Shared entrance system, communication system, intercom system

Abstract

This wireless intercom system enables improved accuracy and reduced workload for after-sales service. [Solution] A shared entrance device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is installed at the shared entrance of a complex facility including multiple facilities, and comprises a communication unit that communicates wirelessly with an entrance sub-unit installed at the entrance of a facility or a master unit installed inside the facility, and a first output unit that outputs log information of the communication acquired by the communication unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a common entrance device, a communication system, and an intercom system.

Background Art

[0002] In an apartment building or other collective facility equipped with an intercom system, a common entrance device is installed at the common entrance, and the common entrance device is communicably connected to a master unit installed in each facility (each household). Also, an entrance slave unit is installed at the entrance of each facility, and the entrance slave unit is communicably connected to the master unit. Generally, the common entrance device and the master unit, and the entrance slave unit and the master unit are connected by wire (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By wirelessly connecting the common entrance device and the master unit or the entrance slave unit, the construction cost can be reduced. However, when a problem occurs in the intercom system, in an intercom system that uses wireless at least in part, it is feared that it is more difficult to identify the cause of the problem than in an intercom system that uses only wire, and a large amount of man-hours will be generated for repair.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to improve the accuracy of after-sales service and reduce man-hours in an intercom system using wireless.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is a shared entrance device installed at the shared entrance of a complex facility including multiple facilities, comprising: an entrance substation installed at the entrance of the facility; a communication unit that communicates wirelessly; and an external storage medium that stores log information including at least one of the following: the signal strength from the entrance substation acquired by the communication unit, the number of communication errors with the entrance substation, and the date and time when communication with the entrance substation took place, and is characterized in that the location of a malfunction in the intercom system is identified based on the log information.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure is a communication system characterized by comprising the above-mentioned shared entrance device and an entrance substation.

[0008] One form of the intercom system disclosed herein is characterized by comprising the above-mentioned shared entrance device, an entrance sub-unit, and a master unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a shared entrance device can improve the accuracy of after-sales service and reduce man-hours. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of an intercom system, which is an example of an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a front view of a shared entrance device, which is an example of an embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a shared entrance device, which is an example of an embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows a portion of the log information in one example of an embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are merely examples, and this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, it is intended from the outset that the multiple embodiments and modifications described below may be selectively combined.

[0012] The main component of the apparatus and system of this disclosure comprises a computer. The functions of the main component of the apparatus and system of this disclosure are realized by the computer executing a program. The computer comprises a processor as its main hardware component, which operates according to the program. The processor is of any type as long as it can realize the above functions by executing the program. The processor consists of one or more electronic circuits, including an integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated on one chip or provided on multiple chips. Multiple chips may be aggregated in one device or provided on multiple devices. The program is stored in a non-temporary storage medium such as a ROM, optical disc, or hard disk drive that is readable by the computer. The program may be pre-stored on the storage medium or supplied to the storage medium via a wide-area communication network, including the Internet.

[0013] The following describes the communication system 3, shared entrance device 10, entrance sub-unit 20, and master unit 22 included in the intercom system 1, which is an example of an embodiment, with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

[0014] First, an overview of the intercom system 1 will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the intercom system 1 in this embodiment. The intercom system 1 is a system installed in a complex facility that includes multiple facilities, and in this embodiment, the complex facility is a multi-unit residential building such as an apartment building, dormitory, or company housing. However, the complex facility to which the intercom system 1 is applied is not limited to multi-unit residential buildings, and may also be a facility composed of multiple facilities (multiple companies, departments, divisions, etc.) such as an office, factory, research facility, medical facility, or accommodation facility.

[0015] The intercom system 1 comprises a common entrance device 10 installed at the common entrance 5 of the apartment building, an entrance sub-unit 20 installed at the entrance of each facility (dwelling unit) included in the apartment building, and a master unit 22 installed inside the dwelling unit. Since each dwelling unit has an entrance sub-unit 20 and a master unit 22, the apartment building has multiple entrance sub-units 20 and multiple master units 22.

