Method and system for voice enabling an automated storage system
First Claim
1. A method for placing an item in an automated storage unit having a plurality of individual defined areas for containing items, the method comprising the steps of:
- receiving voice input utilizing a headset, the voice input relating to an item identifier for an item in a defined area of the automated storage unit for the purpose of placing the item in the automated storage unit;
in response to the voice input, interfacing with a control computer coupled to a database that is reflective of the automated storage unit, the control computer using the item identifier information and database to generate location information for the item that is reflective of an individual defined area of the automated storage unit, and outputting, to the headset, a voice prompt indicative of a location in the automated storage unit;
receiving a status message, through the headset, regarding placement of the item in the defined area in the unit.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An automated storage system provides a two-way wireless interface between an operator and the computer and database system that identifies where items are located. Accordingly, while the operator is located adjacent a storage unit, the operator can query the database system for an item location via speech input and receive audio output of that location. As a result, the operator does not need to remember the location information while traveling between the computer and the storage unit and the operator is able to perform multiple operations with the storage unit without returning to the computer in-between each operation.
64 Citations
26 Claims
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1. A method for placing an item in an automated storage unit having a plurality of individual defined areas for containing items, the method comprising the steps of:
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receiving voice input utilizing a headset, the voice input relating to an item identifier for an item in a defined area of the automated storage unit for the purpose of placing the item in the automated storage unit; in response to the voice input, interfacing with a control computer coupled to a database that is reflective of the automated storage unit, the control computer using the item identifier information and database to generate location information for the item that is reflective of an individual defined area of the automated storage unit, and outputting, to the headset, a voice prompt indicative of a location in the automated storage unit; receiving a status message, through the headset, regarding placement of the item in the defined area in the unit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method of retrieving an item in an automated storage unit having a plurality of individual defined areas for containing items, the method comprising the steps of:
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using a headset, capturing a voice input of a user relating to an item identifier for an item in a defined area of the automated storage unit; transmitting the item identifier through a wireless interface to a controller of the automated storage unit; in response to transmitting the item identifier, interfacing with a database coupled to the controller that is reflective of the automated storage unit and generating location information for the item that is reflective of an individual defined area of the storage unit; and outputting a voice prompt, through the headset, that is indicative of the location information. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A voice-controlled automated storage system including an automated storage unit having a plurality of individual defined areas for containing items, comprising:
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an input device including a headset configured to receive voice input indicative of an item identifier of an item in a defined area of the automated storage unit; an interface coupled with the input device and in communication with a controller of the automated storage unit so as to forward the item identifier to the controller, the controller accessing a database reflective of the automated storage unit and generating location information for the item identifier that is reflective of an individual defined area of the storage unit; and an output device coupled with the interface and controller and configured to produce a voice output related to the location information for the item in the automated storage unit. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. An automated storage system, comprising:
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an automated storage unit having a plurality of individual defined areas for containing items; a control computer coupled with the storage unit via a wireless interface, the control computer in communication with a database reflective of the automated storage unit; at least one headset configured to receive voice input indicative of an item identifier for an item in a defined area of the automated storage unit and to forward the item identifier information via the wireless interface to the control computer, the headset further configured to receive a voice output; and the control computer, in response to input of the item identifier information, operable to generate location information for an item that is reflective of an individual defined area of the storage unit and to forward a voice output, indicative of the location information, to the headset. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification