Wireless device

Abstract

To support measurement of radio wave intensity before operation for a radio signal transmitted and received between a lobby unit and an entrance slave unit.SOLUTION: The wireless device includes a communication unit that receives a control signal from the shared device or the entrance slave device, a determination unit that measures an intensity of the control signal and determines whether or not the measured intensity of the control signal is equal to or greater than a threshold value, an output unit that outputs a result of the determination by the determination unit, and a power supply unit that receives power supply from a portable power supply.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to wireless devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a common entrance device that is installed at the common entrance of a collective facility and includes a communication unit that communicates with an entrance sub-unit installed at the entrance of a facility included in the collective facility, a control unit that controls the communication operation, and a power supply unit that can supply power to the entrance sub-unit without going through a parent unit installed within the facility. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-6067 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, in order to reduce construction costs, intercom systems have become popular in complex facilities, such as apartment buildings, where multiple master units and master units are installed. The master units are connected to a common entrance via wireless communication. However, the master units are attached to walls near the doors and operate using power supplied from the master unit. Therefore, it has been difficult for workers installing the master units and master units to check the wireless operation level between the common entrance system and each master unit before operating the master units.

[0005] The present disclosure has been devised in consideration of the above-described conventional situation, and aims to provide a wireless device that assists in measuring the radio wave strength of wireless signals transmitted and received between a lobby unit and a front door unit before operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present disclosure provides a wireless device capable of communicating with a shared device provided in a common area of ​​an apartment building and at least one entrance unit wirelessly connected to the shared device, the wireless device comprising: a communication unit that receives a control signal from the shared device or the entrance unit; a judgment unit that measures the strength of the control signal and determines whether the strength of the measured control signal is equal to or greater than a threshold; an output unit that outputs the result of the judgment made by the judgment unit; and a power supply unit that receives power from a portable power source. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to assist in measuring the radio wave intensity of wireless signals transmitted and received between a lobby unit and a front door unit before operation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a first configuration example of an intercom system in operation according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a second configuration example of the intercom system during operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a lobby unit and a front door unit according to the first and second embodiments. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a lobby device in the first and second embodiments. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a front door slave unit according to the first and second embodiments. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a repeater according to a first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the surface of a repeater according to the first embodiment; [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the rear surface of the repeater according to the first embodiment; [Figure 9] A flowchart showing an example 1 of the operation procedure of the lobby unit, the entrance slave unit, and the repeater according to the first and second embodiments. [Figure 10]A flowchart showing an example of a transmission operation procedure of a lobby unit, a front door slave unit, and a repeater according to the first and second embodiments. [Figure 11] A flowchart showing an example of a receiving operation procedure of a lobby unit, a front door unit, and a repeater according to the first and second embodiments. [Figure 12] Flowchart showing Example 2 of the operation procedure of the lobby unit, the entrance slave unit, and the repeater according to the first and second embodiments. [Figure 13] Flowchart showing a modified example of operation procedure example 2 of the lobby unit, the front door slave unit, and the repeater according to the first and second embodiments [Figure 14] A flowchart showing an example of a transmission / reception procedure of a lobby unit, a front door unit, and a repeater according to the first and second embodiments. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a method 1 for inspecting radio wave strength before operation in the first configuration example. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a method 2 for inspecting radio wave strength before operation in the first configuration example. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a method 3 for inspecting radio wave strength before operation in the first configuration example. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a method 4 for inspecting radio wave strength before operation in the first configuration example. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third configuration example of the intercom system during operation in the second embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fourth configuration example of the intercom system during operation in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings as appropriate, detailed descriptions of each embodiment specifically disclosing a wireless device according to the present disclosure will be provided. However, more detailed descriptions than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of already well-known matters and redundant descriptions of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following description and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. Note that 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 recited in the claims.

[0010] Although the present disclosure will describe in detail an example in which the intercom system is applied to an apartment building, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The intercom system of the present disclosure may be applied to, for example, an apartment building, a dormitory, or a company housing complex, or a facility consisting of a group of multiple facilities (multiple companies, departments, divisions, etc.), such as an office, a factory, a research facility, a medical facility, or an accommodation facility, in which a sub-unit corresponding to the entrance sub-unit of the present disclosure and a device corresponding to the lobby unit of the present disclosure that is wirelessly connected to multiple sub-units and transmits wireless signals are installed.

[0011] In the following explanation, the term "in operation" refers to a state in which the lobby unit, entrance unit, base unit, and repeater have already been installed in the apartment building and are functioning (operating) as an intercom system, for example, allowing visitors to call residents of the apartment building. The term "before operation" refers to a state in which the lobby unit, entrance unit, base unit, and repeater have not yet been installed in the apartment building or have already been installed, and are not functioning (operating) as an intercom system, for example, allowing visitors to call residents of the apartment building.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) First, a first configuration example of intercom system 100A during operation will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a first configuration example of intercom system 100A during operation in embodiment 1. Note that in Fig. 1, in order to make the basic configuration of intercom system 100A easier to understand, only master unit H11 corresponding to front door slave unit D11 is shown, and master units corresponding to other front door slave units are not shown.

[0013] Intercom system 100A in the first configuration example includes lobby unit L1, at least one repeater R2, R3, multiple entrance slave units D11, D12, D13, D21, D22, D23, D31, D32, and D33, and multiple base units. In intercom system 100A in the first configuration example, lobby unit L1 is wirelessly connected to entrance slave units D11-D13 installed on the first floor and to repeater R2 installed on the second floor. Intercom system 100A is also wirelessly connected to repeater R2 to entrance slave units D21-D23 installed on the second floor, to repeater R2 to repeater R3 installed on the third floor, and to entrance slave units D31-D33 installed on the third floor. The dashed arrows in FIG. 1 indicate wireless communication. The upper part of FIG. 1 shows wireless communication between the lobby unit L1 and one of the repeaters or entrance units representing each floor, and other wireless communication is omitted from the illustration.

[0014] The wireless communication here may be any wireless communication method, such as Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) communication, Bluetooth communication, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), 4G, or 5G.

[0015] The lobby unit L1 is connected to all the entrance slave units D11, etc. installed in the apartment building directly or indirectly via at least one repeater so as to be able to communicate wirelessly with them. The lobby unit L1 is also connected to the master unit installed in each dwelling unit so as to be able to communicate with them via each entrance slave unit D11, etc.

[0016] The lobby unit L1 is installed in the lobby (common area), which is the common entrance to the apartment complex, and controls the opening and closing of the common entrance door (e.g., an automatic door) that allows access from the lobby to each apartment unit in the apartment complex. The lobby unit L1 accepts operations to open and close the common entrance door by the residents of the apartment complex, and operations to call the residents of each apartment unit by visitors. Based on the call operation by the resident of each apartment unit, the lobby unit L1 requests the master unit installed in each apartment unit to call the resident via the entrance slave unit installed in the corresponding apartment unit.

[0017] The front door slave units D11, ... are connected to the lobby unit L1 and other front door slave units or repeaters so as to be able to communicate wirelessly with each other, and transmit and receive wireless signals. The front door slave units D11, ... are also connected to the corresponding master units so as to be able to communicate wired with each other, and transmit and receive various data (signals).

[0018] In addition, when the entrance sub-unit D11, ... receives a call from a visitor to a resident in the residence, it transmits a control signal based on the operation to the main unit, captures an image of the visitor and picks up the visitor's voice, and transmits the captured image and collected voice data to the main unit.

[0019] The base unit H11 is installed in each dwelling unit and, based on various data (various signals) transmitted from the corresponding entrance unit, performs functions such as calling the resident, displaying captured images of visitors in the lobby or in front of the entrance, or communicating with visitors in the lobby or in front of the entrance.

[0020] Repeaters R2 and R3 are installed on any wall on each floor of the apartment building from the second floor onwards. Repeaters R2 and R3 have the function of relaying wireless communications transmitted from the lobby unit L1, the entrance unit or other repeaters, and relay wireless communications between the lobby unit L1 and the entrance unit installed on the floor where they are installed.

[0021] In the first configuration example, the entrance slave units D11 to D13 installed on the first floor are relatively close to the lobby unit L1 and are installed in positions that are less susceptible to electric field obstruction by the walls or hallways of the apartment building compared to the entrance slave units installed on the second floor or higher. The entrance slave units D11 to D13 are connected to the lobby unit L1 so as to be able to communicate wirelessly without relaying by a repeater, and perform transmission and reception of wireless signals.

[0022] Here, compared to the doorway slave units D11 to D13 installed on the first floor, the doorway slave units installed on the second floor or higher are more likely to be subject to electric field obstruction due to the walls or hallways of the apartment building. Therefore, the doorway slave units installed on the second floor or higher transmit and receive wireless signals to and from the lobby unit L1 via a repeater that can relay wireless signals.

[0023] Specifically, a repeater R2 is installed on the second floor to relay transmission and reception of wireless signals between the lobby unit L1 and the entrance slave units D21 to D23 installed on the second floor, and between the lobby unit L1 and a repeater R3 installed on the third floor. Each of the entrance slave units D21 to D23 is connected to the lobby unit L1 via the repeater R2 so as to be able to communicate wirelessly with the lobby unit L1.

[0024] Also, on the third floor, a repeater R3 is installed which relays wireless signal transmission and reception between the lobby unit L1 and the entrance units D31 to D33 installed on the third floor via a repeater R2 installed between the lobby unit L1 and the entrance units D31 to D33. Each of the entrance units D31 to D33 is connected to the lobby unit L1 via the repeaters R2 and R3, respectively, so as to be able to communicate wirelessly with the lobby unit L1.

[0025] As described above, the intercom system 100A in the first configuration example can achieve wireless communication between the lobby unit L1 and all of the entrance units installed in the apartment building by installing repeaters R2 and R3, even if there is a front door unit that is subject to electric field obstruction by the walls or corridors (ceilings) of the apartment building and that makes wireless communication with the lobby unit L1 difficult.

[0026] Next, a second configuration example of intercom system 100B during operation will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a second configuration example of intercom system 100B during operation in embodiment 1. In Fig. 2, in order to make the basic configuration of intercom system 100B easier to understand, only master unit H11 corresponding to front door slave unit D11 is shown, and master units corresponding to other front door slave units are not shown. In addition, in the description of the second configuration example, description of the same configuration as in the first configuration example will be omitted.

[0027] Intercom system 100B in the second configuration example includes a lobby unit L1, at least one repeater R1-R3, a plurality of entrance slave units D11, ..., and a master unit. In intercom system 100B in the second configuration example, lobby unit L1 and repeaters R1, R3, and repeater R1 and repeater R2 are connected to each other so that wired communication is possible, and repeaters R1-R3 and each of entrance slave units D11, ... are connected to each other so that wireless communication is possible.

[0028] In the second configuration example, repeaters R1 to R3 are installed on each floor including the first floor and are connected to the lobby unit L1 or other repeaters so that wired communication is possible (solid arrows in Figure 2). Repeaters R1 to R3 are connected to each entrance slave unit installed on the same floor so that wireless communication is possible, either directly or via one or more entrance slave units.

[0029] Specifically, in the second configuration example, a repeater R1 is installed on the first floor to relay communications between the lobby unit L1 and the entrance slave units D11-D13 installed on the first floor, and between the lobby unit L1 and a repeater R2 installed on the second floor. The repeater R1 is connected to the lobby unit L1 and to the repeater R2 so that wired communications can be established. The entrance slave units D11-D13 installed on the first floor are connected to the repeater R1 so that wireless communications can be established, and transmit and receive wireless signals to and from the lobby unit L1.

[0030] On the second floor, a repeater R2 is installed to relay communications between the lobby unit L1 and the entrance slave units D21 to D23 installed on the second floor. The repeater R2 is connected to the repeater R1 so as to be able to communicate by wire. The repeater R2 is also connected to the entrance slave units D21 to D23 so as to be able to communicate by wireless.

[0031] Also, on the third floor, a repeater R3 is installed to relay communication between the lobby unit L1 and the entrance slave units D31 to D33 installed on the third floor. The repeater R3 is connected to the lobby unit L1 so that wired communication is possible. The repeater R3 is also connected to each of the entrance slave units D31 to D33 so that wireless communication is possible.

[0032] As described above, intercom system 100B in the second configuration example connects some of repeaters R1-R3 installed on each floor (repeaters R1 and R3 in FIG. 2) to enable wired communication, and further connects repeaters to each other (between repeater R1 and repeater R2 in FIG. 2) to enable wired communication, thereby more effectively reducing the construction work required for wired connections and more effectively protecting communication between repeaters from electric field interference caused by the walls or hallways (ceilings) of the apartment building. Furthermore, even if there is a front door unit that is subject to electric field interference caused by the walls or hallways (ceilings) of the apartment building and has difficulty in wireless communication with lobby unit L1, intercom system 100B can achieve wireless communication between lobby unit L1 and all front door units installed in the apartment building by installing repeaters R1-R3.

[0033] <Internal configuration of the lobby unit and entrance unit> Next, an example of the internal configuration of the lobby device L1 and the front door slave devices D11, ... in embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the lobby device L1 and the front door slave devices D11, ... in embodiment 1 and embodiment 2. In addition, in the block diagram shown in Fig. 3, the configuration (function) indicated by dashed lines is the configuration and function for realizing the pre-operation operation mode, and is the configuration (function) used for measuring the radio wave intensity before operation of the lobby device L1, the front door slave devices D11, ... or the repeaters R1 to R3 described later, and is not essential and may be omitted.

[0034] The lobby device L1 in the first embodiment includes a communication unit 10, a processor 11, a memory 12, an input unit 13, an output unit 14, a mode changeover switch 15, and a power supply unit 16.

[0035] The communication unit 10 is connected to the repeaters R1 to R3 or the front door slave units D11, ... so as to be able to communicate by wire or wirelessly. The communication unit 10 outputs various signals (data) transmitted from the repeaters R1 to R3 or the front door slave units D11, ... to the processor 11. The communication unit 10 also transmits various signals (data) transmitted from the processor 11 to the repeaters R1 to R3 or the front door slave units D11, ....

[0036] The processor 11 is realized by, for example, a Central Processing Unit (hereinafter referred to as "CPU"), a Digital Signal Processor (hereinafter referred to as "DSP"), or a Field Programmable Gate Array (hereinafter referred to as "FPGA"), and performs various processes and controls in cooperation with the memory 12. Specifically, the processor 11 references the programs and data stored in the memory 12 and executes the programs to realize the functions of the operation control unit 111 and the pre-operation control unit 112.

[0037] The operation control unit 111 controls communications between the lobby unit L1 and each of the entrance slave units D11, ... based on the setting of the operation mode. The operation mode here is an operation mode that is executed during operation after the lobby unit L1, entrance slave units D11, ..., and repeaters R1 to R3 (repeaters R2 to R3 in the case of Fig. 1) are installed in the apartment building, as shown in Fig. 1 or 2, and performs operations such as opening and closing the common entrance door by residents of the apartment building, accepting calls from visitors to residents of each dwelling unit, and calling residents.

[0038] Based on the setting of the pre-operation operation mode, the pre-operation control unit 112 controls the transmission or reception of wireless signals between the lobby unit L1 and the front door slave units D11, etc., or between the repeaters R1-R3 and the front door slave units D11, etc. The pre-operation operation mode here is an operation mode executed before the intercom systems 100A, 100B are put into operation in an apartment building using the lobby unit L1, the front door slave units D11, etc., and the repeaters R1-R3 (repeaters R1-R2 in the case of FIG. 1), and executes a test (measurement) operation to determine whether or not wireless signals can be transmitted and received at a predetermined radio wave intensity at the installation locations of the various devices. The pre-operation operation mode will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 10 to 14.

[0039] The memory 12 includes a read-only memory (hereinafter referred to as "ROM") and a random access memory (hereinafter referred to as "RAM"). The ROM stores programs that define the processing (operations) of the processor 11, and data that is referenced when the programs are executed. The RAM is a working memory used when the processor 11 executes its processing (operations), and temporarily stores data or information generated or acquired during each process. The memory 12 stores a threshold value TH that is used to inspect the radio wave strength in the pre-operational operating mode.

[0040] The input unit 13 is a user interface that can accept input operations by residents or visitors, and is realized by, for example, a microphone MK1, a camera CM1, a numeric keypad IN1, or a call key CL1. The input unit 13 converts the content of the accepted input operation (for example, the visitor's voice, information about the residence to be called, or a call operation) into an electrical signal and outputs it to the processor 11.

[0041] The output unit 14 outputs audio, images, or text via lighting control to workers, residents, or visitors who are inspecting the radio wave strength before operation. The output unit 14 is realized by a speaker SPK1, lighting LT1, display unit DP1, or the like. The speaker SPK1 outputs the resident's voice picked up by the main unit in each dwelling unit. The lighting LT1 illuminates the resident or visitor so that the camera CM1 can capture an image of the resident or visitor. The display unit DP1 also displays the input content entered into the numeric keypad IN1 or the inspection results in the pre-operation operation mode (for example, information on the radio wave strength received by the inspection device, whether the inspection result was good or bad, etc.).

[0042] The mode selector switch 15 switches the operation mode of the processor 11 between a pre-operation operation mode and an operation operation mode based on the position of the mode switch SW1 (see FIG. 4). Note that, as an example, the mode selector switch 15 in the present disclosure switches the operation mode of the processor 11 between a transmission mode which is a pre-operation operation mode, a reception mode which is a pre-operation operation mode, and an operation operation mode. When the position of the mode switch SW1 is switched by an operator, the mode selector switch 15 outputs information on the operation mode corresponding to the current position to the processor 11.

[0043] The power supply unit 16 supplies power to the lobby device L1. The power supply unit 16 includes a power supply unit 161 that receives power from the apartment building (building) and a Universal Serial Bus (registered trademark, hereinafter referred to as "USB") power supply unit 162 that receives power from a portable power supply PP (see FIG. 4) that can be carried by the worker.

[0044] The entrance slave units D11, . . . include a communication unit 20, a processor 21, a memory 22, an input unit 23, an output unit 24, a mode changeover switch 25, and a power supply unit 26.

[0045] The communication unit 20 is connected to the lobby unit L1 or the repeaters R1 to R3 so as to be able to communicate by wire or wirelessly. The communication unit 20 outputs various signals (data) transmitted from the lobby unit L1 or the repeaters R1 to R3 to the processor 21. The communication unit 20 also transmits various signals (data) output from the processor 21 to the lobby unit L1 or the repeaters R1 to R3.

[0046] The processor 21 is realized by, for example, a CPU, a DSP, or an FPGA, and performs various processes and controls in cooperation with the memory 22. Specifically, the processor 21 references the programs and data stored in the memory 22 and executes the programs, thereby realizing the functions of the operation control unit 211 and the pre-operation control unit 212.

[0047] In the operational mode, the operational control unit 211 controls communications between the lobby device L1 and the repeaters R2 and R3.

[0048] The pre-operation control unit 212 is installed at the locations where the lobby unit L1 and the entrance slave units D11, ... are installed, or at the planned installation locations where the repeaters R1-R3 are planned to be installed, based on the pre-operation operation mode, and controls the transmission or reception of wireless signals between the repeaters, entrance slave units, or lobby unit that are also operating in the pre-operation operation mode. The pre-operation control unit 212 transmits or receives wireless signals between the installation locations or planned installation locations of the various devices and the installation location of the lobby unit L1, and performs a test operation to determine whether the wireless signals can be received at a predetermined radio wave intensity.

[0049] The memory 22 includes a ROM and a RAM. The ROM stores a program that defines the processing (operation) of the processor 21, and data that is referenced when the program is executed. The RAM is a work memory used when the processor 21 executes the processing (operation), and temporarily stores data or information generated or acquired in each process. The memory 22 stores a threshold value TH that is used to check the radio wave strength in the pre-operational operating mode.

[0050] The input unit 23 is a user interface that can accept input operations by residents or visitors, and is realized by, for example, a microphone MK2, a camera CM2, a call key CL2, etc. The input unit 23 converts the content of the accepted input operation (for example, the visitor's voice, information about the residence to be called, or a call operation, etc.) into an electrical signal and outputs it to the processor 21.

[0051] The output unit 24 outputs audio to workers, residents, or visitors, or outputs the results of a radio wave strength inspection performed by lighting control. The output unit 24 is implemented by a speaker SPK2, a light LT2, or the like. The speaker SPK2 outputs the voice of the resident picked up by the base unit in each dwelling unit, and outputs the results of the radio wave strength inspection performed in the pre-operation operation mode (e.g., radio wave strength information, whether the inspection result was good or bad, etc.). The light LT2 illuminates the resident or visitor so that the resident or visitor can be captured when the camera CM2 captures the image of the resident or visitor, and notifies the results of the inspection performed in the pre-operation operation mode by a lighting color (e.g., green or red, etc.) or a lighting pattern (e.g., on, flashing, off, etc.).

[0052] Mode selector switch 25 switches the operation mode of processor 21 between a pre-operation operation mode and an operation mode based on the position of mode switch SW2 (see FIG. 5). When the position of mode switch SW2 is changed by an operator, mode selector switch 25 outputs information about the operation mode corresponding to the current position to processor 21.

[0053] Power supply unit 26 supplies power to front door slave units D11, .... Power supply unit 26 includes a power feeding unit 261 that receives power supply from the apartment building (building), and a USB power feeding unit 262 that receives power supply from a portable power supply PP (see FIG. 5).

[0054] <Lobby machine exterior configuration> Next, an example of the appearance of the lobby machine L1 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the lobby machine L1 in the first and second embodiments.

[0055] The lobby unit L1 has an operation surface (front surface) operated by a resident or visitor, and is equipped with a microphone MK1, a camera CM1, a speaker SPK1, a light LT1, a display DP1, a numeric keypad IN1, a call key CL1, etc. Note that the lobby unit L1 shown in FIG. 4 is an example and is not limited to this. The lobby unit L1 only needs to have the configuration and functions required for the apartment complex in which it is installed.

[0056] When the lobby unit L1 performs a radio wave strength check, the speaker SPK1 may output a sound notifying the result of the radio wave strength check.

[0057] For example, when performing a radio wave strength test, if the lobby device L1 determines that the radio wave strength is equal to or greater than the threshold value TH, it outputs a sound indicating that the radio wave strength test result is "OK" (for example, a sound effect such as a ping-pong sound, a high-pitched sound effect, or the voice "OK") If the lobby device L1 determines that the radio wave strength is less than the threshold value TH, it outputs a sound indicating that the radio wave strength test result is "NG" (for example, a sound effect such as a buzzer sound, a low-pitched sound effect, or the voice "NG"). The lobby device L1 may also output the radio wave strength measured by the radio wave strength test (for example, "xx dBm") as a sound.

[0058] The lighting LT1 has multiple LEDs that emit light in different colors, and notifies the operator of the radio wave strength test results in the pre-operational operation mode (e.g., whether the radio wave strength test result is good or bad) by lighting color (e.g., green or red) or lighting pattern (e.g., on, blinking, or off). When the lobby unit L1 performs a radio wave strength test, the lighting LT1 may notify the operator of the radio wave strength test result.

[0059] For example, when performing a radio wave strength test, the lobby device L1 blinks the green LED of the light LT1 while executing the transmission mode in which it transmits wireless signals in the pre-operation operation mode. Based on the radio wave strength test results, if the radio wave strength is equal to or greater than the threshold TH, the lobby device L1 turns on the green LED of the light LT1, and if the radio wave strength is less than the threshold TH, the lobby device L1 turns on the red LED of the light LT1. Furthermore, in the reception mode in which it receives wireless signals in the pre-operation operation mode, if the lobby device L1 is out of range (i.e., cannot receive wireless signals), the lobby device L1 blinks the red LED of the light LT1.

[0060] The display unit DP1 is a so-called digital display board that displays the radio wave strength test results in the pre-operation operation mode (for example, the radio wave strength, or whether the radio wave strength test result is good or bad, etc.). When the lobby device L1 performs a radio wave strength test, the display unit DP1 may output a display notifying the radio wave strength test result.

[0061] For example, if the lobby device L1 determines that the radio wave strength is equal to or greater than the threshold value TH, it outputs a symbol or text (e.g., "◯," "OK," "Good," etc.) notifying that the radio wave strength inspection result is "OK." If the lobby device L1 determines that the radio wave strength is less than the threshold value TH, it outputs a symbol or text (e.g., "×," "NG," "Poor," etc.) notifying that the radio wave strength inspection result is "NG." The lobby device L1 may also display the value of the radio wave strength measured by the radio wave strength inspection (e.g., "XX dBm"), or a symbol, numerical value, or text indicating the communication quality based on the measured radio wave strength.

[0062] The microphone MK1 picks up the voice of the visitor or resident. The speaker SPK1 outputs the voice picked up by the microphone (not shown) installed in the base unit of the corresponding dwelling unit. The lighting LT1 includes multiple light-emitting diodes (hereinafter referred to as "LEDs") and illuminates the resident or visitor so that they can be captured by the camera CM1. It also notifies the operator of the results of the radio wave strength test in the pre-operation mode (e.g., pass / fail) by changing the color (e.g., red or green) or the lighting pattern (e.g., on, blinking, off). The display DP1 displays the input entered into the numeric keypad IN1 or the results of the radio wave strength test in the pre-operation mode. The numeric keypad IN1 accepts input of information about the dwelling unit (e.g., room number) to be called by the resident or visitor. The call key CL1, when pressed by the resident or visitor, calls the resident via the base unit installed in the dwelling unit whose number is entered into the numeric keypad IN1.

[0063] The lobby device L1 is equipped with a mode switch SW1 and a power connection port PCN1 on the side opposite the operation surface (back side). The mode switch SW1 is a switch that determines the operation mode of the lobby device L1 and is operated by an operator. The mode switch SW1 has the same configuration and function as the mode switch SW3 (see Figure 8) that repeaters R1, ... are equipped with. As mentioned above, the mode switch is a configuration (function) used to measure radio wave strength before operation and is not essential, so it may be omitted.

[0064] The power connection port PCN1 includes a power supply unit 161 that receives power supply to the lobby device L1 from the apartment building (building) so that a power cable (not shown) or a portable power supply PP can be connected, and a USB power supply unit 162 that receives power supply to the lobby device L1 from the portable power supply PP via a USB connection. Note that if the lobby device L1 is not used to check the radio wave strength before operation and does not execute the pre-operation operation mode, the USB power supply unit 162 may be omitted.

[0065] The portable power supply PP is a storage battery such as a mobile battery. The portable power supply PP is carried by the worker and is used to supply power to various devices (lobby unit L1, repeaters R1 to R3, entrance unit D11, etc.) used to test the radio wave strength before operation.

[0066] <External configuration of the entrance unit> Next, an example of the appearance of the front door slave units D11, ... will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the front door slave units D11, ... in the first and second embodiments.

[0067] The door slave units D11,... are provided with a microphone MK2, a camera CM2, a speaker SPK2, a light LT2, a call key CL2, etc. on the operation surface (surface) operated by a person such as a resident or a visitor. Note that the door slave units D11,... shown in Fig. 5 are merely examples and are not limited to these. The door slave units D11,... may have the configuration and functions required for the apartment building or dwelling unit in which they are installed.

[0068] The lighting LT2 is equipped with multiple LEDs that emit light in different colors, and notifies the operator of the results of the radio wave strength test in the pre-operational operating mode (e.g., whether the radio wave strength test result is good or bad) by the lighting color (e.g., green or red) or lighting pattern (e.g., on, flashing, or off).

[0069] For example, when performing a radio wave intensity test, the front door slave units D11, ... blink the green LED of the light LT2 while executing the transmission mode in which they transmit wireless signals in the pre-operation operation mode. Based on the radio wave intensity test results, if the radio wave intensity is equal to or greater than the threshold TH, the front door slave units D11, ... turn on the green LED of the light LT3, and if the radio wave intensity is less than the threshold TH, the front door slave units D11, ... turn on the red LED of the light LT2. Furthermore, in the reception mode in which they receive wireless signals in the pre-operation operation mode, if the front door slave units D11, ... are out of range (i.e., cannot receive wireless signals), they blink the red LED of the light LT2.

[0070] The microphone MK2 picks up the voice of visitors or residents. The speaker SPK2 outputs the voice picked up by a microphone (not shown) equipped in the base unit of the corresponding dwelling unit. The lighting LT2 is equipped with multiple LEDs and illuminates the resident or visitor so that the camera CM2 can capture the image of the resident or visitor. It also notifies the worker of the pass / fail results of the radio wave strength test in the pre-operation mode by changing the lighting color (e.g., red or green) or lighting pattern (e.g., on, blinking, or off). In addition, when pressed by a resident or visitor, the call key CL2 calls the resident via the base unit installed in the dwelling unit.

[0071] When the front door slave units D11, . . . inspect the radio wave strength, the speaker SPK2 may output the inspection result of the radio wave strength as voice.

[0072] For example, when the front door slave units D11, ... determine that the radio wave strength is equal to or greater than the threshold value TH, they output a sound indicating that the radio wave strength inspection result is "OK" (for example, a sound effect such as a doorbell ringing, a high-pitched sound effect, or the sound "OK") If the front door slave units D11, ... determine that the radio wave strength is less than the threshold value TH, they output a sound indicating that the radio wave strength inspection result is "NG" (for example, a sound effect such as a buzzer sound, a low-pitched sound effect, or the sound "NG"). In addition, the front door slave units D11, ... may output the radio wave strength measured by the radio wave strength inspection as a sound (for example, "xx dBm")

[0073] The front door slave units D11, ... are provided with a mode switch SW2 and a power connection port PCN2 on the back side where they are attached to the wall. The mode switch SW2 is a switch that determines the operating mode of the front door slave units D11, ... and is operated by an operator. The mode switch SW2 has the same configuration and function as the mode switch SW3 (see Figure 8) that the repeater R1, ... is provided with. As mentioned above, the mode switch is a configuration (function) used to measure radio wave strength before operation and is not essential, so it may be omitted.

[0074] The power connection port PCN2 includes a power supply unit 261 that receives power supply to the front door slave units D11, ... from the apartment building (building) so that a power cable (not shown) or a portable power supply PP can be connected, and a USB power supply unit 262 that receives power supply to the front door slave units D11, ... from the portable power supply PP via a USB connection. Note that if the front door slave units D11, ... are not used to check the radio wave strength before operation and do not execute the pre-operation operation mode, the USB power supply unit 262 may be omitted.

[0075] <Internal structure of the repeater> Next, an example of the internal configuration of the repeaters R1, ... in the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the repeaters R1, ... in the first embodiment.

[0076] Each of the repeaters R1, . . . includes a communication unit 30, a processor 31, a memory 32, an output unit 34, a mode changeover switch 35, and a power supply unit 36.

[0077] The communication unit 30 is connected to the lobby unit L1 or the front door units D11, D21, D31 so as to be able to communicate with them via wired or wireless communication. The communication unit 30 outputs various signals (data) transmitted from the lobby unit L1 or the front door units D11, D21, D31 to the processor 31. The communication unit 30 also transmits various signals (data) transmitted from the processor 31 to the lobby unit L1 or the front door units D11, D21, D31.

[0078] The processor 31 is realized by, for example, a CPU, a DSP, or an FPGA, and performs various processes and controls in cooperation with the memory 32. Specifically, the processor 31 references the programs and data stored in the memory 32 and executes the programs, thereby realizing the functions of the operation control unit 311 and the pre-operation control unit 312.

[0079] In the operation mode, the operation control unit 311 controls communication between the lobby unit L1 and the entrance slave units D11, . . . corresponding to the installation location of the own device (for example, the second or third floor).

[0080] The pre-operation control unit 312 is installed at the planned locations where various devices (lobby device L1, repeaters R1-R3, or entrance slave device D11, ...) are planned to be installed based on the pre-operation operation mode, and controls the transmission or reception of wireless signals between the repeaters, entrance slave devices, or lobby devices that are also operating in the pre-operation operation mode. The pre-operation control unit 312 transmits or receives wireless signals between the installation locations or planned installation locations of the various devices and the installation location of the lobby device L1, and performs a test operation to determine whether the wireless signals can be received at a predetermined radio wave strength.

[0081] The memory 32 includes a ROM and a RAM. The ROM stores a program that defines the processing (operation) of the processor 31, and data referenced when the program is executed. The RAM is a work memory used when the processor 31 executes the processing (operation), and temporarily stores data or information generated or acquired in each process. The memory 32 stores a threshold value TH used to inspect the radio wave strength in the pre-operational operating mode.

[0082] The output unit 34 outputs the inspection result of the radio wave strength by the lighting LT3 to an operator who inspects the radio wave strength before operation. The lighting LT3 notifies the operator of the inspection result of the radio wave strength in the pre-operation operation mode by the lighting color (e.g., red or green) and lighting pattern (e.g., on, blinking, or off).

[0083] Mode selector switch 35 switches the operation mode of processor 31 between a pre-operation operation mode and an operation operation mode based on the position of mode switch SW3 (see FIG. 8). When the position of mode switch SW3 is changed by an operator, mode selector switch 35 outputs information on the operation mode corresponding to the current position to processor 31. The mode switch is a component (function) used to measure radio wave intensity before operation and is not essential, and may be omitted if the lobby unit or entrance slave unit is equipped with that function.

[0084] The power supply unit 36 ​​supplies power to the repeaters R1, .... The power supply unit 36 ​​includes a power feeding unit 361 that receives power supply from an apartment building (building) and a USB power feeding unit 362 that receives power supply from a portable power supply PP (see FIG. 8).

[0085] Next, an example of the appearance of the repeaters R1, ... will be described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the front surface of the repeaters R1, ... in embodiment 1. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the back surface of the repeaters R1, ... in embodiment 1.

[0086] The repeaters R1, ... in Appearance Example 1 are provided with at least one light LT3 on the side (front) that notifies the worker of the radio wave strength test result. The light LT3 is provided with multiple LEDs that emit light in different colors, and notifies the worker of the radio wave strength test result in the pre-operation operation mode (e.g., whether the radio wave strength test result is good or bad) by the lighting color (e.g., green or red) or lighting pattern (e.g., on, blinking, or off).

[0087] For example, the repeaters R1, ... blink the green LED of the light LT3 while executing the transmission mode in which they transmit wireless signals in the pre-operation operation mode. Based on the radio wave strength inspection results, the repeaters R1, ... turn on the green LED of the light LT3 if the radio wave strength is equal to or greater than the threshold TH, and turn on the red LED of the light LT3 if the radio wave strength is less than the threshold TH. Also, in the reception mode in which they receive wireless signals in the pre-operation operation mode, the repeaters R1, ... blink the red LED of the light LT3 if they are out of range (i.e., cannot receive wireless signals).

[0088] The repeaters R1, . . . are provided with a mode switch SW3 and a power connection port PCN3 on the side opposite to the side (front side) that notifies the test result of the radio wave strength.

[0089] The mode switch SW3 is a switch that determines the operating mode of the repeaters R1, ... and is operated by an operator. For example, the mode switch SW3 has a knob SW position that can be changed between an "operation" position that operates the repeaters R1, ... in the operation mode, a "transmit" position that operates the repeaters R1, ... in the transmit mode in the pre-operation mode, and a "receive" position that operates the repeaters R1, ... in the receive mode in the pre-operation mode, and outputs information on the operating mode of the corresponding position to the processor 31. Note that the mode switch SW3 may be a switch that can set two operating modes: "operation" that operates the repeaters R1, ... in the operation mode, and "pre-operation" that operates the repeaters R1, ... in the pre-operation mode.

[0090] The power connection port PCN3 includes a power supply unit 361 that receives power supply from the repeaters R1, ... from the apartment building (building) so that a power cable (not shown) or a portable power supply PP can be connected, and a USB power supply unit 362 that receives power supply from the portable power supply PP to the repeaters R1, ... via a USB connection. Note that if the repeaters R1, ... are not used to check the radio wave strength before operation and the pre-operation operation mode is not executed, the USB power supply unit 362 may be omitted.

[0091] <Operation mode determination procedure 1> Next, an example 1 of the operation procedure of the lobby unit L1, the front door slave units D11, ..., and the repeater R1, ... will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example 1 of the operation procedure of the lobby unit L1, the front door slave units D11, ..., and the repeater R1, ... according to the first and second embodiments. The operation procedure shown in Fig. 9 is executed by the processors of the various devices (lobby unit L1, the front door slave units D11, ..., and the repeater R1, ...). Note that in Fig. 9, for ease of understanding, an example of the operation procedure of the repeater R1 will be described, but the example of the operation procedure of the lobby unit L1 and the front door slave units D11, ... is also similar.

[0092] When the power supply of the repeater R1 is turned on (St11), the repeater R1 determines whether the power supply unit 36 ​​is supplying power from the portable power supply PP connected to the USB power supply unit 362 (St12).

[0093] If the repeater R1 determines in step St12 that power supply is not being performed by the portable power supply PP connected to the USB power supply unit 362, that is, that power is being supplied by the power supply unit 361 (St12, NO), it determines based on the current mode switch SW3 whether the operating mode is "operation", that is, whether it is in the operation mode (St13).

[0094] In step St13, when the repeater R1 determines that the operation mode designated based on the current state of the mode switch SW3 is "operation" (St13, YES), it starts operation in the operation mode (St14).

[0095] On the other hand, if the repeater R1 determines in step St13 based on the current mode switch SW3 that the operation mode is "operation," i.e., not the operation mode (St13, NO), it determines whether the operation mode specified based on the current mode switch SW3 is "transmission," i.e., the pre-operation mode (transmission mode) (St15). Note that step St15A shown in Fig. 9 may be a process of executing step St20 described later and displaying an error if the repeater receives power from the apartment building while in the pre-operation mode due to an operational error when it should be in the operation mode.

[0096] When the repeater R1 determines that the operation mode specified based on the current mode switch SW3 is "transmission" (St15, YES), it executes operation in the pre-operation operation mode (transmission mode) (St16). The processing of the pre-operation operation mode (transmission mode) in step St16 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 10.

[0097] On the other hand, if the repeater R1 determines in step St15 that the operation mode specified based on the current mode switch SW3 is not "transmission" (St15, NO), it executes operation in the pre-operation operation mode (reception mode) (St17). The processing of the pre-operation operation mode (reception mode) in step St17 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 11.

[0098] If the repeater R1 determines in step St12 that power supply is being performed by the portable power supply PP connected to the USB power supply unit 362 (St12, YES), it determines whether the operating mode specified based on the current mode switch SW3 is "operational," i.e., the operational operating mode (St18).

[0099] If the repeater R1 determines in step St18 that the operating mode specified based on the current mode switch SW3 is not "operation" (St18, NO), it determines whether the operating mode specified based on the current mode switch SW3 is "transmission", that is, the pre-operation operating mode (transmission mode) (St19).

[0100] If the repeater R1 determines in step St19 that the operation mode specified based on the current setting of the mode switch SW3 is "transmission" (St19, YES), it executes operation in the pre-operation operation mode (transmission mode) (St16). The processing of the pre-operation operation mode (transmission mode) in step St16 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 10.

[0101] On the other hand, if the repeater R1 determines in step St19 that the operation mode specified based on the current mode switch SW3 is not "transmission" (St19, NO), it executes operation in the reception mode of the pre-operation operation mode (St17). The processing of the pre-operation operation mode (reception mode) in step St17 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 11.

[0102] On the other hand, if the repeater R1 determines in step St18 that the operating mode specified based on the current setting of the mode switch SW3 is "operation" (St18, NO), it determines that the portable power supply PP is connected to the power supply unit 361 and that power is being supplied from this portable power supply PP. The repeater R1 executes control to blink the red LED of the lighting LT3, and notifies the operator that the setting of the mode switch SW3 is in error (i.e., operation is not possible in the current operating mode) (St20).

[0103] As a result, the various devices (lobby device L1, entrance device D11, ..., and repeater R1, ...) disclosed herein can easily switch between an operational mode and a pre-operation mode for testing radio wave strength. Furthermore, the operator can easily switch and set the role of the various devices in testing radio wave strength between transmitting a wireless signal (transmission mode) and receiving a wireless signal (reception mode).

[0104] Furthermore, when the various devices disclosed herein (lobby unit L1, entrance unit D11, ... and repeater R1, ...) determine that they are being powered by the portable power supply PP, they suppress operation in the operational mode, thereby more effectively preventing forgetting to switch from the portable power supply PP to the power supplied from the apartment building, or the portable power supply PP ceasing operation during operation due to a dead battery, etc.

[0105] <Operation in pre-operational operation mode (transmission mode)> Next, referring to Fig. 10, an example of the operation procedure of the lobby device L1, the front door slave devices D11, ..., and the repeater R1, ... in the pre-operation operation mode (transmission mode, step St16) will be described. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the transmission operation procedure of the lobby device L1, the front door slave devices D11, ..., and the repeater R1, ... according to the first and second embodiments. The operation procedure shown in Fig. 10 is executed by the processors of the various devices (lobby device L1, the front door slave devices D11, ..., and the repeater R1, ...). Note that in Fig. 10, for ease of understanding, an example of the operation procedure of the repeater R1 will be described, but the example of the operation procedure of the lobby device L1 and the front door slave devices D11, ... is also similar.

[0106] The repeater R1 performs an open search and determines whether there is any device other than its own device (here, the repeater R1) that is transmitting a wireless signal at the wireless communication frequency (e.g., 1900 MHz) used in the intercom systems 100A and 100B (St21).

[0107] The repeater R1 determines whether or not the repeater R1 is out of range as a result of the open search (St22). Note that, in the pre-operation measurement, it is possible to assume that the impact on devices other than the repeater R1 is minor and omit steps St21, St22, and St28.

[0108] If the repeater R1 determines in step St22 that its own device is out of range (St22, YES), it determines that there is no other device transmitting a wireless signal at a specified frequency (e.g., 1900 MHz) and starts operating in transmission mode (St23).

[0109] The repeater R1 blinks the green LED of the lighting LT3 to notify the worker that wireless signal transmission has started (St24).

[0110] The repeater R1 performs carrier sensing (St25), and after confirming that the transmission channel is not in use, determines the transmission channel for transmitting the wireless signal (St26). The repeater R1 transmits the wireless signal (control signal) at maximum power through the determined transmission channel (St27), and returns to the processing of step St25. Here, the wireless signal (control signal) transmitted by the repeater R1 is received by devices operating in receive mode (lobby unit L1, entrance slave unit D11, ..., and repeater R2, ...).

[0111] On the other hand, if the repeater R1 determines in step St22 that the repeater R1 itself is not out of range (St22, NO), the repeater R1 turns off the light LT3 (St28) and returns to step St21.

[0112] When the power supply (not shown) of the repeater R1 is manually turned off by an operator, the repeater R1 ends the operation of the transmission mode shown in FIG.

[0113] As described above, the various devices disclosed herein (lobby device L1, front door sub-devices D11, ..., and repeater R1, ...) perform an open search and operate in transmission mode only when they determine that no other devices are transmitting wireless signals. This effectively prevents erroneous measurements of radio wave strength caused by devices operating in reception mode receiving wireless signals from unintended other devices. This allows an operator to check the radio wave strength of wireless communications between the actual installation location of one device that transmits and receives wireless signals and the actual installation location of the other device, for example, between the lobby device L1 and repeater R1, ..., between repeater R1, ... and front door sub-devices D11, ..., between the lobby device L1 and front door sub-devices D11, ..., or between the front door sub-devices and the front door sub-devices.

