WO2006038760A1

WO2006038760A1 - Videophone having multi-function

Info

Publication number: WO2006038760A1
Application number: PCT/KR2005/001817
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hyung-Dong Baik; Jang-Seob Yang
Original assignee: Hyung-Dong Baik; Jang-Seob Yang
Priority date: 2004-06-14
Filing date: 2005-06-14
Publication date: 2006-04-13
Also published as: KR20050118458A; KR100557895B1

Abstract

A multifunctional videophone is disclosed. The videophone includes the functions of checking a gas leakage or fire in a home. In the outing mode, when a visitor presses a doorbell, a call is connected with a user, so that the user can communicate with the visitor. In addition, when an intruder presses a doorbell in order to check whether a user is in home or not, the user is connected with the intruder, so that the intruder may think that the user is in home for thereby basically preventing intrusion. In the case that a user goes out for a long time period, the user can remotely control lights, television, audio system, and etc. using a videophone by calling to the videophone from a remote area wherein all appliances are designed to operate by a remote controller.

Description

VIDEOPHONE HAVING MULTI-FUNCTION

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a multifunctional videophone, and in particular to an improved multifunctional videophone in which a function of detecting a gas leakage or fire in a home is further installed in a conventional videophone, and in the outing mode, when a visitor presses a doorbell, a call is connected with a user, so that the user can communicate with the visitor. In addition, when an intruder presses a doorbell in order to check whether anyone is in home or not, the user is connected with the intruder, so that the intruder may think that the user is in home for thereby basically preventing intrusion. In the case that a user goes out for a long time period, the user can remotely control lights, television, audio system, and etc. using a videophone by calling to the videophone from a remote area wherein all appliances are designed to operate by a remote controller. Background Art

[2] According to the Korean registered patent gazette No. 10-0387184 (laid-open date:

June 12, 2003, and applicant: Hasnet Co. Ltd.) entitled "Wireless bi-direction home automation system", a certain recognition number is provided to all controlled ap¬ paratuses such as a television, audio, etc. A microcomputer and a wireless transceiver are installed at a communication terminal such as a television set, etc. The controlled apparatuses are controlled in bi-directions using a telephone or a personal computer from a remote area or a home appliance, light, curtain, gas valve, door lock, security camera, etc. are controlled in a wireless method from a remote area.

[3] However, in the above conventional art, a wireless transceiver and a recognition number should be provided to all controlled apparatuses. In the case that a mobile communication device (cellular phone) is used, a certain interface module should be additionally provided. Therefore, the fabrication cost is high, and the system is so complicated.

[4] In addition, according to the Korean utility model No. 20-0247569 (laid-open date:

October 29, 2001, and applicant: Mobais technology Co. Ltd.) entitled "Multi¬ functional interphone having home automation function", as shown in Figure 1, there are provided a central processing unit 10, an input apparatus 20, an output apparatus 30, an interphone 40, an entrance door 50, a crime and accident prevention apparatus 60, an internet 70, and a wireless communication (Bluetooth) 80. In the above home automation system, the interphone function, crime and accident prevention function, internet function, and wireless communication function are controlled by the central processing unit 10. The above conventional technologies are similar with the basic concept of the present invention, but the bluetooth is adapted for a wireless com¬ munication apparatus. However, the above conventional system 568 fails to disclose detailed technical constructions. Various functions are simply disclosed in the home automation system. Namely, the technical construction concerning various functions simply achieved using a videophone is not disclosed. It is very unclear whether it is implemented by simply improving the conventional home automation or not. Recently, many technologies are disclosed for remotely controlling home appliances, light, gas valve, curtain, and etc. installed in home using internet or cellular phone. However, a certain control apparatus should be disadvantageously and additionally installed in the interior of the home for controlling the above apparatuses.

[5] In particular, a certain recognition number should be provided to each apparatus for controlling in a wireless method. A certain communication apparatus should be ad¬ ditionally provided. Therefore, the system is too expensive.

