Intercom master unit and fire detector

Abstract

To provide an intercom master unit capable of easily achieving communication with the entrance unit in each room.SOLUTION: An intercom master unit includes: a communication unit that communicates with a door unit installed near an entrance and communicates with a fire detector installed in a home and has a calling function; and a control unit that is configured so as to, when the fire detector responds to a call from the entrance unit, form a communication path between the door unit and the fire detector.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an intercom master unit and a fire detector.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in an intercom system, in order to realize a call with an entrance slave unit in each room of a house, a slave unit (an in-house slave unit) has been installed in each room where no intercom master unit is installed.

[0003] Note that Patent Document 1 discloses an intercom system that uses a mobile terminal as an intercom master unit.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In order to realize a call with an entrance slave unit in each room of a house, a slave unit must be installed in each room, which incurs installation costs and the like. Therefore, there is a demand for a means that can easily realize a call with the entrance slave unit in each room.

[0006] The non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure contribute to providing an intercom master unit and a fire detector that can easily realize a call with an entrance slave unit in each room without installing a slave unit in each room.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] An intercom master unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a communication unit that communicates with a door station installed near the entrance and with a fire detector installed inside the house that has a communication function, and a control unit that, when the fire detector responds to a call from the door station, forms a communication path between the door station and the fire detector.

[0008] A fire detector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an audio input device, a sensor for detecting a fire, a communication unit that transmits a detection signal indicating the detection of the fire to an intercom master unit and transmits an audio signal of the voice input by the audio input device to the intercom master unit, and a control unit that forms a communication path with an entrance sub-unit installed near the entrance based on instructions from the intercom master unit.

[0009] These comprehensive or specific embodiments may be implemented as a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium, or as any combination of a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, by using fire detectors installed in each room as sub-units, communication with the entrance sub-unit can be easily achieved in each room.

[0011] Further advantages and effects of one embodiment of this disclosure will be made apparent from the specification and drawings. Such advantages and / or effects are provided by several embodiments and features described in the specification and drawings, but not all of them are necessarily provided in order to obtain one or more identical features. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the configuration of an intercom system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Diagram showing an example of the block configuration of the master unit. [Figure 3]Diagram illustrating an example of a block configuration of an entrance slave unit [Figure 4] Diagram illustrating an example of a block configuration of a fire detector [Figure 5] Diagram illustrating an example of a block configuration of a monitoring device [Figure 6] Flowchart showing an example of the operation of a master unit [Figure 7] Flowchart showing an example of calling processing in S2 of FIG. 6 [Figure 8] Flowchart showing an example of alert processing in S3 of FIG. 6 [Figure 9] Flowchart showing an example of calling processing of a fire detector [Figure 10] Flowchart showing an example of alert processing of a fire detector MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with appropriate reference to the drawings. However, excessive detailed description may be omitted in some cases. For example, detailed description of already well-known matters and overlapping description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to prevent the following description from becoming unnecessarily redundant and to facilitate understanding for those skilled in the art.

[0014] The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to allow those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims thereby.

[0015] <System Configuration> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an intercom system according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the intercom system includes a master unit 1, an entrance slave unit 2, fire detectors 3a to 3c, and a monitoring device 4. In addition to the intercom system, FIG. 1 shows a building A1a, a gate pillar A1b, and a power line L1. Hereinafter, when the fire detectors 3a to 3c are not distinguished from one another, they may be simply referred to as the fire detector 3.

[0016] The master unit 1, the fire detector 3, and the monitoring device 4 are installed indoors in a building A1a such as a detached house, a condominium, or an apartment, for example. The entrance slave unit 2 is installed near an entrance such as beside a gate post A1b or an entrance door, for example.

[0017] The master unit 1 is installed in a central part of a house such as a living room or a kitchen, for example. The fire detector 3 is installed in each room inside the house.

[0018] The fire detector 3 has a call function. The fire detector 3 is installed on a ceiling, for example, so that smoke and heat from a fire can be easily detected.

