checkin and testing requirements associated with the RCM, etc.

[0072] Other information that may be required is credit card information to cover continued periodic financial obligations. The monitoring information will also be used for the appropriate supervisor or supervising agency to access the Participant’s account for communicating with the Participant via the RCM app once the Participant can log into the RCM app. At block 258, the RCM server provides Participant with or creates a username and password.

[0073] At any time, the Participant can login at block 256 and make changes to his or her account at block 262.

[0074] At block 254, the registration process can further prompt the Participant to download a mobile RCM mobile app from an application repository, such as the Google PlayKstore or the Apple® App Store®. Once the RCM mobile app has been downloaded, at block 256, the Participant uses the confidential username and password to login and access the site.

[0075] In certain embodiments, the registration process can be continued using the RCM mobile app, including the authorization to be monitored.

[0076] Upon his or her initial registration, the Participant may be required to provide a onetime authorization for the RCM mobile app to record and save the Participant’s biometric identifying information. Upon registration, other Participant information can be gathered, such as scanning both the front and back of the Participant’s government-issued ID. This is done for verification purposes and made available to the supervisor.

[0077] The registration process can further prompt the Participant complete various required fields, including, for example, their supervisor’s identifying information (name and e-mail address, for example). At block 260, the registration process continues with an initial provisioningPage 17 of 35319023698vl267251.000002PCT Application of biometric information, for example, using a scan, such as a face scan, finger scan, iris scan, voice scan, finger scan, hand geometry scan, palm scan, retinal scan, or behavioral scan.

[0078] The scan can include obtaining image, video, or audio data captured using an image, video sensor, or audio sensor, respectively. The biometric information can be processed, for example, by preprocessing the image, video, or audio data and extracting features from the preprocessed data. The extracted features from the biometric information can be analyzed using algorithms and / or models. The algorithms and / or models can use machine learning techniques. For example, the models can be trained to recognize patterns and distinguish between different faces, fingerprints, irises, voices, hands, retinas, behaviors, etc.

[0079] The biometric information is stored by the RCM server 164 as the original biometric information. The original biometric information is used to authenticate the Participant’s identity via new biometric information obtained via future scans.

[0080] At block 264, the Participant receives and responds to a communication from the RCM server 164. The communication can be automatically sent by the RCM server 164 or can be sent via the RCM server 164 by the Participant’s supervisor. The communication can be a check-in notification (also referred to as a Face ID alert), a group chat request, or a testing notification.

[0081] Regardless of the time of arrival of the communication, the Participant must respond within a response time window. The response time window can be different for each of the checkin notification, the testing notification, and the group chat request. These response time windows may also be static. In certain embodiments, the response time windows can be adjusted by the RCM server 164 and / or by the supervisor via the RCM server 164.

[0082] The check-in notification is a request for the Participant to submit a scan before expiration of a corresponding time window (e.g., one hour). Responding to the check-in notification can include performing a scan, e.g., a face scan, approving or rejecting the scan, repeating the process if needed until the scan is approved, and submitting the scan within the time window that is in force for responding to the check-in notification.

[0083] In accordance with certain embodiments, the scan can be performed and rejected an unlimited number of times, provided it is approved and submitted before the relevant time window expires. In accordance with certain embodiments, once the scan is submitted, it cannot be retracted.

[0084] If the RCM server 164 confirms that the new biometric information satisfactorily matches the original biometric information, the Participant and supervisor will be notified that the Participant's identification was successfully verified. If the comparison of the new biometricPage 18 of 35319023698vl267251.000002PCT Application information and the original biometric information fails, the Participant and the supervisor are both notified so that the supervisor may take appropriate action.

[0085] The testing notification is a request for the Participant to perform a specific test at a specific testing center within a corresponding time window, such as 24 hours. The specific test request can include, for example, alcohol, drug, psychological, and / or psychiatric testing. The testing notification includes human-readable information that identifies the testing center and its location. The testing notification further includes encoded information that can be decoded by the testing center using previously determined decoding information. The encoded information includes the Participant’s registration information, identifies one or more specific tests that are required, and an email address to which results of the test(s) shall be provided. The supervisor will be notified once the test results are received and will have access to the test results, including the time that the test was performed. The supervisor and / or the RCM server 164 will determine the time at which the test was performed is compliant with the testing notification’s time window.

