Intercom master unit and intercom system

Abstract

To provide an intercom master unit which allows a person outside a residence, who is notified of an emergency within the residence, to understand the situation inside the residence, and an intercom system.SOLUTION: An intercom master unit includes: a communication unit that communicates with an alarm unit and an intercom handset; and a control unit that requires the reception of an alarm signal from the alarm unit as one of the requirements for establishing a communication path with the intercom handset.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an intercom master unit and an intercom system. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known an intercom system that allows two-way communication between a door phone slave unit installed at the front door and an intercom master unit installed inside a residence.

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses an intercom system having an alarm means for outputting a voice message from a handset to notify people outside the residence, such as neighbors, of an emergency that occurs within the residence. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-213182 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, even if it is possible to notify people outside the residence of an emergency situation within the residence, it is difficult for the people outside the residence who have been notified of the emergency to understand the situation within the residence because they cannot communicate with people inside the residence.It is also difficult for people inside the residence to notify people outside the residence of the situation within the residence.

[0006] Non-limiting examples of the present disclosure contribute to providing an intercom master unit and an intercom system that allow a person outside the residence who has been notified of an emergency situation within the residence to understand the situation within the residence. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An intercom master unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure has a communication unit that communicates with an alarm device and an intercom slave unit, and a control unit that considers receiving an alarm signal from the alarm device as one of the requirements for establishing a communication path with the intercom slave unit.

[0008] An intercom system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is an intercom system comprising an intercom handset and an intercom master unit, wherein the intercom master unit has a communication unit that communicates with an alarm device and the intercom handset, and a control unit that considers receiving an alarm signal from the alarm device as one of the requirements for establishing a communication path with the intercom handset.

[0009] These comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium, or may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a person outside the residence who is notified of an emergency situation within the residence can easily understand the situation within the residence.

[0011] Further advantages and benefits of an embodiment of the present disclosure will become apparent from the specification and drawings. Such advantages and / or benefits may be provided by some of the embodiments and features described in the specification and drawings, respectively, but not necessarily all of them may be provided to obtain one or more identical features. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an intercom system according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a parent device according to an embodiment; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a slave unit according to an embodiment; [Figure 4]FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a fire alarm according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of the master unit in a first alarm operation according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of the master unit in a second alarm operation according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of the master unit in a third warning operation according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an intercom system according to a modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an intercom system according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of already well-known matters or redundant explanation of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following explanation and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0014] The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0015] <System configuration> 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an intercom system 100 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the intercom system 100 includes a base unit 1 and a handset 2.

[0016] Base unit 1 is installed inside building A1a (inside the residence), such as in the living room or kitchen, and slave unit 2 is installed outside building A1a (outside the residence), near the entrance, such as on gatepost A1b or next to the front door.

[0017] The master unit 1 communicates with the slave unit 2 by wire or wirelessly. For example, as shown in Fig. 1, the master unit 1 may be configured to be communicably connected to the slave unit 2 via a power line L1.

[0018] The power line L1 is, for example, a PLC (Power Line Communication) that enables communication. In such a configuration, the master unit 1 communicates with the slave unit 2 via the PLC. In PLC, the signal line and the power line are common, so the configuration of the intercom system is simple. Note that PLC is also called power line communication.

[0019] A person inside the house uses the base unit 1, and a person outside the house uses the handset 2, and a two-way call (hereinafter referred to as a "call") is carried out between the person inside the house and the person outside the house.

[0020] The master unit 1 communicates with the fire alarms 3a to 3c via a wired or wireless connection. Similar to the connection between the master unit 1 and the slave unit 2, the master unit 1 may be connected to the fire alarms 3a to 3c via a power line L1 so as to be able to communicate with them.

[0021] The fire alarms 3a to 3c are installed, for example, on the ceiling of each room in a residence so that smoke and heat from a fire can be easily detected. When the fire alarms 3a to 3c detect smoke or heat from a fire, they transmit a fire detection signal to the master unit 1. The fire detection signal is an example of an alarm signal. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the fire alarms 3a to 3c, they will simply be referred to as the fire alarms 3.