[0019] The master unit 1, the entrance slave unit 2, the fire detector 3, and the monitoring device 4 are connected via, for example, a power line L1. The master unit 1, the entrance slave unit 2, the fire detector 3, and the monitoring device 4 communicate by, for example, PLC (Power Line Communication).

[0020] In recent years, fire detectors have been increasingly provided as standard equipment in each room of a house. Therefore, if a fire detector has the function of a slave unit (indoor slave unit), a call with the entrance slave unit 2 can be easily realized in each room. In the intercom system of the present disclosure, as described below, the fire detector 3 has a call function (the function of a slave unit). If this fire detector 3 is installed in each room of the building A1a, each room is equipped with a fire detector, and a slave unit is also installed in each room. Therefore, in the intercom system of the present disclosure, a call with the entrance slave unit 2 can be easily realized in each room. In addition, the installation cost and installation labor for the slave unit are reduced.

[0021] Furthermore, the master unit 1, the entrance slave unit 2, the fire detector 3, and the monitoring device 4 perform communication via PLC. Therefore, in the intercom system of the present disclosure, the laying cost of signal lines can be reduced. In addition, the master unit 1, the entrance slave unit 2, the fire detector 3, and the monitoring device 4 can easily secure power.

[0022] <General Operation of the System> • General operation when a visitor calls For example, when a visitor presses the call button on the door station 2, it sends a call signal to the master unit 1.

[0023] When the master unit 1 receives a call signal from the entrance unit 2, it outputs a sound to indicate that there has been a call from the entrance unit 2. This allows, for example, a resident in the room where the master unit 1 is installed to recognize the visitor.

[0024] Furthermore, when the master unit 1 receives a call signal from the entrance unit 2, it transmits the call signal to the fire detector 3. When the fire detector 3 receives the call signal, it emits a sound to indicate that there has been a call from the entrance unit 2. This allows residents in the room where the fire detector 3 is installed to be aware of the visitor's arrival.

[0025] In response to a call from the door station 2, the first device among the master unit 1 and fire detectors 3a to 3c to respond establishes a communication path (talk path) with the door station 2. In other words, the resident in each room of building A1a who responds first can talk to the visitor.

[0026] As mentioned above, the fire detector 3 is installed on the ceiling. Therefore, the fire detector 3 does not respond to button presses, but rather to specific voice (words) such as the resident's "response."

[0027] On the other hand, the master unit 1 is installed, for example, on the wall of the room, in order to receive operations from the resident. Therefore, the master unit 1 may receive a response, for example, by pressing a button on the resident's device, or it may receive a response by voice, similar to the fire detector 3.

[0028] • General procedures during a fire When the fire detector 3 detects a fire, it emits an alert sound. The fire detector 3 also transmits a detection signal to the master unit 1 indicating that a fire has been detected.

[0029] When the master unit 1 receives a detection signal from a fire detector 3, it transmits a detection signal to all fire detectors 3 except the one that sent the original signal. Fire detectors 3 that receive a detection signal emit an alert sound. This allows residents in rooms where there is no fire to be aware that a fire has occurred in another room.

[0030] Furthermore, when the master unit 1 receives a detection signal from the fire detector 3, it establishes a communication path between all devices connected to the master unit 1 via the power line L1.

[0031] For example, the master unit 1 establishes a communication path between itself and the entrance sub-unit 2. The master unit 1 establishes a communication path between itself and the fire detector 3. The master unit 1 establishes a communication path between the entrance sub-unit 2 and the fire detector 3. The master unit 1 establishes a communication path between fire detectors 3a to 3c. As a result, residents in each room of building A1a can contact each other when a fire occurs. In addition, residents in each room of building A1a can contact people outside via the entrance sub-unit 2.

[0032] Furthermore, when the master unit 1 receives a detection signal from the fire detector 3, it transmits the detection signal to the monitoring device 4. When the monitoring device 4 receives the detection signal, it activates fire prevention equipment, such as sprinklers. This makes it possible to extinguish the fire.

