Intercom system

Abstract

Even if a call is put on hold, the push-to-talk state from before the hold was released will be maintained once the hold is released. [Solution] The intercom terminal 3 has a function to call / talk between intercom terminals 3, and also has a push-talk button B1 that performs push-talk to maintain the transmission path formation state, a state memory unit 35 that stores the on / off status of the push-talk function, a hold button B3 that puts the call on hold, and an intercom terminal CPU 36 that controls the call path. When a call path is formed between the intercom terminals 3, and one intercom terminal 3 is performing push-talk, if the other intercom terminal 3 puts the call on hold, once the hold is released and the call path is reformed, the intercom terminal CPU 36 of the other intercom terminal 3 turns on the push-talk function based on the stored information in the state memory unit 35 and continues push-talking.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an intercom system including a doorphone terminal that a visitor operates for a calling operation and an intercom terminal that responds to the call, and particularly relates to an intercom system including a plurality of intercom terminals.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is an intercom system including a plurality of intercom terminals for responding to a call from a doorphone terminal installed at an entrance or the like. Some such systems enable communication between intercom terminals and further have a function of holding or transferring a call to improve convenience. On the other hand, in an intercom system used for business, an intercom terminal that enables hands-free communication is widely adopted because of its good usability (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Also in this system, those that enable holding / transfer between intercom terminals are popular because of their good convenience.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When a call is made using a hands-free communication function, a voice switch that compares the volume collected by a microphone and switches transmission / reception according to the volume is used. Therefore, in an environment where the ambient noise volume is large, the voice switch may not function properly. In order to enable a call even in such an environment, there are those provided with a pre-talk function or a mute function.

[0005] The push-to-talk function forces the creation of a transmission path, preventing the device from switching to receiving even in noisy environments, thus ensuring uninterrupted audio transmission to the recipient. Additionally, the mute function, by muting the microphone, creates a stable receiving path even in noisy environments, allowing the recipient to hear the other party's voice without interruption.

[0006] However, in intercom systems equipped with push-to-talk and mute functions, if the call was put on hold while these functions were enabled, the enabled functions were reset. Therefore, when the call was released and the call path was re-established, the push-to-talk and mute settings had to be reconfigured.

[0007] Therefore, in view of these problems, the present invention aims to provide an intercom system in which the pre-hold and mute settings are maintained even after a call is resumed following a hold operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, the first configuration of the present invention is an intercom system comprising a doorphone terminal for visitors to make calls and a plurality of intercom terminals for responding to calls from the doorphone terminal, wherein the intercom terminals perform hands-free communication, and the intercom terminals have a call path control unit that controls calls / communications between intercom terminals, a push-talk operation unit that performs push-talk to maintain the transmission state, a state storage unit that stores the on / off state of the push-talk function, and a hold operation unit that puts the call on hold, and even if a call path is formed between intercom terminals and the other intercom terminal puts the call on hold while one intercom terminal is performing push-talk, once the hold is released and the call path is reformed, the call path control unit of one intercom terminal restarts the push-talk function based on the stored information of the state storage unit and continues the transmission state. With this configuration, even if the call is put on hold due to an operation on the other party's intercom terminal while the call is being transmitted (push-to-talk operation), the push-to-talk operation will resume once the hold is released. Therefore, there is no need to reconfigure the push-to-talk settings.

[0009] A second configuration of the present invention is an intercom system comprising a doorphone terminal for visitors to make calls and a plurality of intercom terminals for responding to calls from the doorphone terminal, wherein the intercom terminals perform hands-free communication. The intercom terminals have a call path control unit that controls calls / communications between intercom terminals, a mute operation unit that turns on a mute function to maintain the receiving state, a state storage unit that stores the on / off state of the mute function, and a hold operation unit that puts the call on hold. The second configuration of the present invention is characterized in that, when a call path is formed between intercom terminals and one intercom terminal has its mute function turned on, and the other intercom terminal puts the call on hold, once the hold is released and the call path is reformed, the call path control unit of the first intercom terminal turns on the mute function based on the stored information of the state storage unit to continue the receiving state. With this configuration, even if the call is put on hold due to an operation on the other party's intercom terminal while the mute operation is in place to maintain the call state, the mute operation will resume once the hold is released. Therefore, there is no need to readjust the mute settings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, even if a call is put on hold while a press-to-talk operation is being performed to maintain the transmission state or while a mute operation is being performed, the press-to-talk operation or mute operation that was in place before the hold is released will continue once the hold is released. Therefore, there is no need to readjust the press-to-talk or mute settings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing an example of an intercom system according to the present invention. [Figure 2]It is a functional block diagram of an intercom terminal without a handset. [Figure 3] It is an explanatory diagram of a monitor displaying operation buttons.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments embodying the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of an intercom system according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the intercom system 1 includes a doorphone terminal 2 installed at an entrance or the like for a visitor to call a resident, and an intercom terminal 3 installed inside a building such as in a dwelling unit to respond to a call from the doorphone terminal 2. The doorphone terminal 2 and the intercom terminal 3 are connected by a LAN wiring L in which a POE switch 4 is arranged in the middle of the wiring.