[0022] <Block configuration> Block configuration of base unit 1 Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a block configuration of the base unit 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the base unit 1 has a control unit 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, a communication unit 14, an audio signal control unit 15, an audio signal bus 16, a microphone 17, a speaker 18, and a display / operation unit 19.

[0023] The control unit 11 controls the overall operation of the base unit 1. The control unit 11 may be configured, for example, as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). In particular, the control unit 11 controls the establishment or disconnection of a communication path between the base unit 1 and the handset 2 based on a signal received from the handset 2 or the fire alarm 3.

[0024] ROM 12 stores, for example, a program for control unit 11 to control base unit 1. RAM 13 stores, for example, data for control unit 11 to execute calculation processing and data for controlling each connected unit. Note that instead of ROM 12 and RAM 13, a storage device such as a flash memory, HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or SSD (Solid State Drive) may be used.

[0025] The communication unit 14 is an interface that connects the base unit 1 and the handset 2 so that they can communicate with each other. The base unit 1 that is connected so that they can communicate with each other via the communication unit 14 can communicate with the handset 2. The communication unit 14 is also an interface that connects the base unit 1 and the fire alarm 3 so that they can communicate with each other.

[0026] The audio signal control unit 15 is electrically connected to the control unit 11, the microphone 17, and the speaker 18. The audio input to the microphone 17 is converted into analog audio data by the audio signal control unit 15. The speaker 18 outputs sound based on the analog audio data output from the audio signal control unit 15. The audio signal controlled by the audio signal control unit 15 is controlled by the control unit 11 via the audio signal bus 16.

[0027] Display / operation unit 19 accepts operations by people in the residence where base unit 1 is installed. Display / operation unit 19 displays images based on digital video data output from control unit 11. Display / operation unit 19 may be a touch panel type liquid crystal display device. For example, when a visitor arrives, a person in the residence operates display / operation unit 19 based on the image displayed on display / operation unit 19.

[0028] Block configuration of handset 2 Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a block configuration of the handset 2. As shown in Fig. 3, the handset 2 has a control unit 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a camera 24, a call button 25, a microphone 26, a speaker 27, and a communication unit 28.

[0029] The control unit 21 controls the overall operation of the slave unit 2. The control unit 21 may be configured with, for example, a CPU.

[0030] The ROM 22 stores, for example, a program for the control unit 21 to control the slave unit 2. The RAM 23 stores, for example, data for the control unit 21 to execute calculation processing and data for controlling each connected unit. Note that instead of the ROM 22 and the RAM 33, a storage device such as a flash memory, HDD, or SSD may be used.

[0031] Call button 25 is pressed, for example, by a visitor outside the residence. Based on the operation of this call button 25, control unit 21 controls camera 24 to capture an image of the area outside the residence. The image captured by this camera 24 is displayed, for example, on display / operation unit 19 of base unit 1.

[0032] Furthermore, when a visitor presses call button 25, control unit 21 controls microphone 26 and speaker 27. The voice input to microphone 26 is output from speaker 18 of base unit 1. Speaker 27 outputs the voice input to microphone 17 of base unit 1.

[0033] The communication unit 28 is an interface that connects the slave device 2 and the master device 1 so that they can communicate with each other.

[0034] Fire alarm 3 block configuration Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a block configuration of the fire alarm 3. As shown in Fig. 4, the fire alarm 3 has a control unit 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a communication unit 34, a sensor control unit 35, a sensor 36, an audio signal control unit 37, a microphone 38, and a speaker 39.

[0035] The control unit 31 controls the overall operation of the fire alarm 3. The control unit 31 may be configured with, for example, a CPU.

[0036] The ROM 32 stores, for example, a program for the control unit 31 to control the fire alarm 3. The RAM 33 stores, for example, data for the control unit 31 to execute calculation processing and data for controlling each connected unit. Note that instead of the ROM 32 and RAM 33, a storage device such as a flash memory, HDD, or SSD may be used.

