Abstract:
Provided is a system where users performing a coordinated process are localized in a complex environment based upon audio input. Audio commands are detected and executed based on system user vocalization. Available commands are limited by user status, location, process type and process progress. Command execution is limited by the presence and locations of system users, non-users, or extraneous equipment.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Those who create and maintain complex environments face the constant challenge of reducing or eliminating contaminant elements brought in by the presence of users. Additionally, there is also the threat of equipment-to-equipment and equipment-to-process cross-contamination as users move and interact with the various pieces of equipment needed to perform a process (i.e., touching a computer screen, handling an x-ray emitter, positioning a lamp, reaching for instruments from a tray). 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
     In one or more embodiments, a method executed by a machine or system is described wherein one or more acoustical sensors are placed in an environment in order to localize and identify one or more system users performing, or part of, a coordinated process. The method assigns identified system users relevant command schemes based on their role in and overall progress of the coordinated process. The method enables the movement of relevant materials from a first location to at least one additional location in response to commands from a user. The method further enables the performance of relevant automated procedures localized to the space of a user without endangering the command-issuing user, other nearby users. The method also enables multiple users in multiple roles to command and control automated equipment without the equipment impinging upon the space of other users or equipment. Finally, the method prioritizes and makes user commands available based on the overall progress of the coordinated process and the status of other relevant users. 
     Procedures carried out in complex environments are often intricate with multiple overlapping steps that often involve multiple users working to a coordinated process. The execution of a coordinated process may sometimes require the presence of additional users, each possessing varying degrees of authority and relevance to the coordinated process, internal or external to the environment. Additional users may have various degrees of authority over the progression of the coordinated process ranging from full authority to completely passive. Users external to the complex environment are often limited in their ability to manipulate equipment internal to the environment due to restricted access and visibility into the environment. Additional internal users represent a further strain on the complex environment infrastructure, increase the hazards for moving automated equipment, and increase the overall likelihood of cross-contamination. 
     Complex environments are often also information rich as users must often be aware of multiple process variables and must usually be aware of and react to changes in those variables. Further, each user must typically be aware of the overall progress of the process and the activities of each user must be synched to the various stages of the executed process. 
     In an example embodiment there is a process comprising: grouping audio sensors into an acoustical array sensor; placing at least one acoustical array sensor in proximity to multiple users; registering a first audio input; recognizing a first user based upon the first audio input; localizing a first user based upon the first audio input into at least one acoustical array sensor; and assigning an authority level to the first authorized user based upon the first audio input. Additionally, the process comprises presenting a list of commands available to the first authorized user based on the first audio input; enacting a chosen command, from the list of commands, based upon a second audio input from the from the first user; and recognizing and localizing at least one additional user through vocal or non-vocal audio signal; limiting the execution of the first user chosen command based upon the locations of either the first user or at least one additional user. 
     Another embodiment is illustrated by a system comprising: acoustical sensors disposed as an array, coupled to an analog to digital converter and a digital data output transceiver, forming an acoustic array sensor; at least one acoustic array sensor operatively connected to an audio analysis processor; and the audio analysis processor operatively connected to a command database and a control module. In at least one embodiment, at least one of the command database and control module is operatively connected to one or more machines, or in some cases to a plurality of machines, wherein the machines may or may not be automated. 
     Another example embodiment can be found in an audio command and control method comprising: placing at least one acoustic array sensor in each of at least one distinct environment, said environment containing a multiplicity of users and automated equipment, said users engaged in a coordinated process; parsing the signals from at least one acoustic array sensor to determine the identities and locations of users and equipment; and presenting to users a specialized command list tailored to location, user authority, and coordinated process timeline. Further, the method comprises engaging and positioning automated equipment in response to user command; limiting the engagement and position of automated equipment in response to a user, non-user, or equipment presence and location; presenting to users a specialized command list tailored to location, user authority, and coordinated process timeline; engaging and positioning automated equipment in response to user command; and limiting the engagement and position of automated equipment in response to user presence and location. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       These and other features, aspects, and advantages of embodiments of the invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an example complex environment with an adjacent environment. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an overhead schematic of an example complex environment with an adjacent environment. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an example machine schematic. 
