Systems and methods for using role-based voice communication channels in quick-service restaurants

Systems and methods for managing voice communication channels used by a crew of employees in a quick-service restaurant are disclosed. Exemplary implementations may: electronically store information, wherein the information represents associations of individual voice communication channels with one or more communication groups, wherein individual ones of the one or more communication groups are specific to one or more roles of employees in the quick-service restaurant; receive device-specific packets from end-user communication devices associated with crew members, wherein the packets include packetized uplink information based on audio information captured by the communication devices, wherein individual packets are targeted to individual communication groups; generate and transmit downlink packets that include packetized downlink information that is organized in a set of broadcast channels for audio information that was targeted to specific communication groups.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for managing voice communication channels for groups of people interacting and/or otherwise working together, such as a crew of employees in a quick-service restaurant.

BACKGROUND

Communication systems using a central communication device and an end-user communication device are known. Intercom communication is known.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a communication system configured for managing voice communication channels, e.g., as used by a crew of employees in a quick-service restaurant having a first drive-through lane and, in some cases, a second drive-through lane. The drive-throughs may include one or both of a menu board and a speaker post. The communication system may include electronic storage and one or more hardware processors. The electronic storage may electronically store information. The information represents associations of individual voice communication channels with one or more communication groups. Individual ones of the one or more communication groups may be specific to one or more (types of) roles performed by employees in the quick-service restaurant. The associations include a first, second, third, and so forth association. The first association is between a first voice communication channel and a first communication group. The first communication group may be specific to (a first type of) roles in the quick-service restaurant that are related to the first drive-through lane. The second association is between a second voice communication channel and a second communication group. The second communication group may be specific to (a second type of) roles in the quick-service restaurant, and in some cases may be related to the second drive-through lane. The third association is between a third voice communication channel and the first and second communication groups. The fourth association is between a fourth voice communication channel and the first communication group and a third communication group. The third communication group is specific to (a third type of) roles in the quick-service restaurant that may be related to food production. The fifth association is between a fifth voice communication channel and the second and third communication groups. The sixth association is between a sixth voice communication channel and the first, second, and third communication groups. The seventh association is between a seventh voice communication channel and the third communication group. The one or more hardware processors are configured by machine-readable instructions to receive a first device-specific packet from a first communication device associated with a first crew member. The first device-specific packet is received during a first uplink time period and includes packetized uplink information based on audio information captured by the first communication device. The first uplink time period occurs within a first time frame. The first device-specific packet may be targeted to the first communication group. The one or more hardware processors are configured by machine-readable instructions to receive a second device-specific packet from a second communication device associated with a second crew member. The second device-specific packet is received during a second uplink time period and includes packetized uplink information based on audio information captured by the second communication device. The second uplink time period occurs within a second time frame. The second device-specific packet may be targeted to the second communication group. The one or more hardware processors are configured by machine-readable instructions to receive a third device-specific packet from a third communication device associated with a third crew member. The third device-specific packet is received during a third uplink time period and includes packetized uplink information based on audio information captured by the third communication device. The third uplink time period occurs within a third time frame. The third device-specific packet may be targeted to the third communication group. The one or more hardware processors are configured by machine-readable instructions to generate a first downlink packet that includes packetized downlink information that is organized in a set of broadcast channels. The set of broadcast channels includes a first broadcast channel, a second broadcast channel, a third broadcast channel, a fourth broadcast channel, a fifth broadcast channel, a sixth broadcast channel, a seventh broadcast channel, and/or other broadcast channels. The first broadcast channel is used for audio information received in device-specific packets that were targeted to the first communication group. The second broadcast channel is used for audio information received in device-specific packets that were targeted to the second communication group. The third broadcast channel is used for audio information received in device-specific packets that were targeted to one of the first and second communication groups. The fourth broadcast channel is used for audio information received in device-specific packets that were targeted to one of the first and third communication groups. The fifth broadcast channel is used for audio information received in device-specific packets that were targeted to one of the second and third communication groups. The sixth broadcast channel is used for audio information received in device-specific packets that were targeted to one of the first, second, and third communication groups. The seventh broadcast channel is used for audio information received in device-specific packets that were targeted to the third communication group. The one or more hardware processors are configured by machine-readable instructions to transmit the first downlink packet to a set of end-user communication devices, including the first, second, and third communication devices.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a communication system configured for managing voice communication channels, e.g., as used by a crew of employees in a quick-service restaurant having a first drive-through lane and, in some cases, a second drive-through lane. The communication system may include electronic storage and one or more hardware processors. The electronic storage may electronically store information. The information represents associations of individual voice communication channels with one or more communication groups selected from a set of communication groups. Individual ones of the one or more communication groups may be specific to one or more (types of) roles of people interacting within a group of people. Individual associations are between an individual voice communication channel and a given subset of the set of communication groups. The one or more hardware processors are configured by machine-readable instructions to receive device-specific packets from communication devices associated with people. The device-specific packets include packetized uplink information based on audio information captured by the communication devices. Individual device-specific packets are targeted to a given communication group. The one or more hardware processors are configured by machine-readable instructions to generate downlink packets that includes packetized downlink information organized in a set of broadcast channels. Individual broadcast channels are used for audio information received in device-specific packets that were targeted to particular voice communication channels, in accordance with a particular selection from the communication groups. The one or more hardware processors are configured by machine-readable instructions to transmit the downlink packets to a set of end-user communication devices.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for managing voice communication channels used by a crew of employees in a quick-service restaurant having a first drive-through lane and, in some cases, a second drive-through lane. The method may include electronically storing information. The information represents associations of individual voice communication channels with one or more communication groups. Individual ones of the one or more communication groups may be specific to one or more (types of) roles of employees in the quick-service restaurant. The associations include a first association between a first voice communication channel and a first communication group. The first communication group may be specific to (a first type of) roles in the quick-service restaurant that are related to the first drive-through lane. The associations include a second association between a second voice communication channel and a second communication group. The second communication group may be specific to (a second type of) roles in the quick-service restaurant, and in some cases may be related to a second drive-through lane. The associations include a third association between a third voice communication channel and the first and second communication groups. The associations include a fourth association between a fourth voice communication channel and the first communication group and a third communication group. The third communication group may be specific to (a third type of) roles in the quick-service restaurant that may be related to food production. The associations include a fifth association between a fifth voice communication channel and the second and third communication groups. The associations include a sixth association between a sixth voice communication channel and the first, second, and third communication groups. The associations include a seventh association between a seventh voice communication channel and the third communication group. The method may include receiving a first device-specific packet from a first communication device associated with a first crew member. The first device-specific packet is received during a first uplink time period and includes packetized uplink information based on audio information captured by the first communication device. The first uplink time period occurs within a first time frame. The first device-specific packet may be targeted to the first communication group. The method may include receiving a second device-specific packet from a second communication device associated with a second crew member. The second device-specific packet is received during a second uplink time period and includes packetized uplink information based on audio information captured by the second communication device. The second uplink time period occurs within a second time frame. The second device-specific packet may be targeted to the second communication group. The method may include receiving a third device-specific packet from a third communication device associated with a third crew member. The third device-specific packet is received during a third uplink time period and includes packetized uplink information based on audio information captured by the third communication device. The third uplink time period occurs within a third time frame. The third device-specific packet may be targeted to the third communication group. The method may include generating a first downlink packet that includes packetized downlink information that is organized in a set of broadcast channels. The set of broadcast channels includes a first broadcast channel, a second broadcast channel, a third broadcast channel, a fourth broadcast channel, a fifth broadcast channel, a sixth broadcast channel, a seventh broadcast channel, and/or other broadcast channels. The first broadcast channel is used for audio information received in device-specific packets that were targeted to the first communication group. The second broadcast channel is used for audio information received in device-specific packets that were targeted to the second communication group. The third broadcast channel is used for audio information received in device-specific packets that were targeted to one of the first and second communication groups. The fourth broadcast channel is used for audio information received in device-specific packets that were targeted to one of the first and third communication groups. The fifth broadcast channel is used for audio information received in device-specific packets that were targeted to one of the second and third communication groups. The sixth broadcast channel is used for audio information received in device-specific packets that were targeted to one of the first, second, and third communication groups. The seventh broadcast channel is used for audio information received in device-specific packets that were targeted to the third communication group. The method may include transmitting the first downlink packet to a set of end-user communication devices, including the first, second, and third communication devices.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for managing voice communication channels for a group of people. The method may include electronically storing information. The information represents associations of individual voice communication channels with one or more communication groups selected from a set of communication groups. Individual ones of the one or more communication groups may be specific to one or more (types of) roles of people interacting within the group of people. Individual associations are between an individual voice communication channel and a given subset of the set of communication groups. The method may include receiving device-specific packets from communication devices associated with people. The device-specific packets include packetized uplink information based on audio information captured by the communication devices. Individual device-specific packets are targeted to a given communication group. The method may include generating downlink packets that include packetized downlink information organized in a set of broadcast channels. Individual broadcast channels are used for audio information received in device-specific packets that were targeted to a particular communication group in accordance with a particular selection from the communication groups. The method may include transmitting the downlink packets to a set of end-user communication devices.

As used herein, any association (or relation, or reflection, or indication, or correspondency) involving communication systems, information processing units, processors, communication devices, communication devices, communication protocols, sub-systems, base stations, microphones, headsets, analog-to-digital converters, digital-to-analog converters, transceivers, encoders, decoders, channels, communication groups, time periods, time frames, packets, information signals, sounds, wires, formats, standards, connections, instructions, messages, user interfaces, and/or another entity or object that interacts with any part of the system and/or plays a part in the operation of the system, may be a one-to-one association, a one-to-many association, a many-to-one association, and/or a many-to-many association or N-to-M association (note that N and M may be different numbers greater than 1).

As used herein, the term “obtain” (and derivatives thereof) may include active and/or passive retrieval, determination, derivation, transfer, upload, download, submission, and/or exchange of information, and/or any combination thereof. As used herein, the term “effectuate” (and derivatives thereof) may include active and/or passive causation of any effect, both local and remote. As used herein, the term “determine” (and derivatives thereof) may include measure, calculate, compute, estimate, approximate, generate, and/or otherwise derive, and/or any combination thereof. As used herein, the terms “connect” and “couple” (and derivatives thereof) may be used interchangeably to indicate a link between multiple components that may or may not include intermediary components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1illustrates a system100configured for managing voice communication channels used, e.g., by a crew of employees in a quick-service restaurant having one or more drive-through lanes. System100may be referred to as an intercom communication system, or as a communication system. In some implementations, system100may include one or more central communication devices101, one or more information processing units102, one or more processors124, electronic storage122, one or more base stations103, one or more external resources120, one or more user interfaces140, one or more end-user communication devices104and/or other components.

The users of system100may include employees, staff members or crew members, managers and/or other stakeholders, and/or other groups of people interacting and/or otherwise working together. The users of system100may be divided into a set of communication groups. In some implementations, individual communication groups may be specific to one or more (types of) roles of employees in a quick-service restaurant. For example, a given communication group may be specific to a given role or type of role of people interacting and/or otherwise working together. In some implementations, individual communication groups may be specific to one or more locations in a work area and/or other localized area. In some implementations, individual communication groups may be specific to one or more responsibilities in a work area and/or other localized area. For example, the communication groups for a quick-service restaurant may include four communication groups: a first communication group may be specific to roles in the quick-service restaurant that are related to a first drive-through lane, a second communication group may be specific to roles in the quick-service restaurant that are related to a second drive-through lane, a third communication group may be specific to roles in the quick-service restaurant that are related to food production, and a fourth communication group may be specific to roles in the quick-service restaurant that are related to the front counter. Variations may use only one drive-through lane, and/or may combine the groups for food production and front counter. For example, the communication groups for a theater production may include different communication groups for stage crew, audio-visual crew, lighting crew, front-of-house crew, director, etc. System100may be used in other contexts where people work together, including but not limited to theme park ride management, medical operating room communications, football coach communications, factory floor communications, and/or other contexts.

Referring toFIG. 1, central communication device101(also referred to as central communication hub) and/or information processing unit(s)102may be configured to communicate with one or more end-user communication devices104according to a client/server architecture, a point-to-point architecture, and/or other architectures. End-user communication device(s)104(also simply referred to as communication devices) may be configured to communicate with other communication devices104via central communication device101, information processing unit(s)102, and/or other components of system100. Users may access system100via communication devices104. Communication devices104may include a first communication device104a, a second communication device104b, a third communication device104c, and/or other communication devices. First communication device104amay be associated with a first user, second communication device104bmay be associated with a second user, third communication device104cmay be associated with a third user, and so forth. Communication devices104may be portable communication devices. In some implementations, communication between communication devices104may be performed on a local communications network, such as, by way of non-limiting example, a local area network. Alternatively, and/or simultaneously, in some implementations, the local communications network may include a personal area network. For example, the local communications network may be used in a restaurant, a service location, a theater, an office, a building, a construction site, and/or in other localized areas.

Central communication device101may include one or more of information processing units102, electronic storage122, a first antenna101a, a second antenna101b, and/or other components. In some implementations, central communication device101may be referred to as a (remote and/or fixed) communication device. In some implementations, central communication device101may be configured to facilitate localized communications in a local communications network among a set of communication devices104, such as, by way of non-limiting example, first communication device104a, second communication device104b, third communication device104c, and/or other communication devices. In some implementations, individual antennas of central communication device101may be configured to operate in conjunction with individual transceivers that are included in central communication device101(not depicted). By virtue of having two separate antennas and two separate transceivers, communications by central communication device101may be improved (by way of non-limiting example, in terms of reliability, audio quality, and/or other quality factors) by providing different types of diversity. The different types of diversity may include one or more of antenna diversity, transceiver diversity, spatial diversity (e.g., if multiple antennas on central communication device101are disposed and/or positioned in different locations), frequency diversity, channel diversity, time diversity, and/or other types of diversity.

Communications between central communication device101and one or more communication devices104may be based on the exchange of packets of information that are formatted in one or more particular formats. As used herein, the direction from central communication device101to one or more communication devices104may be referred to as downlink and/or downstream. As used herein, the direction to central communication device101from one or more communication devices104may be referred to as uplink and/or upstream. Accordingly, information provided through uplink communication may be referred to as uplink information, information provided through downlink communication may be referred to as downlink information. In some implementations, packets may be formatted using a format based on the (IEEE) 802.11 family of standards. In some implementations, packets may have a proprietary format. In some implementations, downlink packets may be broadcast packets that are transmitted to multiple communication devices104at once. In some implementations, uplink packets may be device-specific packets that are transmitted by a particular communication device104. Packetized communication may have overhead, e.g., due to the use of header information, which may reduce the efficiency of the communication. Broadcast packets may be more efficient than uplink packets, since information for multiple communication devices104may be transmitted at once, whereas uplink packets may only contain information from a single communication device104.