[0086] Responding to the group chat request includes joining the group chat. If the Participant cannot join the group chat, the Participant can respond by initiating a group chat within a time window (e.g., fifteen minutes).At block 270, the Participant can initiate a group chat, which can include the supervisor and / or a representative of the RCM server 164 and its platform.

[0087] If required, once a drug and / or alcohol test is requested by the supervisor, the Participant's location will be used to provide local test sites. The Participant is provided a code to be scanned by the testing facility upon entry. The code can be a QR code, which provides the testing facility with the Participant's registration information, specific type(s) of test(s) required, and where results shall be provided. That can include to the platform in general or the supervisor’s email address. Test results provided to platform can be in the form of a pdf. and accessible to the supervisor via the web-accessed portal. Participants will have a test period, for example, twenty- four (24) hours, measured from the time the alert was received, to perform the required drug and / or alcohol test.

[0088] The Participant may be responsible to pay fees to use the service provided by the RCM server 164 and the RCM mobile app as well as fees incurred by the testing. The platform serviced by RCM server 1 4 can manage transactions to cause such payments.

[0089] The Participant may have the right to close his or her account and disconnect the account from the present RCM mobile app. This feature may be required under the governing law which can change. The Participant can terminate his or her account via the RCM mobile app. An alert can be provided to the supervisor upon the Participant’s termination of benefits.Page 19 of 35319023698vl267251.000002PCT Application

[0090] It is noted that the supervisor may have the authority to close the Participant's account as well, such as when an official (e.g., court, agency, etc.) order specifies that the release compliance monitoring is being terminated for the Participant.

[0091] Upon notification that that the Participant has elected to terminate his or her account, RCM server 164 and / or the supervisor can request information from the Participant and / or the governing body. The information can be entered into the server e.g.. using a displayed form, by the Participant (e.g., per the supervisor’s request and submission of the form) or the supervisor. Examples of information to be entered include information about any governing body’s order that terminates the release compliance monitoring, or when the release compliance monitoring has not been terminated, identification of a service that will take over the release compliance monitoring.

[0092] With further reference to FIG. 1A, the server 264 can perform tasks automatically, including performing analytics, sending notifications to the supervisor or Participant, setting time windows for receiving responses to the notifications, sending alerts to the supervisor or a government body when issues arise, scheduling transmission of check-in notifications, scheduling testing request notifications, preparing testing information, encoding the testing information, generating a document with noncncodcd instructions for testing and encoded instructions for testing; requesting or pulling geolocation information, analyzing image, video, and / or voice data related to the Participant (e g., requested or pulled from the Participant’s mobile device or recorded during a group chat); and performing a task in response to detection of an issue. Issues can include, for example, late response, improper response or nonresponse to a notification or request transmitted to the Participant; anomalies and / or patterns of anomalies detected by the analysis of the image, video and / or voice data; anomalies and / or patterns detected in Participant’s responses to notifications or requests.

[0093] Additionally, the RCM server 164 collects data for a plurality of Participants assigned to be monitored by respective supervisors of a plurality of supervisors. Each supervisor, once logged in, can access current and historical information stored by the RCM server 164 about the Participants he / she is responsible to monitor. Additionally, one supervisor may have access to current and historical information stored by the RCM server 164 for Participants monitored by other servers.

[0094] The disclosed system and method for monitoring release compliance has many advantages over predecessor technologies. A Participant need not wear a cumbersome transmitter device on his / her body (e.g., secured around their ankle), and need not face the social stigma that is associated with wearing such a transmitter device.

[0095] In comparison to a wearable transmitter device that requires proximity to a wired receiver device, a Participant using the disclosed technology has greater mobility while still beingPage 20 of 35319023698vl267251.000002PCT Application monitored. In comparison to a wearable transmitter device that has RF capabilities and allows some mobility yet needs regular charging, a Participant using the disclosed technology' has recourse if his or her mobile device loses its charge. If a predecessor wearable transmitter device was not charged and lost power, its user would be without recourse to rectify the situation, which may trigger an alert of noncompliance with his or her release compliance monitoring. This may be a false alert. Furthermore, since it was common for predecessor wearable transmitter devices to lose their charge and be inoperable, false alerts were common. When false alerts are common, they are more likely to be ignored by supervising officers. Governing regulations that take such false alerts into consideration may allow a number of noncompliance alerts to be ignored before requiring that the supervising officer report the noncompliance to the governing body. The alerts are treated as potentially inaccurate information, and it takes time until they are treated as actual alerts.

