Vehicle-mounted information processing device, information processing method, and computer program product

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an in-vehicle information processing device, an information processing method, and a computer program product. The in-vehicle information processing device includes a processor. The processor activates a plurality of VUI functions with the same activation phrase. The VUI functions are associated with respective in-vehicle functions. Each of the VUI functions performs speech recognition processing on a user's utterance to recognize a voice command for an in-vehicle function, and executes the in-vehicle function based on the voice command. In a case where a predetermined in-vehicle function is activated, the processor activates a VUI function associated with the in-vehicle function, and allows other VUI functions to perform predetermined operations even during activation of the VUI function.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to in-vehicle information processing devices, information processing methods, and computer program products. Background Technology

[0002] Technology related to voice interaction services in vehicles is known. For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-144275 (JP 2020-144275 A) discloses a proxy device comprising: a plurality of proxy functional units that provide a service including making a voice response in response to the speech of a vehicle occupant; and a management unit that activates one of the plurality of proxy functional units corresponding to the first activation phrase when the vehicle occupant issues a first activation phrase individually set for each of the plurality of proxy functional units, and activates two or more proxy functional units corresponding to the second activation phrase when the vehicle occupant issues a second activation phrase commonly set for two or more proxy functional units. Summary of the Invention

[0003] However, when multiple VUI (Voice User Interface) functions are provided, users need to understand the activation phrase and the combination of VUI functions associated with that phrase. Furthermore, as the number of VUI functions increases, it becomes difficult for users to remember all the activation words for each function. To address this issue, a common activation phrase could be used for all VUI functions. However, when VUI functions respond individually in this situation, resource utilization efficiency decreases.

[0004] This disclosure provides an in-vehicle information processing device, information processing method, and computer program product that improves resource utilization efficiency while using common activation words for various VUI functions.

[0005] A first aspect of this disclosure provides an in-vehicle information processing device including a processor. The processor activates multiple VUI functions using the same activation phrase. Each VUI function is associated with a corresponding in-vehicle function, and each VUI function performs speech recognition processing on a user's speech to recognize a voice command for the in-vehicle function and executes the in-vehicle function based on the voice command. When a predetermined in-vehicle function is activated, the processor activates the VUI function associated with that function, and even during the activation of the VUI function, other VUI functions are allowed to perform predetermined operations.

[0006] A second aspect of this disclosure provides an in-vehicle information processing device including a processor. The processor activates multiple VUI functions using the same activation phrase. The VUI functions are associated with corresponding in-vehicle functions. When a predetermined in-vehicle function is activated, the processor activates the VUI function associated with that in-vehicle function, and even during the activation of the VUI function, other VUI functions are allowed to perform predetermined operations.

[0007] In the vehicle information processing device according to the second aspect of this disclosure, the processor can be configured to input the voice command to the other VUI function when the VUI function does not have permission to access the operation requested by the voice command.

[0008] In the vehicle information processing device according to the second aspect of this disclosure, the processor can be configured to activate all VUI functions when the vehicle information processing device is activated.

[0009] In the vehicle information processing device according to the second aspect of this disclosure, the processor may be configured to increase the priority of the activation phrase recognition permission of the VUI function associated with the vehicle function when the predetermined vehicle function is activated.

[0010] In the vehicle information processing device according to the second aspect of this disclosure, the processor may be configured to reduce the priority of the activation phrase recognition permission of the VUI function associated with the vehicle function when the predetermined vehicle function is terminated.

[0011] In the vehicle information processing device according to the second aspect of this disclosure, the processor may be configured to revoke the activation phrase recognition permission from the VUI function when the VUI function that has been granted activation phrase recognition permission does not have the highest priority of the activation phrase recognition permission, and to grant the activation phrase recognition permission to another VUI function that has the highest priority.

[0012] In the vehicle information processing device according to the second aspect of this disclosure, the processor can be configured to initialize the priority of the activation phrase recognition permission of the VUI function when the vehicle information processing device is activated.

[0013] A third aspect of this disclosure provides an information processing method executed by an in-vehicle information processing device having multiple VUI functions to be activated using the same activation phrase. The VUI functions are associated with corresponding in-vehicle functions. The information processing method includes: performing speech recognition processing on a user's speech to identify a voice command for an in-vehicle function, and executing the in-vehicle function based on the voice command; and, when a predetermined in-vehicle function is activated, activating the VUI function associated with that in-vehicle function, and allowing other VUI functions to perform predetermined operations even during the activation of the VUI function.

[0014] The fourth aspect of this disclosure provides an information processing method performed by an in-vehicle information processing device having multiple VUI functions to be activated using the same activation phrase. The VUI functions are associated with corresponding in-vehicle functions. The information processing method includes activating the VUI function associated with the predetermined in-vehicle function when that function is activated, and allowing other VUI functions to perform predetermined operations even during the activation of the predetermined in-vehicle function.

[0015] The information processing method according to the fourth aspect of this disclosure may further include, when the VUI function does not have permission to access the operation requested by the voice command, inputting the voice command to the other VUI function.

[0016] The information processing method according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure may further include activating all of the VUI functions when the in-vehicle information processing device is activated.

[0017] The information processing method according to the fourth aspect of this disclosure may further include, when the predetermined in-vehicle function is activated, increasing the priority of the activation phrase recognition permission of the VUI function associated with the in-vehicle function.

[0018] The information processing method according to the fourth aspect of this disclosure may further include, in the event that the predetermined in-vehicle function is terminated, reducing the priority of the activation phrase recognition permission of the VUI function associated with the in-vehicle function.

[0019] The information processing method according to the fourth scheme of this disclosure may further include, when a VUI function that has been granted activation phrase recognition permission does not have the highest priority of the activation phrase recognition permission, revoking the activation phrase recognition permission from the VUI function and granting the activation phrase recognition permission to another VUI function that has the highest priority.

[0020] The information processing method according to the fourth aspect of this disclosure may further include, when the in-vehicle information processing device is activated, initializing the priority of the activation phrase recognition permission of the VUI function.

