Shared entrance system, communication system, intercom system

Abstract

To allow after-sales service accuracy to be improved and after-sales service man-hours to be reduced in an intercom system using radio.SOLUTION: A communal entrance device, which is an aspect of the present disclosure, is provided at a communal entrance of a collective facility including a plurality of facilities and includes a communication section that communicates by radio with an entrance slave unit provided at the entrance of each of the facilities or a master unit provided within each of the facilities, and a first output section that outputs log information of communication obtained by the communication section.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In a collective facility such as an apartment where an intercom system is provided, 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 suppressed. However, when a problem occurs in the intercom system, in an intercom system that uses wireless at least partially, compared with an intercom system that uses only wire, it is difficult to identify the cause of the problem, and there is a concern that a large amount of man-hours will be generated for repair.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to enable improvement in the accuracy of after-sales service and reduction of 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, which is installed at the shared entrance of a complex of 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 communications acquired by the communication unit.

[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 one 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 door station 20 is equipped with, for example, a call button 20a for calling the master unit 22. The door station 20 also includes a camera, a microphone, and a speaker. When the call button 20a is pressed, the master unit 22 is called, and the visitor is photographed by the camera on the door station 20, and the image is displayed on the monitor of the master unit 22.

[0019] The entrance sub-machine 20 installed in the household A is directly wirelessly connected to the common entrance device 10, and the entrance sub-machine 20 installed in the household B is indirectly wirelessly connected to the common entrance device 10 via the relay machine 15. 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 by being communicably connected to the common entrance device 10 and the entrance sub-machine 20 mutually.

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

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

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

[0023] Next, the common entrance device 10 will be described while referring to FIGS. 2 to 4. FIG. 2 is a front view of the common entrance device 10 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the common 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. In addition to the above configuration, the common 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 numeric keypad 10a is a user interface that can be operated by a resident or a visitor. An authorized person can unlock the electric lock of the common entrance 5 by, for example, entering a password using the numeric keypad 10a. In addition, a visitor can call the destination apartment by entering the apartment number with the numeric keypad 10a and pressing the call button 10b. A resident or the like having a key can also unlock the electric lock of the common entrance 5 by inserting the key into the reverse master key insertion part 10c.

[0025] The camera 10d images a resident or a visitor operating the common entrance device 10. When a visitor calls the destination apartment with the common entrance device 10, the common entrance device 10 photographs the visitor with the camera 10d and transmits the video to the master unit 22 where the call is made.

[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 following: the signal strength from the door station 20, the number of communication errors with the door station 20, and the date and time when communication with the door station took place. If the signal strength from the door station 20 falls below a predetermined value, communication may become unstable and malfunctions may occur. The unit of the signal strength from the door station 20 is, for example, dBm. If the number of communication errors with the door station 20 exceeds a predetermined value, communication may become unstable and malfunctions may occur. It is preferable that the log information includes the date and time when communication took place, along with the signal strength and the number of errors. This makes it easier to identify the date and time when a malfunction occurs, and reduces the time required to identify the location of the malfunction when performing repairs.

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

[0036] While referring to FIG. 4, a specific method for identifying the time of occurrence of a malfunction will be described. FIG. 4 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-unit 20 provided at the entrance of the residential unit A (see FIG. 1) arranged in the order of older date and time. At number N, the signal strength has decreased from "XXX" to "YYY" (assuming XXX>YYY). Also, at number N, the error count has increased from "C" to "D" (assuming C<D). Therefore, it can be identified that a malfunction 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 malfunction is supposed to have occurred, and internal factors such as the failure of the devices forming the intercom system 1, the location where the malfunction occurred can be identified.