[0114] <Operation in pre-operational operation mode (receive mode)> Next, referring to Fig. 11, an example of the operation procedure of the lobby device L1, the front door slave devices D11, ..., and the repeater R1, ... in the pre-operation operation mode (reception mode, step St16) will be described. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the reception operation procedure of the lobby device L1, the front door slave devices D11, ..., and the repeater R1, ... according to the first and second embodiments. The operation procedure shown in Fig. 11 is executed by the processors of the various devices (lobby device L1, the front door slave devices D11, ..., and the repeater R1, ...). Note that in Fig. 11, for ease of understanding, an example of the operation procedure of the repeater R1 will be described, but the example of the operation procedure of the lobby device L1 and the front door slave devices D11, ... is also similar.

[0115] The repeater R1 performs an open search and determines whether there is any device other than its own device (here, the repeater) that is transmitting a wireless signal at the wireless communication frequency (e.g., 1900 MHz) used in the intercom systems 100A and 100B (St31).

[0116] Based on the result of the open search, the repeater R1 determines whether its own device is out of range, that is, whether there is any device transmitting a wireless signal at the wireless communication frequency (St32).

[0117] If the repeater R1 determines in step St32 that its own device is out of range (St32, YES), it blinks the red LED of the lighting LT3 to notify the worker that its own device is out of range and that a wireless signal is not being received (St33). The repeater R1 returns to step St31.

[0118] On the other hand, if the repeater R1 determines in step St32 that it is not out of range (St32, NO), it synchronizes with the transmission channel and receives a wireless signal (St34). The repeater R1 determines whether the reception strength of the received wireless signal is equal to or greater than a threshold value TH (St35). Note that the threshold value TH here is the reception strength (radio wave strength) of the wireless signal required when the intercom systems 100A and 100B are in operation (in the operation mode).

[0119] If the repeater R1 determines in step St35 that the reception strength of the received wireless signal is equal to or greater than the threshold value TH (St35, YES), it blinks the green LED of the lighting LT3 to notify the operator that the reception strength of the wireless signal transmitted between the installation position of the device operating in transmission mode and the installation position of its own device operating in reception mode is equal to or greater than the threshold value TH (St36).The repeater R1 returns to the processing of step St31.

[0120] On the other hand, if the repeater R1 determines in step St35 that the reception strength of the received wireless signal is not equal to or greater than the threshold value TH (St35, NO), it blinks the red LED of the lighting LT3 to notify the operator that the reception strength of the wireless signal transmitted between the installation position of the device operating in transmission mode and the installation position of its own device operating in reception mode is not equal to or greater than the threshold value TH (St37).The repeater R1 returns to the processing of step St31.

[0121] When the power supply (not shown) of the repeater R1 is manually turned off by an operator, the repeater R1 ends the operation of the reception mode shown in FIG.

[0122] As described above, the various devices disclosed herein (lobby device L1, front door slave D11, ..., and repeater R1, ...) perform an open search and operate in receive mode only when they determine that a device transmitting a wireless signal is present, thereby more effectively suppressing erroneous measurements of radio wave strength that occur when unintended wireless signals from other devices are received. This allows an operator to inspect the radio wave strength of wireless communications between the actual installation location of one device (lobby device L1, front door slave D11, ..., or repeater R1, ...) that transmits and receives wireless signals and the actual installation location of the other device (lobby device L1, front door slave D11, ..., or repeater R1, ...).

[0123] <Operation in pre-operational operation mode (transmission / reception mode)> Here, another example of the mode switches SW1 to SW3 will be described. The mode switches SW1 to SW3 may be configured to switch the processor operation between "operation," which corresponds to the operation mode during operation, and "pre-operation," which corresponds to the pre-operation mode during operation. In other words, when the knob SW is operated to the "pre-operation" position corresponding to the pre-operation mode during operation, the various devices (lobby unit L1, entrance unit D11, ..., and repeater R1, ...) determine whether they will operate in "transmission mode" or "reception mode," and operate in the determined operation mode. Hereinafter, a second example of the operation procedure of the various devices will be described when the mode switches SW1 to SW3 switch the processor operation between "operation," which corresponds to the operation mode during operation, and "pre-operation," which corresponds to the pre-operation mode during operation.

[0124] <Operation mode determination procedure 2> Next, with reference to Fig. 12 and Fig. 13, an example 2 of the operation procedure of the lobby unit L1, the front door slave units D11, ..., and the repeater R1, ... will be described, and with reference to Fig. 13, a modified example of the operation procedure of the lobby unit L1, the front door slave units D11, ..., and the repeater R1, ... will be described. Fig. 1 is a flowchart showing an example 2 of the operation procedure of the lobby unit L1, the front door slave units D11, ..., and the repeater R1, ... according to the first and second embodiments. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the operation procedure of the lobby unit L1, the front door slave units D11, ..., and the repeater R1, ... according to the first and second embodiments. The operation procedures shown in Figs. 12 and 13 are executed by processors of various devices (lobby unit L1, front door slave units D11, ..., and the repeater R1, ...).

[0125] 12 and 13, for ease of understanding, an example of the operation procedure of repeater R1 will be described, but the same applies to the operation procedure examples of lobby unit L1 and entrance slave unit D11, etc. Furthermore, the processing of steps St11 and St20 shown in Fig. 12 and 13 is the same as the processing of steps St11 and St20 shown in Fig. 9, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0126] When operating in the pre-operation operation mode (transmission / reception mode), the repeater R1 determines whether the portable power supply PP is connected via USB (St12), and if it determines that the portable power supply PP is not connected via USB (St12, NO), it determines whether the mode switch SW3 is set to "operation" (St13A). As shown in the modified example of Fig. 13, by limiting operation to the pre-operation operation mode (transmission / reception mode) if the portable power supply PP is connected via USB, the mode switch SW3 is unnecessary and the processing of step St18A can be omitted. If it determines that the portable power supply PP is not connected via USB (St12, NO), the repeater R1 operates in the operation mode (St14).

[0127] When it is determined in step St13A that the mode switch SW3 is in the "operational" state (St13A, YES), the repeater R1 operates in the operational operation mode (St14).

[0128] On the other hand, if the repeater R1 determines in step St13A that the mode switch SW3 is not in "operation" (St13A, NO), it operates in pre-operation operation mode (transmission / reception mode) (St21). The processing of step St21 will be described in detail in FIG. 14. As shown in the modified example of FIG. 13, step St21 may be replaced with step St20, similar to step St15A in FIG. 9. In such a case, the repeater R1 may be changed to an alternative method of displaying an error if it receives power from the apartment building while in pre-operation operation mode due to an operational error when it should be in operation operation mode.

[0129] If the repeater R1 determines in step St12 that the portable power supply PP is connected via USB (St12, YES), it determines whether the mode switch SW3 is set to "pre-operation," that is, whether the operation mode specified based on the current mode switch SW3 is the pre-operation operation mode (St18A). As shown in the modified example of Fig. 13, by limiting the operation to the pre-operation operation mode (transmission / reception mode) if the portable power supply PP is connected via USB, the mode switch SW3 becomes unnecessary and the processing of step St18A can be omitted. In such a case, if the repeater R1 determines that the portable power supply PP is not connected via USB (St12, YES), it operates in the pre-operation operation mode (transmission / reception mode) (St21).

[0130] If the repeater R1 determines in step St18A that the mode switch SW3 is in the "pre-operation" state (St18A, YES), the repeater R1 operates in the pre-operation operation mode (transmission / reception mode) (St21). The process of step St21 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 14.

[0131] On the other hand, if the repeater R1 determines in step St18A that the mode switch SW3 is not in the "pre-operation" state (St18A, NO), it determines that the portable power supply PP is connected to the power supply unit 361, power is being supplied from the portable power supply PP, and an instruction to operate in the operation mode has been issued. The repeater R1 executes control to blink the red LED of the lighting LT3, and notifies the operator that the setting of the mode switch SW3 is in error (St20).

[0132] As a result, the various devices (lobby device L1, entrance device D11, ..., and repeater R1, ...) disclosed herein can easily switch between starting operation in the operation mode and the pre-operation mode in which radio wave strength is inspected. In other words, in operation procedure 2, the worker does not need to switch the role of the various devices in inspecting radio wave strength between transmitting a wireless signal (transmission mode) and receiving a wireless signal (reception mode).

[0133] Furthermore, when the various devices disclosed herein (lobby unit L1, entrance unit D11, ... and repeater R1, ...) determine that they are being powered by the portable power supply PP, they suppress operation in the operational mode, thereby more effectively preventing forgetting to switch from the portable power supply PP to the power supplied from the apartment building, or the portable power supply PP ceasing operation during operation due to a dead battery, etc.

[0134] <Operation in pre-operational operation mode (transmission / reception mode)> Next, an example of the operation procedure of the lobby device L1, the front door slave devices D11, ..., and the repeater R1, ... in the pre-operation operation mode (transmission / reception mode, step St21) will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the transmission operation procedure of the lobby device L1, the front door slave devices D11, ..., and the repeater R1, ... according to the first and second embodiments. The operation procedure shown in Fig. 14 is executed by the processors of the various devices (lobby device L1, front door slave devices D11, ..., and repeater R1, ...).

[0135] 14, for ease of understanding, an example of the operation procedure of repeater R1 will be described, but the same applies to the example of the operation procedure of lobby unit L1 and entrance unit D11, etc. Furthermore, the processing of steps St21 to St27 and steps St31 to St37 shown in FIG. 14 is the same as the processing of steps St21 to St27 and steps St31 to St37 shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0136] As a result of the open search, the repeater R1 determines whether its own device is out of range (St22), and if it determines that its own device is not out of range (St22, NO), it determines that there is another device other than its own device that is transmitting a wireless signal of a predetermined frequency (e.g., 1900 MHz), and begins operation in reception mode (St30).

[0137] On the other hand, if the repeater R1 determines that its own device is out of range as a result of the open search (St22, YES), it determines that there is no other device transmitting a wireless signal at a specified frequency (e.g., 1900 MHz) other than its own device, and begins operating in transmission mode (St23).

[0138] As described above, the various devices disclosed herein (lobby device L1, front door sub-device D11, ..., and repeater R1, ...) can perform an open search to determine the operating mode (transmission mode or reception mode) in the pre-operational operating mode based on whether there are any other devices transmitting wireless signals. Therefore, even when the various devices automatically determine their operating mode, they can more effectively prevent measurement of radio wave strength caused by unintended devices transmitting or receiving wireless signals. This allows an operator to check the radio wave strength of wireless communications between the actual installation location of one device that transmits or receives wireless signals and the actual installation location of the other device, for example, between the lobby device L1 and repeater R1, ..., between repeater R1, ... and front door sub-device D11, ..., between the lobby device L1 and front door sub-device D11, ..., or between the front door sub-devices and the front door sub-devices.

