Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for monitoring telephone communications from the customer premises equipment (CPE) (and the subscriber telephone equipment attached thereto) in a VoIP system. The apparatus comprises a real time protocol mirror. The real time protocol (RTP) mirror is included in the CPE and can be controllably altered between two mirror states. The RTP mirror provides for original RTP packet transmission between a plurality of CPEs in both the first mirror state and the second mirror state. In the first mirror state the RTP mirror limits the transmission of a copy RTP packet from the RTP mirror. In the second mirror state the RTP mirror provides for transmission of the copy RTP packet. The apparatus may also include a network and a RTP server. The network transfers copy RTP packets to or from the CPE to the RTP server. The RTP server is located on the network to receive the copy RTP packets generated by the RTP mirror.

Abstract: An advanced call monitoring feature which adds an active voice path only between the called party, e.g. a victim, and the monitoring party so remote location of the called party and the monitoring personnel. The active voice path allows monitoring personnel to give instructions or encouragement the called party during lulls in the conversation with the calling party, thus the law enforcement personnel can be actively engaged in the call between the calling party and the called party, even though the monitoring station may be many miles away. This new feature functionality enhances the capabilities and utility of CALEA monitoring.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a method and apparatus for detecting and preventing telephone call fraud. The call fraud detector apparatus is connected to the telephone line, and includes a telephone line interface with switch hook. A parallel set detector indicates to the microcontroller that another device has gone off hook on the telephone line. The microcontroller causes the telephone line interface switch hook to also go off hook in parallel, thereby preventing pulse dialing by the other device. The device may also include a DTMF tone detector and generator to prevent DTMF dialing on the telephone line. The call fraud detector can provide a visual, audible, and/or tactile indication when unauthorized use of the telephone line occurs, and can be enabled or disabled by an external device. The call fraud detector can log the time and date of each unauthorized call placed on a line, and can also notify the telephone service provider when an unauthorized call is attempted.

Abstract: Media gateways operate under the control of an intelligent node or switch associated with a wiretap party and are configured on a per call basis to establish multicasting communication links to law enforcement authorities while simultaneously supporting the end-to-end telephony services elected by the calling and/or called party. The multicasting communication links supply law enforcement authorities with communications generated by the calling party and the terminating party.

Abstract: A system and a method for providing a service begins when a customer establishes a communication link, such as a telecommunications link, with a service provider, such as directory assistance. An exchange of information occurs, and a service, such as a telephone number or catalog order, is provided by the service provider at least in part via the communication link. Before the customer terminates the communication link, he or she is requested to provide feedback, which preferably relates to the quality of the service provided. In another embodiment, the exchange of information is monitored, and an action, such as notifying a supervisor, is taken if a predetermined condition is detected, such as usage of unacceptable language by a call handling agent.

Abstract: Subscriber identity is determined when the public exchange has no information regarding the identity of the subscriber. When a subscriber accesses a telephone function of a system coupled to the public exchange, the system develops a relationship between a component of the system allocated to the subscriber and the identity of the subscriber. The identity is then forwarded to the public exchange. In a mail message system, the subscriber accesses his or her mail, and the system determines from the account, a relationship between an identity and a caller. The identity of the subscriber may be employed to activate a monitoring system. In another aspect, the identity of the subscriber may be employed for a point of service provider to the Internet.

Abstract: Authorized intercepts of communications in a satellite communications system (10) are performed, according to which a law enforcement agency (LEA) can request the intercept of communications to and/or from subscriber units (SUs). In one embodiment, an LEA intercept request causes an intercept order for a particular target SU (420, FIG. 6) to be transmitted to one or more satellites (411-413, FIG. 6), where the intercept order is stored in an intercept table (410). Any communications traffic involving the target SU results in an intercept by a satellite, which routes a copy of the intercepted communications to the requesting LEA, either directly or via an associated intercept facility (426, FIG. 8).