[0037] The communication unit 40 further periodically detects interfering radio waves that overlap with the radio wave band used for communication with the entrance sub-unit 20, and the first output unit 42 may output the detection result together with the log information. Thereby, since the situation of interfering radio waves around the intercom system 1 can be grasped, the location where the malfunction occurred can be efficiently identified. For example, if the time of occurrence of the interfering radio wave matches the time when the malfunction occurred, it can be estimated that the cause of the malfunction is the interfering radio wave. The detection frequency is not particularly limited as long as it can determine whether the interfering radio wave is the cause of the malfunction from the detection result. The detection frequency, for example, is 1 time / day to 1 time / 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, A communication unit that communicates wirelessly with an entrance station installed at the entrance of the facility, or a master station installed inside the facility, A shared entrance device comprising a first output unit that outputs log information of communications acquired by the aforementioned communication unit. Configuration 2: The communication unit communicates wirelessly with the door station. The shared entrance device according to configuration 1, wherein the entrance station and the master station are connected by a wire so as to enable communication. Configuration 3: The shared entrance device according to configuration 2, wherein the log information includes information about communication between the communication unit and the entrance sub-unit. Configuration 4: The shared entrance device according to configuration 2 or 3, wherein the log information includes information about communication between the entrance sub-unit and the master unit. Configuration 5: A shared entrance device according to any one of configurations 2 to 4, wherein when the communication unit communicates with the entrance unit via a relay, the log information includes information about the communication between the communication unit and the relay. Configuration 6: A shared entrance device according to any one of configurations 2 to 5, wherein when the communication unit communicates with the entrance unit via a relay, the log information includes information about the communication between the relay and the entrance unit. Composition 7: The first output unit is capable of outputting the log information separately for each entrance station, as described in any one of configurations 2 to 6. Composition 8: The shared entrance device according to any one of configurations 2 to 7, wherein the log information includes at least one of the following: the signal strength from the entrance station, the number of communication errors with the entrance station, and the date and time when communication with the entrance station took place. Composition 9: The communication unit further periodically detects interfering radio waves that overlap with the radio wave bandwidth used for communication with the door station, The first output unit outputs the detection result along with the log information, as described in any one of configurations 2 to 8. Configuration 10: Furthermore, the shared entrance device according to any one of configurations 2 to 9 is further equipped with a second output unit that outputs real-time information of communications acquired by the communication unit. Composition 11: A communication system comprising a shared entrance device described in any one of configurations 1 to 10, and the entrance substation. Composition 12: An intercom system comprising a shared entrance device as described in any one of configurations 1 to 10, the entrance sub-unit, and the master unit. [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, A communication unit that communicates wirelessly with an entrance station installed at the entrance of the facility, or a master station installed inside the facility, The system includes a first output unit that outputs log information of communications acquired by the aforementioned communication unit, The communication unit communicates wirelessly with the door station. The aforementioned door station and the aforementioned master unit are connected by a wired connection to enable communication. The log information includes information about communication between the entrance sub-unit and the master unit of the shared entrance device.

2. The shared entrance device according to claim 1, wherein the log information includes information about communication between the communication unit and the entrance substation.

3. The shared entrance device according to claim 1, wherein when the communication unit communicates with the entrance sub-unit via a relay, the log information includes information about the communication between the communication unit and the relay.

4. A shared entrance device provided at the shared entrance of a complex facility including multiple facilities, A communication unit that communicates wirelessly with an entrance station installed at the entrance of the facility, or a master station installed inside the facility, The system includes a first output unit that outputs log information of communications acquired by the aforementioned communication unit, The communication unit communicates wirelessly with the door station. The aforementioned door station and the aforementioned master unit are connected by a wired connection to enable communication. A shared entrance device in which, when the communication unit communicates with the entrance station via a relay, the log information includes information about the communication between the relay and the entrance station.

5. A common entrance device installed at the common entrance of a complex facility including multiple facilities, A communication unit that communicates wirelessly with an entrance station installed at the entrance of the facility, or a master station installed inside the facility, The system includes a first output unit that outputs log information of communications acquired by the aforementioned communication unit, The communication unit communicates wirelessly with the door station. The aforementioned door station and the aforementioned master unit are connected by a wired connection to enable communication. The first output unit is a shared entrance device capable of outputting the log information separately for each entrance station.

6. The shared entrance device according to claim 1, wherein the log information includes at least one of the following: the signal strength from the entrance station, the number of communication errors with the entrance station, and the date and time when communication with the entrance station took place.

7. A shared entrance device provided at the shared entrance of a complex facility including multiple facilities, A communication unit that communicates wirelessly with an entrance station installed at the entrance of the facility, or a master station installed inside the facility, The system includes a first output unit that outputs log information of communications acquired by the aforementioned communication unit, The communication unit communicates wirelessly with the door station. The aforementioned door station and the aforementioned master unit are connected by a wired connection to enable communication. The communication unit further periodically detects interfering radio waves that overlap with the radio wave bandwidth used for communication with the door station, The first output unit is a shared entrance device that outputs the detection results along with the log information.

8. Furthermore, the shared entrance device according to claim 1 is further comprising a second output unit that outputs real-time information of communications acquired by the communication unit.

9. A communication system comprising a shared entrance device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and the entrance substation.

10. An intercom system comprising a shared entrance device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the entrance sub-unit, and the master unit.

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