AUTHORISATION IN THE INTERCOM NETWORK, MOBILE DEVICE AND PROCEDURES

Description

[0001] The invention relates initially to an intercom network with the features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Such networks have been developed, distributed, and used by the applicant for decades and are described, for example, in the applicant's German patent applications DE 10 2014 011 963 A1 and DE 10 2014 104 811 A1. The applicant is one of the world's leading companies in the field of intercom networks.

[0003] The intercom network, developed by the applicant under the name Acrobat and in use for some time, serves for real-time audio communication between participants.

[0004] The participants include, for example, stationary intercom stations, but also mobile intercom handsets. A state-of-the-art intercom network comprises one or more stationary elements. These are also commonly referred to as a base station or antenna. The base station acts as a kind of switching center and can establish direct connections between the connected participants. An antenna is another stationary element that either also performs the functions of a switching center and / or serves as a transmitter and / or receiver for DECT radio signals, or more generally, for VHF, UHF, or DECT signals, particularly in the frequency bands of 2.4 GHz, 5.2 GHz, or 5.8 GHz, and / or for connecting additional stationary participants.

[0005] One or more intercom stations and / or one or more stationary devices, such as wired microphones or wired headsets, can be connected to the base or antenna.

[0006] Intercom networks of the known type also typically include one or more mobile devices. For the purposes of this patent application, mobile devices are understood to be devices that can communicate wirelessly with one or more participants in the intercom network. The DECT frequency band is used specifically for data transmission. Where this patent application refers specifically to the DECT frequency band, the person skilled in the art should understand this as an exemplary listing of a multitude of possible frequency bands encompassed by the invention, such as VHF, UHF, DECT, e.g., in frequency ranges of 2.4 gigahertz, 5.2 gigahertz, or 5.8 gigahertz. In this frequency band, audio signals can be transmitted wirelessly from the mobile device to the stationary element, e.g., the base station or the antenna.

[0007] The mobile device is either a beltpack or a mobile microphone. A mobile microphone is essentially a handheld microphone that can communicate wirelessly, particularly via a DECT radio standard.

[0008] A beltpack is a device that can be attached to an operator or to an operator's clothing and has connections for a cable that allows the beltpack to be connected to a microphone or headset.

[0009] The mobile microphone can also be part of a headset.

[0010] Both the microphone and the beltpack each have an audio input. In the case of the microphone, the audio input, as defined in the invention, refers to the microphone part itself, through which an operator can directly input audio information.

[0011] In a beltpack, the audio input refers to the connector or socket through which audio signals from a connected microphone or headset can be transmitted to the beltpack via a cable or wirelessly (e.g. via Bluetooth).

[0012] An intercom network of this type is used particularly for events and live events. Examples include a singing competition, such as the Eurovision Song Contest, or a sporting event, such as coverage of a Formula One race. On-site, during the event, the intercom network is used and provides absolutely reliable, switchable communication links between the participants.

[0013] An intercom network is configured in advance for the event, for example, at the factory. All necessary equipment is assembled, and a participant management system, which administers all participants to be connected to the stationary element, is set up or configured to know which participants are permitted to connect to the intercom network during the event and which are not. During event planning, it can therefore be precisely determined how many participants with which functionalities, but also, in particular, which devices are permitted to connect to the intercom network.

[0014] During the configuration process, the participant management system can be programmed to specify and save which particular mobile device may or should be connected to the intercom network during the event.

[0015] The individual devices of the correspondingly pre-configured intercom network are then sent to the event location and set up on site.

[0016] The mobile devices are usually assigned to operators, e.g. reporters, presenters or performers.

[0017] In order for the operator to log into the intercom network with their mobile device and participate in the exchange of audio information, a password or PIN is required in state-of-the-art intercom networks. For this purpose, the mobile device is placed within the transmission / receiving range of a stationary participant in the intercom network. A communication link is then established between the mobile device and the stationary device via the same radio link used for audio communication, specifically a radio link within the DECT frequency range. During this communication exchange, the password (identifier) ​​manually entered by the operator on the mobile device is transmitted to the stationary device. The participant management system can then perform an authorization check.If the password matches the password stored in a memory of this institution, the mobile device will be allowed to communicate; otherwise, it will be rejected.