[0021] A fifth aspect of this disclosure provides a computer program product comprising a computer program that, when executed by an in-vehicle information processing device, causes the in-vehicle information processing device to perform processing. The in-vehicle information processing device has multiple VUI functions to be activated using the same activation phrase. The VUI functions are associated with corresponding in-vehicle functions. The processing includes: performing speech recognition processing on a user's speech to recognize a voice command for an in-vehicle function and executing the in-vehicle function based on the voice command; and, when a predetermined in-vehicle function is activated, activating the VUI function associated with that in-vehicle function, and allowing other VUI functions to perform predetermined operations even during the activation of the VUI function.

[0022] A sixth aspect of this disclosure provides a computer program product comprising a computer program that, when executed by an in-vehicle information processing device, causes the in-vehicle information processing device to perform processing. The in-vehicle information processing device has multiple VUI functions to be activated using the same activation phrase. The VUI functions are associated with corresponding in-vehicle functions. The processing includes activating the VUI function associated with the predetermined in-vehicle function when that function is activated, and allowing other VUI functions to perform predetermined operations even during the activation of the predetermined in-vehicle function.

[0023] In a computer program product according to the sixth aspect of this disclosure, the processing may further include inputting the voice command to the other VUI function if the VUI function does not have permission to access the operation requested by the voice command.

[0024] In the computer program product according to the sixth aspect of this disclosure, the processing may further include, when the predetermined in-vehicle function is activated, increasing the priority of the activation phrase recognition permission of the VUI function associated with the in-vehicle function.

[0025] According to the first solution disclosed herein, resource utilization efficiency can be improved while using common activation words for various VUI functions. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like symbols denote like elements, and wherein:

[0027] Figure 1The figure illustrates a schematic configuration of an in-vehicle information processing device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 This is a first flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of an in-vehicle information processing device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 3 The diagram shows... Figure 2 The priority of VUI functions during the operation shown; Figure 4 This is a second flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of an in-vehicle information processing device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 5 The figure illustrates a plurality of vehicle functions activated by an in-vehicle information processing device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 6 This is a third flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of an in-vehicle information processing device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 7 The diagram shows... Figure 6 The priority of VUI functions during the operation shown; Figure 8 This is a fourth flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of an in-vehicle information processing device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 9 The figure illustrates a schematic configuration of an in-vehicle information processing device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 10 This is a first flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of an in-vehicle information processing device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 11 The diagram shows... Figure 10 The priority of VUI functions during the operation shown; Figure 12 This is a second flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of an in-vehicle information processing device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure; and Figure 13 The diagram shows... Figure 12 The priority of VUI functions during the operation shown. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] First Embodiment Reference Figure 1 The configuration of the vehicle information processing device according to the first embodiment is described. Figure 1 The vehicle information processing device 1 shown includes an input unit 11, a control unit 12, a storage unit 13, an output unit 14, and a communication unit 15.

[0030] The in-vehicle information processing unit 1 is a multimedia device installed in a vehicle and has multiple in-vehicle functions. These functions may include, for example, navigation; audio functions such as radio and television; information dissemination functions such as news and weather; vehicle association functions for communication with other vehicles; and collaborative functions for communication with smart devices (e.g., smartphones). In-vehicle functions may also include functions for operating vehicle equipment (such as air conditioning, windows, wipers, lights, roof, and sunshades). The in-vehicle information processing unit 1 has multiple VUI (voice user interface) functions activated using the same activation phrase (wake-up word). VUI functions are associated with in-vehicle functions. When a predetermined in-vehicle function (typically navigation) is activated, the VUI function associated with that predetermined function is activated. However, even during VUI activation, other VUI functions perform predetermined operations. The activation phrase may be, but is not limited to, "Hey, Toyota!" The activation phrase can be changed by the user through settings.

[0031] The input unit 11 includes a microphone for capturing the speech of the vehicle occupants. The input unit 11, which receives input from the user of the in-vehicle information processing device 1, may also include physical keys, capacitive keys, touch panels, etc.

[0032] Storage device 13 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination thereof. For example, the semiconductor memory is random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), or flash memory. For example, storage unit 13 serves as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. Storage unit 13 stores information to be used in the operation of vehicle information processing device 1 and information obtained through the operation of vehicle information processing device 1.

[0033] The output device 14 includes at least one output interface. The output interface may be a display that outputs an image prepared by the control unit 12. The output interface may also be a speaker that outputs sound prepared by the control unit 12. The input unit 11 and the output unit 14 may be integrated into a single unit, such as a touchscreen.

[0034] The communication unit 15 includes at least one communication interface for communicating with external devices such as servers and sensors. For example, in the case of wired communication, the communication interface may be a local area network (LAN) interface or an interface supporting communication standards such as Universal Serial Bus (USB). For example, in the case of wireless communication, the communication interface may be an interface supporting mobile communication standards such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (Fourth Generation), or 5G (Fifth Generation), or an interface supporting short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth. The communication unit 15 sends information prepared by the control unit 12 to the external device. The communication unit 15 outputs information received from the external device to the storage unit 13.

[0035] The control unit 12 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or any combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a dedicated processor for specific processing. The programmable circuit is, for example, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). The dedicated circuit is, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The control unit 12 performs processing related to the operation of the in-vehicle information processing device 1, and simultaneously controls the various units of the in-vehicle information processing device 1.

[0036] The control unit 12 includes a VUI management unit 121, N VUI function units 122-k (1 ≤ k ≤ N), and N vehicle function execution units 123-k (1 ≤ k ≤ N). Here, N is the number of VUIs and is an integer greater than or equal to 2. Figure 1 In this design, the number of VUIs is determined to be N=2. The first VUI functional unit 122-1 and the second VUI functional unit 122-2 are referred to as VUI functional unit 122-k, and the first vehicle function execution unit 123-1 and the second vehicle function execution unit 123-2 are referred to as vehicle function execution unit 123-k. Both VUI functional unit 122-k and vehicle function execution unit 123-k can be manufactured internally, or some can be manufactured internally and the rest can be manufactured by other companies (third parties).

