Intercom entrance device, processing method, and program

Abstract

To improve convenience related to output sound.SOLUTION: An intercom entrance device 1 is introduced to an entrance of a facility so as to enable a call with at least another intercom unit (living room master unit or management room master unit or the like). The intercom entrance device 1 includes a sound output section C2 and a setting section C3. The sound output section C2 outputs first output sound by voice of a call and second output sound different from the first output sound. The setting section C3 sets a form of sound related to at least the second output sound.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to an intercom entrance device, a processing method, and a program. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an intercom entrance device capable of making a call at least with other intercom devices, a processing method of the intercom entrance device, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an intercom device that can call a master unit installed inside a dwelling unit from a slave unit installed at the entrance of the dwelling unit to sound a call tone from a loudspeaker and enable mutual communication. When receiving a call from the slave unit, the master unit has a CPU for controlling the electronic volume by detecting the presence or absence of people around the master unit with a human body detection sensor and the level of ambient noise around the master unit with a noise level detection circuit, thereby adjusting the call volume from the loudspeaker.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There are various types of output sounds in the slave unit (intercom entrance device). However, in Patent Document 1, only the call volume in the master unit installed inside the dwelling unit is adjusted. An improvement in convenience regarding the output sound in the intercom entrance device is desired.

[0005] In view of the above reasons, the present disclosure is made, and an object thereof is to provide an intercom entrance device, a processing method of the intercom entrance device, and a program that can improve convenience regarding the output sound.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The intercom entrance device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is installed at the entrance of a facility and is capable of making calls at least with other intercom devices. The intercom entrance device includes a sound output unit and a setting unit. The sound output unit outputs a first output sound by voice of the call and a second output sound different from the first output sound. The setting unit sets at least the form of the sound related to the second output sound. The intercom entrance device has an automatic answering function. The second output sound is output by execution of the automatic answering function a first voice message that inquires about the necessity of recording the name and purpose of the visitor, and a second voice message that urges the input of the name and the purpose when a response requesting the recording is received. The first voice message and the second voice message are output after the start of a call to the other intercom device. The intercom entrance device records the voice of the visitor input in response to the second voice message.

[0007] A processing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a processing method for an intercom entrance device installed at the entrance of a facility and capable of making calls at least with other intercom devices. The processing method includes a sound output step and a setting step A recording step, and includes. In the sound output step, a first output sound by voice of the call and a second output sound different from the first output sound are output. In the setting step, at least the form of the sound related to the second output sound is set. The intercom entrance device has an automatic answering function. The second output sound is output by execution of the automatic answering function a first voice message that inquires about the necessity of recording the name and purpose of the visitor, and a second voice message that urges the input of the name and the purpose when a response requesting the recording is received. The first voice message and the second voice message are output after the start of a call to the other intercom device. In the recording step, the voice of the visitor input in response to the second voice message is recorded.

[0008] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the above processing method.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, there is an advantage that convenience regarding the output sound can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

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Figure 7

Figure 8

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Figure 10

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] (1) Overview Each figure described in the following embodiments is a schematic diagram, and the ratio of the size and thickness of each component in each figure does not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratio.

[0012] The intercom entrance device 1 according to the present embodiment is introduced at the entrance of a facility and can communicate with at least other intercom devices. The "facility" in the present disclosure is assumed to be a collective facility 2 as an example. The collective facility 2 is assumed to be an apartment building or the like, and the entrance of the facility is assumed to be a lobby (collective entrance). However, the "facility" in the present disclosure may be a single-family house, is not limited to a house, and may be a non-residential facility. Also, the "intercom entrance device 1" in the present disclosure is assumed to be a lobby intercom of a collective entrance as an example, but is not limited to a lobby intercom, and may be a room sub-unit 17 (see FIG. 1), or may be a doorbell.

[0013] The "other intercom device" of the present disclosure is an intercom device installed separately from the intercom entrance device 1. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, it is assumed to be a room master unit 12 installed in each dwelling unit (exclusive part 23) of the collective facility 2. However, the intercom device is not limited to the room master unit 12 and may be a management room master unit 11 installed in the management room 21.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, the intercom entrance device 1 includes a sound output unit C2 and a setting unit C3. The sound output unit C2 outputs a first output sound by the voice of a call and a second output sound different from the first output sound.

[0015] That is, the first output sound includes the voice of the user of the intercom device that is input from the call unit of the intercom device, modulated and demodulated, and output from the call unit 103 of the intercom entrance device 1 during the call between the intercom entrance device 1 and the intercom device. In short, the first output sound includes the voice of the other party of the call output from the call unit 103 during the call period.

[0016] On the other hand, the second output sound is not particularly limited as long as it is a sound other than the voice of the call. The second output sound may include a (synthesized) voice message, a melody sound, an electronic sound, a recorded message, and the like.

[0017] Here, the setting unit C3 sets at least the form of the sound related to the second output sound. The "form of the sound" in the present disclosure includes, for example, volume (sound pressure).

[0018] The "setting" of the form of the sound in the present disclosure includes at least one of manual setting performed in response to a human operation input and automatic setting performed by automatic tuning. In the following embodiments, manual setting will be described, and automatic setting will be described in Modification Example 1 and Modification Example 2.

[0019] According to this configuration, since the setting unit C3 sets at least the form of the sound related to the second output sound, it is possible to improve the convenience regarding the output sound.

[0020] (2) Details Hereinafter, the overall configurations of the intercom entrance device 1 according to the present embodiment and the intercom system 10 including the intercom entrance device 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0021] (2.1) Facilities As an example, the facility to which the intercom system 10 is applied is the collective facility 2. The collective facility 2 is an aggregate of a plurality of facilities and means a building in which a plurality of facilities are included within one building.

[0022] In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the collective facility 2 is a condominium (such as an apartment) including a plurality of housing units. However, the "facility" of the present disclosure includes housing facilities used for residential purposes, as well as non-housing facilities such as stores (tenants), offices, welfare facilities, educational facilities, hospitals, and factories. Also, the "facility" is not limited to the collective facility as described above and may be a single-family house. Non-housing facilities also include restaurants, amusement arcades, hotels, inns, kindergartens, nurseries, community centers, and the like. Further, the collective facility 2 may include a facility in which a housing facility and a non-housing facility are mixed, for example, a facility in which the lower floors are stores and the upper floors are housing units.

[0023] In a condominium, a lobby (collective entrance), a parking lot, a kids' room, or a garbage collection area, etc. becomes the common area 22 (see FIG. 1), and each of the plurality of housing units becomes a proprietary area 23 (see FIG. 1). Also, one collective facility 2 may include a plurality of buildings.

[0024] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the facility (one collective facility 2 or one or more buildings) to which the intercom system 10 is applied includes at least one common area 22 and a plurality of private areas 23. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the facility to which the intercom system 10 is applied may include at least one management room 21. The management room 21 here is a place where equipment (for example, the main unit 11 of the management room, etc.) for managing the collective facility 2 (or one or more buildings) is installed, and is a place where the manager conducts management operations such as receiving visitors when the residents are absent. The management room 21 includes a management office, a manager's room, and the like.