[0037] The communication unit 34 is an interface that connects the fire alarm 3 and the master unit 1 so that they can communicate with each other.

[0038] The sensor control unit 35 controls the sensor 36. When the sensor 36 detects predetermined smoke or heat, the sensor control unit 35 generates a fire detection signal. The generated fire detection signal is output to the control unit 31 and transmitted to the master unit 1 via the communication unit 34.

[0039] The audio signal control unit 37 is electrically connected to the control unit 31, the microphone 38, and the speaker 39. The audio signal control unit 37 is controlled by the control unit 31. The audio signal control unit 37 also controls the microphone 38 and the speaker 39.

[0040] <Outline of Operation of Intercom System 100> The master unit 1 performs a normal operation when it does not receive a fire detection signal from the fire alarm 3. When it receives a fire detection signal from the fire alarm 3, the master unit 1 performs an alarm operation.

[0041] ·Normal operation When a visitor presses call button 25, handset 2 transmits a call signal to base unit 1. When base unit 1 receives the call signal, it outputs a chime sound from speaker 18. When a person in the home hears the chime sound and initiates a call, base unit 1 establishes a call path with handset 2. This allows the person in the home to talk to the visitor via base unit 1 and handset 2.

[0042] ·Alarm action In this embodiment, the following three warning operations are performed.

[0043] First alarm operation 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the master unit 1 in the first alarm operation. When the master unit 1 receives a fire detection signal, it executes the process of the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0044] In S1, the master unit 1 receives the fire detection signal and transmits an alarm transfer message and a prompt message to the slave unit 2. The slave unit 2 receives the alarm transfer message and the prompt message and outputs the alarm transfer message and the prompt message from the speaker 27.

[0045] The alarm transfer message may include an alarm sound and an alarm voice message informing of a fire, or may include only an alarm sound, or may include only an alarm voice message. The prompt message may be a voice message urging a person outside the residence to press call button 25 and talk to a person inside the residence.

[0046] The flow proceeds to S2, where the base unit 1 determines whether or not a person outside the residence has pressed the call button 25 of the handset 2. If the call button 25 has not been pressed (NO in S2), the flow returns to S1, where the base unit 1 outputs an alarm transfer message and a prompt message.

[0047] On the other hand, if the call button 25 is pressed in S2 (YES in S2), the base unit 1 stops sending the alarm transfer message and the prompt message. The flow proceeds to S3, and the base unit 1 establishes a communication path with the handset 2. People outside the residence can then communicate with people inside the residence.

[0048] The flow proceeds to S4, where base unit 1 determines whether or not someone in the house has performed an operation to end the call. If an operation to end the call has been performed on base unit 1 (YES in S4), the flow proceeds to S6, where base unit 1 disconnects the call path between base unit 1 and handset 2, and the flow ends.

[0049] On the other hand, if the base unit 1 is not operated to end the call in S4 (NO in S4), the flow proceeds to S5, where the base unit 1 determines whether a predetermined time has passed without a call.

[0050] In S5, if the predetermined time has not elapsed without a call (NO in S5), the flow returns to S4, and base unit 1 determines whether an operation to end the call has been performed.

[0051] On the other hand, in S5, if a predetermined time has elapsed without a call (YES in S5), the flow proceeds to S6, in which the base unit 1 disconnects the call path between the base unit 1 and the handset 2, and the flow ends.

[0052] With this configuration, when base unit 1 receives a fire detection signal, a person outside the residence can press the call button to establish a communication path between base unit 1 and handset 2. This allows communication between people inside the residence and people outside the residence, so that, for example, the person inside the residence can call for help from the person outside the residence, and the person outside the residence can call for further help or take appropriate action to suppress the fire, such as firefighting.

[0053] If a predetermined time has passed without any call, the base unit 1 or the handset 2 may be configured to output the alarm transfer message and the prompt message again.

