WO2008109909A1

WO2008109909A1 - Building intercom and access system

Info

Publication number: WO2008109909A1
Application number: PCT/AU2007/000302
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brian Rodrigues; Dejan Stanojevic
Original assignee: Bellon Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2007-03-12
Filing date: 2007-03-12
Publication date: 2008-09-18

Abstract

A digital electronic system for colour video intercom and control of access points in a complex; said system comprising; (a) at least one access point intercom interface unit, (b) at least one digital data switch or router in communication with said access point intercom interface unit, (c) a plurality of remote intercom interface units distributed through said complex; each of said remote intercom interface units in communication with one said at least one switch, or router.

Description

BUILDING INTERCOM AND ACCESS SYSTEM

The present invention relates to electronic installations for multi-dwelling buildings and complexes sharing common remote access points and devices and, more particularly, to audio-visual communication facilities and control for operation of remote devices. BACKGROUND

For security reasons, apartment blocks, townhouse and villa complexes typically have one or more locked access points which deny entry to unauthorized persons. Typically such blocks and complexes are provided with at least an audio communication system connecting an intercom unit at the access point/s with an intercom in each individual unit or dwelling.

Visitors to individual units or dwellings within the block or complex are then able to announce their arrival by selecting the unit or dwelling from a control panel, opening communication with that unit or dwelling and announcing their arrival. Typically also, each unit or dwelling is provided with some control whereby an access door or gate may be unlocked remotely to allow the visitor to enter.

In apartment blocks there may be further provision for remotely allowing visitors to enter and use secure lift services within the building. Again typically such intercom and control systems are analogue and require a complex of cabling, either coaxial or twisted pair or both, between the access point/s and any remotely operable devices, and every unit or dwelling, These cabling arrays are notorious for problems of interference and drop-outs due to earth loop problems, effects of lightning .strikes and lack of proper isolation.

Other problems may stem from cabling being affected by stray electro-magnetic fields emanating from nearby mains power cabling.

Nor are these problems .of analogue configured systems restricted to multiple dwelling buildings or complexes. In office complexes and even in multi-room large dwellings also, multiple intercom and control units linking a number of rooms or offices to remote access points or devices, suffer from similar complex cabling problems.

It is an object of the present invention to address or ameliorate some of the above disadvantages. Note {1) The term "comprising" (and grammatical variations thereof) is used in this specification in the inclusive sense of "having"^" or "including", and not in the exclusive sense of "consisting only of". (2) The background discussion is not taken to constitute an admission that any particular item is prior art nor that any particular item of prior art might constitute part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction.

Definitions

MAC:

This is a networking term for a Media -Access Control address, which provides a. substantially unique identifier for network adaptors in a computer network. On broadcast network? such as Ethernet, the MAC address allows each host to be uniquely identified and allows frames to be marked for specific hosts. It forms the basis of most of the layer 2 networking upon which higher OSI layer (see below and Fig 6) protocols are built. Ethernet:

Ethernet is defined by IEEE Standard 802.3 and is made up of the physical layer (layer 1) and part of the data link layer (layer 2) of the OSI (Open System Interconnection) reference model for communication systems. A particular substandard IEEE 802.3af defines a power over Ethernet technology. OSI model:

The OSI reference (Open System Interconnection) model divides communication networks into approximately seven layers as shown in Pig. 6, In Fig. 6 the data starts at the top layer {layer 7) of the sending device and gathers addressing information as it moves down to layer 1 to become a standard data frame (or packet) , The receiving device on the network brings the frame up through the layers starting from the lowest layer (layer 1) progressively removing addressing information until it reaches the topmost layer, application layer 7, where it can be used by the relevant application. The network layer

(layer 3) implements the internet protocol (IP) to manage routing of data packets through different networks. The transport layer (layer 4) utilises TCP or UDP for error correction. Session layer 5 establishes and closes down communications between devices on the network. Presentation layer 6 transforms data into common syntax to be translated by the receiver in the application layer 7. (From Wikipedia) .

