Importance

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Abstract

A system is disclosed for indicating the status of a person occupying a cubicle, office or other enclosed space by means of automatically or manually initiated visual or audio-visual signals, particularly relating to the occupant's presence, the relative length of absences, the wish to work without being disturbed, and the need for emergency assistance. The system is controlled by a control unit with a micro-controller, a communications link, a red button, an amber button and a green button, each having a lamp of the corresponding color. A motion detector is connected to the control unit for detecting the presence or absence of motion in the monitored space. A proximity detector is connected to the control unit for detecting the passage of a person through the doorway of the monitored space. Also connected to the control unit is an indicator unit with a beeper and red, amber and green lamps functioning in tandem with the lamps of the control unit. In a first embodiment, status signals are activated locally and remotely via linkage to a communications network. In a second embodiment, a personal computer is connected to the control unit to enter messages, send and receive status signals and messages, change default settings, and adjust selected signal settings from remote locations. The indicator lamps are implemented as graphics on a monitor and commands are entered by hot key combinations on a keyboard. If the computer has voice recognition capability, commands may be entered verbally.

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First Claim