An apparatus provides efficient control for automatic and hands-free transmission of communications using the proximity of a user to a microphone of the apparatus. The apparatus comprises a controller, a proximity sensor used to determine the distance of the user from the microphone, an electronic relay controlled by the controller to engage the transmission, a push-to-talk button manual transmission, and a chassis to optimally contain the components thereof. At least one external communication device, such as a radio, connected to the electronic relay acquires an audio signal from a sound source. A speaker, either an external device or an integral part of the apparatus relays audio signals received by the radio back to the user. The controller then sends a signal to the electronic relay which connects and engages the radio or any other external communication device to enter the transmission mode.

A digital intercom system has a master station with hardware and software configured to allow duplex communication between a plurality of communication devices. The software is configured to run a plurality of settings for directing communication between the communication devices, the settings including a plurality of channels for each communication device. The channels each define parameters for how the communication devices within the system will communicate. An audio output device is linked to a corresponding communication device of the plurality of communication devices such that the audio output device is configured to receive and play the same audio as the corresponding communication device. The master station is configured to modify the settings based on input entered into a browser based program run on an input/output (I/O) device by a user.

A digital intercom system includes a master station having hardware and software configured to allow duplex communication between a plurality of communication devices. The software runs a plurality of settings for directing communication between the communication devices. The master station is configured to modify the settings based on input entered into a browser based program run on an input/output (I/O) device by a user.

A method of managing communications between communication devices within a digital intercom system includes providing input and output tables for each communication device. The tables for each device are made up of cells formed from linear arrays corresponding to communication channels and the other devices. When two devices communicate on a given channel, a cell in the appropriate input and output table is identified based on the channel and the devices communicating. The cells provide volume control information which can be relied upon to determine if or to what degree audio signals should be transferred between the devices.

A method of managing communications between communication devices within a digital intercom system includes providing input and output tables for each communication device. The tables for each device are made up of cells formed from linear arrays corresponding to communication channels and the other devices. When two devices communicate on a given channel, a cell in the appropriate input and output table is identified based on the channel and the devices communicating. The cells provide volume control information which can be relied upon to determine if or to what degree audio signals should be transferred between the devices.

A digital intercom system has a master station with hardware and software configured to allow duplex communication between a plurality of communication devices. The software is configured to run a plurality of settings for directing communication between the communication devices, the settings including a plurality of channels for each communication device. The channels each define parameters for how the communication devices within the system will communicate. An audio output device is linked to a corresponding communication device of the plurality of communication devices such that the audio output device is configured to receive and play the same audio as the corresponding communication device. The master station is configured to modify the settings based on input entered into a browser based program run on an input/output (I/O) device by a user.

Each of a plurality of dwelling buildings includes a dwelling parent device, a management office parent device, and a building control unit communicatively connected to each dwelling parent device in the host building and the management office parent device in the host building via an intercom line. The building control units are interconnected via a network that is connected with a management center that includes a centralized management office parent device and a centralized control unit connected to the centralized management office parent device via the intercom line. The building control unit in each dwelling building can set a calling time zone in which it is possible to call the centralized management office parent device or the management office parent device of other building, in addition to the management office parent device in the host building. When there is a calling from the dwelling parent device in the set calling time zone, the management office parent device in the host building receives a calling signal from the dwelling parent device and the building control unit also receives the calling signal from the dwelling parent device and transmits the calling signal to the centralized management office parent device or the management office parent device of the other building.

Each of a plurality of dwelling buildings includes a dwelling parent device, a management office parent device, and a building control unit communicatively connected to each dwelling parent device in the host building and the management office parent device in the host building via an intercom line. The building control units are interconnected via a network that is connected with a management center that includes a centralized management office parent device and a centralized control unit connected to the centralized management office parent device via the intercom line. The building control unit in each dwelling building can set a calling time zone in which it is possible to call the centralized management office parent device or the management office parent device of other building, in addition to the management office parent device in the host building. When there is a calling from the dwelling parent device in the set calling time zone, the management office parent device in the host building receives a calling signal from the dwelling parent device and the building control unit also receives the calling signal from the dwelling parent device and transmits the calling signal to the centralized management office parent device or the management office parent device of the other building.

A permissible range of a mobile terminal that operates in cooperation with a target operation device in accordance with a user's whereabouts in a house is dynamically switched. An intercom has a function permission number control unit that generates calling information to require a cooperated operation to be carried out with the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal includes a function permission number storing unit and a CPU. The function permission number storing unit stores function permission numbers respectively set to mobile terminals. When a function permission number transmitted from the intercom is received, the CPU determines whether the function permission number coincides with a function permission number of a function permission information storing unit or not, and sets an application for carrying out the cooperated operation with the intercom to active in a case where they coincide with each other.

A method of managing communications between communication devices within a digital intercom system includes providing input and output tables for each communication device. The tables for each device are made up of cells formed from linear arrays corresponding to communication channels and the other devices. When two devices communicate on a given channel, a cell in the appropriate input and output table is identified based on the channel and the devices communicating. The cells provide volume control information which can be relied upon to determine if or to what degree audio signals should be transferred between the devices.