Central communication device101may use different communication protocols, communication formats, and/or communication links to communicate with different ones (and/or different types) of communication devices104and/or other components of system100. For example, central communication device101may use a primary (wireless) communication link to communicate with first communication device104a. In some implementations, central communication device101may use first antenna101a(and a corresponding transceiver) to transmit and/or receive information over the primary communication link, using a first frequency range. In some implementations, central communication device101may use second antenna101b(and a corresponding transceiver) to transmit and/or receive information over the primary communication link, using a second frequency range.

For example, central communication device101may use a secondary communication link to communicate with base station103. In some implementations, communication via the secondary communication link may be based on the Ethernet family of standards. In some implementations, communication via the secondary communication link may be based on a proprietary format. In some implementations, communication over the secondary communication link may be point-to-point. In some implementations, communication over the secondary communication links may be supported in system100without the need or use of cellular networks or public networks.

For example, central communication device101may use a particular wireless communication link to communicate with one or more client communication devices104, including but not limited to first communication device104a, second communication device104b, third communication device104c, and/or other communication devices. In some implementations, communication (in particular registration and configuration) via this wireless communication link may include communication based on a short-range wireless communication protocol, contact-less information, and/or near-field communication (NFC). In some implementations, central communication device101may use a separate antenna (not depicted) to transmit and/or receive information over this particular communication link. In some implementations, communication over this particular communication link may be supported in system100without the need or use of cellular networks or public networks.

Information processing unit(s)102may be configured by machine-readable instructions106. Machine-readable instructions106may include one or more instruction components. The instruction components may include computer program components. The instruction components may include one or more of packet generating component108, packet transmission component110, packet receiving component112, channel mapping component114, audio mixing component126, and/or other instruction components. In some implementations, one or more of the instruction components may be part of other information processing units, including but not limited to information processing units102aof base station103.

Packet receiving component112may be configured to receive packets, including but not limited to broadcast packets, device-specific packets, and/or other packets. Receipt of packets may be scheduled, arranged, and/or otherwise timed in specific time periods. In some implementations, central communication device101may be configured to receive one or more device-specific packets. For example, packet receiving component112may receive multiple device-specific packets per time frame, such as a first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, and/or other device-specific packets, e.g., from different communication devices104.

For example, a first device-specific packet may be received by first central antenna101a, e.g., during a first uplink time period that occurs within a first time frame. The first device-specific packet may be received from first end-user communication device104a. The first device-specific packet may include packetized uplink information based on audio and/or video information captured by first end-user communication device104a. The audio and/or video information captured by the first end-user communication device may be part of audio communication (through system100) between different users. The first device-specific packet may be targeted to a given communication group, such as, e.g., a first communication group. In some implementations, the first device-specific packet may have a given destination, such as, e.g., the first communication group. By way of non-limiting example, individual communication groups may be associated with one or more voice communication channels selected from a set of broadcast communication channels. Individual ones of the one or more communication groups may be specific to one or more (types of) roles of people interacting within a group of people, such as a crew of employees in a quick-service restaurant. For example, in reference toFIG. 3A, audio information in a device-specific packet targeted to the first communication group may be included in the first, third, fourth, and sixth broadcast channels.

Packet receiving component112may be configured to receive a second device-specific packet, e.g., during a second uplink time period that occurs within the first time frame or within a second time frame. In some implementations, the second uplink time period may occur subsequent to the occurrence of the first uplink time period. The second device-specific packet may be received from second end-user communication device104b. The second device-specific packet may include packetized uplink information based on audio and/or video information captured by second end-user communication device104b. The audio and/or video information captured by second end-user communication device104bmay be part of audio communication (through system100) between different users. The second device-specific packet may be targeted to a given communication group, such as, e.g., the second voice communication channel. In some implementations, the second device-specific packet may have a given destination, such as, e.g., the second communication group. For example, in reference toFIG. 3A, audio information in a device-specific packet targeted to the second communication group may be included in the second, third, fifth, and sixth broadcast channels.

Packet receiving component112may be configured to receive a third device-specific packet, e.g., during a third uplink time period that occurs within the first time frame, the second time frame, or within a third time frame. In some implementations, the third uplink time period may occur subsequent to the occurrence of the first and second uplink time periods. The third device-specific packet may be received from third end-user communication device104c. The third device-specific packet may include packetized uplink information based on audio and/or video information captured by third end-user communication device104c. The audio and/or video information captured by third end-user communication device104cmay be part of audio communication (through system100) between different users. The third device-specific packet may be targeted to a given communication group, such as, e.g., the third communication group. In some implementations, the third device-specific packet may have a given destination, such as, e.g., the third communication group. For example, in reference toFIG. 3A, audio information in a device-specific packet targeted to the third communication group may be included in the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh broadcast channels. And so forth for additional device-specific packets.

By way of non-limiting example,FIG. 4illustrates an exemplary time frame401having a top portion and a bottom portion (using different sections of the same frequency range), with the top portion showing a first, second, and third through tenth time period (for device-specific packets ULS0, ULS1, ULS2, and ULS10 in chronological order). The bottom section shows the same packets being transmitted at a later time.

