Humanly Generated Sound Or Speech Responsive (e.g., Human Whistle) Patents (Class 367/198)
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Publication number: 20030231550Abstract: The invention provides a wireless key system for a mobile vehicle that includes a key fob with a controller, a microphone operably coupled to the controller, a memory operably coupled to the controller, and a telematics unit operably coupled to a vehicle communication bus. Verbal commands received through the microphone initiate the controller to send a function message in accordance with instructions stored in the memory to the telematics unit that activates a function through the vehicle communication bus.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2002Publication date: December 18, 2003Applicant: General Motors CorporationInventor: Jane F. Macfarlane
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Publication number: 20030206491Abstract: A welding hood assembly which includes a voice-activated lens shade adjusting device. The welding hood is equipped with an electronically-controlled lens whose shade darkness can be immediately and incrementally adjusted via voice commands spoken into a microphone mounted inside the hood and integrated with a voice-command system. When the welder produces a voice command for a specific degree of shading, the lens will immediately change to the desired level of shade.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2002Publication date: November 6, 2003Inventors: Arcilio S. Pacheco, Sarah E. Pacheco
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Patent number: 6606280Abstract: This disclosure provides a voice-operated remote control intended to replace multiple entertainment system remotes, and it preferably includes two parts, a base unit and a remote (or table-top) unit. During normal operation, the base unit receives each electronic speaker driver signal from a stereo receiver or other sound source and uses speaker-specific transfer functions to generate an “audio mimic signal” which accounts for room acoustics and circuitry distortions. This signal is then subtracted from detected sound and a residual is used to detect spoken commands. In response to spoken commands, learned IR commands are transmitted by the base unit to the remote unit, which then repeats these commands, directing them toward the appropriate entertainment system. Learning of room acoustics and of IR and spoken commands are each performed in discrete modes.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 1999Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development CompanyInventor: Guenter Knittel
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Light communication channel-based voice-activated control system and method for implementing thereof
Publication number: 20030095675Abstract: A voice-activated control system in which a voice command transmitted to an audio signal receiver such as a microphone is digitized by a voice recognition program that produces an address and a function corresponding to the component to which the voice command is directed. The digitized signal is converted by an IR transceiver or an encoder/decoder to an IR signal, which is transmitted via an LCC bus to one or more devices attached to it. The device that has the appropriate address is actuated to perform the function and/or provide feedback to the system. The invention also includes voice-activated systems that rely on a centralized control approach while a third type of system uses a hybrid system that uses both lcc-based and electrical-based input. The present invention is also directed to various methods of activating and controlling one or more components of a system through a voice-activated system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2002Publication date: May 22, 2003Inventors: C. Allen Marlow, Bernard A. Meyer, Lakhi N. Goenka, Harvinder Singh -
Patent number: 6496115Abstract: This invention provides a system for analyzing baby cries capable of diagnosing a cause of cry of a baby based on a cry from the baby. A microphone (1) picks up a cry from a baby as an audio signal. At a certain sampling frequency, an A/D converter (2) samples the audio signal received by the microphone (1) to A/D convert it. An audio analyzer (3) analyzes the audio signal samples by the A/D converter (2) and computes a characteristic quantity based on a frequency spectrum. A cause-of-cry assumption unit (4) assumes a cause of cry based on the characteristic quantity of the audio signal derived at the audio analyzer (3). Finally, an assumed result display (5) displays the assumed result from the cause-of-cry assumption unit (4).Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2001Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: Meiji University Legal PersonInventor: Kaoru Arakawa
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Publication number: 20020071577Abstract: A remote control for controlling an electronic device, comprising a microphone for detecting spoken command data, a processor for executing a speech recognition algorithm using template data to recognize spoken commands detected by said microphone and for controlling said electronic device, a receiver to receive template data from an external storage or network to enable the remote control to recognize spoken commands, a memory to store said selected and received template data.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2001Publication date: June 13, 2002Inventors: Wim Lemay, Joerg Nowack
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Publication number: 20020067839Abstract: With wireless voice activation and recognition car system you're able to control all units and electronic devices in a car on command like the temperature, phone, radio, doors, windows, seat belts, all lights, DVD, screens, speakers, CD audio, CD-ROM, engine, cruise control, speed, and etc. Using the Radio/CD-Telephone System that will be built for this purpose will be able to connect with the 3-lens web cam, a graphical user interface remote screen, an intercom, a 6 CD-changer, a LCD screen with multiple personality, lap top, phone, and a wireless microphone all connected together. Now with the ability of talking through the wireless microphone and listening through the radio speakers for the phone, CD audio, DVD, CD-ROM.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2000Publication date: June 6, 2002Inventor: Timothy K. Heinrich
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Publication number: 20020067245Abstract: A remote keyless entry (RKE) transmitter includes voice activated control capability to allow the transmitter to receive key word inputs to control operation of multiple systems and devices. The use of voice recognition and key word commands allows the RKE transmitter to be operated “hands-free.” In addition, the transmitter can be arranged to control a plurality of different devices on a vehicle, such as door locks, trunk, and horn, as well as other devices such as a garage door opener without requiring a larger housing to accommodate additional dedicated control buttons and circuitry.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2001Publication date: June 6, 2002Inventors: Douglas C. Campbell, Stephan Sydor
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Patent number: 6288641Abstract: An assembly, and an associated method, by which to remotely monitor a surveillance area. Wireless microphones are positioned at selected locations in the surveillance area, and signals generated by the microphones are detectable by a controller. A mobile terminal operable in a cellular, or other radio, communication system forms a communication link with the controller and signals generated by the wireless microphone are routed to the mobile terminal.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Nokia CorporationInventor: Eduardo Casais
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Patent number: 6246322Abstract: An electronic key or other missing object locator device is responsive to the impulse characteristics of received sounds to distinguish expected impulse-like triggering sounds such as humanly produced hand claps from other impulse-like sounds such as speech or music or non-impulse-like sounds. Errors may be counted whenever the received sounds do not correspond to the expected characteristics of the expected impulse-like triggering sounds. Whenever the expected number of triggering sounds having the expected impulse characteristics have been discriminated and detected, an audible alert is sounded, provided that the errors are not too many. The device of the invention is thereby able to distinguish expected hand claps (or other humanly produced sounds) from non-intended music, speech or other impulse-like or non-impulse-like triggering sounds, rendering it operable even in noisy environments. False alarms from mechanical wave energy are prevented.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1999Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Assignee: Headwaters Research & Development, Inc.Inventors: Timon Marc LeDain, Rudy Anthony Vanderbelt, Troy Gene Anderson, Michael Bruce Christopher Irwin
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Patent number: 6240347Abstract: A voice activated control system responsive to spoken voice commands is integrated with an advanced central display/control unit having dedicated and reconfigurable push buttons to control individual vehicle accessories in a complementary fashion as well as in standalone modes. The two controllers share additional input and output resources including reconfigurable steering wheel switches and a heads-up display showing the current configuration of the steering wheel switches. Thus, a driver can control a plurality of adjustable parameters of a plurality of vehicle accessories with a convenient and easy to use interface which makes efficient use of hardware and reduces costs.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1998Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Charles Allen Everhart, Florian Frischmuth, Gary John Rushton
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Patent number: 6175633Abstract: A preferred communications apparatus includes a pair of ear units coupled with a control unit that can be connected to a radio transceiver for delivery of audio signals therebetween. The control unit includes a VOX circuit. Each ear unit includes a transducer operable as an earphone, and one of the ear units is operable as a microphone. Additionally, each ear unit includes an ear piece configured for attenuating ambient sound and signal sufficiently to meet safety standards and sufficiently to prevent attenuated ambient sound from triggering the VOX circuit.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 1997Date of Patent: January 16, 2001Assignee: Cavcom, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey C. Morrill, Gerald J. Jonas
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Patent number: 6161005Abstract: A remote door locking/unlocking system includes both telephone receiver/DTMF decoder circuitry and a wireless radio frequency or infrared sensor for enabling the system to be actuated either by a portable short range transmitter or by any telephone. The telephone circuitry or handset may be removably installed in the door so that it can be used with a variety of different cellular or satellite communications systems. An alternative to DTMF and/or radio frequency or infrared activation, speech recognition could be used to interpret voice commands transmitted over the network or picked up by a microphone.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1998Date of Patent: December 12, 2000Inventor: Brian W. Pinzon
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Patent number: 6072392Abstract: A remote recording unit, which is worn by a child, monitors the ambient sounds in a day care center (for example) and records selected sound bytes that are played back on a docking unit. The time duration between sound bytes is periodic and re-programmable. The remote recording unit is "childproof" and tamper-evident to generate an internal "flag" which will be displayed on the docking unit, indicating that the remote recording unit was removed by an unauthorized person. The device is equally applicable to a patient, older person or pet left in the care of a third person or persons or placed in a facility or institution.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1998Date of Patent: June 6, 2000Assignees: Jose Armando Coronado, Jorge Ivan Negron, Leonard BloomInventors: Herbert Jefferson Henderson, Jose Armando Coronado, Jorge Ivan Negron