[0037] VUI management unit 121 controls the activation (on) / deactivation (off) of VUI functional units 122-k. Furthermore, VUI management unit 121 determines the priority of the activation phrase recognition permission (the permission to recognize the activation phrase) for each of the VUI functional units 122-k. VUI management unit 121 assigns the activation phrase recognition permission to the VUI functional unit 122-k with the highest priority (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "priority"). The VUI functional unit 122-k with the activation phrase recognition permission has the permission to recognize the user's utterance following the activation phrase. The priority can be stored in storage unit 13.

[0038] VUI function unit 122-k is activated by the same activation phrase. VUI function unit 122-k is associated (cooperatively) with a corresponding in-vehicle function. For example, suppose a first in-vehicle function is associated with a first VUI function unit 122-1, and a second in-vehicle function is associated with a second VUI function unit 122-2. In this case, when the first in-vehicle function is activated, the first VUI function unit 122-1 associated with the first in-vehicle function is activated, but even during the activation of the first VUI function unit 122-1, the second VUI function unit 122-2 performs a predetermined operation. Similarly, when the second in-vehicle function is activated, the second VUI function unit 122-2 associated with the second in-vehicle function is activated, but even during the activation of the second VUI function unit 122-2, the first VUI function unit 122-1 performs a predetermined operation.

[0039] VUI functional unit 122-k interacts with the user and performs proxy processing such as speech recognition processing and natural language processing. When VUI functional unit 122-k recognizes a user's command (voice command) for an in-vehicle function, it outputs the voice command to in-vehicle function execution unit 123-k, thereby enabling in-vehicle function execution unit 123-k to execute the in-vehicle function associated with VUI functional unit 122-k. Speech recognition processing may include noise reduction processing, such as removing background noise contained in the audio signal, as preprocessing. VUI functional unit 122-k can perform speech recognition processing and natural language processing by utilizing artificial intelligence (AI). For example, VUI functional unit 122-k uses an acoustic model to extract phonemes and uses a language model such as a Hidden Markov Model (HMM) or N-gram to understand the context. VUI functional unit 122-k can use not only Deep Neural Network-Hidden Markov Model (DNN-HMM) models but also known models such as end-to-end models.

[0040] The vehicle function execution unit 123-k executes vehicle functions associated with the VUI function unit 122-k based on voice commands input from the VUI function unit 122-k. The vehicle function execution unit 123-k can also execute vehicle functions associated with the VUI function unit 122-k based on operation commands input through the user operation input unit 11. That is, the first vehicle function execution unit 123-1 executes vehicle functions associated with the first VUI function unit 122-1, and the second vehicle function execution unit 123-2 executes vehicle functions associated with the second VUI function unit 122-2. The number of vehicle functions associated with the VUI function unit 122-k can be more than one. For example, the vehicle function associated with the first VUI function unit 122-1 can be an internally manufactured navigation application, and the vehicle function associated with the second VUI function unit 122-2 can be a navigation application manufactured by another company. For example, the vehicle functions associated with the first VUI functional unit 122-1 may include vehicle functions that significantly affect the safety of the vehicle, and the vehicle functions associated with the second VUI functional unit 122-2 may include vehicle functions that do not significantly affect the safety of the vehicle and vehicle functions manufactured by another company.

[0041] Next, we will refer to Figures 2 to 4 An example describing the operation of the control unit 12 of the vehicle information processing device 1 according to the first embodiment is provided. In this example, it is assumed that there is a vehicle function associated with the second VUI function unit 122-2. Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation in which a user activates an in-vehicle function associated with the second VUI function unit 122-2 between the activation and deactivation of the in-vehicle information processing device 1. Figure 3 The diagram shows... Figure 2 The priority of VUI functional unit 122-k during the operation shown. Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of updating and activating phrase recognition permissions.

[0042] In S11, when the vehicle information processing device 1 is activated, the VUI management unit 121 activates all VUI function units 122-k. In this embodiment, the VUI management unit 121 activates the first VUI function unit 122-1 and the second VUI function unit 122-2. At this time, no vehicle functions are activated.

[0043] In S12, the VUI management unit 121 initializes the priority of the activation phrase recognition permission. The initial priority can be predetermined or changed by the user. For example, as... Figure 3As shown, the priority of the first VUI functional unit 122-1 is set to "0", and the priority of the second VUI functional unit 122-2 is set to "-1". In the following description, it is assumed that the higher the value, the higher the priority. Furthermore, the priority is not limited to the values ​​shown in the figure. Figure 3 In the example shown, the first VUI functional unit 122-1 is given the highest priority during initialization. The VUI management unit 121 also initializes the activation phrase recognition permission. The activation phrase recognition permission at initialization can be predetermined or can be changed by the user. Here, the following operation will be described assuming that the VUI management unit 121 has already granted the activation phrase recognition permission to the first VUI functional unit 122-1.

[0044] In S13, it is assumed that the user of the vehicle information processing device 1 inputs a command to activate the vehicle function associated with (coordinated with) the second VUI function unit 122-2 through the operation input unit 11 (e.g., touching an icon on the touch screen). Then, the second vehicle function execution unit 123-2 activates the vehicle function based on the user's command.

[0045] In S14, the VUI management unit 121 sets the priority of the second VUI functional unit 122-2 to be higher than the priority of the first VUI functional unit 122-1. For example, as Figure 3 As shown, the priority of the second VUI functional unit 122-2 is increased from "-1" to "+1".

[0046] In S15, the VUI management unit 121 updates and activates phrase recognition permissions. (Refer to...) Figure 4 Describe the operation to update and activate phrase recognition permissions.

[0047] In S151, the VUI management unit 121 determines whether the VUI functional unit 122-k, which has been granted activation phrase recognition permission, has the highest priority. If the VUI functional unit 122-k has the highest priority, the VUI management unit 121 terminates the operation of updating the activation phrase recognition permission. If the VUI functional unit 122-k does not have the highest priority, the VUI management unit 121 proceeds to S152. Initially, the activation phrase recognition permission is granted to the first VUI functional unit 122-1. In this embodiment, the priority "0" of the first VUI functional unit 122-1 is lower than the priority "+1" of the second VUI functional unit 122-2; therefore, the VUI management unit 121 proceeds to S152.

[0048] In S152, the VUI management unit 121 revokes the activation phrase recognition permission from the VUI functional unit 122, which has already been granted activation phrase recognition permission. Figure 2 In the example shown, VUI management unit 121 revokes the activation phrase recognition permission from the first VUI functional unit 122-1, which has already been granted activation phrase recognition permission.