[0033] Furthermore, when the master unit 1 receives a detection signal from the fire detector 3, it sends a message to a pre-registered device, such as a smartphone, informing it of the fire. This allows, for example, a resident of building A1a who is away from home to be notified of the fire.

[0034] <Block structure> • Block configuration of the master unit Figure 2 shows an example of the block configuration of the master unit 1. As shown in Figure 2, the master unit 1 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, an audio data decoder 14, a speaker 15, a microphone 16, an audio data encoder 17, a display 18, and a button 19.

[0035] The control unit 11 controls the entire master unit 1. The control unit 11 may be composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0036] The memory unit 12 stores the program for the operation of the control unit 11. The memory unit 12 also stores data for the control unit 11 to perform calculations and data for controlling the connected components. The memory unit 12 may be composed of storage devices such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, and HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0037] The communication unit 13 is connected, for example, to the power line L1 and performs PLC (Power Line Communication) with equipment connected to the power line L1. The communication unit 13 may have a PLC module.

[0038] The audio data decoder 14 converts the digital audio data output from the control unit 11 into analog audio data and outputs it to the speaker 15.

[0039] The speaker 15 outputs sound based on the analog audio data output from the audio data decoder 14.

[0040] The microphone 16 converts sound into analog audio data and outputs it to the audio data encoder 17.

[0041] The audio data encoder 17 converts the analog audio data output from the microphone 16 into digital audio data and outputs it to the control unit 11.

[0042] The display 18 displays images based on digital video data output from the control unit 11. The display 18 is, for example, a liquid crystal display.

[0043] Button 19 receives input from residents of building A1a where the master unit 1 is installed. Button 19 outputs information corresponding to the received input to the control unit 11. Button 19 may be, for example, a touch panel superimposed on the display 18. Alternatively, button 19 may be a push button or the like.

[0044] • Block configuration of the door station Figure 3 shows an example of the block configuration of the door station 2. As shown in Figure 3, the door station 2 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, an audio data decoder 24, a speaker 25, a microphone 26, an audio data encoder 27, a camera 28, and a button 29.

[0045] The control unit 21 controls the entire entrance station 2. The control unit 21 may be composed of, for example, a CPU.

[0046] The memory unit 22 stores the program for the operation of the control unit 21. The memory unit 22 also stores data for the control unit 21 to perform calculations and data for controlling the connected components. The memory unit 22 may be composed of storage devices such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, and HDD.

[0047] The communication unit 23 is connected, for example, to the power line L1 and performs PLC (Power Line Communication) with equipment connected to the power line L1. The communication unit 23 may have a PLC module.

[0048] The audio data decoder 24 converts the digital audio data output from the control unit 21 into analog audio data and outputs it to the speaker 25.

[0049] Speaker 25 outputs sound based on analog audio data output from audio data decoder 24.

[0050] The microphone 26 converts sound into analog audio data and outputs it to the audio data encoder 27.

[0051] The audio data encoder 27 converts the analog audio data output from the microphone 26 into digital audio data and outputs it to the control unit 21.

[0052] Camera 28 captures moving or still images in front of gatepost A1b or the entrance, in accordance with the control unit 21. Camera 28 outputs the image data of the captured images to the control unit 21.

[0053] Button 29, for example, receives input from a visitor to building A1a. Button 19 outputs information corresponding to the received input to the control unit 21. Button 29 may be a push button or the like.

[0054] • Block configuration of fire detectors Figure 4 shows an example of the block configuration of the fire detector 3. As shown in Figure 4, the fire detector 3 includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a communication unit 33, an audio data decoder 34, a speaker 35, a microphone 36, an audio data encoder 37, and a sensor 38. The fire detector 3 has the function of an in-home sub-unit by having a speaker 35 and a microphone 36. In addition, the fire detector 3 has the function of a fire alarm by having a speaker 35.

[0055] The control unit 31 controls the entire fire detector 3. The control unit 31 may be composed of, for example, a CPU.