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Patent number: 6054926Abstract: A baby monitor that monitors an infant while keeping the infant in a safe sleeping position that consists of infant positioning blocks incorporating a battery powered audio pickup with a low power FM transmitter. Infant positioning blocks are popularly known as baby wedges.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1999Date of Patent: April 25, 2000Assignee: James DeleoInventor: James H. Deleo
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Patent number: 5926090Abstract: A lost article detector unit includes a microprocessor programmed to execute adaptive actuation signal recognition that discerns desired activation sounds from noise. Preferably the desired activation sounds include a sequence of four adjacent spaced-apart hand claps made by the same user. A transducer provides amplified sound signals to the microprocessor, which then analyzes and stores pattern information associated with the first clap-pair. Signals from a second clap-pair are then analyzed and compared with stored pattern information from the first clap-pair, using the algorithm. The adaptive use of such pattern information permits imposing timing tolerances that are sufficiently tight to reduce false triggering, without requiring the user to memorize a rigid sequence pattern of clapping. Upon microprocessor-recognition of desired activation sounds, the microprocessor causes the transducer to provide a locating signal that may be visual and/or audible.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1997Date of Patent: July 20, 1999Assignee: Sharper Image CorporationInventors: Charles Edwin Taylor, Shek Fai Lau
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Patent number: 5801616Abstract: An improved vehicle security system is disclosed in which different modes of arming and disarming the system are utilized. The system uses an arming feature to disable operation of the vehicle which is initiated by the vehicle ignition switch being turned off following which one or more doors of the vehicle are opened. The system also uses a voice actuated alarm deactivation procedure in which operation of the vehicle is enabled following voice identification of a spoken password as belonging to an authorized individual. The vehicle security system uses a positive interlock in which both the vehicle's starting system and its ignition system are disabled when the system is armed.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 1996Date of Patent: September 1, 1998Assignee: George SeelmanInventors: John Ghazarian, George Seelman
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Patent number: 5677675Abstract: A lost article detector unit includes a microprocessor programmed to execute adaptive actuation signal recognition that discerns desired activation sounds from noise. Preferably the desired activation sounds include a sequence of four adjacent spaced-apart hand claps made by the same user. A transducer provides amplified sound signals to the microprocessor, which then analyzes and stores pattern information associated with the first clap-pair. Signals from a second clap-pair are then analyzed and compared with stored pattern information from the first clap-pair, using the algorithm. The adaptive use of such pattern information permits imposing timing tolerances that are sufficiently tight to reduce false triggering, without requiring the user to memorize a rigid sequence pattern of clapping. Upon microprocessor-recognition of desired activation sounds, the microprocessor causes the transducer to audibly beep an activation sound.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1996Date of Patent: October 14, 1997Assignee: The Sharper ImageInventors: Charles Edwin Taylor, Shek Fai Lau
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Patent number: 5668780Abstract: A baby cry recognizer is disclosed which includes an amplifier circuit for amplifying a received sound signal. In response to the amplified sound signal, a pulse generator circuit generates a pulse signal having zero crossings which are aligned with zero crossings of the amplified sound signal. The pulse signal, in turn, is inputted to a signal recognition circuit. The signal recognition circuit is capable of obtaining the zero crossing rate of the pulse signal during each of a preselected number of frames in a predetermined length time interval. The signal recognition circuit then determines if the zero crossing rate of the pulse signal, in more than a first threshold number of this preselected number of frames, is within a particular frequency range. The signal recognition circuit also determines if the zero crossing rate of the pulse signal over the entire time interval is greater than or equal to a second low threshold but less than or equal to a third high threshold.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1992Date of Patent: September 16, 1997Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventor: Chau-Kai Hsieh
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Patent number: 5668929Abstract: Speech actuated security devices and methods whereby a lock, or other security or access device, may be actuated by a speech input thereto, but without disclosure of the actual code where doing so to those hearing the code words spoken during use of the security device. The security device includes a microphone, a display for displaying a plurality of code elements, and a processor for controlling the display and analyzing the microphone signal to detect a proper sequence of code elements spoken by a user as detected by the microphone and to operate the security device in response thereto. The code elements are displayed on the display under processor control in various patterns.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1996Date of Patent: September 16, 1997Assignee: Hirsch Electronics CorporationInventor: Richard W. Foster, Jr.