Abstract: Monitoring calls in compliance with a law enforcement regulation or governmental law or order in a telecommunications network is provided. A law enforcement application executes commands that effect the law enforcement regulation. A primary rate interface (PRI) coupled to the law enforcement application redirects calls to be regulated by law enforcement regulation. A method for effecting a law enforcement regulation in a telecommunications network provides a law enforcement application is that regulates calls and a primary rate interface (PRI) for redirecting the calls to be regulated by law enforcement regulation.

Abstract: In the conversation skills testing system of this invention, the first examiner's videophone terminal 11 and the examinee's videophone terminal 26 are connected with each other via the circuit network 25. A test image is read out from the image/voice storage device 23, sent to the examinee's videophone terminal 26, and shown on the display screen of the examinee's videophone terminal 26. Based on an examinee's talk or conversation between the examiner and the examinee about contents of the test image, examinee's conversation skills are judged. Therefore, an examinee who may even live in a distant place can take a conversation skills test easily and at any time.

Abstract: A modular test instrument comprises a base unit and one of a selection of application modules, neither being capable of performing end-user functions without the other. When physically assembled to one another, the base unit and application module comprise a structurally unitary device specialized for performance of application-specific end-user functions.

Abstract: A method and a system for monitoring telephone calls are described. A useful signal (which represents the call information of a telephone call) and a data set (which contains at least one digital subscriber tag) are supplied to a recording center (20). The data set is supplied to a relaying device (28), in which it is compared with stored comparison data sets. If the subscriber tag matches a corresponding comparison tag of a selected comparison data set, a communications link is produced to a monitoring device (36).

Abstract: The eavesdropping prevention system and method of the present invention provides a mask signal generator which generates a mask signal superimposed over a leakage signal. The mask signal prevents meaningful detection and amplification of the leakage signal. The amplitude of the mask signal is low enough so as not to interfere with the transmission of analog POTS signals over the communication line on which the mask signal is superimposed. In the preferred embodiment, the amplitude of the mask signal exceeds the amplitude of any anticipated leakage signals which may be manifested on the communication line. Alternative embodiments of a mask signal are described.

Abstract: An advanced call monitoring feature which adds an active voice path only between the called party, e.g. a victim, and the monitoring party so remote location of the called party and the monitoring personnel. The active voice path allows monitoring personnel to give instructions or encouragement the called party during lulls in the conversation with the calling party, thus the law enforcement personnel can be actively engaged in the call between the calling party and the called party, even though the monitoring station may be many miles away. This new feature functionality enhances the capabilities and utility of CALEA monitoring.

Abstract: A system and method to protect a target telephone number from unauthorized access includes a first one-way encoding unit to encode the target telephone number using nonreversible encoding. A storage unit stores the encoded target telephone number. A second one-way encoding unit encodes a calling telephone number and a receiving telephone number using the non-reversible encoding. A comparing unit determines whether the stored encoded target telephone number matches the encoded calling telephone number and/or the receiving telephone number and routing a call between the calling telephone number and the receiving telephone number matching the target telephone number to a monitoring unit. The monitoring unit monitors and/or records the call and connects the calling telephone number to the receiving telephone number.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conserving Communications Content Channels between a serving switching system and a Law Enforcement Agency premises. After a connection has been established between the serving switch and the Law Enforcement Agency premises using one of the Communications Content Channels, an Agent can transmit an indication that the communication is no-longer of interest; in response to receipt of that indication, the switch disconnects the call from the Communications Content Channel. Advantageously, this arrangement can reduce the number of Communications Content Channels required to monitor a particular target customer, and can overcome arrangements for flooding the Communications Content Channels with non-significant messages.

Abstract: A technique for sharing multimedia sessions between users that share a directory number allows incoming calls to be routed to both phones. Once one party picks up, the other party is alerted to this fact. Both parties may then exchange multimedia information to help in the handling and disposition of the call.

