Apparatus and method for providing interactive audio communication

• US 4,016,540 A
• Filed: 01/22/1973
• Issued: 04/05/1977
• Est. Priority Date: 12/28/1970
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Gilbert Peter Hyatt
• Original Assignee: Gilbert Peter Hyatt
• Inventors: Hyatt, Gilbert Peter
• Primary Examiner(s): Zache, Raulfe B.
• Application Number:
  US05/325,933
• Time in Patent Office: 1,534 Days
• Field of Search: 340/172.5, 340/149 R, 340/152 R, 340/153, 179/100.2 R, 179/1 SA, 179/1 SM, 444/1
• US Class Current: 704/258
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 16/0373 Voice control in general G10L
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/00 Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices characterised by cooling arrangements F21V29/508
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 15/897 using application of holographic techniques
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 15/8977 using special techniques for image reconstruction, e.g. FFT, geometrical transformations, spatial deconvolution, time deconvolution
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/52026 Extracting wanted echo signals Doppler systems G01S15/50; Doppler short range imaging systems G01S15/8979
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/13318 Circuits comprising a photodetector
• CPC Class Codes: G03F 9/7049 Technique, e.g. interferometric
• CPC Class Codes: G03F 9/7088 Alignment mark detection, e.g. TTR, TTL, off-axis detection, array detector, video detection
• CPC Class Codes: G04G 99/006 Electronic time-pieces using a microcomputer, e.g. for multi-function clocks
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/351 the positional error is used to control continuously the servomotor according to its magnitude
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/408 characterised by data handling or data format, e.g. reading, buffering or conversion of data
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/4083 Adapting programme, configuration
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/4086 Coordinate conversions; Other special calculations
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/409 characterised by using manual data input [MDI] or by using control panel, e.g. controlling functions with the panel; characterised by control panel details or by setting parameters G05B19/408, G05B19/4093 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/4093 characterised by part programming, e.g. entry of geometrical information as taken from a technical drawing, combining this with machining and material information to obtain control information, named part programme, for the NC machine
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/414 Structure of the control system, e.g. common controller or multiprocessor systems, interface to servo, programmable interface controller
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/4142 characterised by the use of a microprocessor G05B19/4141 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/23094 Debounce key
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/33182 Uart, serial datatransmission, modem
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/34023 Risc processor
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/34098 : Slope fitting, fairing contour, curve fitting, transition
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/34471 : Program memory is inhibited, not accessible as long as power fails
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/34472 : Configure alterable memory as read only, to avoid erasing
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/35262 : Macro instruction, canned cycles, subroutines, subprogram
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/35263 : Using variables, parameters in program, macro, parametrized instruction
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/35373 : Data storage, buffer
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/35381 : Convert in real time input peripheral data to processor data, ouput data format
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/35431 : Interactive
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/35436 : Means, manual input, input reference, hand wheel
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/35453 : Voice announcement, oral, speech input
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/35472 : Mode selection
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/35554 : Mirror, other conversions
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/35588 : Pack, compress data efficiently in memory
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/36152 : Panel
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/36227 : Assist operator to calculate unknown points, contours
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/36333 : Selection from standard forms, shapes, partprograms, enter value for variable
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/36366 : Data, read in, distribution
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/36379 : Read in
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/36395 : Load local computer program from host, data transfer ram to rom, BTR
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/36502 : Ram for variable servo data, rom for fixed servo routine
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/36503 : Adapt program to real coordinates, software orientation
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/36506 : Store in Rom and Ram
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/36546 : Memory protection, protected fields
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/41021 : Variable gain
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/42237 : Pwm pulse width modulation, pulse to position modulation ppm
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/45214 : Gear cutting
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/45215 : Thread cutting
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/49221 : Control of scale
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/50047 : Positioning, indexing
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/50048 : Jogging
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/50083 : Power loss, measures again loss of power
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/50151 : Orient, translate, align workpiece to fit position assumed in program
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 13/16 : for access to memory bus G06F13/28 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06J 1/00 : Hybrid computing arrangements digitally-programmed analogue computers G06G7/06
• CPC Class Codes: G07G 1/12 : electronically operated digital data processing aspects G06Q20/00
• CPC Class Codes: G10L 19/00 : Speech or audio signals analysis-synthesis techniques for redundancy reduction, e.g. in vocoders; Coding or decoding of speech or audio signals, using source filter models or psychoacoustic analysis in musical instruments G10H
• CPC Class Codes: G11C 11/565 : using capacitive charge storage elements
• CPC Class Codes: G11C 16/3418 : Disturbance prevention or evaluation; Refreshing of disturbed memory data
• CPC Class Codes: G11C 16/3431 : Circuits or methods to detect disturbed nonvolatile memory cells, e.g. which still read as programmed but with threshold less than the program verify threshold or read as erased but with threshold greater than the erase verify threshold, and to reverse the disturbance via a refreshing programming or erasing step
• CPC Class Codes: G11C 19/287 : Organisation of a multiplicity of shift registers
• CPC Class Codes: G11C 19/36 : using multistable semiconductor elements
• CPC Class Codes: G11C 27/00 : Electric analogue stores, e.g. for storing instantaneous values
• CPC Class Codes: G11C 27/04 : Shift registers
• CPC Class Codes: G11C 7/16 : Storage of analogue signals in digital stores using an arrangement comprising analogue/digital [A/D] converters, digital memories and digital/analogue [D/A] converters
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 90/02 : Total factory control, e.g. smart factories, flexible manufacturing systems [FMS] or integrated manufacturing systems [IMS]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 379/909 : Alternatives

