US5974142A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Secure telecommunications
Assignee: Nokia of America Corp
•
Filing: 1995-03-17
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Granted: 1999-10-26
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Expires: 2015-03-17
Abstract
Abstract A security node disposed in the telecommunications network connecting calling and called parties transforms information (which can be voice, data, facsimile, video and other types of calls or messages) encrypted in a first format to (a) encrypted information in a different format or to (b) non-encrypted information, and vice-versa. The node is accessible from any location connected to the network. By routing calls or messages originated by the calling party and destined for the called party via the security node, and providing appropriate control signals to the node, the information may be encrypted only over a portion of the transmission path between the parties, and clear over the remainder of the transmission path. Alternatively, the information may be encrypted in different portions of the path using different encryption algorithms. This arrangement enables the parties to obtain relatively secure communications even if only one party has a security device at the originating or terminating end, or if the parties have security devices using different handshaking protocols and encryption algorithms.
Inventors
- 👤 Daniel N. Heer
- 👤 Michael M. Kaplan
- 👤 Joseph P. Randolph
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 09:10
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04Q; H04Q3/00; H04Q3/0016; H04M; H04M3/00; H04M3/42; H04K; H04K1/00; H04L; H04L63/00; H04L63/04; H04L63/0428; H04Q2213/00; H04Q2213/13034; H04Q2213/13056; H04Q2213/1309; H04Q2213/13103; H04Q2213/13106; H04Q2213/1313; H04Q2213/13174; H04Q2213/13179; H04Q2213/13199; H04Q2213/13204; H04Q2213/13292; H04Q2213/13337; H04Q2213/13339; H04Q2213/13345; H04Q2213/13405
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 41
Claim 1
Independent Claim
138 words
An interface system for use in a system for encrypting information signals generated by an information signal generator, the information signal generator having a set of interface requirements, and encrypted by a secure communication device for transmission over a communication network through a telephone base, the interface system comprising: a removable interface module which includes a first point of connection and a second point of connection, the removable interface module coupling to the information signal generator at the first point of connection, and coupling to the secure communication device at the second point of connection; matching means connected to the first point of connection and to the second point of connection, for matching at least one of pin connections, impedance, voltage and gain, to satisfy the set of interface requirements of the information signal generator, when coupled thereto.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
138 words
An interface system for use in a system for encrypting information signals generated by an information signal generator, the information signal generator having a set of interface requirements, and encrypted by a secure communication device for transmission over a communication network through a telephone base, the interface system comprising: a removable interface module which includes a first point of connection and a second point of connection, the removable interface module coupling to the information signal generator at the first point of connection, and coupling to the secure communication device at the second point of connection; matching means connected to the first point of connection and to the second point of connection, for matching at least one of pin connections, impedance, voltage and gain, to satisfy the set of interface requirements of the information signal generator, when coupled thereto.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system according to claim 1 wherein the information signal generator is a facsimile transmission machine.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system according to claim 1 wherein the information signal generator is a computer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system according to claim 1 wherein the information signal generator is a telephone microphone.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system according to claim 4, wherein the telephone microphone is disposed within a telephone handset.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
45 words
The system according to claim 1 wherein the removable interface module further comprises an information signal generator interface circuit for coupling the information signal generator and the telephone base with the secure communication device when the interface module is coupled to the secure communication device.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system according to claim 6 wherein the information signal generator interface circuit comprises an information signal generator load impedance adapter.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system according to claim 6 wherein the information signal generator interface circuit comprises means for adjusting a voltage level of a signal provided to the secure communication device, the signal being generated by the information signal generator.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
39 words
The system according to claim 1 wherein the removable interface module further comprises a telephone base interface circuit for coupling the telephone base with the secure communication device when the interface module is coupled to the secure communication device.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system according to claim 9 wherein the information signal generator interface circuit comprises at least one coupling transformer which provides d.c. isolation between the secure communication device and the telephone base.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
142 words
An interface system for use in a system for decrypting information signals generated by a signal utilization device and encrypted by a secure communication device received over a communication network through a telephone base, the base having a set of interface requirements, the interface system comprising: a removable interface module which includes a first point of connection and a second point of connection, the removable interface module coupling to the secure communication device at the first point of connection, and coupling to the telephone base at the second point of connection; matching means connected to the first point of connection and to the second point of connection, for matching at least one of pin connections, impedance, voltage and gain, the removable interface module coupling the secure communication device to satisfy the set of interface requirements of the telephone base, when coupled thereto.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