         FIG. 4  is a method flow chart. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the invention relate to using audio sensors to localize individual system users in complex environments. As used throughout, the terms “complex environment” or “environment” are synonymous and define an area wherein automated equipment is present near system users or subjects. As described below, a particular embodiment of this environment includes a surgical suite with multiple pieces of automated technology including, but not limited to: information displays or processing equipment; instrument trays; patient support equipment; diagnostic machinery; environmental controls; and other pieces of specialized equipment or material subject to handling by such equipment. However, alternative embodiments include, but are not limited to: operating theaters, sensitive electronic equipment assembly areas, cell culture and bioprocessing facilities, food processing facilities, etc. The term “external environment” is taken to mean, in the broadest sense, as an area not incorporated within the complex environment. External environments may be adjacent to the complex environment or remote with varying degrees of access and control capability within a complex environment. External environments may be capable of monitoring and controlling multiple separate or conjoined complex environments. 
     As used throughout, the term “acoustic array sensor” or “array” refers to either separate individual sensors located in an environment and operably connected with the larger system, or individual audio sensors grouped together as part of a single device which is then operably connected with the larger system, or a combination thereof. 
     As used throughout, the term “user” describes an active or passive human or animal which the system locates; by way of illustrative example, an active user would include a surgeon and multiple support personnel; whereas a passive user would include a patient, conscious or not, tracked by the system. Another illustrative example would include a veterinarian and support staff as active users and an animal and owner as passive users. 
     And as used throughout, the term “automated” shall mean that the associated machine, piece of equipment and/or system will operate automatically upon command with or without one or more intervening user interactions. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an example embodiment of a complex environment in the form of a surgical suite as viewed through a window from an adjacent external environment. The complex environment contains a lead user  10 , a support staff member  11 , and one passive user in the form of a patient  12 . Another user separated from the complex environment  13  monitors the procedure performed on the patient by automated equipment  14 . 
       FIG. 2  represents an overhead view of the complex and external environments illustrated in  FIG. 1 . In this instance, the complex environment contains a lead user  10 , a support staff member  11 , one passive user in the form of a patient  12 , and automated equipment  14 . Another user separated from the complex environment  13  is also represented. Acoustical array sensors  20  and  21  are positioned to provide optimal audio pickup for command localization. Acoustical array sensors can work as a multiple group as illustrated by element  20  or as a standalone sensor as illustrated by element  21 . Not shown are command and control modules, and an audio analysis module which may be located in the complex environment, in the adjacent environment, in a combination thereof, or in a completely separate environment altogether. 
       FIG. 3  represents a schematic overview of an example machine embodiment. An array of microphones  30  is operatively connected to an analog to digital data acquisition board that is  31  operatively connected to a digital transceiver port  32 , forming an Acquisition array  33 . Three acquisition arrays  33  are operatively connected to a transceiver/multiplexer  34  which is also connected to a complementary acquisition system  35 . A complementary acquisition system might be active or passive, and is capable of receiving location or command input information from an environment and providing that information in a process-usable format. The transceiver/multiplexer  34  formats and sends received data to one or more command database and audio analysis engines  36  that subsequently analyze one or more elements, singly or in combination, such as: the audio data in real time, separates voice commands from background sounds, localizes the voice and sound sources, recognizes the voice, and converts the voice to a command. The database and analysis engine  36  then generates a command output  37 . The command outputs can include one or more of: initiating automated equipment, altering information on a display, or changing the commands available to a user. 
       FIG. 4  is a flow chart demonstrating the method. Received raw audio data  40  is parsed  41  into component elements allowing for the determination of user identities  44  and user locations  45 . Location determination may be supplemented with data from other location detection systems  42 . Based upon prior executed commands, time, specific inputs, or other metrics, overall progress of a coordinated process is determined  43 . The process progress  43 , user identities  44 , and locations  45 , alone, or in combination, are then used to present contextualized commands  46  to a user. The system then receives a command through any input method  47 , again determines relevant identities  48  and locations  49 , singly or in tandem, and then executes  50  the command with any modifications imposed by identity or location. The contextualized commands  46  may be interchangeable with different command sets, localized to regional languages, and/or specific coordinated processes. 
     It is to be understood that the above descriptions are intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. While the dimensions, values, and types of materials described herein are intended to illustrate embodiments of the invention, they are by no means limiting and are exemplary in nature. Other embodiments may be apparent upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. 
     In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “upper,” “lower,” “bottom,” “top,” “up,” “down,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical or positional requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure. 
     As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising,” “including,” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property. 
     Since certain changes may be made in the above-described system and method, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention herein involved, it is intended that all of the subject matter of the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted merely as examples illustrating the inventive concept herein and shall not be construed as limiting the invention.