Method and system for voice enabling an automated storage system

• US 7,316,354 B2
• Filed: 03/11/2004
• Issued: 01/08/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 03/11/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Vocollect, Inc. (Honeywell International Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Vocollect, Inc. (Honeywell International Inc.)
• Inventors: Davis, Michael
• Primary Examiner(s): ST CYR, DANIEL
• Application Number:
  US10/798,466
• Publication Number:
  US 20050200632A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,398 Days
• Field of Search: 235/385, 235/383, 235/462.01, 235/462.13
• US Class Current: 235/462.01
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/08 Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management

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.

Claims

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.

2. The method of claim 1, further including the step of:

receiving bar code information from one of a bar code scanner or an RFID reader relating to an item identifier for an item.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of receiving voice input further includes the step of:

performing speech recognition on the voice input.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the voice input further comprises information related to a quantity of an item.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:

sending the status message to the control computer.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of receiving the status message further includes the step of:

receiving the status message as speech data.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the status message comprises one of a confirmation of the item being placed in the automated storage unit, and a report of an error when placing the item in automated storage unit.

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:

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.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of:

capturing input regarding an item by receiving information from one of a bar code scanner or an RFID reader.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the step capturing voice input further includes the step of:

performing speech recognition on the voice input.

11. The method of claim 8, further comprising the steps of:

receiving a confirmation related to retrieving the item; and

transmitting the confirmation to the controller.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of receiving the confirmation further includes the step of:

receiving the confirmation as a voice input.

13. A voice-controlled automated storage system including an automated storage unit having a plurality of individual defined areas for containing items, comprising:

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.

14. The voice-controlled interface of claim 13, wherein the headset of the input device includes a microphone configured to capture audio input.

15. The voice-controlled interface of claim 13, wherein the input device includes at least one of a bar-code scanner or an RFID reader.

16. The voice-controlled interface of claim 13, wherein the interface is configured to:

transmit the item identifier to the controller; and

in response, receive location information from the controller related to the location for the item.

17. The voice-controlled interface of claim 13, wherein:

the input device is further configured to receive a voice confirmation relating to the item; and

the interface is further configured to transmit an indication of the confirmation to the controller.

18. The voice-controlled interface of claim 17, wherein the indication is based on speech recognition analysis of the voice confirmation.

19. An automated storage system, comprising:

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.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the voice input is indicative of a quantity.

21. The system of claim 19, further comprising:

at least one of a bar code scanner or an RFID reader configured to provide the item identifier.

22. The system of claim 19, wherein:

the control computer is configured to operate the automated storage unit in accordance with the item identifier.

23. The system of claim 19, wherein the control computer is configured to update the database, in response to input of the item identifier.

24. The system of claim 19, wherein the headset is further configured to receive a status message and forward the status message to the control computer.

25. The system of claim 19, wherein the status message is a confirmation of a successful storage unit operation.

26. The system of claim 19, wherein the status message is indicative of an unsuccessful storage unit operation.