Abstract: By selecting access points specific to the various components of call-content of a call, a monitoring agency is ensured of obtaining the call-content of each participant in telephone call irrespective of call transfers and network reconfiguration. Devices in the telecommunications system such as network devices can provide appropriate access. Examples of suitable network devices may include gateway, an access gateways, trunk gateways, portals, ATM switches, routers, and border elements.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely controlling the call monitoring functions performed by an automated call placement system (ACP) and an ACP incorporating the system or the method. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a controller, coupled to the call monitoring unit and having a single wire pair interface, that transmits traffic carried on the selected one of the lines via the interface, transmits function menus via the interface, receives in-band control commands via the interface and controls functions of the call monitoring unit in response thereto and (2) an in-band data-capable device having a display, coupled to the interface via a single wire pair, that receives and audibly reproduces the traffic, displays the function menus on the display and transmits the in-band control commands to the controller thereby to control the call monitoring unit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for wiretapping IP telephone calls are described. At the time an IP telephone registers its current IP address and telephone number with a soft switch responsible for routing calls to the IP telephony device a list of telephone numbers to be monitored is checked. If the number being registered is to be monitored, information identifying the edge router through which the IP telephony device connects to the IP network is obtained. The edge router is then sent a monitor message with the IP address corresponding to the telephone number to be monitored. IP packets including the specified IP address are then forwarded by the identified edge router to a monitoring station. Packet forwarding may involve packet duplication with the original packets being allowed to continue on to their original destination and the duplicated packets being forwarded or, alternatively, a simple packet redirection operation.

Abstract: A variety of methods and systems can be used to achieve electronic surveillance when a call is directed to a destination as a result of service processing. For example, in a system involving a redirecting switch and a service platform switch, correlation between calling party identities for outgoing and incoming call legs can be done to identify a hairpin loop scenario. Upon detection of such a scenario, an appropriate electronic surveillance message can be sent to a monitoring device indicating the call's destination. Correlation information can be collected from available call setup signaling parameters. The methods and systems can be applied, for example, to systems involving directory assistance call completion, voice-activated dialing, voicemail callback, and prepaid services.

Abstract: Surveillance of IP telephony may be performed through the use of conventional telephone equipment, according to principles of the invention while preventing giving indication to the monitored phone by alerting the user of the monitoring phone to such surveillance use prior to pick up by an agent for engagement of the monitoring phone in response to the alert. Such alerts may assume many forms such as ringing, visual indicators, data readouts, activating ancillary equipment, various flags, etc. This alert prior to surveillance is distinct from alerts used for normal non-surveillance calls, which the monitoring phone is capable of receiving.

Abstract: The call number of a subscriber to be monitored is flagged in the service control point SCP with an indicator of one or more subscribers that are authorized to eavesdrop. When a communications link is set up, an identifier for the monitoring measure is transmitted to the exchange SSP, and a conference loop between the subscriber to be monitored, a calling or called second communications subscriber, and a third subscriber which is authorized to monitor is set up as soon as the identifier is known at the SSP.

Abstract: In order to satisfy the legal requirements which are made of the monitoring of telecommunications traffic, means for storing monitoring data (subscribers to be monitored, monitoring users, etc.) and for transmitting messages and indications to the users (police, information services, etc.) are provided in store-and-forward systems. The transmission of these messages and indications is also triggered, inter alia, by access operations to messages to be monitored or by access operations to messages which are addressed to subscribers that are to be monitored.

Abstract: A lawfully authorized electronic surveillance operation requires reporting of detailed call data for a variety of calls associated with the subject of the surveillance. For at least some specified calls to or from the subject, the invention provides profile data in a switching office serving the subject that causes the office to generate accounting messages for each call, essentially in the same manner as for billing, regardless of whether the calls are billable. Accounting records formed from the messages are uploaded to a server system, for processing and formatting as necessary for delivery to the law enforcement agency. The surveillance could entirely rely on these accounting records for the data reporting. In the preferred embodiments, however, the surveillance also involves monitoring of common channel signaling messages to accumulate call detail records for surveillance purposes, with respect to many calls associated with the subject.

Abstract: Methods and systems consistent with the present invention intercept and monitor signals of any type associated with a target telephone number in a communications network such that the interception and the monitoring are undetectable. Such methods and systems configure a network by provisioning a route to a collection node in the network, defining a first trigger for intercepting a signal associated with the target telephone number, and by defining a second trigger for routing the intercepted signal on the provisioned route to the collection node. The methods and systems then monitor the signal at the collection node by intercepting the signal based on the first trigger and routing the intercepted signal to the collection node based on the second trigger.

