Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling a call using a wireless integrated access device that is compatible with Voice over ATM and Voice over DSL on a network side while being compatible with VoIP on a customer premise side are disclosed. For example, the present method employs a wireless integrated access device for receiving an incoming call from a broadband access network that uses dedicated connection switching. In turn, the method establishes a wireless connection for the incoming call with at least one VoIP enabled endpoint device located at a customer premise.

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: 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 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: 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: 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: 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: A monitoring and entry system presence service provides notification about a trigger event to a user and performs actions based on user input. Interface devices equipped with client applications capable of performing actions such as VoIP calls, video calls, and the like, register with a control and session layer, which facilitates interaction with a specific presence application and an integrated presence service, such as a doorbell application and a generic presence service. Upon determining the location of a user, notification and a list of actions are provided through a watcher client application. In response to the user selection, actions are facilitated through the same network session(s).

Abstract: A peripheral load driver that utilizes the power, wiring, and primary load of a conventional doorbell system to drive a doorbell system peripheral load at a higher current without risk of inadvertently energizing the primary load of the conventional doorbell system. The peripheral load driver comprising a power converting means for converting power extracted from the conventional doorbell system from a higher-voltage-at-a-lower-current to a lower-voltage-at-a-higher current wherein the higher-voltage-at-a-lower-current is insufficient to energize the primary load of the conventional doorbell system and the lower-voltage-at-a-higher-current is compatible with the doorbell system peripheral load.

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 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: The present invention is to provide a surveillance apparatus for monitoring the situation of a visitor through a mobile phone, which comprises a monitor assembly including a microprocessor, a digital/analog converter connected to the microprocessor, an electric bell, a microphone, and a speaker. If the electric bell is pressed, a visit signal will be sent to the microprocessor. After the microprocessor has received the visit signal, a notice signal is sent immediately from a switchboard through at least one base station to a mobile phone. After the mobile phone is connected, a bidirectional signal communication can be made between the mobile phone and the microphone and the speaker.

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: 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 automatic door answering system is provided which automatically leaves a resident's message for a visitor. The system includes a wireless communication interface arranged to directly communicate with a visitor's wireless communication system and to receive authentication information from the visitor's wireless communication system. The system further includes a message output component. It is arranged to check the identity of the visitor based on the authentication information received and, in response to the result of the identity check, to cause the message output component to output a resident's message.

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: 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.