JP2009152885A - Speech path establishment method of intercom system, intercom system, and transfer device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a speech path establishment method of an intercom system, the intercom system, and a transfer device by which the surrounding state of an intercom slave unit can more easily be comprehended before responding to a transferred call of the intercom slave unit. <P>SOLUTION: The speech path establishment method of the intercom system S1, which includes the intercom slave unit 3, an intercom master unit 2 and the transfer device 1 to be communicably connected between the intercom slave unit 3 and an external communication device 4, includes: a speech path establishment step that the transfer device 1 establishes the speech path with the communication device 4 in response to the call of the intercom slave unit 3; a unidirectional transfer step that the transfer device 1 transfers video and audio signals only from the intercom slave unit 3 to the communication device 4; and a two-way transfer step that the transfer device 1 transfers the video and audio signals from the intercom slave unit 3 to the communication device 4 in response to a predetermined trigger and transfers an audio signal from the communication device 4 to the intercom slave unit 3. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an interphone slave unit and a communication device in an interphone system including an interphone slave unit, an interphone master unit, and a transfer device that bidirectionally transfers audio between the interphone slave unit and an external communication device. The present invention relates to a method for establishing a call path of an intercom system for establishing a call path between the two. The present invention also relates to an interphone system to which the speech path establishment method of the interphone system is applied and a transfer apparatus that implements the speech path establishment method of the interphone system.

  Conventionally, an intercom system is known as a device for a visitor to notify a resident in a dwelling unit of a visit. The intercom system includes an interphone handset (door phone handset) having at least a calling function for a visitor to call a resident in a dwelling unit and a call function for a visitor to talk to the resident, and an interphone handset An intercom master unit having at least a notification function for notifying a call of a visitor by a call function and a call function for a resident to make a call with a visitor is provided. In such an intercom system, when a visitor operates the interphone slave unit, a ringing sound is notified from the interphone master unit by the call function and the notification function. As a result, a call path is established between the interphone slave unit and the interphone master unit, and voice communication becomes possible. In recent years, the interphone slave unit further includes a camera function for capturing a subject light image and outputting a video signal, and the interphone master unit further includes a display function for displaying an image of the video signal from the interphone slave unit. There is also an intercom system with a camera function that can observe the situation outside the dwelling unit. Further, in recent years, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, when a call is made from an interphone slave when there is no resident, a communication device such as a fixed telephone or a mobile phone is registered in advance. There is also known an intercom system that further includes a transfer device that connects the interphone slave unit so as to be able to make a call.

  FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the intercom system disclosed in Patent Document 1.

  This intercom system disclosed in Patent Document 1 is connected to a handset terminal 101 having a calling means and a calling means, a base unit terminal 102 having a calling means and connected to the handset terminal 101, and a base unit terminal 102. And a transfer device 105 connected to an external communication terminal 107 via a communication line having an exchange 106 or the like, and in the transfer mode, the master terminal 102 that has received a call from the slave terminal 101 However, the communication terminal 107 registered in advance is automatically called, a communication path is formed between the handset terminal 101 and the communication terminal 107, and communication is possible between the handset terminal 101 and the communication terminal 107. It is.

  The communication path between the handset terminal 101 and the communication terminal 107 is formed by the following operations. In FIG. 7, first, when a visitor performs a call operation on the slave terminal 101 (S101), the master terminal 102 receives a call signal (S102) and sounds a ringing tone. In the transfer mode, base unit terminal 102 sends a transfer signal to transfer device 105 (S103).

  Upon receiving this transfer signal, the transfer device 105 transmits a call signal to the communication line switch 106 in order to automatically call the communication terminal 107 registered in advance (S104). When the transfer device 105 detects a dial tone from the exchange 106 (S105), the transfer device 105 transmits a dial signal indicating the subscriber number of the communication terminal 107 registered in advance to the exchange 106 (S106). .

  Upon receiving the dial signal, the exchange 106 transmits a calling signal to the communication terminal 107 (S107) and transmits a ringing tone to the transfer device 105 (S108). When the communication terminal 107 is off-hook (S110), a response signal is transmitted from the communication terminal 107 to the transfer device 105, and the transfer device 105 detects this response signal (S111).

  The transfer device 105 that has detected the response signal transmits a guidance signal for notifying the transfer from the slave terminal 101 by voice and image (for example, character display) to the communication terminal 107 (S112).

  When the user of the communication terminal 107 is willing to respond and presses a predetermined push button (PB) (S113), a PB signal corresponding to the push button is transmitted from the communication terminal 107 to the transfer device 105 ( S114). Then, transfer device 105 sends a connection signal to base unit terminal 102 (S115), and forms a communication path between slave unit terminal 101 and communication terminal 107 (S116).

  By operating in this manner, a communication path is formed between the slave terminal 101 and the communication terminal 107. At this time, in the intercom system disclosed in Patent Document 1, the transfer device 105 transmits a guidance signal to the communication terminal 107. Since the video guidance and the voice guidance are output to the communication terminal 107 by transmitting to the communication terminal 107, the user of the communication terminal 107 can recognize that the transfer is from the slave terminal 101.

Patent Document 1 states that in the paragraph [0038], “If the video captured by the television camera of the slave terminal at this time is transmitted to the display unit of the communication terminal, the user of the communication terminal is a visitor. Can be recognized and can respond according to the visitor. "
JP 2001-103463 A

  By the way, in the intercom system disclosed in Patent Document 1, the user of the communication terminal can recognize that the incoming call is a transfer from the handset terminal (interphone handset) because the guidance is output. Since it is impossible to grasp the surrounding situation of the slave terminal that has been called by a visitor, it is difficult to determine whether or not to respond to the transferred interphone slave call.

  On the other hand, as described in paragraph [0038] of Patent Document 1, if an image captured by the television camera of the slave terminal is displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal when the guidance is output, the face of the visitor is displayed. Can be recognized, but the television camera of the child device terminal does not necessarily capture the visitor, and the surrounding situation of the child device terminal may not be grasped.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and its purpose is to more accurately describe the surrounding situation of an interphone slave unit that has been called by a visitor before responding to the transferred interphone slave unit call. To provide a communication path establishment method for an interphone system that is easy to grasp, an interphone system to which the communication path establishment method for the interphone system is applied, and a transfer device that implements the communication path establishment method for the interphone system.

  As a result of various studies, the present inventor has found that the above object is achieved by the present invention described below. That is, according to one aspect of the present invention, an interphone slave unit having a call function and a camera function, an interphone master unit connected to be communicable with the interphone slave unit and having a call function and a display function, the interphone slave unit, and a television Between the interphone slave unit and the communication device via the transfer device in the interphone system including a transfer device for connecting to an external communication device having a telephone function via a communication network. In the call path establishment method of the intercom system that establishes the call path in the call path establishment step, the transfer device establishes a call path between the own device and the communication device in response to the call of the interphone slave unit, A unidirectional transfer step in which the transfer device transfers a video signal and an audio signal only from the intercom handset to the communication device; A bi-directional transfer step in which the transfer device transfers a video signal and an audio signal from the intercom handset to the communication device in response to a predetermined trigger, and transfers an audio signal from the communication device to the interphone handset. It is characterized by that. In the interphone system call path establishment method, preferably, the predetermined trigger is a call request signal for requesting a call with the interphone handset transmitted from the communication apparatus to the transfer apparatus.