[0016] The shared entrance device 10 and the entrance sub-unit 20 or master unit 22 are connected wirelessly to enable mutual communication. In this embodiment, the shared entrance device 10 and the entrance sub-unit 20 are connected wirelessly to enable mutual communication, forming a communication system 3.

[0017] The shared entrance device 10 is installed adjacent to the shared entrance 5. The shared entrance 5 is, for example, an automatic door and is normally locked. The shared entrance device 10 is used, for example, by visitors to call individual dwelling units. Visitors use the shared entrance device 10 to call the dwelling unit they wish to visit, and the resident of that unit unlocks the electric lock on the shared entrance 5. This allows the visitor to enter the inside of the apartment building through the shared entrance 5. The shared entrance device 10 is also used, for example, by authorized persons who are permitted to enter the apartment building to unlock the electric lock on the shared entrance 5. Authorized persons can unlock the electric lock on the shared entrance 5 by performing a predetermined unlocking operation and enter the inside of the apartment building beyond the shared entrance 5. For example, an authorized person can unlock the electric lock on the shared entrance 5 by entering a predetermined PIN code into the shared entrance device 10.

[0018] The entrance sub-machine 20 includes, for example, a call button 20a for calling the master machine 22. The entrance sub-machine 20 also includes a camera, a microphone, and a speaker. When the call button 20a is operated, the master machine 22 is called, and the visitor is photographed by the camera of the entrance sub-machine 20, and the image is displayed on the monitor of the master machine 22.

[0019] The entrance sub-machine 20 installed in the dwelling unit A is directly wirelessly connected to the common entrance device 10, and the entrance sub-machine 20 installed in the dwelling unit B is indirectly wirelessly connected to the common entrance device 10 via the relay machine 15. By being communicably connected to the common entrance device 10 and the entrance sub-machine 20, the relay machine 15 can assist the entrance sub-machine 20, which is in a situation where it is difficult to directly communicate with the common entrance device 10, to communicate with the common entrance device 10.

[0020] The master machine 22 includes, for example, a microphone, a speaker, a monitor, a call button, an unlocking button, etc. The resident who receives a call from the visitor via the common entrance device 10 can confirm the image of the visitor on the monitor of the master machine 22. By operating the call button, the resident can communicate with the visitor through the microphone and the speaker. When the resident operates the unlocking button, an unlocking signal is transmitted from the master machine 22 to unlock the common entrance 5, and the visitor can enter the inside of the apartment building. Also, the resident who receives a call from the visitor via the entrance sub-machine 20 can confirm the image of the visitor on the monitor of the master machine 22. By operating the call button, the resident can communicate with the visitor through the microphone and the speaker.

[0021] The main unit 22 is connected to the entrance sub-unit 20, for example, by wire. The main unit 22 and the communal entrance device 10 are communicably connected to each other via the entrance sub-unit 20. Since the main unit 22 is installed inside the dwelling unit and it is difficult to directly communicate wirelessly with the communal entrance device 10 compared to the entrance sub-unit 20, it is preferable to be connected to the communal entrance device 10 via the entrance sub-unit 20 that can communicate with the communal entrance device 10 as in this embodiment. Also, when replacing the intercom system 1 in an existing apartment building during use, if the communal entrance device 10 and the main unit 22 are connected wirelessly, it is necessary to replace the main unit 22 in each dwelling unit, resulting in a large construction cost.

[0022] A general intercom system includes a control device that comprehensively controls the intercom system. The control device is communicably connected to the communal entrance device, the entrance sub-unit, and the main unit, receives signals from each device to obtain various information, and outputs control signals to each device to control each device. The intercom system 1 of this embodiment does not include a control device, and the communal entrance device 10 has the function of the control device. Note that a device other than the communal entrance device 10 may have the function of comprehensively controlling the intercom system.