[0018] As is common with live events, a number of unexpected problems can arise shortly before the event. Entering passwords requires particular attention, and those involved in these live events often have to focus their attention and concentration on numerous other tasks as well.

[0019] Another similar intercom network is described in the applicant's German patent application DE 10 2014 104811 A1. This application does not describe the inclusion of mobile devices. Furthermore, it does not show the transmission of audio signals from the mobile device to the stationary element in the DECT frequency range. Finally, it is not known from the application that a participant management system is configured to perform an authorization check when the mobile device registers with the stationary element. Nor does it describe that the system includes an NFC element and the mobile device an NFC counterpart, whereby authorization information can be transmitted from the NFC counterpart to the NFC element when the mobile device approaches the stationary element.

[0020] EP 2 492 875 A2 discloses a method and an apparatus relating to an access control system for both physical and logical access, particularly to a building. An intercom network is not mentioned in the publication.

[0021] Finally, US patent 2012 / 220224 A1 discloses a wireless communication system that also provides access control to a building entrance using a first NFC device, a second NFC device, and a third NFC device. An intercom network is not mentioned in the document.

[0022] WO 2014 / 083436 A2 describes an intercom system using an NFC communication device. Using the example of a door intercom system, it describes how NFC tags can be used to establish audio connections with specific residents of a building, provided the visitor is authorized. In another embodiment of this document, mobile phones are mentioned as NFC devices. However, the intercom network described in the document is not intended for use in live events. The document does not disclose the transmission of audio signals from the mobile device to a stationary element within the DECT frequency range. Furthermore, the document does not disclose a mobile device designed as a beltpack or a mobile microphone.

[0023] Starting from the intercom network of the type described above, the object of the invention is to further develop the network in such a way that its operation becomes safer and more convenient.

[0024] The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 1, in particular with those of the characterizing part, and is accordingly characterized in that the device comprises an NFC element arranged on the stationary element, and that an NFC counterpart element is arranged on the mobile device, wherein, when the mobile device approaches the stationary element, authorization information can be transmitted from the NFC counterpart element to the NFC element.

[0025] The principle of the invention essentially consists of replacing the manual password entry required in a prior art intercom network for authorization verification with NFC communication. For this purpose, an NFC element is arranged on the stationary element, and an NFC counterpart element is arranged on the mobile device. NFC technology (NFC = Near Field Communication) is subject to established industry standards.

[0026] According to the invention, when the mobile device approaches the stationary element, authorization information can be transmitted from the NFC counterpart element to the NFC element.

[0027] The approach may require short distances of, for example, 0 to 10 cm between the two devices.

[0028] In one embodiment of the invention, a registration process is always initiated when a mobile device is brought into close proximity to the stationary element, at least briefly.

[0029] The NFC counterpart can automatically transmit authorization information to the NFC element. This information might include, for example, a device identifier of the mobile device, or an identification number or identifier of the mobile device. For the purposes of this invention, authorization information is defined as any information or data that enables the participant management system to verify whether the respective mobile device is authorized to participate in communication with the participants of this intercom network. During an authorization check, the participant management system can determine whether the transmitted authorization information corresponds to the information previously stored in the system's memory.

[0030] Manual entry of a password, PIN, or similar information on the mobile device is no longer necessary. The authorization information can be transmitted automatically.

[0031] The operator is thus relieved of the need to enter a password. In particular, the operator no longer needs to remember a password. This saves the operator valuable time and concentration; operating the intercom network has become more secure and convenient.

[0032] The intercom network is configured such that, during the process of compiling the list of participants for the event, all devices used during the event are registered by the participant management system. This may include assigning each participant a unique identifier, identification number, ID, or similar identifier.

[0033] During the transfer of authorization information from the NFC counterpart to the NFC device, this identifier or device information can be transmitted to the institution during an on-site registration process, i.e., during or shortly before the event. This access data can be transmitted in encrypted form or, if necessary, unencrypted.

