WO2001013638A1 - Answering audiovideo door opener - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns an audiovideo door opener between an access station (1) for a visitor and at least an access control station (51, 61, 62, 63, 64) for a speaker, said door opener comprising at the access station imaging means (2, 20), sound pick-up means (3, 30), means for managing the visitor's calls (4, 40, 42), means for managing (41) the speaker's responses, transmission means (5, 6, 8, 7, 12) between the access station and the access control station. The invention is characterised in that the sounds, images, calls and responses are coded/decoded in digital form in the access station and the access control station; the access station comprises computerised means including a storage unit for digital recording; the transmissions are operated in accordance with the HTTP protocol.

Description

       

  
 



   Audio answering machine
 The present invention relates to an audiovideo answering machine. It has applications in controlling visitor access to public or private places.



   Access control devices have been known for a long time from the simple door opening key via the digital code @ and to devices of the video door entry system type comprising camera, intercom and door opening remote control. These latter devices, by transmitting images and sounds to an access control station, allow a caller to hear and see the visitor. The interlocutor generally has a remote control on his internal station allowing the door to be opened or the door area to be monitored outside of a call. This type of device does however have some drawbacks and in particular it requires specific audio video wiring. On the other hand, in the absence of the contact, no trace of the call will be kept.



   The present invention overcomes these drawbacks by proposing an audio video door entry unit having computer means with memory allowing operation as an audio video recorder and / or answering machine and allowing standardized transmissions.



   The present invention therefore relates to an audio-video door entry unit between an access station for a visitor and at least one access control station for a contact, said doorman comprising at the access station a means of taking pictures in the form of images, a means of sound recording, a sound generator, a means of managing visitor calls, a means of managing the interlocutor's responses, a means of transmitting sounds, images, calls and responses being disposed between the access station and the access control station.



   According to the invention: the sounds, images, calls and responses are coded / decoded in digital form in the access station and the access control station; the access station comprises computer means comprising memory in order to allow recordings in digital form, said computer means being an HTTP server making it possible to code / decode according to the HTML format.



   The term call corresponds to information comprising at least the identity of the access control station called. The information that can be associated being sounds and images.



  It is also possible to associate other information and for example a sequence of keys actuated by the visitor in response or not to a request from the access station or from the access control station. For example, in the case of a call management means comprising a non-nominative keypad, a first pressing of a key launches a procedure during which the access station gives instructions to the visitor on how to select a specific interlocutor . On the other hand, in the case where the keyboard is nominative, for example one key per interlocutor, the following stages of the process can be triggered (taking of at least one image, transmission of the call and possibly response of the interlocutor).

   A call can therefore only be transmitted when a known interlocutor (the specifically called interlocutor or a default interlocutor for example) from the access station is called by the visitor. It is however possible for the access station to record calls which have not been transmitted and for example to determine the potential difficulties in using the door entry system.



   The term response corresponds to information comprising at least sounds and possibly an access remote control command.



   The term access remote control corresponds to any order that the interlocutor can send to the access and for example a specific operating instruction for the computer means of the access station (eg sending instructions in the form of sounds and / or visually to the visitor offering to record a message), controlling the door opener for opening a door, lighting a light, triggering an alarm (with or without repercussion outside the device) ...



   The term sound generator corresponds to a system making it possible to deliver sounds to the visitor, the sounds possibly being, in the invention described, synthesized speech (for example instructions or messages of absence of standard interlocutor), digitized (for example the interlocutor's response or the interlocutor's preregistered message of no response) or other frequencies (for example a short acoustic signal when a key is pressed).



   The term recording corresponds to a backup in digitized form in memory (electronic circuits or devices of the hard disk type or other) of calls and, possibly responses. Time information is associated with the calls (for example date and hours: minutes stamped in alphanumeric in the images). The recording can therefore relate to the call (the fact for a visitor to activate the access station and / or sounds and / or images) and / or the response.



  The recording can be systematic or conditional (for example in case of absence of the contact, failure of the call ...).



   In various embodiments of the invention, the following means can be used alone or in all their technically possible combinations are used:
   -the transmission of sounds, images, calls and responses between the access station and the access control station is carried out according to a protocol chosen from TCP / IP, PSTN, INTERNET,
   the transmission takes place on at least one physical line chosen from computer, telephone, electrical or electromagnetic radio or light networks,
 -the access station includes an HTTP server,
 -the access control station is chosen from devices with digital coding / decoding and HTTP capacity including microcomputers, mini-computers, fixed or portable telephones,

   TV adapter modules,
   -the access station includes computer means allowing: -detection of the visitor's call; - in case the call does not make it possible to select an access control station, to issue to the visitor instructions for using the doorman for the entry of additional call information; -to record at least one image;

   -to transmit at least the call to the access control station,
 the access station includes computer means making it possible, in the absence of the interlocutor, to transmit the call to at least one other access control station,
   -the access station includes a computer means making it possible, in the absence of the contact person, to issue specific instructions to the visitor for using the doorman and to record at least the unsuccessful call with the date and time of the call.



     the access station includes a computer means making it possible to transmit an electronic message to the caller in order to inform him of the call made in his absence,
   -the access control station includes a computer means allowing the interlocutor to receive the sounds and the images without returning a response.



     the call management means comprises one or more of the following devices: a keyboard, an infrared detector, a light barrier visible or not, a sound detector preferably centered on the voice frequencies,
   the access station further comprises a display device,
   the doorman includes computer means allowing the interlocutor to receive the sounds, images and calls recorded in the access station in deferred mode,
 -the doorman includes computer means allowing a privileged interlocutor to receive in real or deferred all or part of the sounds, images and recorded calls whatever the interlocutor called by the visitor.



   The term IT means corresponds to any programmable electronic device and for example of the microcomputer or server type.



   Thus, the present invention makes it possible to store the images and the audio messages linked to a call in order to keep track of visitors' calls and thus offers a function of audio-video recorder and / or answering machine. Thus, the interlocutor, even if he was absent during the call. will be informed by deferred consultation of the appeal. The HTTP protocol is used and the transmission can be done by conventional means of transmission which do not necessarily require specific wiring. The interlocutor can consult live audio video calls or those that have been recorded using a standard navigation tool of the INTERNET @ type from a computer station or with HTTP capabilities located in any location.

   The access station includes a correspondence table making it possible to make the link between the interlocutor (his name for example) and his computer address. This table can be modified by the interlocutor for example to make a reference if he has to move. The table can include several addresses for the same interlocutor with a hierarchy: if a first address does not make it possible to obtain contact with the interlocutor, the second address will be tried in turn and so on.



   The present invention will be better understood on reading the following description where:
 Figure 1 shows a block diagram of an access station.



   FIG. 2 represents an audio-video door entry unit answering machine according to the invention.



   FIG. 3 represents an operating flow diagram of the audio-video responder carrier.



   In Figure 1, the access station 1 includes a server
HTTP 11 can process data. The HTTP server comprises conventional computer means, including memory. Depending on the quantity of information that one wishes to keep for the answering function, electronic memory or a device of the hard disk type is used. The data coming from the visitor arrives via a data shaping device 10 of a video interface 2, of a sound interface 3 and of a door intercom interface 4. The video interface 2 comprises a camera for taking images which are digitized and preferably put in GIF format. The camera is preferably of the charge transfer (CCD) type.

   The sound interface 3 includes a microphone for picking up sounds and a loudspeaker for reproducing sounds. Conventional analog devices for preamplification and amplification of signals are used as well as digital-analog or analog-to-digital converters. The signals picked up by the interfaces are digitized.



  The doorphone interface 4 includes any device allowing data entry, for example keyboard, infrared detector, visible or invisible barrier. The gatekeeper interface 4 may further comprise a device allowing the display of data, for example of the liquid crystal, cathode ray tube or other type. Thus, the transmission of instructions to the visitor can be done in audio and / or visual form. The display can thus be used both with the means for managing the visitor's calls and for managing the interlocutor's responses.