[6] In addition, in the above conventional art, many functions can be achieved only in theory. Many error operations may occur in the conventional art. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[7] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome the above- described problems encountered in the conventional art.

[8] It is another object of the present invention to provide a multifunctional videophone that is easily installed and has many functions.

[9] It is further another object of the present invention to provide a home automation system in which a gas leakage or fire is detected in a home by providing a videophone with an accident prevention function, and in the outing mode, when an intruder presses a doorbell, the intruder may be recognized like a user is in home for thereby preventing intrusion. In addition, when the user is out for a long time period on business or tour, the user can remotely control light, television, audio system, and etc. using a videophone of the present invention by calling to the home.

[10] It is still further another object of the present invention to provide a multifunctional videophone in which when a visitor presses a doorbell, a camera operates, and an image of the visitor is stored. When the user comes back home, the user can check the image of the visitor. The user can remotely recognize the image of the visitor on the internet.

Technical Solution

[11] To achieve the above objects, in a videophone that has an automatic reply function, a telephone calling function, and a communication function with other apparatuses with a user remotely operating at least one controlled apparatus such as home appliance, light, gas valve, curtain, etc. (hereinafter referred to controlled apparatuses) installed in a house and with a remote control signal being previously inputted in the controlled apparatus, there is provided a multifunctional videophone comprising a telephone connection unit that makes a call to the user when a visitor presses a doorbell in the outing mode with the user calling to the home from a remote area and controlling the controlled apparatuses; a remote control transmitter that communicates with the remote controller with the user remotely controlling the same by receiving a signal from the telephone connection unit and transmitting a remote control signal to the controller apparatus; and a gas valve controller that is configured so that when a gas detector detects a gas leakage, a cock valve is closed, and a fire detector detects a temperature and judges whether the temperature reaches at a fire point, and when it is judged that the temperatures reaches a fire point, the cock valve is closed, and when the temperature keeps increasing, and a fire occurs, a call is connected to the telephone connection unit for thereby informing the user of the fire, and a signal is received from the telephone connection unit for thereby opening the cock valve, wherein a camera installed together with a doorbell is connected with the telephone connection unit, and a gas valve controller and a remote control transmitter are connected with the telephone connection unit.

[12] The telephone connection unit further includes an image processor for converting an image recorded by a camera into an image data, and an internet connector for confirming the processed image on the internet and controlling the controlled ap¬ paratuses. Brief Description of the Drawings

[13] The present invention will become better understood with reference to the ac¬ companying drawings which are given only by way of illustration and thus are not limitative of the present invention, wherein;

[14] Figure 1 is a view illustrating the construction of a conventional multifunctional videophone;

[15] Figure 2 is a view illustrating the whole construction of a videophone having multiple functions according to the present invention;

[16] Figure 3 is a view illustrating the construction of a telephone connection unit according to the present invention;

[17] Figure 4 is a block diagram of a remote control transmitter according to the present invention;

[18] Figure 5 is a block diagram of a gas valve controller according to the present invention; and [19] Figure 6 is a view illustrating the construction of a video processing unit and an internet connection unit. Mode for the Invention

[20] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[21] Figure 2 is a view illustrating the whole construction of a videophone having multiple functions according to the present invention, Figure 3 is a view illustrating the construction of a telephone connection unit according to the present invention, Figure 4 is a block diagram of a remote control transmitter the voice storing and controller 214. A speaker 216 is connected with the voice and signal output unit 216. Amplifier 212 is connected between the signal mixer 209 and the tone filter 215.

[22]

[23] [Input of telephone number]

[24] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, when a user presses a telephone number input button using the keyboard 202, the microcomputer 203 detects the inputs of keys and mixes a voice message stored in the voice storing unit and outputs a voice signal to the voice and signal output unit 213 and outputs a message through the speaker 216 for guiding inputting a contact information. When the user finishes inputting the telephone number, the microcomputer 203 temporarily stores the telephone number and converts the stored number into a voice signal and outputs a corresponding message through the speaker 216. If the telephone inputted by the user is correct, the user presses the telephone number that will be stored and a confirmation key. The microcomputer 203 stores the telephone number in the memory unit 201.