[0025] (2.2) Intercom System First, the configuration of the intercom system 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, only the intercom system 10 constructed in one of the plurality of buildings included in the collective facility 2 is illustrated. Further, although the same devices (such as the main unit 12 in the living room, etc.) are introduced for the plurality of private areas 23 each consisting of a dwelling unit, in FIG. 1, only the devices introduced for one private area 23 (dwelling unit) are shown, and the illustration of the devices introduced for the other private areas 23 is omitted.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the intercom system 10 includes a main unit 11 in the management room, a main unit 12 in the living room, an intercom entrance device 1 (lobby intercom), a control device 14, and a sub-unit 17 in the living room. Hereinafter, the intercom entrance device 1 may also be simply referred to as the "entrance device 1".

[0027] The main unit 11 in the management room is installed in the indoor space of the management room 21. As the intercom system 10 is installed in the management room 21, it may further include a sub-unit in the management room that can communicate (including making calls) with the main unit 11 in the management room, a communication adapter, and the like. The sub-unit in the management room is, for example, a sub-unit installed outside the entrance of the management room 21 and is electrically connected to the main unit 11 in the management room.

[0028] The entrance device 1 (lobby intercom) and the control device 14 are installed in the collective entrance (lobby), which is one of the common areas 22.

[0029] The living room master unit 12 and the living room slave unit 17 are installed in each exclusive area 23. That is, in the collective facility 2 having a plurality of exclusive areas 23, the intercom system 10 will be equipped with a plurality of living room master units 12 and living room slave units 17. The intercom system 10 may further include one or a plurality of disaster prevention devices such as a fire detector or a gas detector as being installed in each exclusive area 23. The disaster prevention device is configured to be communicable with the living room master unit 12 and, when detecting the occurrence of an abnormality such as a fire, notifies the occurrence of the abnormality by transmitting a notification signal to the living room master unit 12.

[0030] The living room master unit 12 is installed in the indoor space of each exclusive area 23 (dwelling unit). The living room slave unit 17 is electrically connected to the living room master unit 12 and is, for example, an entrance slave unit installed outside the entrance of each exclusive area 23. That is, the living room master unit 12 and the living room slave unit 17 are configured to be mutually communicable (including making a call). The living room slave unit 17 has an imaging unit (camera), and an image of a visitor taken by the imaging unit of the living room slave unit 17 can be displayed on the living room master unit 12.

[0031] The door 221 of the lobby (shared area 22) (or the electric lock provided on the door 221) is electrically connected to the entrance device 1. In the intercom system 10, it is possible to control the opening / closing or locking / unlocking of the door 221 with the entrance device 1. The entrance device 1 is installed, for example, on the outer side of the door 221 (the side communicating with the outside of the collective facility 2) in the shared area 22 such as the lobby of the collective facility 2.

[0032] The management room master unit 11, the plurality of living room master units 12, and the entrance device 1 are all electrically connected to the control device 14. Therefore, the management room master unit 11, each living room master unit 12, and the entrance device 1 can communicate with each other (including making a call) via the control device 14. That is, the management room master unit 11 and each living room master unit 12 can communicate with each other. Further, the management room master unit 11 and the entrance device 1 can communicate with each other, and each living room master unit 12 and the entrance device 1 can communicate with each other.

[0033] The entrance device 1 transmits a call signal for calling the management room master unit 11 or the living room master unit 12 to the management room master unit 11 or the living room master unit 12. Further, the entrance device 1 has an imaging unit 100 (camera), and an image of a visitor captured by the imaging unit 100 is transmitted to the management room master unit 11 or the living room master unit 12. Thereby, the image of the visitor captured by the imaging unit 100 can be displayed on the management room master unit 11 or the living room master unit 12. Note that the imaging unit 100 may be installed separately from the housing of the entrance device 1.

[0034] The intercom system 10 not only constitutes a local network within the collective facility 2, but is also connected to an external network NT1 of the collective facility 2 such as the Internet via the Internet facility 202, the gateway 203, and a communication adapter or the like. Specifically, the control device 14 is electrically connected to the communication adapter and is connected to the Internet facility 202 via the communication adapter. The Internet facility 202 is connected to the network NT1 via the gateway 203. Note that the Internet facility 202 can also be connected to each of the plurality of proprietary parts 23. The Internet facility 202 and the gateway 203 are installed, for example, in the MDF (Main Distribution Frame) room 24 within the collective facility 2.

[0035] In this way, in the intercom system 10, the control device 14 can be connected to the external network NT1 of the collective facility 2. Therefore, the intercom system 10 can communicate with an external server 5 or the like via the network NT1, for example, obtain information from the external server 5 or output information to the external server 5. The server 5 is constituted by, for example, one or a plurality of server devices operated by a management company that manages one or a plurality of collective facilities 2.

[0036] (2.3) Intercom Entrance Device Next, the configuration of the entrance device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 2.

[0037] The entrance device 1 includes a control unit C1, an imaging unit 100, an operation unit 101, a display unit 102, a communication unit 103, an image processing unit 104, a transmission unit 105, a memory unit 106, and a sensor 107. The entrance device 1 also has a housing that houses or holds the above-described components.

[0038] The imaging unit 100 has an imaging element and is a camera for imaging a subject. Here, the subject is an operator such as a visitor. In the present embodiment, the imaging area (field of view) of the imaging unit 100 is set in front of the entrance device 1 so that at least the face of the operator can be imaged when the operator operates the entrance device 1. In the present embodiment, the imaging unit 100 is a camera that captures a moving image. Further, in the present embodiment, the imaging unit 100 is a camera that captures a color image.

[0039] The imaging element is, for example, a two-dimensional image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices) image sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor. The imaging unit 100 forms an image of light from the subject on the imaging surface (light receiving surface) of the imaging element by an optical system such as a lens, and converts the light from the subject into an electrical signal by the imaging element. Then, the imaging unit 100 outputs the output signal of the imaging element to the image processing unit 104 as a video signal.

[0040] The operation unit 101 is configured to receive human operations. The operation unit 101 is, for example, an input interface having a plurality of push buttons and a touch panel or the like. The plurality of push buttons have, for example, numeric keys from 0 to 9, an asterisk (*) button, a delete button, a call button, and one or more function keys or the like. For example, when a visitor wants to call a resident in room number (apartment number) "Room 1024" at the entrance device 1, the visitor presses the numeric buttons on the numeric keypad in sequence to input the room number. The input room number is sequentially projected onto the display unit 102 each time a numeric button is pressed. Finally, when the operator presses the call button, the input of the room number is confirmed, and a call is executed to the in-room master unit 12 of the apartment with the room number "1024". In FIGS. 4B to 6B, the input room number "1024" is displayed on the display screen 1020 of the display unit 102.

[0041] The transmission unit 105 is a communication interface for communicating with the in-room master unit 12 and the management-room master unit 11. The transmission unit 105 is connected to the control device 14. The transmission unit 105 is configured to be capable of two-way communication with the in-room master unit 12 (or the management-room master unit 11) via the control device 14. The transmission unit 105 is configured to transmit a communication signal to the in-room master unit 12 (or the management-room master unit 11). The communication signal includes an audio signal, a video signal, a control signal, and the like. Also, the transmission unit 105 receives a communication signal transmitted from the in-room master unit 12 (or the management-room master unit 11) via the control device 14, and demodulates the received communication signal to obtain an audio signal or the like. The audio signal is output to the call unit 103 via the control unit C1.