[0056] The memory unit 32 stores the program for the operation of the control unit 31. The memory unit 32 also stores data for the control unit 31 to perform calculations and data for controlling the connected components. The memory unit 32 may be composed of storage devices such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, and HDD.

[0057] The communication unit 33 is connected, for example, to the power line L1 and performs PLC (Power Line Communication) with equipment connected to the power line L1. The communication unit 33 may have a PLC module.

[0058] The audio data decoder 34 converts the digital audio data output from the control unit 31 into analog audio data and outputs it to the speaker 35.

[0059] Speaker 35 outputs sound based on analog audio data output from audio data decoder 34.

[0060] The microphone 36 converts sound into analog audio data and outputs it to the audio data encoder 37.

[0061] The audio data encoder 37 converts the analog audio data output from the microphone 36 into digital audio data and outputs it to the control unit 31.

[0062] Sensor 38 is a fire detection sensor. Sensor 38 may be, for example, at least one of the following sensors: a smoke sensor for detecting smoke, a temperature sensor for detecting temperature, and a flame sensor for detecting flames. When sensor 38 detects a fire, it outputs a fire detection signal to the control unit 31.

[0063] • Block configuration of the monitoring device Figure 5 shows an example of the block configuration of the monitoring device 4. As shown in Figure 5, the monitoring device 4 includes a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, and a communication unit 43.

[0064] The control unit 41 controls the entire monitoring device 4. The control unit 41 may be composed of, for example, a CPU.

[0065] The memory unit 42 stores the program for the operation of the control unit 41. The memory unit 42 also stores data for the control unit 41 to perform calculations and data for controlling the connected components. The memory unit 42 may be composed of storage devices such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, and HDD.

[0066] The communication unit 43 is connected, for example, to the power line L1 and performs PLC (Power Line Communication) with equipment connected to the power line L1. The communication unit 43 may have a PLC module.

[0067] <Operation> • Operation of the main unit Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of master unit 1. Master unit 1 waits for an interrupt to occur. When an interrupt occurs, master unit 1 executes the process shown in the flowchart in Figure 6.

[0068] Master unit 1 determines whether the type of interrupt that occurred is a call or an alert (S1).

[0069] For example, if the master unit 1 receives a call signal from the entrance unit 2 when the call button is pressed, it determines that the interruption type is a call. If the master unit 1 receives a detection signal from the fire detector 3 that has detected a fire, it determines that the interruption type is an alert.

[0070] If master unit 1 determines that the interrupt type is a call (call in S1), it executes the call process (S2, see flowchart in Figure 7). After master unit 1 finishes the call process, it waits for the occurrence of an interrupt.

[0071] If master unit 1 determines that the interrupt type is an alert (S1 alert), it executes alert processing (S3, see flowchart in Figure 8). After master unit 1 finishes alert processing, it waits for an interrupt to occur.

[0072] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the call processing in S2 of Figure 6. If the master unit 1 determines in S1 of Figure 6 that the type of interrupt is a call, it outputs a ringing tone to indicate that a visitor has arrived (S11). This allows the resident of the room where the master unit 1 is installed to recognize the visitor.

[0073] The master unit 1 instructs the fire detector 3 to output a call sound (S12). For example, the master unit 1 transmits a call signal to the fire detector 3 and instructs the fire detector 3 to output a call sound. As a result, residents in the room where the fire detector 3 is installed can recognize visitors.

[0074] The master unit 1 determines whether or not there has been a response from the master unit 1 and the fire detector 3 (S13).

[0075] For example, the master unit 1 determines whether a response has been received based on a button press by a resident of building A1a or a specific voice input such as "respond". The master unit 1 also receives a voice signal from the fire detector 3, determines whether the fire detector 3 has input a specific voice such as "respond", and determines whether a response has been received from the fire detector 3.

[0076] If there is no response from either the master unit 1 or the fire detector 3 (No. in S13), the master unit 1 proceeds to S11.