[0034] The intercom network according to the invention serves for real-time audio communication between participants. The participants can include stationary or mobile devices. A stationary device is understood to be, for example, a handset, a headset, a beltpack, or a microphone, each of which is connected to a stationary element, e.g., a switching center, a base station, or an antenna, by means of a fixed, wired connection.

[0035] The intercom network according to the invention comprises at least one stationary or mobile element. This can, for example, be a base station, i.e., a type of switching center. However, the intercom network can also have several stationary or mobile elements, e.g., a base station and several connected antennas, which can function, for example, as repeaters or as parallel or serially connected switching centers.

[0036] All participants are connected to the stationary element directly, or indirectly via other stationary elements.

[0037] The intercom network can include at least one mobile device, preferably multiple mobile devices. Audio signals can be wirelessly transmitted from each mobile device to the stationary element, or alternatively to another stationary user, or to another mobile user. Signal transmission occurs wirelessly, specifically within the DECT frequency range defined by international standards.

[0038] As the name suggests, the mobile device can be moved and relocated relative to the stationary element. The invention also encompasses situations where mobile devices transmit audio signals to different stationary participants in the intercom network at different times, typically depending on their relative positions to the stationary elements of the intercom network.

[0039] The stationary element includes a subscriber management system that registers and manages the subscribers connected to it. Such administration or management of the connected subscribers requires, for example, that the system knows at all times which subscriber is connected via which cable or wireless connection, how the communication paths run, how they can be switched, etc. The subscriber management system can be centrally or decentrally implemented. The entire intelligence of the subscriber management system can be centrally located on the stationary element, or only a portion of it, the latter being particularly common if the subscriber management system is decentralized.

[0040] To register the mobile device with the stationary element, the system performs an authorization check. The invention encompasses intercom networks in which each mobile device can only be registered with a specific stationary element, even if multiple stationary elements are present in the network. However, the invention also encompasses intercom networks with multiple stationary elements, where the mobile device can be registered with any of them.

[0041] According to the invention, the device comprises an NFC element arranged on the stationary element. In the case of multiple stationary elements, the invention may include the arrangement of an NFC element on each stationary element, or alternatively, the arrangement of an NFC element on only one stationary element.

[0042] According to the invention, an NFC counterpart is arranged on the mobile device. The terms NFC element and NFC counterpart are arbitrary. Commercially available components are typically categorized as an NFC reader and an NFC tag. There are also conventional NFC components that include both parts, i.e., the reader and the tag. In one embodiment, an NFC reader is arranged on the participant management device and an NFC tag is arranged on the respective mobile device. The reverse configuration is also encompassed by the invention.

[0043] Authorization information can be transmitted from the NFC counterpart to the NFC element when the two devices are in close proximity. Such authorization information transmission can occur automatically each time the mobile device is near the stationary element. However, the invention also encompasses situations where initiating the transmission of authorization information from the NFC counterpart to the NFC element requires the operator to press a button, switch, or other actuating element on the mobile device and / or the stationary element.

[0044] NFC refers to a conventional, internationally defined wireless communication standard. The use of NFC components allows for the use of standard, commercially available building blocks.

[0045] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the authorization information comprises a unique identifier of the mobile device or information about the mobile device. This could, for example, be a unique identifier that the participant management system can recognize on the stationary element in order to uniquely identify the mobile device as belonging to the intercom network. However, it could also be, in particular, a unique device identifier that is assigned only once to each mobile device, for example, a type of serial number.

[0046] The authorization information can include the identifier, either encoded or unencoded, directly or indirectly. It is important that the correct mobile device registers with the stationary element, or that other devices not authorized to register with the intercom network can be identified by the system as unauthorized and excluded from registration.

[0047] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, during the authorization check, the subscriber management system allows a mobile device to register with the stationary element only if its unique identifier is stored as an authorized identifier in the system's memory. During the configuration process of the intercom network, the authorized mobile devices and information about them are stored in memory, either encoded or unencoded. The subscriber management system performs an authorization check when a mobile device registers with a stationary or mobile element and only allows those mobile devices whose unique identifier is listed as authorized in memory. The subscriber management system performs a corresponding comparison in this regard.

[0048] Once registered in the intercom network, the mobile device advantageously remains registered there until a deregistration process is carried out.

[0049] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the intercom network according to the invention provides for several mobile devices. In particular, it can be provided that each of the mobile devices has an NFC element. Each of the mobile devices can also have its own identifier, which can be transmitted to the NFC counterpart or, at least, sent via the NFC counterpart to the participant management system. The invention is particularly advantageous in such intercom networks because, even with a large number of operators, each with their own mobile devices, the login and registration processes are kept remarkably short and simple, since each mobile device can log into the network by briefly bringing it close to a stationary element.

[0050] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, several stationary elements are provided. The participant management system can comprise several NFC elements, which are distributed among the several stationary elements. Advantageously, each of the several stationary elements can comprise one NFC element. In this embodiment of the invention, it is arbitrary at which of the stationary elements the mobile device is registered.

[0051] Regardless of which stationary device the mobile device has logged into, the user management system can obtain information about the login attempt. The user management system is organized decentrally and can perform authorization checks regardless of which stationary device a mobile device attempts to log into.

[0052] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, when a first mobile device comes relatively close to a second authorized mobile device, authorization information can be transmitted from the NFC counterpart of the second mobile device to the NFC counterpart of the first mobile device. This information is then wirelessly transmitted from the NFC counterpart of the first mobile device to the subscriber management system.

[0053] In this embodiment of the invention, for example, a beltpack as a mobile device can not only itself file an application on a stationary element, but a second beltpack, i.e., a second mobile device, can also file an application on this same device. Thus, potentially several mobile devices can file applications simultaneously.

[0054] Multiple devices can be successively registered to a primary mobile device, which can then transmit the authorization information to the participant management system. This significantly enhances the security and simplification of the login and registration process when using multiple mobile devices.

[0055] The participant management system only activates the corresponding audio channels for communication between participants on their respective mobile devices once an authorization process has been successful.

[0056] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, an actuating element is arranged on the mobile device, the actuation of which enables the mobile device to be disconnected from the intercom network. For example, a simple button or a knob can be provided here, which, when pressed, disconnects the mobile device from the intercom network.

[0057] Such a logout process can be advantageously logged and / or detected by the institution managing the participants, thus ensuring that no accidental communications are made to the logged-out mobile device.

[0058] To avoid repetition, reference is made to the above explanations regarding the terms and characteristics used and their interpretation.

[0059] According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for registering a mobile device with a stationary element of an intercom network according to claim 9.

[0060] The invention is based on the objective of further developing such a method, as is known and described in a generic intercom network, in such a way that it is simpler, more convenient and safer.

[0061] The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 9.

[0062] To avoid repetition, reference is again made to the above statements, including those concerning the interpretation of the features and the terminology used.

[0063] For the avoidance of doubt, it should be noted that the process steps a) to d) of claim 9 are carried out before the start of the live event or event to be carried out, in particular, but not exclusively, at a location other than the venue.

[0064] In contrast, step e) of registering the mobile device is carried out immediately shortly before the start of the event or during the event, particularly at the event venue.

[0065] The invention further relates to an intercom network according to the preamble of claim 10.

[0066] The principle of the invention lies in further developing a known prior art intercom network, as described above, in such a way that the network becomes more secure and convenient.

[0067] The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 10, in particular with those of the characterizing part, and accordingly characterized in that the device comprises an RFID element arranged on the stationary element, and that an RFID counter-element is arranged on the mobile device, wherein, when the mobile device approaches the stationary element, authorization information can be transmitted from the RFID counter-element to the RFID element.

[0068] Regarding the meaning and interpretation of the features of claim 10 and the description of the advantages of the teaching according to claim 10 and its operation, reference may be made to the above explanations concerning claim 1 and also to the dependent claims to claim 1 in order to avoid repetition. According to the teaching of claim 10, an RFID element and an RFID counter-element can be used instead of an NFC element and an RFID counter-element, respectively.