[0042] The call unit 103 includes a speaker and a microphone and is configured to realize a call with the in-room master unit 12 or the management-room master unit 11. Hereinafter, the communication (including calls) with the in-room master unit 12 will be described, and the description of the communication with the management-room master unit 11 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0043] The video processing unit 104 is configured to receive the video signal output from the imaging unit 100 and process the video included in the video signal by signal processing. The video processing unit 104 is realized by a device such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), for example.

[0044] The sensor 107 is, for example, a pyroelectric infrared sensor, and detects a person or the like by detecting the amount of change in infrared rays generated when a person or the like moves.

[0045] The control unit C1 mainly consists of a computer system having one or more processors and one or more memories. In the control unit C1, the functions of each part of the control unit C1 are realized by one or more processors executing programs recorded in the memory. The program may be recorded in the memory in advance, may be provided through a telecommunication line such as the Internet, or may be provided by being recorded in a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card.

[0046] The control unit C1 is configured to control the imaging unit 100 and the transmission unit 105. The control unit C1 is also configured to control the video processing unit 104 and the display unit 102.

[0047] The control unit C1 causes the imaging unit 100 to capture an image by controlling the imaging unit 100. In the present embodiment, for example, when the control unit C1 detects a person such as a visitor with the sensor 107, it activates the imaging unit 100 and starts imaging the person. The control unit C1 outputs, to the display screen 1020, a real-time video being captured by the imaging unit 100 superimposed on a guidance image for guiding the input of the room number by controlling the display unit 102 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B). In FIGS. 4A and 4B, the video of a person H1 such as a visitor is output to the display screen 1020.

[0048] Also, before calling the living room master unit 12 (or the management room master unit 11), during the call, and while communicating with the living room master unit 12, the control unit C1 sends the video captured by the imaging unit 100 to the living room master unit 12. Specifically, the control unit C1 causes the first video to be captured during the first imaging period. Further, the control unit C1 causes the second video to be captured during the second imaging period. The first imaging period is, for example, the period (e.g., about 5 seconds) from when the operation unit 101 receives an operation by an operator such as a visitor until the call starts. The second imaging period is, for example, the period from when the transmission of the first video to the living room master unit 12 ends until the end of the call or the end of the call. The second video is a so-called real-time video, and the first video is a past video with respect to the second video.

[0049] The control unit C1 controls the transmission unit 105 to cause the transmission unit 105 to send a communication signal to the living room master unit 12 and receive a communication signal from the living room master unit 12. The communication signal to the living room master unit 12 includes an audio signal, a video signal, a control signal, etc. Also, the communication signal from the living room master unit 12 includes an audio signal, a control signal, etc. The counterpart for sending and receiving the communication signal includes the management room master unit 11.

[0050] The control unit C1 controls the video processing unit 104 to cause the video processing unit 104 to process the video included in the video signal from the imaging unit 100. The video processed by the video processing unit 104 is sent from the transmission unit 105 to the living room master unit 12 (or the management room master unit 11).

[0051] The control unit C1 is configured to execute various functions according to the operation input received by the operation unit 101. The control unit C1 is currently configured to execute the function corresponding to the guidance image based on the relationship with the guidance image currently displayed on the display screen 1020 of the display unit 102. For example, when a numeric button is operated while a guidance image prompting the input of a room number is displayed on the display screen 1020, the control unit C1 outputs the input number on the display screen 1020. Then, after the room number is input and the call button is operated, the control unit C1 sends a call signal to start a call to the living room master unit 12.

[0052] The storage unit 106 is composed of a readable and writable memory. The storage unit 106 is, for example, a flash memory. The storage unit 106 stores (records) the first video and the second video captured by the imaging unit 100. The storage unit 106 is provided outside the control unit C1, but may also be provided inside the control unit C1. That is, the storage unit 106 may be an internal memory of the control unit C1. The storage unit 106 stores various data other than the first video and the second video captured by the imaging unit 100.

[0053] The display unit 102 has a display screen 1020 composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display. Here, the display unit 102 has a touch panel type display and also functions as an operation unit that accepts operation inputs. The display unit 102 outputs (displays an image) a guidance image under the control of the control unit C1. The display unit 102 also displays the video of the visitor (operator) himself / herself captured by the imaging unit 100 under the control of the control unit C1. The display unit 102 outputs, for example, by overlapping the real-time video being captured by the imaging unit 100 approximately at the center of the guidance image. During the call of the room master unit 12 or during the call with the room master unit 12, the video of the operator is not output to the display screen 1020 but is output to the side of the room master unit 12.

[0054] Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the control unit C1 includes a sound output unit C2 and a setting unit C3. In other words, the control unit C1 has the function as the sound output unit C2 and the function as the setting unit C3. Hereinafter, the sound output unit C2 and the setting unit C3 will be described in detail in the sections of "(2.4) Sound output unit" and "(2.5) Setting unit", respectively.

[0055] (2.4) Sound output unit The sound output unit C2 is configured to output a first output sound by the voice of a call and a second output sound different from the first output sound from a speaker (for example, the speaker of the communication unit 103).

[0056] The first output sound includes the sound that is input from the communication unit of the in-house master unit 12 (or the management room master unit 11) during a call between the entrance device 1 and the in-house master unit 12, modulated and demodulated, and output from the speaker of the communication unit 103 of the entrance device 1. In short, the first output sound includes the voice of the call partner (for example, the resident in the exclusive unit 23) output from the communication unit 103 during the call period.

[0057] The second output sound is a sound other than the call voice and includes multiple types of sounds. Specifically, the second output sound includes (synthesized) voice messages, melody sounds, electronic sounds, recorded messages, and the like. The timing at which the second output sound is output varies depending on its type.

[0058] Hereinafter, the timing at which the second output sound is output will be described by dividing it into the first to fifth timings, but it is not limited to these timings.

[0059] The first timing is the timing at which the entrance device 1 detects a person H1 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B), such as a visitor, with the sensor 107. In FIG. 3, the time t1 is the first timing. Here, as an example, the entrance device 1 starts imaging the person H1 with the imaging unit 100 at the first timing, but it may also start at the second timing.

[0060] The second timing is the timing at which the person H1 first presses any of the multiple push buttons on the operation unit 101 (or a touch operation on the display unit 102). That is, the second timing is the start point of the operation input. In FIG. 3, the time t2 is the second timing.

[0061] The third timing is the timing at which the call to the exclusive unit 23 of the called resident is confirmed. That is, the third timing is the timing at which the person H1 inputs the room number through the operation unit 101 and presses the "call button" to confirm the room number. In FIG. 3, the time t3 is the third timing.

[0062] The fourth timing is the timing at which the call is started by the in-room master unit 12 based on the call signal from the entrance device 1. When the call is started, the in-room master unit 12 outputs a call sound (e.g., "Pororon, Pororon", etc.). In FIG. 3, time t4 is the fourth timing.

[0063] The fifth timing is the timing at which a predetermined period T1 has elapsed from the fourth timing. If the resident does not respond to the call at the in-room master unit 12 within this predetermined period T1, the in-room master unit 12 ends the execution of the call at the fifth timing. In other words, if the resident responds (such as pressing the call button of the in-room master unit 12) at the in-room master unit 12 within this predetermined period T1, a call can be made between the entrance device 1 and the in-room master unit 12. In FIG. 3, time t5 is the fifth timing.

[0064] [Voice message] The entrance device 1 of this embodiment has a so-called auto concierge (automatic response) function. The "voice message" mentioned here includes a voice different from the voice of the call. In other words, the second output sound includes a voice different from the voice of the call.

