Importance

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Abstract

A communication apparatus for monitoring sounds and images at a remote location, such as the entranceway of a dwelling or other building includes a sensor station located at the entranceway, and a monitor station located within the building. A microphone and television camera in the sensor station modulate signals, preferably of radio frequency, emitted by a wireless transmitter in the sensor station. The monitor station includes a transmitter and demodulator for reproducing sounds and visual images received by the sensor station. Preferably, the monitor station contains a microphone and transmitter for transmitting voice signals from the monitor station to the sensor station, in which case, the sensor station contains a receiver and loudspeaker for reproducing the voice signals. The preferred embodiment of the sensor station includes an internal battery re-chargeable by being connected across the terminals of an existing doorbell button, the charging current being limited to a value which insures that a doorbell connected to the button will not be activated unless the button is depressed. Logic circuitry within the sensor station activates the sensor transmitter, and sends an annunciator signal to the monitor station when the doorbell button is pressed. Also in the preferred embodiment, activation of the sensor station and transmission of an annunciator signal may be initiated by the presence of a human being in the location of a sensor, such as an infrared sensor, in the sensor station.

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First Claim