Abstract: Secure monitoring of a target IP telephone may be obtained simultaneously at a plurality of monitoring stations by requiring authentication to be provided by each of the monitoring stations prior to granting access permission to monitor the call. A single request generates multiple duplicate calls to a plurality of different monitoring location, each of which must be authenticated. When the monitored call arrives at each of the multiple monitoring stations a password is used to achieve authentication permission. The password is entered at each monitoring station by a touchtone keypad that generates Dual Tone Multi-frequency (DTMF) signals (e.g., each signal is a combination of two tones at different frequencies) which is sent to an IP monitoring center, which grants surveillance permission.

Abstract: A method and system for determining whether at least one telephone subscriber participating in a communication session is marked for monitoring by a Law Enforcement Agency (LEA) and, if so, for automatically marking for monitoring all remaining participants in the communication session. In a presently preferred exemplary embodiment, the subscribers are marked for monitoring their communications for a selected period of time by a starting the timer each time a new subscriber is marked. In another preferred exemplary embodiment, the subscribers marking level is detected and verified to determine if the marking level satisfies a pre-defined condition associated therewith. If so, the corresponding subscriber is marked for monitoring and the subscriber's subsequent communications are monitored.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in a communications system for providing call interception. A call is received at a switch in the communications system. Responsive to the call involving a service using identification numbers unknown to the communications system, a remote database associated with the service is queried, wherein the remote database contains a plurality of identification numbers. A result is received from the remote database in response to querying the remote database. A call interception service is initiated based on the result.

Abstract: Secure wiretap support for Internet Protocol security. Specifically, one embodiment of the present invention includes a system for allowing controlled access to a networked communication. The system comprises an intermediate device that includes memory. The memory of the intermediate device is for storing a policy rule therein. The intermediate device is adapted to download the policy rules governing access to a desired location. The system further comprises a client which is coupled to the intermediate device. The client is adapted to receive the policy rule when the intermediate device downloads it to the client. As such, any communication data intended to travel between a first destination and the client is forwarded to a second destination. Therefore, the present invention provides a method and system for providing law enforcement agencies the ability to wiretap specific encrypted communications.

Abstract: A telephone line monitoring and alarm apparatus capable of continuously monitoring telephone line status and activating an audio-visual alarm if the telephone line becomes inoperative, incorporates an integral telephone plug to permit direct plug-in connection of the apparatus to a standard telephone wall jack as a self-contained and autonomous unit without the use of interconnecting cables or cable-plug attachments. An integral dual telephone jack splitter permits the uninterrupted use of standard telecommunication equipment, such as telephones, answering machines, or facsimile equipment while the apparatus monitors telephone line integrity. Micropower circuitry derives electrical power from the telephone line to provide visual ON status indication, and from a battery source independently of the telephone communication line voltage, to provide continuous telephone line monitoring, audio-visual alarms and audio-visual low battery voltage indication.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of intercepting a telephone call in a telecommunications system using at least one switch (12, 13; 24), in which signals in an interception loop (16) in said switch (12; 24) and to which the pulse coded multiplex (PCM) containing the call to be intercepted has been diverted are sampled at high impedance before they are directed to the addressee (14). The signal sampled at high impedance is directed to interception equipment (110) which extracts said call to be intercepted from the PCM. The signals in said interception loop (16) can include voice data and signaling interception data or only voice data, interception data concerning said call to be intercepted being transmitted to said interception equipment over a dedicated line (112).

Abstract: In order to control the statutory monitoring of telecommunication traffic, provision is made in a network component essential for this monitoring of a data base in which it is stored for subscribers to be monitored which communication-relevant data are to be transmitted to one or more relevant monitoring authorities. Monitoring profiles are also defined for the purpose of simplification.