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Patent number: 5636464Abstract: A mechanism is for use with a weapon for storing desired information about the weapon and the person licensed to use the weapon on the weapon. The weapon includes an audio controlled blocking mechanism for inhibiting or enabling the weapon's firing mechanism in response to an audio frequency signal spoken by the weapon's user and received by a receiver installed on the weapon. The weapon has installed an audio recognition unit having an input from the receiver, and a processor which determines if a received signal matches predetermined, stored audio signals in order to both enable and inhibit. A memory stores information about the weapon and the authorized user. Information identifying at least the serial number of the weapon and the identity of the user is stored in the memory. An information encoder is available at the point of purchase of the weapon or another chosen location to load the information in the memory. The weapon is inhibited from use until the information is stored.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 1996Date of Patent: June 10, 1997Inventor: Gary Ciluffo
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Patent number: 5592153Abstract: A communication and control device for attachment to the head end of a hospital bed for positioning a voice activated communication and control module adjacent a patient's head. The device comprises an arm having first, second and third arm segments, with first and second articulating joints connecting the first and second and second and third arm segments respectively. A securing mechanism releasably secures the first arm segment to the bed, and a third articulating joint connects the first arm segment to the securing mechanism. The first articulating joint accommodates electrical transmission wire substantially within the joint.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1995Date of Patent: January 7, 1997Assignee: Hill-Rom Company, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey R. Welling, Michael E. Poehner
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Patent number: 5555454Abstract: A remote alert system includes an electrical signal transmitting unit located at a first location and a receiving unit located at a second location remote from the first location. The signal transmitting unit includes an electrical circuit either disposed in a module which fits between a light socket and a light bulb of a security light unit or integrated directly in the circuitry of the security light unit. The electrical circuit electrically interconnects the light socket with the light bulb so as to cause illumination of the light bulb in response to activation of the security light unit from an "off" to "on" condition. The electrical circuit also produces and broadcasts an electrical signal in response to such activation of the security light unit. The signal receiving unit includes a housing mountable at the second location and an electrical circuit disposed in the housing.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1994Date of Patent: September 10, 1996Inventor: Kent L. Dees
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Patent number: 5546690Abstract: A firearm (W) is for discharging a projectile such as bullet (B) through a barrel (L). The firearm includes a firing mechanism (F) for firing the bullet through the barrel. The firing mechanism includes a trigger (T) which is operable by the person using the firearm to fire the weapon. A firing pin (P) is operatively connected to the trigger for contacting a cartridge (C) and effecting discharge of the bullet. A safety mechanism (10) is provided to inhibit operation of the firing mechanism. The safety mechanism includes a blocking element (28) movable into and out of contact with the firing mechanism. The blocking element has a first position inhibiting the firing mechanism from discharging the projectile, and a second position at which the firing mechanism is enabled to discharge the projectile. An audio receiver (14) is mounted on the firearm for receiving audio frequency signals such as a word or words spoken by the person using the firearm.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 1995Date of Patent: August 20, 1996Inventor: Gary Ciluffo
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Patent number: 5488273Abstract: A ceiling fan and light assembly control method and circuit that uses a single-throw switch or clapping of hands to control the fan speed or light intensity of a ceiling fan and light assembly. The control circuit obtains a 60 Hz square wave with a cycle of 16.67 ms from alternating current city power supply so that when the single-throw switch is switched off and then switched on immediately, a triggering signal is produced to drive a microprocessor, causing it to regulate the fan speed or light intensity of the ceiling fan and light assembly. Alternatively, when two or three continuous claps are received by a microphone, the microprocessor will be triggered to regulate the fan speed or light intensity of the ceiling fan and light assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1994Date of Patent: January 30, 1996Inventor: Chin-Hsiung Chang
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Patent number: 5170944Abstract: A faucet apparatus includes an ultrasonic transmitter and an ultrasonic receiver provided at a predetermined distance away from each other through a water flow passage. An ultrasonic wave transmitted from the transmitter is propagated through the flow passage as a control signal for operation control of the faucet apparatus and is received with the receiver.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1991Date of Patent: December 15, 1992Assignee: Inax CorporationInventor: Kenji Shirai