[0069] Furthermore, the invention encompasses any combination of the subject matter of claim 10 with features of the present patent application that are described solely or also in relation to NFC technology. These features can also be applied within the scope of the invention in relation to RFID elements and RFID counter-elements, and such applications are also encompassed by the invention.

[0070] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a method according to claim 11.

[0071] The invention is based on the objective of further developing the method described above in such a way that it is simplified, more convenient and safer.

[0072] The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 11.

[0073] To avoid repetition, reference is again made to the above statements, including those concerning the interpretation of the features, whereby the statements made regarding the NFC element and NFC counterpart also apply analogously to the RFID element and the RFID counterpart.

[0074] Further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the uncited dependent claims, as well as from the following description of the embodiments shown in the figures.

[0075] It shows: Fig. 1 shows a schematic, block-diagram-like embodiment of an intercom network according to the invention with two stationary elements, six connected stationary subscribers, and two mobile terminals, also in a schematic, block-diagram-like representation. Fig. 2 shows a schematic, perspective view of a mobile terminal designed as a beltpack, approximately as in sub-circle II in Fig. 1 shown, with a headset connected to it via cable, and Fig. 3 in a schematic representation an operator wearing such a beltpack and a headset, as in Fig. 2 shown, wears.

[0076] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in the following description of the figures, also with reference to the drawings. For the sake of clarity, identical or comparable parts, elements, or areas are designated with the same reference numerals, sometimes with the addition of lowercase letters, even where different embodiments are concerned.

[0077] Features described only in relation to one embodiment can also be provided in any other embodiment of the invention. Such modified embodiments are included in the invention, even if they are not shown in the drawings.

[0078] All disclosed features are essential to the invention. The disclosure of this application also fully incorporates the disclosure content of the associated priority documents (copy of the prior application) as well as the cited publications and the described devices of the prior art, also for the purpose of including one or more features of these documents in one or more claims of the present application.

[0079] An embodiment of the invention is described in Fig. 1 schematically represented, and designated as the intercom network in its entirety with 10.

[0080] The Intercom Network 10 of Fig. 1 The intercom network 10 comprises a large number of participants, designated by reference symbols 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, and 11f. It also includes a stationary element 12a, configured as a base, and another stationary element 12b, configured as an antenna.

[0081] Each of the participants 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f is configured as a communication station 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d, 23e, 23f. A communication station is a conventional electronic device which includes, in particular, a microphone, a loudspeaker, and direct dial buttons. To avoid repetition, reference can be made to the applicant's German patent applications DE 10 2014 011 963 A1 and DE 10 2014 104 811 A1 regarding the term "communication station".

[0082] Each of the intercom stations 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d, 23e, 23f forms a stationary subscriber 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f, which is connected via an electrical connection line 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, 24e, 24f to at least one of the two stationary elements 12a, 12b. Due to the wired connection between subscriber 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f and the stationary element 12a, 12b, the corresponding subscriber 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f is a stationary, i.e., non-mobile, subscriber.

[0083] In Fig. 1 Not shown, but also encompassed by the invention, are intercom networks in which so-called beltpacks or microphones are connected via a cable to a stationary element 12a, 12b. These are also referred to as stationary subscribers.

[0084] In the intercom network 10 according to the embodiment of the Fig. 1 A base 13 is provided. This base includes a device 19 for managing the connected subscribers 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f. The device 19 for managing the subscribers can be formed by a microprocessor or include one.

[0085] In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 1 In addition to the so-called base 13, an antenna 14 is also provided.

[0086] The invention also includes embodiments of networks 10 in which no antenna 14 is provided, and also embodiments in which several antennas are provided. The more antennas 14 are provided, or the more base elements 13 are provided, the more pronounced the intelligence of the control unit, i.e., the intelligence of the device 19 for subscriber management, can be, distributed decentrally across several stationary elements 13, 14.

[0087] The facility 19 for participant management administers and manages the circuit paths between the individual participants 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f.

[0088] According to the exemplary embodiment, the following are also participants in the Intercom network 10: Fig. 1 a mobile device 15a in the form of a beltpack 16, and another mobile device 15b in the form of a mobile microphone 17 are provided.