[0077] On the other hand, if the master unit 1 receives a response from either the master unit 1 or any one of the fire detectors 3a to 3b (Yes in S13), it instructs the devices connected to the power line L1 (excluding the door station 2) to stop outputting the call tone (S14). For example, if the master unit 1 receives a response from fire detector 3b, it instructs the master unit 1 and fire detectors 3a, 3b, and 3c to stop outputting the call tone. The master unit 1 also instructs the fire detectors 3a, 3b, and 3c to stop outputting the call tone by, for example, sending a stop signal.

[0078] The master unit 1 establishes a communication path between the door station 2 and the answering device (S15). For example, in the above example, the master unit 1 establishes a communication path between the fire detector 3b that responded and the door station 2. In other words, the master unit 1 establishes a communication path between the first device that responded and the door station 2.

[0079] The master unit 1 handles the call between the answering device and the door station 2 (S16).

[0080] The master unit 1 performs an unlocking operation on the entrance door in response to instructions from the response device (S17). For example, if the master unit 1 has established a communication path between the fire detector 3b and the entrance door sub-unit 2, it will perform an unlocking operation on the entrance door based on a specific voice input such as "unlock" from the fire detector 3b. If the master unit 1 has established a communication path between the master unit 1 and the entrance door sub-unit 2, it will perform an unlocking operation on the entrance door based on a button press by the resident on the master unit 1, or based on a specific voice input from the resident such as "unlock".

[0081] The master unit 1 determines the end of the call (S18). For example, if the master unit 1 has established a communication path between the fire detector 3b and the door station 2, it determines the end of the call based on a specific voice command such as "end call" input by the fire detector 3b. If the master unit 1 has established a communication path between the master unit 1 and the door station 2, it determines the end of the call based on a button press by the resident to the master unit 1, or based on a specific voice command from the resident such as "unlock". Also, for example, the master unit 1 determines the end of the call if there is no communication for a certain period of time between the devices that have established a communication path.

[0082] If base unit 1 determines that the call has not ended (No. in S18), it proceeds to S16.

[0083] On the other hand, if the master unit 1 determines that the call is over (Yes in S18), it disconnects the communication path between the answering device and the door station 2 and terminates the call processing.

[0084] Note that the order of processing in the flowchart shown in Figure 7 is not limited to the order described above. For example, the order of S11 and S12 may be reversed.

[0085] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of alert processing in S3 of Figure 6. If the master unit 1 determines in S1 of Figure 6 that the interrupt type is an alert, it outputs an alert sound indicating a fire and displays a warning on the display (S21). This allows the occupant of the room where the master unit 1 is installed to recognize that a fire has occurred.

[0086] The master unit 1 instructs the fire detectors 3 to output an alert sound (S22). For example, the master unit 1 sends a detection signal to all fire detectors 3 except the one that sent the detection signal indicating the occurrence of a fire, and instructs them to output an alert sound. As a result, all residents in all rooms where fire detectors 3 are installed can recognize that a fire has occurred.

[0087] The master unit 1 notifies the monitoring device 4 and pre-registered terminals of the occurrence of a fire (S23).

[0088] For example, the master unit 1 transmits a detection signal to the monitoring device 4 indicating the detection of a fire, thereby notifying the monitoring device 4 of the fire. Upon receiving the detection signal, the monitoring device 4 activates fire prevention equipment, such as sprinklers.

[0089] Furthermore, the main unit 1 sends a message to a pre-registered device, such as a smartphone, informing it of the fire. This allows, for example, a resident of building A1a who is away from home to be notified of the fire. The resident who is notified of the fire can then use their device to communicate with other residents in building A1a.

[0090] The master unit 1 forms communication paths between all devices connected to the master unit 1 via the power line L1 (S24). For example, the master unit 1 forms a communication path between the master unit 1 and the door station 2. The master unit 1 forms a communication path between the master unit 1 and the fire detector 3. The master unit 1 forms a communication path between the door station 2 and the fire detector 3. The master unit 1 forms a communication path between fire detectors 3a to 3c.

[0091] Master unit 1 handles communication between devices connected to power line L1 (S25).

