Electronic surveillance in a public switched telephone network

• US 6,097,798 A
• Filed: 07/09/1998
• Issued: 08/01/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 07/09/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Incorporated (Verizon Communications Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc. (Verizon Communications Inc.)
• Inventors: Farris, Robert D., Pilkerton, Michael G., Pershan, Barry P., Albers, Raymond F., Michaelis, Daniel C., Eppert, Charles H. III, Huff, Christine W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Kuntz, Curtis A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): NGUYEN, DUC MINH
• Application Number:
  US09/112,154
• Time in Patent Office: 754 Days
• Field of Search: 379/1, 379/2, 379/6, 379/7, 379/32-35, 379/219-221, 379/229-230, 379/201, 379/265-266, 379/309, 379/27-29, 379/111-114, 379/120-121, 379/127 , 379/133-134
• US Class Current: 379/114.28
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/47 Fraud detection or prevention means
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/90 using Intelligent Networks [IN] or Advanced Intelligent Networks [AIN]
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/2281 Call monitoring, e.g. for law enforcement purposes; Call tracing; Detection or prevention of malicious calls
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/0029 Provisions for intelligent networking

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. An off-hook delay trigger set against the foreign exchange line in the surveillance office causes that office to obtain instructions from the SCP, to facilitate billing for the call as if initiated from the target'"'"'s normal telephone line connection.

Claims

1. In a switched telephone network including multiple central office processor controlled switching systems serving subscriber terminals, said switching systems being connected together by trunks, a first of said switching systems being connected by a dedicated link to a second of said switching systems having different characteristics than said first switching system, said first switching system having an adjunct processor with a program store associated with said first switching system, said first switching system being connected to a first subscriber premises and also connected to a third of said switching systems, said second switching system being connected to a second subscriber premises by a link connected to said dedicated link;

a method comprising;

creating an off-hook condition on said link to said second subscriber premises, receiving dial tone at said second subscriber premises, and dialing digits seeking connection to a third subscriber premises connected to said third switching system;

signaling said first switching system and said adjunct processor that a request for services exists from said second subscriber premises;

establishing a one way connection from said first switching system to said first subscriber premises via said connection therebetween;

establishing a two way connection between said third subscriber premises and said second subscriber premises; and

monitoring at said first subscriber premises signaling associated with said establishment of said two way connection between said third subscriber premises and said second subscriber premises.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein said monitoring is transparent to said second and third subscriber premises.

3. A method according to claim 1 wherein said

monitoring is controlled at least in part by said adjunct processor.

4. A method according to claim 1 including the step of generating billing signals to create billing records for billing for said connection between said second and third subscriber premises and for said connection to said first subscriber premises to said second subscriber premises and to said first subscriber premises respectively.

5. A method according to claim 1 including the step of also monitoring the content of the communication over said connection between said second and third subscriber premises.

6. A method according to claim 1 wherein responsive to said signaling said adjunct processor runs at least one program from its program store.

7. A method according to claim 6 wherein said signaling to said adjunct processor includes common channel signaling from a control center for a common channel signaling system.

8. A method according to claim 7 wherein said control center comprises a services control point in an advanced intelligent network which comprises said common channel signaling system.

9. A method according to claim 8 wherein said signaling to said adjunct processor from said services control point comprises a message responsive to a trigger responsive to said dialing.

10. A method according to claim 9 wherein said message comprises a Transaction Capabilities Applications Part (TCAP) message and said trigger comprises an off-hook delay trigger set in said first switching system.

11. A method according to claim 10 wherein said program run by said adjunct processor is a surveillance program.

12. A method according to claim 11 wherein said monitored signaling includes information comprising the directory number dialed by said second subscriber premises, the duration of the connection, and the time thereof.

13. A method according to claim 4 wherein said step of generating billing signals to create billing records for billing for said connection between said second and third subscriber premises and for said connection to said first subscriber premises to said second subscriber premises and to said first subscriber premises respectively is initiated in response to common channel signaling from a control center for a common channel signaling system.