   The HTTP server 11 can communicate bidirectionally with external devices compatible according to the protocol
TCP / IP at an interface 12 to establish local communication 5 on the local computer network or remote communication 6 with telephone transmission type (PSTN or digitis (E)).



   FIG. 2 schematically represents an installation of an audio-video answering machine according to the invention. In this exemplary embodiment, the access station 1 comprises a screen 40 of the liquid crystal type, a CCD camera 20, an electric door opener 41 as well as a badge reader 42. The elements of the interface 3 and of the doorphone interface 4 are grouped into a single element of the intercom type. Depending on the applications, certain elements of these interfaces can be omitted, for example the badge reader 42. On the other hand, the elements of the camera interfaces 20, sound 30, screen 40, can be grouped in a single box or separated according to needs.

   Communications are provided for local communication 5 by a local network 8, for example of the ETHERNET type, and for remote communications 6, by a modem 7 for connection to the telephone network (PSTN or numerist). The local 5 and remote 6 communication possibilities allow the transmission of audio-video calls to access control stations of various types. The access control stations can be microcomputers 51 connected on a local network 8.

   In the case of remote communication 6, the access control stations can be a microcomputer 61 and its modem 60 connected to the telephone network, a television set having HTTP functionalities and connected to the telephone network, a telephone of the WEBPHONEO type 63 having HTTP capacities or even a cordless telephone 64 having HTTP capacities and for example GSM.



   The configuration of the audio / video recorder can vary depending on the site on which it is installed: industrial for business or building for individuals. For example, in a private home, the television set could be used by adding an interface box with HTTP capacity and PSTN connection, the communication therefore being carried out by telephone network. In the case where the building is intelligent and has a local computer network, said network can be used in place of the telephone network. In the case of an audiovideo answering machine on an industrial site having a local network, the computer terminals or microcomputers of the company or other specific devices having HTTP possibilities can be used.

   In the case of a company, the audio-video door entry unit can be placed at the staff entrance and include a badge reader 42. The door opener or a pass turnstile can be controlled in the access station where an access control station based on the information contained in the badge.



   The doorman of the invention can also be installed on a conventional video device. In this case, the access station is connected in parallel to the camera and the existing intercom. In this application, the doorman will mainly be used as an answering doorphone. However, the interlocutor having means
HTTP can use these to respond in real time to an access or call request.



   Finally, transmissions can be made by radio waves in order to avoid the cable between the access station and the access control stations.



   The access station may include, at its door intercom interface, devices for detecting anomalies or vandalism and be programmed to call a particular access control station, for example a security guard or a security company.



   The audio-video carrier is generally placed at the access point of public or private places, but it can however be placed in other places and for example an elevator if its access must be controlled.



   FIG. 3 represents a flowchart of operation typical of the doorman between the access station actuated by a visitor and the access control station of the interlocutor. This example assumes that the contact person is available. Otherwise, the access station, in the absence of the contact, can send you a call! audio video to another access control station whose address has been programmed in the default access station or by the initial contact. This other extension can for example be that of a secretary or the portable telephone extension with HTTP functionality of the person on the move.

   In the event that no redirection of the audio-video call is planned, the access station can inform the visitor by an audio or visual message of the absence of the contact person and possibly offer to record either a specific message (example of specific instructions), or suggest other options. The case where the interlocutor is present but does not want to come forward or send a response is provided. The interlocutor can simply return a remote control to the access station for, for example, that he sends instructions to the visitor proposing to record a message. He can also refrain from answering. Depending on the programming of the access station, the audio-video calls will be recorded with time information systematically or not or according to specific events.



  In a preferred embodiment, the images include, in alphanumeric form, time information (date + hours / minutes / seconds). The images can optionally also include location information of the access station.