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Patent number: 5090775Abstract: The noise spectrum in a mining chamber is captured by at least one microphone and is digitized and filtered to separate an operation-typical pattern from an operation atypical pattern. The operation atypical pattern is compared with reference patterns to establish the malfunction or vocal command or emergency and the apparatus is automatically operated in response thereto.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 1990Date of Patent: February 25, 1992Assignee: Bochumer Eisenhutte Heintzmann GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Karl-Heinz Berger
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Patent number: 5061186Abstract: In an apparatus for voice training, on several points of a student's body measuring devices are provided, which are connected to optical display devices. At each of these measuring devices, a pressure sensor amplifier is connected with an analog multiplexer, and a sound-pressure measuring device is directly connected to the respective display device.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 1989Date of Patent: October 29, 1991Inventors: Peter Jost, Erwin Klosch
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Patent number: 4989253Abstract: A microscope has a voice activated control system which permits precise location of the microscope and precise focusing by means of voice commands uttered by the microscope operator. When the microscope is in a movement mode, the movement is terminated by any sound exceeding a pre-established acoustic threshold level. Any microscope location can be identified and appropriate data is stored in a memory drive to permit the microscope to return to an identified location with a single voice command. The microscope is combined with a screen monitor and/or an acoustic speaker to provide visible and/or acoustic responses from the control system. The system is practical for retrofitting existing remotely controllable microscopes.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1988Date of Patent: January 29, 1991Assignee: The Montefiore Hospital Association of Western PennsylvaniaInventors: Marc D. Liang, Krishna Narayanan, John L. Kurtz
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Patent number: 4975964Abstract: An automatic turn-off assembly (10) for supplying and discontinuing power to a device (12) in response to an audio signal. The audio signal is rectified (22) producing a level signal which is compared by a window comparator (26). When the level signal is within the window, a trigger signal is produced to initiate and reset a timer (30), which in turn produces a control signal for a predetermined time while being powered. If the level signal is below the window, the timer (30) is not reset. If the signal is above the window, a muting circuit (44) is initiated to mute the device (12), which is preferably an audio amplifier. The assembly (10) includes a manual push-button switch (18) for initially supplying power to the device (12) and to the timer (30). A relay (RL1) maintains the supply of power in the presence of the control signal and disconnects power from the device (12) and timer (30) after the predetermined time.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 1989Date of Patent: December 4, 1990Inventor: Peter A. Hochstein
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Patent number: 4965835Abstract: A signal sensing circuit (10) receives an electrical signal on an input (18, 20) to connect power to a controlled device in the presence of an electrical signal and disconnect power in the absense of the electrical signal. The electrical signal is capacitively coupled (28) to an amplifier (30) and low pass filter (32) for amplifying the signal and filtering out high frequency components of the signal thereby eliminating the false triggering by transient noise on the inputs. The signal is rectified (34) and compared (38) to a predetermined set point. When the signal exceeds the set point, a timer (44) is triggered. The timer (44) produces a control signal when triggered for a predetermined time, and can be retriggered by subsequent control signals which resets the predetermined time. The presence of the control signal actuates a switch (48) to supply power to the control device, such as an amplifier.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1989Date of Patent: October 23, 1990Inventor: Peter A. Hochstein
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Patent number: 4961177Abstract: An apparatus and method for inputting a voice through a microphone mounted at a position facing a speaking person. An image of a speaking person is generated and used to detect the position of a mouth of the speaker. The microphone is then moved in accordance with position of the mouth.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 1989Date of Patent: October 2, 1990Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Kensuke Uehara