14. In a switched telephone network including multiple central office processor controlled switching systems serving subscriber premises, said switching systems being connected together by trunks, a first of said switching systems being connected by a dedicated link to a second of said switching systems having different characteristics than said first switching system, said first switching system having an adjunct processor with a program store associated with first switching system, said first switching system being connected to a first subscriber premises and also connected to a third of said switching systems, said second switching system being connected to a second subscriber premises by a link connected to said dedicated link, and an advanced intelligent network common channel signaling system having a services control point connected to said switching systems for control of said switched telephone network;

a method comprising;

creating an off-hook condition on said link to said second subscriber premises, receiving dial tone at said second subscriber premises from said first switching system, and dialing digits seeking connection to a third subscriber premises connected to said third switching system;

activating an off-hook delay trigger in said first switching system and initiating therefrom a message to said services control point;

sending a response message from said services control point to said first switching system and said adjunct processor that a request for services exists from said second subscriber premises and containing information for providing services in response to said request;

said adjunct processor running at least one program from its program store in response to said message from said services control point;

establishing a one way connection from said first switching system to said first subscriber premises via said connection therebetween;

establishing a two way connection between said third subscriber premises and said second subscriber premises through said first switching system; and

monitoring at said first subscriber premises signaling associated with said establishment of said two way connection between said third subscriber premises and said second subscriber premises.

15. In a switched telephone network including multiple central office processor controlled switching systems serving subscriber premises, said switching systems being connected together by trunks, a first of said switching systems being connected by a dedicated link to a second of said switching systems having different characteristics than said first switching system, said first switching system having an adjunct processor with a program store associated with first switching system, said first switching system being connected to a first subscriber premises and also connected to a third of said switching systems, said second switching system being connected to a second subscriber premises by a link connected to said dedicated link, said third switching system being connected to a third subscriber premises, and an advanced intelligent network common channel signaling system having a services control point connected to said switching systems for control of said switched telephone network;

a method comprising;

creating an off-hook condition at said third subscriber premises and dialing the directory number of said second subscribers premises using the NXX of said second switching system;

activating an off-hook delay trigger in said third switching system and initiating therefrom a message to said services control point;

sending a response message from said services control point to said third switching system directing that the request for service be directed to said first switching system;

directing the request for service to said first switching system and activating a terminating attempt trigger in said first switching system and initiating therefrom a message to said services control point;

sending a response message from said services control point to said first switching system and said adjunct processor containing information for providing services in response to said request;

said adjunct processor running at least one program from its program store in response to said message from said services control point;

establishing a one way connection from said first switching system to said first subscriber premises via said connection therebetween;

establishing a two way connection between said third subscriber premises and said second subscriber premises through said first switching system; and

monitoring at said first subscriber premises signaling associated with said establishment of said two way connection between said third subscriber premises and said second subscriber premises.

16. A method according to claim 15 including the step of generating billing signals to create billing records for billing for said connection between said second and third subscriber premises and for said connection to said first subscriber premises to said third subscriber premises and to said first subscriber premises respectively.

17. In a switched telephone network including multiple central office processor controlled switching systems serving subscriber terminals, said switching systems being connected together by trunks, a first of said switching systems being connected by a dedicated link to a second of said switching systems having different characteristics than said first switching system, said first switching system having an adjunct processor with a program store associated with first switching system, said first switching system being connected to a first subscriber premises and also connected to a third of said switching systems, said second switching system being connected to a second subscriber premises by a link connected to said dedicated link;

a method comprising;

creating an off-hook condition on said link to said second subscriber premises, receiving dial tone at said second subscriber premises, and dialing digits seeking connection to a third subscriber premises connected to said third switching system;

signaling said first switching system and said adjunct processor that a request for services exists from said second subscriber premises;

establishing a one way connection from said first switching system to said first subscriber premises via said connection therebetween;

establishing a two way connection between said third subscriber premises and said second subscriber premises;

sending from said first switching system to said third subscriber premises signaling information indicating the number of the service requesting party to be said second subscriber premises; and

monitoring at said first subscriber premises signaling associated with said establishment of said two way connection between said third subscriber premises and said second subscriber premises.