[0013] In addition, in FIG. 1, two doorphone terminals 2 and three intercom terminals 3 are provided. However, the intercom system 1 of the present invention has a configuration in which a plurality of intercom terminals 3 are provided, and it may be two or four or more may be installed. Also, at least one doorphone terminal 2 is installed.

[0014] The doorphone terminal 2 includes a call button 21, a camera 22 for imaging a visitor, a microphone 23 for making a call, and a speaker 24. When the call button 21 is pressed, a call signal is output to the intercom terminal 3, and at the same time, the camera 22 is activated and the imaging video is output to the intercom terminal 3. The call signal and the imaging video of the camera 22 are transmitted to each intercom terminal 3.

[0015] The intercom terminal 3 is composed of a first terminal 3a without a handset and a second terminal 3b provided with a handset 33. The first terminal 3a makes a call hands - free, while the second terminal 3b is configured to be able to make a hands - free call in addition to making a call using the handset 33.

[0016] Figure 2 shows a functional block diagram of the first terminal 3a. As shown in Figure 2, the first terminal includes a monitor 31 that displays various information including images captured by the camera 22, an operation unit 32 consisting of a touch panel for performing various operations, a call button 32a for answering calls, a microphone 33a and speaker 33b for making calls, a call unit 34 equipped with a voice switch 34a for controlling calls, a state memory unit 35 that stores the on / off state of the push-to-talk function and the on / off state of the mute function, an intercom terminal CPU 36 that controls the first terminal 3a, and an intercom terminal communication IF 37 for communicating with the doorphone terminal 2 or other intercom terminals 3. The intercom terminal CPU 36 functions as a call path control unit that controls calls between intercom terminals 3, and controls the voice switch 34a to maintain the transmission path formation state or the reception path formation state.

[0017] The control unit 32 consists of a touch panel integrated with the monitor 31, and during a call, operation buttons for push-to-talk or mute operations (described later) are displayed with a predetermined operation. Furthermore, call forwarding, call hold / forwarding operations are possible, and communication with other intercom terminals 3 is also possible. When making a call to another intercom terminal 3, for example, a list of available call destinations is displayed on the monitor 31, and the call is initiated by selecting the destination, after which the conversation takes place.

[0018] Furthermore, the second terminal 3b, which is equipped with a handset 33, has the same functions as the first terminal 3a shown in the functional block diagram in Figure 2, and is also equipped with a handset 33. When the handset 33 is picked up, a call is made using the handset 33.

[0019] The operation of the intercom system configured as described above is as follows. First, the flow of a call from the door phone terminal 2 and the response by the intercom terminal 3 upon receiving the call will be briefly explained. When a visitor presses the call button 21 of the door phone terminal 2, a call signal is generated and transmitted to the intercom terminal 3. At the same time, the camera 22 is activated and the captured video is transmitted to the intercom terminal 3. At each intercom terminal 3 that receives the call signal and the video signal, a call sound rings and at the same time, the captured video of the camera 22 is displayed on the monitor 31.

[0020] When any of the intercom terminals 3 receives the call and is operated for response by a resident or the like, a communication path is formed between the operated intercom terminal 3 and the door phone terminal 2. As a result, the responding resident or the like can conduct a call while viewing the captured video of the camera 22, that is, the visitor video. In addition, the intercom terminal CPU 36 of the operated intercom terminal 3 sends a call end notification to other intercom terminals 3. The intercom terminal 3 that receives the call end notification ends the call operation and also ends the display of the captured video of the camera 22.

[0021] Next, the press-to-talk function and the mute function will be described. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the monitor 31 displaying the operation buttons B such as the press-to-talk button B1. When a communication path is formed with another intercom terminal 3, such operation buttons B are displayed on the monitor 31. As shown in FIG. 3, the monitor 31 displays a press-to-talk button (press-to-talk operation section) B1, a mute button (mute operation section) B2, and a hold button (hold operation section) B3, which are each turned on by a touch operation.

[0022] In addition, for the communication path formed with the door phone terminal 2, press-to-talk and mute can also be performed by operating the intercom terminal 3. When a communication path is formed with the door phone terminal 2, the visitor video captured by the camera 22 is displayed on the monitor 31, but by a predetermined operation, it switches to the display of the operation buttons B shown in FIG. 3, and button operations become possible.

[0023] When a communication path is established between the intercom terminals 3, the push-to-talk function is turned on when the displayed push-to-talk button B1 is touched. The intercom terminal CPU 36 of the intercom terminal 3 that operated the push-to-talk button B1 controls the voice switch 34a to establish a communication path, and this state is maintained until it is deactivated. In other words, the push-to-talk function is turned on. In addition, upon receiving the operation of the push-to-talk button B1, the state memory unit 35 stores that the push-to-talk function has been turned on. This press-to-talk state is maintained until it is released. For example, pressing the press-to-talk button B1 again constitutes the release operation, and it is released by touching it again. Upon release, the memory in the state memory unit 35 is also reset.