[0023] Next, the communal entrance device 10 will be described while referring to FIGS. 2 to 4. FIG. 2 is a front view of the communal entrance device 10 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the communal entrance device 10 includes a numeric keypad 10a, a call button 10b, a reverse master key insertion part 10c, a camera 10d, a speaker 10e, a microphone 10f, a monitor 10g, a sensor 10h, and an external storage medium 10x. Also, in addition to the above configuration, the communal entrance device 10 may include, for example, an IC card reader. The IC card reader functions to transmit an unlocking signal when detecting a pre-registered card key.

[0024] The keypad 10a is a user interface that can be operated by residents or visitors. Authorized persons can, for example, unlock the electric lock on the common entrance 5 by entering a PIN using the keypad 10a. Visitors can also call the dwelling unit they are visiting by entering the dwelling unit number on the keypad 10a and pressing the call button 10b. Residents with keys can also unlock the electric lock on the common entrance 5 by inserting their key into the reverse master key insertion slot 10c.

[0025] Camera 10d captures images of residents and visitors operating the shared entrance device 10. When a visitor calls the dwelling unit they are visiting using the shared entrance device 10, the shared entrance device 10 captures images of the visitor with camera 10d and transmits the video to the master unit 22 from which the call originated.

[0026] The speaker 10e and microphone 10f are used for visitors to communicate with residents via the master unit 22 installed in each dwelling unit. The speaker 10e outputs a ringtone and, if the resident answers, their voice. The visitor's voice is picked up by the microphone 10f and transmitted to the master unit 22, allowing them to converse with the resident they are visiting. The monitor 10g displays, for example, video footage captured by the camera 10d.

[0027] Sensor 10h detects the presence of a person in front of the shared entrance device 10. The detection of a person by sensor 10h causes the shared entrance device 10 to transition from sleep mode to an operational state. Upon the start of the operational state, monitor 10g lights up, prompting the person in front of the shared entrance device 10 to operate it. If communication between the resident and the visitor ends, or if no operation is performed on the shared entrance device 10 after a predetermined time, the shared entrance device 10 returns to sleep mode.

[0028] The external storage medium 10x is used to store log information. The external storage medium 10x is, for example, attached to the shared entrance device 10 in a detachable manner. By removing the external storage medium 10x from the shared entrance device 10 and having it recognized by an external device such as a personal computer, the log information stored on the external storage medium 10x can be checked. In this embodiment, the external storage medium 10x is housed inside the shared entrance device 10, and by removing the front panel of the shared entrance device 10, the external storage medium 10x is exposed and can be removed from the shared entrance device 10. This helps to deter theft of the external storage medium 10x. Note that the installation location of the external storage medium 10x in the shared entrance device 10 is not limited to this example. For example, the external storage medium 10x may be provided in an exposed state on the periphery of the shared entrance device 10. The external storage medium 10x may be, for example, a memory card or an SD card.

[0029] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a shared entrance device 10, which is an example of an embodiment. The shared entrance device 10 includes, for example, a processor 30 that performs calculation processing to control the shared entrance device 10, and a memory 32 in which control programs and the like are stored. The shared entrance device 10 is composed of a computer including the processor 30. The memory 32 is composed of, for example, RAM, ROM, hard disk, etc., and is built into the computer including the processor 30. The shared entrance device 10 may be composed of one computer or multiple computers.

[0030] The shared entrance device 10 includes a communication unit 40 that communicates wirelessly with an entrance sub-unit 20 or a master unit 22, and a first output unit 42 that outputs log information of the communication acquired by the communication unit 40. This makes it possible to improve the accuracy of after-sales service and reduce man-hours.