  In another aspect of the present invention, an interphone slave unit having a call function and a camera function, an interphone master unit connected to be communicable with the interphone slave unit and having a call function and a display function, and the interphone slave unit, In an interphone system including a transfer device for connecting to an external communication device having a videophone function via a communication network, the transfer device includes: the interphone slave unit and the communication device. When a communication path is established between them, a communication path is established between the own device and the communication device in response to a call of the interphone handset, and video signals and audio are transmitted only from the interphone handset to the communication device. And a video signal and an audio signal from the intercom handset to the communication device in response to a predetermined trigger. Characterized in that it comprises a control unit for transferring the audio signal from the communication apparatus to the interphone handset.

  In another aspect of the present invention, an interphone slave unit having a call function and a camera function, an interphone master unit connected to be communicable with the interphone slave unit and having a call function and a display function, and the interphone slave unit, A transfer device in an interphone system comprising a transfer device for connecting to an external communication device having a videophone function via a communication network, the interphone slave unit, the communication device, A communication path is established between itself and the communication device in response to a call of the interphone slave unit, and a video signal and only from the interphone slave unit to the communication device are established. In addition to transferring an audio signal, in addition to transferring a video signal and an audio signal from the intercom handset to the communication device in response to a predetermined trigger Serial characterized in that it comprises a control unit for transferring voice signals from the communication device to the interphone handset.

  In the interphone system communication path establishment method, interphone system, and transfer apparatus configured as described above, the transfer apparatus establishes a communication path between the transfer apparatus and the communication apparatus in response to a call of the interphone slave unit. Thus, the video signal and the audio signal are transferred only from the interphone slave unit to the communication device, and the transfer device transfers the video signal and the audio signal from the interphone slave unit to the communication device in response to a predetermined trigger and performs communication. An audio signal is transferred from the apparatus to the interphone slave unit.

  For this reason, in such a configuration, the user of the communication apparatus transfers not only the video signal from the interphone slave unit but also the audio signal before responding to the call of the transferred interphone slave unit by a predetermined trigger. Therefore, since the surrounding situation of the interphone handset can be grasped by video and audio, the surrounding situation of the interphone handset that has been called by the visitor can be grasped more easily. Further, in such a configuration, the video signal and the audio signal are transferred only from the interphone slave unit to the communication device before responding to the call of the transferred interphone slave unit by a predetermined trigger. Audio is not inadvertently output from the intercom handset.

  The interphone system communication path establishment method may further include a timing start step in which the transfer device starts timing in response to the call of the interphone slave unit, and the predetermined trigger is configured so that the timing is a predetermined time. It is characterized by having passed.

  Depending on the interphone system, when there is a call of the interphone slave unit and the interphone master unit does not respond to the call within a predetermined time (response waiting time) from the call, the communication between the interphone slave unit and the interphone master unit is disconnected. Some have the function to do. In such an intercom system, in response to a call of the interphone slave unit, the transfer device is in an operation of establishing a communication path bidirectionally between the interphone slave unit and a pre-registered communication device. In some cases, the response waiting time elapses and communication between the interphone slave unit and the interphone master unit is disconnected.

  According to the above configuration, the predetermined time in the predetermined trigger is set to be shorter than the response waiting time, so that the transfer device can be bidirectional between the intercom slave and the communication device before the response waiting time elapses. Since the communication path can be established, the user of the communication apparatus can surely respond to the transferred call of the interphone slave unit and can surely handle the visitor.

  In the above-described interphone system communication path establishment method, the interphone system further includes an interphone indoor unit that can communicate with at least the interphone slave unit among the interphone slave unit and the interphone master unit, and When the interphone master unit or the interphone indoor unit responds to the call of the interphone slave unit before the transfer process is executed, the transfer device calls the interphone master unit or the interphone subscriber unit to call the interphone slave unit. A response notifying step of transmitting a message signal indicating that the response has been made to the communication device, and a speech path disconnecting step of disconnecting the speech path established by the transfer device between itself and the communication device. It is further provided with the feature.

  According to the above configuration, when the interphone master unit or the interphone indoor unit responds to the call of the interphone slave unit before executing the bidirectional transfer process, the transfer device causes the interphone master unit or the interphone subscriber unit to be connected to the interphone slave unit. A message signal indicating that the call has been answered is transmitted to the communication device. Therefore, the user of the communication device can recognize that the interphone master unit or the interphone indoor unit has responded to the interphone slave unit call before answering the transferred interphone slave unit call. Can recognize that this person has responded.

  And according to the said structure, the speech path established between the transfer apparatus and the communication apparatus is cut | disconnected by the transfer apparatus after that. For this reason, when communication is charged for communication between the transfer apparatus and the communication apparatus, it is possible to reduce useless communication charges.

  In the above-described inter-phone system speech path establishment methods, the transfer device further includes an authentication step of authenticating the communication device before the execution of the unidirectional transfer step.

  According to the above configuration, since the communication device is authenticated by the transfer device before the execution of the unidirectional transfer step, it is possible to prevent the video and audio of the interphone slave unit from being accidentally output to the communication device, Security can be improved. In particular, for example, when the user loses the communication device, it is possible to prevent the third party who acquired the communication device from being inadvertently notified of the video and audio of the interphone slave unit, and Thus, it becomes possible to prevent a third party from handling the transferred interphone handset without permission.

  In the above-described interphone system call path establishment method, the interphone system further includes a second interphone slave unit having a call function and a camera function in addition to the interphone slave unit, and the transfer device includes the communication device. Secondly, video signals and audio signals can be transferred to and from the second intercom handset in response to a device, and video signals and audio signals are transferred only from the second intercom handset to the communication device. A unidirectional transfer step is further provided.

  According to the above configuration, the user of the communication apparatus monitors the surroundings of the second intercom slave unit other than the interphone slave unit by video and audio even when the intercom slave unit is responding to the visitor. It becomes possible.

  In the above-described interphone system speech path establishment method, the transfer device transfers a video signal and an audio signal from the second intercom handset to the communication device in response to a predetermined second trigger, and the communication device. A second bidirectional transfer step of transferring an audio signal from the first interphone to the second intercom handset.

  According to the above configuration, when the user of the communication device monitors the surrounding situation in the second interphone slave device other than the interphone slave device with video and audio while the visitor is responding to the interphone slave device, When another person of the visitor is found, the response can be made. In particular, when another person of the visitor is a suspicious person, for example, an appropriate response such as a warning can be made.

  In the interphone system call path establishment method, intercom system, and transfer apparatus according to the present invention, the user of the communication terminal calls the interphone handset that is called by a visitor before responding to the transferred interphone handset call. It is possible to more easily grasp the surrounding situation.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the structure which attached | subjected the same code | symbol in each figure shows that it is the same structure, The description is abbreviate | omitted.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an intercom system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the intercom system in the first embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the interphone system S1 is an interphone system with a camera function that can handle images in addition to sounds. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the transfer device 1, the interphone master unit 2, and the interphone The transfer device 1 is configured to be connectable to the communication device 4 via a communication network (communication network) 5.