[0049] In S153, the VUI management unit 121 grants the activation phrase recognition permission to the VUI function unit 122-k with the highest priority. Figure 2 In the example shown, VUI management unit 121 grants the activation phrase recognition permission to the second VUI function unit 122-2, which has the highest priority.

[0050] Refer again Figure 2 In S16, it is assumed that the user of the vehicle information processing device 1 inputs a command to terminate the vehicle function associated with the second VUI function unit 122-2 through the operation input unit 11. Then, the second vehicle function execution unit 123-2 terminates the vehicle function based on the user's command.

[0051] In S17, the VUI management unit 121 sets the priority of the second VUI functional unit 122-2 to be lower than the priority of the first VUI functional unit 122-1. For example, as Figure 3 As shown, the priority of the second VUI functional unit 122-2 is reduced from "+1" to "-1".

[0052] In S18, the VUI management unit 121 performs the same process as in S15 again. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the example shown, at this point, the second VUI functional unit 122-2 has been granted activation phrase recognition permission, and the first VUI functional unit 122-1 has the highest priority ("No" in S151). Therefore, the VUI management unit 121 revokes the activation phrase recognition permission from the second VUI functional unit 122-2 (S152). Then, the VUI management unit 121 grants the activation phrase recognition permission to the first VUI functional unit 122-1, which has the highest priority (S153).

[0053] exist Figure 2 In this context, it is assumed that only one in-vehicle function associated with the second VUI function unit 122-2 is activated. However, multiple in-vehicle functions associated with VUI function unit 122-k can be activated simultaneously. For example, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the in-vehicle functions associated with the second VUI functional unit 122-2 may include a navigation application and an audio application that plays audio (streaming) in the background of the navigation application, and the navigation application and the audio application can be activated simultaneously. Furthermore, the VUI management unit 121 can change the priority weight of the in-vehicle functions. (Refer to...) Figure 6 and 7Describe the handling in this situation.

[0054] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of updating the activated phrase recognition permission when a user activates two in-vehicle functions associated with the second VUI function unit 122-2 after activating the in-vehicle information processing device 1. Figure 7 The diagram shows... Figure 6 The priority of VUI functional unit 122-k during the operation shown.

[0055] In S21, when the vehicle information processing device 1 is activated, the VUI management unit 121 activates the first VUI function unit 122-1 and the second VUI function unit 122-2.

[0056] In S22, the VUI management unit 121 initializes the priority of the activation phrase recognition permission. For example, as... Figure 7 As shown, the priority of the first VUI functional unit 122-1 is set to "0" and the priority of the second VUI functional unit 122-2 is set to "-1". That is, in Figure 7 In the example shown, the first VUI functional unit 122-1 is given the highest priority during initialization. The VUI management unit 121 also initializes the activation phrase recognition permission. Here, the following operation will be described assuming that the VUI management unit 121 has already granted the activation phrase recognition permission to the first VUI functional unit 122-1.

[0057] In S23, it is assumed that the user of the vehicle information processing device 1 inputs an instruction to activate a first vehicle function (e.g., a navigation application) associated with the second VUI function unit 122-2 through the operation input unit 11. Then, the second vehicle function execution unit 123-2 activates the first vehicle function based on the user's instruction.

[0058] In S24, the VUI management unit 121 sets the priority of the second VUI functional unit 122-2 to be higher than the priority of the first VUI functional unit 122-1. For example, as Figure 7 As shown, the priority of the second VUI functional unit 122-2 is increased from "-1" to "+1".

[0059] In S25, the VUI management unit 121 updates and activates phrase recognition permissions. The processing in S25 is related to... Figure 4 The processing in S15 shown is the same. Figure 6 and Figure 7In the example shown, at this point, the first VUI functional unit 122-1 has been granted activation phrase recognition permission, and the second VUI functional unit 122-2 has the highest priority ("No" in S151). Therefore, the VUI management unit 121 revokes the activation phrase recognition permission from the first VUI functional unit 122-1 (S152). Then, the VUI management unit 121 grants the activation phrase recognition permission to the second VUI functional unit 122-2, which has the highest priority (S153).

[0060] In S26, it is assumed that the user of the in-vehicle information processing device 1 inputs an instruction to activate a second in-vehicle function (e.g., an audio application) associated with the second VUI function unit 122-2 via the operation input unit 11. Then, the second in-vehicle function execution unit 123-2 activates the second in-vehicle function based on the user's instruction. Alternatively, when the user of the in-vehicle information processing device 1 gives an instruction to activate a first in-vehicle function associated with the second VUI function unit 122-2 (S23), the second in-vehicle function execution unit 123-2 can automatically activate the second in-vehicle function after activating the first in-vehicle function.

[0061] In S27, the VUI management unit 121 sets a higher priority for the second VUI functional unit 122-2. For example, as Figure 7 As shown, the priority of the second VUI functional unit 122-2 is increased from "+1" to "+2".

[0062] Following S27, the VUI management unit 121 executes the same process as S25 (S15). Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the example shown, the second VUI functional unit 122-2 has already been granted activation phrase recognition permission, and the second VUI functional unit 122-2 has the highest priority ("Yes" in S151). Therefore, the VUI management unit 121 maintains the activation phrase recognition permission granted to the second VUI functional unit 122-2.

[0063] Next, we will describe an example of other VUI functions performing pre-defined operations during the activation of a specific VUI function. Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation when a user performs an instruction to operate a vehicle function associated with the first VUI function unit 122-1, provided that the vehicle function associated with the second VUI function unit 122-2 is activated. Here, it is assumed that an instruction has already been executed. Figure 2 The processes in S11 to S15 are shown. Therefore, the first VUI functional unit 122-1 and the second VUI functional unit 122-2 are activated. Furthermore, the second VUI functional unit 122-2 has the highest priority.

[0064] In S31, the second VUI functional unit 122-2, which has the highest priority, recognizes the activation phrase issued by the user.

[0065] In S32, the second VUI functional unit 122-2 recognizes the voice command issued by the user after the activation phrase.