Internet Protocol:

Internet Protocol (IP) is a data-oriented protocol and is used for communicating data across a packet-switched network. It is a network layer (layer 3 of OSI model) protocol which is encapsulated in a data link layer such as Ethernet. It provides the service of communicable unique global addressing amongst computers. (From Wikipedia). Router : A router acts as a junction between two or more networks to buffer and transfer data packets among them. Switch:

A switch connects devices to form a local area network (LAN) . A switch can connect various devices each with their own IP address on a LAN.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Accordingly, in a first broad form of the invention, there is provided a digital electronic system for intercom and control of access points in a complex; said system comprising;

(a) at least one access point intercom interface unit,

(b) at least one digital data switch or router in communication with said access point intercom interface unit,

(c) a plurality of remote intercom interface units distributed through said complex; each of said remote intercom interface units in communication with one said at least one router.

Preferably, said complex is a gated townhouse, villa development or office complex.

Preferably, said complex is a multi-level apartment or home unit building . Preferably, said system further comprises control modules for operation of doors and gates at said access points of said complex.

Preferably, said system further comprises control modules for access to lifts and activation of lifts within said complex.

Preferably, said access point intercom interface unit includes audio input and output devices.

Preferably, said access point intercom interface unit includes video input and output devices.

Preferably, said at least one digital data switch or router is one of a number of digital data switches or routers; at least one said digital data switch or data router provided for each floor of a multi-level said complex.

Preferably,- each said at least one digital data switch or router is provided with storage media for storage of a plurality of electronically readable addresses.

Preferably, said electronically readable addresses stored in said at least one said digital data switch or router include electronically readable addresses of at least a selection of said remote locations in said complex. Preferably, said electronically readable addresses stored in said at least one digital data switch or router include addresses of control modules of said gates and doors at access points of said dwelling complex.

Preferably, said electronically readable addresses stored in said at least one digital data switch or router include addresses of control modules for access and activation of lifts within said multi-level complex.

Preferably, each said at least one digital data switch or router is provided with logic circuits for receiving data packet inputs from a plurality of data packet sources; said data router further provided with logic circuits for routing said data packets to selected ones of said electronically readable addresses.

Preferably, said data packets are transmitted by an Ethernet protocol.

Preferably, said access point intercom interface unit is adapted for receiving at least one of audio or video input; said audio and or video input converted to packets of digital data for transmission to said at least one digital data switch or router.

Preferably, each of said at least one access point intercom interface unit and said remote intercom interface units is adapted to receive packets of digital data from said at least one said digital data switch or router via said Ethernet protocol; said packets of digital data converted into audio and or video output by each said intercom interface unit.

Preferably, said access point intercom interface unit is provided with a plurality of input means; each of said plurality of input means associated with one of said remote intercom interface units in said complex, and wherein activation of any one of said plurality of input means is translated into said electronically readable address of said remote intercom interface unit; said activation opening a communication -link between said access point intercom interface unit and said at least one digital data switch or router and between said at least one digital data switch or router and said remote intercom interface unit .

Preferably, each of said intercom interface units is provided with at least one of said audio or video input devices; each of said remote intercom interface units adapted to convert said audio and or video inputs into packets of digital data for transmission to one of said at least one digital data switch or router.

Preferably, each said remote intercom interface unit is provided with at least one of said audio or video output devices; each said .remote intercom interface unit adapted to convert packets of digital data received from said at least one digital data switch or router into said at least one of audio or video outputs.

Preferably, each said remote intercom interface unit is further provided with control means for operating said control modules of said doors and or gates of said access points of said complex.

Preferably, each said remote intercom interface unit is further provided with control means for operating said control modules of said lifts in said complex.

In a further broad form of the invention there is provided a method for a distributed intercom and access control system within a complex; said method including the steps of:

(a) providing access points of said complex with an access point intercom interface unit,

(b) providing a plurality of locations within said complex with remote intercom interface units,

(c) providing said complex with at least one digital data switch or router,

Preferably, said at least one digital data switch or router communicates with said access point intercom interface unit and any one said remote intercom interface unit by means of an Ethernet protocol.

Preferably, each said remote intercom interface units of said complex- is provided with an electronically readable address stored in said at least one digital data switch or router.

Preferably, said access point intercom interface unit is provided with input means; said input means adapted to convert a location identifier number into said electronically readable address associated with said remote intercom interface unit.

