Apparatus and method for voice controlled apparel machine

A method for voice control of apparel manufacture equipment, said method comprising the steps of:

• creating and storing a library of operator specific digitized control signals;
• receiving an operator's verbal command;
• translating the verbal command into a digitized verbal command;
• comparing the digitized verbal command to the library of operator specific digitized control signals;
• retrieving the digitized control signal matching the digitized verbal command;
• translating the digitized control signal with a portable interface device into a digital signal which is recognized and actable upon by control circuitry of the apparel manufacture equipment;
• and
• routing the translated digital signal to the control circuitry of the apparel manufacture equipment to be acted upon thereby, wherein said method does not depend on receiving signals or external input indicating the actual operating status of the apparel manufacture equipment.

Control apparatus for operating manufacturing apparel machines having electronic control circuitry for controlling specific operations of the machine wherein an operator controls specific operations of the machines through verbal commands recognized by the control apparatus as distinct from other sounds in the environment of the apparel machine, said control apparatus comprising:

• a receiver for receiving an operator's verbal command;
• means for converting said verbal command into an electronic voice signal;
• means for digitizing said electronic voice signal;
• means for comparing said digitized electronic voice signal to a library of stored operator specific digitized control signals and for retrieving the digitized control signal matching said digitized voice signal whereby only a particular operator whose digitized voice signal matches said stored digitized control signals can operate said apparel manufacturing machine;
• an electronic interface device operably disposed between said machine control circuitry and said comparing and retrieving means, said interface device translating the digitized control signals in digital signals recognized by the apparel machine electronic control circuitry for controlling operation of said manufacturing machine;
• and
• wherein said control apparatus is portable and said electronic interface is matable with a variety of apparel manufacturing machines, said comparing and retrieving means being non-dependent on actual operating conditions of said manufacturing machine.