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Method and system for indicating operator availability

  • US 5,815,554 A
  • Filed: 02/25/1997
  • Issued: 09/29/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/24/1995
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A timing system for indicating the present availability of an operator of the timing system to a potential visitor who desires to ascertain the present availability of the operator, the operator of the system having an office area which defines an area of personal workspace for the operator, the timing system comprising:

  • (a) an availability time indicator for indicating to the potential visitor via a visual display a time when the operator will become available to interact with the potential visitor so as to reduce interruptions of the operator, wherein the availability time indicator is adapted for locating immediately proximate to the office area of the operator so as to be viewable by the potential visitor when the potential visitor is located in proximity to the office area of the operator,(b) an availability status indicator for indicating to the potential visitor via a light indicator whether the operator is currently available to interact with the potential visitor, so as to reduce interruptions of the operator, wherein the availability status indicator is adapted for locating immediately proximate to the office area of the operator so as to be viewable by the potential visitor when the visitor is located in proximity to the office area of the operator;

    (c) a controller for use by the operator of the system to input time information, wherein the controller controls the availability status indicator and the availability time indicator;

    (d) a time calculator to calculate approximately when the operator will become available based on the time information input by the operator of the system; and

    (e) circuitry which switches said availability status indicator between a continuing unlighted state and a continuing lighted state in response to said time calculator.

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