[0096] On the other hand, the Participant using the disclosed technology can avoid false notifications since he or she can use any mobile device that has a camera and access to the internet for responding to a check-in notification, including if his or her mobile device lost charge. The Participant merely needs to install the RCM mobile app on the mobile device, such as from a readily available public repository, such as the Google Play® store or the Apple® App Store®. Once the user logs onto the RCM mobile app, the Participant can check-in to be compliant with a check in notification. Therefore, the Participant is expected to be regularly compliant and false notifications of noncompliance are minimized. The supervisor can be expected to be more responsive to notification of noncompliancc, providing a more accurate and immediate response to actual noncompliance by a Participant. Accordingly, the disclosed technology provides a more accurate information, and the information is provided more quickly .

[0097] With further reference FIG. IB, in certain embodiments, Al tools 170 and / or randomization algorithms executed by the randomization engine 172 can be leveraged to perform the RCM server 164’s tasks. Examples of tasks for which the Al tools 170 and / or randomization algorithms are leveraged include scheduling of notifications and requests sent to the Participant and analysis for detection of anomalies and / or patterns of anomalies in image, video and / or voice data and / or the Participant’s responses to notifications or requests. Feedback to the Al tools 170 about failed check-ins (e.g.. due to failure to respond, late response, invalid response), results from the analysis, results from testing, etc. can be used to adjust functionality of the NN ML models 177. algorithms used by the Al software 178, the randomization engine 172, and / or the schedule 174.

[0098] Application of randomization algorithms used by Al tools 170 is configured to minimize predictability of check-in notifications to a single Participant and / or a group ofPage 21 of 35319023698vl267251.000002PCT ApplicationParticipants that may communicate with each other to compare timing of check-in notifications. Additionally, the minimize randomization algorithms are configured to minimize human bias with respect to timing of the check-in notifications to the various Participants monitored by the various supervisors. Human bias could arise when certain Participants are favored or are discriminated against by their respective supervisors based on their interpersonal history or implicit biases held by the supervisor.

[0099] The Al tools 170 can detect anomalies in the data provided as feedback, such as detecting whether the Participant is abusing alcohol, drugs, has a psychological or psychiatric condition, has indicators of involvement in violence (e.g.. a black eye, new scar, or newly broken nose)

[0100] OpenFace™, DeepFace™, EmotionNet™, and Affectiva™ are example software products that can be used for recognizing facial expressions. OpenSMILE™ and Praat™ are example software products that can be used for analyzing speech for identifying emotional states. OpenPose™ is an example software product that can be used for detection of body posture and movements that can be indicative of psychological conditions.

[0101] Feedback from the Participant’s mobile device that can be accessed by the RCM mobile app and transmitted to the RCM server 164 can be analyzed for anomalies, such as indications that the mobile device is not being used and may have been discarded or is being used improperly, can trigger a notification to the supervisor or possibly to another government authority .

[0102] The Al tools 170 can be used to perform biometric recognition tasks when new biometric information is provided by a Participant’s RCM mobile app in response to a check-in notification. The new biometric information is compared to the Participant’s original biometric information that was stored during the registration process. The Al tools 170 can be used to perform the comparison, including when the new biometric is captured under different conditions than the original biometric information. For example, the original and new biometric can be face scans that were performed using different angles, lighting, facial expressions, with or without glasses or facial hair, etc. The Al tools 170 preprocess (e.g.. normalize) and extract features from each of the original biometric information and the new biometric information and measures similarity between their extracted features. If the similarity measurement is above a threshold, identity of the Participant is verified, and the check-in is deemed successful. If the similarity measurement is below the threshold, identity of the Participant is not verified, and the check-in is deemed failed.

[0103] OpenCV is an example software product that can be used for preprocessing image data. LibROSA™ or Praat™ arc example software products that can be used for preprocessingPage 22 of 35319023698vl267251.000002PCT Application audio data. Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) are models that are well-suited for image recognition tasks, including feature extraction. FaceNet™, DeepFace™, or ArcFace™ are software models designed specifically for face recognition.