Referring toFIG. 1, packet generating component108may be configured to generate packets, including but not limited to broadcast packets, downlink packets, device-specific packets, and/or other packets. In some implementations, downlink packets may include a first downlink packet, a second downlink packet, a third downlink packet, and/or other downlink packets. In some implementations, one or more broadcast and/or downlink packets may be generated by central communication device101. In some implementations, one or more downlink packets may be generated by base station103. Individual downlink packets may include packetized downlink information. By way of non-limiting example, (contents of) packetized downlink information may be based on audio and/or video information that was previously (e.g., in a previous time frame) included in one or more other packets, e.g., one or more device-specific packets and/or other uplink information. In some implementations, individual downlink packets may include packetized downlink information that is organized in a set of broadcast channels. In some implementations, individual downlink packets may have a target and/or destination indication that indicates a network destination in the local communications network for the included packetized downlink information. For example, the network destination may include and/or indicate one or more specific communication devices104, one or more specific communication groups, and/or other destinations. The set of broadcast channels may include a first broadcast channel, a second broadcast channel, a third broadcast channel, and so forth. Individual broadcast channels may be used for previously received audio information that was targeted to one or more communication groups that are associated with one or more voice communication channels selected from a set of broadcast communication channels. For example, the first broadcast channel may be used for audio information targeted to the first communication group (in accordance with exemplary set of communication groups301ofFIG. 3A, and the corresponding associations between individual voice communication channels and subsets of the set of communication groups). For example, the second broadcast channel may be used for audio information targeted to the second communication group (in accordance with exemplary set of communication groups301ofFIG. 3A). For example, the third broadcast channel may be used for audio information targeted, at least, to one of the first and second communication groups (in accordance with exemplary set of communication groups301ofFIG. 3A). For example, the fourth broadcast channel may be used for audio information targeted, at least, to one of the first and third communication groups (in accordance with exemplary set of communication groups301ofFIG. 3A). For example, the fifth broadcast channel may be used for audio information targeted, at least, to one of the second and third communication groups (in accordance with exemplary set of communication groups301ofFIG. 3A). For example, the sixth broadcast channel may be used for audio information targeted, at least, to one of the first through third communication groups (in accordance with exemplary set of communication groups301ofFIG. 3A). For example, the seventh broadcast channel may be used for audio information targeted to the third communication group (in accordance with exemplary set of communication groups301ofFIG. 3A). In some implementations, device-specific packets may be generated by individual communication devices104.

By way of non-limiting example,FIG. 4illustrates an exemplary time frame401having a top portion and a bottom portion (using different sections of the same frequency range), with the top portion showing a first downlink packet labeled “BP0”, which includes the first through tenth broadcast channels. The indicated use of ten broadcast channels is exemplary and not intended to be limiting.

Referring toFIG. 1, in some implementations, packet generating component108may be configured to generate downlink packets that include packetized downlink information that is organized in a set of dedicated channels. In some implementations, individual dedicated channels may have a target and/or a destination that is a specific communication device104, such that the audio information on an individual dedicated channel excludes audio information received from the specific communication device104. As a result, the user of the specific communication device104will not receive an echo through the individual dedicated channel of their own audio. For example, a first dedicated channel may include the same audio information as the first broadcast channel, minus the audio information received from first communication device104a(for example, if the audio information from first communication device104atargeted the first communication group, the first dedicated channel would include the audio information targeted to the first communication group). For example, a second dedicated channel may include the same audio information as the second broadcast channel, minus the audio information received from second communication device104b(for example, if the audio information from second communication device104btargeted the second communication group, the second dedicated channel would include the audio information targeted to the second communication group). For example, a third dedicated channel may include the same audio information as the third broadcast channel, minus the audio information received from third communication device104c(for example, if the audio information from third communication device104ctargeted the third communication group, the second dedicated channel would include the audio information targeted to the third communication group), and so forth.

By way of non-limiting example,FIG. 4illustrates an exemplary time frame401having a top portion and a bottom portion (using different sections of the same frequency range), with the top portion showing a first downlink packet labeled “BP0”, which includes the first through tenth dedicated channels, in addition to broadcast channels. The indicated use of ten dedicated channels is exemplary and not intended to be limiting. The bottom portion also shows downlink packet labeled “BP0”, which may be transmitted at a different time.

Referring toFIG. 1, packet transmission component110may be configured to transmit packets, including but not limited to downlink packets, device-specific packets, and/or other packets. Transmission of packets may be scheduled, arranged, and/or otherwise timed in specific time periods. As used herein, time periods are periods of time, having a specified and/or limited duration. A set or sequence of time periods may be scheduled, arranged, and/or otherwise timed to occur in particular time frames. In some implementations, different periods in a set or sequence may not overlap. For example, the duration of individual time frames may be between 1 and 3 ms, between 4 and 6 ms, about 5 ms, between 5 and 10 ms, between 8 and 12 ms, about 10 ms, about 15 ms, between 10 and 20 ms, and/or another duration. In some implementations, individual time periods may include time slots.