[0139] Next, an example of a method for inspecting radio wave strength before operation will be described. In the following radio wave inspection method, as an example, a front door slave D0 equipped with a pre-operation control unit 212 and capable of inspecting radio wave strength before operation is used to inspect (measure) radio wave strength at the installation locations of each front door slave D11, ... and the planned installation locations of repeaters R2, R3. However, this is not limiting. For ease of explanation, the radio wave inspection procedure will be described assuming that the repeaters R01, R02 used to inspect radio wave strength are different from the repeaters R2, R3 actually installed in the apartment building. However, these may be the same repeater. An operator may inspect (measure) radio wave strength at the installation locations of each front door slave D11, ... by connecting a portable power supply PP to each front door slave D11, ... that has already been installed or is yet to be installed.

[0140] In the following radio wave strength inspection method, the relationship between the device operating in the receive mode and the device operating in the transmit mode may be reversed. For example, in the radio wave strength inspection method, if the front door unit operates in the receive mode and the repeater operates in the transmit mode, not only the front door unit operates in the receive mode and the repeater operates in the transmit mode, but also the front door unit may operate in the transmit mode and the repeater operates in the receive mode.

[0141] <Radio wave strength test method 1> Next, a method for inspecting radio wave strength before operation, which is performed when the intercom system is configured in the first configuration (the configuration of intercom system 100A shown in FIG. 1), will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the procedure for inspecting radio wave strength before operation in the first configuration example.

[0142] In the example shown in Fig. 15, an operator uses the lobby unit L1, repeater R01, and entrance unit D0 to check whether wireless signals can be transmitted and received at each of the installation locations (positions indicated by dashed or solid lines in Fig. 15) of the various devices (lobby unit L1, entrance unit D11, ..., and repeater R2, ...) in the apartment building shown in Fig. 1. The thick (solid) arrows in Fig. 15 indicate an example of the order in which radio wave strength is checked, but it goes without saying that the order is not limited to this.

[0143] When inspecting the radio wave strength between the installation location of the lobby unit L1 and the installation locations of the front door slave units D11, ... installed in each dwelling unit, the worker installs the lobby unit L1 in the lobby and sets the lobby unit L1 to "transmission mode." The worker carries the front door slave unit D0 to the installation locations of each front door slave unit D11, ... and sets the front door slave unit D0 to "reception mode," and inspects the radio wave strength when the wireless signal transmitted from the lobby unit L1 is received at the installation locations of each front door slave unit D11, ....

[0144] Furthermore, when testing radio wave strength between the installation location of the lobby device L1 and the installation locations of repeaters R2 and R3 on the second floor and above, the worker installs the lobby device L1 in the lobby and sets it to "transmission mode." The worker then carries repeater R01 to each of the planned installation locations of repeaters R2 and R3, sets repeater R01 to "reception mode," and tests the radio wave strength when the wireless signal transmitted from the lobby device L1 is received at each planned installation location of repeaters R2 and R3.

[0145] Furthermore, when testing the radio wave strength between the installation location of repeater R2 and the installation locations of door slave units D11, ... installed in each dwelling unit, the worker installs repeater R01 at the installation location of repeater R2 and sets repeater R01 to "transmission mode." The worker carries door slave unit D0 to the installation locations of each door slave unit D11, ..., sets door slave unit D0 to "reception mode," and tests the radio wave strength when the wireless signal transmitted from repeater R01 is received at the installation locations of each door slave unit D11, ....

[0146] Similarly, when testing the radio wave strength between the installation location of repeater R3 and the installation locations of door slave units D11, ... installed in each dwelling unit, the worker installs repeater R01 at the installation location of repeater R3 and sets repeater R01 to "transmission mode." The worker carries door slave unit D0 to the installation locations of each door slave unit D11, ..., sets door slave unit D0 to "reception mode," and tests the radio wave strength when the wireless signal transmitted from repeater R01 is received at the installation locations of each door slave unit D11, ....

[0147] As a result, the worker can measure whether the radio wave strength (reception strength) of the wireless signals transmitted from the lobby unit L1 and repeaters R2, R3 at the installation locations of each entrance slave unit D11, ..., and the radio wave strength (reception strength) of the wireless signal transmitted from the lobby unit L1 at the planned installation locations of each repeater R2, R3, are equal to or greater than the threshold value TH. This allows the worker to more efficiently determine, before operating the intercom system 100A, whether the locations of the repeaters are appropriate, whether it is possible to remove repeaters, or whether it is necessary to consider adding more repeaters.

[0148] <Radio wave strength test method 2> Next, a method for inspecting radio wave strength before operation, which is performed when the intercom system is configured in the first configuration (the configuration of intercom system 100A shown in FIG. 1), will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of method 2 for inspecting radio wave strength before operation in the first configuration example.

[0149] In the example shown in Fig. 16, an operator uses two repeaters R01 and R02 and a front door slave D0 to check whether wireless signals can be transmitted and received at the locations where various devices in an apartment building are installed (the locations indicated by the dashed and solid lines in Fig. 16). The thick arrows (solid and dashed-dotted lines) shown in Fig. 16 indicate an example of the order of testing radio wave strength (the dashed-dotted lines indicate the movement of the repeater R01, which is used for transmission, and the solid lines indicate the movement of the repeater R02 and front door slave D0, which are used for reception), but it goes without saying that the order is not limited to this.

[0150] When testing the radio wave strength between the installation location of the lobby unit L1 and the installation locations of the front door units D11, ... installed in each dwelling unit, the worker installs a repeater R01 in the lobby as a substitute for the lobby unit L1 and sets the repeater R01 to "transmission mode." The worker carries a front door unit D0, which is a substitute for each front door unit D11, ... and is set to "reception mode," to the installation locations of each front door unit D11, ..., and receives the wireless signal transmitted from the repeater R01 at each installation location of the front door unit D11, ... to test the radio wave strength.

[0151] Furthermore, when testing radio wave strength between the installation location of the lobby device L1 and the installation locations of repeaters R2 and R3 on the second floor and above, the worker sets repeater R01, which is a substitute for lobby device L1, to "transmission mode." The worker carries repeater R02, which is set to "reception mode," to the planned installation locations of each repeater R2 and R3, and receives the wireless signal transmitted from repeater R01 at each planned installation location of each repeater R2 and R3 to test radio wave strength.

[0152] Furthermore, when testing the radio wave strength between the planned installation location of repeater R2 and the installation locations of front door slave units D11, ... to be installed in each dwelling unit, the worker installs repeater R01 at the planned installation location of repeater R2 and sets repeater R01 to "transmission mode." The worker carries front door slave unit D0, set to "reception mode," to the installation locations of each front door slave unit D11, ..., and receives the wireless signal transmitted from repeater R01 at each installation location of each front door slave unit D11, ... to test the radio wave strength.

[0153] Similarly, a radio wave strength test is performed between the planned installation location of repeater R3 and the installation locations of front door slave units D11, ... to be installed in each dwelling unit. The worker installs repeater R01 at the planned installation location of repeater R3 and sets repeater R01 to "transmission mode." The worker carries front door slave unit D0, set to "reception mode," to the installation locations of each front door slave unit D11, ..., and receives the wireless signal transmitted from repeater R01 at each installation location of each front door slave unit D11, ... to test the radio wave strength.

[0154] As a result, using the lobby unit L1, repeater R01, repeater R02, and entrance unit D0, the worker can measure whether the radio wave strength (reception strength) of the wireless signal transmitted from the lobby unit L1 and repeaters R2, R3 at the installation positions of each entrance unit D11, ..., and the radio wave strength (reception strength) of the wireless signal transmitted from the lobby unit L1 at the planned installation positions of each repeater R2, R3, are equal to or greater than the threshold value TH. This allows the worker to more efficiently determine, before operating intercom system 100A, whether the locations of the repeaters are appropriate, whether it is possible to remove repeaters, or whether it is necessary to consider adding more repeaters.

[0155] <Method 3 for testing radio wave strength> Next, a method for inspecting radio wave strength before operation, which is performed when the intercom system is configured in the first configuration (the configuration of intercom system 100A shown in FIG. 1), will be described with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of method 3 for inspecting radio wave strength before operation in the first configuration example.

[0156] In the example shown in Fig. 17, a worker uses two repeaters R01 and R02 to check whether wireless signals can be transmitted and received at each of the locations (positions shown by dashed or solid lines in Fig. 17) where various devices (lobby unit L1, entrance unit D11, ..., and repeater R2, ...) in the apartment building are installed. Also, the thick arrows (solid and dashed-dotted lines) shown in Fig. 17 indicate an example of the order of testing radio wave strength (the dashed-dotted lines indicate the movement of repeater R01, which is used for transmission, and the solid lines indicate the movement of repeater R02, which is used for reception), but it goes without saying that this is not limited to this.

[0157] When testing radio wave strength between the installation location of the lobby device L1 and the planned installation locations of repeaters R2 and R3 on the second floor and above, the worker installs repeater R01 in place of lobby device L1 and sets repeater R01 to "transmit mode." The worker carries repeater R02 set to "receive mode" to the planned installation locations of each repeater R2 and R3, and receives the wireless signal transmitted from repeater R01 at the planned installation locations of each repeater R2 and R3 to test radio wave strength.

[0158] When testing the radio wave strength between the installation location of the lobby unit L1 and the installation locations of the front door units D11, ... installed in each dwelling unit, the worker installs a repeater R01 in place of the lobby unit L1 and sets the repeater R01 to "transmission mode." The worker carries a repeater R02 set to "reception mode" to the installation locations of each front door unit D11, ... and receives the wireless signal transmitted from the repeater R01 at each installation location of the front door unit D11, ... to test the radio wave strength.

[0159] Furthermore, when testing the radio wave strength between the planned installation location of the repeater R2 and the installation locations of the front door slave units D11, ... to be installed in each dwelling unit, the worker installs the repeater R01 at the planned installation location of the repeater R2 and sets the repeater R01 to "transmission mode." The worker carries the repeater R02 set to "reception mode" to the installation locations of each front door slave unit D11, ..., and receives the wireless signal transmitted from the repeater R01 at each installation location of the front door slave unit D11, ... to test the radio wave strength.

[0160] Similarly, a radio wave strength test is performed between the planned installation location of repeater R3 and the installation locations of front door slave units D11, ... to be installed in each dwelling unit. The worker installs repeater R01 at the planned installation location of repeater R3 and sets repeater R01 to "transmission mode." The worker carries repeater R02, set to "reception mode," to the installation locations of each front door slave unit D11, ... and receives the wireless signal transmitted from repeater R01 at the installation locations of each front door slave unit D11, ... to test the radio wave strength.

[0161] As described above, the worker can use two repeaters to measure whether the radio wave strength (reception strength) of the wireless signal transmitted from each of the lobby unit L1 and repeaters R2 and R3 at the installation locations of each entrance unit D11, ..., and the radio wave strength (reception strength) of the wireless signal transmitted from the lobby unit L1 at the planned installation locations of each repeater R2 and R3, are equal to or greater than the threshold value TH. This allows the worker to more efficiently determine, before operating intercom system 100A, whether the locations of the repeaters are appropriate, whether it is possible to remove repeaters, or whether it is necessary to consider adding more repeaters.