[0104] Historical information that is stored about the Participant, and possibly other Participants having a similar profile, can be used for training the models (meaning the NN ML models 171 or models included in the Al software 178), detecting patterns, clustering data, classifying information, making predictions. The historical information and / or models can be compared to corresponding feedback about the Participant’s image, video, voice, behavior, mobile device for detecting new emerging patters, detecting anomalies, and classifying the data in feedback, and further training the models. Also, historical information and / or current feedback about a group of Participants having one or more common characteristics can be leveraged to make decisions about release compliance monitoring of the group. This can be useful during an event that affects the group, such as during a weather event, an outbreak of violence, a pandemic, etc.

[0105] The Al tools 170 provide capabilities to respond quickly to feedback that can provide indicators about the Participant or a group of Participants, e.g., based on anomalies observed with respect to the Participant’s appearance and / or voice, the Participant’s behavior, behavior of the Participant’s mobile device, etc. The anomalies can be detected after recognizing relevant patterns in large amounts of data, wherein the anomalies do not fit into the patterns. These capabilities surpass capabilities of human’s intelligence and perform tasks that a human mind is not and would not be capable of performing. The Al tools 170 avoid application of human subjectivity and biases. The Al tools 170 further leverage, and optionally adjust, randomization algorithms to eliminate or minimize predictability of timing of check-in notifications and eliminate or minimize human bias that might affect the timing of the check-in notifications.

[0106] With reference now to FIGS. 3 and 4, shown are flowcharts demonstrating implementation of the various exemplary embodiments. It is noted that the order of operations shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is not required, so in principle, the various operations may be performed out of the illustrated order. Also, certain operations may be skipped, different operations may be added or substituted, some operations may be performed in parallel instead of strictly sequentially, serially instead of in parallel, or selected operations or groups of operations may be performed in a separate application following the embodiments described herein.

[0107] FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of a method of release compliance monitoring for monitoring release compliance of a Participant who is a person leaving a penal system or (re)- entering society' with governing restrictions. The method is performed by an RCM applicationPage 23 of 35319023698vl267251.000002PCT Application configured to be executed by a processor of a mobile device used by the Participant, such as Participant's remote devices 160 shown in FIG. 1A.

[0108] At block 302 communication is established with an RCM server, such as RCM server 164 shown in FIG. 1A. Communication with the RCM can be established by the Participant registering with the RCM server and being authorized to be monitored. The RCM server is authorized to provide the services for monitoring the Participant on behalf of a governing body. The Participant can further register for establishing communication between the RCM app and RCM server by installing the RCM app on a mobile device. The Participant is provided with or establishes logon information via the RCM server. The Participant uses the logon information to log onto the RCM app after it is installed. The Participant’s logon is verified by RCM server.

[0109] At block 304. the RMC application receives a check-in notification prompted by the RCM server at an unpredictable time. The check-in notification notifies a Participant that it is time to check in.

[0110] At block 306, the RCM application obtains biometric information from a first sensor of the mobile device used by the participant. In certain embodiments, the sensor can be a camera, and the biometric information can be an image of the Participant’s face, also referred to as a face scan. In certain embodiments the sensor can be, for example and without limitation, a camera and / or a microphone configured to capture data, such as image, video, and / or audio data. The biometric information can be the captured data, and can include, for example, a as a face scan, finger scan (image of a fingerprint), iris scan (image of an iris), voice scan (an audio recording of a voice), hand geometry scan (image of a hand), palm scan (image of a hand palm), retinal scan (image of a retina), or behavioral scan (e.g.. video of a body motion, such as a hand motion). Obtaining the biometric information can include a push or pull operation. The biometric information can be obtained at regular intervals or in response to an event, such as, without limitation, receipt of a notification or request from the RCM server, a condition related to geolocation data received from the second sensor, such as for concurrent capture of the biometric information and the geolocation information.

[0111] At block 308, the RCM application obtains a geolocation information about a geolocation of the mobile device used by the participant from a second sensor of the mobile device. The sensor can include, for example a GPS tracker that uses signals exchanged with GPS satellites, a cellular component that uses signals exchanged with cellular towers, and / or a Wi-Fi sensor that uses signals exchanged with Wi-Fi access points to determine a geolocation. Obtaining the geolocation information can include a push or pull operation. The geolocation information can be obtained at regular intervals or in response to an event, such as, without limitation, receipt of a notification or request from the RCM server, and / or a condition related to biometric informationPage 24 of 35319023698vl267251.000002PCT Application received from the first sensor, such as for concurrent capture of the biometric information and the geolocation information.