[0089] The mobile microphone 17 has an audio input 18b into which speech signals can be directly entered by an operator 33.

[0090] The Beltpack 16, on the other hand, features an audio input 18a, designed as an audio connector, for example as a socket or a plug, for receiving a Fig. 2 cable 25 (not shown), for connection to a microphone or headset 28 according to Fig. 2 .

[0091] According to the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 1 In the exemplary embodiment of an intercom network 10, a beltpack 16 and a mobile microphone 17 are provided. However, the invention also encompasses embodiments in which multiple beltpacks 16 and / or multiple mobile microphones 17 are provided. The invention also encompasses intercom networks in which no stationary subscribers 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f are provided, but only mobile terminals 15a, 15b.

[0092] While audio signals are transmitted via wired connection paths 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, 24e, 24f, 24g from the stationary subscribers 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f, corresponding audio signals can be transmitted wirelessly to and from the mobile devices 15, 15b. The DECT radio standard is used for this purpose.

[0093] Each of the mobile devices 15a, 15b has a communication module with which audio signals can be received and transmitted. Likewise, the base 13 and / or the antenna 14 and / or the stationary devices 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d, 23e, 23f have corresponding communication modules with which the audio signals can be transmitted, i.e., received and sent, in particular according to the DECT radio standard.

[0094] For the sake of clarity, the respective communication modules for audio signal transmission in the mobile devices 15a, 15b and in the base 13 or antenna 14 are not shown in the figures. These are conventional, commercially available components that are already used in state-of-the-art intercom networks and in the corresponding mobile devices.

[0095] The intercom network 10 according to the invention is typically, though not exclusively, used at live events, in the theater sector, etc. To guarantee the smooth running of the event, the intercom network 10 is configured beforehand, for example, at the factory. For this purpose, the intercom network 10 is assembled with regard to the required devices or participants. With regard to the selection of the mobile devices 15a, 15b, it should be noted that each of the mobile devices can have an electronic component 29a, 29b in which an identifier, in particular a device identifier, or a device identification number or the like, is recorded. The identifier can, for example, be a serial number of the device, or in any case a code that enables the device to be identified by the participant management system 19.

[0096] For clarification, it should be noted that the building blocks 29a, 29b may also be fused with the respective NFC counterpart element 21a, 21b, which will be explained later, or may be a component of the latter.

[0097] Those mobile devices 15a, 15b which connect to the Intercom network 10 during the event according to Fig. 1 Devices to be connected are taken into account beforehand, for example, at the factory, during the configuration. For this purpose, the participant management system 19 is informed during the configuration process of the intercom network 10, in particular by means of configuration software, that a specific mobile device 15a, e.g., the beltpack 16, is to be connected. Fig. 1 , with a specific identifier to be admitted to registration during the event. A storage location 22 is assigned to the participant management system 19, in which this identifier is stored.

[0098] It should be noted that the configuration of the Intercom Network 10, for example, can be made a considerable time before the event, even several weeks or months in advance, as it often takes a lot of time to transport the individual devices of the Intercom Network 10 to the event venue.

[0099] If the intercom network is 10 of the Fig. 1 Once the system is set up and put into operation on-site, i.e., at the event venue, for the purpose of conducting the event, the mobile devices 15a and 15b to be used in the Intercom Network 10 must log in to or register with the system. This prevents unauthorized devices from gaining access and ensures that the correct devices, such as the mobile devices 15a and 15b, which also possess the necessary technical specifications, are connected to the Intercom Network 10.

[0100] Furthermore, this ensures that if two or more intercom systems are used during the event, the correct mobile device 15a, 15b registers with the correct intercom system 10, and not accidentally with the wrong intercom system 10.

[0101] To make this registration process as secure and convenient as possible, an NFC element 20a is connected to the participant management unit 19 of the base station 13 via a control line 30a. The NFC element 20a can, for example, be a conventional NFC reader, such as those commercially available.