In a further broad form of the invention there is provided a digital electronic system for audio and colour video intercom and control of access points in a complex; said system comprising;

(a) at least one access point intercom interface unit,

(c) a plurality of remote intercom interface units distributed through said complex; each of said remote intercom interface units in communication with one said at least one router

(d) and wherein said data packets are transmitted by a multi-layered protocol including a physical layer and a transport layer.

Preferably, each of said at least one access point intercom interface unit and said remote intercom interface units is adapted to receive packets of digital data from said at least one said digital data switch or router via said Internet Protocol; said packets of digital data converted into audio and video output by each said intercom interface unit.

Preferably, said access point intercom interface unit is provided with a plurality of input means; each of said plurality of input means associated with one of said remote intercom interface units in said complex, and wherein activation of any one of said plurality of input means is translated into said electronically readable address of said remote intercom interface unit; said activation opening a communication link between said access point intercom interface unit and said at least one digital data switch or router and between said at least one digital data switch or router and said remote intercom interface unit. Preferably, said complex is a gated townhouse, villa development or office complex.

Preferably, said complex is a multi-level apartment or home unit building.

Preferably, said system further comprises control modules for operation of doors and gates at said access points of said complex.

Preferably, the system is operable over a LAN (Local Area Network).

Preferably, the system is operable over a WAN (Wide Area Network) .

Preferably, said physical layer utilises Ethernet.

Preferably, said physical layer utilises wireless transport.

Preferably, said transport layer utilises IP protocol.

Preferably, said transport layer utilises TCP/IP protocol . Preferably, said transport layer transports colour video information.

Preferably, said colour video information is compressed.

Preferably, said colour video information is compressed utilising JPEG 2000 standard.

Preferably, said colour video information transmits at 30 full picture frames per second.

Preferably, said physical layer includes transmission of electrical power for powering said at least one access point intercom interface unit.

Preferably, said electrical power is transmitted utilising power over Ethernet technology based on IEEE 802.3af standards.

In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided an intercom station for a building intercom system? said station comprising:

(a) a communications unit;

(b) a colour video screen within said communications unit;

(c) a communications board in communication with at least one other intercom station; (d) said communications board including means to implement communication with said at least one other intercom, station by means of a multi- layered protocol including a physical layer and a transport layer.

In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided a concierge control unit incorporating a processor for communication with at least one intercom station of the type defined in claim 46; said concierge control unit incorporating means for selective addressing and conferring selective permission upon said at least one intercom station whereby it is permitted to communicate with selected other ones of intercom stations.

In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided a method of transmitting colour video images in a building intercom system comprising:

(a) capturing local video images as a stream of consecutive images;

(b) compressing said consecutive images;

(c) transmitting said consecutive images after compression on an Ethernet-based network as a stream of consecutive, compressed images. Preferably said method utilises the building intercom system comprises the system as described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a multi-level apartment building with elements of an intercom and access system installed, Figure 2 is an example of an access point intercom interface unit for use with the system of Figure 1,

Figure 3 is an example of a dwelling intercom interface unit for use with the system of Figure 1,

Figure 4 is a block diagram of various components for a particular intercom and access system topology,

Figure 5 is a flowchart of a call sequence in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,

Fig 6 is a diagram of a data packet or frame referenced against the OSI model and Fig 7 is a block diagram of an intercom and access system according to a further preferred embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to Figure 1, a building intercom and access system 10 is provided which comprises of a number of interconnected modules and devices. Typically the building or complex to which the present system may be applied includes a number of separate dwellings, but is equally applicable to a multi-room dwelling or to a number of locations within an office or other large building for example.

In the example illustrated in Figure 1, the separate dwellings may be apartments 12 arranged on a number of floors 14 of a multi-level apartment block 16, but may also comprise a number of units of a townhouse or villa complex.

In each case primary access to the individual dwelling is via one or more normally locked access doors 18 and or gates 20 and, in multi-level apartment blocks, may include authorized use only lifts (not shown) . The present system makes use of digxtal devices to allow control of access to the building or complex as well communication between the various access components (doors , gates and lifts as required) and each individual dwelling or selected location. Thus the system provides for the exchange of digital data packages to effect audio and or visual communication and for switching the status of actuators controlling the physical operation of doors gates and lifts.

