| 摘要 |
Electronic circuitry is provided that is operative to detect telephone usage or doorbell activation, whereupon the circuitry causes a command signal, such as a muting signal recognizable by an audio or sound producing device, to be emitted and deactivate or mute the device. With respect to muting in response to a phone call, a manual operator input or detection of a telephone on-hook condition causes the device to be restored. Following doorbell activation induced muting, timing features of the circuitry cause a restoration signal to be sent to the device automatically after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. The muting circuitry is particularly suited as an enhancement to a personal emergency response system, as well as for a remotely monitored alarm system that incorporates a listening device. In a personal emergency response system, muting circuitry associated with a home communicator unit can be activated manually or automatically from an emergency response center, or upon activation of the home communicator by a service subscriber in response to a distress signal from the home communicator. The muting circuitry can function as a stand-alone system or be tied into an automated building data bus.
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