[0065] The sound output unit C2 outputs, as the second output sound, a voice message such as "Please press the room number" or "Welcome" from the speaker at the first timing (time t1). That is, this second output sound (voice message) is a sound output before the start of the call (the fourth timing: time t4) to the side of other intercom devices (such as the in-room master unit 12 or the management room master unit 11).

[0066] Also, at the third timing (time t3), the sound output unit C2 outputs, as the second output sound, an audio message such as "I will transfer your call. Please state your name" from the speaker. That is, it can be said that this second output sound includes the sound output in response to the operation input (pressing of the call button) to the entrance device 1. Also, this second output sound (audio message) is also a sound output before the start of the call. Note that the voice of the person H1 input in response to this audio message is recorded and, for example, on the side of the living room master unit 12, it is repeatedly reproduced and output together with the call sound during the call.

[0067] Also, at the fourth timing (time t4), the sound output unit C2 outputs, as the second output sound, an audio message such as "Please wait" from the speaker.

[0068] Also, at the fifth timing (time t5), the sound output unit C2 outputs, as the second output sound, an audio message such as "I'm sorry, I couldn't transfer your call. Would you like to leave your name and message?" from the speaker. As shown in FIG. 6A, the entrance device 1 outputs images of "Yes: Call" and "No: Cancel" from the display unit 102. When the person H1 presses the call button according to the guidance of the display unit 102, the sound output unit C2 outputs, as the second output sound, an audio message such as "Please state your name and message" from the speaker. The voice of the person H1 input in response to this audio message is recorded and can be used as so-called answering machine data in the intercom system 10.

[0069] The entrance device 1 may output a text message with the same content as the above-described audio message to the display screen 1020 of the display unit 102 (see FIGS. 4A to 6B).

[0070] The above-described audio message is stored in the storage unit 106 of the entrance device 1. The entrance device 1 may be able to update the message content by downloading data related to the audio message from the external server 5.

[0071] [Melody sound] The sound output unit C2 outputs a melody sound from the speaker at the fourth timing (time t4), together with (or immediately after) the voice message "Please wait as it is". The melody sound continues to flow from the fourth timing until the fifth timing (time t5) or until the call button of the in-room master unit 12 is pressed.

[0072] Incidentally, the entrance device 1 can also output a melody sound from the speaker for a predetermined period T1 in order to make person H1 think that a call is actually being made without actually causing the in-room master unit 12 to execute a call. For example, the entrance device 1 may be configured to authenticate the face image of person H1 captured by the imaging unit 100 based on the accumulated face images (reference images) in the past and determine whether person H1 corresponds to an undesirable visitor for the resident. When the entrance device 1 determines that person H1 corresponds to an undesirable visitor, it outputs a melody sound from the speaker without transmitting a call signal. Undesirable visitors include, for example, persons for malicious business purposes, persons for aggressive solicitation purposes, or suspicious persons.

[0073] [Electronic sound] After the second timing (time t2), each time the push button of the operation unit 101 is pressed, the sound output unit C2 outputs an electronic sound "Pit" from the speaker as the second output sound. This second output sound (electronic sound) is also a sound output before the start of the call.

[0074] The sound output unit C2 outputs an electronic sound of "Pit... Pit..." from the speaker every time, for example, 1 to several seconds elapse after the voice message "I will transfer your call, please tell me your name" at the third timing. That is, after the output of the above voice message, the entrance device 1 outputs an electronic sound in combination with the screen display to notify the person H1 of the process in which the remaining time until the start of the recording period for recording the name of the person H1 (see FIG. 5A: 3 seconds before in the illustrated example) decreases. Further, the entrance device 1 outputs an electronic sound in combination with the screen display to notify the person H1 of the process in which the remaining time until the end of the recording period (see FIG. 5B: the remaining time is displayed in an elliptical figure in the illustrated example) decreases. This second output sound (electronic sound) is also a sound output before the start of the call. Similarly, the sound output unit C2 also outputs an electronic sound of "Pit... Pit..." from the speaker in combination with the screen display (see FIG. 6B) to notify the remaining time until the start of the recording period and the remaining time of the recording period also at the time of recording the answering machine data after the fifth timing.

[0075] At the fourth timing, the sound output unit C2 may output a so-called background tone as the second output sound from the speaker, together with (or immediately after) the voice message "Please wait as it is", instead of the melody sound described above. The background tone notifies the person H1 that the call is being executed in real time by outputting the same or a similar electronic sound to the call sound output from the in-house master unit 12 side from the speaker of the entrance device 1. The background tone continues to play until the fifth timing or until the call button of the in-house master unit 12 is pressed. The background tone may also be output from the speaker in order to make the person H1 feel as if a call is being executed even though the call is not actually being executed on the in-house master unit 12.

[0076] [Recording Message] The recorded message is, for example, the voice of a resident in the exclusive area 23 or the like that is input through the microphone of the calling unit of the in-room master unit 12 and pre-recorded. The "recorded message" mentioned here includes voices different from those of a call. In other words, the second output sound includes voices different from those of a call. The recorded message may be the voice of the administrator in the management room 21 that is input through the microphone of the calling unit of the management-room master unit 11 and pre-recorded.

[0077] The recorded message may be a message with content such as "I'm going shopping", for example. The recorded message is stored, for example, in the memory of the in-room master unit 12. The recorded message may be stored in any of the storage unit 106 of the entrance device 1, the memory of the management-room master unit 11, or the memory of the control device 14.

[0078] The in-room master unit 12 may be configured to receive an operation input for applying for "present (at home)" or "absent (out)" via a user interface. If the in-room master unit 12 has received an application for "absent" from a resident when the resident goes out, when the in-room master unit 12 receives a call signal from the entrance device 1, instead of executing the call, the in-room master unit 12 may cause the entrance device 1 to output a recorded message. In short, the sound output unit C2 may output a recorded message from the speaker as the second output sound after the third timing (time t3).

[0079] Incidentally, the in-room master unit 12 may have a so-called "hang-up function". The "hang-up function" is a function in which, when a resident misses the timing to end a call with an unwanted visitor, by pressing the hang-up execution button of the in-room master unit 12, a simulated telephone ringing sound or a baby's crying sound is output to create the timing to end the call. When the sound output unit C2 receives an instruction to execute the hang-up function from the in-room master unit 12 during a call, the sound output unit C2 outputs a simulated telephone ringing sound or a baby's crying sound from the speaker as the second output sound.

[0080] (2.5) Setting unit The setting unit C3 is configured to set at least the form of the sound related to the second output sound. In this embodiment, as an example, the form of the sound includes the volume (sound pressure). In other words, the form of the sound includes at least the volume.

[0081] Also, in this embodiment, the form of the sound (volume) is preset (manually set) according to the operation input of a person (hereinafter referred to as the "setter"). Here, it is assumed that the setter is, for example, a constructor who installs the entrance device 1 in the collective facility 2. The setter may also be the administrator of the management room 21.

[0082] The entrance device 1 stores a several-digit setting password combined with some of the 0-9 numeric keys, asterisk (*) button, clear button, etc. of the operation unit 101. When the password is input, the setting unit C3 outputs a reception screen G1 (see FIG. 7) for receiving the setting of the form of the sound (volume) to the display unit 102. In short, a password is set because it is not desired that the setting of the form of the sound (volume) be easily changed by a person other than the constructor or the administrator (such as a resident). However, the setting of the password may be omitted.