[25]

[26] [Input of remote controller]

[27] As shown in Figure 2, when the user presses a remote controller input button of the keyboard 202, the microcomputer 203 detects the inputs of keys and mixes a voice message stored in the voice storing unit and outputs a voice signal to the voice and signal output unit 213 and outputs a message through the speaker 216 for guiding inputting into the remote controller. The microcomputer 203 outputs a signal to the remote control transmitter 300 through the communication unit 205 for receiving and storing a signal from the remote controller 400.

[28] As shown in Figure 3, the microcomputer 302 receives a remote controller receiving command through the communication unit 301, and the remote control signal receiving mode is activated. When the user transmits a signal to the remote control receiver 305 by pressing the remote controller 400, the microcomputer 302 analyzes the signal and temporarily stores the signal and outputs a signal that the remote control signal is normally received, to the telephone connection unit 200 through the com¬ munication unit 301. The microcomputer 203 receives, through the communication unit 205, the signal that the remote control signal is normally received. The mi¬ crocomputer 203 outputs a message to the user through the speaker 216 so that the user presses a test button for confirming that the remote control signal is normally inputted. Since the user has already outputted to the remote controller, the user sets the device that receives a remote control signal to an original state and presses the test button 202. The microcomputer 203 detects the pressed state of the same and commands the remote control transmitter 300 to output a remote control signal through the com¬ munication unit 205.

[29] The microcomputer 302 of the remote control transmitter 300 receives the signal through the communication unit 301 and outputs a temporarily stored remote control signal to the remote control transmitter 303. The remote control transmitter 303 amplifies the signal and outputs a remote control signal to the device. The user confirms the signal. If the device is not normally operated, the above routine is performed again from the first step. If the device is normally operated, the storing button is pressed for storing the signal. The microcomputer 203 stores the remote controller value in the memory unit 201 and outputs a signal to the communication unit 205 and commands the remote control transmitter 300 to store the data and protocol.

[30] The microcomputer 302 of the remote control transmitter 300 analyzes the data received from the communication unit 301 and stores the data and protocol in the memory unit 304.

[31] The remote control signals of the home appliances should be previously inputted.

The user can control the controlled control apparatus from the remote area by receiving a signal from the telephone connection unit and transmitting a remote control signal to the home appliances. In particular, the user should previously input a remote control signal in the videophone.

[32]

[33] [Confirmation of visitor]

[34] As shown in Figure 6, in the telephone connection unit 200, an image processor 900 is connected with the microcomputer so that when a visitor presses a doorbell, a camera 101 installed at a porch records the visitor, and the recorded data is converted into an image by the image processor 900. An internet connection unit 910 is connected with the microcomputer so that the image processed by the image processor 900 is confirmed on the internet.

[35] With the internet connection unit 910 connected with the telephone connection unit

200, the user previously stores his IP in a multifunctional videophone homepage 1000 through the internet from the remote area, and the user logs in the home page 1000 and gets his IP for thereby remotely confirming the visitor and controlling the controlled apparatuses using an additional program. Here, the internet connection unit 910 may selectively use a wired method or a wireless method.

[36]

[37] [First embodiment: crime and accident preventions]

[38] As shown in Figure 2, when the visitor 101 presses the doorbell, a corresponding signal is transmitted to the videophone, and the signal is transmitted to the mi¬ crocomputer 203 of the telephone connection unit 200. The microcomputer 203 drives the relay of the connection unit 208 while a certain melody is ringing at the porch. When the relay is connected, a transmission tone of the telephone office is transmitted to the amplifier 212 through the signal mixer 209. The amplified transmission tone is outputted to a tone filter 215. The microcomputer 203 confirms the transmission tone. When the signal is confirmed as the transmission tone, the telephone number is read from the memory unit 201. The telephone numbers are sequentially outputted to the DTMF output unit 211. The outputted telephone numbers are amplified by the voice and signal output unit 213 and are outputted to the telephone office 207 through the signal mixer 209. In the above state, a telephone call is ringed to the user. When the user gets the telephone call, the user can communicate with the visitor. Therefore, the visitor recognizes that a person is in the house, and the user can remotely confirm the visitor in a state that nobody is in home.