A central element of the present system is the use of digital data switches or routers 22 to control the interchange of data packages between the various hardware components of the system. The system may employ a single such digital data switch or router in the case of a small complex, such as a small townhouse development, or may employ a number of routers 22, for example one on each floor of a multi-level apartment block as illustrated in Figure 1. A number of routers may also be used in a large complex where clusters of dwellings may be located at various dispersed locations within the area of the complex. Similarly, the system of distributed digital data switches or xouters is equally appropriate for installation of remote intercom and access control interfaces located at various points throughout an office complex.

The advantage of routers in these larger assemblies of dwellings or other complexes is that cabling from primary access point intercom interface unit 26 to various levels of a building or into a complex, and to devices, need only run to the _v nearest router 22, successive routers being added daisy chain fashion by single interconnecting cables 24. Similarly, remote intercom interface units 28 of individual apartments 12 and controlled elements such as doors, gates and lifts can be connected by cables 30 to the nearest router 22 where appropriate. This significantly reduces the complexity of cabling from that required in the typical "star" configuration of analogue systems. An example of an access point intercom interface unit 26, is shown in more detail in Figure 2. These units are adapted for at least both input and output of audio communication, for example with a handset 34 but may additionally be provided with input and output of video imagery and more particularly colour imagery through a camera 36 and display screen 38.

Additionally, the access point intercom interface unit 26 is provided with input means 32 associated with each of the dwellings or selected locations in the building or complex. These input means may for example be in the form of pushbuttons or a touch pad and. be arranged so that a user may input a unit number or level and apartment number, In other words the input means allow the input of a normal dwelling or other location identifier code.

An example of a dwelling or remote intercom interface unit is shown in Figure 3. These units are provided with at least audio input and output means but may additionally be provided with video imaging input and output devices. The remote intercom interface unit will additionally be provided with one or more control inputs 40 for activation of the control modules for the operation of the access doors_f gates and lifts of the building.

Each digital data switch or router 22 is provided with data storage media for the storage of electronically readable addresses for each of the hardware elements connected to the router. These addresses may preferably conform to the Network Address Translation (NAT) Internet standard protocol that enables IP addresses on private, internal Local Area Networks {LANs) . Thus each dwelling in the complex will have its unique IP address retained in the nearest data router to which it is connected. Similarly, IP addresses (or other forms of electronically readable addresses) will be stored for each of the hardware devices, doors gates and lifts which may be accessed for control from any of the remote intercom interface units.

The local area network (LAN) of the present invention may preferably use the Ethernet over a bus topology. Each communication hardware device of the system is provided with an Ethernet card facilitating the transmission and reception of data packages between the devices.

The access point intercom interface unit or units, are each provided with logic circuitry adapted to convert a dwelling ox location address, for example a unit number, into an IP, or electronically readable stored address. Thus when a user enters the dwelling address via the input means provided on the intercom interface unit, the associated address is sent to the data router which router opens a communication channel between the dwelling or location remote intercom interface unit with that address and the access point intercom interface unit.

Similarly, each remote intercom interface unit is provided with logic circuitry which translates a control input for one of the access control modules into the address for that module and causes the data router to send a control signal to the addressed module.

It will be apparent that an intercom system according to the above described system, may also be used for inter- dwelling or 'inter-location communication. This may bθ of particular use for example in an emergency situation or where a matter of concern to other unit holders of a building or complex needs to be communicated. To allow for this facility, the remote intercom interface unit may be provided with a similar input means, a keypad or similar, which enables input by a user of any address such as a unit number, within the complex and be connected to that address via the appropriate data router,

In a particular preferred form the address is a MAC address.

Apart from providing a means of communication, and facilitating entry of non-residents to the complex by interaction with a remote intercom interface unit, the system of the present invention may include further access enabling devices for use by authorised non-residents such as regular service personnel for example. For pedestrian access, particularly in the case of apartment buildings, the system may reserve a number of IP or electronically readable addresses for issue to personnel and organisations requiring occasional authorised access. These addresses may then be activated by entering a specific code associated with the address via the input means of the access point intercom interface unit.

Further devices for vehicular access to a complex may include remote controls. For residents of a residential complex, each control transmits the address of the resident's dwelling to a radio signal receiver linked to a digital data switch or router via the local area network. Transmission of the address is accompanied by a further data package containing the command code for operation o£ the access gate or door.

With particular reference to the block diagram of Figure 4 the components of a base circuit board 101 are described. These include an Ethernet communication and power module 102, a control interface module 103, an audio and video codec module 104 and an audio and video interface module 105, This board 101 forms the basis for any of the intercom units. Suitable software changes to the modules allow their adaptation to functions at different locations within a complex without the need to replace the hardware itself. That is the one board can be manufactured as the "heart" of any intercom unit or other communication or access unit within a complex.

The board 101 utilises an isolated power over Ethernet connection permitting a power supply cable/core 106 to be included in an Ethernet cable connection 107. This cable/core 106 can be utilised to power all other components and boards within the system thereby permitting the use of, in essence, a single power supply source and thereby obviating the creation of earth loops and the like.

In addition the communications technique employed over the Ethernet cable includes the use of ports 108, a separate port for each data function, for example, data in can be allocated to a particular port whilst data out can be allocated to a different port. Allocation of ports is illustrated in the flowchart sequence of Figure 5 which represents a typical communication sequence following a caller seeking to gain access via the intercom unit located at a given entry point at a complex.

Features of note, although not exclusively so, in the base circuit board 101 include the following: It incorporates "power over Ethernet" technology based on standard IEEE 802.3af thereby allowing the Ethernet cabling which is used for communication to also provide power to the components of the system for example shown in Figure 1. That is, the intercom units 26, 28 and the routers 32 are, in effect, powered from a single source and are all connected to that single source via the Ethernet cabling.

Where particular devices are placed in radio communication with the main network rather than via Ethernet cabling then there is inherent electro-isolation and the radio-isolated device can be separately powered. It is to be further noted that the codecs on the multi-function board 101 include a JPEG2000 codec which permits frame by frame compression of colour images. This has been found advantageous where display screen 38 and the associated input camera 36 are colour capable and, accordingly, colour images are transmitted across the system.

Finally, the multi-purpose base circuit board 101 in the basic topology as indicated in Fig 4 (subject to software/firmware changes) can be utilised as the basic board for each input/output device in the intercom and access system 10.

Further Embodiment With reference to Fig 7 there is illustrated an access and intercom system 200 in accordance with a further embodiment of this invention. In this system, like components are numbered as for components in the previous embodiments except numbered in the 200 series. So, for example, base circuit board 101 of previous embodiments becomes base circuit board 201 of the present embodiment.

As for previous embodiments, the intercom and access system 200 comprises, intercom interface units 226 adapted to communicate with other elements of the system by means of an Ethernet communication link based on data transfer utilising at these portions of the first and second layers of the OSI model 250 as referenced in Fig 6 and otherwise based on the digital ^' transmission of data frames or packets 251 of the structure as illustrated in Fig 6. The system 200 of the present embodiment will be predominantly cable based although radio communications (eg WiFi) are envisaged for at least some elements of the system.

As for previous embodiments, ^' routers 222 or equivalent data packet store/redirect devices are utilised as a core element within the system 200.

With reference to Fig 7, the system 200 includes a "concierge" system 252 associated with it. The concierge system 252 includes a processor 253 in communication with memory 254 and base circuit board 201. Memory 254 includes a program 255 which permits an operator (not shown) in conjunction with visual display unit 256 and keyboard 257 to administer the entirety of system 200. As for previous embodiments, the communication is via switch/router 222 communicating over Ethernet backbone 258.

In preferred forms, each device on the system includes MAC address (as previously defined) or equivalent substitute designated M in Fig 7.

The concierge system 252 permits selective addressing of each and every unit within the system and the provision of selective permissions to those units. So, for example, an intercom unit 226 for a designated room may be authorised to communicate with intercom units 226 of selected other rooms within the complex - but not all rooms. Equally selected intercom units 226 can be authorised to operate only selected gates such as gate 259. In one form, a permissions matrix 260 can be programmed in memory 254 as amended by concierge system 252 from time to time which sets out in tabular form which units and devices are authorised to be accessed and or controlled by which other units. So, for example, in the inset of Fig 7 device X is authorised to communicate with intercom 1 and gate 1 whilst device Y is authorised to communicate with intercom 2 and gate 2. Device Z {which may, for example, be the concierge unit itself) is authorised to communicate with all devices Il to IN and Gl to GN.

In a particular preferred form, the system 200 communicates colour video information between units, most preferably utilising a video frame based compression regime. So, for example, colour camera 261 will generate raw uncompressed video frames 262A, 262B, 262C ... which are communicated to board 201. Board 201. utilises MPEG2000 or equivalent compression technology to compress the frames so as to produce compressed frames 262a, 262b,- 262c for transmission over the Ethernet backbone 258, for example, to intercom units 226. The above describes only some embodiments of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art, can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A digital electronic system for colour video and audio intercom and control of access points in a complex; said system comprising;

a. at least one access point intercom interface unit,

b. at least one digital data switch or router in communication with said access point intercom interface unit,

c. a plurality of remote intercom interface units distributed through said complex; each of said remote intercom interface units in communication with one said at least one router.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said complex is a gated townhouse, villa development or office complex,

3. The system of claim 1 wherein said complex is a multilevel apartment or home unit building.

4. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein said system further comprises control modules for operation of doors and gates at said access points of said complex.

5. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein said system further comprises control modules for access to lifts and activation of lifts within said complex.

6. The system of any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein said access point intercom interface unit includes audio input and output devices .

7. The system of any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein said access point intercom interface unit includes video input and output devices.

8. The system of any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein said at least one digital data switch or router is one of a number of digital data switches or routers; at least one said digital data switch or data router provided for each floor of a multi-level said complex.

9. The system of any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein each said at least one digital data switch or router is provided with storage media for storage of a plurality of electronically readable addresses.

10. The system of claim 9 wherein said electronically readable addresses stored in said at least one said digital data switch or router include electronically readable addresses of at least a selection of said remote locations in said complex.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein said electronically readable addresses stored in said at least one digital data switch or router include addresses of control modules of said gates and doors at access points of said dwelling complex.

12. The system of claim 10 or 11 wherein said electronically readable addresses stored in said at least one digital data switch or router include addresses of control modules for access and activation of lifts within said multi-level complex.

13. The system of any one of claims 11 to 12 wherein each said at least one digital data switch or router is provided with logic circuits for receiving data packet inputs from a plurality of data packet sources; said data router further provided with logic circuits for routing said data packets to selected ones of said electronically readable addresses.

14. The system of claim 13 wherein said data packets are transmitted by an Ethernet protocol.

15. The system of any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein said access point intercom interface unit is adapted for receiving at least one of audio or video input; said audio and or video input converted to packets of digital data for transmission to said at least one digital data switch or router.

16. The system of claim 14 or 15 wherein each of said at least one access point intercom interface unit and said remote intercom interface units is adapted to receive packets of digital data from said at least one said digital data switch or router via said Ethernet protocol; said packets of digital data converted into audio and or video output by each said intercom interface unit.

17. The system of any one of claims 1 to 16 wherein said access point intercom interface unit is provided with a plurality of input means; each, of said plurality of input means associated with one of said remote intercom interface units in said complex, and wherein activation of any one of said plurality of input means is translated into said electronically readable address of said remote intercom interface unit; said activation opening a communication link between said access point intercom interface unit and said at least one digital data switch or router and between said at least one digital data switch or router and said remote intercom interface unit.

18. The system of any one of claims 1 to 17 wherein each of said intercom interface units is provided with at least one of said audio or video input devices; each of said remote intercom interface units adapted to convert said audio and or video inputs into packets of digital data for transmission to one of said at least one digital data switch or router.

19. The system of any one of claims 7 to 18 wherein each said remote intercom interface unit is provided with at least one of said audio or video output devices; each said remote intercom interface unit adapted to convert packets of digital data received from said at least one digital data switch or router into said at least one of audio or video outputs.

20. The system of any one of claims 4 to 19 wherein each said remote intercom interface unit is further provided with control means for operating said control modules of said doors and or gates of said access points of said complex.

21. The system of any one of claims 5 to 19 wherein each said remote intercom interface unit is further provided with control means for operating said control modules of said lifts in said complex.