[0083] The setting unit C3 is configured to receive, for example, switching of the setting of the volume (sound pressure) of the second output sound in three levels: large, medium, and small. For example, the reference sound pressure corresponding to "large" is 64 dB, the reference sound pressure corresponding to "medium" is 60 dB, and the reference sound pressure corresponding to "small" is 54 dB. However, these numerical values of the reference sound pressure are merely examples and are not particularly limited. Also, the setting unit C3 may be configured to receive switching of the setting of the volume of the second output sound in two levels: large and small, or four levels or more (stepless is also possible).

[0084] The setting unit C3 displays on the reception screen G1 the volume (either large, medium, or small) of the currently set second output sound stored in the storage unit 106. In the example of FIG. 7, the current volume is indicated by the triangular mark M1. The initial volume is, for example, "small".

[0085] The setting unit C3 changes the position of the mark M1 on the reception screen G1 to "small", "medium", "large", "small", "medium", "large",... each time a specific push button such as a function key of the operation unit 101 is pressed. The setter measures in advance the ambient sound (ambient noise) in the installation environment where the entrance device 1 is installed with a sound level meter or the like, and according to the measured ambient sound, maintains or changes the current volume to another volume.

[0086] It is desirable for the setter to set the volume of the second output sound to a reference sound pressure level higher than the ambient sound measured around the entrance device 1. For example, if the ambient sound is greater than 64 dB, it is set to "large". The setter executes an operation input for determining the volume setting (for example, presses the call button) by aligning the mark M1 displayed on the reception screen G1 with the position of the desired volume.

[0087] When the setting unit C3 receives the operation input for confirmation, it sets the volume of the second output sound to the volume (either large, medium, or small) indicated by the mark M1. The setting unit C3 stores that volume in the storage unit 106. Thereafter, the sound output unit C2 performs volume control and outputs the second output sound from the speaker at the set volume.

[0088] That is, the setting unit C3 sets the form (volume) of the sound based on an external input (here, the operation input by the setter). Therefore, since the setting of the form of the sound according to the external input can be easily performed, the convenience is improved.

[0089] Also, the input (operation input by the setter) specifies, for example, the setting content of switching the volume from "small" to "large". That is, the input includes setting information for specifying the setting content of the form (volume) of the sound. Therefore, since the setting content of the form of the sound can be easily specified, the convenience is further improved.

[0090] Here, for all the volumes of voice messages, melody sounds, electronic sounds, recorded messages, etc. included in the second output sound, the setting is changed all at once. However, the volume of each of these sounds included in the second output sound may also be set and changed individually. For example, the volume of the voice message of the second output sound may be set to "loud", and the volume of the melody sound may be set to "soft". Alternatively, the volume may be set and changed at different timings from the first to the fifth.

[0091] Here, there may be cases where there are sources of relatively loud ambient sounds (e.g., 60 dB or more) around the collective facility 2, such as busy general roads, railway tracks of trains, stations, commercial facilities, construction sites, etc. In that case, the ambient sound around the entrance device 1 tends to be relatively loud. If the ambient sound is louder than the currently set volume, the second output sound output from the entrance device 1 may be difficult for person H1 to hear.

[0092] Conversely, when the collective facility 2 is built in a quiet residential area, the ambient sound around the entrance device 1 tends to be relatively small. Alternatively, even if there are the above-described sound sources around the collective facility 2, when the entrance device 1 is installed inside the vestibule or inside the door 221, the ambient sound around the entrance device 1 tends to be relatively small. If the currently set volume is excessively louder than the ambient sound, it may cause discomfort to person H1 or the neighboring residents.

[0093] Therefore, as described above, the entrance device 1 of the present embodiment includes a setting unit C3 that sets the form (volume) of the sound related to the second output sound. Therefore, for example, when the ambient sound is louder than the currently set volume, the setter can increase the reference sound pressure (increase the volume). Conversely, when the currently set volume is excessively louder than the ambient sound, the setter can decrease the reference sound pressure (decrease the volume). Therefore, the convenience regarding the output sound of the entrance device 1 can be improved.

[0094] In particular, the setting unit C3 prohibits the change of setting information when the entrance device 1 is in use. The "in-use state" in the present disclosure means the state in which the reception screen G1 is not displayed on the display unit 102 and the entrance device 1 is being used (during operation of the operation unit 101, during a call to a resident, during a conversation with a resident, etc.). Here, as described above, unless the reception screen G1 for receiving the change of setting information by inputting a password known only to the constructor or administrator etc. is called, the form of sound (volume) cannot be changed. Therefore, the possibility that the setting information is easily changed by a person H1 such as a visitor in the in-use state of the entrance device 1 is reduced.

[0095] Incidentally, the ambient sound may change depending on the time of day. For example, when the above-described sound source exists around the collective facility 2, even if the ambient sound in the daytime is 60 dB to 70 dB, the ambient sound in the early morning and nighttime may drop below 60 dB. Therefore, the setting unit C3 may be configured to be able to set the volume of the second output sound for each of a plurality of time zones. For example, the setting unit C3 may store in the storage unit 106 a first volume corresponding to a first time zone (8:00 am to 6:00 pm) and a second volume corresponding to a second time zone (6:00 pm to 8:00 am the next day). And the setter may be able to individually change the setting of the first volume and the second volume through the reception screen G1 of the display unit 102 and the operation unit 101.

[0096] In this case, the input (operation input by the setter) designates a plurality of volumes in association with each time (time zone) in addition to the setting content of increasing (or decreasing) the volume. That is, the input includes setting information for designating the setting content of the form of sound (volume) with respect to time.

[0097] The sound output unit C2 outputs the second output sound at the first volume if the current time is within the first time zone and outputs the second output sound at the second volume if the current time is within the second time zone based on the built-in timer. In short, the setting unit C3 sets the form of sound (volume) based on information regarding time. In this case, since the setting of the form of sound according to time can be easily performed, the convenience is further improved.

[0098] In addition, in this embodiment, the setting change of the volume of the first output sound by the voice of the call can be received, for example, during the call. The entrance device 1 displays a message indicating that the volume setting can be changed on the call screen displayed on the display unit 102 during the call. If person H1 determines that the volume of the voice of the call from the resident is low (or high) during the call, the person H1 can increase or decrease the volume of the first output sound by operating a function key or the like of the operation unit 101. In short, in this embodiment, the volume of the first output sound and the volume of the second output sound can be set and changed individually without cooperating with each other.

[0099] (3) Modification example The above embodiment is only one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The above embodiment can be variously modified according to the design and the like as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Further, functions similar to those of the entrance device 1 and the intercom system 10 according to the above embodiment may be embodied by these processing methods, computer programs, or non-transitory recording media recording the computer programs. Specifically, the processing method of the entrance device 1 according to one aspect includes a sound output step and a setting step. In the sound output step, a first output sound by the voice of the call and a second output sound different from the first output sound are output. In the setting step, at least the form of the sound related to the second output sound is set.

[0100] Hereinafter, modification examples of the above embodiment will be listed. The modification examples described below can be applied in appropriate combinations. Hereinafter, the above embodiment may also be referred to as a "basic example".