In some implementations, downlink packets may be transmitted by central communication device101. For example, a first downlink packet may be transmitted via first central antenna101a(of the first central transceiver) of central communication device101to a set of end-user communication devices104. For example, a second downlink packet may be transmitted via second central antenna101b(of the second central transceiver) of central communication device101to the same set of end-user communication devices104. In some implementations, the first and second downlink packets may be transmitted in different time periods during the same time frame. In some implementations, individual time frames may include two downlink packets. In some implementations, individual time frames may include more than two downlink packets. Transmission of the first downlink packet may use a first channel of a first frequency range. As used herein, channels are designated sub-ranges within a frequency range, commonly having equal bandwidths and/or equally-spaced-apart bandwidths. For example, transmission of the second downlink packet may use a second channel of the first frequency range (wherein the first channel is different from the second channel). For example, the frequency range may be 900 MHz, 1.9 GHz, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and/or at least 5 GHz. In some implementations, individual channels of a particular frequency range may use a 5 MHz bandwidth per channel, 10 MHz, 20 MHz, 40 MHz, and/or use another bandwidth per channel. By way of non-limiting example, for the 5 GHz frequency range, so-called channel 32 may range from 5150 to 5170 MHz, channel 46 may range from 5210 to 5250 MHz, and so forth.

In some implementations, device-specific packets may be transmitted by individual communication devices104. For example, a first device-specific packet may be transmitted via an antenna105a(of a transceiver) of first end-user communication device104a. For example, a second device-specific packet may be transmitted via an antenna105b(of a different transceiver) of second end-user communication device104b. For example, a third device-specific packet may be transmitted via antenna105c(of yet a different transceiver) of third end-user communication device104c. In some implementations, the first, second, and third device-specific packets may be transmitted in different time periods and/or during the same time frame. For example, transmission of the first device-specific packet may use the first channel of the first frequency range. For example, transmission of the second device-specific packet may use the first channel of the first frequency range. For example, transmission of the third device-specific packet may use the first channel of the first frequency range.

Channel mapping component114may be configured to determine mappings between individual communication groups (as targeted by device-specific packets) and individual broadcast channels. For example, the selection of individual broadcast channels may be in accordance with a particular selection from the set of communication groups. In some implementations, channel mapping component114may be configured to determine mappings between individual voice communication channels (as targeted by device-specific packets) and individual dedicated channels in downlink packets. In some implementations, determinations by channel mapping component114may be based on a particular set of communications groups, as for example depicted inFIGS. 3A-3B-3C-3D.

Audio mixing component126may be configured to mix audio information from different communication devices104(as received through device-specific packets) into individual broadcast channels, dedicated channel, and/or other channels. In some implementations, audio mixing component126may operate based on determinations made by channel mapping component114. By way of non-limiting example,FIG. 3Cillustrates an exemplary set303of four communication groups that are specific to different (types of) roles and/or locations in a work area, such as a quick-service restaurant. The first communication group is indicated by the circle with label “C1” in the center, the second communication group is indicated by the circle with label “C2” in the center, the third communication group is indicated by the circle with label “C3” in the center, and the fourth communication group is indicated by the circle with label “C4” in the center. Communication for different subsets of these four communication groups may use eight different voice communication channels as depicted. Communication to the first communication group may use a first, fifth, and eighth voice communication channel. Communication to the second communication group may use a second, fifth, and sixth voice communication channel. Communication to the third communication group may use a third, sixth, and seventh voice communication channel. Communication to the fourth communication group may use a fourth, seventh, and eighth voice communication channel. Users interested in communication to both the first and second communication groups may select the fifth voice communication channel “C5”. Users interested in communication to both the second and third communication groups may select the sixth voice communication channel “C6”. Users interested in communication to both the third and fourth communication groups may select the seventh voice communication channel “C7”. Users interested in communication to both the fourth and first communication groups may select the eighth voice communication channel “C8”.

By way of non-limiting example,FIG. 3Dillustrates an exemplary set304of five communication groups that are specific to different (types of) roles and/or locations in a work area, such as a quick-service restaurant. Communication for different subsets of these five communication groups may use twelve different voice communication channels as depicted.

Referring toFIG. 1, a given communication device104may include one or more processors configured to execute computer program components. The computer program components may be configured to enable an expert or user associated with the given communication device104to interface with system100and/or external resources120, and/or provide other functionality attributed herein to communication device(s)104. By way of non-limiting example, the given communication device104may include one or more of a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a handheld computer, a tablet computing platform, a NetBook, a Smartphone, a belt pack, a smart band, smart glasses, a headset, an earbud, a gaming console, and/or other computing platforms.

External resources120may include sources of information outside of system100, external entities participating with system100, and/or other resources. In some implementations, some or all of the functionality attributed herein to external resources120may be provided by resources included in system100.