[0102] The mobile device 15a in the form of the Beltpack 16 in Fig. 1 The NFC element 20a has an NFC counterpart 21a. When the NFC element 20a and the NFC counterpart 21a are brought close together, for example to a distance of less than 10 cm, the identifier stored, for example, in the memory 29a or in the NFC counterpart 21a can be transmitted from the NFC counterpart 21a to the NFC element 20a, and from there forwarded to the device 19 for participant management. This device checks the received data, compares it with the data stored in the memory 22, and can then decide by comparison whether the beltpack 16 or the mobile device 15a belongs to the Fig. 1 whether or not it is authorized for connection to the stationary element 12a. Only if a positive authorization check is carried out may the mobile device 15a participate in communication with the other participants 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d, 23e, 23f of the intercom network 10.

[0103] It should be noted that storage facility 22 is shown to be Fig. 1 It is connected to the device 19 via a control line 30b. The storage unit 22 can of course also be part of the device 19.

[0104] The NFC element 30a can also be part of the setup 19.

[0105] Similarly, the memory 29a of the mobile device 15a can be part of the NFC counterpart. Suitable electronic modules, components, and circuits can be used here.

[0106] It goes without saying that the mobile device 15a, 15b has a power supply, for example via a battery or accumulator or the like, in order to supply the electronic electrical elements and components of the mobile device 15a, 15b with the required operating voltage, if necessary.

[0107] Likewise, the stationary element 12a, 12b is also equipped with a power supply, line or mains line (not shown) to ensure the operation of the electronic and electrical components of the stationary element 12a.

[0108] Antenna 14 has a similar structure: It includes a component 32, which can be considered part of the device 19 of the stationary element 12a. Component 32 is connected to another NFC element 20b via a control line 30c. In this embodiment, the mobile device 15a can, for example, register with the stationary element 12a or, alternatively, with the stationary element 12b.

[0109] According to the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 2 It should be noted that a beltpack 16 can be connected to a headset 28 via a cable 25, and - how Fig. 3 shows - can be worn on a person's body. The headset 28 can have a microphone 26 and headphones 27. Other configurations than those shown are also possible. Fig. 2 and 3 The depicted are of course encompassed by the invention. Person 33 according to Fig. 3 This is merely an example and can, for instance, illustrate a television presenter.

[0110] The mobile device 15a, 16 is equipped with an actuating element 31a in the form of a button, switch, or knob. Actuating the actuating element 31a disconnects this mobile device 15a from the intercom network 10. For example, actuating the actuating element 31a notifies the device 19, via the NFC counterpart 21a and the NFC element 20a, that this mobile device 15a is disconnecting from the intercom network 10.

[0111] A second mobile device is in the form of the mobile microphone 17 in Fig. 1 As shown: Here too, an electronic component 29a is indicated, in which an identifier of this microphone 17 can be stored. The NFC counterpart 21b functions in the same way as the NFC counterpart 21a described above.

[0112] The mobile microphone 17 also according to Fig. 1 It features an actuating element 31b with which the mobile microphone can be disconnected from the intercom network 10.

Claims

1. Intercom network (10) for real-time audio communication between participants (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f, 15a, 15b), comprising at least one stationary element (12a, 12b), such as a base (13), to which the participants (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f) are connected, and at least one mobile terminal (15a, 15b), such as a belt pack (16) or mobile microphone (17), which has an audio input (18a, 18b), wherein, with the mobile terminal, audio signals can be transmitted wirelessly within the DECT frequency range to the stationary element or to another stationary participant, wherein the stationary element has a device (19) for participant management, which administers the participants (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f, 15a, 15b) connected to the stationary element (12a, 12b), and wherein an authorisation check is carried out by the device to register the mobile terminal on the stationary element, wherein the device (19) comprises an NFC element (20a) arranged on the stationary element (12a), and wherein an NFC counter element (21a, 21b) is arranged on the mobile terminal (15a, 15b), wherein authorisation information can be transmitted from the NFC counter element to the NFC element when the mobile terminal approaches the stationary element.

2. Intercom network according to claim 1, characterised in that the authorisation information comprises a unique identifier of the mobile terminal (15a).