[0024] On the other hand, when the hold button B3 on the intercom terminal 3 of the recipient is touched, the call is put on hold and transmission / reception is temporarily suspended. After that, when the recipient initiates a transfer, a call is established between the recipient and the recipient. When the hold is released, the temporarily suspended call is re-established. If such a hold operation is performed while the push-to-talk function is turned on, the state memory unit 35 stores that information. When the hold is released, the intercom terminal CPU 36 reads the stored information from the state memory unit 35, recognizes that the push-to-talk function was turned on, turns the push-to-talk function on, and controls the voice switch 34a for the reformed call path to continue maintaining the call path formation state.

[0025] Note that call transfer is only possible after pressing the hold button B3. When the hold button B3 is touched, the number of the intercom terminal 3 to which the call can be transferred will be displayed, and the transfer will be performed by selecting it. Also, when the recipient of the call puts the call on hold, the monitor on the transmitting end will show that the call is on hold, allowing the transmitting end to be aware of this.

[0026] When a communication path is established between the intercom terminals 3, the mute function is turned on when the displayed mute button B2 is touched. When the mute button B2 is touched, the voice switch 34a is controlled by the intercom terminal CPU 36 of the intercom terminal 3 that operated the mute button B2, and the state of having the communication path established is maintained until it is deactivated. In other words, the mute function is turned on. Then, in response to the operation of the mute button B2, the state memory unit 35 stores that the mute function has been turned on. This mute state is maintained until it is released. For example, pressing the mute button B2 again constitutes the release operation, and it is released by touching it again. Upon release, the memory in the state memory unit 35 is also reset.

[0027] On the other hand, when the hold button B3 on the intercom terminal 3 of the recipient is touched, the call is put on hold and transmission / reception is temporarily suspended. After that, when the recipient initiates a transfer, a call is established between the recipient and the recipient. When the hold is released, the temporarily suspended call is re-established. Then, if the above-mentioned hold operation is performed while the mute function is turned on, the state memory unit 35 stores that information. When the hold is released, the intercom terminal CPU 36 reads the stored information from the state memory unit 35, recognizes that the mute function was on, turns the mute function on, and controls the voice switch 34a for the reformed call path to maintain the receiving path formation state.

[0028] Thus, even if the call is put on hold by the intercom terminal 3 on the receiving end while the call is being transmitted via push-to-talk, the push-to-talk function will resume once the hold is released. Therefore, there is no need to reconfigure the push-to-talk settings. Furthermore, even if the call is put on hold by the other party's intercom terminal 3 while the mute operation is in place to maintain the call state, the mute operation will resume once the hold is released. Therefore, there is no need to readjust the mute settings. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0029] 1. Intercom system, 2. Doorphone terminal, 3. Intercom terminal, 31. Monitor, 32. Control unit, 32a. Call button, 34. Talk unit, 34a. Voice switch, 35. State memory unit, 36. Intercom terminal CPU (talk path control unit), B1. Push-to-talk button (push-to-talk operation unit), B2. Mute button (mute operation unit), B3. Hold button (hold operation unit).

Claims

1. An intercom system comprising a door phone terminal for visitors to call, and multiple intercom terminals for responding to calls from the door phone terminal, wherein the intercom terminals perform hands-free communication, The aforementioned intercom terminal has a call path control unit that controls calls / communications between intercom terminals, A push-talk control unit that performs push-talk to maintain the transmission state, A state memory unit that stores the on / off state of the push-to-talk function, It has a call hold operation unit for putting calls on hold, An intercom system characterized in that, when a call path is formed between the aforementioned intercom terminals, and one intercom terminal is performing a push-to-talk operation, the other intercom terminal puts the call on hold, but once the hold is released and the call path is reformed, the call path control unit of the first intercom terminal restarts the push-to-talk function based on the stored information of the state storage unit and continues the transmission state.

2. An intercom system comprising a door phone terminal for visitors to call, and multiple intercom terminals for responding to calls from the door phone terminal, wherein the intercom terminals perform hands-free communication, The aforementioned intercom terminal has a call path control unit that controls calls / communications between intercom terminals, A mute control unit for turning on the mute function that maintains the call state, A state storage unit that stores the on / off state of the mute function, It has a call hold operation unit for putting calls on hold, An intercom system characterized in that, when a call path is formed between the aforementioned intercom terminals, and one of the intercom terminals has its mute function turned on, and the other intercom terminal puts the call on hold, once the hold is released and the call path is reformed, the call path control unit of the one intercom terminal turns on the mute function based on the stored information of the state storage unit and continues the call.

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