Hands-Free Speech Interface for Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current speech-based human-machine interfaces in vehicles and cellular phones are limited in their ability to provide hands-free access to a wide range of applications and services, relying heavily on screen interaction and lacking integration with Internet-based services.
Innovation Solution
A method using a mobile device with wireless access to computer-based services, where speech inputs are processed through an automated speech recognition system, determining a session context, and generating a speech response without physical interaction, enabling broad access to Internet-based and cloud services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If speech-based HMI uses application-specific command sets with syntactically constrained interactions, then the system can reliably convert speech to specific commands, but the system lacks the ability to identify and carry out different services involving different applications or service providers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal speech interface that can access multiple services across different applications and service providers through a single unified command structure. The system uses a service identification module that recognizes service types and routes speech commands to appropriate services, eliminating the need for separate application-specific command sets. This allows the system to handle diverse services (messaging, navigation, media playback, etc.) through a consistent interaction model.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a service identification module and service routing mechanism as intermediaries between the speech recognition system and various applications. This intermediary layer translates generic speech commands into service-specific actions, managing the complexity internally while presenting a simplified interface to users. The service registry and routing logic act as mediators that bridge the gap between universal speech input and application-specific functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system uses embedded cellular phones with access to vehicle electronics for hands-free control, then basic vehicle control tasks can be performed, but access to many other built-in and user added applications and functions is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal access framework that enables a single speech interface to control diverse vehicle functions and applications. The service identification module detects the type of service requested and routes it to the appropriate application or vehicle function, whether it's infotainment, navigation, climate control, or third-party applications. This unified approach provides broad application access without requiring separate control systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic service routing system that adapts to different service types and contexts. The service identification module dynamically determines the appropriate service based on speech input, session context, and available applications. The system can dynamically load, register, and manage services, allowing flexible access to both built-in and user-added applications without requiring static pre-configuration for each possible function.
3Ease of operation
If commercially-available systems integrate speech support via operating system or built-in apps, then greater integration is provided, but the systems are not configured to provide a fully hands-free experience without screen interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the speech interface functionality from the standard mobile device operating system and integrates it with the vehicle's audio system. By separating the speech processing from the device screen and leveraging the vehicle's existing audio infrastructure (microphones, speakers, audio processing), the system achieves true hands-free operation. The speech session management is decoupled from visual display requirements, allowing complete voice-based interaction without screen dependency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the mobile device's speech recognition capabilities with the vehicle's audio interface system. The combination creates a unified hands-free interface where the vehicle's microphones capture speech, the mobile device processes recognition, and the vehicle's audio system provides feedback. This integration combines the strengths of both systems to deliver a seamless hands-free experience that leverages the vehicle's existing audio infrastructure rather than relying solely on the mobile device's screen-based interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of providing hands-free services using a mobile device having wireless access to computer-based services includes carrying out a completed speech session via a mobile device without any physical interaction with the mobile device, wherein the speech session includes receiving a speech input from a user, and obtaining from a cloud service a service result responsive to the speech input, and providing the service result as a speech response presented to the user.