[0031] The communication unit 40 has the function of communicating wirelessly with the door station 20 or the master unit 22. In this embodiment, the communication unit 40 communicates wirelessly with the door station 20, and the door station 20 and the master unit 22 are connected by a wire to enable communication. The communication unit 40 is configured to communicate with the master unit 22 via the door station 20. Wireless communication refers to communication that uses radio waves without using wires. The frequency band used is not particularly limited as long as it can be used in an apartment building.

[0032] The communication unit 40 acquires log information of communication with the door station 20 and the master unit 22. In this embodiment, the first output unit 42 outputs the log information to the external storage medium 10x. The log information may be erased after being stored for a predetermined period, so that only new log information is stored in the external storage medium 10x. This reduces the storage capacity of the external storage medium 10x. The predetermined period is, for example, one month. If one month's worth of log information is stored, after-sales service can be performed efficiently. The first output unit 42 may also output log information to a storage device other than the external storage medium 10x, and further output log information from the storage device to the external storage medium 10x. This makes it possible to store more log information than the storage capacity of the external storage medium 10x. Memory 32 may be used as the storage device.

[0033] The log information may include, for example, information about communication between the communication unit 40 and the door station 20. The log information may also include information about communication between the door station 20 and the master unit 22. Furthermore, if the communication unit 40 communicates with the door station 20 via the repeater 15, the log information may include, for example, information about communication between the communication unit 40 and the repeater 15. The log information may also include information about communication between the repeater 15 and the door station 20.

[0034] The log information includes at least one of the signal strength from the entrance sub-device 20, the number of communication errors between the entrance sub-device 20, and the date and time when the communication with the entrance sub-device was performed. When the signal strength from the entrance sub-device 20 becomes less than or equal to a predetermined value, the communication is not stable and problems may occur. The unit of the signal strength from the entrance sub-device 20 is, for example, dBm. When the number of communication errors between the entrance sub-device 20 becomes greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the communication is not stable and problems may occur. It is preferable that the log information includes the date and time when the communication was performed together with the signal strength and the number of errors. This makes it easy to identify the date and time when a problem occurred, and when performing repairs, the time required to identify the location where the problem occurred can be shortened.

[0035] The first output unit 42 preferably can output the log information separately for each entrance sub-device 20. By checking the log information for each entrance sub-device 20, it becomes easy to identify the time when a problem occurred, so after-sales service can be efficiently performed.

[0036] While referring to FIG. 3, a method for identifying the time when a problem occurred will be specifically described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a part of the log information in an example of the embodiment, and is the log information regarding the communication between the communication unit 40 and the entrance sub-device 20 provided at the entrance of the residential unit A (see FIG. 1) arranged in chronological order from the oldest. At number N, the signal strength has decreased from "XXX" to "YYY" (assuming XXX > YYY). Also, at number N, the number of errors has increased from "C" to "D" (assuming C < D). Therefore, it can be specified that a problem occurred during the time between number N - 1 and number N. Furthermore, by investigating external factors such as the occurrence of interfering radio waves in the vicinity of the time when the problem is assumed to have occurred and internal factors such as the failure of the devices forming the intercom system 1, the location where the problem occurred can be specified.

[0037] The communication unit 40 may also periodically detect interfering radio waves that overlap with the radio wave bandwidth used for communication with the door station 20, and the first output unit 42 may output the detection results along with log information. This makes it possible to understand the status of interfering radio waves around the intercom system 1, and thus efficiently identify the location of the malfunction. For example, if the timing of the occurrence of interfering radio waves matches the time when the malfunction occurred, it can be estimated that the cause of the malfunction is the interfering radio waves. The detection frequency is not particularly limited, as long as it is sufficient to determine from the detection results whether or not interfering radio waves are the cause of the malfunction. For example, the detection frequency may be once a day to once a week.

[0038] Preferably, the shared entrance device 10 further includes a second output unit 44 that outputs real-time information of communications acquired by the communication unit 40. The real-time information output from the second output unit 44 is displayed on an external device, such as a personal computer connected to the shared entrance device 10. This real-time information can be used when investigating the cause of a malfunction on-site, making it possible to efficiently identify the location of the malfunction.