[0092] The master unit 1 performs an unlocking operation on the entrance door based on a button press by the resident on the master unit 1, or based on a specific voice command from the resident such as "unlock" (S26). The master unit 1 also performs an unlocking operation on the entrance door based on a specific voice command such as "unlock" input by the fire detector 3 (S26).

[0093] The master unit 1 determines the end of the call (S27). For example, the master unit 1 determines the end of the call based on the resident's button operation on the master unit 1, or based on a specific voice command from the resident such as "end call". The master unit 1 also determines the end of the call based on a specific voice command from the resident such as "unlock" input by the fire detector 3.

[0094] If base unit 1 determines that the call has not ended (No. in S27), it proceeds to S25.

[0095] On the other hand, if base unit 1 determines that the call has ended (Yes in S27), it disconnects the communication path between devices connected to power line L1 and terminates the alert processing (see S3 in Figure 6).

[0096] Note that the order of processing in the flowchart shown in Figure 8 is not limited to the order described above. For example, the order of steps S21 to S24 may be changed.

[0097] • Operation of the fire detector Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the call processing of the fire detector 3. When the fire detector 3 receives a call signal from the master unit 1, it executes the process shown in the flowchart in Figure 9.

[0098] The fire detector 3 outputs a call sound in response to a call signal from the master unit 1 (S31).

[0099] The fire detector 3 determines whether or not it has received a stop signal from the master unit 1 instructing it to stop the call sound (S32).

[0100] If the fire detector 3 determines that it has received a stop signal from the master unit 1 (Yes in S32), it stops the call sound (S33) and terminates the process in the flowchart.

[0101] On the other hand, if the fire detector 3 determines that it has not received a stop signal from the master unit 1 (No. in S32), it determines whether or not an audio input has been received (S34).

[0102] If fire detector 3 determines that no audio input has been received (No. in S34), it proceeds to S31.

[0103] If the fire detector 3 determines that an audio signal has been received (Yes in S34), it transmits the received audio signal to the master unit 1 (S35).

[0104] The fire detector 3 establishes a communication path with the door station 2 based on instructions from the master unit 1 (S36). In the processing of S34, the fire detector 3 receives instructions to establish a communication path from the master unit 1 if it inputs a specific voice message, such as "respond," to another device (excluding the door station 2) first.

[0105] The fire detector 3 performs communication with the door station 2 (S37).

[0106] The fire detector 3 determines whether or not the master unit 1 has issued an instruction to disconnect the communication path (S38).

[0107] If the fire detector 3 does not receive a command from the master unit 1 to disconnect the communication path (No. in S38), it proceeds to process S37.

[0108] On the other hand, if the fire detector 3 receives a command from the master unit 1 to disconnect the call path (Yes in S38), it executes the call path disconnection process and terminates the processing of the flowchart. In addition, the fire detector 3 receives a call path disconnection command from the master unit 1 when it inputs a specific voice command, such as "end call," during the call processing in S37.

[0109] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the alert processing of the fire detector 3. When the fire detector 3 receives an alert signal from the master unit 1, it executes the process shown in the flowchart in Figure 10.

[0110] The fire detector 3 outputs an alert sound in response to the alert signal from the master unit 1 (S41).

[0111] Note that the fire detector 3, once it detects a fire, will not receive an alert signal from the master unit 1. The fire detector 3, once it detects a fire, will immediately emit an alert sound.

[0112] For example, suppose that among fire detectors 3a to 3c, fire detector 3b detects a fire. In this case, fire detector 3b, which detected the fire, does not receive an alert signal from the master unit 1 and instead outputs an alert sound. Fire detectors 3a and 3c, which did not detect a fire, output an alert sound in response to the alert signal from the master unit 1 as processed in S41. This allows residents in rooms where there is no fire to be aware of a fire that has occurred in another room.

[0113] The fire detector 3 establishes a communication path with other devices based on instructions from the master unit 1 (S42). For example, the fire detector 3 establishes a communication path with the master unit 1, the entrance sub-unit 2, and other fire detectors 3.

[0114] Fire detector 3 communicates with the equipment connected to power line L1 (S43).

