The inventive mask solves a major industry problem, which involves the challenge of effectuating clear communications in an environment requiring protective mask use, without the necessity of removing the protective mask. The inventive mask facilitates individual and workplace communications by employing a half-mask or full-mask face protector having a mounting bracket that facilitates incorporation of a basic, intermediate, or advanced level communications module with varying functionality, depending on user preference, workplace requirements, and similar consideration. The inventive mask also incorporates a replaceable selection panel for the communications module, which facilitates access to control mechanisms to enable mask-to-mask, wireless intercom communications and media connection capabilities, and contributes to user cost savings by obviating the prospect of full mask replacement if the replaceable selection panel becomes soiled or otherwise inoperable. The inventive mask also incorporates an intercom module to facilitate communications between inventive mask users and non-users of the inventive mask.

An audio device and a control method thereof are provided. The audio device includes a charger and at least one audio broadcaster. The charger is coupled to a transmission line and is configured to generate a charging voltage. The audio broadcaster is coupled to the charger through the transmission line. The charger transmits the charging voltage to the audio broadcaster through the transmission line, and transmits first data to the audio broadcaster through the transmission line. The audio broadcaster transmits second data to the charger through the transmission line.

Controller for retrofit connection to a pre-installed door entry system of an area having a communal entrance secured by a communal door having a first electrically operated lock and a non-communal internal region secured by an internal door having a second electrically operated lock, the door entry system comprising a door panel associated with the communal entrance and an entry phone located within the internal region; the controller being connectable to existing circuitry of the entry phone to be able to receive a request for entry into the internal region from the door panel; and transmit an electrical signal to the entry phone to unlock the first and second electrically operated locks. The controller comprises a detector; a verifier; and a lock controller arranged to generate the signals to control the entry phone to unlock the first and second electrically operated locks when the right of access has been verified.

A vehicle control device including a camera configured to photograph an image around a vehicle; a display unit configured to display the image received from the camera; at least one sound sensor arranged on the vehicle and configured to sense a sound generated inside or outside the vehicle; at least one sound output unit arranged on the vehicle and configured to output sound inside or outside the vehicle; and a controller configured to sense a situation of the vehicle based on the sensed sound generated inside or outside the vehicle, and control at least one of the sound sensor, sound output unit and the display unit to output information based on the sensed situation of the vehicle.

Various example embodiments relate to audio capture of sound sources. For example, a method is disclosed comprising detecting, during transmission of first and second data streams to a destination terminal, wherein the first data stream carries audio of a first sound source captured by a first capture device, and the second data stream carries audio of a second sound source captured by a second capture device, that the first sound source is in proximity of the second capture device such that the second capture device is capable of capturing the audio of the first sound source. The method may also comprise suspending, at a particular time following said detection, transmission of the audio of the first sound source in the first data stream when the audio of the first sound source is captured by the second capture device and transmitted in the second data stream, the particular time being determined based on one or more characteristics of the audio captured by the first capture device and/or the second capture device.

Techniques are disclosed for in-home health intercom and notification. In one example, a first device receives a message comprising a description of an event of a first person in an environment from a first user device using a first transmission protocol. The first device detects that the message is an event message. The first device transmits the event message to the second computing device in the environment using a second transmission protocol, where the first device and the second device are in operable communication using a local area network. The first device receives, using the second transmission protocol, a response from the second device that the second computing device has transmitted the event message to a second user device.

An audio device and a control method thereof are provided. The audio device includes a charger and at least one audio broadcaster. The charger is coupled to a transmission line and is configured to generate a charging voltage. The audio broadcaster is coupled to the charger through the transmission line. The charger transmits the charging voltage to the audio broadcaster through the transmission line, and transmits first data to the audio broadcaster through the transmission line. The audio broadcaster transmits second data to the charger through the transmission line.

Techniques are disclosed for in-home health intercom and notification. In one example, a first device receives a message comprising a description of an event of a first person in an environment from a first user device using a first transmission protocol. The first device transmits the event message to the second computing device in the environment using a second transmission protocol, where the first device and the second device are in operable communication using a local area network. The first device receives, using the second transmission protocol, a response from the second device that the second computing device has transmitted the event message to a second user device.