[0112] At block 310, the RCM application submits the biometric information with a recently obtained geolocation information to the RCM server responsive to the check-in notification. The submission of the biometric information and the geolocation information is received by the RCM server and is used to verify identity and location of the Participant based on a comparison by the RCM server of the received biometric information to original biometric information for the Participant obtained during a registration process.

[0113] In one or more embodiments, the wherein the geolocation information that is submitted with the biometric information is obtained substantially concurrently with the biometric information.

[0114] In one or more embodiments, prior to submitting the biometric information to the RCM server, the RCM appl provides a user prompt for the Participant to approve or disapprove of the biometric information or updated biometric information. The provision of the user prompt is, followed by submission of the biometric information or the updated biometric information contingent upon receipt of a response to the user prompt indicating approval by the Participant. On the other hand, the RCM application waits to obtain the updated biometric information from the first sensor after receiving a response to the user prompt that indicates disapproval by the Participant. Upon receiving the updated biometric information, the RCM application treats the updated biometric information as the biometric information for submission of the biometric information to the RCM server.

[0115] In certain embodiments, the RCM application prompts the Participant to submit the biometric information and geolocation information withing a time window triggered by the check-in notification, and the RCM server uses the biometric information and the geolocation information to verify identity and location of the Participant contingent upon submission of the biometric information and geolocation information within the time window.

[0116] In certain embodiments, the RCM app submits a recently obtained geolocation information to the RCM server either in response to the check-in notification, in response to another condition, or per a schedule. The RCM app receives a testing notification that includes identification of a testing center and testing information. The identification of the testing center is configured to be readable by the mobile device and / or the Participant and the testing information is encoded. The encoded testing information is configured to remain encoded with respect to the mobile device and the Participant, and the encoded testing information is encoded for decodability by the identified testing center.Page 25 of 35319023698vl267251.000002PCT Application

[0117] In certain embodiments, the RCM app enables a group chat for communication among a group, the group including the Participant and one or more of a group comprising a third party and a supervisor authorized by the government body and having access to the RCM server.

[0118] In certain embodiments, the RCM app enables the Participant to initiate the group chat.

[0119] In certain embodiments, the RCM app receives registration information required for the Participant register to use the RCM application, wherein the registration information includes the original biometric information. The RCM app provides the registration information to the RCM server.

[0120] FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of a method of release compliance monitoring for monitoring release compliance of a Participant who is a person leaving a penal system or (re)- entering society with governing restrictions. The method is performed by a computer- implemented RCM server that is under authorization of a governing body. At block 402, the RCM server establishes communication with an RCM application executed by a processor of a mobile device used by a Participant. At block 404, the RCM server receives original biometric information associated with the Participant during a registration process.

[0121] At block 406, the RCM server prompts transmission of check-in notifications at unpredictable times. At block 408, the RCM server transmits the check-in notifications to the RCM app when prompted.

[0122] At block 410. the RCM server receives, from the RCM application responsive to the respective check-in notifications, biometric information and geolocation information, wherein the biometric information is generated by a first sensor of the mobile device and the geolocation information represents a geolocation of the mobile device generated by a second sensor of the mobile device.

[0123] At block 410, the RCM server compares the received biometric information with the original biometric information. At block 410, the RCM server verifies identity of the Participant using a result of the comparison. At block 410, the RCM server verifies the geolocation information based on locations permitted for Participant in accordance with release compliance restrictions for the Participant. At block 410, the RCM server reports occurrences of a failure of verify ing the identity or a failure of verifying the geolocation information.

[0124] In certain embodiments, the RCM server applies an artificial intelligence (Al) method to cause the prompting of the transmission of the check-in notifications at the unpredictable times.

[0125] In certain embodiments, the Al method is configured to minimize predictability in view of both the prompts for the transmission of the check-in notifications to the Participant and prompts for the transmission of check-in notifications to other Participants, and / or to minimizePage 26 of 35319023698vl267251.000002PCT Application bias with respect to timing of the prompts for the transmission of the check-in notifications to the Participant relative to timing of the prompts for the transmission of the check-in notifications to other Participants.

[0126] In certain embodiments, the RCM server adjusts a method for prompting the transmission of the check-in notifications in response to occurrence of a failure of verifying the identity and / or a failure of verifying the geolocation information.

[0127] In certain embodiments, the RCM server initiates a process for requesting testing of the Participant. The process for requesting the testing of the Participant includes selecting a registered testing facility from a repository of registered testing facilities using the geolocation information most recently received from the RCM application, encoding testing instructions for testing of the Participant, generating a testing notification to the Participant, and transmitting the testing notification to the Participant. The testing notification includes the encoded testing instructions and a testing appointment. The encoded testing instructions are not readable by the Participant and are configured to be decodable by the selected registered testing facility. The testing appointment identifies the selected registered testing facility and is readable by the Participant.

[0128] In certain embodiments, the RCM server adjusts timing of initiating the process for requesting the testing and / or adjusts the process for requesting the testing in response to occurrence of a failure of verifying the identity and / or a failure of verifying the geolocation information.

[0129] In certain embodiments, the RCM server enables a group chat for communication among a group. The group including the Participant and one or more of the group comprising a third party and a supervisor authorized by the government body and having access to the RCM server.

[0130] In certain embodiments, the group chat is a video chat. The RCM server further initiates the group chat among the group in response to occurrence of a failure of verifying the identity and / or a failure of verifying the geolocation information.

[0131] In certain embodiments, the RCM server initiates a process for requesting testing of the Participant and / or conducting a video group chat for communication among a group, the group including the Participant and a human and / or an Al agent, wherein initiating the process for requesting the testing and / or conducting the video group chat is in response to occurrence of a failure of verifying the identity and / or a failure of verifying the geolocation information.

[0132] In certain embodiments, the RCM server initiates a process for requesting testing of the Participant and / or conducting a video group chat for communication among a group, the group including at least the Participant and a human and / or an Al agent, wherein initiating the processPage 27 of 35319023698vl267251.000002PCT Application for requesting the testing and / or conducting the video group chat is in response to identifying an anomaly in the biometric information or in previously captured video of a group chat. The RCM system and associated methods provide technological advantages over previous technologies that use nonremovable, wearable transmitting devices that have previously been used for RCM and enhances the monitoring. The RCM app is highly portable and can be used on any computing device that can have the RCM app installed on it, that can communicate with the RCM server via the RCM app, and that has the first and second sensors for providing biometric and geolocation information. Failed verifications are reliable as being true. They are not suspect of being false failed verifications that were caused by a transmitting device missing a verification request due to a loss of power. Since there is increased reliability in the truth of a failed verification, the RCM server can transmit signals quickly upon a failed verification. The signals can be used to report and / or escalate reports of failed verifications, such as via electronic messages or enabling of display able indicators. The reporting of failed verifications and / or escalation of the reporting can be performed automatically by the RCM server, performed semi-automated by requiring supervisor approval, or performed by the supervisor.

[0133] The RCM system provides enhanced testing notification and group chat capabilities, providing flexibility to accommodate Participant’s mobility. Regarding the testing capabilities, the testing notifications are reliable. Testing instructions are encrypted and cannot be secretly corrupted by the Participant or an interceptor of the testing notifications. Any tampering would cause the encry pted test instruction data to be unusable at the selected testing cite and would thus be revealed. The RCM server’s access to the Participant’s gcolocation enhances flexibility, allowing testing to be notified at any time and at a location near the Participant's geolocation.

[0134] Regarding group chats, release compliance monitoring usually requires face-to-face meetings by a supervisor, which places limits on the Participant’s and supervisor's mobility or accessibility. This can be problematic in times of public emergencies (such as caused by times of war or violent outbreaks, weather events, pandemics, etc.). A group chat can replace a face-to- face meeting. A third-party observer can be required to verify the meeting. Face-to-face chats can be scheduled impromptu.

[0135] In certain embodiments Al is leveraged to increase non-predictability of check-in notifications, testing notifications, and group chat requests. Further, information gleaned from Al processing can be used to prompt or schedule check-in notifications, testing notifications, and / or group chat requests or adjust rules associated with responding to any of these notifications or requests. Additionally, information gleaned from Al processing can be used to recognize and provide targeted assistance or intervention when a Participant shows signs of substancePage 28 of 35319023698vl267251.000002PCT Application dependence, involvement in violence, and / or changes emotional, psychological, or psychiatric state that indicate help is needed.

[0136] Additional advantages include removal or minimization of social stigma associated with wearing a nonremovable, wearable transmitter device and increasing mobility provided to the Participant while being monitored.