  The intercom handset 3 is installed in, for example, an outdoor facility such as a gate pillar or a front door, and is connected to the interphone base unit 2 through a wired or wireless transmission path so as to be communicable. The intercom handset 3 has a call function for a visitor to call an indoor resident, a call function for a visitor to make a call with the resident, and a camera function that captures a subject light image and outputs a video signal And at least. The intercom handset 3 having such various functions includes, for example, a call unit 31, an operation unit 32, and a camera unit 33.

  The call unit 31 is a circuit for realizing the call function. The communication unit 31 includes a sound input unit that converts sound such as a microphone into a sound signal, a sound output unit that converts sound signal such as a speaker and the like, and peripheral circuits thereof, and is configured to input sound. The audio signal input from the unit is amplified and output to the interphone base unit 2, and the audio signal from the interphone base unit 2 is amplified and converted to output the sound from the sound output unit.

  The operation unit 32 is a circuit for realizing the calling function. The operation unit 32 includes, for example, a call button such as a push button switch and its peripheral circuit, and is a circuit for transmitting a call signal for causing the interphone base unit 2 to ring a ringing tone to the interphone base unit 2. . The visitor operates the operation unit 32 to inform the indoor resident that there is a visitor. The call signal is, for example, a voltage signal in which a predetermined high level voltage drops to a predetermined low level voltage.

  The camera unit 33 is a circuit or the like for realizing the camera function. The camera unit 33 includes, for example, an imaging device that photoelectrically converts a subject light image and outputs a video signal and its peripheral circuit, and an optical system that forms a subject light image on the imaging surface of the imaging device. A subject light image of a visitor or the like is formed on the image sensor by the optical system, and a video signal of the subject light image is generated by the image sensor, and this video signal is output to the intercom master unit 2. An imaging element is a photoelectric conversion element in which a plurality of light receiving elements that convert received light into electrical signals according to the light intensity are arranged in a matrix, for example, a CCD (Charge-Coupled Devices) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal- Oxide Semiconductor).

  The interphone master unit 2 is installed, for example, in a room such as a living room or a dining room, and is communicably connected to the interphone slave unit 3 and the transfer device 1 via a wired or wireless transmission path. The intercom base unit 2 includes a notification function for notifying a visitor's call by the call function of the intercom handset 3, a call function for a resident to make a call with the visitor via the intercom handset 3, an interphone And at least a display function for displaying an image of the video signal from the slave unit 3. The intercom base unit 2 having such various functions includes, for example, a control unit 21, a call unit 22, an operation unit 23, and a video display unit 24.

  The call unit 22 includes a sound input unit that converts sound such as a microphone into a sound signal, a sound output unit that converts sound signal such as a speaker and the like, and peripheral circuits thereof, and a control unit. Under the control of 21, the sound signal input from the sound input unit is amplified and output to the intercom handset 3, and the sound signal from the interphone handset 3 is amplified and converted to output the sound from the sound output unit. Further, the calling unit 22 outputs a ringing tone from the sound output unit in accordance with the control of the control unit 21 in response to the calling signal from the interphone handset 3.

  The operation unit 23 includes, for example, a call button such as a pushbutton switch and its peripheral circuits, and provides interphone master 2 such as instructions for starting and ending a call between the interphone master 2 and the interphone slave 3. This is a circuit for inputting an instruction for operating. The input instruction is output from the operation unit 23 to the control unit 21.

  In the present embodiment, the notification function is realized by the call unit 22, and the call function is realized by the call unit 22 and the operation unit 23.

  The video display unit 24 is a circuit for realizing the display function. The video display unit 24 is a circuit that displays an image of the video signal from the intercom slave unit 3 under the control of the control unit 21, and includes, for example, a display device such as a CRT display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), and an organic EL display and the like. And a peripheral circuit.

  The control unit 21 is connected to the call unit 22, the operation unit 23, and the video display unit 24, respectively. The control unit 21 controls each part of the interphone base unit 2 according to the function based on the call signal from the interphone handset 3 and the operation signal from the operation unit 23, and controls the entire interphone base unit 2 For example, the circuit includes a microprocessor, a memory, and peripheral circuits thereof.

  The transfer device 1 is a device for communicatively connecting between the intercom handset 3 and the external communication device 4 via the communication network 5. The communication path is established between the communication device (transfer device 1) and the communication device 4, and then the video signal and the audio signal are transferred only from the intercom handset 3 to the communication device 4, and in response to a predetermined trigger. Thus, the video signal and the audio signal are transferred from the intercom handset 3 to the communication device 4 and the audio signal is transferred from the communication device 4 to the interphone handset 3. The transfer apparatus 1 includes, for example, an external communication interface unit (external communication I / F unit) 11, a communication interface unit (communication I / F unit) 12, a control unit 13, a video / audio processing unit 14, and a DTMF detection unit. 15 and a database unit (DB unit) 16.

  The external communication I / F unit 11 is an interface circuit that is connected to the communication network 5 and is communicably connected to the external communication device 4 via the communication network 5 under the control of the control unit 13. The communication I / F unit 12 is an interface circuit that is connected to the interphone master unit 2 and is communicably connected to the interphone slave unit 3 via the interphone master unit 2 under the control of the control unit 13.

  The video / audio processing unit 14 can output (image display output and audio output) the video signal and the audio signal from the interphone slave unit 3 acquired via the interphone master unit 2 through the communication device 4 under the control of the control unit 13. In addition to converting to a format and outputting, the audio signal from the communication device 4 acquired via the communication network 5 is converted to a format that can be output by the interphone system S1 (interphone master unit 2 and interphone slave unit 3) and output. It is a circuit to do.

  The DTMF detection unit 15 is a circuit that detects a push button (PB) signal from the call device 4 by a DTMF (Dial Tone Multi Frequency) system under the control of the control unit 13.

  The DB unit 16 is a circuit that stores information about the destination communication device 4 such as a subscriber number. The DB unit 16 includes, for example, a nonvolatile storage element such as a rewritable EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory).

  The control unit 13 is connected to the external communication I / F unit 11, the communication I / F unit 12, the video / audio processing unit 14, the DTMF detection unit 15, and the DB unit 16. The control unit 13 connects each unit of the transfer device 1 based on a call signal from the interphone handset 3 and a call start request signal from the communication device 4 so that the interphone handset 3 and the communication device 4 are communicably connected. The circuits are controlled according to the functions and control the entire transfer apparatus 1, and include, for example, a microprocessor, a memory, and their peripheral circuits.

  The communication device 4 is a device that has a videophone function that allows a user to make a call while watching a video in another communication device with which communication is performed, and performs communication via the communication network 5. is there. The communication device 4 includes an IP telephone using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology. Such an IP telephone may be, for example, an IP telephone dedicated machine, or may be realized by, for example, a personal computer or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants). The communication device 4 includes, for example, a call unit 41, an operation unit 42, and a display unit 43.