[0115] The fire detector 3 determines whether or not the master unit 1 has issued an instruction to disconnect the communication path (S44).

[0116] If the fire detector 3 does not receive a command from the master unit 1 to disconnect the communication path (No. in S44), it proceeds to process S43.

[0117] On the other hand, if the master unit 1 instructs the fire detector 3 to disconnect the call path (Yes in S44), the fire detector 3 performs the call path disconnection process and stops the alert sound (S45). Then, the fire detector 3 terminates the processing of the flowchart. Note that in the call processing in S43, the fire detector 3 receives a call path disconnection instruction from the master unit 1 when a specific voice message, such as "end call," is input.

[0118] In the flowchart of Figure 10, it is shown that if there is an instruction to disconnect the communication path (Yes in S44), the alert sound is stopped (S45), but this is not the only option. In S43, the master unit 1 may send a stop signal to the fire detector 3 instructing it to stop the alert sound in response to a specific voice input from the fire detector 3, such as "stop alert sound." The fire detector 3 may also stop the alert sound in response to the stop signal from the master unit 1.

[0119] <Summary of Embodiments> As described above, the master unit 1 has a communication unit 13 that communicates with the entrance sub-unit 2 installed near the entrance and with a fire detector 3 installed inside the house that has a call function, and a control unit 11 that forms a communication path between the entrance sub-unit 2 and the fire detector 3 when the fire detector 3 responds to a call from the entrance sub-unit 2.

[0120] This configuration allows for easy communication with the entrance unit 2 in each room. For example, in recent years, fire detectors are becoming standard equipment in each room of a house. When the master unit 1 receives a response from the fire detector 3, which has a communication function, to a call from the entrance unit 2, it establishes a communication path between the entrance unit 2 and the fire detector 3. Therefore, if a fire detector 3 is installed in each room of building A1a, each room will be equipped with a fire detector, and a sub-unit will also be installed in each room, allowing for easy communication with the entrance unit 2 in each room. In addition, the installation cost and labor of the sub-units will be reduced.

[0121] Furthermore, the fire detector 3 includes an audio input device such as a microphone 36 and an audio data encoder 37, a sensor 38 for detecting fire, a communication unit 33 that transmits a detection signal to the master unit 1 indicating that a fire has been detected and transmits an audio signal of the voice input from the audio input device to the master unit 1, and a control unit 31 that forms a communication path with the door station 2 installed near the entrance based on instructions from the master unit 1.

[0122] This configuration allows for easy communication with the entrance unit 2 in each room. For example, in recent years, fire detectors are becoming standard equipment in each room of a house. The fire detector 3 establishes a communication path between the entrance unit 2 and the fire detector 3 based on instructions from the master unit 1. Therefore, if fire detectors 3 are installed in each room of building A1a, each room will be equipped with a fire detector, and a sub-unit will also be installed in each room, allowing for easy communication with the entrance unit 2 in each room. In addition, the installation cost and labor of the sub-units will be reduced.

[0123] <Variation> In the above example, the master unit 1 determined the voice commands such as "answer," "unlock," and "end call" input by the fire detector 3. However, the fire detector 3 may also determine the voice commands such as "answer," "unlock," and "end call." Furthermore, the fire detector 3 may transmit the determination result of a specific voice command to the master unit 1.

[0124] Furthermore, specific sounds that are detected by the master unit 1 and the fire detector 3 may be registered and modified. For example, specific sounds that are detected by the master unit 1 and the fire detector 3 may be registered and modified by the master unit 1 and / or the fire detector 3 when a resident of building A1a emits a specific sound towards the master unit 1.

[0125] Furthermore, the specific voices are not limited to those such as "answer," "unlock," and "end call." The specific voices may be selected to be those that do not elicit a response from the master unit 1 and the fire detector 3 from normal conversation.