[39] Therefore, the intruder may recognize that anybody is in home. Since the user remotely calls to the telephone of the home and controls the controlled apparatuses of the home. In the outing mode, when a visitor presses the doorbell, the telephone call is connected to the user, so that the user can confirm the visitor, and the visitor may recognize that anybody is in home.

[40] In addition, if there is a fire in home, the telephone call is connected to the user, so that the mode that the visitor is connected to the user is cancelled, and only fire message is outputted to the user.

[41]

[42] [Second embodiment: control of controlled apparatuses]

[43] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, when the user calls from the remote area, a signal is outputted from the telephone connection unit 200 through the telephone office 207. A telephone tone signal is transmitted to the microcomputer 203 through the tone ringer detector 206. The microcomputer 203 counts the telephone tones. When the telephone tones are ringed certain set times, the connection unit 208 is driven, and the telephone call is picked up. A certain message is outputted for asking the user to input a password by outputting a signal to the voice storing and controller 214. The voice signal is transferred to the user through the voice and signal output unit 213, the signal mixer 209 and the telephone office 207. When a user inputs a password, the signal mixer 209 analyzes the tone signal of the tone sensor 210 and outputs to the mi¬ crocomputer 203. The microcomputer 203 temporarily stores the password. When all passwords are inputted, the password is read from the memory unit 201, and it is judged whether the numbers pressed by the user are matched with the stored password. When the password is not correct, the input is asked again. If the password is matched, it is asked to input a control designation.

[44] When the user presses a certain corresponding number corresponding to a desired control designation while the control designations are sequentially being outputted through the voice storing and controller 214, a signal is outputted to the com¬ munication unit 205, and the remote control transmitter 300 outputs a remote control signal pressed by the user.

[45] As shown in Figure 4, the remote control transmitter 300 includes a microcomputer

302, a communication transceiver 301, a remote control transmitter 303, a remote control receiver 305 and a memory unit 304.

[46] The remote control transmitter 300 analyzes the signal received from the telephone connection unit 200 and reads a corresponding data and protocol from the memory unit 304 and outputs a signal to the remote control transmitter 303 for thereby operating a corresponding device.

[47]

[48] [Third embodiment: gas valve control]

[49] The gas valve controller 500 of Figure 5 includes a microcomputer 502, a com¬ munication unit 501, a cock valve motor 503, a gas detector 600, a fire detector, a switch 506 and a display unit 507.

[50] According to the present invention, when the gas detector detects gas leakage, the cock valve is closed, and the fire detector detects the temperature. When the temperature reaches at a temperature for fire, the cock valve is closed. If the temperature is continuously increased, the telephone connection unit connected, and the call is connected with the user for informing fire. In addition, the cal valve may be opened or closed in accordance with a signal from the telephone connection unit. When the cock valve is opened, an automatic timer operates. When a certain set time period is passed, the cock valve is automatically closed.

[51] The operation of the gas valve controller 500 will be described.

[52]

[53] [When gas valve is closed]

[54] As shown in Figure 5, the microcomputer 502 outputs an opening signal to the cock valve motor 503. The cock valve motor 503 outputs a motor opening voltage in accordance with a signal. As the cock valve 508 is opened based on an operation of the cock valve motor 503, the user can use the devices connected with the valve.

[55] The microcomputer 502 transmits a signal that the gas valve is opened, to the telephone connection unit 200. The telephone connection unit 200 analyzes the data inputted from the communication unit 205 and stores in the memory unit 201 an operation state that the gas valve is opened. The stored data are used for controlling the gas valve by calling to the home when the user is out and are used for maintaining the gas valve in a state before power failure occurred.

