Call response method, call response system, and call response program

Abstract

To provide a technique for enabling a quick response to an interphone in a building having a step structure with height difference in a floor.SOLUTION: A call response method includes the steps of: acquiring a call signal from a calling device outside a building; acquiring a response signal from a responding device inside the building; and establishing a real-time communication connection between the calling device and the responding device. The building has a step structure with height difference in a floor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a call response method, a call response system, and a call response program. [Background technology]

[0002] A known floor plan is one in which the vertical space of a building, where floor space is limited, is effectively utilized by creating a stepped structure with different heights within one floor of the building. In such a floor plan, the floor area can be increased on both the upper and lower levels, which can be used, for example, as underfloor storage space. Examples of such floor plans include split-floor and loft structures.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an underfloor storage type building structure comprising a living area with underfloor storage, and a first staircase and a second staircase for accessing the living area, the first staircase and the second staircase being located on opposite sides of the living area, and an access section for accessing the underfloor storage being provided near each of the first staircase and the second staircase. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-034357 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In such a building structure, depending on the resident's location, it can be inconvenient to travel to the entrance, which can make it difficult for visitors to answer intercom calls.

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a technology that enables quick response to an intercom in a building having a step structure with height differences within the floors. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] [1] A call response method for assisting residents in responding to calls from visitors, the call response method comprising: a call process for acquiring a call signal from a call device outside a building; a response process for acquiring a response signal from a response device inside the building; and a communication processing process for establishing a real-time communication connection between the call device and the response device, wherein the building has a stepped structure with different heights within its floors. [2] The call response method according to [1], wherein the step structure is a skip-floor structure. [3] The call response method according to [1] or [2], wherein the step structure has a difference in height between the entrance floor and the living room floor. [4] The call response method according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the response device is a portable device. [5] A call response system that assists residents in responding to calls from visitors, comprising: a call device outside a building; a response device inside the building; and a call response device, wherein the call device transmits a call signal from a visitor to the call response device, and the response device transmits a response signal from a resident to the call signal to the call response device, the call response device receives the call signal and the response signal, and establishes a communication connection between the call device and the response device, and the building has a step structure with different heights within its floors. [6] The call response system described in [5], wherein the response device is equipped with a communication device for connecting to a wide area communication network, and a conversation with the call device is conducted via the call response device using voice data. [7] A call response program that causes the call response device described in [5] or [6] to function as a call processing unit that receives a call signal from a call device by a visitor, a response processing unit that receives a response signal from a response device by a resident in response to the call signal, and a communication processing unit that establishes a communication connection between the call device and the response device identified by the call signal and the response signal.

[0008] The inventions according to [1] to [3], [5] and [7] make it possible to quickly respond to calls in buildings with a stepped structure.

[0009] [4] The invention allows users to answer calls using a portable device without having to go to a room where an intercom master unit is located.

[0010] The invention according to [6] allows the answering device to communicate with the calling device via a wide area communication network. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique that enables quick response to an intercom in a building having a stepped structure with different heights within the floors. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 shows an example of the structure of a building according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a system block diagram of the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 3 shows an example of a data configuration according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] 3 shows a processing sequence according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 3 is a processing flowchart of the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] A call response system, a call response method, and a call response program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the embodiment shown below is merely an example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiment below, and various configurations can be adopted.

[0014] In this embodiment, the configuration, operation, etc. of a call response system and a call response device are described, but a call response method, a computer program, and a program recording medium on which the program is recorded, each having a similar configuration, also achieve the same effects. For example, by using a program recording medium, the program can be installed on a computer. The series of processes according to this embodiment described below are provided as a computer-executable program, and can be provided via a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a flexible disk, or even via a communication line.

[0015] The call response system is composed of a computer device. The computer device has an arithmetic unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a storage device. The computer device can function as a call response device by executing a call response program stored in the storage device using the arithmetic unit. The call response method is realized by processing the computer device including the call response device.

[0016] In this embodiment, the call response system is used in a building with a stepped structure having different heights within the floors, and includes a call device installed outside the building and operated by visitors, a response device installed inside the building and operated by residents, and a call response device that processes signals transmitted from the call device and the response device.

[0017] In this embodiment, examples of a step structure having a difference in height within a floor include a skip-floor structure and a loft structure. In this embodiment, the step structure refers to a structure for effectively utilizing the vertical space of a building, and a structure that allows residents to move between the step structures. While a step structure can effectively utilize vertical space that was previously dead space as living space, it has the characteristic of requiring time to move between the step structures.

[0018] FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a building H having a step structure with different heights within the floors. The building H may be used for any purpose, such as a residence, an office, or a store. In this specification, a residence will be used as an example. The building H is shown as an example of a room in a multi-family home such as a condominium or apartment, but it does not exclude the building H being a single-family home.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, building H includes an entrance R1, a first living room R2, a first storage room R3, a second living room R4, and a second storage room R5. The entrance R1 has a front door on the entrance floor below the stairs in the depth direction of FIG. 1, and a calling device such as a door phone is installed outside the front door. The flow of traffic from the entrance R1 to the first living room R2 is structured as a staircase, creating underfloor spaces such as the second living room R4 and the second storage room R5. In addition, spaces such as a toilet, bathroom, washroom, and entrance hall (not shown) may be provided in the depth direction of the second storage room R5. The shaded area of the first storage room R3 indicates the interior wall separating the first living room R2 and the first storage room R3.

[0020] In the building H shown in Figure 1, the entrance R1, first living room R2, second living room R4, and second storage room R5 are connected in this order, allowing for easy movement between rooms. In this building H, if a resident receives a call from a call device while staying in the first living room R2, second living room R4, or second storage room R5, they must travel through the stepped structure, which means it takes time to move to the entrance R1. Furthermore, the first living room R2 has a split-floor structure R21, which can cause similar problems.

[0021] In Figure 1, the step structure refers to the stairs between the entrance floor of the entrance R1 and the living room floor of the first living room R2, the skip floor within the first living room R2, the stairs provided inside the first storage room R3, the stairs between the second living room R4 and the first living room R2, etc. The step structure is not limited to the example of building H in Figure 1, and may include steps that constitute the difference in height between the entrance and the resident's staying position.

[0022] The present invention provides a method and system for appropriately supporting calls by visitors and responses by residents in a building H having a step structure as described above.

[0023] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the call response system 1. The call response system 1 comprises a call response device 2, a call device 3, and a response device 4, each of which is connected to a communication network NW and configured to enable data communication. The call response system 1 also comprises a memory unit DB for storing various data. The memory unit DB is not limited to a location where it can be installed, and is installed inside or outside the call response device 2, and is configured to enable data communication with at least the call response device 2. The memory unit DB may be configured to be connected to the communication network NW. The communication network NW particularly uses a wide area communication network such as the Internet.

[0024] 2, a building H includes a call device 3 and a response device 4. The call response system 1 can include multiple buildings H (buildings H1, H2, ...) and performs processing related to calls and responses in each building H.

[0025] 2, the call response device 2 includes, as functional components, a call processing unit 21 that processes a call signal transmitted from the call device 3, a response processing unit 22 that processes a response signal transmitted from the response device 4, and a communication processing unit 23 that processes data communication between the call device 3 and the response device 4. The call response device 2 can be configured by one or more computer devices such as a server device.

[0026] The call device 3 is configured as a door phone. The call device 3 according to this embodiment is installed outside the building H, around the front door, around the gate, or even at the common entrance. The call device 3 is provided with a call button, which, when pressed by a visitor, notifies the inside of the building H of a visit. In this embodiment, the call device 3 transmits a call signal to the call response device 2 in response to pressing of the call button.

[0027] The response device 4 is configured as a terminal device used inside the building H. The response device 4 according to this embodiment can be a smartphone, tablet device, smart speaker, smart display, or personal computer owned by a resident. The response device 4 is preferably configured as a portable device that can be carried by a resident, but is not limited to being configured as a fixed device. The response device 4 is configured to be able to input a response instruction in response to a call signal transmitted via the call device 3. The response device 4 transmits a response signal to the call response device 2 in accordance with the response instruction.

[0028] In this embodiment, the calling device 3 is configured as a front door slave (door phone) and communicates with the room master unit via wired or wireless communication. The response device 4 communicates with the room master unit wirelessly. The calling device 3 and the response device 4 are communicatively connected to a communication network NW via the room master unit. Note that the calling device 3 and the response device 4 may each be configured to be communicatively connected to the communication network NW. Note that in the following explanation, unless otherwise unclear, communication between the calling device 3 and the response device 4 via the room master unit will be omitted.

[0029] <Hardware configuration> FIG. 3 shows a hardware configuration diagram of various devices.

[0030] FIG. 3(a) shows a hardware configuration diagram of the call response device 2. The call response device 2 includes, as its hardware configuration, a control device 201, a storage device 202, and a communication device 203. In this embodiment, the call response device 2 may be a computer device such as a server device or a personal computer. Note that the call response device 2 may be configured by multiple computer devices, and is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 3, as long as it can realize the above-described functional components (21-23) as a whole.

[0031] The control device 201 is configured with one or more processors such as a CPU or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and controls the overall processing of the call response device 2 by executing a call response program, an OS (Operating System), and other applications. The storage device 202 is a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a flash memory, a RAM (Random Access Memory), or the like, and stores the call response program and various data. The communication device 203 controls communication with a communication network and realizes data communication with the call device 3, the response device 4, and the like.

[0032] 3(b) shows a hardware configuration diagram of the calling device 3. The calling device 3 includes, as its hardware configuration, a control device 301 such as a CPU, a call response button 302 pressed by a visitor, an imaging device 303 for capturing an image of the visitor, a microphone 304 for capturing the visitor's speech, a speaker 305 for emitting voice from the resident, and a communication device 306 for controlling communication with the room master unit and / or the communication network NW. The communication device 306 may be configured to process communication with the response device 4.

[0033] The room master unit includes a control device, a call response button pressed by the resident, a microphone for capturing the resident's voice, a speaker for emitting voice from the visitor, and a communication device for controlling communication with the communication network NW. The communication device may also include a configuration for controlling wireless communication with the response device 4.

[0034] FIG. 3(c) shows a hardware configuration diagram of the response device 4. The response device 4 includes, as its hardware configuration, a control device 401 such as a CPU, a display 402 for display output and touch input, a microphone 403 for capturing the resident's voice, a speaker 404 for outputting voice from visitors, a storage device 405 such as an HDD, SSD, flash memory, RAM, etc. for storing applications and various data, and a communication device 406 for communicating with the call response device 2 and / or the room master unit via the communication network NW. While the display 402 is shown as a touch panel display in the example, if the display is configured as a display without touch panel functionality, a configuration including a separate input device for operation can be adopted. The input device can be a mouse, a keyboard, a physical switch, or an operation panel.

[0035] The call response system 1 functions as an intercom. Here, the call device 3 functions as a front door slave unit. The front door slave unit and the room master unit are equipped with communication modules for direct wired or wireless communication. The call device 3 in this embodiment is equipped with a communication device 306 for connecting to a communication network NW, which is a wide area communication network, via the room master unit, or a communication device 306 for connecting directly to the communication network NW, which is also a wide area communication network. The response device 4 communicates with the room master unit or the call device 3 via the communication network NW.

[0036] <Data structure> The storage unit DB stores calling device data relating to the calling device 3 installed in the building H, and response device data relating to the response device 4 for the calling device 3. Fig. 4 shows an example of the data structure of the calling device data and the response device data.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 4(a), the call device data has a response device ID that can identify the response device 4, using a call ID as a key that can identify either the call device 3 or the room master unit that communicates with the call device 3. The call response relationship data may associate multiple response device IDs with one call ID. The call device data may also further include an absence message used for automatic response when the person is absent, the address of the building H, etc.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 4(b), the response device data may further include, using a response device ID that can identify the response device 4 as a key, the name of the owner of the response device 4, an at-home flag that indicates whether the owner is staying in the building H, and the priority of the response device 4 to which the call notification is to be sent. The at-home flag is configured to be switchable on / off by operating the response device 4. Furthermore, the at-home flag is configured to be automatically switchable on / off by checking location information acquired by a GPS communication device (not shown) provided in the response device 4 against the address of the building H. When the at-home flags of multiple response devices 4 are on, the destination of the call notification may be determined according to the priority.

[0039] FIG. 5 shows a processing sequence among the call device 3, the call response device 2, and the response device 4 of the call response system 1.

[0040] When a visitor presses the call response button 302, the call device 3 transmits a call signal to the call response device 2 (S101). The call signal includes a call ID and may include image data captured by the imaging device 303.

