Abstract: An electronic directory and entry control system includes, in different embodiments, a scheme for cooling a liquid crystal display ("ILCD") and an interface for a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf ("TDD"). Because entry control systems are commonly installed outdoors under uncontrollable temperature conditions, and because LCDs are typically inoperable in high temperatures, a first embodiment of the present system utilizes a solid-state thermoelectric cooling device to maintain the LCD within a preferred temperature range. Further, because entry control systems typically rely on verbal communications between a visitor and a tenant in determining whether the visitor should be admitted, such systems are often of no use when hearing-impaired individuals visit. Accordingly, a second embodiment of the present system allows for TDD use in communication between hearing-impaired visitors and tenants.

Abstract: A system for securing a building complex incorporating a plurality of lockable access locations, including a keypad-operated remote unit at each access location coupled for communication with a control station through a communication network. Access locations are room doors, as of a hotel or an apartment building and the remote units are grouped by floor, each floor having a sub-controller to relay messages and perform control functions. The control station includes a desk unit with a keypad for entering floor-related access code information as chosen by a guest and a separate keyboard for assignment of a room number by a desk clerk which addresses a remote unit. Access codes are stored at remote units located at the assigned rooms so that a room can be unlocked only by manual entry of the proper access code on a keypad of the remote unit. Each remote unit functions independently to open a door associated with it and remains operable even if other portions of the system malfunction.

Abstract: A system for securing a complex with a plurality of lockable access points has a stand-alone keypad-operated remote station at each access point for communication with a desk station through a local area network. In a preferred embodiment the access points are room doors of a hotel or an apartment building and the rooms are divided into groups having separate controllers to relay messages between stations and perform control functions. The desk station then has a keypad for entry of access code information chosen by a guest and a separate keyboard for assignment of a room number by a clerk. The desk station stores the access code at a remote station located at the assigned room, whereupon the room can be unlocked only by manual entry of the code on a keypad of the remote station. Each remote station functions independently to open a door associated with it and remains operable to open the door even if other portions of the system malfunction.