Abstract: An agent station at a telephone call center has a telephone and a computer platform with a sound card. The telephone has a speaker line connected to at least a microphone input at the sound card. In some instances the speaker line is connected to both the microphone and speaker ports to the sound card. Agent stations in the call center are interconnected on a LAN such that a supervisor at one station may monitor telephone conversations at another station having the connected telephone and sound card. In some instances a file-sharing application is used, allowing a supervisor to view a screen at the agent station as well as to monitor and participate in telephone conversations. The system provides a complete monitoring a service-observing capability in the call center.

Abstract: A technique for monitoring the calls placed to the telephone number associated with the party under surveillance. When a call to the telephone number associated with party under surveillance is placed, the call is routed via an assigned meet-me bridge, and a third party is provided with the unique telephone number of the meet-me bridge via a pager. When the third party places a call to the assigned meet-me bridge, the incoming call to the party under surveillance and the call by the third party are bridged. Thereon, the third party is placed on mute and the third party may silently listen to the conversation between the caller and the called party. When a call (i.e., a page) to a telephone number associated with a pager of the party under surveillance is received, a third party is alerted.

Abstract: A communication network (10) utilized for providing communications between a first party and a second party includes a surveillance server (26) within a core network (10) to provide communication surveillance capability. The core network (10) may be a packet data network, and the surveillance server (26) is operable responsive to trigger information to establish communications surveillance. Communication surveillance may be established by creating duplicate bearer packets of those data packets carrying the communicated data between the parties, creating duplicate control packets of those data packets carrying in-band or out-of-band call control information between the parties and within the packet data network, and/or various combinations thereof. The duplicate bearer packets and the duplicate control packets are routed to appropriate authorized law enforcement agencies for providing surveillance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring voice and data telephone calls by a law enforcement agency, wherein separate monitoring connections for each party to the call are established. Upon determining that a particular call is to be monitored, the group switch attempts to establish a plurality of separate connections between each multiple point (MUP) on the group switch that receives voice or data signals from one of the parties to the call and one or more monitoring centers. If the connection associated with the primary party to be monitored fails, the group switch reroutes signals received from the primary party to a successful connection of the plurality of attempted connections.

Abstract: A method for initiating a security and billing feature request at the beginning or during an active telephone call. The telephone subscriber can select one of a plurality of security levels that may be required to ensure privacy during a call. Since each level of security is based on a different encryption and authentication algorithm, the levels of security can be incrementally priced. Thus, selecting an algorithm which is deemed to be very secure can be billed to the subscriber at a higher rate than an algorithm that is deemed to be less secure.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically detecting that a telephone port is being used and securing the telephone line associating with the telephone port, is presented. In one embodiment, a method and system is described for automatically securing a telephone line in a telephone system having more than one telephone lines. Usage of a device connected to the telephone line is first detected. Telephones in the system are notified via a data packet to secure the telephone line. In response to the data packet, the telephones prevent a user from accessing the telephone line.

Abstract: An image telecommunication system comprises a worker's device and a manager's device. The worker's device collects an image of an object and transmits it to the manager's device placed in a remote place, so that the image is displayed on a display screen of the manager's device. The manager's device transmits a designated position of the image, designated in a state where the image is displayed, to the worker's device. The worker's device indicates a position of the object corresponding to the designated position received from the manager's device. The worker's device detects a point of view of the worker. The manager's device suppresses fluctuation of the image displayed on the display screen, when it is determined that the worker looks at the object substantially continuously.

Abstract: A monitoring device monitors signaling information on data links of a telecommunication network. The monitoring device also monitors user traffic on voice links of the telecommunication network. From the signaling information and user traffic a measure of user perception quality is derived.

Abstract: A telephone subscriber placing a telephone call through a telecommunications network (10) to a telephone line carrying an existing call may interrupt that call by entering an interrupt code to the network. Upon receipt of the code, the network verifies whether the interrupt code is valid by consulting a data base (21) that cross-references interrupt codes to corresponding lines. If the code is valid for the line carrying the existing call, the network then interrupts the existing call.

Abstract: Disclosed are a real time remote monitoring system and a method therefore using an ADSL in a reverse direction.