[0041] The call response device 2 receives the call signal and outputs a call notification to the response device 4 identified by the response device ID associated with the call ID (S102). The call notification is a notification indicating that a visitor has visited the building H, and is generated based on the call signal. The call notification may include image data captured by the imaging device 303.

[0042] The response device 4 receives the call notification, and if it responds to the call, transmits a response signal to the call response device 2 (S103). The response signal is transmitted including the response device ID of the response device 4. When the response device 4 receives the call notification, it displays on the display 402 a response screen (not shown) that accepts a selection as to whether or not to respond to the call.

[0043] When the call response device 2 receives a response signal from the response device 4, it establishes a communication connection between the call device 3 and the response device 4 (S104). Once the communication connection is established, the call device 3 and the response device 4 can carry out a two-way conversation using voice data via the call response device 2 (S105, S106). Note that the response device 4 can carry out the conversation while displaying image data captured by the imaging device 303 on the display 402.

[0044] FIG. 6 shows a processing flowchart of the call response device 2. The call processing unit 21 acquires and processes a call signal from the call device 3 (S201). The call processing unit 21 refers to the call device data based on the call ID included in the call signal. The call processing unit 21 acquires one or more response device IDs corresponding to the call ID included in the call device data. The call processing unit 21 refers to the response device data of the acquired response device ID. The call processing unit 21 identifies the response device ID whose at-home flag is on and has the highest priority. Furthermore, if the call processing unit 21 cannot identify a response device ID whose at-home flag is on, it identifies the response device ID whose at-home flag is off and has the highest priority. If the call processing unit 21 can identify the response device ID, it generates a call notification and outputs it to the response device 4. If the call processing unit 21 cannot identify the response device ID, it outputs an absence message to the call device 3.

[0045] The response processing unit 22 acquires and processes a response signal from the response device 4 (S202). The response signal is generated by the response device 4 and transmitted to the call response device 2 by accepting an operation input to respond to the call notification via a response screen displayed on the response device 4. If the response processing unit 22 does not acquire a response signal in response to the call notification within a certain time, or if it acquires an absence signal from the response device 4, it outputs an absence message to the call device 3.

[0046] The communication processing unit 23 establishes a real-time communication connection between the response device 4 identified by the response device ID included in the response signal and the calling device 3 identified by the call ID included in the call signal (S202). The communication processing unit 23 acquires voice data and / or image data from the calling device 3 and the response device 4 with which the communication connection has been established, and transmits the data to the other device by real-time communication. As a result, the calling device 3 and the response device 4 The call device 3 and the answering device 4 can realize a dialogue between a visitor and a resident.

[0047] The communication processing unit 23, upon receiving a completion instruction from the response device 4 to complete the response, releases the communication connection between the calling device 3 and the response device 4 and ends the conversation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 1. Call response system 2. Call response device 21 Call Processing Unit 22 Response processing section 23 Communication processing unit 3 paging device 4 Answering Machine H Building DB storage

Claims

1. 1. A call answering method for assisting a resident in answering a call from a visitor, comprising: a calling step of receiving a call signal from a calling device outside the building; a response step of acquiring a response signal from a response device inside the building; a communication processing step of establishing a real-time communication connection between the calling device and the answering device, The building has a stepped structure with different heights within the floors.

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the tiered structure is a split-floor structure.

3. The call response method according to claim 1 , wherein the step structure has a difference in height between an entrance floor and a room floor.

4. A method of answering a call according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the answering device is a portable device.

5. A call response system that assists a resident in responding to a call from a visitor, comprising: A call device outside the building, a response device inside the building, and a call response device are provided, The call device transmits a call signal from a visitor to the call response device; the response device transmits a response signal by the resident to the call response device; the call response device receives the call signal and the response signal and establishes a communication connection between the call device and the response device; A call response system, wherein the building has a step structure with different heights within the floors.

6. 6. The call response system according to claim 5, wherein said response device comprises a communication device for connecting to a wide area communication network, and a conversation with said call device is conducted by voice data via said call response device.

7. a call processing unit that receives a call signal from a call device; a response processing unit that acquires a response signal from a response device by a resident in response to the call signal; 7. A call response program that causes the call response device according to claim 5 or 6 to function as a communication processing unit that establishes a communication connection between the call device and the response device specified by the call signal and the response signal.

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