  In fact, if several audio video door entry units are installed in the same site, the same contact can receive calls from these different access stations. In the latter case, the remote control command is directed to the corresponding access station.



   Within the framework of the invention one or more access control stations inside a site (supervisors) or outside (maintenance) can have special privileges to systematically receive all access requests and / or interrogate the access station. The privileged access control station can thus follow all access requests and calls / responses or some according to one or more filtering criteria and for example: called interlocutor, industrial site service called .... This post Privileged can also provide remote maintenance of the access station.



   Programming possibilities of the access station and / or the access control stations possibly make it possible to generate welcome messages according to the interlocutor who is called. The doorman offers the possibility of programming call redirections, of dynamically modifying the location table (computer address) versus contact (identity).



  Finally, if the interlocutor already has IT capacity with HTTP capacity, for example a microcomputer, no specific equipment is to be purchased and installed at the interlocutor. A standard protocol being used, HTTP, any INTERNET navigation software can be used. The doorman can be programmed to simulate a presence and send a randomly selected message to the visitor from messages pre-recorded by the contact person or the doorman's manufacturer (for example the voice of a child or foreign house staff refusing to open). ).
  


    

Claims

1. Audiovideo doorman between an access station (1) for a visitor and at least one access control station (51, 61, 62, 63, 64) for a contact, said doorman comprising at the station access a means of taking pictures (2, 20) in the form of images, a means of taking sounds (3, 30), a sound generator (3, 30), a means of managing visitor calls (4 , 40, 42), a means of managing the responses (40, 41) of the interlocutor, a means of transmission (5, 6, 8, 7, 12) of the sounds, images, calls and responses being arranged between the access station and the access control station, characterized in that - the sounds, images, calls and responses are coded / decoded in digital form in the access station and the access control station; - The access station includes computer means comprising memory in order to allow recordings in digital form, said computer means being an HTTP server (11) making it possible to code / decode according to the HTML format.

2. Doorman according to claim 1 characterized in that the transmission of sounds, images, calls and responses between the access station and the access control station is carried out according to a protocol chosen from TCP / IP, PSTN, INTERNET .

3. Doorman according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that the transmission takes place on at least one physical line chosen from computer networks (8), telephone, electric or electromagnetic radio or light.

4. Doorman according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the access station is chosen from devices with digital coding / decoding capacity and HTTP including micro-computers (51, 61), mini-computers, telephones fixed (63) or portable (64), television adapter modules (62).

5. Doorman according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the access station includes computer means allowing: - detection of the visitor's call;

- in the event that the call does not make it possible to select an access control station, to issue to the visitor instructions for using the doorman for entering additional call information;

- to record at least one image;

- transmit at least the call to the access control station.

6. Doorman according to claim 5 characterized in that it comprises a computer means allowing, in the absence of the interlocutor, to transmit the call to at least one other access control station.

7. Doorman according to claim 5 or 6 characterized in that it comprises a computer means allowing, in the absence of the interlocutor, to issue to the visitor specific instructions for using the doorman and to record at minus the unsuccessful call with the date and time of the call.

8. Doorman according to claim 7 characterized in that it comprises a computer means for transmitting an electronic message to the interlocutor in order to inform him of the call made in his absence.

9. Doorman according to any one of claims 5 to 8 characterized in that it comprises a computer means allowing the interlocutor to receive sounds and images without returning a response.

10. Doorman according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the call management means comprises one or more of the following devices: a keyboard, an infrared detector, a light barrier visible or not, a sound detector preferably centered on the voice frequencies.

11. Doorman according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the access station further comprises a display device.

12. Doorman according to any one of claims, characterized in that it comprises computer means allowing the interlocutor to receive the sounds, images and calls recorded in the access station in delayed mode,

13. Doorman according to any one of claims, characterized in that it comprises computer means allowing a privileged interlocutor to receive in real or deferred all or part of the sounds, images and recorded calls whatever the interlocutor called by the visitor.