Information processing unit(s)102may include electronic storage122, one or more processors124, and/or other components. Information processing unit(s)102may include communication lines, or ports to enable the exchange of information with a network and/or other computing platforms. Illustration of information processing unit(s)102inFIG. 1is not intended to be limiting. Information processing unit(s)102may include a plurality of hardware, software, and/or firmware components operating together to provide the functionality attributed herein to information processing unit(s)102. For example, information processing unit(s)102may be implemented by a cloud of computing platforms operating together as information processing unit(s)102. In some implementations, individual information processing units may be servers.

User interfaces140may be configured to facilitate interaction between users and system100and/or between users and communication devices104. For example, user interfaces140may provide an interface through which users may provide information to and/or receive information from system100. In some implementations, user interface140may include one or more of a display screen, touchscreen, monitor, a smart band, a keyboard, buttons, switches, knobs, levers, mouse, speakers, headphones, microphones, sensors to capture voice commands, sensors to capture eye movement and/or body movement, sensors to capture hand and/or finger gestures, and/or other user interface devices configured to receive and/or convey user input. In some implementations, one or more user interfaces140may be included in one or more communication devices104. In some implementations, one or more user interfaces140may be included in system100.

Electronic storage122may comprise non-transitory storage media that electronically stores information. The electronic storage media of electronic storage122may include one or both of system storage that is provided integrally (i.e., substantially non-removable) with information processing unit(s)102and/or removable storage that is removably connectable to information processing unit(s)102via, for example, a port (e.g., a USB port, a firewire port, etc.) or a drive (e.g., a disk drive, etc.). Electronic storage122may include one or more of optically readable storage media (e.g., optical disks, etc.), magnetically readable storage media (e.g., magnetic tape, magnetic hard drive, floppy drive, etc.), electrical charge-based storage media (e.g., EEPROM, RAM, etc.), solid-state storage media (e.g., flash drive, etc.), and/or other electronically readable storage media. Electronic storage122may include one or more virtual storage resources (e.g., cloud storage, a virtual private network, and/or other virtual storage resources). Electronic storage122may store software algorithms, information determined by processor(s)124, information received from information processing unit(s)102, information received from communication device(s)104, and/or other information that enables information processing unit(s)102to function as described herein.

In some implementations, information stored in electronic storage122may include information that represents associations of individual voice communication channels with one or more communication groups. The individual ones of the one or more communication groups may be specific to one or more roles of people and/or employees, e.g. employees in a quick-service restaurant. The individual ones of the one or more communication groups may be specific to one or more types of roles of interacting people and/or employees, e.g. employees in a quick-service restaurant. In some implementations, the associations may include a first association between a first voice communication channel and a first communication group. The first communication group may be specific to (a first type of) roles in the quick-service restaurant that are related to a first drive-through lane. In some implementations, the associations may include a second association between a second voice communication channel and a second communication group. The second communication group may be specific to (a second type of) roles in the quick-service restaurant that are related to a second drive-through lane. In some implementations, the associations may include a third association between a third voice communication channel and the first and second communication groups. In some implementations, the associations may include a fourth association between a fourth voice communication channel and the first communication group and a third communication group. The third communication group may be specific to (a third type of) roles in the quick-service restaurant that are related to food production. In some implementations, the associations may include a fifth association between a fifth voice communication channel and the second and third communication groups. In some implementations, the associations may include a sixth association between a sixth voice communication channel and the first, second, and third communication groups. In some implementations, the associations may include a seventh association between a seventh voice communication channel and the third communication group. In some implementations, the associations may include an eighth association between an eighth voice communication channel and the first communication group and a fourth communication group. The fourth communication group may be specific to (a fourth type of) roles in the quick-service restaurant that are related to the front counter. In some implementations, the associations may include a ninth association between a ninth voice communication channel and the fourth communication group. For example, these nine voice communication channels may correspond to exemplary set of communication groups302ofFIG. 3B. Different sets of communication groups (overlapping in different ways) may use voice communication channels differently as needed, using a different set of associations.

Referring toFIG. 1, processor(s)124may be configured to provide information processing capabilities in information processing unit(s)102. As such, processor(s)124may include one or more of a digital processor, an analog processor, a digital circuit designed to process information, an analog circuit designed to process information, a state machine, and/or other mechanisms for electronically processing information. Although processor(s)124is shown inFIG. 1as a single entity, this is for illustrative purposes only. In some implementations, processor(s)124may include a plurality of processing units. These processing units may be physically located within the same device, or processor(s)124may represent processing functionality of a plurality of devices operating in coordination. Processor(s)124may be configured to execute components108,110,112,114, and/or126, and/or other components. Processor(s)124may be configured to execute components108,110,112,114, and/or126, and/or other components by software; hardware; firmware; some combination of software, hardware, and/or firmware; and/or other mechanisms for configuring processing capabilities on processor(s)124. As used herein, the term “component” may refer to any component or set of components that perform the functionality attributed to the component. This may include one or more physical processors during execution of processor readable instructions, the processor readable instructions, circuitry, hardware, storage media, or any other components.