Abstract: A lawfully authorized electronic surveillance operation requires reporting of detailed call data for a variety of calls associated with the subject of the surveillance. For at least some specified calls to or from the subject, the invention provides profile data in a switching office serving the subject that causes the office to generate accounting messages for each call, essentially in the same manner as for billing, regardless of whether the calls are billable. Accounting records formed from the messages are uploaded to a server system, for processing and formatting as necessary for delivery to the law enforcement agency. The surveillance could entirely rely on these accounting records for the data reporting. In the preferred embodiments, however, the surveillance also involves monitoring of common channel signaling messages to accumulate call detail records for surveillance purposes, with respect to many calls associated with the subject.

Abstract: Following the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA), the FBI developed a standard set of communication services and interfaces. for lawfully authorized electronic surveillance, for both call data recording and content recording. Existing public switched telephone networks use a variety of switches. Not all of the switches in use are capable of performing the routines required by the CALEA standards. In accord with the invention, Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) and/or Local Number Portability (LNP) functionality controls routing and billing of incoming and outgoing calls for the surveillance target. The routing is handled in such a manner that calls to and from the target are directed to a regional switching office which performs those functions for switches in the region which lack that capability. Through this arrangement call detail records (CDRs) regarding the target are accumulated and transferred to a law enforcement authority.

Abstract: A method for providing location based intercept in a satellite communications system (10) includes the steps of determining a location area of a party (220), determining whether the location area is one to be monitored (240), and conditionally routing the call to an intercept gateway (250). An intercept gateway (32) is a gateway that intercepts all or part of the calls received, and can also function as a home gateway (30) or a visiting gateway (40).

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a call interception capability includes a master call intercept database storing records of subscribers of a global mobile satellite communications system targeted for call interception by law enforcement agencies. The apparatus also has a visitor location register storing records of subscribers currently registered within a serviceable vicinity of a gateway earth station associated with said visitor location register. The apparatus further includes a target database storing records of registered subscribers targeted for call interception, and an intercept coordinator communicating with the master call intercept database and the visitor location register. The intercept coordinator stores in the target database a record of a targeted subscriber, when the visitor location register includes a corresponding record of the targeted subscriber.

Abstract: Telephone network surveillance is provided for targeting subscriber terminals that receive service through an office lacking a switch with surveillance capability. A foreign exchange line is relied upon to connect the target's line to an office having that capability. Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) functionality controls routing and billing of incoming and outgoing calls, so that the telephone network operations appear completely normal during the surveillance. In the office normally serving the target's line, a terminating attempt trigger causes that office to obtain instructions from a service control point (SCP), to route the call to the foreign exchange line terminated in the office with the surveillance capability. The instructions also prevent billing of the redirection through the surveillance office to either the called party or the calling party.

Abstract: The present invention provides a voice monitoring system for remote subscribers, which enables voice monitoring for even those calls which are set in speech mode after connected by drop-back in remote local equipment without the intervention of a time division switch in a telephone network. The voice monitoring system for remote subscribers offered by this invention is intended for voice monitoring for subscribers accommodated by remote local equipment connected to a time division switch in a telephone network.

Abstract: Following the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA), the FBI developed a standard set of communication services and interfaces for lawfully authorized electronic surveillance. For telephone communications, the current industry implementation of compliance with this standard involves deploying certain interface equipment in end office switches of the telephone network. However, the requisite surveillance functionality often resides in a certain limited number of offices. Where the target under surveillance receives service out of an office lacking the surveillance capability, the network routes the call through an office having the requisite capability. For this purpose, the invention relies on intelligent network processing, particularly variations on such processing normally used to implement local number portability.

Abstract: An agent station at a telephony call center has a telephone and a computer platform with a sound card. The telephone has a speaker line connected to at least a microphone input at the sound card. In some instances the speaker line is connected to both the microphone and speaker ports of the sound card. Agent stations in the call center are interconnected on a LAN such that a supervisor at one station may monitor telephone conversations at another station having the connected telephone and sound card. In some instances a file-sharing application is used, allowing a supervisor to view a screen at the agent station as well as to monitor and participate in telephone conversations. The system provides a complete monitoring a service-observing capability in the call center.