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Patent number: 4949379Abstract: A secure voice transmission system is disclosed in which enemy interception problems are overcome by analyzing the speech characteristics of a password from a known operator. Some of the voice characteristics remain in the central computer, while others are stored in the message entry device. If a captured operator is forced to enter the password, the characteristics under such extreme stress will not match those stored within the devices and the capture of the operator will be assumed. Before the start of the mission, the portable device receives a preliminary public key; the first remote message of the mission can thus be sent in the clear, with no chance of the enemy using the information or the device, should the operator be prematurely captured. After the operator has been recognized as being a noncaptive, his device requests permission from the command center to create a crypto keyset; the device keeps the private key and transmits the public key to the command center.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1989Date of Patent: August 14, 1990Inventor: Steve Cordell
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Patent number: 4856072Abstract: A voice actuated vehicle security system includes both internal and external microphones for receiving vocal instructions and internal and external speakers for delivering vocal messages. During a training period, a plurality of voice recognition templates are stored in memory representing one or more authorized vehicle operators. A voice recognition and synthesis unit interfaces the microphones and the speakers with a microcomputer and the memory. Various vehicle condition sensors and controls are connected to the microcomputer to permit the system to respond to changes in vehicle conditons by delivering the associated vocal messages and to respond to vocal instructions to control vehicle elements such as door locks, lights, etc.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1986Date of Patent: August 8, 1989Assignee: Dana CorporationInventors: Jack H. Schneider, Larry O. Gray
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Patent number: 4742456Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of the invention provides a microprocessor for deenergizing the air and water pumps for a whirlpool bath when a voice communication system is activated from the bath to reduce background noise. A stereophonic sound system also can be incorporated into the bath tub control circuit in the same manner. A carrier current control also responds to the microprocessor by sending control signals through the household electrical wiring circuit to regulate, from the bath tub, other functions, of which heat lamp, room illumination and door unlocking are typical.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1983Date of Patent: May 3, 1988Assignee: American Standard Inc.Inventor: David H. Kamena
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Patent number: 4717364Abstract: A voice actuated toy robot receives commands via a radio transmitter and receiver, and in response to receipt of these commands propogates a signal through a CPU. Initially the toy is programmed by storing records of commands in a memory which is associated with the CPU. Upon further receipt of identical commands, the CPU scans the memory and upon finding a match between a record in the memory and a new command, the CPU activates a switch associated with the record in the memory so as to set the switch. A mechanical interogator is capable of cycicly interogating a plurality of switches each of which corresponds to one of the records in the memory. Upon interogation of the switches, if it is determined a signal is present at one of the switches, the interogator ceases interogation and a mechanism is set so as to propogate motion from a motor to an appendage driving wheel or the like of the robot to produce an output in response to the audio command which was received.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 1984Date of Patent: January 5, 1988Assignee: Tomy Kogyo Inc.Inventor: Masami Furukawa
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Patent number: 4705994Abstract: A microphone senses a sound generated by the user clapping his hands and converts the sound into an electric signal which is applied to a flip-flop circuit to set the latter. The output of the flip-flop circuit is supplied through a time constant circuit to a drive and control circuit for operating a sound generating device having a reproducing stylus and a recorded disk. A reset signal producing circuit is provided to produce a reset signal for the flip-flop circuit when a second sound is sensed by the microphone within a predetermined time period set by the time constant circuit, thereby stopping the operation of the sound generating device.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 1986Date of Patent: November 10, 1987Assignee: Ozen CorporationInventor: Eishi Koike
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Patent number: 4670864Abstract: An alarm device especially suitable for alarm clocks or timers is described, whose alarm signal can either be interrupted for a certain period of time or shut off by an acoustic signal, for example that formed by the human voice. As a result of its low power consumption, the alarm device according to the invention can also be used in battery-powered devices; when installed in an alarm clock or timer, inexpensive mass production is also made possible by using already existing integrated circuits. The alarm device according to the invention is functional even when the acoustic signal produced by the user is only of very short duration or when the alarm signal is delivered as a continuous tone. Advantageously, the alarm device can also be so designed that it delivers an alarm signal at least for a short time when someone is speaking when the alarm signal is triggered and other noises with frequencies outside the frequency range of fundamental tone of the human voice interrupt or shut off the alarm signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 1985Date of Patent: June 2, 1987Assignee: Braun AktiengesellschaftInventor: Harald Hoffmann