  The call unit 41 includes, for example, a sound input unit that converts a sound such as a microphone into a sound signal, a sound output unit that converts a sound signal such as a speaker and the like, and another communication terminal that is a communication destination via the communication network 5. In the present embodiment, the communication device is configured to include a communication unit that transmits and receives communication signals to and from the transfer device 1 and peripheral circuits thereof, and transmits the audio signal input from the sound input unit to the transfer device 1 via the communication network 5. At the same time, the audio signal from the transfer device 1 is amplified and converted to output the audio from the sound output unit, and the video signal from the transfer device 1 is amplified and converted and output from the display unit 43.

  The operation unit 42 includes, for example, a plurality of push buttons (PB) such as a push button switch and its peripheral circuits, and includes dial buttons (for example, “0” to “9”) and various function buttons (for example, “*” and “#”). , Etc.) and the like, and a circuit that accepts a user's operation. The various function buttons are assigned permission (call start request) for bidirectional communication with the intercom handset 3 by the transfer device 1.

  The display unit 43 is a device that displays the operation content received by the operation unit 42, displays an image using a video signal, and the like. And a peripheral circuit.

  The communication network 5 is a network (network) constituted by a wired or wireless transmission path, an exchange or the like, and is, for example, a fixed telephone network, a digital communication network, a mobile phone network, or the like. Data is transmitted to the communication network 5 using a predetermined communication protocol.

  In such an intercom system S 1, first, information related to the transfer destination communication device 4 such as a subscriber number is stored in the DB unit 16 of the transfer device 1. In FIG. 2, when the visitor operates (presses) the call button on the operation unit 32 of the intercom handset 3 so that the visitor calls the resident (S1), the interphone handset 3 to the interphone base unit. A call signal is transmitted to 2 (S2).

  When the interphone master unit 2 receives a call signal from the interphone slave unit 3, the control unit 21 switches each part of the interphone master unit 2 from the standby state to the operating state, and transfers the call signal from the interphone slave unit 3. 1 is transmitted (transferred) to 1 (S3), and a ringing tone is output (sounded) from the calling unit 22. Then, the video captured by the camera unit 33 of the intercom handset 3 is processed by the video display unit 24 according to the control of the control unit 21 and displayed on the video display unit 24.

  When the transfer device 1 receives the call signal of the interphone slave device 3 from the interphone master device 2, the control unit 13 should establish a communication path between the own device (transfer device 1) and the communication device 4. Perform the action. In this embodiment, SIP (Session Initiation Protocol), which is one of call control communication protocols in the VoIP technology, is used for communication between the transfer device 1 and the communication device 4. Therefore, the control unit 13 of the transfer device 1 first establishes a communication path between the own device (transfer device 1) and the communication device 4 by the external communication I / F unit 11 from the transfer device 1 to the communication device. An “INVITE signal” is transmitted to 4 (S4).

  When receiving the “INVITE signal”, the communication device 4 outputs a ringing tone. The user of the communication device 4 operates (presses) the call button on the operation unit 42 of the communication device 4 to respond to the call of the communication device 4 by the ringing sound. When the user of the communication device 4 presses the call button of the communication device 4 (S5), the communication device 4 transmits a “200 OK signal” to the transfer device 1 (S6).

  When the external communication I / F unit 11 receives the “200 OK signal”, the control unit 13 of the transfer device 1 transmits the “ACK signal” to the communication device 4 by the external communication I / F unit 11 (S7). By executing the processing S4 to S7, the transfer device responds to the call of the interphone handset 3 and the predetermined communication device 4 registered in advance in the DB unit 16 as the own device (transfer device 1) and the transfer destination. Establishes a communication path through the communication network 5 (speech path establishment step). During the operation from the pressing of the call button (S1) to the transmission of the “ACK signal” (S7), the audio signal and the video signal from the interphone slave unit 3 are transmitted from the interphone slave unit 3 to the interphone master unit 2. (S8), but is not transferred to the communication device 4 by the transfer device 1.

  When the communication path between the transfer device 1 and the communication device 4 is established, the control unit 13 of the transfer device 1 uses the communication I / F unit 12 to send a call start request signal to the interphone slave unit 3 in order to request the start of the call. Is transmitted (S9). When the call start request signal is received by the intercom handset 3, a call start permission signal is transmitted from the interphone handset 3 to the transfer device 1 to permit the start of the call (S10). As a result, the audio signal and video signal of the intercom handset 3 are transmitted from the intercom handset 3 to the transfer device 1 via the interphone base unit 2 (S11), and further transferred (transmitted) to the communication device 4 by the transfer device 1. (S12). At the time of this transfer, the audio and video signals of the intercom slave unit 3 are processed by the video and audio processing unit 14 into a format that can be output (audio output and image display output) by the communication device 4. On the other hand, at this stage, the audio signal of the communication device 4 is transmitted from the communication device 4 to the transfer device 1 (S13), but is not transferred from the transfer device 1 to the interphone slave unit 3. By executing the processing S11 to S13 in this way, the transfer device transfers the video signal and the audio signal only from the intercom handset 3 to the communication device 4 (unidirectional transfer step).

  Note that the interphone handset 3 may also be configured to transmit the call start permission signal to the interphone base unit 2 when the interphone handset 3 in step S10 transmits the call start permission signal to the transfer apparatus 1. . By configuring in this way, the intercom master unit 2 can recognize that a communication path has been established between the interphone slave unit 2 and the transfer device 1. For example, the transfer device 1 disconnects the call path. It may be configured to prohibit a call between the own device and the intercom handset 3 until the notification is made. In the following description, when the intercom handset 3 transmits a call start permission signal, the same configuration may be adopted.

  The transferred audio signal and video signal are output as audio from the communication unit 41 of the communication device 4, and then displayed as an image from the display unit 43. The user of the communication device 4 makes it easier to grasp the surrounding situation of the interphone handset 3 that has been called by the visitor by referring to the voice output and the image display output. It becomes easier to determine whether or not to answer the call. When responding to the transferred interphone handset 3 call, the user of the communication device 4 interphones in the operation unit 42 of the communication device 4 to make a call in response to the transferred interphone handset 3 call. A push button (for example, “*”) corresponding to a request to start a call with the handset 3 is operated (pressed). When the user of the communication device 4 presses a push button (for example, “*”) corresponding to this call start request of the communication device 4 (S14), the communication device 4 pushes the push button ( For example, a “*”) signal (PB signal) is transmitted to the transfer apparatus 1 (S15). Thus, since the call start request signal is a push button signal (PB signal), it is possible to apply a generally popular push button telephone as the communication device 4 in the intercom system S1.

  When receiving the PB signal as the call start request signal, the control unit 13 of the transfer apparatus 1 detects the received PB signal by the DTMF detection unit 15 (S16). Then, the control unit 13 of the transfer apparatus 1 determines whether or not the detected PB signal is a call start request signal, and determines that the detected PB signal is a call start request signal, the communication I / F. After the audio signal and video signal of the interphone slave unit 3 received by the unit 12 are processed by the video / audio processing unit 14, the audio signal and video signal of the interphone slave unit 3 are processed using the external communication I / F unit 11. The audio signal of the communication device 4 received by the external communication I / F unit 11 is processed by the video / audio processing unit 14 and then the audio signal of the communication device 4 is used by the communication I / F unit 12. Then, transfer (send) to the intercom handset 3 (S17). As a result, the audio signal and video signal of the intercom slave 3 are transferred to the predetermined communication device 4 by the transfer device 1, and the audio signal of the communication device 4 is transferred to the interphone slave 3 by the transfer device 1. By executing the processes S14 to S17 in this way, the transfer apparatus communicates from the interphone slave unit 3 in response to a predetermined trigger, in this embodiment, a push button (S14) corresponding to the call start request. The video signal and the audio signal are transferred to the device 4 and the audio signal is transferred from the communication device 4 to the interphone slave unit 3 (bidirectional transfer process).