[0054] In addition, when there is a fire inside the residence, it may be difficult to see what is happening inside the residence from outside the residence, so when the transmission of alarm notification messages and reminder messages is stopped, the sub-unit 2 may be configured to output the sounds from inside the residence that have been picked up and amplified by the main unit 1.

[0055] Furthermore, since it is possible that people in the residence may not be aware of the fire, the base unit 1 may be configured to output an alarm sound to those in the residence. The base unit 1 may also be configured to output a fixed voice message in addition to the alarm sound. The fixed voice message is preferably a message such as "Emergency situation has occurred, please evacuate immediately" that urges people in the residence to take immediate action to ensure their safety.

[0056] The slave unit 2 may also be configured to include a display unit. In this case, people outside the residence can be informed of the status inside the residence more specifically by the displayed text, images, etc., in addition to the alarm sound. The display unit included in the slave unit 2 may be a liquid crystal display or a touch panel type liquid crystal display.

[0057] Furthermore, the base unit 1 may be configured to include a camera capable of taking still and video images. In this case, the still and video images taken by the base unit 1 are displayed on a display unit provided in the slave unit 2, allowing a person outside the residence to know more specifically what is happening inside the residence.

[0058] Furthermore, when the main unit 1 receives a fire detection signal, a person outside the residence can operate the sub unit 2 to unlock the front door. This allows people inside the residence where a fire has broken out to evacuate more quickly. It also allows people outside the residence to enter the residence to help.

[0059] Furthermore, the master unit 1 may be configured to immediately unlock the front door upon receiving a fire detection signal. This allows people in a house in the event of a fire to evacuate more quickly. Also, if no one is inside the house, they can enter the house more quickly and take appropriate action.

[0060] Furthermore, if the fire alarm 3 malfunctions, the main unit 1 receiving the fire detection signal may immediately unlock the front door, which could compromise the safety of the residence. Therefore, it is preferable to set certain conditions for the main unit 1 to unlock the front door.

[0061] Furthermore, the main unit 1 may be configured to unlock the front door after a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving a fire detection signal from the fire alarm 3.

[0062] Furthermore, if a call path is established between base unit 1 and handset 2 and no call is made for a predetermined period of time, base unit 1 may be configured to unlock the front door. It is also possible that for some reason, people inside the house are unable to make calls.

[0063] Second alarm action 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the master unit 1 in the second alarm operation. When the master unit 1 receives a fire detection signal, it executes the process of the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0064] In S11, the base unit 1 establishes a communication path with the handset 2. The base unit 1 forcibly establishes a communication path with the handset 2 without waiting for an operation by the base unit 1 or the handset 2.

[0065] The flow proceeds to S12, where the master unit 1 transmits an alarm transfer message to the slave unit 2. The slave unit 2 outputs the alarm transfer message.

[0066] The flow proceeds to S13, where the base unit 1 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed without a call.

[0067] In S13, if the predetermined time has not elapsed without a call (NO in S13), base unit 1 continues to establish the call path until the predetermined time has elapsed without a call.

[0068] On the other hand, in S13, if the predetermined time has elapsed without any call (YES in S13), the flow proceeds to S14, where the base unit 1 disconnects the call path between the base unit 1 and the handset 2, and the flow ends.

[0069] With this configuration, regardless of whether the base unit 1 or the handset 2 is operated, the base unit 1 forcibly establishes a communication path between the base unit 1 and the handset 2, making it easy to communicate. This allows people inside the home to more easily communicate the situation to people outside the home, and also allows people outside the home to more easily understand the situation inside the home. This allows people inside or outside the home to take more appropriate action to contain the fire.

[0070] The master unit 1 may be configured to control the slave unit 2 so that the slave unit 2 outputs the alarm transfer message at predetermined intervals. Specifically, the slave unit 2 outputs the alarm transfer message for a predetermined first time period and does not output any sound for a predetermined second time period.

[0071] Furthermore, base unit 1 may be configured to forcibly establish a communication path between base unit 1 and handset 2 for a predetermined second time period. During this predetermined second time period, handset 2 does not output an alarm transfer message, allowing people inside the residence to communicate more smoothly with people outside the residence.

[0072] Furthermore, the master unit 1 may be configured to collect sounds within the residence for a predetermined second time period and control the slave unit 2 to output the collected sounds.

[0073] During this second predetermined time period, people outside the residence can hear the sounds inside the residence output by slave unit 2 and can know the situation inside the residence more accurately. For example, people outside the residence can hear a person inside a fire calling for help and can take more appropriate action, such as calling for help from others or taking action to extinguish the fire.

[0074] Furthermore, when the main unit 1 receives a fire detection signal, a person outside the residence can operate the sub unit 2 to unlock the front door. This allows people inside the residence where a fire has broken out to evacuate more quickly. It also allows people outside the residence to enter the residence to help.

[0075] Furthermore, the master unit 1 may be configured to immediately unlock the front door upon receiving a fire detection signal. This allows people in a house in the event of a fire to evacuate more quickly. Also, if no one is inside the house, they can enter the house more quickly and take appropriate action.

[0076] Furthermore, even if the fire alarm 3 malfunctions, the base unit 1 forcibly establishes a communication path between the base unit 1 and the handset 2, regardless of whether the base unit 1 or the handset 2 is operated, so that people inside the residence can inform people outside the residence that there is no fire. This eliminates the need for people inside the residence to unnecessarily call for help from people outside the residence.

[0077] Third alarm action Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the master unit 1 in the third alarm operation. When the master unit 1 receives a fire detection signal, it executes the process of the flowchart shown in Fig. 7. The third alarm operation is a combination of the first alarm operation and the second alarm operation.

[0078] In S21, the base unit 1 establishes a communication path with the handset 2. The base unit 1 forcibly establishes a communication path with the handset 2 without waiting for an operation of the base unit 1 or the handset 2.

[0079] The flow proceeds to S22, where master unit 1 transmits an alarm transfer message and a prompt message to slave unit 2. Upon receiving the alarm transfer message and the prompt message, slave unit 2 outputs the alarm transfer message and the prompt message from speaker 27.

[0080] The flow proceeds to S23, where base unit 1 determines whether or not a person outside the residence has pressed call button 25 on handset 2. If call button 25 has not been pressed (NO in S23), the flow proceeds to S25, where base unit 1 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed without a call.

[0081] On the other hand, if call button 25 is pressed in S23 (YES in S23), the flow proceeds to S24, where base unit 1 determines whether or not an operation to end the call has been performed by someone in the house.

[0082] In S24, if the base unit 1 is operated to end the call (YES in S24), the flow proceeds to S26, where the base unit 1 disconnects the call path between the base unit 1 and the handset 2, and the flow ends.

[0083] On the other hand, if the base unit 1 is not operated to end the call in S24 (NO in S24), the flow proceeds to S25, where the base unit 1 determines whether a predetermined time has passed without a call.

[0084] In S25, if the predetermined time has not elapsed without a call (NO in S25), base unit 1 continues to establish the call path until the predetermined time has elapsed without a call.

[0085] On the other hand, in S25, if the predetermined time has elapsed without any call (YES in S25), the flow proceeds to S26, in which the base unit 1 disconnects the call path between the base unit 1 and the handset 2, and the flow ends.

[0086] With this configuration, regardless of whether the base unit 1 or the handset 2 is operated, the base unit 1 can establish a communication path and, if necessary, can disconnect the communication path.

[0087] In other words, intercom system 100 allows a call to be easily initiated, and when the call is completed, a person in the residence can end the call by operating base unit 1. Therefore, in an emergency such as a fire, intercom system 100 is a system that allows appropriate calls to be made.

[0088] <Summary of the embodiment> As described above, the base unit 1 has a communication unit 14 that communicates with the fire alarm 3 and the handset 2, and a control unit 11 that considers receiving a fire detection signal from the fire alarm 3 as one of the requirements for establishing a communication path with the handset 2.

[0089] The intercom system 100 is an intercom system comprising a handset 2 and a base unit 1, and the base unit 1 has a communication unit 14 that communicates with a fire alarm 3 and with the handset 2, and a control unit 11 that considers receiving a fire detection signal from the fire alarm 3 as one of the requirements for establishing a communication path with the handset 2.

[0090] With this configuration, in the event of an emergency such as a fire, base unit 1 can notify people outside the home of the situation inside the home. Base unit 1 controls handset 2 to notify people outside the home that an emergency is occurring inside the home, and the people outside the home can use handset 2 to communicate with people inside the home and learn about the situation inside the home. This allows people inside and outside the home to respond to the emergency according to the situation.

[0091] In the above, the base unit 1 may be called an intercom base unit or a residential base unit. The slave unit 2 may be called a slave unit or an outside-residential slave unit. The fire alarm 3 may be called a slave unit, a residential slave unit, or an alarm device. The slave unit 2 may be called an intercom slave unit. The intercom may be called an intercom or a door phone.

[0092] Furthermore, for example, the fire alarm 3 may have a communication function, and may be an intercom system that allows people inside the residence to use the fire alarm 3 to communicate with people outside the residence in the event of an emergency such as a fire.

[0093] Furthermore, for example, in the event of an emergency other than a fire, such as when a person in the residence becomes ill, the person in the residence may operate the master unit 1 to start sending an alarm transfer message to the slave unit 2. In this case, the master unit 1 may execute the first to third alarm operations in the same way as when the master unit 1 receives a fire detection signal.

[0094] <System configuration of modified example> Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an intercom system 200 according to a modified example. Fig. 8 shows an intercom system 200 for an apartment building.

[0095] In the following, when there is no need to distinguish between rooms 6a to 6h, they will simply be referred to as room 6. When there is no need to distinguish between master units 7a to 7h, they will simply be referred to as master unit 7. When there is no need to distinguish between slave units 8a to 8h, they will simply be referred to as slave unit 8. When there is no need to distinguish between fire alarms 9a to 9h, they will simply be referred to as fire alarm 9.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 8, the intercom system 200 includes a base unit 7, a handset 8, and a lobby intercom B1c.

[0097] The master unit 7 is installed inside the room 6. The slave unit 8 is installed near the entrance outside the room 6. The master unit 7 is communicably connected to the slave unit 8 via a power line L2.

[0098] The lobby intercom B1c is installed near the lobby B1b inside the building B1a and is communicably connected to the base unit 7 via a power line L2.

[0099] The fire alarm 9 is installed inside the room 6. The fire alarm 9 is connected to the parent unit 7 via a power line L2. When the fire alarm 9 detects smoke or heat from a fire, it transmits a fire detection signal to the parent unit 7.

[0100] <Block structure of modified example> 9 is a diagram showing an example of a block configuration of an intercom system 200 according to a modified example. The intercom system 200 includes a master unit 7, a slave unit 8, and a lobby intercom B1c.

[0101] The base unit 7 may have the same configuration as the base unit 1 shown in Fig. 2. The base unit 7 may have a separate interface for connecting to the handset 8 so as to be able to communicate with it, and an interface for connecting to the lobby intercom B1c so as to be able to communicate with it. These interfaces are controlled by the control unit of the base unit 7.

[0102] The slave unit 8 may have the same configuration as the slave unit 2 shown in Fig. 3, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. The fire alarm 9 may have the same configuration as the fire alarm 3 shown in Fig. 4, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0103] The lobby intercom B1c may have the same configuration as the handset 2 shown in Fig. 2. However, since the building B1a is an apartment building, the lobby intercom B1c may be configured to establish or cut off a communication path with one or more of the rooms 6a to 6h.

[0104] <Operation> When the master unit 7 receives a fire detection signal from the fire alarm device 9, it executes one of the first to third alarm operations described with reference to FIGS.

[0105] The master unit 7 also executes one of the first to third alarm operations for the lobby intercom B1c. The slave unit 2 described in the description of the first to third alarm operations should be read as the lobby intercom B1c.

