Sound responsive service window

• US 20020178010A1
• Filed: 05/13/2002
• Published: 11/28/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 05/22/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Quikserv Corporation
• Original Assignee: Quikserv Corporation
• Inventors: Weaver, Jack, Terry, Dan
• Application Number:
  US10/144,599
• Publication Number:
  US 20020178010A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 704/275
• CPC Class Codes: G10L 15/26 Speech to text systems G10L15/08 takes precedence

Abstract

A service window may be operated under user audio control. For example, a service window, for example of the type used in fast-food restaurants, may be opened or closed in response to a user voice command.

Claims

1. An automated service window comprising:

a frame;

a movable service window in said frame;

an operator to operate said window in said frame; and

a controller responsive to a sound input to control said operator.

2. The window of claim 1 wherein said controller is responsible to a spoken input.

3. The window of claim 2 wherein said controller may be programmed by a user to recognize the user'"'"'s voice.

4. The window of claim 1 wherein said operator is a motorized operator.

5. The window of claim 1 wherein said movable service window is a sliding service window.

6. The window of claim 1 wherein said controller includes a proximity detector to detect when a user is proximate to the window.

7. The window of claim 1 wherein said controller automatically closes said window after a time period.

8. The window of claim 7 including a proximity detector, wherein said controller maintains said window open when the proximity detector detects a presence.

9. The window of claim 1 including a voice synthesis unit to generate spoken statements.

10. The window of claim 9 wherein said statements are automatically made after the service window is opened.

11. The window of claim 1 including a microphone to receive the sound input.

12. The window of claim 11 wherein said microphone is a lapel microphone.

13. The window of claim 11 wherein said microphone is attached to a headset.

14. The window of claim 11 wherein said microphone is mounted in the window.

15. The window of claim 11 wherein the input received by said microphone is wirelessly communicated to said controller.

17. The method of claim 16 including enabling said window to be operated in response to a spoken input.

18. The method of claim 16 including operating a motor control for said window in response to a sound input.

19. The method of claim 16 including enabling the window to be trained to recognize a specific user'"'"'s voice.

20. The method of claim 16 including automatically determining when a user is proximate to said window.

21. The method of claim 20 including automatically closing said window after a period of time.

22. The method of claim 21 including maintaining said window open after the period of time if a user is proximate to said window.

23. The method of claim 16 including enabling said window to automatically generate spoken statements.

24. The method of claim 23 including automatically generating said spoken statements after the service window is open.

25. The method of claim 16 including receiving an audible command to control said window and wirelessly coupling said command to a controller on said window to operate said window.

27. The article of claim 26 further storing instructions that enable the system to perform the step of recognizing a voice command and using the command to operate the service window.

28. The article of claim 26 further storing instructions that enable the system to perform the step of recognizing a specific user'"'"'s voice.

29. The article of claim 26 further storing instructions that enable the system to perform the step of automatically determining when a user is proximate to the window.

30. The article of claim 28 further storing instructions that enable the system to perform the step of automatically closing the window after a period of time.

31. The article of claim 30 further storing instructions that enable the system to automatically perform the step of maintaining the window open after the period of time if a user is proximate to the window.

16. A method comprising:

providing a service window; and

enabling said window to be operated in response to sound.

26. An article comprising a medium storing instructions that enable a processor-based system to perform the steps of:

receiving a sound input; and

in response to said sound input, automatically operating a service window.