  In the intercom system S1 having such a configuration, first, the above-described processing S4 to S7 are executed, so that the transfer device 1 responds to the call of the interphone handset 3 and the transfer device 1 communicates with the communication device 4. Then, the above-described processing S11 to S13 are executed, whereby the transfer device 1 transfers the video signal and the audio signal only from the intercom handset 3 to the communication device 4, and the above-described processing S11 to S13 are executed. When the processes S14 to S17 are executed, the transfer apparatus 1 responds to a predetermined trigger (in this embodiment, the push button corresponding to the call start request is pressed) from the intercom handset 3 to the communication apparatus 4. The video signal and the audio signal are transferred, and the audio signal is transferred from the communication device 4 to the intercom handset 3.

  For this reason, in the interphone system S1 having such a configuration, the user of the communication device 4 makes a video signal from the interphone slave unit 3 before responding to the transferred call of the interphone slave unit 3 by the predetermined trigger. Since not only the audio signal but also the surrounding situation of the interphone slave unit 3 can be grasped by video and voice, the surrounding situation of the interphone slave unit 3 that has been called by the visitor can be grasped more easily. be able to. Further, in the interphone system S1 having such a configuration, the video signal and the audio signal are transferred only from the interphone slave unit 3 to the communication device 4 before responding to the call of the transferred interphone slave unit 3 by the predetermined trigger. Therefore, the voice from the communication device 4 is not inadvertently output from the intercom handset 3.

  In the first embodiment described above, the transfer device 1 exchanges information with the interphone slave device 3 via the interphone master device 2, but includes, for example, a line concentrator (hub), and the transfer device 1, The intercom system S may be configured by connecting the interphone master unit 2 and the interphone slave unit 3 (star type wiring) to form a so-called local area network. The local area network may be a network that exchanges information with each other by transmitting and receiving digital signals. Further, for example, an Internet protocol such as TCP / IP is used to form a so-called intranet. Also good. Further, the intercom handset 2 may transmit a communication signal such as a calling signal by broadcast communication such as broadcast. The same applies to the following embodiments.

  Further, in the first embodiment described above, the transfer device 1 is configured separately from the interphone base unit 2, but may be configured integrally with the interphone base unit 2 in the following embodiments as well.

  Next, the operation of another embodiment will be described.

(Second Embodiment)
In the intercom system S <b> 1 of the first embodiment, the predetermined trigger is to request the start of a call with the interphone handset 3 in order to respond to the call of the interphone handset 3 transferred to the communication device 4. In the interphone system S2 according to the second embodiment, the transfer device 1 is the interphone slave unit. The timing is started in response to the call 3, and the predetermined trigger is that the predetermined time has elapsed.

  Such a configuration of the interphone system S2 of the second embodiment further includes a timer unit 17 for measuring time as indicated by the broken line in FIG. 1, and the control unit 13 of the transfer device 1 as described later. Except for the point of operation, the configuration is the same as that of the intercom system S1 of the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the intercom system in the second embodiment.

  In such an intercom system S 1, first, information related to the transfer destination communication device 4 such as a subscriber number is stored in the DB unit 16 of the transfer device 1. In FIG. 3, when the visitor operates (presses) the call button on the operation unit 32 of the intercom handset 3 so that the visitor calls the resident (S31), the interphone handset 3 changes to the interphone base unit. A call signal is transmitted to 2 (S32).

  When the interphone master unit 2 receives a call signal from the interphone slave unit 3, the control unit 21 switches each part of the interphone master unit 2 from the standby state to the operating state, and transfers the call signal from the interphone slave unit 3. 1 is transmitted (transferred) to 1 (S33), and a ringing tone is output (ringed) from the calling unit 22. Then, the video captured by the camera unit 33 of the intercom handset 3 is processed by the video display unit 24 according to the control of the control unit 21 and displayed on the video display unit 24.

  When the transfer device 1 receives the call signal of the interphone slave device 3 from the interphone master device 2, the control unit 13 should establish a communication path between the own device (transfer device 1) and the communication device 4. First, the external communication I / F unit 11 transmits an “INVITE signal” from the transfer device 1 to the communication device 4 (S34), and at the same time, starts a timer in response to the call of the intercom handset 3 17 starts timing (S35).

  When receiving the “INVITE signal”, the communication device 4 outputs a ringing tone. The user of the communication device 4 operates (presses) the call button on the operation unit 42 of the communication device 4 to respond to the call of the communication device 4 by the ringing sound. When the user of the communication device 4 presses the call button of the communication device 4 (S36), the communication device 4 transmits a “200 OK signal” to the transfer device 1 (S37).

  When the “200 OK signal” is received by the external communication I / F unit 11, the control unit 13 of the transfer device 1 transmits an “ACK signal” to the communication device 4 by the external communication I / F unit 11 (S <b> 38). By executing the processes S34, S37, and S38, the speech path establishing step is executed. During the operation from the pressing of the call button (S31) to the transmission of the “ACK signal” (S38), the audio signal and the video signal from the interphone slave unit 3 are transmitted from the interphone slave unit 3 to the interphone master unit 2. (S39), but is not transferred to the communication device 4 by the transfer device 1. On the other hand, when the communication path between the transfer device 1 and the communication device 4 is established by transmission / reception of the “ACK signal”, the audio signal and the video signal of the interphone slave device 3 are transmitted from the interphone slave device 3 via the interphone master device 2. The data is transmitted to the transfer device 1 (S40), and further transferred (transmitted) to the communication device 4 by the transfer device 1 (S41). On the other hand, at this stage, the audio signal of the communication device 4 is transmitted from the communication device 4 to the transfer device 1 (S42), but is not transferred from the transfer device 1 to the interphone slave unit 3. As described above, the unidirectional transfer process is executed by executing the processes S40 to S42.

  Then, in the transfer device 1, when the predetermined time elapses and the timer unit 17 times out, the timer unit 17 notifies the control unit 13 of a time up signal indicating that the predetermined time has elapsed (S43). ). This predetermined time is, for example, a grace period for answering a call of the interphone slave unit 3 by the interphone master unit 2, and the interphone master unit 2 communicates with the interphone slave unit 3 after the interphone slave unit 3 is called. The response waiting time to be maintained (for example, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, 40 seconds, etc.) is set shorter.

  When the time-up signal is notified, the control unit 13 of the transfer apparatus 1 transmits a call start request signal to the interphone handset 3 by the communication I / F unit 12 to request the start of the call (S44). When the call start request signal is received by the intercom handset 3, a call start permission signal is transmitted from the interphone handset 3 to the transfer device 1 to permit the start of the call (S45).

