The VUGate Inmate Video Visitation System is designed to operate with the maximum amount of efficiency in processing inmate visitations. The standard way of making calls is to place them from the operator/receptionist station using the built in rolodex calling function in WinMinx2^TM. WinMinx2^TM is the standard Windows-based dialing and video call control package that is included with the VUGate computer-based workstation interface modules.

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The VUGate MinxMate^TM Inmate Video Visitation Management System is an optional software control package that further automates and simplifies the inmate visitation call setup process. The MinxMate^TM software system allows for either computer mouse or touch screen operation to place calls between visitor and inmate video stations in a highly automated fashion requiring just two mouse clicks or screen touches.

The MINXMate system graphically identifies for the operator/receptionist all free visitor and inmate stations eligible for video calls by highlighting them in green as shown in the picture at the right. By merely touching or clicking on two stations, the call is automatically placed by the MINXMate Visitation Management Software, regardless of where the two stations are located. As shown at the right, there are four inmate stations free for use. When the receptionist determines where the inmate is and which inmate station to use, it is only necessary to click on or touch the desired seat that the inmate will be sent to.

Upon touching the inmate station to be used, the MINXMate system will automatically identify, on a separate screen, all available visitor stations that can be connected to that inmate station. The receptionist can then merely touch the visitor station to be used and the call is instantly established. The receptionist can then direct the visitor to the station to be used. At this point, the receptionist is ready to process the next visitor. The actual call will begin when the inmate sits down and the visitor picks up the handset at the visitor station.

The MinxMate Visitation Management Software automatically calculates the shortest calling path available through the system architecture and places the call accordingly. Since the system always seeks a shortest path, and since system grooming is possible due to known traffic patterns, it is not necessary to have 100% redundancy in trunking paths between locations. This is the same principal that standard telephone system PBXs work on in today's police stations, jails and office buildings.

Many side benefits accrue to the users of the VUGate SuperHub Video PBX system.

While calls are in process, the MINXMate software will display stations in use by changing them to yellow on the operator screen. It will also show the operator how many minutes are left in that particular visit. The MINXMate Visitation Management Software contains user established parameters that automate the visitation process by setting time limits for visitation calls, automatically notifying visitors and inmates 'x' number of minutes before the visitation call automatically terminates. The system features can be overridden by the operator/administrator on an individual call basis to extend or to early terminate any, or all, calls.

The system automatically notifies the operator/administrator as to when calls terminate, either early or normally, and identifies the affected stations as free for more use to ensure fluid processing. The VUGate SuperHub is also capable of allowing owners to video tape selected calls. All calling information is collected and can be reported for future reference in reviewing statistics and calling patterns over time.

As shown at the right, the station on the operator screen will turn to red when a video visitation call is terminated. If a visitor accidentally hits the receiver hook, or if they hang up earlier than the defined time limit, the MINXMate system allows a five second delay for the visitor to resume the visit by picking up the handset again. The call timer resumes at the point of interruption with whatever time is left.

If for any reason the caller does not pick up the handset within the five-second grace period, the operator can choose to manually resume the call for the parties. Alternatively, the operator can choose to cancel the call entirely and free up the stations for other pending visitation calls. In any event the operator has the discretion as to how to proceed.

The VUGate MINXMate visitation control system always ensures that the receptionist or operator has complete control over the process. The operator can, at any time, override the institution-established defaults; such as for call length. For instance, in the case of an attorney client visit, it may be necessary to allow more, or less, time than the normal visitation time established by the institution. By choosing either the inmate or visitor station, the operator can identify where the call is in terms of time left, and can override the time up or down as needed.

The VUGate Corporation MinxMate^TM Inmate Video Visitation Management System is just another example of the benefits of working with the leader in the use of video technology in the judicial and corrections market. The VUGate Corporation SuperHub video pbx technology allows as many calls to take place simultaneously, as there are video stations on the system. In the case of video visitation, the number of active visitor stations will decide the number of simultaneous calls. However, the SuperHub also allows instant conference calls to be established between multiple video stations at will. When properly configured, it is possible for the system owner to spread out family members, or legal counsel, over multiple visitor stations if desired.

The VUGate system can also be easily expanded to handle outside video calls, either from the courts, law offices or other police investigative agencies to reach prisoners. The total effect would be to reduce much prisoner population movement due to the judicial, legal, interrogation and visitation processes. The system can also be expanded to be tied into existing or new video surveillance systems. When tied into the video taping option, this feature alone could prove invaluable in the case of documenting prisoner activities during normal or abnormal times.

With videoconferencing systems in numerous Courts, Jails and Correctional Facilities since the mid-1980s, VUGate Corporation is well versed in supplying creative solutions to such institutions. VUGate is confident that the system described is appropriate for the intended usage. Due to the differences in style and particular needs, this system is intended as an appropriate starting point, and can be modified as appropriate for the owner’s particular needs. Any other needs can be discussed on an ad hoc basis as they arise.