[0066] In S33, the second VUI function unit 122-2 checks whether it has permission to access the operation requested via voice command. If the second VUI function unit 122-2 has permission to access the requested operation, it proceeds to S34. If the second VUI function unit 122-2 does not have permission to access the requested operation, it proceeds to S35.

[0067] In S34, the second vehicle function execution unit 123-2 executes the operation requested by voice command.

[0068] In S35, the second VUI function unit 122-2 inputs (forwards) the recognized voice command to the first VUI function unit 122-1. Alternatively, the second VUI function unit 122-2 can notify the VUI management unit 121 of the voice command and that the second VUI function unit 122-2 is not authorized to access the requested operation, and the VUI management unit 121 can determine the input destination (forwarding destination) of the voice command.

[0069] In S36, the first VUI function unit 122-1 performs the operation requested by the second VUI function unit 122-2 via voice command.

[0070] Second Embodiment Next, the vehicle information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described. Figure 9 The vehicle information processing device 1a shown includes an input unit 11, a control unit 12a, a storage unit 13, an output unit 14, and a communication unit 15. The vehicle information processing device 1a differs from the control unit 12a in its operation. Figure 1 The vehicle information processing device 1 shown is identical to the vehicle information processing device 1 in other configurations, and therefore will be omitted from the description.

[0071] exist Figure 1In the vehicle information processing device 1 shown, the number of VUIs N is 2. The difference between the vehicle information processing device 1a and the vehicle information processing device 1 is that the number of VUIs N is 3. That is, the control unit 12a includes a VUI management unit 121, VUI function units 122-k (first VUI function unit 122-1, second VUI function unit 122-2 and third VUI function unit 122-3) and vehicle function execution units 123-k (first vehicle function execution unit 123-1, second vehicle function execution unit 123-2 and third vehicle function execution unit 123-3).

[0072] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 An example describing the operation of the control unit 12a of the vehicle information processing device 1a according to the second embodiment. Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation in which a user activates an in-vehicle function associated with the second VUI function unit 122-2 between the activation and deactivation of the in-vehicle information processing device 1a. Figure 11 The diagram shows... Figure 10 The priority of VUI functional unit 122-k during the operation shown.

[0073] In S41, when the vehicle information processing device 1a is activated, the VUI management unit 121 activates the first VUI function unit 122-1, the second VUI function unit 122-2, and the third VUI function unit 122-3.

[0074] In S42, the VUI management unit 121 initializes the priority of the activation phrase recognition permission. For example, as... Figure 11 As shown, the priority of the first VUI functional unit 122-1 is set to "0", the priority of the second VUI functional unit 122-2 is set to "-1", and the priority of the third VUI functional unit 122-3 is set to "-1". That is, in Figure 11 In the example shown, the first VUI functional unit 122-1 is given the highest priority during initialization. The VUI management unit 121 also initializes the activation phrase recognition permission. Here, the following operation will be described assuming that the VUI management unit 121 has already granted the activation phrase recognition permission to the first VUI functional unit 122-1.

[0075] In S43, it is assumed that the user of the vehicle information processing device 1a inputs a command to activate the vehicle function associated with the second VUI function unit 122-2 through the operation input unit 11. Then, the second vehicle function execution unit 123-2 activates the vehicle function based on the user's command.

[0076] In S44, the VUI management unit 121 sets the priority of the second VUI functional unit 122-2 to be higher than the priority of the first VUI functional unit 122-1. For example, as Figure 11 As shown, the priority of the second VUI functional unit 122-2 is increased from "-1" to "+1".

[0077] In S45, the VUI management unit 121 updates and activates phrase recognition permissions. The processing in S45 is related to... Figure 4 The processing in S15 shown is the same. Figure 10 and Figure 11 In the example shown, at this point, the first VUI functional unit 122-1 has been granted activation phrase recognition permission, and the second VUI functional unit 122-2 has the highest priority ("No" in S151). Therefore, the VUI management unit 121 revokes the activation phrase recognition permission from the first VUI functional unit 122-1 (S152). Then, the VUI management unit 121 grants the activation phrase recognition permission to the second VUI functional unit 122-2, which has the highest priority (S153).

[0078] In S46, it is assumed that the user of the vehicle information processing device 1a inputs a command to terminate the vehicle function associated with the second VUI function unit 122-2 through the operation input unit 11. Then, the second vehicle function execution unit 123-2 terminates the vehicle function based on the user's command.

[0079] In S47, the VUI management unit 121 sets the priority of the second VUI functional unit 122-2 to be lower than the priority of the first VUI functional unit 122-1. For example, as Figure 11 As shown, the priority of the second VUI functional unit 122-2 is reduced from "+1" to "-1".

[0080] Following S47, the VUI management unit 121 executes the same process as S45 (S15). Figure 10 and Figure 11 In the example shown, at this point, the second VUI functional unit 122-2 has been granted activation phrase recognition permission, and the first VUI functional unit 122-1 has the highest priority ("No" in S151). Therefore, the VUI management unit 121 revokes the activation phrase recognition permission from the second VUI functional unit 122-2 (S152). Then, the VUI management unit 121 grants the activation phrase recognition permission to the first VUI functional unit 122-1, which has the highest priority (S153).

[0081] exist Figure 10In this context, it is assumed that only one in-vehicle function associated with the second VUI functional unit 122-2 is activated. However, multiple in-vehicle functions associated with different VUI functional units 122-k can be activated simultaneously. For example, as... Figure 5 As shown, the in-vehicle function associated with the second VUI functional unit 122-2 can be a navigation application, and the in-vehicle function associated with the third VUI functional unit 122-3 can be an audio application that plays audio in the background of the navigation application, and the navigation application and the audio application can be activated simultaneously. Furthermore, the VUI management unit 121 can change the priority weight of the in-vehicle functions. (Refer to...) Figure 12 and Figure 13 Describe the handling in this situation.

[0082] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of operation when a user activates vehicle functions associated with the second VUI function unit 122-2 and the third VUI function unit 122-3 after the activation of the vehicle information processing device 1a. Figure 13 The diagram shows... Figure 12 The priority of VUI functional unit 122-k during the operation shown.

[0083] In S51, when the vehicle information processing device 1a is activated, the VUI management unit 121 activates the first VUI function unit 122-1, the second VUI function unit 122-2, and the third VUI function unit 122-3.

[0084] In S52, the VUI management unit 121 initializes the priority of the activation phrase recognition permission. For example, as... Figure 13 As shown, the priority of the first VUI functional unit 122-1 is set to "0", the priority of the second VUI functional unit 122-2 is set to "-1", and the priority of the third VUI functional unit 122-3 is set to "-1". That is, in Figure 13 In the example shown, the first VUI functional unit 122-1 is given the highest priority during initialization. The VUI management unit 121 also initializes the activation phrase recognition permission. Here, the following operation will be described assuming that the VUI management unit 121 has already granted the activation phrase recognition permission to the first VUI functional unit 122-1.

[0085] In S53, it is assumed that the user of the vehicle information processing device 1a inputs a command to activate a first vehicle function (e.g., a navigation application) associated with the second VUI function unit 122-2 through the operation input unit 11. Then, the second vehicle function execution unit 123-2 activates the first vehicle function based on the user's command.

[0086] In S54, the VUI management unit 121 sets the priority of the second VUI functional unit 122-2 to be higher than the priority of the first VUI functional unit 122-1. For example, as Figure 13 As shown, the priority of the second VUI functional unit 122-2 is increased from "-1" to "+2".

[0087] In S55, the VUI management unit 121 updates and activates phrase recognition permissions. The processing in S55 is related to... Figure 4 The processing in S15 shown is the same. Figure 12 and Figure 13 In the example shown, at this point, the first VUI functional unit 122-1 has been granted activation phrase recognition permission, and the second VUI functional unit 122-2 has the highest priority ("No" in S151). Therefore, the VUI management unit 121 revokes the activation phrase recognition permission from the first VUI functional unit 122-1 (S152). Then, the VUI management unit 121 grants the activation phrase recognition permission to the second VUI functional unit 122-2, which has the highest priority (S153).

[0088] In S56, it is assumed that the user of the vehicle information processing device 1a inputs a command to activate a second vehicle function (e.g., an audio application) associated with the third VUI function unit 122-3 via the operation input unit 11. Then, the third vehicle function execution unit 123-3 activates the second vehicle function based on the user's command. Alternatively, when the user of the vehicle information processing device 1a gives a command to activate a first vehicle function associated with the second VUI function unit 122-2 (S53), the third vehicle function execution unit 123-3 can automatically activate the second vehicle function after activating the first vehicle function.

[0089] In S57, the VUI management unit 121 sets the priority of the third VUI functional unit 122-3 to high. For example, as Figure 13 As shown, the priority of the third VUI functional unit 122-3 is increased from "-1" to "+1".

[0090] Following S57, the VUI management unit 121 performs the same process as S55 (S15). Figure 12 and Figure 13 In the example shown, the second VUI functional unit 122-2 has already been granted activation phrase recognition permission, and the second VUI functional unit 122-2 has the highest priority ("Yes" in S151). Therefore, the VUI management unit 121 maintains the activation phrase recognition permission granted to the second VUI functional unit 122-2.

[0091] In the above embodiments, the number N of VUIs is 2 or 3. However, it is clear that similar processing can be performed when N is 4 or more. Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to the above operational examples. As described above, multiple VUI functions of the in-vehicle information processing devices 1 and 1a are activated using the same activation phrase. Therefore, the user does not need to understand the combination of activation phrases and VUI functions associated with the activation phrases, and does not need to remember multiple activation phrases, thereby improving the operability of the in-vehicle functions. Furthermore, the in-vehicle information processing devices 1 and 1a can be actively equipped with a large number of VUI functions. For example, in order to support different languages ​​of various countries and regions, the in-vehicle information processing devices 1 and 1a can be equipped with different VUI functions for various languages, or can be equipped with VUI functions manufactured by suppliers proficient in the respective languages. In addition, VUI functions allow users to operate various in-vehicle functions via voice without taking their eyes off the road, thereby improving safety during driving.

[0092] Furthermore, in the vehicle information processing devices 1 and 1a, when a predetermined vehicle function is activated, the VUI function associated with that vehicle function is activated, and even during the activation of a VUI function, other VUI functions perform predetermined operations. When a VUI function is not authorized to access an operation requested via voice command, even during the activation of one VUI function, another VUI function can be operated by inputting a voice command to it. Therefore, compared to individual VUI functions responding separately, the vehicle information processing devices 1 and 1a can improve resource utilization efficiency. For example, even when the VUI function associated with a first vehicle function (e.g., navigation function) is not authorized to access a second vehicle function (e.g., air conditioning operation function), the user can still give voice commands for the second vehicle function during the activation of the first vehicle function.

[0093] Furthermore, the vehicle information processing devices 1 and 1a dynamically change the priority of the activation phrase recognition permission by using the activation and termination of vehicle functions as triggers, thereby updating the activation phrase recognition permission. Therefore, the vehicle information processing devices 1 and 1a can suppress the increase in resource consumption caused by simultaneously activating multiple vehicle functions in response to an activation phrase.

[0094] program A computer capable of executing program instructions can be used as the aforementioned vehicle information processing devices 1 and 1a. The program enables the computer to function as vehicle information processing devices 1 and 1a by causing the computer to perform the aforementioned operations.

[0095] The program can be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include flash memory, magnetic recording devices, optical discs, magneto-optical recording media, and ROM. For example, the program may be distributed by selling, transferring, or leasing portable media storing the program, such as secure digital (SD) cards, digital versatile optical discs (DVDs), or optical disc read-only memories (CD-ROMs). The program can be distributed by storing it in the memory of a server and forwarding it from the server to other computers. The program may be offered as a program product.

[0096] The computer temporarily stores programs stored on portable media or programs forwarded from a server in storage unit 13. The computer then uses a processor (control unit 12) to read the program stored in storage unit 13 and executes processing based on the read program. The processor can be a central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor unit (MPU), system-on-a-chip (SoC), etc., and can consist of multiple processors of the same or different types.

