Abstract: A method for synchronizing data between computer systems in a multiple vehicle system architecture ensures the correlation of data between the systems. The method utilizes nametag configuration indicators, which are a series of bit values that correspond to the presence or absence of a nametag or other data point or set in a series of internal memory locations. The method comprises the steps of monitoring for synchronization initiation events, transmitting nametag configuration indicators between vehicle systems, comparing nametag configuration indicators, and, if desired, initiating appropriate resultant actions. In a preferred embodiment, the method of the present invention is directed at synchronizing data between a voice control system and a navigation system. In this embodiment, the method according to the present invention ensures that the two systems have identical nametag configuration indicators.

Abstract: A user interface for a mobile office is provided for allowing simple, safe, and convenient access to electronic mail, calendar, news, and web browser functions. The dialog or number of steps required to access desired items is minimized using a state controller responsive to voice commands and manual activations of reconfigurable steering wheel switches. Someone unfamiliar with the user interface is assisted by prompts for various commands and can use the mobile office without needing to resort to use of the reconfigurable steering wheel control elements. A more experienced user can bypass prompts by interrupting them with voice commands and can quickly move through various steps by utilizing the configurable steering wheel control elements to gain access to individual items within the mail, calendar, and news functions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of improving the recognition accuracy of an in-vehicle speech recognition system. The method of the present invention selectively adapts the system's speech engine to a speaker's voice characteristics using an N-best matching technique. In this method, the speech recognition system receives and processes a spoken utterance relating to a car command and having particular speaker-dependent speech characteristics so as to select a set of N-best voice commands matching the spoken utterance. Upon receiving a training mode input from the speaker, the system outputs the N-best command set to the speaker who selects the correct car command. The system then adapts the speech engine to recognize a spoken utterance having the received speech characteristics as the user-selected car command.

Abstract: A method and system for dynamically augmenting available voice commands in an automobile voice recognition system to actuate a vehicle subsystem is disclosed. The method includes scanning the voice recognition system for grammar data indicative of a system function, converting the grammar data to a usable command for access by a system user, and then storing the usable command in a system memory for use by the system user to carry out the system function.

Abstract: A method for synchronizing data between computer systems in a multiple vehicle system architecture ensures the correlation of data between the systems. The method utilizes nametag configuration indicators, which are a series of bit values that correspond to the presence or absence of a nametag or other data point or set in a series of internal memory locations. The method comprises the steps of monitoring for synchronization initiation events, transmitting nametag configuration indicators between vehicle systems, comparing nametag configuration indicators, and, if desired, initiating appropriate resultant actions. In a preferred embodiment, the method of the present invention is directed at synchronizing data between a voice control system and a navigation system. In this embodiment, the method according to the present invention ensures that the two systems have identical nametag configuration indicators.

Abstract: A voice activated control system responsive to spoken voice commands is integrated with an advanced central display/control unit having dedicated and reconfigurable push buttons to control individual vehicle accessories in a complementary fashion as well as in standalone modes. The two controllers share additional input and output resources including reconfigurable steering wheel switches and a heads-up display showing the current configuration of the steering wheel switches. Thus, a driver can control a plurality of adjustable parameters of a plurality of vehicle accessories with a convenient and easy to use interface which makes efficient use of hardware and reduces costs.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for controlling a speech recognition system on board an automobile. The automobile has one or more voice activated accessories and a passenger cabin with a number of seating locations. The speech recognition system has a plurality of microphones and push-to-talk controls corresponding to the seating locations for inputting speech commands and location identifying signals, respectively. The speech recognition system also includes multiple speech engines recognizing speech commands for operating the voice activated accessories. A selector is coupled to the speech engines and push-to-talk controls for selecting the speech engine best suited for the current speaking location. A speech processor coupled to the speech engine selector is used to recognize the speech commands and transmit the commands to the voice activated accessory.