Abstract

A system for operator interaction is provided using a stored program digital data processor and an audio message sub-system to process digital information and to provide audio messages for operator interaction. The system utilizes a digital data processor to execute program routines to process digital information and to communicate with an operator using audio messages. Digital message information is stored in a digital memory. The digital message information is accessed in response to operator generated signals to provide audio messages, in contrast to the prior art visual messages using displays and printers.

Claims

1. A monolithic system for communicating with an operator, said system comprising:

command means for generating at least one output signal, wherein said command means comprises monolithic data processor means for processing digital sound information and read only memory means for storing the sound information; and

sound means for generating a sound message in response to the output signal, wherein said sound means comprises monolithic signal processing means for processing the output signal and transducer means for generating a sound message in response to the processed output signal.

2. The command means as set forth in claim 1 above further comprising a stored program computer for processing the digital sound information in response to a stored program and means for storing the program.

3. The system as set forth in claim 1 above further comprising input means for generating an input signal related to a monitored signal wherein said command means includes means for generating the output signal in response to the input signal.

4. The system as set forth in claim 1 above further comprising:

input means for generating at least one input signal, wherein said command means includes means for generating the output signal in response to the input signal; and

communication means for communicating the output signal from said command means to said sound means, wherein said sound means is located remotely relative to said command means.

5. The system as set forth in claim 1 above further comprising display means for displaying information in response to the output signal.

6. The system as set forth in claim 1 above wherein said command means includes means for processing time information and means for generating the output signal related to a time message in response to the processing of time information.

7. The system as set forth in claim 1 above further comprising manually operable input means for generating at least one input signal, said command means further comprising means for generating the output signal in response to the input signal.

8. The system as set forth in claim 1 above further comprising input means for generating an input signal in response to a sound signal, said command means further comprising means for generating digital sound information related to the sound signal in a form useable by a means for generating sound messages in response to the input signal.

9. A system for communicating with an operator, said system comprising:

command means for generating at least one output signal, said command means comprising

a. memory means for storing digital information, said memory means comprising a first memory portion for storing a plurality of instructions of a stored program and a second memory portion for storing sound information, said memory means further comprising an integrated circuit read only memory; and

b. stored program computer means for processing the sound information to generate the output signal in response to the stored program; and

sound means for generating a sound message in response to the output signal.

10. The system as set forth in claim 9 above further comprising input means for generating an input signal related to a monitored signal, wherein said command means further comprises means for generating the output signal in response to the input signal to provide the sound message related to the monitored signal.

11. The system as set forth in claim 9 above further comprising input means for generating an input signal related to a speech message, wherein said command means further comprises means for generating a digital signal related to the speech message in response to the input signal and means for generating the output signal in response to the digital signal;

said system further comprising communication means for communicating the output signal to said sound means, wherein said sound means is located remotely in relation to said command means.

12. The system as set forth in claim 9 above further comprising display means for displaying information in response to the output signal.

13. The system as set forth in claim 9 above wherein said command means further comprises means for processing time information and means for generating the output signal in response to the processed time information and wherein said sound means generates a time information sound message in response to the time information related output signal.

14. The system as set forth in claim 9 above further comprising keyboard means for generating a keyboard input signal in response to operator action;

said command means further comprising means for generating the output signal in response to the keyboard input signal.