142 words
An interface system for use in a system for decrypting information signals generated by a signal utilization device and encrypted by a secure communication device received over a communication network through a telephone base, the base having a set of interface requirements, the interface system comprising: a removable interface module which includes a first point of connection and a second point of connection, the removable interface module coupling to the secure communication device at the first point of connection, and coupling to the telephone base at the second point of connection; matching means connected to the first point of connection and to the second point of connection, for matching at least one of pin connections, impedance, voltage and gain, the removable interface module coupling the secure communication device to satisfy the set of interface requirements of the telephone base, when coupled thereto.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system according to claim 11 wherein the signal utilization device is a facsimile transmission machine.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system according to claim 11 wherein the signal utilization device is a computer.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system according to claim 11 wherein the signal utilization device is a telephone speaker.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system according to claim 14 wherein the telephone speaker is disposed within a telephone handset.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system according to claim 11 wherein the interface module further comprises a telephone base interface circuit for coupling the telephone base with the secure communication device when the interface module is coupled to the secure communication device.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system according to claim 16 wherein the telephone base interface circuit comprises at least one coupling transformer which provides d.c. isolation between the secure communication device and the telephone base.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
36 words
The system according to claim 16 wherein the telephone base interface circuit comprises means for adjusting a voltage level of a signal provided to the telephone base, the signal being generated by the secure communication device.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
41 words
The system according to claim 11 wherein the interface module further comprises a signal utilization device interface circuit for coupling the signal utilization device with the secure communication device when the removable interface module is coupled to the secure communication device.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system according to claim 19 wherein the signal utilization device interface circuit comprises at least one coupling transformer which provides d.c. isolation between the secure communication device and the signal utilization device.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system according to claim 19 wherein the signal utilization device interface circuit comprises means for adjusting a voltage level of a signal provided to the signal utilization device, the signal being provided by the secure communication device.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
207 words
An interface system for use in a system for encrypting or decrypting information signals generated in a telephone having a microphone and speaker combination and a base having a set of interface requirements, the encrypting or decrypting being performed by a secure telephone device coupled between the base and the microphone and speakers, for transmission over a communication network, the interface system comprising: a removable interface module having a first point of connection, a second point of connection a third point of connection and a fourth point of connection, the removable interface module coupling to the secure communication device, the removable interface module further comprising: a telephone microphone and speaker interface circuit coupling the telephone microphone and speaker at the first point of connection, and to the secure telephone device at the second point of connection, the telephone microphone and speaker interface circuit coupling the secure telephone device for operation with the telephone microphone and speaker, and a telephone base interface circuit coupling to the secure telephone device at the third point of connection, and to the telephone base at the fourth point of connection, the telephone base interface circuit coupling the secure telephone device to satisfy the interface requirements of the telephone base, when coupled thereto.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
207 words
An interface system for use in a system for encrypting or decrypting information signals generated in a telephone having a microphone and speaker combination and a base having a set of interface requirements, the encrypting or decrypting being performed by a secure telephone device coupled between the base and the microphone and speakers, for transmission over a communication network, the interface system comprising: a removable interface module having a first point of connection, a second point of connection a third point of connection and a fourth point of connection, the removable interface module coupling to the secure communication device, the removable interface module further comprising: a telephone microphone and speaker interface circuit coupling the telephone microphone and speaker at the first point of connection, and to the secure telephone device at the second point of connection, the telephone microphone and speaker interface circuit coupling the secure telephone device for operation with the telephone microphone and speaker, and a telephone base interface circuit coupling to the secure telephone device at the third point of connection, and to the telephone base at the fourth point of connection, the telephone base interface circuit coupling the secure telephone device to satisfy the interface requirements of the telephone base, when coupled thereto.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
165 words