  When the call start permission signal is received, the control unit 13 of the transfer apparatus 1 processes the audio signal and the video signal of the interphone slave unit 3 received by the communication I / F unit 12 by the video / audio processing unit 14, and then the interphone slave unit. 3 is transferred (transmitted) to the communication device 4 using the external communication I / F unit 11 and the audio signal of the communication device 4 received by the external communication I / F unit 11 is transmitted to the video / audio processing unit. 14, the audio signal of the communication device 4 is transferred (transmitted) to the intercom slave 3 using the communication I / F unit 12 (S46). As a result, the audio signal and video signal of the intercom slave 3 are transferred to the predetermined communication device 4 by the transfer device 1, and the audio signal of the communication device 4 is transferred to the interphone slave 3 by the transfer device 1. The bidirectional transfer process is executed by executing the processes S14 to S17 in this way.

  In the intercom system S2 having such a configuration, the predetermined time in the predetermined trigger is set to be shorter than the response waiting time, so that the transfer device 1 and the interphone slave unit 3 and the communication device 4 are set before the response waiting time elapses. Since the communication path can be established in both directions, the user of the communication device 4 can surely respond to the transferred call of the intercom handset 3 and respond to the visitor. It can be done reliably. Therefore, in particular, when there is a call of the interphone slave unit 3 and the interphone master unit 2 does not respond to the call within the response waiting time from the call, a function of disconnecting communication between the interphone slave unit 3 and the interphone master unit 2 It is suitable for an intercom system comprising

(Modification of the first and second embodiments)
In the interphone systems S1 and S2 of the first and second embodiments described above, the interphone systems S1 and S2 are interphone indoor units that can communicate with at least the interphone slave unit 3 of the interphone slave unit 3 and the interphone master unit 2. When the interphone master unit 2 or the interphone home unit responds to the call of the interphone slave unit 3 before the interphone slave unit 3 and the communication device 4 can be bidirectionally transferred by the transfer device 1, The transfer device 1 transmits a message signal indicating that the interphone master unit 2 or the interphone indoor unit has responded to the call of the interphone handset 3 to the communication device 4, and the transfer device 1 then communicates with the own device and the communication device 4. It may be configured to disconnect a call path established between and.

  This intercom home unit is communicably connected to the interphone base unit 2 via a wired or wireless transmission path, and is communicably connected to the interphone base unit 3 via the interphone base unit 2 under the control of the interphone base unit 2. The intercom home unit has a call function and a display function, and is configured in substantially the same manner as the interphone base unit 2 except that its control unit follows the control of the interphone base unit 2. The interphone indoor unit is called, for example, a secondary master unit.

  FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation in the intercom system according to another aspect. This mode when the interphone master unit 2 or the interphone indoor unit responds to the call of the interphone slave unit 3 can be described in the same manner in the interphone system S1 of the first embodiment. The operation of the interphone system S2 will be described, and FIG. 4 shows the operation in this case.

  In FIG. 4, as described in the second embodiment, when the call button on the operation unit 32 of the intercom handset 3 is pressed (S31), a call signal is transmitted from the intercom handset 3 to the interphone base unit 2 ( Further, a call signal is transmitted from the intercom base unit 2 to the transfer device 1 (S33).

  When the call signal is received by the transfer device 1, an “INVITE signal” is transmitted from the transfer device 1 to the communication device 4 in order to establish a speech path between the transfer device 1 and the predetermined communication device 4 ( (S34), the timer 17 starts timing (S35).

  When the “INVITE signal” is received by the communication device 4, a ringing tone flows from the communication device 4. When the user of the communication device 4 presses the call button of the communication device 4 (S 36), the call is transferred from the communication device 4. A “200 OK signal” is transmitted to the apparatus 1 (S37). When the “200 OK signal” is received by the transfer device 1, an “ACK signal” is transmitted from the transfer device 1 to the communication device 4 (S 38), and between the transfer device 1 and the predetermined communication device 4 by the communication network 5. A call path is established. During the operation from pressing of the call button (S31) to transmission of the “ACK signal” (S38), the audio signal and the video signal from the intercom handset 3 are transmitted from the interphone handset 3 via the interphone base unit 2. Is transmitted to the transfer device 1 (S39), but is not transferred to the communication device 4 by the transfer device 1. When the communication path is established by transmitting the “ACK signal”, the audio signal and the video signal of the interphone slave unit 3 are transmitted from the interphone slave unit 3 to the transfer device 1 via the interphone master unit 2 (S40). Further, the data is transferred (transmitted) to the communication device 4 by the transfer device 1 (S41).

  For example, when the call button of the interphone master unit 2 is pressed before the timer unit 17 expires (S51), the interphone master unit 2 sends a call start request signal to the interphone slave unit 3 to request the start of the call. Is transmitted (S52). In addition, it replaces with the interphone main | base station 2 by process S51, and the call button of an intercom indoor unit may be pressed down.

  When the call start request signal is received by the intercom handset 3, a call start permission signal is transmitted to the interphone base unit 2 to permit the start of the call (S53).

  When the call start permission signal is received by the interphone master unit 2, a call can be made between the interphone master unit 2 and the interphone slave unit 3, and is transferred by executing each of the processes S34, S37, and S39. A call start permission signal is transmitted from the intercom base unit 2 to the transfer apparatus 1 by the intercom base unit 2 in order to disconnect the speech path established between the apparatus 1 and the communication apparatus 4 (S53).

  When the transfer start permission signal is received by the transfer device 1, a message signal indicating that the interphone base unit 2 or the interphone indoor unit has responded to the call of the interphone handset 3 is transmitted from the transfer device 1 to the communication device. 4 (S54). This message signal may indicate that the interphone master unit 2 or the interphone indoor unit has responded to the call of the interphone slave unit 3 by voice, and express it by an image display such as characters, for example. It may be. When this message signal is received by the communication device 4, a voice or image display of that message is output to the communication device 4.

  Then, the transfer device 1 transmits a “BYE signal” to the communication device 4 to disconnect the communication path (S55). When this “BYE signal” is received by the communication device 4, the communication device 4 transmits a “200 OK signal” to the transfer device 1 to permit the disconnection of the speech path in response to this (S 56). By these operations, the communication path between the transfer device 1 and the communication device 4 is disconnected.

  By operating in this way, before the bidirectional transfer between the interphone slave unit 3 and the communication device 4 by the transfer of the transfer device 1 is executed, the interphone master unit 2 or the interphone indoor unit is processed in step S51. When the communication device 4 responds to the call of the interphone handset 3, a message signal indicating that the interphone master unit 2 or the interphone home device has responded to the call of the interphone handset 3 is transmitted by the transfer device 1 in step S 54. Sent to. For this reason, the user of the communication device 4 recognizes that the interphone master unit 2 or the interphone indoor unit has responded to the call of the interphone slave unit 3 before responding to the transferred call of the interphone slave unit 3. Can recognize that the person at home has responded.

  And by operating in this way, thereafter, the communication path established between the transfer device 1 and the communication device 4 is disconnected by the transfer device 1 in steps S55 and S56. For this reason, when the communication between the transfer device 1 and the communication device 4 is charged, it is possible to reduce useless communication charges.