It should be appreciated that although components108,110,112,114, and/or126are illustrated inFIG. 1as being implemented within a single processing unit, in implementations in which processor(s)124includes multiple processing units, one or more of components108,110,112,114, and/or126may be implemented remotely from the other components. The description of the functionality provided by the different components108,110,112,114, and/or126described below is for illustrative purposes, and is not intended to be limiting, as any of components108,110,112,114, and/or126may provide more or less functionality than is described. For example, one or more of components108,110,112,114, and/or126may be eliminated, and some or all of its functionality may be provided by other ones of components108,110,112,114, and/or126. As another example, processor(s)124may be configured to execute one or more additional components that may perform some or all of the functionality attributed below to one of components108,110,112,114, and/or126.

In some implementations, central communication device(s)101, information processing unit(s)102, communication device(s)104, and/or external resources120may be operatively linked via one or more electronic communication links. For example, such electronic communication links may be established, at least in part, via one or more networks13and/or other networks. It will be appreciated that this is not intended to be limiting, and that the scope of this disclosure includes implementations in which central communication device(s)101, information processing unit(s)102, communication device(s)104, and/or external resources120may be operatively linked via some other communication media.

As depicted inFIG. 1, base station103may include one or more information processing units102a, electronic storage122a, one or more processors124a, machine-readable code instructions106a, and/or other components. Information processing units102amay be the same as or similar to information processing units102, though embedded and/or integrated within base station103. In other words, information processing units102amay perform similar features as information processing units102. Electronic storage122amay be the same as or similar to electronic storage122, though embedded and/or integrated within base station103. In other words, electronic storage122amay perform similar features as electronic storage122. Processors124amay be the same as or similar to processors124, though embedded and/or integrated within base station103. In other words, processors124amay perform similar features as processors124. Machine-readable code instructions106amay be the same as or similar to machine-readable code instructions106, though embedded and/or integrated within base station103. In other words, machine-readable code instructions106amay perform similar features as machine-readable code instructions106.

FIG. 2illustrates a method200for managing voice communication channels used by a group of people, e.g., by crew of employees in a quick-service restaurant having a first drive-through lane and, in some cases, a second drive-through lane, in accordance with one or more implementations. The operations of method200presented below are intended to be illustrative. In some implementations, method200may be accomplished with one or more additional operations not described, and/or without one or more of the operations discussed. Additionally, the order in which the operations of method200are illustrated inFIG. 2and described below is not intended to be limiting.

An operation202, information is electronically stored. The information represents associations of individual voice communication channels with one or more communication groups. Individual ones of the one or more communication groups may be specific to one or more roles or types of roles of people interacting, such as employees in a quick-service restaurant. Individual ones of the one or more communication groups may be specific to one or more types of roles of employees in the quick-service restaurant. In some embodiments, operation202is performed by electronic storage the same as or similar to electronic storage122(shown inFIG. 1and described herein).

At an operation204, a first device-specific packet is received from a first communication device associated with, e.g., a first crew member. The first device-specific packet is received during a first uplink time period and includes packetized uplink information based on audio information captured by the first communication device. The first uplink time period occurs within a first time frame. The first device-specific packet is targeted to the first communication group. In some embodiments, operation204is performed by a packet receiving component the same as or similar to packet receiving component112(shown inFIG. 1and described herein).

At an operation206, a second device-specific packet is received from a second communication device associated with, e.g., a second crew member. The second device-specific packet is received during a second uplink time period and includes packetized uplink information based on audio information captured by the second communication device. The second uplink time period occurs within a second time frame. The second device-specific packet is targeted to the second communication group. In some embodiments, operation206is performed by a packet receiving component the same as or similar to packet receiving component112(shown inFIG. 1and described herein).

At an operation208, a third device-specific packet is received from a third communication device associated with, e.g., a third crew member. The third device-specific packet is received during a third uplink time period and includes packetized uplink information based on audio information captured by the third communication device. The third uplink time period occurs within a third time frame. The third device-specific packet is targeted to the third communication group. In some embodiments, operation208is performed by a packet receiving component the same as or similar to packet receiving component112(shown inFIG. 1and described herein).

At an operation210, a first downlink packet is generated that includes packetized downlink information that is organized in a set of broadcast channels. The set of broadcast channels includes a first broadcast channel that is used for audio information received in device-specific packets that were targeted to the first communication group (in accordance with a specific selected subset of communication groups that are associated with a selected voice communication channel). A second broadcast channel is used for audio information received in device-specific packets that were targeted to the second communication group (in accordance with a specific selected subset of communication groups that are associated with a selected voice communication channel). A third broadcast channel is used for audio information received in device-specific packets that were targeted to one of the first or second communication groups (in accordance with a specific selected subset of communication groups that are associated with a selected voice communication channel). In some embodiments, operation210is performed by a packet generating component108the same as or similar to packet generating component108(shown inFIG. 1and described herein).

At an operation212, the first downlink packet is transmitted to a set of end-user communication devices, including the first, second, and third communication devices. In some embodiments, operation212is performed by a packet transmission component the same as or similar to packet transmission component110(shown inFIG. 1and described herein).