Each manufacturer calls the voice control system differently. Let's talk about the nuances of voice control and how everything works.
The content of the article:
- Purpose of the system
- Variety
- Mobile communications management
- Media control
- Mechanism device
Voice control is not a novelty in modern cars, but it is becoming more and more common as it is gaining popularity among buyers. Each manufacturer has a similar technology, and each calls it differently.
What is a voice control system for?
The first and foremost purpose of the voice control system is to operate the vehicle functions using voice commands. They are converted from voice to control functions and transmitted to the corresponding vehicle systems. This system helps the driver not to be distracted from driving. As a result, ride comfort and safety are increased.
A number of manufacturers call the voice control system in their own way. Cadillac has User Experience, Mercedes-Benz - Linguatronic, Ford - Ford Sync. It is also very common in Audi, BMW, Kia, Lexus. These voice control systems differ in the variety and number of languages supported, the number of commands and the number of functions that can be implemented.
To date, most of the languages embedded in the voice control system are found in Ford Sync. As the data is shown, these are 12 languages, among them there is Russian, as well as some varieties of French and English.
System varieties
Probably the first difference is in the level of command recognition. Voice control systems that needed to spell control commands by letters are a thing of the past, they are terribly inconvenient to use and often errors in command processing were made.
Modern voice control systems have a much better understanding of common spoken language, even with different dialects, alternative phrases, and pronunciation errors. To improve voice recognition, engineers use noise filters that cut out unnecessary sounds and various background noises.
As a standard, the voice control system can control a mobile phone, a multimedia system, a navigation system or climate control. This is not yet a complete list of functions that can be controlled by modern voice control systems. In some vehicles, you can start or stop the engine, close or open the panoramic roof.
Progress is on, and every day the engineers are improving and adding commands to control and facilitate the driver.
Voice control of mobile communication
In many countries, there is a law that prohibits talking on or using a mobile phone while driving. This function will provide the driver with access to the list of contacts on the phone, by number or by the name of the subscriber. Using your voice, you can dial SMS to send or read back new SMS. To do this, the mobile phone must be connected to the multimedia system via Bluetooth or via a USB cable. The system will be more useful if you are the owner of an IPhone. The Siri Eyes Free voice control system developed by Apple will be available to you. By sending voice commands, you can control various applications on your smartphone, dial numbers, listen to SMS. Plot a route in the smartphone's navigation system, turn on and flip music, as well as other smartphone functions.
It becomes clear that the set of functions will proportionally depend on the capabilities of your mobile phone and your imagination.
Voice control of the multimedia system
Unlike the previous version, in the presence of this type of system, a large list of functions can be noted. This is the management of the multimedia menu, listening to various music, taking into account the sorting, choosing the radio station of the receiver, searching for TV channels, and managing the CD-discs of the player.
A plus is also a sound signal that the system gives if it correctly recognized the command. It also simulates a two-way dialogue with the user, for greater realism.
It becomes clear that this type of system will replace other similar ones in the future. The more functions the system is able to implement and recognize, the more it will be in demand by car buyers. Indeed, it is much easier to command what you need on the road and get the result without making any efforts. This will help you concentrate more in difficult city traffic or at high speeds.
How the voice control mechanism works
Typically, the design of a voice control system combines hardware and software. The hardware part includes a microphone (mandatory in any system), it will pick up voice commands and filter noise. Typically, the microphone is built into the front of the center rearview mirror. The system start button on the panel or steering wheel is also mandatory. The main control unit will be the control unit, which receives and processes commands, and then transmits signals to various actuators like a multimedia system, an engine control unit and other systems.
The operating system belongs to the software part. This is often iOS, Android, or Windows. There are individual cases when manufacturers produce their own operating system based on already known ones, thereby giving more opportunities to perform a new number of functions.
This is not to say that the voice control system will perform a limited number of functions, the list will be different in different cars. Some manufacturers offer a separate programming function for themselves. That is, you choose a function, then pronounce the command and remember it. Thus, you can encrypt from prying ears what you turned on or off while moving.