[0162] <Method 4 for testing radio wave strength> Next, a method for inspecting radio wave strength before operation, which is performed when the intercom system is configured in the first configuration (the configuration of intercom system 100A shown in FIG. 1), will be described with reference to Fig. 18. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of method 4 for inspecting radio wave strength before operation in the first configuration example.

[0163] In the example shown in Fig. 18, a worker uses repeater R01 and front door slave D0 to check whether wireless signals can be transmitted and received at each of the locations (positions shown by dashed or solid lines in Fig. 18) where various devices (lobby device L1, front door slave D11, ..., and repeater R2, ...) in the apartment building are installed. Also, the thick arrows (solid and dashed-dotted lines) shown in Fig. 18 indicate an example of the order of testing radio wave strength (the dashed-dotted lines indicate the movement of repeater R01, which is used for transmission, and the solid lines indicate the movement of front door slave D0, which is used for reception), but it goes without saying that the order is not limited to this.

[0164] When testing the signal strength between the installation location of the lobby unit L1 and the planned installation locations of repeaters R2 and R3 on the second floor and above, the worker installs repeater R01 in place of lobby unit L1 and sets repeater R01 to "transmission mode." The worker carries entrance slave unit D0 set to "reception mode" to the planned installation locations of each repeater R2 and R3, and receives the wireless signal transmitted from repeater R01 at each planned installation location of each repeater R2 and R3 to test the signal strength.

[0165] When testing the radio wave strength between the installation location of the lobby unit L1 and the installation locations of the front door units D11, ... installed in each dwelling unit, the worker installs a repeater R01 in place of the lobby unit L1 and sets the repeater R01 to "transmission mode." The worker carries a front door unit D0 set to "reception mode" to the installation locations of each front door unit D11, ... and receives the wireless signal transmitted from the repeater R01 at each installation location of the front door unit D11, ... to test the radio wave strength.

[0166] Furthermore, when testing the radio wave strength between the planned installation location of repeater R2 and the installation locations of front door slave units D11, ... to be installed in each dwelling unit, the worker installs repeater R01 at the planned installation location of repeater R2 and sets repeater R01 to "transmission mode." The worker carries front door slave unit D0, set to "reception mode," to the installation locations of each front door slave unit D11, ..., and receives the wireless signal transmitted from repeater R01 at each installation location of each front door slave unit D11, ... to test the radio wave strength.

[0167] Similarly, a radio wave strength test is performed between the planned installation location of repeater R3 and the installation locations of front door slave units D11, ... to be installed in each dwelling unit. The worker installs repeater R01 at the planned installation location of repeater R3 and sets repeater R01 to "transmission mode." The worker carries front door slave unit D0, which has been set to "reception mode," to the installation locations of each front door slave unit D11, ... and receives the wireless signal transmitted from repeater R01 at each installation location of each front door slave unit D11, ... to test the radio wave strength.

[0168] As a result, using one repeater and one front door slave unit, an operator can measure whether the radio wave strength (reception strength) of the wireless signal transmitted from each of the lobby unit L1 and repeaters R2 and R3 at the installation positions of each front door slave unit D11, ..., and the radio wave strength (reception strength) of the wireless signal transmitted from the lobby unit L1 at the planned installation positions of each repeater R2 and R3, are equal to or greater than the threshold value TH. This allows an operator to more efficiently determine, before operating intercom system 100A, whether the locations of the repeaters are appropriate, whether it is possible to remove repeaters, or whether it is necessary to consider adding more repeaters.

[0169] (Embodiment 2) Intercom systems 100A and 100B according to embodiment 1 have been described as an example in which transmission and reception of wireless signals between all front door slave units D11, ... installed in an apartment building and the lobby unit L1 is achieved by transmitting and receiving wireless signals via repeaters R1, .... Intercom systems 100C and 100D according to embodiment 2 below will be described as an example in which transmission and reception of wireless signals between all front door slave units D11, ... installed in an apartment building and the lobby unit L1 is achieved by realizing the function of repeaters R1, ... in any of the front door slave units D11, D21, D31.

[0170] In the following description of intercom systems 100C and 100D according to embodiment 2, the same components and functions as those of intercom systems 100A and 100B according to embodiment 1 will be assigned the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted. In the following description of embodiment 2, as an example, an example will be described in which each of front door slave units D11A, D21A, and D31A, which are installed on each floor and have the shortest distance from lobby unit L1, serves as a substitute for repeater R1, ... and plays a role similar to that of a repeater, but the front door slave unit used as a substitute for a repeater may be a front door slave unit that enables transmission and reception of wireless signals between lobby unit L1 and all front door slave units, and for example, front door slave units D11, D22, and D33 may be used as a substitute for a repeater.

[0171] Each of the doorway slave units D11A, D21A, and D31A in the second embodiment is connected to the lobby unit L1 and other doorway slave units installed on the same floor so as to be able to communicate wirelessly. Each of the doorway slave units D11A, D21A, and D31A transmits and receives wireless signals between the lobby unit L1 and itself (i.e., the doorway slave units D11A, D21A, and D31A), and transmits and receives wireless signals between the lobby unit L1 and other doorway slave units installed on the same floor. The internal configuration of each of the doorway slave units D11A, D21A, and D31A is similar to the internal configuration of the doorway slave units D11, D21, and D31 shown in FIG. 3, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0172] First, a third configuration example of intercom system 100C during operation will be described with reference to Fig. 19. Fig. 19 is a diagram showing a third configuration example of intercom system 100C during operation in embodiment 2. Note that in Fig. 19, in order to make the basic configuration of intercom system 100C easier to understand, only master unit H11 corresponding to front door slave unit D11A and master unit H21 corresponding to front door slave unit D21A are shown, and master units corresponding to other front door slave units are not shown.

[0173] Intercom system 100C in the third configuration example includes lobby unit L1, multiple front door slave units D11A, ..., and multiple master units H11, .... In intercom system 100C, lobby unit L1 is connected to the front door slave units that serve as repeaters (in the example shown in FIG. 19, front door slave units D11A and D21A), and to each other of the front door slave units that serve as repeaters (in the example shown in FIG. 19, front door slave units D21A and D31A), so that wireless communication is possible.

[0174] In the third configuration example, door slave units D11A, D21A, and D31A capable of implementing the repeater function are installed on each floor including the first floor, and are connected wirelessly to the lobby unit L1 and other door slave units installed on other floors (dashed arrows in FIG. 19). Door slave units D11A, D21A, and D31A are connected wirelessly to each door slave unit installed on the same floor, either directly or via one or more door slave units.

[0175] Specifically, in the third configuration example, a front door slave D11A is installed on the first floor to relay transmission and reception of wireless signals between the lobby unit L1 and the front door slaves D12 to D13 installed on the first floor. The front door slave D11A is connected to the lobby unit L1 so that they can communicate wirelessly. The front door slaves D12 to D13 installed on the first floor are connected to the front door slave D11A so that they can communicate wirelessly, and transmit and receive wireless signals to and from the lobby unit L1.

[0176] On the second floor, a front door slave unit D21A is installed to relay transmission and reception of wireless signals between the lobby unit L1 and the front door slave units D22 to D23 installed on the second floor. The front door slave unit D21A is connected to the lobby unit L1 so as to be able to communicate wirelessly. The front door slave unit D21A is also connected to the front door slave units D22 to D23 so as to be able to communicate wirelessly.

[0177] Also, on the third floor, a front door slave unit D31A is installed which relays transmission and reception of wireless signals between the lobby unit L1 and the front door slave units D32 to D33 installed on the third floor. The front door slave unit D31A is connected to the front door slave unit D21A so as to be able to communicate wirelessly. The front door slave unit D31A is also connected to the front door slave units D32 to D33 so as to be able to communicate wirelessly.

[0178] As described above, in the intercom system 100C in the third configuration example, when each of the front door sub-units D11A, D21A, and D31A installed on each floor is connected to the lobby unit L1 so as to be capable of wireless communication and is capable of realizing the function of a repeater, the front door sub-units themselves relay wireless signals sent and received between the other front door sub-units and the lobby unit L1 instead of using a repeater, thereby realizing wireless communication between the lobby unit L1 and all of the front door sub-units installed in the apartment building.

[0179] Next, a fourth configuration example of intercom system 100D during operation will be described with reference to Fig. 20. Fig. 20 is a diagram showing a fourth configuration example of intercom system 100D during operation in embodiment 2. Note that in Fig. 20, in order to make the basic configuration of intercom system 100D easier to understand, only master unit H11 corresponding to front door slave unit D11A and master unit H21 corresponding to front door slave unit D21A are shown, and master units corresponding to other front door slave units are not shown.

[0180] Intercom system 100D in the fourth configuration example includes lobby unit L1, multiple front door slave units D11A, ..., and multiple master units H11, .... In intercom system 100D in the fourth configuration example, lobby unit L1 is connected to the front door slave units that serve as repeaters (front door slave units D11A and D31A in the example shown in FIG. 20), and to each other of the front door slave units that serve as repeaters (front door slave units D11A and D21A in the example shown in FIG. 20), so that wired communication is possible.

[0181] In the fourth configuration example, the door slave units D11A, D21A, and D31A are installed on each floor including the first floor and are connected to the lobby unit L1 or other door slave units that serve as repeaters so that wired communication is possible (solid arrows in FIG. 20). The door slave units D11A, D21A, and D31A are connected to each door slave unit installed on the same floor so that wireless communication is possible directly or via one or more door slave units.

[0182] Specifically, in the fourth configuration example, a front door slave D11A is installed on the first floor to relay communications between the lobby unit L1 and the front door slave D12-D13 installed on the first floor, and between the lobby unit L1 and the front door slave D21A installed on the second floor. The front door slave D11A is connected to the lobby unit L1 and the front door slave D21A so that they can communicate by wire. The front door slaves D12-D13 installed on the first floor are connected to the front door slave D11A so that they can communicate by wireless, and transmit and receive wireless signals to and from the lobby unit L1.

[0183] On the second floor, a front door slave unit D21A is installed to relay communications between the lobby unit L1 and the front door slave units D22 to D23 installed on the second floor. The front door slave unit D21A is connected to the front door slave unit D11A so that wired communications are possible. The front door slave unit D21A is also connected to the front door slave units D22 to D23 so that wireless communications are possible.

[0184] Also, on the third floor, a front door slave unit D31A is installed to relay communication between the lobby unit L1 and the front door slave units D32 to D33 installed on the third floor. The front door slave unit D31A is connected to the lobby unit L1 so that wired communication is possible. The front door slave unit D31A is also connected to each of the front door slave units D32 to D33 so that wireless communication is possible.

