User guide. Intercom

About this documentation

This page describes the main ways end users interact with the intercom system on the platform: access the premises, receive calls, and grant guest access.

The intercom camera is integrated with the overall video surveillance system. Video from intercom cameras, along with related events and archived recordings, is available in the mobile, web, and desktop applications.

The mobile application is the primary tool for using the intercom, providing all the functionality required to manage the user's own access and guest access.

This documentation describes where to find intercom tools in each interface, how to view recorded events, and how to work with archived event recordings. It also helps users quickly understand the differences between platforms and choose the most convenient way to interact with the intercom based on their needs.

How the user gets access to the intercom

The administrator performs all required configuration: assigns the user to a device connected to the access point, configures the required settings, and grants the necessary permissions.

Once the configuration is complete, the user only needs to install and sign in to the mobile application. The mobile application provides all the functionality the user needs to manage access through the intercom – both personal and guest access.

See below for more information.

Mobile application: intercom in an access point

In the mobile application, the user interacts with the intercom through an Access point. An access point combines the property address, the access point name, and the devices associated with the access point and available to the user. The user can choose the most convenient way to manage intercom access:

• The Access tab – contains all access points available to the user and their associated devices. On the access point card, the user can select Open to unlock the door or select a specific device to access the premises or configure specific functions. For detailed instructions, see the Access documentation page for the mobile application.

• The Access point widget – provides quick access from the smartphone home screen. The user can unlock the required door with one tap without opening the application. For more information about configuring and using widgets in the mobile application, see the Widgets documentation page.

How access point opens

A common Open button is available for each access point. The user does not need to select the device used to open the access point. The system automatically identifies a suitable device and sends the open command to the devices associated with the access point in sequence.

When the user selects the common Open button, the system sends the open command to the devices associated with the access point in the following order:

1. BLE device

2. Intercom

3. Actuator

If a device successfully executes the command, the system stops further attempts. If the device does not respond, the system automatically sends the command to the next device in the list.

The entire sequence runs automatically and is not displayed to the user. The user sees only the result – the access point opens successfully.

When the access point opens successfully, the Open button turns green.

Manage an intercom in the mobile app

In the mobile app, the user can manage access through an intercom and choose the most convenient way to open the door: directly from the app through an access point, using a temporary code, a guest link, or face recognition.

The available features depend on the intercom capabilities and its configuration:

• Open the door. The user opens the door directly from the mobile app in the access point through the Access tab or the Access point widget. For more information, see the Open the intercom door documentation page.

• Receive intercom calls. The user selects a device for receiving intercom calls – a mobile device, an analog intercom handset, or a landline phone – and configures the date and time for notifications. For detailed configuration instructions, see the Intercom. Schedule and Receive intercom calls documentation pages.

• View video from the intercom camera. If the intercom has a camera, the user can view both the live video stream (Live) and archived recordings. The mobile application provides the same camera controls as for standard video surveillance cameras. For detailed configuration and usage instructions, see the Watch intercom camera and Cameras in the mobile application documentation pages.

• View intercom event video. Recordings of answered and missed intercom calls are available under Events > User events. For more information, see the User events documentation page.

• View call history. For more information, see the Call history documentation page.

• Generate a code. Access by a digital code, if the intercom supports this feature. On the Visitors tab, the mobile app user can manage access: add visitors (maximum 5) and create a temporary intercom code for each of them. You can share this code with visitors for self-service door opening. For more information, see the Visitors documentation section.

• Guest link. A convenient way to provide a guest with access without sharing a key or code. The user creates a link in the mobile app, sets its expiration period and number of openings, and then sends it to the guest through any messenger. The guest opens the door by following the link from a smartphone. The user tracks and revokes active links in the mobile app. For more information, see the Intercom links documentation section of the mobile app.

• Photo. The intercom supports door opening by face recognition. The feature uses video analytics and allows the system to automatically open doors for authorized visitors, providing a convenient and secure contactless passage without using keys or entering codes. The surveillance system administrator configures face-recognition door opening from the administrator cabinet. After the administrator configures the intercom, end users manage this face recognition access through the mobile app, which includes the feature to upload photos to populate the recognition database. For more information, see the Photo for door opening user guide of the mobile app.

Wed and desktop apps

The intercom camera is integrated with the video surveillance system. The user works with the camera using the standard tools available in the corresponding application. The intercom camera is available in the same interface areas as other cameras added to the platform through different connection methods. This provides a consistent approach to viewing, managing, and accessing video regardless of the connection type.

Documentation:

• Video surveillance web interface user guide: Cameras. Web user.

• Video surveillance desktop interface user guide: Cameras. Desktop client.