  Further, in the interphone systems S1 and S2 of the first and second embodiments described above, the interphone systems S1 and S2 are after the establishment of a speech path between the transfer device 1 and the communication device 4 and are performed by the transfer device 1. The transfer device 1 may be configured to authenticate the communication device 4 before executing the transfer of the audio signal and the video signal of the intercom handset 3.

  In such a configuration, for example, authentication information such as a user ID and a password for the user of the communication device 4 is registered in advance in the DB unit 16 of the transfer device 1.

  FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an operation in the intercom system according to still another aspect. This aspect of authenticating the communication device 4 can be similarly described in the interphone system S2 of the second embodiment. Here, the operation of the interphone system S1 of the first embodiment will be described, and FIG. 5 shows the operation in this case.

  In FIG. 5, as described in the first embodiment, when the call button on the operation unit 32 of the intercom handset 3 is pressed (S1), a call signal is transmitted from the interphone handset 3 to the interphone base unit 2 ( Further, a call signal is transmitted from the intercom base unit 2 to the transfer device 1 (S3).

  When the call signal is received by the transfer device 1, an “INVITE signal” is transmitted from the transfer device 1 to the communication device 4 in order to establish a speech path between the transfer device 1 and the predetermined communication device 4 (S4). ). When the “INVITE signal” is received by the communication device 4, a ringing tone flows from the communication device 4. When the user of the communication device 4 presses the call button of the communication device 4 (S 5), the call is transferred from the communication device 4. A “200 OK signal” is transmitted to the device 1 (S6). When the “200 OK signal” is received by the transfer device 1, an “ACK signal” is transmitted from the transfer device 1 to the communication device 4 (S 7), and is transmitted between the transfer device 1 and the predetermined communication device 4 by the communication network 5. A call path is established. During the operation from the pressing of the call button (S1) to the transmission of the “ACK signal” (S7), the audio signal and the video signal from the intercom handset 3 are transmitted from the interphone handset 3 via the interphone base unit 2. Is transmitted to the transfer device 1 (S8), but is not transferred to the communication device 4 by the transfer device 1.

  When the communication path between the transfer device 1 and the communication device 4 is established, the transfer device 1 transmits a call start request signal to the interphone handset 3 to request the start of the call (S9). When the call start request signal is received by the intercom handset 3, a call start permission signal is transmitted from the interphone handset 3 to the transfer device 1 to permit the start of the call (S10).

  When the call start permission signal is received by the transfer apparatus 1, the transfer apparatus 1 receives a message signal from the transfer apparatus 1 indicating that authentication information input, for example, a password input is requested, in order to authenticate the communication apparatus 4. It is transmitted to the communication device 4 (S61). This message signal may indicate that the input of authentication information is prompted by voice, or may indicate it by image display such as characters. When this message signal is received by the communication device 4, for example, a voice or image display of a message to that effect such as “Please enter password” is output to the communication device 4.

  Then, the user of the communication device 4 presses a push button corresponding to authentication information, for example, a password, by this message. When the user of the communication device 4 presses a push button corresponding to authentication information, for example, a password (S62), a push button signal (PB signal) corresponding to the pressed push button is transmitted from the communication device 4 to the transfer device 1. (S63).

  When the transfer device 1 receives the PB signal as the authentication information, the control unit 13 of the transfer device 1 detects the received PB signal by the DTMF detection unit 15, and the detected data is stored in the DB unit 16. It is determined whether or not it matches the authentication information, here the password. If the detected data does not match the authentication information of the DB unit 16 as a result of this determination, the call path between the transfer device 1 and the communication device 4 is disconnected by the transfer device 1, while this detection is detected. If the received data matches the authentication information of the DB unit 16, the transfer device 1 permits the use of the communication device 4 on the speech path between the transfer device 1 and the communication device 4 (S64). As a result, the audio signal and video signal of the intercom handset 3 are transmitted from the intercom handset 3 to the transfer device 1 via the interphone base unit 2 (S11), and further transferred (transmitted) to the communication device 4 by the transfer device 1. (S12). On the other hand, the audio signal of the communication device 4 is transmitted from the communication device 4 to the transfer device 1 (S13), but is not transferred from the transfer device 1 to the interphone slave unit 3.

  The following operation is the same as the operation of the intercom system S1 of the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  By operating in this manner, the transfer device 1 authenticates the communication device 4 by the transfer device 1 in steps S61 to S64 before the transfer device 1 performs the unidirectional transfer of only the audio signal and video signal of the intercom slave unit 3. As a result, it is possible to prevent the voice and video of the interphone slave unit 3 from being inadvertently output to the communication device 4 and to improve security. In particular, for example, when the user of the communication device 4 is lost, it is possible to prevent the third party who has acquired the communication device 4 from being inadvertently notified of the voice and video of the intercom handset 3. In addition, it is possible to prevent a third party from handling the transferred interphone handset 3 without permission.

  Here, in the above-described processing S64, when the detected data does not match the authentication information of the DB unit 16, before the transfer device 1 disconnects the communication path between the own device 1 and the communication device 4. The transfer device 1 may be configured to transmit to the communication signal communication device 4 that the password input to the communication device 4 is incorrect, and to display that fact on the communication device 4. The communication device 4 may be configured to provide an input opportunity.

  In the intercom systems S1 and S2 of the first and second embodiments described above, the intercom systems S1 and S2 further include a second intercom handset having a call function and a camera function in addition to the interphone handset 3. The transfer device 1 enables the transfer of video signals and audio signals to and from the second intercom slave device in response to the communication device 4, and the video signal from only the second interphone slave device to the communication device 4 And may be configured to forward audio signals. With this configuration, the user of the communication device 4 can check the surrounding situation in the other second intercom handset of the interphone handset 3 even when the interphone handset 3 is handling a visitor. It becomes possible to monitor by video and audio.

  In addition to such a configuration, the interphone systems S1 and S2 further transfer video signals and audio signals from the second intercom handset to the communication device 4 in response to a predetermined second trigger. At the same time, the audio signal may be transferred from the communication device 4 to the second intercom handset. With this configuration, the user of the communication device 4 can view the surrounding situation in the other second intercom slave device of the interphone slave device 3 while the user interacts with the visitor by the interphone slave device 3. When the other person of the visitor is found when monitoring by the above, it is possible to cope with it. In particular, when another person of the visitor is a suspicious person, for example, an appropriate response such as a warning can be made.

  FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an operation in the intercom system of still another aspect. In FIG. 6, the interphone slave unit 3 that is first connected to the communication device 4 so as to be communicable by the transfer device 1 is represented as an interphone slave device 3-a. The second intercom handset that is to be operated is indicated as interphone handset 3-b.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the transfer device 1 transmits (transfers) the audio signal and the video signal of the interphone slave unit 3-a to the communication device 4, and the transfer device 1 uses the communication device 4. During the operation in which the audio signal is transmitted (transferred) to the interphone slave unit 3-a (S17 (S46)), the user of the communication device 4 activates the second interphone slave unit 3-b to start the second interphone slave unit 3-b. In order to perform monitoring by the device 3-b, a push button corresponding to an instruction for requesting a call with the second intercom slave device 3-b is pressed. When a push button corresponding to an instruction for requesting a call with the second intercom handset 3-b is pressed (S71), a push button signal (PB signal) corresponding to the pressed push button is a call start request signal. Is transmitted from the communication device 4 to the transfer device 1 (S72).

