Abstract: A method and system that enables users to remotely control or manage certain vehicle features, such as emergency flashers or a remote engine start, through the use of a trigger device other than a conventional vehicle key fob. For example, a trigger device like a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or a computer can be used to remotely control or activate select vehicle features. In one embodiment, short message service (SMS) messages are used to send feature commands either directly from the trigger device to the vehicle or via a call center or other message processing entity.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying security content from a set top box to a television. In one embodiment, the television receives media content for display. Security content from one or more wireless cameras replaces the media content in response to receiving an alert from the one or more wireless cameras.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a telephony communication interface device. The device includes a communication transceiver configured to communicate with a remote system via a predetermined communication channel. A control circuit is coupled to the communication transceiver. The control circuit is configured to determine a device operating mode status based on communication transceiver activity. The device operating mode status includes a telephonic communications mode and a remote system communications mode. An interface circuit is coupled to at least one telephone set. The interface circuit is configured to propagate voice telephony signals between the at least one telephone set and a telephony network in a telephonic communications mode and propagate voice intercom signals between the at least one telephone set and the communication transceiver in the remote system communications mode.

Abstract: An authentication device for fitting at the entrance to a property includes an externally facing interface including a speaker and a microphone; an internally facing interface comprising a speaker, a microphone and a keypad; and a processing unit including electrical interfaces to both the internally and externally facing interfaces and to a telephone unit. The internally facing keypad includes a button which permits a user to cause the processing unit to initiate a call using the telephone unit to a remote voice verification center via the telephone unit and the PSTN to which it is interfaced when in use (via standard telephone socket). The processing unit is additionally operable to communicate audio signals between the remote voice verification center and at least the externally facing interface (i.e. the speaker and microphone thereof), whereby a visitor may be remotely verified by the remote voice verification center before the householder grants the visitor admission to the property.

Abstract: A method and a device for communication/control of access, the term access including access to services and or goods. According to the invention should a person wishing to use the method for obtaining access establish contact via telephone with machine or called person (B-replier); as a following step should said person, verbally or by signalling via existing keypad, request access; and as a subsequently following step evaluates contacted machine/person (B-replier) whether or not the request for access should be accepted; and as a final step, on accepted received information from the calling person, initiates called machine or person (B-replier) performance of relevant action by signalling to the required unit.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying security content to a cell phone. An indication is received that a doorbell has been activated. A signal is sent to the cell phone indicating that the doorbell has been activated.

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 apparatus and method for wireless doorbell and security control panel interaction is provided. The system includes a wireless doorbell, a security control panel, and at least one control panel activation device having a transmitter and a manually activated switch or button. The control panel is in communication with the at least one control panel activation device by way of the transmitter. The control panel includes a receiver for receiving signals transmitted from the at least one control panel activation device via the transmitter. A security keypad having a speaker device for broadcasting an alarm or message related to functions of the security system is in communication with the control panel as well. At least one auxiliary security device is also in communication with the control panel. The auxiliary security device may include an assortment of devices that perform ancillary functions that enhance the functionality of the security control panel.

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 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.