22. A method for a distributed intercom and access control system within a complex; said method including the steps of;

a. providing access points of said complex with an access point intercom interface unit,

b. providing a plurality of locations within said complex with remote intercom interface units,

c. providing said complex with at least one digital data switch or router,

23. The method of claim 22 wherein said at least one digital data switch or router communicates with said access point intercom interface unit and any one said remote intercom interface unit by means of an Ethernet protocol .

24. The method of claim 22 or 23 wherein each said remote intercom interface units of said complex is provided with an electronically readable address stored in said at least one digital data switch or router.

25. The method of claim 24 wherein said access point intercom interface unit is provided with input means; said input means adapted to convert a location identifier number into said electronically readable address associated with said remote intercom interface unit.

26. A digital electronic system for intercom and control of access point in a complex as herein described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

27. A digital electronic system for audio and colour video intercom and control of access points in a complex; said system comprising;

a. at least one access point intercom interface unit,

c a plurality of remote intercom interface units . distributed through said complex; each of said . remote intercom interface units in communication with one said at least one router

d. and wherein said data packets are transmitted by a multi-layered protocol including a physical layer and a transport layer.

28. The system of claim 27 wherein each of said at least one access point intercom interface unit and said remote intercom interface units is adapted to receive packets of digital data from said at least one said digital data switch or router via Internet Protocol; said packets of digital data converted into audio and video output by each said intercom interface unit.

29. The system of any one of claims 27 or 28 wherein said access point intercom interface unit is provided with a plurality of input means; each of said plurality of input means associated with one of said remote intercom interface units in said complex, and wherein activation of any one of said plurality of input means is translated into said electronically readable address of said remote intercom interface unit? said activation opening a communication link between said access point intercom interface unit and said at least one digital data switch or router and between said at least one digital data switch or router and said remote intercom interface unit.

30. The system of claims 27 to 29 wherein said complex is a gated townhouse, villa development or office complex.

31. The system of claims 27 to 29 wherein said complex is a multi-level apartment or home unit building.

32. The system of any one of claims 27 to 31 wherein said system further comprises control modules for operation of doors and gates at said access points of said complex.

33. The system of any one of claims 27 to 32 wherein said system further comprises control modules for access to lifts and activation of lifts within said complex.

34. The system of claims 27 to 33 operable over a LAN (Local Area Network) .

35. The system of claims 27 to 33 operable over a WAN (Wide Area Network) .

36. The system of claims 27 to 33 wherein said physical layer utilises Ethernet.

37. The system of claims 27 to 33 wherein said physical layer utilises wireless transport.

38. The system of claims 27 to 33 wherein said transport layer utilises IP protocol.

39. The system of claims 27 to 33 wherein said transport layer utilises TCP/IP protocol.

40. The system of claims 27 to 33 wherein said transport layer transports colour video information.

41. The system of claim 40 wherein said colour video information is compressed.

42. The system of claim 41 wherein said colour video information is compressed utilising JPEG 2000 standard.

43. The system of claim 41 or 42 wherein said colour video information transmits at 30 full picture frames per second.

44. The system of claims 27 to 33 wherein said physical layer includes transmission of electrical power for powering said at least one access point intercom interface unit.

45. The system of claim 44 wherein said electrical power is transmitted utilising power over Ethernet technology based on IEEE 802.3af standards.

46. An intercom station for a building intercom system; said station comprising;

(a) a communications unit;

(e) a colour video screen within said communications unit;

(f) a communications board in communication with at least one other intercom station; (g) said communications board including means to implement communication with said at least one other intercom station by means of a multi- layered protocol including a physical layer and a transport layer.

47. R concierge control unit incorporating a processor for communication with at least one intercom station of the type defined in claim 46; said concierge control unit incorporating means for selective addressing and conferring selective permission upon said at least one intercom station whereby it is permitted to communicate with selected other ones of intercom stations .

48. A method of transmitting colour video images in a building intercom system comprising:

(a) capturing local video images as a stream of consecutive images;

(b) compressing said consecutive images;

(c) transmitting said consecutive images after compression on an Ethernet-based network as a stream of consecutive, compressed images.

49. The method of claim 48 wherein said building intercom system, comprises the system of any one of claims 1 to 21 or claims 27 to 45.