  When the transfer device 1 receives the PB signal as the call start request signal, the control unit 13 of the transfer device 1 detects the received PB signal using the DTMF detection unit 15 (S73). When it is determined (recognized) that the detected data is a call start request signal, the transfer device 1 disconnects the communication in order to disconnect the communication with the interphone slave unit 3-a that was initially connected to be communicable. The requested disconnection request signal is transmitted from the transfer device to the interphone slave unit 3-a (S74). When this disconnection request signal is received by the interphone handset 3-a, the intercom handset 3-a sends a disconnection completion notification signal to notify the disconnection of communication by the interphone handset 3-a in order to permit disconnection of communication with the transfer apparatus 1. The data is transmitted from the slave unit 3-b to the transfer device 1 (S75). By performing these processes S74 and S75, the communication between the transfer apparatus 1 and the intercom slave unit 3-a is disconnected.

  When the transfer device 1 receives the disconnection completion notification signal from the interphone slave unit 3-a, the second interphone slave unit 3-a, which is different from the interphone slave unit 3-a that is connected to be communicable first, is used. In order to establish a communicable connection with b, the transfer apparatus 1 transmits a call start request signal to the interphone handset 3-b to request the start of a call (S76). When the call start request signal is received by the intercom handset 3-b, a call start permission signal is transmitted from the interphone handset 3-b to the transfer apparatus 1 to permit the start of the call (S77).

  When the call start permission signal is received by the transfer device 1, bidirectional communication is possible between the intercom handset 3-b and the communication device 4 by the transfer of the transfer device 1, and the second interphone handset 3-b Are transmitted from the second intercom handset 3-b to the communication device 4, and the sound signal of the communication device 4 is transmitted from the communication device 4 to the second intercom handset 3-b. (S78).

  In addition, between the said process S77 and process S78, while transmitting the audio | voice signal and video signal of the intercom subunit | mobile_unit 3 from the intercom subunit | mobile_unit 3 to the communication apparatus 4 via the interphone main | base station 2 and the transfer apparatus 1, it is a communication apparatus. 4 is executed by the transfer device 1 so that the communication device 4 accepts the call start request push button, and then the bidirectional transfer step of step S78 is executed. It may be made like.

  In the interphone systems S1 and S2 of the first and second embodiments described above, a plurality of other aspects shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 may be employed.

  In order to express the present invention, the present invention has been properly and fully described through the embodiments with reference to the drawings. However, those skilled in the art can easily change and / or improve the above-described embodiments. It should be recognized that this is possible. Accordingly, unless the modifications or improvements implemented by those skilled in the art are at a level that departs from the scope of the claims recited in the claims, the modifications or improvements are not covered by the claims. It is interpreted that it is included in

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the intercom system in embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the intercom system in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the intercom system in 2nd Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation | movement in the intercom system of another aspect. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation | movement in the intercom system of another aspect. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation | movement in the intercom system of another aspect. 10 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the intercom system disclosed in Patent Document 1. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

S1, S2 Interphone system 1 Transfer device 2 Interphone base unit 3 Interphone handset 4 Communication device 5 Communication network 13 Control unit 17 Timer unit

Claims (9)

An interphone slave unit having a call function and a camera function, an interphone master unit connected to be communicable with the interphone slave unit and having a call function and a display function, and an external communication device having the interphone slave unit and a videophone function In an interphone system that establishes a communication path between the intercom handset and the communication device via the transfer device in an interphone system including a transfer device that is connected to be communicable via a communication network. In the road establishment method,
A call path establishment step in which the transfer device establishes a call path between the communication device and the own device in response to a call of the interphone slave unit;
A unidirectional transfer step in which the transfer device transfers video and audio signals only from the intercom handset to the communication device;
A bi-directional transfer step in which the transfer device transfers a video signal and an audio signal from the intercom handset to the communication device in response to a predetermined trigger, and transfers an audio signal from the communication device to the interphone handset. A method for establishing a communication path for an intercom system. The interphone system call path establishment method according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined trigger is a call request signal for requesting a call with the interphone handset transmitted from the communication apparatus to the transfer apparatus. The transfer device further comprises a timing start step for starting timing in response to the call of the interphone slave unit,
The interphone system speech path establishment method according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined trigger is that the predetermined time has elapsed. The intercom system further includes an interphone indoor unit that can communicate with at least the interphone slave unit of the interphone slave unit and the interphone master unit,
When the interphone master unit or the interphone indoor unit responds to the call of the interphone slave unit before executing the bidirectional transfer step, the transfer device is connected to the interphone master unit or the interphone home unit. A response notification step of transmitting a message signal indicating that the machine has been answered to the call to the communication device; and a call path disconnection in which the transfer device disconnects the call path established between the own device and the communication device. The communication path establishment method for an intercom system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a step. The interphone system call according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an authentication step in which the transfer device authenticates the communication device before the execution of the unidirectional transfer step. Way establishment method. The intercom system further includes a second intercom handset having a call function and a camera function in addition to the interphone handset,
The transfer device enables transfer of a video signal and an audio signal to and from the second intercom slave device in response to the communication device, and the video signal and the communication device only from the second interphone slave device The interphone system speech path establishment method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a second unidirectional transfer step of transferring an audio signal. In response to a predetermined second trigger, the transfer device transfers a video signal and an audio signal from the second intercom handset to the communication device, and transfers an audio signal from the communication device to the second intercom handset. The interphone system call path establishment method according to claim 6, further comprising a two-way transfer step. An interphone slave unit having a call function and a camera function, an interphone master unit connected to be communicable with the interphone slave unit and having a call function and a display function, and an external communication device having the interphone slave unit and a videophone function In an intercom system comprising a transfer device for communicably connecting via a communication network,
The transfer device is
When establishing a communication path between the intercom handset and the communication device, a call path is established between the own device and the communication device in response to a call of the interphone handset, and the interphone handset The video signal and the audio signal are transferred only to the communication device from the communication device, and the video signal and the audio signal are transferred from the intercom slave device to the communication device in response to a predetermined trigger, and from the communication device to the interphone slave device. An intercom system comprising: a control unit that transfers an audio signal. An interphone slave unit having a call function and a camera function, an interphone master unit connected to be communicable with the interphone slave unit and having a call function and a display function, and an external communication device having the interphone slave unit and a videophone function A transfer device in an intercom system comprising a transfer device for connecting to be communicable via a communication network,
When establishing a communication path between the intercom handset and the communication device, a call path is established between the own device and the communication device in response to a call of the interphone handset, and the interphone handset The video signal and the audio signal are transferred only to the communication device from the communication device, and the video signal and the audio signal are transferred from the intercom slave device to the communication device in response to a predetermined trigger, and from the communication device to the interphone slave device. A transfer device comprising: a control unit that transfers an audio signal.

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