[0101] The entrance device 1 and the intercom system 10 in the present disclosure include a computer system. The computer system mainly consists of a processor and a memory as hardware. By the processor executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system, the functions as the entrance device 1 and the intercom system 10 in the present disclosure are realized. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, may be provided through a telecommunication line, or may be provided by being recorded in a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card, an optical disk, or a hard disk drive that can be read by the computer system. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). Here, integrated circuits such as the IC or LSI mentioned here have different names depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSI, VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration), or ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration). Furthermore, for an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) that is programmed after the manufacture of the LSI, or a logic device capable of reconfiguring the bonding relationship inside the LSI or reconfiguring the circuit section inside the LSI, it can also be adopted as a processor. The plurality of electronic circuits may be integrated on one chip, or may be provided dispersedly on a plurality of chips. The plurality of chips may be integrated in one device, or may be provided dispersedly in a plurality of devices. The computer system mentioned here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller is also composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit or a large-scale integrated circuit.

[0102] Moreover, it is not an essential configuration that a plurality of functions in each of the entrance device 1 and the intercom system 10 are aggregated in one housing. Each component of the entrance device 1 and the intercom system 10 may be provided in a distributed manner in a plurality of housings. Conversely, a plurality of functions in each of the entrance device 1 and the intercom system 10 may be aggregated in one housing. Further, at least some functions of each of the entrance device 1 and the intercom system 10, for example, some functions of the entrance device 1 may be realized by a cloud (cloud computing) or the like.

[0103] (3.1) Variant 1 Hereinafter, the intercom entrance device 1A of this variant (variant 1) (hereinafter simply referred to as "entrance device 1A") will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0104] In the basic example, the form of sound (volume) is preset (manually set) according to the operation input of the setter. The entrance device 1A of this variant is different from the entrance device 1 of the basic example in that the form of sound (volume) is set by automatic tuning (automatic setting). Hereinafter, in this variant, for components that are substantially common to the basic example, the same reference numerals may be given, and the description thereof may be omitted as appropriate.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 8, the control unit C1 of the entrance device 1A of this variant has an acquisition unit C4 that acquires sound information in addition to the sound output unit C2 and the setting unit C3. The sound information is information regarding the ambient sound around the entrance device 1A and is input from a microphone. The microphone mentioned here is assumed to be the microphone of the communication unit 103, but it may be separate from the microphone of the communication unit 103, or may be provided separately from the entrance device 1A and electrically connected to the entrance device 1A. When the microphone is provided separately from the entrance device 1A, the installation location of the microphone may be within the site around the collective facility 2 instead of the lobby (collective entrance) where the entrance device 1 is installed.

[0106] The control unit C1 of the entrance device 1A of this modification example has a sound collection mode as an operation mode, in which it collects ambient sound to measure the environmental sound and automatically tunes the volume of the second output sound. The acquisition unit C4 acquires input sound (sound information) from the surroundings through a microphone in the sound collection mode. The control unit C1 measures the environmental sound from the input sound acquired by the acquisition unit C4 in the sound collection mode. The sampling period of the input sound is, for example, once every few seconds, but is not particularly limited.

[0107] The sound collection mode is preferably executed in a state other than a call. In this embodiment, since the microphone for sound collection is the microphone of the call unit 103, it is desirable that the entrance device 1A does not change the setting of the second output sound during a call.

[0108] The entrance device 1A may always operate in the sound collection mode to change the setting of the second output sound as long as it is in a state other than a call, but it is preferably switched to the sound collection mode periodically only several times a day. For example, the entrance device 1A may switch to the sound collection mode for only a few minutes at 12:00 noon and 18:00 in the afternoon, and the acquisition unit C4 may acquire sound information. When a call is started between the entrance device 1A and the room master unit 12 during the operation in the sound collection mode, the sound collection mode may be temporarily interrupted.

[0109] The control unit C1 may be configured to be able to set the start time of the sound collection mode, for example, through the reception screen G1 described in the basic example. In this case, the external input (operation input by the setter) will include setting information for specifying the setting content in the form of sound (the start time of the sound collection mode).

[0110] The setting unit C3 determines the ambient sound based on, for example, the average value of the sampling data of the input sound acquired from the acquisition unit C4 during the sound collection mode, and automatically sets the reference sound pressure. Specifically, the setting unit C3 sets the value obtained by adding the sound pressure Δα to the determined ambient sound as the new reference sound pressure. The sound pressure Δα is, for example, 4 dB, but is not particularly limited. For example, if the ambient sound measured at 12:00 noon is 60 dB, the setting unit C3 sets 60 + 4 = 64 dB as the new reference sound pressure. The sound output unit C2 outputs the second output sound at this reference sound pressure until 18:00 in the afternoon when the next sound collection mode is executed.

[0111] That is, the setting unit C3 of this modification example sets the form (volume) of the sound based on an external input (here, the input sound). In other words, the external input includes environmental sound information regarding the ambient sound around the entrance device 1. Therefore, since the setting of the sound form according to the external input (input sound) can be easily performed, the convenience is further improved.

[0112] Also, in this modification example, when the predetermined start time arrives, the control unit C1 starts the execution of the sound collection mode, and the setting unit C3 sets the reference sound pressure (performs automatic tuning). Therefore, also in this modification example, the setting unit C3 sets the form of the sound based on the information regarding the time.

[0113] However, the control unit C1 of this modification example is not limited to the configuration in which the execution of the sound collection mode is started when the predetermined start time arrives. The control unit C1 may be configured to start the execution of the sound collection mode, for example, triggered by the acquisition of detection information indicating the presence of the person H1 from the sensor 107. In other words, the sound information may be the information at the time when the detection information indicating the presence of the person H1 around the entrance device 1 is acquired. In this case, even if the entrance device 1 is installed in an environment where the change in the ambient sound with the passage of time is relatively large, it is possible to easily perform a more appropriate setting of the sound form.

[0114] (3.2) Modification Example 2 Hereinafter, the intercom entrance device 1B of this modification example (modification example 2) (hereinafter simply referred to as "entrance device 1B") will be described with reference to FIG. 9.

[0115] In Modification Example 1, the form of sound (volume) is set by automatic tuning based on ambient sound (automatic setting). The entrance device 1B of this modification example is different from Modification Example 1 in that the form of sound (volume) is set by automatic tuning based on position information regarding the position of person H1. Hereinafter, in this modification example, for components that are substantially common to the basic example and Modification Example 1, the same reference numerals may be used, and the description thereof may be omitted as appropriate.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit C1 of the entrance device 1B of this modification example further has a position determination unit C5 in addition to the sound output unit C2 and the setting unit C3. Here, the position determination unit C5 determines the position of person H1 existing around the entrance device 1B based on the image captured by the imaging unit (camera), and generates position information including the determination result. The imaging unit mentioned here assumes the imaging unit 100 of the entrance device 1B, but it may be provided separately from the entrance device 1B and electrically connected to the entrance device 1B.

[0117] Then, the setting unit C3 of this modification example sets the form of sound (volume) based on the position information generated by the position determination unit C5. In other words, the setting unit C3 of this modification example sets the form of sound (volume) based on the position information regarding the position of person H1 existing around the entrance device 1B.

[0118] The position information is information based on the size of at least a part (for example, the face, etc.) of person H1 included in the image captured by the imaging unit 100 that captures the area around the entrance device 1B.

[0119] Specifically, for example, when the control unit C1 of the entrance device 1B of this modification detects a person H1 with the sensor 107, it activates the imaging unit 100 to start imaging the person. The position determination unit C5 has an image analysis function. The position determination unit C5 determines the position of the person H1 relative to the entrance device 1B based on the size of the face of the person H1 included in the image at the moment when the person H1 first performs an operation on the operation unit 101 (or a touch operation on the display unit 102). Specifically, for example, the position determination unit C5 divides the imaging area of the imaging unit 100 that spreads in front of the entrance device 1B into two or more divided areas, and determines in which of the two or more divided areas the person H1 included in the image is located. However, the "position of the person" may not be indicated in units of such divided areas, but may be a distance or coordinates relative to the entrance device 1B, etc.

[0120] The entrance device 1B stores in the storage unit 106 characteristic data in which a plurality of divided areas of the imaging area and a plurality of reference sound pressures are respectively associated. The characteristic data may be downloaded from an external server 5. The setting unit C3 refers to the characteristic data and determines the reference sound pressure corresponding to the divided area determined by the position determination unit C5.

[0121] That is, the setting unit C3 of this modification sets the form (volume) of the sound based on an external input (here, the position of the person). Therefore, since the setting of the sound form corresponding to the external input (the position of the person) can be easily performed, the convenience is further improved.

[0122] In this way, in this modification, since the setting of the sound form corresponding to the position of the person H1 existing around the entrance device 1B can be easily performed, the convenience is further improved.

[0123] Note that this modification is not limited to a configuration that determines the position of the person H1 from the image captured by the imaging unit. For example, a configuration that determines the position of the person H1 based on sensor information from a distance sensor may also be used.

[0124] Incidentally, the number of visitors approaching the entrance device 1B almost simultaneously is not necessarily one. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, two visitors H2 and H3 approach the entrance device 1B almost simultaneously, and only one of the visitors H2 may execute an operation on the operation unit 101 (or a touch operation on the display unit 102). The position determination unit C5 determines the number of people and the divided regions where each person is located from the face images of the people included in the image IM1 captured by the imaging unit 100. In particular, the position determination unit C5 determines the order of the plurality of visitors from the closest to the entrance device 1B. In the image IM1 of FIG. 10, the visitor H2 is closer to the entrance device 1B than the visitor H3.

[0125] The setting unit C3 performs, for example, setting of the sound form (volume) according to the position of the visitor H2 who is likely to actually execute various operations. In other words, the setting unit C3 performs automatic tuning according to the position of the visitor standing closest to the entrance device 1B among the plurality of visitors. Therefore, the convenience of the person who actually executes various operations is improved.

[0126] However, the setting unit C3 may perform automatic tuning according to the position of the visitor standing farthest from the entrance device 1B among the plurality of visitors. In this case, it is highly likely that the second output sound can be heard by all of the plurality of visitors.

[0127] Alternatively, the setting unit C3 may apply the average value between the reference sound pressure when setting according to the position of the visitor standing closest and the reference sound pressure when setting according to the position of the visitor standing farthest among the plurality of visitors.

[0128] Incidentally, in this modification, the configuration for automatically tuning the sound form based on the position information regarding the position of the person H1 is not limited to being applied to the second output sound. In other words, for this modification, it is not essential that the setting target of the sound form is the second output sound. The setting unit C3 may be configured to set the sound form for the first output sound by the call voice by automatic tuning based on the position information regarding the position of the person H1.

[0129] (3.3) Other Modification Examples In the basic example and Modification Examples 1 to 2, the form of the sound was assumed to be the volume (sound pressure), but it is not limited to the volume. The form of the sound may include at least one of the volume, the frequency of the sound, and the directivity of the sound.

[0130] For example, for the elderly, it may be difficult to hear high-frequency sounds. Therefore, the setting unit C3 may set the form of the sound (the frequency of the sound). The control unit C1 estimates the age of the person from the face image of the person included in the image captured by the imaging unit 100 (the estimation process may be performed by an external server 5), and if it is determined that the person corresponds to an elderly person, automatic tuning may be performed to lower the frequency of the second output sound.

[0131] Also, for example, a person such as a visitor may stand slightly to the left or right of the front of the entrance device 1 and operate the operation unit 101. Therefore, the setting unit C3 may set the form of the sound (the directivity of the sound). Specifically, the setting unit C3 may give directivity so as to selectively emit sound to a person within a specific range. For example, the entrance device 1 includes a plurality of speakers arranged side by side on the left and right. If the position of the person is to the left, settings such as increasing the volume of the second output sound output from the left speaker and decreasing the volume of the second output sound output from the right speaker may be made to give directivity. The control unit C1 may determine the position of the person from the image of the imaging unit 100 and set the directivity of the sound as described in Modification Example 2. Alternatively, the entrance device 1 includes a plurality of microphones arranged side by side in the communication unit 103, and based on the phase difference in the voice signal based on the voice of the person acquired by the plurality of microphones, it may be determined whether the position of the person is closer to the left or right, and the directivity of the sound may be set.

[0132] In the basic example, the second output sound included voices such as "(Since I will transfer you, please tell me your name)" output in response to an operation input to the entrance device 1. However, the second output sound may include voices output in response to a voice input to the entrance device 1. The entrance device 1 may be an entrance device corresponding to interactive voice input. For example, the entrance device 1 may be configured such that artificial intelligence (AI) technology is applied to recognize a voice input of a person (such as a visitor) and output a second output sound (voice message) as a response to the voice input.

[0133] In the basic example, the volume of the second output sound was set and changed by an operation on the operation unit 101 or the like with the reception screen G1 being displayed on the display unit 102. However, for example, the volume of the second output sound may be set and changed by switching on or off one or more dip switches provided on the back side of the housing of the entrance device 1 or inside the housing. In other words, the setting unit C3 may be configured to set the form of the sound according to the on or off state of one or more dip switches.

[0134] In the basic example, the volume of the first output sound and the volume of the second output sound were set individually without being coordinated with each other. However, the volume of the second output sound may be coordinated with the volume of the first output sound, and the setting change may also be reflected in the first output sound. For example, the reference sound pressure of the second output sound determined by the automatic tuning described in Modification 1 and Modification 2 may also be carried over to the sound pressure of the first output sound during a call.

[0135] In the basic example, it was explained that the sound output unit C2 may output the second output sound at the first volume if the current time is within the first time zone, and may output the second output sound at the second volume if the current time is within the second time zone, based on the built-in timer. Also, in Modification 1, the control unit C1 starts executing the sound collection mode when a predetermined time is reached, and the setting unit C3 has set it to the reference sound pressure. That is, the setting unit C3 has set the sound form based on the information regarding the time. However, the setting unit C3 may set the sound form based on the information regarding the brightness around the entrance device 1 instead of the time. Specifically, the entrance device 1 may be provided with an illuminance sensor, and may determine whether it is daytime or nighttime based on the illuminance information detected by the illuminance sensor, and set the sound form. The illuminance sensor may be provided separately from the entrance device 1.

[0136] (4) Summary As described above, the intercom entrance device (1, 1A, 1B) according to the first aspect is introduced at the entrance of the facility (the collective facility 2), and can communicate with at least other intercom devices (such as the living room master unit 12 or the management room master unit 11). The intercom entrance device (1, 1A, 1B) includes a sound output unit (C2) and a setting unit (C3). The sound output unit (C2) outputs a first output sound by the voice of the call and a second output sound different from the first output sound. The setting unit (C3) sets at least the sound form regarding the second output sound. According to the first aspect, it is possible to improve the convenience regarding the output sound.