[0097] A computer can directly read programs from portable media and execute processing according to those programs. Whenever a program is forwarded from a server to a computer, the computer can continuously execute processing based on the received program. Processing can be performed through services of the so-called Application Service Provider (ASP) type, where functionality is achieved simply by generating execution instructions and retrieving results, without forwarding the program from the server to the computer. A program includes information that is to be provided for processing by an electronic computer and is equivalent to a program. For example, data that is not a direct command to the computer but has attributes defining the computer's processing corresponds to information "equivalent to a program."

[0098] Although the above embodiments have been described as typical examples, various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. For example, multiple component blocks or processing steps described in the embodiments may be combined into one, or one component block or processing step may be divided into multiple component blocks or processing steps.

[0099] Some embodiments of this disclosure will be described below. However, it should be noted that the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to these.

[0100] Appendix 1 An in-vehicle information processing device includes a control unit, wherein: The control unit has multiple VUI functions to be activated using the same activation phrase; each VUI function is associated with a corresponding in-vehicle function; each VUI function performs speech recognition processing on the user's speech to recognize voice commands for the in-vehicle function and executes the in-vehicle function based on the voice commands; and When a predetermined in-vehicle function is activated, the VUI function associated with the in-vehicle function is activated, and even during the activation of the VUI function, other VUI functions are allowed to perform predetermined operations.

[0101] Appendix 2 An in-vehicle information processing device includes multiple VUI functions to be activated using the same activation phrase, wherein The VUI function is associated with the corresponding in-vehicle functions, and When a predetermined in-vehicle function is activated, the VUI function associated with the in-vehicle function is activated, and other VUI functions are allowed to perform predetermined operations even during the activation of the VUI function.

[0102] Appendix 3 According to the vehicle information processing device described in Appendix 1 or 2, when the VUI function does not have permission to access the operation requested by the voice command, the voice command is input to the other VUI function.

[0103] Appendix 4 According to any one of Appendices 1 to 3, the vehicle information processing device, when the vehicle information processing device is activated, activates all of the VUI functions.

[0104] Appendix 5 According to any one of Appendices 1 to 4, in the vehicle information processing apparatus, when the predetermined vehicle function is activated, the priority of the activation phrase recognition permission of the VUI function associated with the vehicle function is increased.

[0105] Appendix 6 According to any one of Appendices 1 to 5, in the vehicle information processing apparatus, when the predetermined vehicle function is terminated, the priority of the activation phrase recognition permission of the VUI function associated with the vehicle function is reduced.

[0106] Appendix 7 According to any one of Appendices 1 to 6, in the vehicle information processing device, when a VUI function that has been granted activation phrase recognition permission does not have the highest priority of the activation phrase recognition permission, the activation phrase recognition permission is revoked from the VUI function, and the activation phrase recognition permission is granted to another VUI function that has the highest priority.

[0107] Appendix 8 According to any one of Appendices 1 to 7, in the vehicle information processing device, when the vehicle information processing device is activated, the priority of the activation phrase recognition permission of the VUI function is initialized.

[0108] Appendix 9 An information processing method is performed by an in-vehicle information processing device having multiple VUI functions to be activated using the same activation phrase, wherein: the VUI functions are associated with corresponding in-vehicle functions; and The vehicle information processing device is configured as follows: The system performs speech recognition processing on the user's speech to identify voice commands for in-vehicle functions, and executes the in-vehicle functions based on the voice commands; and When a predetermined in-vehicle function is activated, the VUI function associated with the in-vehicle function is activated, and other VUI functions are allowed to perform predetermined operations even during the activation of the VUI function.

[0109] Appendix 10 An information processing method is performed by an in-vehicle information processing device having multiple VUI functions to be activated using the same activation phrase, wherein: the VUI functions are associated with corresponding in-vehicle functions; and The vehicle information processing device is configured as follows: When a predetermined in-vehicle function is activated, the VUI function associated with the in-vehicle function is activated, and other VUI functions are allowed to perform predetermined operations even during the activation of the VUI function.

[0110] Appendix 11 According to the information processing method described in Appendix 9 or 10, the in-vehicle information processing device is configured as follows: When a VUI function does not have permission to access an operation requested via voice command, the voice command is input to the other VUI function.

[0111] Appendix 12 The information processing method according to any one of Appendices 9 to 11, wherein the vehicle-mounted information processing device is configured as follows: When the vehicle information processing device is activated, all the VUI functions are activated.

[0112] Appendix 13 The information processing method according to any one of Appendices 9 to 12, wherein the vehicle-mounted information processing device is configured as follows: When the predetermined in-vehicle function is activated, the priority of the activation phrase recognition permission of the VUI function associated with the in-vehicle function is increased.

[0113] Appendix 14 The information processing method according to any one of Appendices 9 to 13, wherein the vehicle-mounted information processing device is configured as follows: When the predetermined in-vehicle function is terminated, the priority of the activation phrase recognition permission of the VUI function associated with the in-vehicle function is reduced.

[0114] Appendix 15 The information processing method according to any one of Appendices 9 to 14, wherein the vehicle-mounted information processing device is configured as follows: When a VUI function that has been granted activation phrase recognition permission does not have the highest priority of the activation phrase recognition permission, the activation phrase recognition permission is revoked from the VUI function, and the activation phrase recognition permission is granted to another VUI function that has the highest priority.

[0115] Appendix 16 The information processing method according to any one of Appendices 9 to 15, wherein the vehicle-mounted information processing device is configured as follows: When the vehicle information processing device is activated, the priority of the activation phrase recognition permission of the VUI function is initialized.

[0116] Appendix 17 A computer program product includes a computer program to be executed by a computer used as an in-vehicle information processing device, the in-vehicle information processing device having multiple VUI functions to be activated using the same activation phrase, wherein: The VUI function is associated with the corresponding in-vehicle functions; and The computer program causes the computer The system performs speech recognition processing on the user's speech to identify voice commands for in-vehicle functions, and executes the in-vehicle functions based on the voice commands; and When a predetermined in-vehicle function is activated, the VUI function associated with the in-vehicle function is activated, and other VUI functions are allowed to perform predetermined operations even during the activation of the VUI function.

