Abstract: Systems and processes for operating an intercom system via a digital assistant are provided. The intercom system is trigger-free, in that users communicate, in real-time, via devices without employing a trigger to speak. Acoustic fingerprints are employed to associate users with devices. Acoustic fingerprints include vector embeddings of speech input in an acoustic-feature vector space. Speech heard at multiple devices, as embedded in a fingerprint, may be clustered in the vector space, and the structure of the clusters is employed to associate users and devices. Based on the fingerprints, a device is mapped to a user, and the user employs that device to participate in a conversation, via the intercom service.

Abstract: There is provide a method of installing a security alarm system in a building having one of a doorbell chime, a smoke detector, a carbon monoxide detector and a thermostat in an existing location. The method includes disconnecting the one of the doorbell chime, the smoke detector, the carbon monoxide detector and the thermostat from existing wiring thereof. The method includes removing from the existing location the one of the doorbell chime, the smoke detector, the carbon monoxide detector and the thermostat. The method includes installing in the existing location a security control panel. The method includes connecting the existing wiring to the security control panel so as to receive power therefrom.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing headset/ear bud voice control to crew members in a quick-service restaurant are disclosed. Exemplary implementations may: transmit transmission signals from a headset to the base station, receive reception signals by the headset from the base station; capture audio information from a first crew member, generate sound based on the received reception signals, generate the transmission signals to form a headset-specific uplink packet based on the captured audio information; generate semantic information based on the headset-specific uplink packet, wherein the semantic information includes one or more individual words; determine one or more commands that modify operation of the communication system, based on the semantic information, and facilitate execution of the one or more commands to control and/or modify the operation of the communication system.

Abstract: A method for proximity-based voice activation, the method may include sensing a voice command, detecting whether a person outputted the voice command while being in proximity to a voice activated device; determining whether to execute, by the voice activated device, the voice command based, at least in part, on the determination whether the person outputted the voice command while being in proximity to the voice activated device; and executing the voice command when determining to execute the voice command.

Abstract: An intercom system includes a dwelling parent device installed in each dwelling, a collective foyer device configured to communicate with the dwelling parent device, and a control device configured to control the collective foyer device, which includes name plates on each of which a resident name for specifying a dwelling parent device of a resident is displayed so a visitor may call the resident, and dedicated buttons correlated with the name plates and capable of receiving an operation for calling the dwelling parent device corresponding to the resident name displayed on each name plate. The collective foyer device or the control device includes a calling table in which location numbers for specifying locations of dedicated buttons in a region of the collective foyer device are assigned. The respective resident names are assigned to the location numbers of the dedicated buttons visually recognizable to the visitor, on the calling table.

Abstract: A connection status detector of a controller determines that a two-wire cable is forward connected, in a case where a synchronization pattern of reception data completely coincides with a synchronization pattern for forward connection check. The connection status detector determines that the two-wire cable is reversely connected, in a case where the synchronization pattern of reception data completely coincides with a synchronization pattern for reverse connection check. A transmission data inverter reverses an uplink signal output from a transmission data processor, in a case where it is determined that the two-wire cable is reversely connected. A reception data inverter reverses a downlink signal output from a reception driver, in a case where it is determined that the two-wire cable is reversely connected.

Abstract: A doorbell control method, system, and non-transitory computer readable medium for a doorbell, include causing a doorbell to perform a differentiated action based on doorbell data and calendar data of an electronic calendar, and annotating the calendar with information based on an activation of the doorbell.

Abstract: This patent specification relates to apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for providing home security/smart home objectives. More particularly, this patent specification relates to a plurality of devices, including intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connected devices, that communicate with each other and/or with a central server or a cloud-computing system to provide any of a variety of useful home security/smart home objectives.

Abstract: A method for optimizing customer support during the activation of an access control device or payment device of an access control system includes starting a pre-set timer when the access control or payment device is activated, and automatically establishing a communication between the customer and the staff support personnel over an intercom system or a video intercom system and activating a video connection whenever the pre-set timer expires and (1) the customer is still standing in front of the access control or payment device, (2) the customer's vehicle is still located in front of the access control or payment device, (3) the customer is still operating the device before completion of the transaction or interaction that was initiated when the timer was started, or (4) an n-times repetition of operator errors occurs in the operation of the access control or payment device where n is a pre-specified natural number ?2.