[56] The microcomputer 502 outputs a signal to the display unit 507 and displays a valve closing remaining time and displays the current remaining time on the display unit 507 whenever the remaining time is changed. When the remaining time is 1 minute, a signal is outputted to a buzzer 509, so that the closing operation of the gas valve is informed in sound. When the time is passed, and the remaining time is 0, a signal is outputted to the buzzer 50, so that the closing operation of the gas valve is informed in sound. The closing signal is outputted to the clock valve motor 503 for thereby closing the cock valve 508. The microcomputer 502 informs the operation that the gas valve is closed, to the telephone connection unit 200. Whenever the user presses the opening time button 506, the valve closing remaining time is increased by 5 minutes, and the increased time is stored in the memory unit, so that the stored value is displayed when the user opens the cock valve.

[57]

[58] [When gas valve is opened]

[59] When the microcomputer 503 outputs a closing signal to the cock valve 503, the cock valve motor 503 outputs a motor closing voltage, When the gas is disconnected as the cock valve 508 is closed by the operation of the cock valve motor 503, the user can not use the apparatuses connected with the valve. The user presses the opening time button 506. The microcomputer 502 informs an operation that the gas valve is closed, to the telephone connection unit 200, and the display unit 507 displays 0. The mi¬ crocomputer 502 always detects the signal of the gas detector 600. When a gas leakage signal is detected, the microcomputer 502 outputs a signal to the cock valve motor 503, and the cock valve is closed 508. The microcomputer 502 informs an operation that the gas valve is closed, to the telephone connection unit 200.

[60] The microcomputer 502 always detects a signal of the fire detector 700. When the fire detector 700 judges that the detected temperature reaches at fire point, the mi¬ crocomputer 502 outputs a closing signal to the cock valve 508 for closing the cock valve 508. As the temperature is continuously increased, it is judged that there is a fire, a fire signal is outputted to the telephone connection unit 200, so that the telephone connection unit 200 informs the user of the fire.

[61] [62] [Fourth embodiment: visitor confirmation, and control of controlled apparatuses using internet]

[63] As shown in Figure 6, when a visitor presses a doorbell, the camera 101 installed at the porch operates and records the visitor. The recorded image is displayed on the monitor 102 installed in the house. At this time, the image recorded by the image processor 900 connected with the microcomputer 203 is converted into image data, and the converted image data are stored in the memory unit 201.

[64] In addition, the user comes back home and checks the visitor on the monitor 102 displayed by the image processor 900 using a keyboard and does a certain action.

[65] The internet connection unit 910 of the telephone connection unit 200 is configured in such a manner that the user can confirm the visitor on the internet and remotely control the controlled apparatuses using the internet connection unit 910 as the user previously records his IP in the multiple function videophone home page 1000 and logs in the home page 1000 and receives his IP.

[66] In the thusly constituted construction of the present invention, the user can remotely control the controlled apparatuses on the internet using the cellular phone from the remote area. It is possible to turn on a television, audio system or light and make the intruder misjudge that there is anybody in the house.

[67] As described above, according to the present invention, even when anybody is not in the house, it is possible to remotely control the home appliances. In addition, a crime prevention effect is achieved by remotely turning on the lights in the living room or rooms, so that the intruder misjudges that anyone is in the house or watches the television.

[68] In addition, it is possible to control all home appliances that are controlled by a remote controller, the air conditioner can be operated before the user arrives at home or when the user is out, it is possible to close the gas valve in the case that the closing state of the gas value is not sure. Therefore, it is possible to achieve a safe and stable home automation system.

Industrial Applicability

[69] As described above, a crime prevention function is provided to a conventional videophone, so that gas leakage or fire is detected. In the outing mode, when a visitor presses a doorbell, the call is connected with the user for thereby communicating with the visitor. In the case that a visitor disguises as a visitor and presses the doorbell in order to check whether anyone is in the house, the call is made to the user for thereby communicating with the visitor, so that the visitor misjudges that there is anyone in the house. Therefore, it is possible to prevent intrusion into the house.