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Patent number: 4651777Abstract: A water supply system control (10) includes a microphonic circuit (34) which responds to audio signals and converts those signals into electrical signals which may be timed as chosen in order to control a solenoid-driven water valve assembly (14).Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 1983Date of Patent: March 24, 1987Inventor: Raymond H. Hardman
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Patent number: 4641292Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for permitting human voice control of a welding system. A human operator, remote from a welding power supply, uses a welding torch connected by a power line to the welding power supply. The human operator is provided with an audio transmitter which permits the operator to adjust the welding power supply through verbal commands. The verbal commands are issued by the human operator, and are transmitted through a receiver, a voice recognition unit, and a computer, which is electrically connected to deliver power control signals to the welding power supply to thereby adjust the power delivered to the welding torch. The operator may also issue verbal commands to start and stop an internal combustion engine which drives the welding power supply, when such an engine is used. Additionally, when the welding process incorporates a consumable wire electrode, the operator may verbally alter the speed at which the wire electrode is fed through the welding torch.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1985Date of Patent: February 3, 1987Inventors: George Tunnell, Charles L. Pomernacki, Jack P. Gregg
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Patent number: 4617555Abstract: A receiver to detect the audio tone emitted by an activated smoke alarm. The receiver employs an electret condenser microphone to monitor ambient sound. The output of the microphone is applied to an active band-pass filter and then to a PLL tone decoder. The PLL is tunable to provide maximum sensitivity to the frequency of the tone. The microphone is the gain controllable element in an AGC system that acts to keep received signals at a constant level. This insures that all devices operate linearly.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 1985Date of Patent: October 14, 1986Assignee: Data Distribution Devices, Inc.Inventor: Arthur E. Sheiman
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Patent number: 4569026Abstract: A video entertainment system by which human viewers conduct simulated voice conversations with screen actors or cartoon characters in a branching story game shown on a television screen. The actors and cartoon characters reply responsively with lip-sync sound to words spoken by viewers. Different audio and video frames are generated from a videodisc and data memory to provide one of several alternative replies or alternative actions at each branch point in the game, depending on what the viewer says to a speech-recognition unit. A simple speech-recognition unit can be used because the number of words to be recognized at each branch point is restricted to just a few words. A menu of prompting words is displayed on a hand-held unit to inform viewers of what words they can use at each branch point. The prompting words are programmed to be phonetically distinct to be easily distinguishable from each other.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1984Date of Patent: February 4, 1986Inventor: Robert M. Best
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Patent number: 4558319Abstract: In automatic assembly or processing operations employing multiple machines or robots, a signal preprocessor employing frequency and amplitude modulation techniques translates a plurality of monitored condition signals associated with each machine or robot into a composite audio signal.The time-varying composite audio signal represents a unique audio signature of the status of the assembly or process operation at any given time. This composite audio signal is available for analysis by an operator or an audio recognition system to detect variations in the composite audio signal which identify impending operational irregularities in the process being performed.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1982Date of Patent: December 10, 1985Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.Inventor: Lanson Y. Shum
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Patent number: 4540984Abstract: An energy saving light switch is disclosed. The light switch includes a human actuable switch and a control circuit responsive thereto. The control circuit operates a light in a first timed mode in which the light is turned on for a predetermined period of time responsive to an initial actuation of the switch and operates the light in a second untimed mode in which the light is turned on for an indefinite period of time responsive to the actuation of the switch during a predetermined time window forming part of the predetermined time period.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1982Date of Patent: September 10, 1985Inventor: Herbert H. Waldman