[0137] It is to be understood that the embodiments and claims disclosed herein are not limited in their application to the details of construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the description and illustrated in the drawings. Rather, the description and the drawings provide examples of the embodiments envisioned. The embodiments and claims disclosed herein are further capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting the claims.

[0138] Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which the application and claims are based may be readily utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods, and sy stems for carry ing out the several purposes of the embodiments and claims presented in this application. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions.

[0139] Furthermore, the purpose of the foregoing Abstract is to enable the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally and especially including the practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent and legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is neither intended to define the claims of the application, nor is it intended to be limiting to the scope of the claims in any way.Page 29 of 35319023698vl

Claims

267251.000002PCT ApplicationCLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A method of release compliance monitoring for monitoring release compliance of a Participant who is a person leaving a penal system or (re)-entering society with governing restrictions, the method perfonned by a release compliance monitoring (RCM) application configured to be executed by a processor of a mobile device used by the Participant, the method comprising: establishing communication with an RCM server after being authenticated with the RCM server, the RCM server being under the authorization of a governing body; receiving at an unpredictable time a check-in notification prompted by the RCM server for a check-in by the Participant; obtaining biometric information from a first sensor of the mobile device; obtaining geolocation information from a second sensor of the mobile device, tire geolocation information representing a geolocation of the mobile device; and submitting the biometric information with a recently obtained geolocation information to the RCM server responsive to the check-in notification, wherein the submission of the biometric information and the geolocation information is received by the RCM server and is used to verily identity and location of the Participant based on a comparison by the RCM server of the received biometric information to original biometric information for the Participant obtained during a registration process.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: prior to submitting the biometric information to the RCM server, providing a user prompt for the Participant to approve or disapprove of the biometric information or updated biometric information, followed by submission of the biometric information or the updated biometric information contingent upon receipt of a response to the user prompt indicating approval by the Participant; after receipt of a response to the user prompt indicating disapproval by the Participant, waiting to obtain the updated biometric information from the first sensor; and upon receiving the updated biometric information, treating the updated biometric information as the biometric information for submission of die biometric information to the RCM server.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the geolocation information that is submitted with the biometric information is obtained substantially concurrently with the biometric information.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the RCM application prompts the Participant to submit the biometric information and geolocation information withing a time window triggered by the check-in notification, and the RCM server uses the biometric information and the geolocation information to verify identity and location of the Participant contingent upon submission of the biometric information and geolocation information within the time window.Page 30 of 35319023698vl267251.000002PCT Application5. The method of claim 1, further wherein the RCM application submits recently obtained geolocation information to the RCM server either in response to the check-in notification, in response to another condition, or per a schedule; and receiving a testing notification that includes identification of a testing center and testing information, wherein the identification of the testing center is configured to be readable by the mobile device and / or the Participant and the testing information is encoded, the encoded testing information is configured to remain encoded with respect to the mobile device and the Participant, and the encoded testing information being encoded for decodability by the identified testing center.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising enabling a group chat for communication among a group, the group including the Participant and one or more of the group comprising a third party and a supervisor authorized by the government body and having access to the RCM server.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising enabling the Participant to initiate the group chat.

8. The method of claim 1. further comprising: receiving registration information required for the Participant to register to use the RCM application, wherein the registration information includes the original biometric information; and providing the registration information to the RCM server.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the biometric information is a facial scan.

10. A method of release compliance monitoring for monitoring release compliance of a Participant who is a person leaving a penal system or (re)-entering society with governing restrictions, the method performed by a computer-implemented release compliance monitoring (RCM) server that is under authorization of a governing body, the method comprising: establishing communication with an RCM application executed by a processor of a mobile device used by a Participant; receiving original biometric information associated with the Participant during a registration process; prompting transmission of check-in notifications at unpredictable times; transmitting the check-in notifications to the RCM application when prompted; receiving, from the RCM application responsive to the respective check-in notifications, biometric information and geolocation information, wherein the biometric information is generated by a first sensor of the mobile device and the geolocation information represents a geolocation of the mobile device generated by a second sensor of the mobile device; comparing the received biometric information with the original biometric information; verifying identity of the Participant using a result of the comparison; verifying the geolocation information based on locations permitted for Participant in accordance with release compliance restrictions for the Participant; andPage 31 of 35319023698vl267251.000002PCT Application reporting occurrences of a failure of verifying the identify or a failure of verify ing the geolocation information.

