Method and apparatus for the secure storage of audio signals

• US 6,529,602 B1
• Filed: 08/19/1997
• Issued: 03/04/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 08/19/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: RPX Corporation
• Original Assignee: Walker Digital LLC (Walker Innovation Inc. (f/k/a Patent Properties, Inc.))
• Inventors: Jorasch, James A., Sparico, Thomas M., Walker, Jay S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hayes, Gail
• Assistant Examiner(s): Revak, Christopher
• Application Number:
  US08/914,165
• Time in Patent Office: 2,023 Days
• Field of Search: 379/67.1, 379/88.01, 379/158, 379/159, 379/202, 379/201, 395/200.34
• US Class Current: 380/283
• CPC Class Codes: H04K 1/00 Secret communication
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2209/56 Financial cryptography, e.g. electronic payment or e-cash
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/0819 Key transport or distribution, i.e. key establishment techniques where one party creates or otherwise obtains a secret value, and securely transfers it to the other(s) network architectures or network communication protocols for key distribution in a packet data network H04L63/062
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/083 involving central third party, e.g. key distribution center [KDC] or trusted third party [TTP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/3226 using a predetermined code, e.g. password, passphrase or PIN network architectures or network communication protocols for supporting authentication of entities using passwords in a packet data network H04L63/083
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2203/258 Service state indications
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2203/301 Management of recordings
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2203/6009 Personal information, e.g. profiles or personal directories being only provided to authorised persons
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2203/609 Secret communication
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/38 Graded-service arrangements, i.e. some subscribers prevented from establishing certain connections queuing arrangements H04Q3/64
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/382 using authorisation codes or passwords
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42221 Conversation recording systems at the subscriber's set H04M1/656
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/51 Centralised call answering arrangements requiring operator intervention , e.g. call or contact centers for telemarketing
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 7/0078 Security; Fraud detection; Fraud prevention

Abstract

A method and apparatus for recording audio so that the recording can be authenticated as to both content and time of recording is provided. The system may be implemented as a central server that is accessed via one or more telephone lines, or as a stand-alone unit. The system operates by encrypting audio information, storing the encrypted information, and providing users with a cryptographic key that can be used to decrypt the stored information. Preferably, time stamps are embedded in the stored information. Digital signatures may be used to provide additional security.

Claims

1. A process for recording audio communications, comprising:

establishing an audio connection with a calling party;

receiving an audio communication over the audio connection from the calling party;

encrypting the audio communication to provide an encrypted audio communication;

storing the encrypted audio communication; and

providing to the calling party a code for decrypting the encrypted audio communication.

2. A process for recording audio communications, comprising:

establishing an audio connection with at least two parties;

accessing an audio communication between the at least two parties;

encrypting the audio communication to provide an encrypted audio recording;

generating a key which can be used to decrypt the encrypted audio recording;

embedding a time stamp in the encrypted audio recording;

generating at least two access codes, any of which can be used to obtain access to the encrypted audio recording;

transmitting the key to the at least two parties; and

transmitting the at least two access codes respectively to the at least two parties such that each party receives a unique access code.

3. A process for recording audio communications, comprising:

establishing an audio connection with at least two parties;

accessing an audio communication between the at least two parties;

encrypting the audio communication to provide an encrypted audio recording;

generating a key which can be used to decrypt the encrypted audio recording;

generating at least two access codes, any of which can be used to obtain access to the encrypted audio recording;

transmitting the key to the at least two parties;

transmitting the at least two access codes respectively to the at least two parties such that each party receives a unique access code;

receiving a telephone call from one of the at least two parties;

receiving one of the at least two access codes from the one of the at least two parties;

receiving the key from the one of the at least two parties;

using the one of the at least two access codes to gain access to the encrypted audio recording; and

using the key to decrypt the encrypted audio recording.