Abstract: Certain embodiments herein relate to systems and methods for sharing a user interface element based on user gestures. In one embodiment, a method can include selecting, based on a user gesture, a user interface element being displayed on an output device of the source computer. The method can further include identifying a location on the output device of the source computer to move the user interface element. The method can further include updating the output device of the source computer to display the user interface element at the identified location on the output device. The method can also include generating, in response to updating the output device, a notification indicating that the source computer is sharing the user interface element. The method can also include transmitting the notification to one or more target computers in communication with the source computer.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a system and method may be provided for validating communications permissions for an in progress communication. The system and method may include receiving location information, at a service provider, from a wireless communications device. The location information may be communicated to a database that is able to determine communications permissions based upon some predetermined criteria, such as time, date, and location. Based upon the received location information and a related database record, permissions for the wireless communications device may be determined. The determined permissions may be communicated to the service provider. The wireless communications device may be notified about restrictions on its communications, in response to receiving the permissions. The permissions determination may be repeated, as necessary, in response to receiving updated location information.

Abstract: There is provided an interface circuit according to which a telephone or an intercom may be connected to a port of a main device including a telephone exchange function. The interface circuit includes a power supply circuit that supplies necessary power supply voltage according to the telephone or the intercom connected to the port, and a state detection circuit that detects, in a case where the telephone is connected to the port, whether the telephone is in an on-hook state or in an off-hook state, based on the value of an input impedance of the telephone, and that detects, in a case where the intercom is connected to the port, whether the intercom is in a standby state or in an activation button pressed state, based on a value of the input impedance of the intercom.

Abstract: A security device comprising interfacing means incorporating a speaker (50) and a microphone (49) for interfacing with a person; a mobile network transmitter; an internet communication means; a controller which automatically responds to interaction with said interfacing means and firstly employs said mobile network transmitter to dial one or more predetermined phone numbers through a mobile network for directly establishing a two way communication across the mobile network; wherein said controller secondly employs said internet communication means for transmission through the internet of data captured by said interfacing means.

Abstract: A multi-point to multi-point intercom system, formed by at least one intercom server and a plurality of intercom terminals, the intercom terminals registered as talking or listening intercom terminals in an intercom session table. The intercom server sends to listening intercom terminals some or all of the unmixed audio packets received by talking intercom terminals according to the intensity signal value found in the header of the unmixed audio packets.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for storing data associated with origination processing of a call. In use, a call is initiated from a first party to a second party. Further, it is determined whether the first party and the second party are members of a group. Still yet, data associated with origination processing is stored if it is determined that the first party and the second party are members of a group.

Abstract: A digital intercom system provides DC power and multi-channel bidirectional digital communications over existing cabling such as microphone cabling used in analog intercom networks. Three or more conductors in the cabling are used for both transmitting and receiving digital signals and carrying DC power. The digital intercom system includes digital user stations and a digital master station which can be used to retrofit an existing analog intercom network or deployed in a new network. User stations can be connected to the cabling via drop cables which do not use active electronic components. The master station routes digital audio and control data packets in three or more channels based on respective network addresses of the user stations to provide point-to-point, point-to-multi-point, and party line communications among the user stations. Sessions and groups can be configured which define talker and listener user stations.

Abstract: A method of allocating, revoking and transferring resources from a pool of conference resources provided by a conference system comprises assigning a guaranteed status to at least some participants to a conference to be hosted by the system. At least some of the resources may be reserved for the guaranteed status participants, to enable the guaranteed status participants to participate in the conference. When another participant to the conference is received, the other participant may be assigned a provisional status. Unused resources in the pool of resources may be allocated as provisional resources to the provisional status participant and the participant is admitted to participate in the conference utilizing the provisional resources. The provisional resources may be reserved for, but are at the time not used by a guaranteed status participant. Borrowed resources may be reclaimed and transferred to the guaranteed status participant.

Abstract: A security device comprising interfacing means incorporating a speaker (50) and a microphone (49) for interfacing with a person; a mobile network transmitter; an internet communication means; a controller which automatically responds to interaction with said interfacing means and firstly employs said mobile network transmitter to dial one or more predetermined phone numbers through a mobile network for directly establishing a two way communication across the mobile network; wherein said controller secondly employs said internet communication means for transmission through the internet of data captured by said interfacing means.

Abstract: A distributed intercom system that interconnects a hub and various keypad and door zone units having microphones and/or speakers via CAT5 or similar cable having multiple twisted pairs. Audio is carried between all devices over a first audio wire pair, in analog signal format, forming an audio bus. Audio twisted pair acts as a data communication bus for control messages. One or more of receiver units may be active, while only one keypad device can be individually instructed to connect its corresponding microphone circuit to the audio bus. Determination of which unit is selected to be the transmitter occurs under the control of the hub. For example, in a case where a first user wishes to speak to another user in a different room, the first user presses a “talk” button at his keypad, causing that keypad to send out a message on a data communication bus to the hub.

Abstract: An approach is provided for performing context based multi-modal intercom sessions. A control signal to invoke an intercom service between two or more communication devices is received. Context information associated with one or more of the communication devices is determined. An intercom mode communication session among the communication devices is established. The context information is used to customize the intercom service for one or more of the communication devices.

Abstract: A wireless intercom having a microcontroller that is programmed to place the intercom into a power saving sleep mode unless actively receiving or transmitting signals. The microcontroller of the intercom is interconnected to a transceiver for sending and receiving digital data packets, and to a codec for converting the digital packets to analog sound signals, and vice versa. The intercom receives digital transmission of data over a first channel and then corrects any errors in the digital data using a retransmission of the digital data over a second channel that is sufficiently spaced apart from the first channel to avoid the possibility of interference affecting both the first and second channels.

Abstract: Addressable amplified speakers assembly, and method for addressing the same, suitable for any permanent or temporary public address paging application. Amplified speakers assembly may incorporate VHF and UHF radios to provide wireless, one-way paging from a few feet to many miles away. These speakers can be added to any existing radio system with minimal effort or cost. The need for routing signal cable is eliminated, greatly reducing installation costs. Each speaker can be programmed for individual, group, or all-page access via DTMF or 2-Tone coding (up to 8 different addresses). The volume of each speaker can also be controlled remotely.

Abstract: A multi-point to multi-point intercom system, formed by at least one intercom server and a plurality of intercom terminals, the intercom terminals registered as talking or listening intercom terminals in an intercom session table. The intercom server sends to listening intercom terminals some or all of the unmixed audio packets received by talking intercom terminals according to the intensity signal value found in the header of the unmixed audio packets.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a premise in case of an emergency and enabling 2-way voice communications with an individual at every possible location within the monitored premises. The system utilizes a radio frequency 2-way wireless communication link from a centrally located Base Alarm Control Unit on the premise to plurality of Remote Alarm Control Units situated throughout the premise. Remote Alarm Control Units relay the information received from the wireless remote transmitters to the Base Alarm Control Unit thereby increasing the effective useful range of the wireless communication link. The same also establishes a 2-way voice connection between the Central Station operator and the individual who may be located at any possible location within the premise, thereby providing a much more effective handling of the emergency or alarm situation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a door intercom system, which is installed on a door of a community for communicating with and identifying a visitor and opening/closing the door through a network by an inhabitant among a plurality of inhabitants of the community and capable of transferring data to a system provider through the network. The door intercom system has a central processing unit (CPU) connected to a database, a dialing key module, a display module, a video and audio processing module and a network interface, respectively. In the database, inhabitant codes, network logon numbers and identification numbers of the plurality of inhabitants are stored. When the visitor inputs an inhabitant code through the dialing key module, the CPU acquires the network logon number corresponding to the inhabitant and is communicatively connected to the network through the network interface, the network being connected at the other end to the inhabitant end or the system provider through a public switched telephone network (PSTN).

Abstract: An intercom system is provided which is capable of allowing an emergency notification to be received securely and properly by a contact person, so that upon reception of a call from an emergency-call mobile phone, the call is automatically forwarded to previously determined contacts and transmission/notification processes are performed on the contacts in response to how the contacts respond to the call.

Abstract: A method, storage medium, and system for a managed audio bell/intercom including a controller and audio devices connected by an industry standardized network, wherein the controller contains logic to distribute action via the network to the audio devices.

Abstract: A wireless call system enables even a bedridden person to easily answer a visitor. The wireless call system has an outdoor unit (3) installed on the outside of an entrance of a structure having a door (13) lockable with an electronic lock (15), for calling a resident in the structure, and an indoor unit (9) connected to the outdoor unit (3) by radio, for informing the resident of the presence of a visitor upon receiving a signal from the outdoor unit (3) and allowing the resident to answer the visitor through the outdoor unit (3). The outdoor unit (3) has an image pickup unit (23) for picking up an image of the visitor making a call with the outdoor unit (3). The indoor unit (9) is portable and has a display (53) for displaying the visitor's image picked up by the image pickup unit (23) and control buttons (55) for unlocking the electronic lock (15) if necessary.

Abstract: An intercom is disclosed to include a housing houses a transmitter receiver control circuit board, and a hand-driven power generator unit, which has a speed-change gear set, a crank handle pivoted to the housing for operation by a person to rotate the speed-change gear set, and a dynamo coupled to the speed-change gear set and driven to generate electricity for the transmitter receiver control circuit board upon rotation of the speed-change gear set by a person.

Abstract: An apparatus in one example has: an intercom system; a wireless push-to-talk system; and an integrated intercom/push-to-talk system operatively coupled to the intercom system and the wireless push-to-talk system, the integrated intercom/push-to-talk system functioning as a wireless terminal that communicates with the wireless push-to-talk system, and functioning as an intercom unit in the intercom system. Embodiments support an integration of, for example, a home intercom system with, for example, a commercially available wireless push-to-talk service.

Abstract: An intercom system for use with a remote demarcation point includes a remote demarcation interface module operatively connected to the remote demarcation point, wherein the remote demarcation interface module selectively connects and disconnects with the remote demarcation point. In the system, a control module connects a subscriber telephone instrument to a remote demarcation point. The control module includes a processor module that includes processor logic operative to receive and process one or more signals, and subscriber monitor logic operative to monitor the subscriber telephone instrument activity and to provide a subscriber control signal to the processor logic. A steering relay module is operative to selectively connect and disconnect the subscriber telephone instrument to the remote demarcation point upon receipt of a steering control signal from the processor logic, wherein the steering control signal is generated by the processor module based upon the subscriber control signal.

Abstract: In operational environments where local loop generation equipment is used, communication interruptions between a central office and a customer premises device is minimized by using a dedicated communications link between the local loop generation equipment and the central office. A processing mechanism at the central office determines if, when, and under what circumstances the customer premises device will be notified in response to the activation of local loop generation equipment. This eliminates the need to place local loop generation equipment in series with a communications path that runs between the central office and the customer premises. The central office may provide the dedicated communications link in the form of a telephone line which is equipped to place outgoing local calls, but not equipped to receive incoming calls, and not equipped to place long-distance calls.

Abstract: Irrespective of the distance of a line through which a video signal is taken by the camera of a main entrance station, a satisfactory image having not deterioration but excellent visibility is displayed in a monitor of a residential master station. A distance decision unit of a residential master station for displaying a video signal taken by a camera of an main entrance station in a monitor decides the distance of the line length of a master station line in terms of the voltage drop of the DC power supply fed from a controller to the residential master station. A level compensation unit of the residential master station compensates the level of the video signal in accordance with the decided distance. A distance decision unit of the main entrance station decides the distance of the line length of an entrance line in terms of the voltage drop of the DC power supply fed from the controller to the main entrance station.

Abstract: The present invention provides flexible, user-definable call screening processes. The user can optionally define to which telecommunication terminals a screened call is to be broadcast to and under what conditions. An incoming call is forwarded to a call management system that asks the caller to leave a voice message. The call management system selectively couples the call to a POTS line or a VoIP-capable device so that the user can listen to the incoming message and thereby screen the incoming call. Based on the screening, the user can instruct the call management system to connect the caller to the user.

Abstract: A wireless intercom unit includes an electronics housing including a first side, where the first side is configured to interface with a planar surface. The intercom unit also includes a microphone, a speaker, and an input device, where these components are located on a portion of the housing other than the first side. The intercom further includes a first channel transceiver for a first channel radio frequency range. In another embodiment, a wireless communication system includes a wireless intercom unit and an earpiece for wireless communication with the wireless intercom unit. In yet another embodiment of the invention, a wireless communication system includes a wireless intercom unit and a remote switch for providing user input information to the intercom unit.

Abstract: A passive coupling structure constructed using printed circuit board traces is used to separate the low and high frequency components of an incoming digital signal. The low and high frequency components of the signal are sent to separate receivers on an integrated circuit. The low frequency receiver may be a conventional level based receiver. The high frequency receiver is a Schmitt-trigger with hysteresis around a DC level or two comparators with separate reference voltages. The outputs of these receivers are combined to produce a receiver output that has increased reliability and noise immunity.

Abstract: An intercom apparatus has a main line connecting intercom master stations in respective residential rooms. Each master station has a terminal unit which is separate from and removable from the master station, so that the terminal unit can be removed according to need while keeping the connection. The intercom apparatus further has an entrance substation by which the master stations in residential rooms may be called from the entrance substation through the main line for bilateral communication. The terminal unit has terminals for connecting with intercom master stations by a station-to-station spanning wiring forming the main line and a terminal board on which the terminals are mounted for electrical connection with the main line path. A mounting bracket, by which the terminal unit is detachably mounted, is provided in a space which is formed in the backside of the intercom master station.

Abstract: The present invention provides a media terminal adaptor having an internal logical interface to permit communication connections to be established between ports of the MTA.

Abstract: In operational environments where local loop generation equipment is used, communication interruptions between a central office and a customer premises device is minimized by using a dedicated communications link between the local loop generation equipment and the central office. A processing mechanism at the central office determines if, when, and under what circumstances the customer premises device will be notified in response to the activation of local loop generation equipment. This eliminates the need to place local loop generation equipment in series with a communications path that runs between the central office and the customer premises. The central office may provide the dedicated communications link in the form of a telephone line which is equipped to place outgoing local calls, but not equipped to receive incoming calls, and not equipped to place long-distance calls.

Abstract: An audio panel (10) with a wireless telephone input or interface (54) that provides wireless telephone calling capabilities without affecting other communications functions of the audio panel (10). The telephone interface (54) adds a telephone as a node on the intercom system of the audio panel (10) to eliminate the need for separate hook switches at each communication station in an aircraft.

Abstract: An audio panel (10) with enhanced intercom isolation modes. The audio panel (10) has four intercom isolation modes, including a Co-pilot isolation mode that enables a co-pilot to make private communications via a wireless telephone interface (54). The audio panel (10) also provides improved intercom switching circuitry and control devices that more effectively switch between the four intercom isolation modes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for providing an intercom service. In an embodiment of the present invention, an intercom service request is received. The intercom service request includes a calling number associated with a location. The calling number is determined to correspond to a subscriber to the intercom service. Initiation of an intercom call to the location is directed.

Abstract: A network-based intercom system and method comprises software and the necessary portions of a computer network on which it is implemented. The software includes a dispatcher module to be installed on any of the computers of the network, and an intercom module to be installed on each of the participating computers in the system. The system has the advantage that it can be installed on non-dedicated computers, thus avoiding costly and inconvenient wiring and hardware installation. The system provides automatic message receipt without unnecessarily interrupting a recipient. This is achieved by signaling that a message has been sent by an assigned audible tone that is unique to the addressee. Thus, the recipient becomes aware that he or she has automatically received a message. The message is displayed in a banner on the addressee's computer monitor for selective viewing based on an order of priority. A recipient can respond directly to a message by interfacing with a visual display associated with the message.

Abstract: A pet communication apparatus for allowing a user to communicate with a pet. The pet communication apparatus includes a housing member being designed for being selectively positioned on a support surface. A processing assembly is positioned in the housing member. The processing assembly is designed for being operationally coupled to a telephone jack whereby the processing assembly is operationally coupled to a telephone company. A speaker member is operationally coupled to the processing assembly whereby the speaker member is designed for audibly reproducing audio spoken by the user calling the pet. The speaker member is coupled to the housing member whereby the speaker member is designed for audibly reproducing sounds to be heard by the pet.

Abstract: The invention makes it possible to call a resident of collective housing even when the apartment number of the resident is unknown. A collective housing entrance substation is connected to residential master stations through a controller, and a name retrieval module is connected to the controller. The name retrieval module has a memory in which a name and/or apartment number of a resident is registered in advance, a button operable to display the name and/or apartment number of the resident registered in advance, a name indicator for display of the name and/or apartment number of the resident registered in advance, and a call button that is operated with display of the proper name and/or apartment number to call the residential master station of the resident.

Abstract: A method and supporting apparatus for an executive phone patch is disclosed. An administrative assistant uses a first phone line to communicate with a first party, places first party on-hold, and establishes a connection with a second party. Once the second party is on the line, the two lines are connected together and the assistant is isolated from the conversation.

Abstract: A network-based intercom system and method comprises software and the necessary portions of a computer network on which it is implemented. The software includes a dispatcher portion to be installed on any of the computers of the network, and an intercom module portion to be installed on each of the participating computers in the system. The system has the advantage that it can be installed on non-dedicated computers, thus avoiding costly and inconvenient wiring and hardware installation. The system provides automatic message receipt without unnecessarily interrupting a recipient. This is achieved by signaling that a message has been sent by an assigned audible tone that is unique to the addressee. Thus, the recipient becomes aware that he or she has automatically received a message. The message is displayed in a banner on the addressee's computer monitor for selective viewing based on an order of priority.

Abstract: A method and system for interconnecting a telephone system and an intercom system. In one exemplary embodiment, telephone switchgear is connected to a telephone interface which provides separate voice transmit and receive channels. For example, an E&M tie line module can be utilized, which also includes E&M signaling connections for signaling an incoming intercom call to a telephone and for signaling an outgoing telephone call to an intercom. In this exemplary embodiment, an interface circuit is also provided to allow for signal level adjustment along the transmit and receive channels, such that the signal gain of the telephone system can differ from the signal gain of the intercom system. The interface circuit can include a controller which controls a switching device for selectively allowing communication along the transmit and receive channels during periods when communication is desired.

Abstract: A cordless digital telephone system which allows broadcast over broadcast is provided. Time division multiple access (TDMA) cordless phone systems provide a base unit which is able to provide connections for a plurality of mobile units, such as handsets. With time division, the mobile units are synchronized to different time slots. A broadcast mode is provided that causes the mobile units to be placed in a receive only mode and to synchronize to the same time slot where a broadcast message is sent. In this way, a cordless telephone base unit in a broadcast mode receives a radio or streaming audio signal. A call controller unit included in or coupled to the base station then sends the received radio or streaming audio signal to at least one mobile unit in communication with the base station.

Abstract: A monitor system includes an outdoor doorbell module integrated with video and audio transmission, an indoor remote receiver and a signal transmission interface. The doorbell module includes a depressible button and a micro-camera and a sound detector actuated by the button to obtain visual image and sounds of the visitor. The remote receiver includes a signal receiver circuit to receive the doorbell actuation signal and the visual image and sounds from the doorbell module, an alarm generator activated by the doorbell actuation signal to ring, and a driver circuit generating control signals to control a monitoring device and a recording device. When the button is actuated by the visitor, the remote receiver receives the doorbell actuation signal and generates the ring. At the same time, the doorbell module activates the micro-camera and the sound detector to obtain visual image and sounds of the visitor.