| Ford is to integrate
speech recognition and text-to-speech technology from Nuance into its
C-Max and Focus models across Europe from December, followed later by
the Galaxy, Mondeo and S-Max.
The technology will be part of a new HMI human-machine interface
developed by Blaupunkt that will enable drivers to place calls, enter
an address to the navigation system, select temperatures and control the
audio system all through voice control.
“We recognise the importance of speech technology to make telematics,
navigation and infotainment solutions safer and easier to control,”
said Joachim Creutzburg, marketing director for original equipment at
Blaupunkt.
Powered by Nuance VoCon speech recognition software, the system increases
safety by allowing the driver to keep his hands on the wheel and eyes
on the road. In addition, Nuance’s RealSpeak text-to-speech software
is used to convert text into speech for turn-by-turn directions, including
street names, within the navigation system. The HMI-system with a Nuance
speech-enabled user interface is fluent in English, French, German, Italian
and Spanish.
Specific features of the HMI-system include: Voice-activated destination
entry: Drivers can simply say their destination address instead of having
to type it on a keypad. The voice interface reads out all information
including street names and traffic information.
• Voice-activated, hands-free calling: Drivers can simply press
the “Push to Talk” button on the steering wheel, and then
say the number or the previously enrolled name of the person to call.
• Voice-activated audio: With command and control of the audio system,
drivers can select a radio station by speaking the frequency in natural
numbers, e.g. “Frequency 87.5” or by saying a pre-enrolled
name of the radio station. Drivers can also control the CD changer and
CD/MP3-player by simply saying commands like “Play Track 5”
or “Play next CD”.
• Voice-activated climate control: With command and control of the
climate system, drivers can decrease or increase the temperature by voice.
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