An interface system for use in a system for transmitting information signals generated by an information signal generator through a telephone base over a communication network, the information signal generator and the telephone base being coupled through a communication interface device, the interface system comprising: a removable interface module for coupling to the communication interface device, the removable interface module comprising: a first point of connection to the information signal generator, a second point of connection to the communication interface device, a third point of connection to the communication interface device, a fourth point of connection to the telephone base, and matching means connected to the first point of connection and to the fourth point of connection, matching at least one of pin connections, impedance, voltage and gain so that the removable interface module electrically interfaces the information signal generator and the telephone base, thereby providing an electrically compatible path for information signals from the information signal generator to the telephone base, when coupled thereto.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
165 words
An interface system for use in a system for transmitting information signals generated by an information signal generator through a telephone base over a communication network, the information signal generator and the telephone base being coupled through a communication interface device, the interface system comprising: a removable interface module for coupling to the communication interface device, the removable interface module comprising: a first point of connection to the information signal generator, a second point of connection to the communication interface device, a third point of connection to the communication interface device, a fourth point of connection to the telephone base, and matching means connected to the first point of connection and to the fourth point of connection, matching at least one of pin connections, impedance, voltage and gain so that the removable interface module electrically interfaces the information signal generator and the telephone base, thereby providing an electrically compatible path for information signals from the information signal generator to the telephone base, when coupled thereto.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
177 words
An interface system for use in a system for transmitting information signals, generated by a signal utilization device coupled to a telephone base by a communication interface device, over a communication network, the interface system comprising: a removable interface module which includes a first point of connection, a second point of connection, a third point of connection and a fourth point of connection, the removable interface module coupling to the signal utilization device at the first point of connection, to the communication interface device at the second point of connection, to the communication interface device at the third point of connection and to the telephone base at the fourth point of connection; matching means connected to the first point of connection and to the fourth point of connection for matching at least one of pin connections impedance, voltage and gain so that the removable interface module electrically interfaces the signal utilization device and the telephone base thereby providing an electrically compatible path for information signals from the signal utilization device to the telephone base, when coupled thereto.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
177 words
An interface system for use in a system for transmitting information signals, generated by a signal utilization device coupled to a telephone base by a communication interface device, over a communication network, the interface system comprising: a removable interface module which includes a first point of connection, a second point of connection, a third point of connection and a fourth point of connection, the removable interface module coupling to the signal utilization device at the first point of connection, to the communication interface device at the second point of connection, to the communication interface device at the third point of connection and to the telephone base at the fourth point of connection; matching means connected to the first point of connection and to the fourth point of connection for matching at least one of pin connections impedance, voltage and gain so that the removable interface module electrically interfaces the signal utilization device and the telephone base thereby providing an electrically compatible path for information signals from the signal utilization device to the telephone base, when coupled thereto.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
133 words
An interface system for use in a system for transmitting information from an information generator through a communication base having a set of interface requirements over a communication network, the interface system comprising: a removable interface module which includes a first point of connection and a second point of connection, the removable interface module coupling to the information generator at the first point of connection and to the communication base at the second point of connection; matching means connected to the first point of connection and to the second point of connection and matching at least one of pin connections, impedance, voltage and gain so that the removable interface module couples the output of the information generator to the base to satisfy the set of interface requirements of the base, when coupled thereto.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
133 words
An interface system for use in a system for transmitting information from an information generator through a communication base having a set of interface requirements over a communication network, the interface system comprising: a removable interface module which includes a first point of connection and a second point of connection, the removable interface module coupling to the information generator at the first point of connection and to the communication base at the second point of connection; matching means connected to the first point of connection and to the second point of connection and matching at least one of pin connections, impedance, voltage and gain so that the removable interface module couples the output of the information generator to the base to satisfy the set of interface requirements of the base, when coupled thereto.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
231 words