[70] In addition, when the user travels for long time period on business or vocation after the remote control signals are inputted the controlled apparatuses, the user can remotely control the controlled apparatuses through the videophone that is set to auto¬ matically reply. Therefore, the intruder may misjudge that there is anyone in the house. In addition, when the user comes back home, the user can previously turn on a boiler or an air conditioner by calling to the home for thereby achieving convenient life.

[71] The camera that operates when a visitor presses a doorbell records the image of the visitor and stores the image. When the user comes back home, the user can confirm the visitor. The user can remotely confirm the visitor on the internet and do a certain action with respect to the visitor. In addition, it is possible to make the intruder misjudge there is anyone in the house by remotely controlling the controlled apparatuses using the internet.

[72] In the case that the present invention is implemented in cooperation with an entrance door fabrication company (or electronic locker company, etc.), when a certain intruder opens the door by breaking the door system, the system of the present invention can inform to the user that there is an intruder by calling the user. When the user loses the key, the user can open the door by calling to the home.

[73] As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof, it should also be understood that the above-described examples are not limited by any of the details of the foregoing de¬ scription, unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within its spirit and scope as defined in the appended claims, and therefore all changes and modi¬ fications that fall within the meets and bounds of the claims, or equivalences of such meets and bounds are therefore intended to be embraced by the appended claims.

Claims

[1] In a videophone that has an automatic reply function, a telephone calling function, and a communication function with other apparatuses with a user remotely operating at least one controlled apparatus installed in a house and with a remote control signal being previously inputted in the controlled apparatus, a multifunctional videophone, comprising: at least one controlled apparatus installed in a house with a remote control signal being inputted in the controlled apparatus; a telephone connection unit 200 that makes a call to the user when a visitor presses a doorbell in the outing mode with the user calling to the home from a remote area and controlling the controlled apparatuses; a remote control transmitter 300 that communicates with the remote controller 400 with the user remotely controlling the same by receiving a signal from the telephone connection unit 200 and transmitting a remote control signal to the controller apparatus; and a gas valve controller 500 that is configured so that when a gas detector detects a gas leakage, a cock valve is closed, and a fire detector detects a temperature and judges whether the temperature reaches at a fire point, and when it is judged that the temperatures reaches a fire point, the cock valve is closed, and when the temperature keeps increasing, and a fire occurs, a call is connected to the telephone connection unit 200 for thereby informing the user of the fire, and a signal is received from the telephone connection unit 200 for thereby opening the cock valve, wherein a camera 101 installed together with a doorbell is connected with the telephone connection unit 200, and a gas valve controller 500 and a remote control transmitter 300 are connected with the telephone connection unit 200.

[2] The videophone of claim 1, wherein said telephone connection unit 200 includes a microcomputer 203, a memory unit 201, a keyboard 202, an entrance door sensor 204, a communication unit 205, a tone ringer detector 206, a tone sensor 210, a voice storing and controller 214, a tone detector 211, and a tone filter 206, and a connector 208 and a signal mixer 209 are connected between the tone ringer detector 206 and the connector 208, and a voice and signal output unit 213 is connected between the signal mixer 209 and the voice storing and controller 214, and an amplifier 212 is connected between the signal mixer 209 and the tone filter 215.

[3] The videophone of claim 1, wherein said remote control transmitter 300 includes a microcomputer 302, a communication unit 301, a remote control transmitter 303, a remote control receiver 305, and a memory unit 304.

[4] The videophone of claim 1, wherein said gas valve controller 500 includes a mi¬ crocomputer 502, a communication unit 501, a cock valve motor 503, a gas detector 600, a fire detector 700, a switch 506 and a display unit 507.

[5] The videophone of claim 1, further comprising an image processor 900 connected with the microcomputer 203 for converting into aim age data an image displayed on a monitor 102 and recorded by a camera 101 when a visitor presses a doorbell, and the microcomputer 203 configured for confirming the image processed by the image processor 900 on the internet and controlling the controlled apparatuses on the internet.