[0106] <Summary of Modifications> With this configuration, when the base unit 1 receives a fire detection signal, the base unit 1 can notify people outside the residence that a fire has occurred and establish a communication path between the base unit 1 and the handset 2. The base unit 1 can also establish a communication path between the base unit 1 and the lobby intercom B1c.

[0107] People outside the residence can use a handset connected to the base unit in the room where the fire occurred to communicate with people inside the residence. Even if people outside the residence cannot identify the room where the fire occurred, they can still use the lobby intercom B1c to communicate with people inside the residence.

[0108] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims. It is understood that such modifications or alterations also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the components in the embodiments may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0109] In the above-described embodiments, the notation "... part" used for each component may be replaced with other notations such as "... circuitry," "... assembly," "... device," "... unit," or "... module."

[0110] The present disclosure can be realized by software, hardware, or software linked to hardware. Each functional block used in the description of the above embodiments may be partially or entirely realized as an LSI, which is an integrated circuit, and each process described in the above embodiments may be partially or entirely controlled by a single LSI or a combination of LSIs. The LSI may be composed of individual chips, or may be composed of a single chip that includes some or all of the functional blocks. The LSI may have data input and output. Depending on the degree of integration, the LSI may be called an IC, system LSI, super LSI, or ultra LSI.

[0111] The integrated circuit method is not limited to LSI, but may be realized by a dedicated circuit, a general-purpose processor, or a dedicated processor. Also, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) that can be programmed after LSI manufacturing, or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connections and settings of circuit cells within the LSI, may be used. The present disclosure may be realized as digital processing or analog processing.

[0112] Furthermore, if an integrated circuit technology that can replace LSI emerges due to advances in semiconductor technology or other derivative technologies, it is natural that such technology may be used to integrate functional blocks. The application of biotechnology, etc. is also a possibility. [Industrial Applicability]

[0113] The present disclosure is useful as a door phone system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 1 base unit 2 handsets 3. Fire alarm 11 Control section 14 Communications Department 100 Intercom System A1a Building A1b Gatepost

Claims

1. a communication unit that communicates with the alarm device and the intercom slave; a control unit that sets reception of an alarm signal from the alarm device as one of the requirements for establishing a communication path with the intercom slave unit; An intercom base unit with

2. The control unit When a button provided on the intercom handset is pressed, the communication path is established with the intercom handset. The intercom master unit according to claim 1.

3. The control unit When the alarm signal is received, a voice message is output from the intercom handset to the effect that communication with the intercom master unit is possible via the intercom handset. The intercom master unit according to claim 2.

4. The control unit When the button is pressed, the output of the voice message is stopped. The intercom master unit according to claim 3.

5. The control unit If a predetermined period of time has elapsed without a call, the call path is disconnected. The intercom master unit according to claim 4.

6. The control unit unlocks the front door when the button is pressed. The intercom master unit according to claim 5.

7. The control unit When the alarm signal is received, the communication path is forcibly established with the intercom slave unit. The intercom master unit according to claim 1.

8. The control unit When the alarm signal is received, an alarm voice message regarding the alarm of the alarm device is output from the intercom slave at predetermined intervals; establishing the communication path with the intercom slave unit while the warning voice message is not being output; The intercom master unit according to claim 7.

9. the control unit outputs sounds from within the residence from the intercom slave unit while the warning audio message is not being output. The intercom master unit according to claim 8.

10. The control unit If a predetermined period of time has elapsed without a call, the call path is disconnected. The intercom master unit according to claim 9.

11. The control unit unlocking the front door after receiving the alarm signal; The intercom master unit according to claim 10.

12. An intercom system including an intercom slave unit and an intercom master unit, The intercom master unit is a communication unit that communicates with the alarm device and the intercom slave; a control unit that sets reception of an alarm signal from the alarm device as one of the requirements for establishing a communication path with the intercom slave unit; An intercom system having:

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