15. The system as set forth in claim 9 above further comprising input means for generating an input signal in response to a sound signal, wherein said command means further comprises means for generating digital representations of the sound information in response to the input signal.

16. A data processing system for operator interaction comprising:

stored program computer means for processing digital sound information in response to a stored program;

said computer means comprising memory means for storing digital information;

said memory means comprising a first memory portion for storing the program having a plurality of instructions and a second memory portion for storing digital sound information; and

said computer means including means for generating at least one output signal in response to the processing; and

audio means for generating a sound message in response to the output signal;

said audio means comprising means for receiving the output signal, signal processing means for processing the output signal, and sound transducer means for generating the sound message in response to the processed output signal, wherein said data processing system is a monolithic system;

wherein said memory means comprises monolithic read only memory means for storing the instructions and for storing the sound information and monolithic alterable memory means for storing intermediate information under program control;

wherein said computer means further comprises monolithic execution means for processing sound information in response to the stored instructions; and

wherein said signal processing means comprises monolithic means for processing at least one signal.

17. The system as set forth in claim 16 above, wherein said data processing system is digital audionic system;

wherein the output signal is a digital output signal related to a desired sound; and

wherein said signal processing means comprises converter means for generating an analog output signal in response to the digital output signal.

18. The system as set forth in claim 16 above, wherein said system is multi-terminal system, said multi-terminal system including means for sharing said computer means with each of said plurality of terminals.

19. The system as set forth in claim 16 above further comprising display means for displaying information in response to the output signal.

20. The system as set forth in claim 16 above wherein said stored program computer means includes means for processing time information and wherein the sound message generated with said audio means is a time related sound message.

21. The system as set forth in claim 16 above further comprising input means for generating an input signal in response to a monitored signal, wherein said computer means further comprises means for generating the output signal in response to the input signal.

22. The system as set forth in claim 16 above further comprising input means for generating an input signal related to a sound message;

said input means including transducer means for generating an input electrical signal in response to a sound signal and converter means for generating a digital input signal in response to the input electrical signal;

wherein said computer means further comprises means for generating digital information related to the sound information in response to the input signal.

23. A multi-terminal system for communicating with a plurality of operators, said multi-terminal system comprising:

data processor means for generating a plurality of output signals in response to a plurality of input signals;

a plurality of terminal means each arranged for communicating with an operator;

input means included in each of said terminal means for generating at least one of said input signals; and

audionic means included in each of said terminal means for generating a speech message in response to at least one of the output signals.

24. The system as set forth in claim 23 above, wherein said data processor means is shared between a plurality of said terminal means;

said data processor means comprising memory means for storing information relates to the speech messages.

25. The system as set forth in claim 23 above wherein said data processor means comprises a stored program computer for generating the output signals under control of a stored program, said computer comprising memory means for storing the program and execution means for generating the output signals in response to the input signals under control of the stored program.

26. The system as set forth in claim 23 above further comprising display means included in each of said terminal means for generating a display in response to at least one of the output signals.

27. A system for generating digital representations of sound messages said system comprising:

input means for generating sound information;

processor means for processing the sound information to generate digital information related to the sound information in a form useable by a means for generating sound messages;

transmitter means for transmitting the digital information to a remote location;

receiver means at the remote location for receiving the digital information; and

sound generation means for generating sound messages in response to the received digital information.

28. A data concentrator system for communicating speech messages in digital form, said system comprising:

operator input means for generating at least one operator input signal, wherein said operator means includes operator actuable means for generating the input signal;

speech input means for generating a speech input signal in response to a speech message;

data processor means for generating at least one output signal in response to at least one of the input signals, wherein said data processor means comprises means for generating the output signal in response to at least one of the input signals;

speech means for generating of speech message in response to the output signal; and

communication means for communicating the output signal to said speech means, wherein said speech is located remote from said data processor means.

29. The system as set forth in claim 28 above wherein said data processor means comprises stored program computer means for processing digital sound information in response to a plurality of stored instructions;

said computer means comprising memory means for storing the intructions and execution means for processing the digital sound information in response to the stored instructions.

30. The system as set forth in claim 28 comprising display means for generating a display message in response to the output signal.

31. The system as set forth in claim 28 above wherein said system is a time message system, wherein said data processor means comprises means for generating the output signal in relation to time information, and wherein the output speech message is related to time.