IP Library Granted Patent US 10,115,293
Granted Patent B2
US 10,115,293 · App. 15/720,461 · Granted Oct 30, 2018

Sound detection and alert system for a workspace

Inventors: Robert Scheper (Grand Rapids, MI); Matthew Warner (East Grand Rapids, MI); Karl J. Mead (Grand Rapids, MI); Brett Kincaid (Ada, MI); Kurt Heidmann (Grand Rapids, MI)
Assignee: STEELCASE INC.
G08B23/00G01H3/10G08B21/182H04R29/00H04R29/008H04S7/40
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 10,115,293
App. No.
15/720,461
Granted
Oct 30, 2018
Kind
B2
Abstract

An alert system for generating a signal indicating at least one aspect of sound within a workspace environment, the system comprising at least a first sensor positioned one of within and proximate a workspace, the at least a first sensor sensing at least one aspect of sound generated within the workspace and generating a signal indicating the at least one aspect, a communication device located within the workspace, the communication device configured to generate a signal perceivable within the workspace and a processor receiving signals from the at least a first sensor and linked to the communication device, the processor programmed to perform the steps of identifying when the at least one aspect exceeds a threshold value and driving the communication device to indicate that the at least one aspect exceeds the threshold value.

Claims (28)

1. A personal space for telepresence activities using a portable device comprising:

at least one wall structure supporting a worksurface;

an interior sound sensor and a communication device coupled to an interior of the at least one wall structure;

an exterior sound sensor coupled to an exterior of the at least one wall structure; and

a processor in communication with the interior sound sensor, the exterior sound sensor, and the communication device, the processor adapted to compare a sound level inside the wall structure to a threshold level, and to provide a signal at the communication device when a sound level inside the personal space exceeds the threshold level, and to adjust the threshold level when a sound level exterior to the wall structure exceeds a second threshold level.

2. The personal space of claim 1 , wherein the worksurface is substantially horizontal.

3. The personal space of claim 1 , wherein the worksurface is sized and dimensioned so support a portable device.

4. The personal space of claim 1 , wherein the personal space comprises a display screen mounted to the wall.

5. The personal space of claim 1 , wherein the display is configured to link to a portable device in the personal space.

6. The personal space of claim 1 , further comprising a camera coupled to the wall.

7. The personal space of claim 6 , wherein the camera is configured to link to a portable device in the personal space.

8. The personal space of claim 1 , further comprising a speaker coupled to the wall.

9. The personal space of claim 1 , wherein the communication device is adapted to provide at least one of an audio and a visual alert.

10. A personal space for telepresence activities using a portable device comprising:

at least one wall structure supporting a horizontal worksurface;

an interior sound sensor and a communication device coupled to an interior of the at least one wall structure;

an exterior sound sensor coupled to an exterior of the at least one wall structure; and

a processor in communication with the interior sound sensor, the exterior sound sensor, and the communication device, the processor adapted to compare a sound level inside the wall structure to a threshold level, and to provide a signal at the communication device when a sound level inside the personal space exceeds the threshold level, and to adjust the threshold level when a sound level exterior to the wall structure exceeds a second threshold level.

11. The personal space of claim 10 , further comprising a display screen coupled to the wall above the horizontal worksurface.

12. The personal space of claim 10 , wherein the interior sound sensor detects frequency in the range of a human voice.

13. The personal space of claim 10 , wherein the interior sound sensor detects frequency in a range between 20 and 20,000 Hz.

14. The personal space of claim 10 , wherein the interior sound sensor detects frequency in a range between 250 Hz and 40000 Hz.

15. The personal space of claim 10 , further comprising a ceiling coupled to the wall.

16. The personal space of claim 10 , wherein the interior sound sensor is built into the wall.

17. The personal space of claim 10 , further comprising a door, and wherein at least one of the interior and exterior sound sensors is mounted adjacent the door.

18. The personal space of claim 10 , wherein the communications device includes a light emitting diode.

19. The personal space of claim 10 , further comprising a support device adapted to support a portable device in an orientation to facilitate telepresence activity.

20. The personal space of claim 10 , wherein the communication device comprises a light panel.

Assignments (3)
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Feb 4, 2026
From: AMQ SOLUTIONS, LLC; HALCON FURNITURE LLC; SMITH SYSTEM MANUFACTURING COMPANY; STEELCASE INC.
To: U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 074944/0368 →
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Feb 4, 2026
From: AMQ SOLUTIONS, LLC; HALCON FURNITURE LLC; SMITH SYSTEM MANUFACTURING COMPANY; STEELCASE INC.
To: WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 074944/0784 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Sep 29, 2017
From: SCHEPER, ROBERT; WARNER, MATTHEW; MEAD, KARL J.; KINCAID, BRETT; HEIDMANN, KURT
To: STEELCASE INC.
Reel/Frame 043744/0512 →
Continuity (3)
Continuation 15099113 · Apr 14, 2016
Continuation 13911654 · Jun 6, 2013
Related Publication 20180025615A1 · Jan 25, 2018
Cited By (1)
US 12,646,399