[0117] Appendix 18 A computer program product includes a computer program to be executed by a computer used as an in-vehicle information processing device, the in-vehicle information processing device having multiple VUI functions to be activated using the same activation phrase, wherein: The VUI function is associated with the corresponding in-vehicle functions; and The computer program causes the computer When a predetermined in-vehicle function is activated, the VUI function associated with the in-vehicle function is activated, and other VUI functions are allowed to perform predetermined operations even during the activation of the VUI function.

[0118] Appendix 19 According to Appendix 17 or 18, a computer program product wherein the computer program causes the computer to... When a VUI function does not have permission to access an operation requested via voice command, the voice command is input to the other VUI function.

[0119] Appendix 20 A computer program product according to any one of Appendices 17 to 19, wherein the computer program causes the computer to... When the predetermined in-vehicle function is activated, the priority of the activation phrase recognition permission of the VUI function associated with the in-vehicle function is increased.

Claims

1. A vehicle-mounted information processing device, characterized in that... include The processor is configured as follows: Multiple VUI functions are activated using the same activation phrase. Each VUI function is associated with a corresponding in-vehicle function. Each VUI function performs speech recognition processing on the user's speech to identify voice commands for the in-vehicle function and executes the in-vehicle function based on the voice commands. When a predetermined in-vehicle function is activated, the VUI function associated with the in-vehicle function is activated, and other VUI functions are allowed to perform predetermined operations even during the activation of the VUI function.

2. A vehicle-mounted information processing device, characterized in that... include The processor is configured as follows: Multiple VUI functions can be activated using the same activation phrase, and these VUI functions are associated with corresponding in-vehicle functions; and When a predetermined in-vehicle function is activated, the VUI function associated with the in-vehicle function is activated, and other VUI functions are allowed to perform predetermined operations even during the activation of the VUI function.

3. The vehicle-mounted information processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The processor is configured to input the voice command to the other VUI function when the VUI function does not have permission to access the operation requested by the voice command.

4. The vehicle-mounted information processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The processor is configured to activate all of the VUI functions when the in-vehicle information processing device is activated.

5. The vehicle-mounted information processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The processor is configured to, when the predetermined in-vehicle function is activated, increase the priority of the activation phrase recognition permission of the VUI function associated with the in-vehicle function.

6. The vehicle-mounted information processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The processor is configured to reduce the priority of activation phrase recognition permissions for VUI functions associated with the vehicle function when the predetermined in-vehicle function is terminated.

7. The vehicle-mounted information processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The processor is configured to revoke the activation phrase recognition permission from a VUI function if the VUI function that has been granted activation phrase recognition permission does not have the highest priority of the activation phrase recognition permission, and to grant the activation phrase recognition permission to another VUI function that has the highest priority.

8. The vehicle-mounted information processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The processor is configured to initialize the priority of the activation phrase recognition permission of the VUI function when the in-vehicle information processing device is activated.

9. An information processing method executed by an in-vehicle information processing device having a plurality of VUI functions to be activated using the same activation phrase, the VUI functions being associated with corresponding in-vehicle functions, the information processing method being characterized by comprising: The system performs speech recognition processing on the user's speech to identify voice commands for in-vehicle functions, and executes the in-vehicle functions based on the voice commands; and When a predetermined in-vehicle function is activated, the VUI function associated with the in-vehicle function is activated, and other VUI functions are allowed to perform predetermined operations even during the activation of the VUI function.

10. An information processing method performed by an in-vehicle information processing device having a plurality of VUI functions to be activated using the same activation phrase, the VUI functions being associated with corresponding in-vehicle functions, the information processing method being characterized in that, when a predetermined in-vehicle function is activated, the VUI function associated with the in-vehicle function is activated, and other VUI functions are allowed to perform predetermined operations even during the activation of the VUI function.

11. The information processing method according to claim 10, characterized in that, It also includes inputting the voice command into the other VUI function when the VUI function does not have permission to access the operation requested by the voice command.

12. The information processing method according to claim 10, characterized in that, It also includes activating all of the VUI functions when the in-vehicle information processing device is activated.

13. The information processing method according to claim 10, characterized in that, It also includes increasing the priority of activation phrase recognition permissions for VUI functions associated with the vehicle function when the predetermined in-vehicle function is activated.

14. The information processing method according to claim 10, characterized in that, It also includes reducing the priority of activation phrase recognition permissions for VUI functions associated with the vehicle function when the predetermined in-vehicle function is terminated.

15. The information processing method according to claim 10, characterized in that, It also includes revoking the activation phrase recognition permission from a VUI function that has already been granted the permission, and assigning the activation phrase recognition permission to another VUI function that has the highest priority, if the VUI function that has been granted the activation phrase recognition permission does not have the highest priority for the activation phrase recognition permission.

16. The information processing method according to claim 10, characterized in that, It also includes prioritizing the activation phrase recognition permission of the VUI function when the in-vehicle information processing device is activated.

17. A computer program product comprising a computer program, when executed by an in-vehicle information processing device, causing the in-vehicle information processing device to perform processing, the in-vehicle information processing device having a plurality of VUI functions to be activated using the same activation phrase, and the VUI functions being associated with corresponding in-vehicle functions, the processing being characterized in that it includes: The system performs speech recognition processing on the user's speech to identify voice commands for in-vehicle functions, and executes the in-vehicle functions based on the voice commands; and When a predetermined in-vehicle function is activated, the VUI function associated with the in-vehicle function is activated, and other VUI functions are allowed to perform predetermined operations even during the activation of the VUI function.

18. A computer program product comprising a computer program that, when executed by an in-vehicle information processing device, causes the in-vehicle information processing device to perform processing, the in-vehicle information processing device having a plurality of VUI functions to be activated using the same activation phrase, and the VUI functions being associated with corresponding in-vehicle functions, the processing being characterized in that, when a predetermined in-vehicle function is activated, the VUI function associated with the predetermined in-vehicle function is activated, and that other VUI functions are allowed to perform predetermined operations even during the activation of the VUI function.

19. The computer program product according to claim 18, characterized in that, The process also includes inputting the voice command to the other VUI function if the VUI function does not have permission to access the operation requested by the voice command.

20. The computer program product according to claim 18, characterized in that, The process also includes, when the predetermined in-vehicle function is activated, increasing the priority of the activation phrase recognition permission of the VUI function associated with the in-vehicle function.

Images