[0185] As described above, in the intercom system 100D in the fourth configuration example, when each of the front door sub-units D11A, D21A, and D31A installed on each floor is connected to the lobby unit L1 so as to be capable of wireless communication and is capable of realizing the function of a repeater, the front door sub-units themselves relay wireless signals sent and received between the other front door sub-units and the lobby unit L1 instead of using a repeater, thereby realizing wireless communication between the lobby unit L1 and all of the front door sub-units installed in the apartment building.

[0186] (Addendum) The above description of each embodiment discloses the following techniques.

[0187] (Technology 1) A wireless device (repeater R1, ...) capable of communicating with a shared device (lobby device L1) provided in a common area (lobby) of an apartment building and at least one entrance slave device D11, ... wirelessly connected to the shared device (lobby device L1), a communication unit 30 that receives a control signal (wireless signal) from the shared device (lobby device L1) or the entrance slave device D11, ...; a determination unit (pre-operation control unit 312) that measures the strength of the control signal (wireless signal) and determines whether the strength of the measured control signal (wireless signal) is equal to or greater than a threshold value TH; an output unit 34 that outputs the result of the determination by the determination unit (pre-operation control unit 312); and a power supply unit 36 ​​that receives power from a portable power source PP. Radio equipment (repeaters R1, ...). This allows the repeaters R1, ... to operate using power supplied from the portable power supply PP, so even when it is difficult to use the building's power source (for example, before the intercom systems 100A-100D are put into operation), it is possible to more easily inspect the radio wave strength between the lobby unit L1 installed in the common area (lobby) and each of the many entrance slave units D11, ... installed in the apartment building, or between the installation location of the lobby unit L1 and the installation location of each entrance slave unit D11, .... Furthermore, even when there are a large number of entrance slave units and many inspection locations, the worker can easily inspect the radio wave strength in various locations by simply connecting the portable power supply PP to the repeaters R1, ....

[0188] (Technology 2) a control unit (processor 31 or mode switch SW3) that accepts settings of a first operation mode and a second operation mode (pre-operation operation mode) different from the first operation mode (operation operation mode), When the control unit (processor 31 or mode switch SW3) receives the setting of the first operation mode (operational operation mode), it causes the communication unit 30 to relay the control signal (wireless signal) between the shared device (lobby device L1) and the entrance slave device D11, ..., and when it receives the setting of the second operation mode, it causes the communication unit 30 to receive the control signal (wireless signal) and causes the determination unit (pre-operation control unit 312) to determine whether the strength of the control signal (wireless signal) is equal to or greater than the threshold value TH. The wireless device (repeater R1, ...) according to (Technology 1). As a result, the repeaters R1, ... can relay wireless communications between the lobby unit L1 and each of the entrance slave units D11, ... when the intercom systems 100A-100D are in operation, and can inspect the radio wave strength of wireless communications between the lobby unit L1 and each of the entrance slave units D11, ... before operation. Therefore, if an operator simultaneously inspects the radio wave strength between the lobby unit L1 and the entrance slave units and considers the installation locations of the repeaters R1, ... and decides the installation locations of the repeaters R1, ... based on the inspection results, the repeaters R1, ... used for the radio wave strength inspection can be installed directly in the determined installation locations.

[0189] (Technology 3) a control unit (processor 31) that links the setting of a first operation mode and a second operation mode (pre-operation operation mode) different from the first operation mode (operation operation mode) with the presence or absence of power supply from the portable power source PP; The control unit (processor 31) When power is supplied from the portable power supply PP, the first operation mode (operation mode during operation) is set, and the communication unit 30 relays the control signal between the shared device (lobby device L1) and the entrance slave devices D11, ... If there is no power supply from the portable power source PP, the second operation mode (pre-operation operation mode) is set, the communication unit 30 is caused to receive the control signal (wireless signal), and the determination unit (pre-operation control unit 312) is caused to determine whether the strength of the control signal (wireless signal) is equal to or greater than the threshold value TH. The wireless device (repeater R1, ...) according to (Technology 1). As a result, the repeaters R1, ... can relay wireless communications between the lobby unit L1 and each of the entrance slave units D11, ... when the intercom systems 100A-100D are in operation, and can inspect the radio wave strength of wireless communications between the lobby unit L1 and each of the entrance slave units D11, ... before operation. Therefore, if an operator simultaneously inspects the radio wave strength between the lobby unit L1 and the entrance slave units and considers the installation locations of the repeaters R1, ... and decides the installation locations of the repeaters R1, ... based on the inspection results, the repeaters R1, ... used for the radio wave strength inspection can be installed directly in the determined installation locations.

[0190] (Technology 4) The power supply unit 36 ​​receives power from a power supply provided in the apartment building or the portable power supply PP, The control unit (processor 31 or mode switch SW3) accepts the setting of the first operation mode (operation mode during operation), and when it determines that the power supply unit 36 ​​is receiving the power from the portable power supply PP, causes the communication unit 30 to stop relaying the control signal (wireless signal) and causes the output unit 34 to output a notification that the first operation mode cannot be executed. The wireless device (repeater R1, ...) described in (Technology 2). As a result, when the repeaters R1, ... determine that power is being supplied from the portable power supply PP while in the operational mode, they suppress operation in the operational mode, thereby more effectively preventing forgetting to switch from the portable power supply PP to the power supplied from the apartment building, or the portable power supply PP ceasing operation during operation due to a dead battery.

[0191] (Technology 5) The power supply unit 36 ​​receives power from a power supply provided in the apartment building or the portable power supply PP, The control unit (processor 31 or mode switch SW3) accepts the setting of the second operation mode (pre-operation operation mode), and when it determines that the power supply unit 36 ​​is not receiving the power supply from the portable power supply PP, causes the communication unit 30 to stop relaying the control signal (wireless signal) and causes the output unit 34 to output a notification that the second operation mode cannot be executed. A wireless device (repeater R1, ...) according to (Technology 2) or (Technology 3). As a result, when the repeaters R1, ... determine that power is not being supplied from the portable power source PP while in the pre-operation operation mode, they will suppress operation in the pre-operation operation mode, thereby more effectively preventing forgetting to switch the mode switch SW3 to the operation operation mode when power is being supplied from an apartment building.

[0192] (Technology 6) the communication unit 30 is connected to other wireless devices (repeaters R1, ...) different from the wireless device (repeater R1, ...) so as to be capable of wireless communication, and receives other control signals (wireless signals) transmitted from the other wireless devices (repeater R1, ...); The determination unit (pre-operation control unit 312) measures the intensity of the other control signal (wireless signal) and determines whether the measured intensity of the other control signal (wireless signal) is equal to or greater than the threshold value TH; The output unit 34 outputs the result of the determination. The wireless device (repeater R1, . . . ) according to any one of (Technology 1) to (Technology 3). As a result, even if it is difficult to use the building's power supply or to use an installed lobby unit L1 or entrance unit D11, ..., the repeaters R1, ... can be used to test radio wave strength by treating the two repeaters as a lobby unit and an entrance unit, or as a lobby unit and a repeater, or as a repeater and an entrance unit. Therefore, even if an operator cannot use (make use of) the building or existing equipment (for example, an installed lobby unit L1 or entrance unit D11, ...) to test radio wave strength, by using multiple repeaters R1, ..., the operator can test radio wave strength in various locations.

[0193] (Technology 7) The output unit 34 is a plurality of lights (LEDs) and controls the color or lighting pattern (lighting pattern) of the lights based on the result of the determination to notify the result of the determination. The wireless device (repeater R1, . . . ) according to any one of (Technology 1) to (Technology 6). This allows the repeaters R1, . . . to notify the operator of the inspection results of the radio wave strength.

[0194] Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications, alterations, substitutions, additions, deletions, and equivalents within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the components of the various embodiments described above may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0195] The present disclosure is useful as a wireless device that supports measurement of the radio wave intensity of wireless signals transmitted and received between a lobby unit and a front door unit before operation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0196] 10, 20, 30 Communications Department 11,21,31 processors 12, 22, 32 memory 13,23 Input section 14,24,34 Output section 15, 25, 35 mode selector switch 16,26,36 Power supply section 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D Intercom System 111,211,311 Operation control section 112,212,312 Pre-operation control section 161,261,361 Power supply unit 162,262,362 USB power supply unit D0,D11,D11A,D12,D13,D21,D21A,D22,D23,D31, D31A, D32, D33 Entrance door unit H11, H21 base unit L1 Lobby Machine LT1, LT2, LT3 lighting PCN1, PCN2, PCN3 power connection ports PP Portable Power Station R01, R1, R02, R2, R3 repeaters SW1, SW2, SW3 mode switches

Claims

1. A wireless device capable of communicating with a shared device provided in a common area of ​​an apartment building and at least one entrance slave unit wirelessly connected to the shared device, a communication unit that receives a control signal from the shared device or the front door slave unit; a determination unit that measures the intensity of the control signal and determines whether the measured intensity of the control signal is equal to or greater than a threshold; an output unit that outputs a result of the determination by the determination unit; and a power supply unit that receives power from a portable power source. Radio equipment.

2. a control unit that accepts settings of a first operation mode and a second operation mode different from the first operation mode, When the control unit receives the setting of the first operation mode, the control unit causes the communication unit to relay the control signal between the shared device and the front door slave unit, and when the control unit receives the setting of the second operation mode, the control unit causes the communication unit to receive the control signal and causes the determination unit to determine whether the strength of the control signal is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

10. The wireless device of claim 1.

3. a control unit that links the setting of a first operation mode and a second operation mode different from the first operation mode with the presence or absence of power supply from the portable power source, The control unit When power is supplied from the portable power source, the first operation mode is set, and the communication unit relays the control signal between the shared device and the front door slave unit; When there is no power supply from the portable power supply, the device is set to the second operation mode, the communication unit receives the control signal, and the determination unit determines whether the strength of the control signal is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

10. The wireless device of claim 1.

4. the power supply unit receives the power supply from a power supply provided in the apartment building or the portable power supply, the control unit receives the setting of the first operation mode, and when it determines that the power supply unit is receiving the power supply from the portable power source, causes the communication unit to stop relaying the control signal and causes the output unit to output a notification that the first operation mode cannot be executed.

3. The wireless device of claim 2.

5. the power supply unit receives the power supply from a power supply provided in the apartment building or the portable power supply, the control unit receives the setting of the second operation mode, and when it determines that the power supply unit is not receiving the power supply from the portable power source, causes the communication unit to stop relaying the control signal and causes the output unit to output a notification that the second operation mode cannot be executed.

4. The wireless device according to claim 2 or 3.

6. the communication unit is connected to another wireless device different from the wireless device so as to be able to communicate wirelessly with the other wireless device, and receives another control signal transmitted from the other wireless device; the determination unit measures the intensity of the other control signal and determines whether the measured intensity of the other control signal is equal to or greater than the threshold value; The output unit outputs a result of the determination.

10. The wireless device of claim 1.

7. the output unit includes a plurality of lights, and controls the color or lighting pattern of the lights based on the result of the determination to notify the result of the determination.

10. The wireless device of claim 1.

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