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Patent number: 4520576Abstract: A speaker independent conversational voice command control system is provided which is useful in connection with home appliances which operate within a range of selectable parameters, such as an automatic clothes dryer. The control system recognizes voice commands and emits synthesized speech sounds, in an interaction with a user, to obtain the input necessary for setting the operating parameters.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 1983Date of Patent: June 4, 1985Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventor: Donald R. Vander Molen
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Patent number: 4507653Abstract: A miniature, battery-operated electronic unit adapted to be attached to a common article such as keys or eyeglasses. The unit is responsive to a plurality of sounds for emitting audible tones to enable a misplaced article to be located. A sound detecting and indicating circuit provides the audible tones upon receipt of a sequence of sounds falling within predetermined frequency, time spacing and amplitude ranges. The correct sequence of sounds is generated by the user by clapping, whistling or making any other loud sounds, and no additional transmitting device is required. Improper sequences of sounds are prevented from producing false activation of the unit. Extremely low power consumption, resulting in part from CMOS technology, allows the unit to remain on continuously for a period of six to nine months using standard camera (button cell) batteries. Special battery-saver circuitry prolongs battery life.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 1984Date of Patent: March 26, 1985Inventor: Edward B. Bayer
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Patent number: 4506378Abstract: To avoid pinched fingers, a verbal "Stop Window" command causes a stop and momentary reversal of window motion. A spoken-instruction controlled system for an automotive vehicle which can stop a moving device such as a door window closing device after having driven it reversely for a fixed period when a spoken instruction is inputted thereto through a microphone. In the system according to the present invention, even if there exists a time delay from when the driver utters the spoken instruction to when the device stops perfectly, it is possible to stop the device at or before a position at which the driver utters the spoken instruction. The system according to the present invention comprises at least one motor reversing controller and a timer unit, in addition to the conventional spoken-instruction controller including at least one switch, at least one motor stop controller and a speech recognizer.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 1982Date of Patent: March 19, 1985Assignee: Nissan Motor Company, LimitedInventors: Kazunori Noso, Norimasa Kishi, Toru Futami, Hiroyuki Nomura, Yasuhiro Shiraishi
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Patent number: 4503528Abstract: A demand for a change in the operating condition of at least one of a plurality of vehicle mounted devices is issued by means of a single push button switch attached to the center of the steering wheel. When the vehicle occupant intends to manipulate a device such as a radio, stereo unit or an air conditioner, he depresses the switch to supply a microcomputer with a demand signal. The microcomputer produces an instruction signal with which a sound synthesizer produces sequential vocal announcements which are emitted via a speaker. The occupant depresses the switch again within a predetermined period of time after the emission of a vocal announcement naming a device intended to control so that the sound synthesizer now provides various manipulative information relating to the available manipulations of the selected device. The driver depresses the switch to issue responsive instructions in response to an announcement of desired manipulation.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1982Date of Patent: March 5, 1985Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tadao Nojiri, Kenji Kanamaru, Masahiro Matsuyama, Takayoshi Nishikawa, Yoji Ito
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Patent number: 4472617Abstract: A heating apparatus, such as an electric oven or a microwave oven, comprises an enclosure case having therein a heating chamber to place a heating object therein, the enclosure case having a door at an opening of the chamber, and the door having a locking means, to lock the door when closed, and has a door lock releasing means, such as a lever and a solenoid planger, to release and open the door from the locking state of the locking means,a voice recognition circuit for recognizing voice commands of a user of the apparatus and produces at least a control signal, which drives the releasing means to open the door.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1982Date of Patent: September 18, 1984Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shigeki Ueda, Teruhisa Takano, Ryuji Suzuki
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Patent number: H891Abstract: An automatic switching circuit controls operation of a light. The circuit includes a voice recognizer and a manual switch. The switching circuit turns the illuminator on instantly in response to an "ON" command input via the manual switch or via the voice recognizer. The switching circuit turns the illuminator off a predetermined period of time after detecting an "OFF" command input via said manual switch or via the voice recognizer.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1989Date of Patent: February 5, 1991Inventor: Kazuo Hashimoto