18. A method comprising:

creating an off-hook condition on a link from a first subscribers premises to a first program controlled switch in a switched telephone network and receiving dial tone at said first subscriber premises;

dialing digits seeking connection to a second subscriber premises connected to a second switching system;

signaling to a third switching system connected by trunks to said first and second switching systems, and signaling to processing means associated with said third switching system that a request for services exists from said first subscriber premises;

establishing a one way connection from said third switching system to a third subscriber premises connected thereto;

establishing a two way connection between said first subscriber premises and said second subscriber premises through said third switching system; and

monitoring at said first subscriber premises signaling associated with said establishment of said two way connection between said first subscriber premises and said second subscriber premises.

19. A method according to claim 18 wherein the portion of the connection between said first subscriber premises and said second subscriber premises between said first switching system and said third system comprises a dedicated link.

20. A method according to claim 19 wherein said dedicated link is connected to said link to said first subscribers premises to by-pass said first switching system.

21. A switched telephone network comprising:

a first switching system including a program controlled switch having a first distribution frame;

a first subscribers premises having a directory number and connected by a link to said first distribution frame;

a second switching system including a program controlled switch having a second distribution frame;

said first switching system connected to said second program controlled switch by a trunk;

said first and second distribution frames connected by a dedicated link;

said first subscribers premises connected to said dedicated link at said first distribution frame and having a line appearance at said second distribution frame with a different number;

a second subscribers premises connected by a link to said second distribution frame;

a common channel signaling system having a controller for controlling the operation of said program controlled switches;

an adjunct processor associated with said second switching system and with said controller;

said adjunct processor in conjunction with said controller and said second switching system establishing a one-way connection of said link to said second subscriber premises to a connection established through said second switching system connecting said first subscriber premises and a third subscriber premises.

22. A network according to claim 21 wherein an off-hook delay trigger is set against said first subscriber premises and causes an inquiry message to said central controller upon said first subscriber premises going off-hook and dialing digits seeking a connection to said third subscribers premises, said central controller responding to said inquiry message by sending to said second switching system and said adjunct processor a response message including directions to initiate running of a program by said adjunct processor and to connect said second subscriber premises to monitor signals associated with a connection established responsive to said first subscriber premises dialing said digits.

23. A switched telephone network comprising:

a first switching system including a program controlled switch having a first distribution frame;

a first subscribers premises having a directory number and connected by a link to said first distribution frame;

a second switching system including a program controlled switch having a second distribution frame;

said first switching system connected to said second switching system by a trunk;

said first and second distribution frames connected by a dedicated link;

said first subscribers premises connected to said dedicated link at said first distribution frame and having a line appearance at said second distribution frame with a different number;

a second subscribers premises connected by a link to said second distribution frame;

a third switching system including a program controlled switch;

a third subscribers premises connected by a link to said third switching system;

said third switching system connected by trunk to said second switching system;

a common channel signaling system having a controller for controlling the operation of said program controlled switches;

an adjunct processor associated with said second switching system and with said controller;

said adjunct processor in conjunction with said controller and said second switching system establishing a one-way connection of said link to said second subscriber premises to a connection established through said second switching system connecting said first subscriber premises and said third subscriber premises responsive to said third subscriber premises dialing said directory number.

24. A network according to claim 23 wherein at least said second and third switching systems have an off-hook delay trigger set therein against said directory number.

25. A network according to claim 23 wherein said second switching system has a terminating attempt trigger set therein.

26. A network according to claim 25 wherein dialing of said directory number at said third subscriber premises to initiate a call to said first subscriber premises activates said off-hook delay trigger in said third switching system and causes said third switching system to send an inquiry message to said central controller, said central controller sending a response message directing that said call be sent to said second switching system with said different number.

27. A network according to claim 26 wherein said call is sent to said second switching system and activates a terminating attempt trigger causing said second switching system to send an inquiry message to said central controller, said central controller sending a response message directing that said adjunct processor run at least one program and that said one-way connection to said second subscriber premises to said connection established through said second switching system connecting said first subscriber premises and said third subscriber premises be completed.

36. A method according to claim 23 including the step of initiating billing procedures for said call at least in part pursuant to said program of said adjunct processor.

28. In a switched telephone network including multiple central office processor controlled switching systems serving subscriber premises, said switching systems being connected together by trunks, a first of said switching systems being connected by a dedicated link to a second of said switching systems having different characteristics than said first switching system, said first switching system having an adjunct processor with a program store associated with said first switching system, said first switching system being connected to a first subscriber premises and also connected to a third of said switching systems, said second switching system being connected to a second subscriber premises by a link connected to said dedicated link, said third switching system being connected to a third subscriber premises, and an advanced intelligent network common channel signaling system having a services control point connected to said switching systems for control of said switched telephone network;

a method comprising;

creating an off-hook condition at said third subscriber premises and dialing the directory number of said second subscribers premises using the NXX of said second switching system;

activating an off-hook delay trigger in said third switching system and initiating therefrom a message to said services control point;

sending a response message from said services control point to said third switching system directing that the request for service be directed to said first switching system;

directing the request for service to said first switching system and activating a terminating attempt trigger in said first switching system and initiating therefrom a message to said services control point;

sending a response message from said services control point to said first switching system and said adjunct processor containing information for providing services in response to said request;

said adjunct processor running at least one program from its program store in response to said message from said services control point;

establishing a one way connection from said first switching system to said first subscriber premises via said connection therebetween;

establishing a two way connection between said third subscriber premises and said second subscriber premises through said first switching system; and

monitoring at said first subscriber premises signaling associated with said establishment of said two way connection between said third subscriber premises and said second subscriber premises.

29. In a switched telephone network having multiple switching systems connected together by trunks and serving subscriber terminals connected to such switching systems by links, with a common channel signaling system having a central controller controlling the operation of said network;

a method comprising;

a first of said subscriber terminals linked to a first of said switching systems dialing the directory number of a second of said subscriber terminals linked to a second of said switching systems seeking to complete a call thereto;

said second of said switching systems responsive to a trigger set therein sending a query message to said central controller;

said central controller sending a response message to second switching system directing connection of said call to another number for a third subscriber terminal at a third of said switching systems, said third of said switching systems having an adjunct processor associated therewith;

switching said call back to said second switching system through said third switching system using said another number and initiating a program at said adjunct processor;

completing said call to said second subscriber terminal through said second switching system;

pursuant at least in part to said adjunct processor program, connecting said third subscriber terminal to the completed call via a one way connection; and

monitoring at said third subscriber terminal at least signaling information related to said call.

30. A method according to claim 29 wherein said monitoring includes monitoring of the content of said completed call.

31. A method according to claim 29 wherein said monitoring includes recording the calling directory number, time of completion of said call, time of termination of said call, and information with respect to at least a part of the signaling which resulted in set-up and tear-down of said call.

32. A method according to claim 29 including the step of initiating billing procedures for said call at least in part pursuant to said program of said adjunct processor.

33. In a switched telephone network having multiple switching systems connected together by trunks and serving subscriber terminals connected to such switching systems by links, with a common channel signaling system having a central controller controlling the operation of said network;

a method comprising;

a first of said subscriber terminals linked to a first of said switching systems dialing the directory number of a second of said subscriber terminals linked to a second of said switching systems seeking to complete a call thereto;

said second of said switching systems responsive to a trigger set therein sending a query message to said central controller;

said central controller sending a response message to said first switching system directing said first switching system to regenerate said call to another number for a third subscriber terminal at a third of said switching systems, said third of said switching systems having an adjunct processor associated therewith;

completing said call from said first switching system through third switching system to said second switching system and to said second subscriber terminal using said another number and initiating a program at said adjunct processor;

completing said call to said second subscriber terminal through said second switching system;

pursuant at least in part to said adjunct processor program,

connecting said third subscriber terminal to the completed call via a one way connection; and

monitoring at said third subscriber terminal at least signaling information related to said call.

34. A method according to claim 33 wherein said monitoring includes monitoring of the content of said completed call.

35. A method according to claim 33 wherein said monitoring includes recording the calling directory number, time of completion of said call, time of termination of said call, and information with respect to at least a part of the signaling which resulted in set-up and tear-down of said call.