An interface system for coupling a secure communication device to an information signal generator and a communication network, the secure communication device for encrypting information signals generated by the information signal generator and the resulting encrypted information signal being for transmission via a telephone base coupled to the communication network, wherein the information signal generator has a set of interface requirements, the telephone base has a set of interface requirements, and the secure communication device has a set of interface requirements, the interface system comprising: a first interface for coupling the information signal generator to the secure communication device including (i) means for satisfying the set of interface requirements of the information signal generator at a first point of connection of the first interface to the information signal generator, and (ii) means for satisfying the set of interface requirements of the secure communication device at a second point of connection of the first interface to the secure communication device; and a second interface for coupling the secure communication device to the telephone base including (i) means for satisfying the set of interface requirements of the secure communication device at a first point of connection of the second interface to the secure communication device, and (ii) means for satisfying the set of interface requirements of the telephone base at a second point of connection of the second interface to the telephone base.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
231 words
An interface system for coupling a secure communication device to an information signal generator and a communication network, the secure communication device for encrypting information signals generated by the information signal generator and the resulting encrypted information signal being for transmission via a telephone base coupled to the communication network, wherein the information signal generator has a set of interface requirements, the telephone base has a set of interface requirements, and the secure communication device has a set of interface requirements, the interface system comprising: a first interface for coupling the information signal generator to the secure communication device including (i) means for satisfying the set of interface requirements of the information signal generator at a first point of connection of the first interface to the information signal generator, and (ii) means for satisfying the set of interface requirements of the secure communication device at a second point of connection of the first interface to the secure communication device; and a second interface for coupling the secure communication device to the telephone base including (i) means for satisfying the set of interface requirements of the secure communication device at a first point of connection of the second interface to the secure communication device, and (ii) means for satisfying the set of interface requirements of the telephone base at a second point of connection of the second interface to the telephone base.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
18 words
An interface system according to claim 26, wherein the first and second points of connection are the same.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
16 words
An interface system according to claim 26, wherein the interface requirements are analog circuit interface requirements.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
16 words
An interface system according to claim 26, wherein the interface requirements are digital circuit interface requirements.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
222 words
An interface system for coupling a secure communication device to an information signal receiver and a communication network, the secure communication device for decrypting information signals received by the information signal receiver via a telephone base coupled to the communication network, wherein the information signal receiver has a set of interface requirements, the telephone base has a set of interface requirements, and the secure communication device has a set of interface requirements, the interface system comprising: a first interface for coupling the information signal receiver to the secure communication device including (i) means for satisfying the set of interface requirements of the information signal receiver at a first point of connection of the first interface to the information signal receiver, and (ii) means for satisfying the set of interface requirements of the secure communication device at a second point of connection of the first interface to the secure communication device; and a second interface for coupling the secure communication device to said telephone base including (i) means for satisfying the set of interface requirements of the secure communication device at a first point of connection of the second interface to the secure communication device, and (ii) means for satisfying the set of interface requirements of the telephone base at a second point of connection of the second interface to the telephone base.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
222 words
An interface system for coupling a secure communication device to an information signal receiver and a communication network, the secure communication device for decrypting information signals received by the information signal receiver via a telephone base coupled to the communication network, wherein the information signal receiver has a set of interface requirements, the telephone base has a set of interface requirements, and the secure communication device has a set of interface requirements, the interface system comprising: a first interface for coupling the information signal receiver to the secure communication device including (i) means for satisfying the set of interface requirements of the information signal receiver at a first point of connection of the first interface to the information signal receiver, and (ii) means for satisfying the set of interface requirements of the secure communication device at a second point of connection of the first interface to the secure communication device; and a second interface for coupling the secure communication device to said telephone base including (i) means for satisfying the set of interface requirements of the secure communication device at a first point of connection of the second interface to the secure communication device, and (ii) means for satisfying the set of interface requirements of the telephone base at a second point of connection of the second interface to the telephone base.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
18 words
An interface system according to claim 30, wherein the first and second points of connection are the same.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
16 words
An interface system according to claim 30, wherein the interface requirements are analog circuit interface requirements.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
16 words
An interface system according to claim 30, wherein the interface requirements are digital circuit interface requirements.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-10-25 | 2003-04-26 | 2003-10-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-10-25 | 2007-04-26 | 2007-10-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-10-25 | 2011-04-26 | 2011-10-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |