Abstract: A porch piracy parcel theft prevention system and method includes a delivery location apparatus configured for adaption to a building to receive a parcel, the delivery location apparatus including a sensor and a parcel locking mechanism. The sensor is configured to detect the presence of a delivered parcel placed into the line of sight of the parcel detecting sensor. When armed, the parcel locking mechanism is configured to trigger an alarm when the parcel detected locking mechanism detects removal of the parcel from the line of sight of the parcel detecting sensor. When disarmed, the package may be removed from the line of sight of the parcel detecting sensor without tripping the alarm. Among other uses, helps prevent parcel theft from single family dwellings.

Abstract: An intercom system for use in a housing complex constituted by dwelling buildings is provided in which each of the dwelling buildings is provided with a dwelling parent device installed in each dwelling, a collective foyer device with which a calling operation may be performed for calling the dwelling parent devices, and a building control unit configured to communicatively interconnect the dwelling parent device in each dwelling of the host building and the collective foyer device via an intercom line, the collective foyer device includes a storage unit in which terminal information of the collective foyer device is stored, the collective foyer device or the building control unit is capable of performing communication with an external device connected to an external network, and data on the external network is transferred to the collective foyer device or the building control unit by using the external device as a communication medium.

Abstract: A backup communication system and method provides communicating between a video doorbell and a doorbell sound output device when communication between the video doorbell and a remote server us unavailable. When a front button of the video doorbell is pressed or motion is detected in front of the video doorbell, the video doorbell attempts to send a message to the remote server via a wireless local area network (WLAN). The video doorbell determines when the message is not received by the remote server, such as when the WLAN is not connected to the internet and/or the remote server does not acknowledge the message, and sends, via the WLAN, a broadcast message to the doorbell sound output device. The doorbell sound output device detects the broadcast message from the video doorbell and generates the audio tone.

Abstract: The invention relates, inter alia, to a speech station (10) for an intercom network (11), comprising an in particular parallepipedal housing (12), with a housing front (13) and a rear housing side (14), wherein a plurality of programmable operator controls (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d) and multiple displays (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) are tightly packed on the housing front (13), wherein the operator controls comprise a plurality of selector keys (17a, 17b, 17c, 17d), wherein the speech station as a result of a selector key being actuated by an operator provides a direct listen and/or talk connection to a selected other speech station (18a, 18b) of the intercom network via a switching station (19), wherein a plurality of connectors (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d), such as power-supply connector, data cable connector, BNC connector, are mounted on the rear housing side (14), wherein at least one loudspeaker (24a, 24b) is fixed on the speech station, wherein the loudspeaker is accommodated in a seat (25) between the housing front (13) an

Abstract: A mixing console including a plurality of audio inputs and a plurality of audio processing channels. Control data is received from a microphone which is connected to a given audio input to provide audio data. The control data includes an indication of an audio source associated with a microphone. A router of the mixing console is configured to route the audio data from the given audio input to a given audio processing channel based on the received indication of the audio source.

Abstract: Provided is a video intercom device suppressing electric power consumption. The video intercom device adopts a configuration where the video intercom device performs wireless communication between a front door slave unit and an indoor master unit, the indoor master unit includes a wireless communication unit that requests the front door slave unit to be switched between a first communication method by which the front door slave unit periodically turns on a main power source and is in a sleep state when the main power source turns off, and a second communication method by which the front door slave unit turns on the main power source when an interrupt occurs and is in the sleep state when the main power source turns off, and the front door slave unit includes a controller that controls switching to a communication method requested from the indoor master unit.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus and control method for comparing a sound generated from the bore of the MRI apparatus to a pulse sequence sound to adjust the output level of a sound output unit located in an operating room and thus permit a patient to be heard by an operator when an emergency situation or other information is expressed by the patient. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus includes: a sound input unit; a sound output unit configured to output a sound acquired by the sound input unit; and a controller configured to compare the acquired sound to a sound of a pulse sequence stored in advance, and to increase the output level of the sound output unit if the acquired sound is not identical to the sound of the pulse sequence.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a dual-channel analog door entry system and a method thereof. The dual-channel analog door entry system comprises two cables connected between the building gateway and the floor distributors, configured to transmit audio and/or video signals between the outdoor stations and indoor phones; the building gateway, configured to receive a call request from at least one of the outdoor stations, identify and assign an available cable as an intercom channel, send the call request to each of the floor distributors via the intercom channel, and switch the audio and/or video signals from the outdoor station to the available cable; at least one of floor distributors, configured to receive and forward the call request to a desired indoor phone, receive a call response from the desired indoor phone if the desired indoor phone is available, and switch the audio and/or video signals from the available cable to the desired indoor phone.

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 system and method for remote home monitoring and intercom communication. An indicator is received for activating an interactive feature of a telephone. A determination is made whether the indicator authorizes the interactive feature. The audio interface of the telephone is activated.

Abstract: An improved public intercom system is described which has a sealed enclosure including an extruded chassis having a front wall and a rear wall. The front wall has an interface panel and a viewing panel mounted within cutouts. A plurality of axially aligned module cover plates supporting system components are mounted over cutouts in the rear wall. The interface includes a speaker, a microphone, a call initiation means, and a camera positioned to acquire images of the area in front of the interface panel. One of the cover plates including an outer surface with heat dissipation protrusions, with a blower located on said rear wall being oriented to direct air across the protrusions to extract heat from the chassis interior. A two-way communication means is mounted on a module plate and programmed to initiate a call to a pre-programmed receiver responsive to a command from the call initiation means.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for originating a call. The method for originating the call enables a user to conveniently originate a call to a phone number and a web address input from the user. To this end, the method includes the steps of displaying an image and information corresponding to the image, determining if a key allowing connection to one of a phone number and a web address included in the information is input, and connecting to one of the phone number and the web address if it is determined that the key is input.

Abstract: A plurality of partial networks can work independently from each other, and each partial network connects together several nodes including a connection node for transmission of audio signals. A connection network connects respective connection nodes of the respective partial networks so as to connect the plurality of the partial networks with each other through the connection nodes.

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: 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 multifunctional intercom system having message recording/retrieval functions, a remote control unit, and music playing capabilities, wherein the various buttons are labeled in Braille for use by hearing impaired individuals. The intercom system comprises a main control panel, a front door intercom/message unit, a plurality of room intercom units, and a remote control unit, each capable of transmitting and receiving sound from one another. The main control panel has a CD player and a clock radio, and is capable of selectively broadcasting music to the front door intercom/message unit and to the plurality of room intercom units. Messages left at the front door intercom/message unit may be retrieved at the main control panel, or by calling the intercom system from an outside phone line. In use, the user programs a private security code into the intercom system. Unauthorized individuals without knowledge of the private security code are unable to access the messages left upon the message recorder.

Abstract: An interphone panel for a multiple dwelling building operable to control access and encode replacement keys, the interphone panel comprising: a controller; a proximity key tag reader/encoder responsive to the controller; and an interphone voice path responsive to the controller, the interphone voice path creating a voice path between a user and a dweller of the multiple dwelling building, the controller being operative to encode a proximity key tag via the proximity key tag reader/encoder with at least one of building information, dwelling information and key code information.

Abstract: A wireless door intercom system comprises a wireless door intercom apparatus affixed to the entrance of a building and a portable wireless signal transceiver. The wireless door intercom apparatus comprises an audio transmission module for receiving sound and converting same into a first audio signal and a wireless signal transceiver module for converting an image signal and the first audio signal into a transmission signal which is in turn transmitted to the portable wireless signal transceiver. An audio transceiver of the portable wireless signal transceiver is adapted to receive a second audio signal input which is in turn transmitted to the audio transmission module. The wireless door intercom apparatus is also adapted to receive a lock open signal generated by a keypad of the portable wireless signal transceiver so as to remotely enable a lock controller of the wireless door intercom apparatus to open a lock connected to the wireless door intercom apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method of troubleshooting a communication connection for a remotely located security system is disclosed. A communication line test unit is incorporated into the remote security system and its communication unit. A central control unit can then contact the remote security system communication unit, enable the communication line test unit and perform tests on various operational parameters of the communication unit located in the remote unit and the communication connection of the local unit. The tests conducted can include loop current, tip to ring voltage, ring to ground current, circuit loss, circuit noise, power influence as well as other tests. Based on the results of these tests a determination can be made if the problem is an extraneous influence, such as a poor local telephone line connection, or some problem with the security system communication unit itself.

Abstract: An electronic apartment station intercom unit, housed in a vandal proof enclosure, providing a means for a tenant to communicate with apartment building main entrance door panel and means to unlock said door. This unit has a power storage unit that enables this unit to be compatible with existing apartment building switching units. This power storage unit can be in the form of capacitors. In addition, this unit also contains a timer to shut the intercom unit off after a preset period of time.

Abstract: Methods and systems for allowing communication between an exterior and an interior of a location, or a person associated with the location. A device positioned exterior to the location is connected to a communications system of the location. The device includes a signal generator for providing a signal responsive to input such as from a person on the exterior. In response, the communications system initiates or forwards a communication to a communications unit such as a wireless unit of a person associated with the location. The communication may be initiated or forwarded after a selected time. The device exterior to the location allows for participation in the communication. A voicemail or other system may be included for receiving a message if the communication is not answered. The device may be switchable to doorbell mode, in which case, the device does not generate the signal to the communications system and no communication is initiated or forwarded.

Abstract: An entrance intercom system comprises the following elements. A data base is applied to store the resident codes, the phone numbers and the identity recognizing codes of the residents. A communication module is coupled with public switch telephone networks to provide the communicating function between the visitors and the residents, and to receive the incoming phone calls. A CPU responsive to the resident codes input by the visitors can select the phone numbers of the resident stored in the database, and drive the communication module automatically to phone the resident. An incoming phone numbers collecting module is applied to collect the incoming phone numbers. The CPU can compare the incoming phone numbers and the numbers stored in the database. When the incoming phone number is identical to one stored in the data base, the CPU can unlock the gate.

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: A telephone plug system includes a jack body having one end adapted to be inserted into standard wall telephone jacks, having at least one receiving socket at another end adapted to receive a conventional plug which is attached to a telephone line operated device. One plug is selected as host plug and at least one as slave plug, whereby the host plug controls a slave plug regarding receiving calls such as speech, facsimile, data etc.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling communications privacy in a Home Network telephone system. The method comprises: using a gateway to send and receive calls on at least one external telephone line; supplying privacy and public mode bridging options; and, selectively excluding bridges between external telephone lines and a plurality of Home Network endpoints. In response to the privacy mode being selected, the gateway bridges a call between a first external telephone line and a first endpoint, and prevents bridges between the first external telephone line and other endpoints in the system. Alternately, when the public mode is selected, the gateway bridges a call between the first external telephone line and the first endpoint; and permits bridges between the first external telephone line and other endpoints in the system. That is, while the call is bridged to the first endpoint, a bridge is added between the first telephone line and the second endpoint.

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: 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 vehicle intercom system allows conversation between individuals located, respectively, inside and outside of a vehicle. The voice units are linked by a vehicle controller area network eliminating the need for independent wiring of an intercom system.

Abstract: A security system and method is disclosed for use with a security gate entry system that uses a telephone or other communication system at a security gate for communication by a person seeking entry into the secure area with a residence or other unit in the secure area. When a person seeking entry to a limited access area calls on the voice communication system, provided at a security gate entry system a residence or other unit within the secure complex the party answering the call has the option of disguising or altering the voice characteristics of the person answering the call. The system in a preferred embodiment shifts the audio characteristics of a female or child's voice to that of an adult male.

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 doorphone is provided with a camera, a microphone, a button serving as an input device, and a loudspeaker serving as an output device. When a visitor pushes the button, the camera starts recording an image and the microphone becomes ready for input of voice. The doorphone sends the recorded image and the input voice to an operation panel. The doorphone sends the recorded image and the input voice to the home server as well. Upon reception of the image and the voice, the home server recognizes which sensor senses a user through the use of a LAN, and selects a video/audio device (e.g., a personal computer) associated with that sensor as a data destination device. The image and voice received from the doorphone are transferred to the selected video/audio device through the LAN.

Abstract: A method and system for communicating without use of manual contact with a communications unit. The user approaches a communications system and can activate a communications unit by a proximity/motion detector and/or a voice activation device. The person can generate audio signals, such as by voice command, to activate the unit and establish contact. Body movements can also be used to connect to a specific location and/or control the communications mode, such as private, semi-private or conference call mode.

Abstract: An entrance intercom system comprises the following elements. A data base is applied to store the resident codes, the phone numbers and the identity recognizing codes of the residents. A communication module is coupled with public switch telephone networks to provide the communicating function between the visitors and the residents, and to receive the incoming phone calls. A CPU responsive to the resident codes input by the visitors can select the phone numbers of the resident stored in the database, and drive the communication module automatically to phone the resident. An incoming phone numbers collecting module is applied to collect the incoming phone numbers. The CPU can compare the incoming phone numbers and the numbers stored in the database. When the incoming phone number is identical to one stored in the data base, the CPU can unlock the gate.

Abstract: A parallel-connected dialing signal detection and transmission-inhibiting device is disclosed which detects dual-tone multi-frequency dialing signals across tip and ring conductors of a telephone link and switches in an a.c. load that attenuates the dialing signals by at least 30 dB. This prevents action in response to the DTMF signals by a central office servicing the telephone link, thereby allowing commands-data to be transmitted within the home telephone wiring. Such commands can be used to invoke a speed/auto dialing function, to provide an intercom, to control appliances, etc. To allow fast response, the controller charges a capacitor of the a.c. load by connecting it across the tip and ring conductors in response to an off-hook condition. Then it is disconnected to allow a dial tone to reach a user at the telephone. Further transparency is provided by the fact that a single interfacing capacitor connects both the dialing signal detector and a tone generator to the tip line.

Abstract: A telephone set of a telephone system is provided with an infrared interface. This infrared interface is able to communicate with an infrared port on a local computer. The computer is configured to send data to the infrared port, and receive data from the infrared port, in the same manner as if the computer was sending and receiving data over a telephone system. The telephone circuitry in the telephone system receives the infrared data and converts the infrared data into a format for transmitting across the telephone system.

Abstract: An intercom system for a building or apartment house includes at least one main entrance station 1 which is installed at an entrance or the like of a building or an apartment house, a plurality of residential master stations 2 which are respectively installed inside a plurality of residences in the building or apartment house for receiving calls and talking with the main entrance station 1, a common line 3 which connects the main entrance station 1 and respective residential master stations 2 in parallel, a line power supply 4 which supplies direct current power, for example, DC 24 V to the main entrance station 1 and respective residential master stations 2 through the common line 3, an electronic door lock 5 which is connected to the main entrance station 1 for locking and releasing an entrance door of a main entrance, and a plurality of call switches 6 connected to respective residential master stations 2 and mounted on front doors of respective residences for operation by a visitor.

Abstract: An intercom apparatus in which a connection of intercom master stations in respective residential rooms is carried out by use of a terminal unit which is separated from the master station and the terminal unit can be removed according to need with keeping the connecting state.

Abstract: A method and system for communicating without use of manual contact with a communications unit. The user approaches a communications system and can activate a communications unit by a proximity/motion detector and/or a voice activation device. The person can generate audio signals, such as by voice command, to activate the unit and establish contact. Body movements can also be used to connect to a specific location and/or control the communications mode, such as private, semi-private or conference call mode.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention comprises an electronic patch panel controller apparatus for use in environments where multiple internal handset lines share connectivity to a lesser number of external telephone lines, the control apparatus patching excess internal handset lines to available web based external lines accessible at a website accessed via a browser in process memory, the website providing commands for latching and unlatching engagement between pairs of cooperating active and passive ports to multiple external telephone lines accessible at and via the website, by a remote processor, the controller being manually or automatically operable.

Abstract: A home telephone system uses one or more super mini-private branch exchange (PBX) devices that enable telephone units on a same internal phone line to ring each other without involving a central office. After identifying a call as an internal call, the super mini-PBX devices may ring all other telephone units within the home. Alternatively, the home telephone system may assign different numerical numbers and/or ring styles to specific telephone units so that a specific telephone unit may be reached directly by dialing an assigned number from one of the telephone units within the home. When only one super mini-PBX exists, the home telephone system may assign different ring styles to reach a particular telephone unit. The home telephone system uses existing telephone equipment without the need of special wiring, thus improving in-home communication without the complexity or additional cost associated with intercom systems. In addition, the home telephone system affords private conversation within the home.

Abstract: For single line telephone service, let red/green denote a pair that is connected to the central office, and yellow/black denote an unused pair, but which also appears at the connections to the subscribers equipment. Any computer or other device that is to be interruptible by an ordinary handset is connected to red/green through a phone service re-allocation circuit that is also connected to, and that monitors, yellow/black. An extension allowed to cause an interrupt is connected to yellow/black. For RJ-11 connections an adapter routes the yellow/black (in the wall) over to the terminals normally used for red/green. An off hook condition of the interrupting equipment connected to the adapter now serves as part of a signal to the re-allocation circuit. Upon a signal, the re-allocation circuit terminates the access of the interruptible equipment to the red/green pair, and bridges the red/green pair to the yellow/black pair instead.

Abstract: An intercom system for mansion/apartment house of the present invention can achieve the power saving by suppressing a current consumption at the time of calling by a visitor standing at a main entrance or a residential front door or at the time of locking or releasing an electric door lock which is mounted on a front door of the main entrance and can ensure the favorable talk quality by suppressing howling. To a common bus, at least one main entrance station including a talk module for performing calling and talking and at least one switch module being connected to the talk module and having a call switch for performing selecting of a station, a bus controller for supplying a power to a common bus, and a plurality of residential master stations for performing calling and talking with the main entrance station are connected in parallel respectively.

Abstract: A wall-hung or shelf situated free-standing voice memorandum system allows an individual to record a message for another member of the household. the system can be used in connection with a household doorbell system so that at the user's choice, the system either operates simply as a doorbell or when the door button is pressed plays at the door a greeting that the user has recorded, invites the visitor to leave voice messages for the household-and-records any messages given.

Abstract: For single line telephone service, let red/green denote a pair that is connected to the central office, and yellow/black denote an unused pair, but which also appears at the connections to the subscribers equipment. Any computer or other device that is to be interruptible by an ordinary handset is connected to red/green through a phone service re-allocation circuit that is also connected to, and that monitors, yellow/black. An extension allowed to cause an interrupt is connected to yellow/black. For RJ-11 connections an adapter routes the yellow/black (in the wall) over to the terminals normally used for red/green. An off hook condition of the interrupting equipment connected to the adapter now serves as part of a signal to the re-allocation circuit. Upon a signal, the re-allocation circuit terminates the access of the interruptible equipment to the red/green pair, and bridges the red/green pair to the yellow/black pair instead.

Abstract: A Network Interface Unit (38, 38′, 38″) routes incoming calls to, and outgoing calls from, a plurality of telephone sets (12-22) at a subscriber premises (24). The Network Interface Unit continuously monitors for incoming calls and the availability of telephone sets. Upon receipt of a call, the Network Interface Unit determines which telephone sets are idle and applies a distinctive ring to each idle telephone set o identify the telephone line or equivalent on which the call was received. Once a telephone set goes off hook, the Network Interface Unit routes the call to that set and releases the remaining telephone sets for subsequent calls. When a subscriber initiates an outgoing telephone call, the Network Interface Unit detects the call and routes it on an idle outgoing telephone line or equivalent.