3. Intercom network according to claim 2, characterised in that the device (19) only enables registration of the mobile terminal (15a, 15b) on the stationary element (12a, 12b) as a result of carrying out the authorisation check when the unique identifier is stored as an authorised identifier in a memory (22) of the device.

4. Intercom network according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that several mobile terminals (15a, 15b) are provided.

5. Intercom network according to claim 4, characterised in that the several mobile terminals (15a, 15b) each have an NFC counter element (21a, 21b) with its own identifier.

6. Intercom network according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that several stationary elements (12a, 12b) are provided, and the device (19) comprises several NFC elements (20a, 20b), which are apportioned to the several stationary elements.

7. Intercom network according to claim 4, characterised in that authorisation information can be transmitted from the NFC counter element of the second mobile terminal to the NFC counter element of the first mobile terminal and from there further to the NFC element of the stationary element when a first mobile terminal approaches a second mobile terminal.

8. Intercom network according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that an actuation element (31a, 31b) is arranged on the mobile terminal (15a, 15b), with the actuation of which deregistration of the mobile terminal from the intercom network (10) can be achieved.

9. Method for registering a mobile terminal (15a, 15b) on a stationary element (12a, 12b) of an intercom network (10), the participants of which (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f, 15a, 15b) can transfer audio signals wirelessly within the DECT frequency range to carry out real-time audio communication, comprising the following steps: a) providing at least one stationary element (12a, 12b) which is equipped with an NFC element (20a, 20b), b) providing a device (19) for participant management, with which the participants (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f, 15a, 15b) connected to the stationary element (12a, 12b) can be administered, c) providing at least one mobile terminal (15a, 15b), on which an NFC counter element (21a, 21b) is arranged, d) configuring the intercom network (10), wherein a unique identifier of the mobile terminal (15a, 15b) is stored in a memory (22) of the device (19), e) registering the mobile terminal (15a, 15b) on the stationary element (12a, 12b) due to the mobile terminal approaching the stationary element, wherein, following the approach, authorisation information is transmitted from the NFC counter element (21a, 21b) of the mobile terminal (15a, 15b) to the NFC element (20a, 20b) on the stationary element (12a, 12b).

10. Intercom network (10) for real-time audio communication between participants (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f, 15a, 15b), comprising at least one stationary element (12a, 12b), such as a base (13), to which the participants (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f) are connected, and at least one mobile terminal (15a, 15b), such as a belt pack (16) or a mobile microphone (17), which has an audio input (18a, 18b), wherein, with the mobile terminal, audio signals can be transmitted wirelessly within the DECT frequency range to the stationary element or to another stationary participant, wherein the stationary element has a device (19) for participant management, which administers the participants (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f, 15a, 15b) connected to the stationary element (12a, 12b), and wherein an authorisation check is carried out by the device to register the mobile terminal on the stationary element, wherein the device (19) comprises an RFID element (20a) arranged on the stationary element (12a), and wherein an RFID counter element (21a, 21b) is arranged on the mobile terminal (15a, 15b), wherein authorisation information can be transmitted from the RFID counter element to the RFID element when the mobile terminal approaches the stationary element.

11. Method for registering a mobile terminal (15a, 15b) on a stationary element (12a, 12b) of an intercom network (10), the participants of which (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f, 15a, 15b) can transfer audio signals wirelessly within the DECT frequency range to carry out real-time audio communication, comprising the following steps: a) providing at least one stationary element (12a, 12b) which is equipped with an RFID element (20a, 20b), b) providing a device (19) for participant management, with which the participants (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f, 15a, 15b) connected to the stationary element (12a, 12b) can be administered, c) providing at least one mobile terminal (15a, 15b), on which an RFID counter element (21a, 21b) is arranged, d) configuring the intercom network (10), wherein a unique identifier of the mobile terminal (15a, 15b) is stored in a memory (22) of the device (19), e) registering the mobile terminal (15a, 15b) on the stationary element (12a, 12b) due to the mobile terminal approaching the stationary element, wherein, following the approach, authorisation information is transmitted from the RFID counter element (21a, 21b) of the mobile terminal (15a, 15b) to the RFID element (20a, 20b) on the stationary element (12a, 12b).