11. The method of claim 10, applying an artificial intelligence (Al) method to cause the prompting of the transmission of tire check-in notifications at the unpredictable times.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the Al method is configured to minimize predictability' in view of both the prompts for the transmission of the check-in notifications to the Participant and prompts for the transmission of check-in notifications to other Participants, and / or to minimize bias with respect to timing of the prompts for the transmission of the check-in notifications to the Participant relative to timing of the prompts for the transmission of the check-in notifications to other Participants.

13. The method of claim 10. further comprising adjusting a method for prompting the transmission of the check-in notifications in response to occurrence of a failure of verifying the identify and / or a failure of verifying the geolocation information.

14. The method of claim 10, further comprising initiating a process for requesting testing of the Participant, the process for requesting the testing of the Participant comprising: selecting a registered testing facility from a repository of registered testing facilities using the geolocation information most recently received from the RCM application; encoding testing instructions for testing of the Participant; generating a testing notification to the Participant, wherein the testing notification includes the testing instructions that were encoded and a testing appointment, yvherein the encoded testing instructions are not readable by the Participant and are configured to be decodable by the selected registered testing facility , and the testing appointment is readable by the Participant and identifies the selected registered testing facility ; and transmitting the testing notification to the Participant.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising adjusting timing of initiating the process for requesting the testing and / or adjusting the process for requesting the testing in response to occurrence of a failure of verifying the identity and / or a failure of verifying the geolocation information.

16. The method of claim 10, further comprising enabling a group chat for communication among a group, the group including the Participant and one or more of the group comprising a third party and a supervisor authorized by the government body and having access to the RCM server.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the group chat is a video chat, the method further comprising initiating the group chat among the group in response to occurrence of a failure of verifying the identity and / or a failure of verifying the geolocation information.

18. The method of claim 10, further comprising: initiating a process for requesting testing of the Participant and / or conducting a video group chat for communication among a group, the group including at least the Participant and a humanPage 32 of 35319023698vl267251.000002PCT Application and / or an Al agent, wherein initiating the process for requesting the testing and / or conducting the video group chat is in response to occurrence of a failure of verifying the identity and / or a failure of verifying the geolocation information.

19. The method of claim 10, further comprising: initiating a process for requesting testing of the Participant and / or conducting a video group chat for communication among a group, the group including at least the Participant and a human and / or Al agent, wherein initiating the process for requesting the testing and / or conducting the video group chat is in response to identifying an anomaly in the biometric information or in previously captured video of a group chat.

20. A release compliance monitoring (RCM) system for release compliance monitoring a Participant, the RCM system comprising a computing device used by the Participant and an RCM server, wherein the Participant is a person leaving a penal system or (re)-entering society with governing restrictions, the computing device comprising: at least one first memory configured to store an RCM application having first instructions; and at least one first processing device in communication with the at least one first memory, wherein the at least one first processing device upon execution of the RCM application is configured to: establish communication with the RCM server once the Participant is authenticated with the RCM server, the RCM server being under the authorization of a governing body; receive at an unpredictable time a check-in notification prompted by the RCM server for a check-in by the Participant; obtain biometric information from a first sensor of the computing device; obtain geolocation information from a second sensor of the computing device, the geolocation information representing a geolocation of the computing device; and submit the biometric information with a recently obtained geolocation information to the RCM server responsive to the check-in notification; wherein the submission of the biometric information and the geolocation information is received by the RCM server and is used to verify identity and location of the Participant based on a comparison by the RCM server of the received biometric information to original biometric information for the Participant obtained during a registration process. the RCM server comprising: at least one second memory configured to store second instructions; and at least one second processing device in communication with the at least one second memory, wherein the at least one second processing device upon execution of the second instructions is configured to:Page 33 of 35319023698vl267251.000002PCT Application establish communication with the RCM application executed by the at least one first processing device of the computing device used by the Participant; receive the original biometric information associated with the Participant during the registration process; prompt transmission of a plurality of check-in notifications at unpredictable times; transmit the check-in notifications to the RCM application when prompted; receive, from the RCM application responsive to the respective plurality of check-in notifications, the biometric information and the geolocation information submitted; compare the received biometric information with the original biometric information; verify identity of the Participant using a result of the comparison; verify the geolocation information based on locations permitted for Participant in accordance with release compliance restrictions for the Participant; and report occurrences of a failure of verifying the identity or a failure of verifying the geolocation information.Page 34 of 35319023698vl

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