[0137] Regarding the intercom entrance device (1, 1A, 1B) according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, the setting unit (C3) sets the sound form based on the information regarding the time. According to the second aspect, since it is possible to easily set the sound form according to the time, the convenience is further improved.

[0138] Regarding the intercom entrance device (1, 1A, 1B) according to the third aspect, in the first aspect or the second aspect, the setting unit (C3) sets the sound form based on an external input. According to the third aspect, since it is possible to easily set the sound form according to the input, the convenience is further improved.

[0139] Regarding the intercom entrance device (1, 1A, 1B) according to the fourth aspect, in the third aspect, the input includes setting information for specifying the setting content in the form of sound. According to the fourth aspect, since the setting content in the form of sound can be easily specified, the convenience is further improved.

[0140] Regarding the intercom entrance device (1, 1A, 1B) according to the fifth aspect, in the fourth aspect, the setting unit (C3) does not permit the change of the setting information in the usage state of the intercom entrance device (1, 1A, 1B). According to the fifth aspect, the possibility that the setting information is changed in the usage state of the intercom entrance device (1, 1A, 1B) is reduced.

[0141] Regarding the intercom entrance device (1A) according to the sixth aspect, in the third aspect, the input includes sound information regarding the ambient sound around the intercom entrance device (1A). According to the sixth aspect, since the setting of the sound form according to the ambient sound can be easily performed, the convenience is further improved.

[0142] Regarding the intercom entrance device (1A) according to the seventh aspect, in the sixth aspect, the sound information is the information at the time when detection information indicating the presence of a person around the intercom entrance device (1A) is acquired. According to the seventh aspect, even if the intercom entrance device (1A) is installed in an environment where the change of the ambient sound with the passage of time is relatively large, the setting of a more appropriate sound form can be easily performed.

[0143] Regarding the intercom entrance device (1B) according to the eighth aspect, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the setting unit (C3) sets the sound form based on the position information regarding the position of the person existing around the intercom entrance device (1B). According to the eighth aspect, since the setting of the sound form according to the position of the person existing around the intercom entrance device (1B) can be easily performed, the convenience is further improved.

[0144] Regarding the intercom entrance device (1B) according to the ninth aspect, in the eighth aspect, the position information is information based on the size of at least a part of a person included in an image captured by an imaging unit (100) that captures an area around the intercom entrance device (1B). According to the ninth aspect, the reliability of the position information is further improved.

[0145] Regarding the intercom entrance device (1, 1A, 1B) according to the tenth aspect, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, the second output sound is a sound output before the start of a call to the side of another intercom device (such as the living room master unit 12 or the management room master unit 11). According to the tenth aspect, it is possible to easily set the form of the sound regarding the second output sound output before the start of the call.

[0146] Regarding the intercom entrance device (1, 1A, 1B) according to the eleventh aspect, in any one of the first to tenth aspects, the second output sound includes a voice different from the voice of the call. According to the eleventh aspect, it is possible to easily set the form of the sound regarding the second output sound including the voice.

[0147] Regarding the intercom entrance device (1, 1A, 1B) according to the twelfth aspect, in the eleventh aspect, the second output sound includes a voice output in accompaniment with an operation input or a voice input to the intercom entrance device (1, 1A, 1B). According to the twelfth aspect, it is possible to easily set the form of the sound regarding the second output sound including the voice output in accompaniment with the operation input or the voice input.

[0148] Regarding the intercom entrance device (1, 1A, 1B) according to the thirteenth aspect, in any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the form of the sound includes at least the volume. According to the thirteenth aspect, since it is possible to easily set the volume of the second output sound, the convenience is further improved.

[0149] The processing method according to the 14th aspect is a processing method of an intercom entrance device (1, 1A, 1B) that is introduced at the entrance of a facility (collective facility 2) and can communicate with at least other intercom devices (such as the living room master unit 12 or the management room master unit 11). The processing method includes a sound output step and a setting step. In the sound output step, a first output sound by the voice of a call and a second output sound different from the first output sound are output. In the setting step, at least the form of the sound related to the second output sound is set. According to the 14th aspect, it is possible to provide a processing method capable of improving the convenience regarding the output sound.

[0150] The program according to the 15th aspect is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the processing method in the 14th aspect. According to the 15th aspect, it is possible to provide a function capable of improving the convenience regarding the output sound.

[0151] Regarding the configurations according to the 2nd to 13th aspects, they are not essential configurations of the intercom entrance device (1, 1A, 1B) and can be omitted as appropriate.

Explanation of Signs

[0152] 1, 1A, 1B Intercom entrance device C2 Sound output unit C3 Setting unit 100 Imaging unit 11 Management room master unit (intercom device) 12 Living room master unit (intercom device) 2 Collective facility (facility)

Claims

1. An intercom entrance device introduced at the entrance of a facility and capable of making a call at least with other intercom devices, a sound output unit that outputs a first output sound by voice of the call and a second output sound different from the first output sound; a setting unit that sets at least the form of the sound related to the second output sound; comprising: the intercom entrance device has an automatic answering function, the second output sound includes a first voice message for inquiring about the necessity of recording the name and the matter of a visitor output by the execution of the automatic answering function, and a second voice message for urging the input of the name and the matter when a response for requesting the recording is received, the first voice message and the second voice message are output after the start of a call to the other intercom device side, recording the voice of the visitor input in response to the second voice message; Intercom entrance device.

2. The setting unit sets the form of the sound based on information related to time, The intercom entrance device according to claim 1.

3. The setting unit sets the form of the sound based on an external input, The intercom entrance device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The input includes setting information for specifying the setting content of the form of the sound, The intercom entrance device according to claim 3.

5. The setting unit does not permit the change of the setting information in the usage state of the intercom entrance device, The intercom entrance device according to claim 4.

6. The input includes sound information related to the ambient sound around the intercom entrance device, The intercom entrance device according to claim 3.

7. The sound information is information at the time when detection information indicating the presence of a person around the intercom entrance device is obtained, The intercom entrance device according to claim 6.

8. The setting unit sets the form of the sound based on position information related to the position of a person existing around the intercom entrance device, The intercom entrance device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The position information is information based on the size of at least a part of the person included in an image captured by an imaging unit that captures an area around the intercom entrance device, The intercom entrance device according to claim 8.

10. The second output sound further includes a third voice message that is output before the start of a call to the other intercom device side. The intercom entrance device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The second output sound includes a voice different from the voice of the call. The intercom entrance device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The second output sound includes a voice output in accordance with an operation input or voice input to the intercom entrance device. The intercom entrance device according to claim 11.

13. The form of the sound includes at least volume. The intercom entrance device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A processing method for an intercom entrance device introduced at the entrance of a facility and capable of making calls at least with other intercom devices, A sound output step of outputting a first output sound by the voice of the call and a second output sound different from the first output sound; A setting step of setting at least the form of the sound related to the second output sound; A recording step; Including, The intercom entrance device has an automatic answering function, The second output sound includes a first voice message for inquiring about the necessity of recording the name and purpose of the visitor output by the execution of the automatic answering function, and a second voice message for urging the input of the name and the purpose when a response accepting the recording is received. The first voice message and the second voice message are output after the start of a call to the other intercom device side. In the recording step, the voice of the visitor input in response to the second voice message is recorded. Processing method.

15. A program for causing one or more processors to execute the processing method according to claim 14.

Images