[0039] In this embodiment, the shared entrance device 10 includes a control unit 46. The control unit 46 is configured to call a predetermined master unit 22 when a call operation is performed on the shared entrance device 10, and to output an unlock signal for the shared entrance 5 based on the operation of the master unit 22. The control unit 46 is also configured to perform control related to the unlocking operation of the shared entrance 5 using the shared entrance device 10. Specifically, the control unit 46 acquires input information input to the shared entrance device 10 and outputs an unlock signal for the shared entrance 5 based on that input information. Note that the shared entrance device 10 may not include a control unit 46, and another device in the intercom system 1 may have the function of the control unit 46.

[0040] As described above, the shared entrance device, communication system, and intercom system of this disclosure enable efficient identification of the location of malfunctions based on log information, thereby improving the accuracy of after-sales service and reducing man-hours.

[0041] This disclosure is further illustrated by the following embodiments. Configuration 1: A shared entrance device installed at the common entrance of a complex facility that includes multiple facilities, The facility includes an entrance unit installed at the entrance and a communication unit that communicates wirelessly with it. The system includes an external storage medium that stores log information including at least one of the following: the signal strength from the door station acquired by the communication unit, the number of communication errors with the door station, and the date and time when communication with the door station took place. A shared entrance device that identifies the location of a malfunction in the intercom system based on the aforementioned log information. Configuration 2: The communication unit further periodically detects interfering radio waves that overlap with the radio wave band used for communication with the door station, and identifies the location of malfunctions in the intercom system, as described in Configuration 1. Configuration 3: The shared entrance device according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the external storage medium stores the log information separately for each entrance unit and identifies the location of the malfunction in the intercom system for each entrance unit. Configuration 4: The aforementioned log information is managed in such a way that information is sequentially deleted as a predetermined period of time elapses to reduce storage capacity, as described in any one of configurations 1 to 3 of the shared entrance device. Configuration 5: A communication system comprising a shared entrance device described in any one of configurations 1 to 4, and the entrance substation. Configuration 6: An intercom system comprising a shared entrance device as described in any one of configurations 1 to 4, the entrance sub-unit, and a master unit installed within the facility. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0042] 1 Intercom system, 3 Communication system, 5 Shared entrance, 10 Shared entrance device, 10a Keypad, 10b Call button, 10c Reverse master key insertion slot, 10d Camera, 10e Speaker, 10f Microphone, 10g Monitor, 10h Sensor, 10x External storage medium, 15 Repeater, 20 Entrance sub-unit, 20a Call button, 22 Master unit, 30 Processor, 32 Memory, 40 Communication unit, 42 First output unit, 44 Second output unit, 46 Control unit

Claims

1. A shared entrance device installed at the common entrance of a complex facility that includes multiple facilities, The facility includes an entrance unit installed at the entrance and a communication unit that communicates wirelessly with it. The system includes an external storage medium that stores log information including at least one of the following: the signal strength from the door station acquired by the communication unit, the number of communication errors with the door station, and the date and time when communication with the door station took place. A shared entrance device that identifies the location of a malfunction in the intercom system based on the aforementioned log information.

2. The communication unit further periodically detects interfering radio waves that overlap with the radio wave band used for communication with the door station, and identifies the location of the malfunction in the intercom system, as described in claim 1.

3. The shared entrance device according to claim 1, wherein the external storage medium stores the log information separately for each entrance unit and identifies the location of a malfunction in the intercom system for each entrance unit.

4. The shared entrance device according to claim 1, wherein the log information is managed in such a way that information is sequentially deleted as a predetermined period of time elapses to reduce storage capacity.

5. A communication system comprising a shared entrance device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and the entrance substation.

6. An intercom system comprising a shared entrance device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the entrance sub-unit, and a master unit installed within the facility.

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