[0126] In the above description, the master unit 1, the door station 2, and the fire detector 3 communicate with each other via the power line L1, but this is not limited to this. The master unit 1, the door station 2, and the fire detector 3 may communicate via a dedicated line other than the power line L1, for example. Alternatively, the master unit 1, the door station 2, and the fire detector 3 may communicate wirelessly, for example, via Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0127] In the above, the master unit 1 may be referred to as the intercom master unit or the in-house master unit. The entrance unit 2 may be referred to as the sub-unit or the outside sub-unit. The fire detector 3 may be referred to as the sub-unit, the in-house sub-unit, or the intercom fire detector. The entrance unit 2 and the fire detector 3 may be referred to as the intercom sub-units. The intercom may be referred to as the intercom or the door phone.

[0128] While embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, this disclosure is not limited to such examples. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the claims. Such modifications or alterations are also understood to fall within the technical scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the components in the embodiments may be combined in any way without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0129] In the above-described embodiment, the notation "...part" used for each component may be replaced with other notations such as "...circuitry", "...assembly", "...device", "...unit", or "...module".

[0130] This disclosure can be implemented in software, hardware, or software in conjunction with hardware. Each functional block used in the description of the above embodiments may be implemented in part or in whole as an integrated circuit (LSI), and each process described in the above embodiments may be controlled in part or in whole by a single LSI or a combination of LSIs. An LSI may consist of individual chips, or it may consist of a single chip that includes some or all of the functional blocks. An LSI may have data inputs and outputs. Depending on the degree of integration, LSIs may be referred to as ICs, system LSIs, super LSIs, or ultra LSIs.

[0131] The method of integration is not limited to LSIs; it may also be implemented using dedicated circuits, general-purpose processors, or dedicated processors. Furthermore, FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) that can be programmed after LSI manufacturing, or reconfigurable processors that allow for the reconfiguration of the connections and settings of circuit cells within the LSI, may also be used. This disclosure may be implemented as digital or analog processing.

[0132] Furthermore, if advancements in semiconductor technology or related technologies lead to the emergence of integrated circuit technologies that replace LSIs, then naturally, these technologies can be used to integrate functional blocks. The application of biotechnology, for example, is a possible possibility. [Industrial applicability]

[0133] This disclosure is useful, for example, for an intercom system that allows calls from the outdoor unit at the entrance to be answered in each room of the house. [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 1. Master unit 2. Door station 3,3a~3c Fire detectors 4 Monitoring device A1a Building A1b Gatepost

Claims

1. A communication unit that communicates with an outdoor unit installed near the entrance and with a fire detector installed inside the house that has a communication function, When the fire detector responds to a call from the door station, a control unit forms a communication path between the door station and the fire detector. It has, The control unit determines a response from the fire detector if the voice based on the voice signal received from the fire detector matches a specific voice. Intercom master unit.

2. The communication unit communicates with the door station and the fire detector via power line communication. The intercom master unit according to claim 1.

3. The control unit forms a communication path between the first fire detector among the plurality of fire detectors to respond and the door station. The intercom master unit according to claim 1.

4. After forming the communication path, the control unit unlocks the front door if the voice based on the voice signal received from the fire detector matches a specific voice. The intercom master unit according to claim 3.

5. When the control unit receives an alert signal indicating the detection of a fire from the fire detector, it transmits the alert signal to other fire detectors, excluding the fire detector. The intercom master unit according to claim 1.

6. When the control unit receives an alert signal indicating the detection of a fire from the fire detector, it forms a communication path between the intercom master unit and the devices connected to the intercom master unit. The intercom master unit according to claim 1.

7. After forming the communication path, the control unit unlocks the front door if the voice based on the voice signal received from the fire detector matches a specific voice. The intercom master unit according to claim 6.

8. Voice input device and A sensor that detects fire, A communication unit that transmits a detection signal to the intercom master unit indicating that the aforementioned fire has been detected, and transmits the audio signal of the voice input device to the intercom master unit, A fire detector having a control unit that forms a communication path with an entrance unit installed near the entrance based on instructions from the intercom master unit, The control unit transmits to the intercom master unit that the audio input from the audio input device matches a specific audio. Fire detector.

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