In-Vehicle Text Messaging Engine for Hands-Free Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The incompatibility between the physical requirements of texting and driving, along with the limitations of text-to-speech engines in conveying messages to drivers, necessitates a system for efficient and safe in-vehicle text messaging experiences.

Innovation Solution

A customizable and personalized in-vehicle text messaging system utilizing a messaging experience engine database that enables voice avatar selection, acronym conversion, shorthand conversion, and custom audio and video mapping, allowing for hands-free text handling and presentation of message content through telematics systems, including heads-up displays and directed audio for private messages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If text messaging is performed manually while driving, then texting functionality is achieved, but driving safety deteriorates due to physical requirements of both activities requiring hands

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetexting operationVSAvoiddriving safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical texting operations with voice-based commands and automated speech-to-text conversion. The system uses voice recognition to capture messages and text-to-speech engines to convey received messages, eliminating the need for manual device manipulation while maintaining texting functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary system comprising speech-to-text conversion engines, text processing modules, and text-to-speech synthesis systems. This intermediary layer translates between voice inputs and text messages, and between received text messages and audible outputs, resolving the conflict between hands-free operation and message accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If text-to-speech engine is used to communicate messages to driver, then audio communication is achieved, but message accuracy deteriorates due to inability to convey unique written style of text messaging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemessage deliveryVSAvoidmessage meaning
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the message delivery process into multiple stages: initial text-to-speech conversion for basic message delivery, followed by supplementary text display for nuanced content. The system divides the communication task between audio output for immediate awareness and visual text output for complete understanding, preserving both speed and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a visual dimension to the audio-based message delivery system. By presenting text messages on displays alongside or instead of audio playback, the system creates a multi-dimensional communication channel that preserves the unique written style and nuances of text messaging while maintaining ease of access for drivers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If manual device manipulation is required for texting, then texting functionality is maintained, but driving efficiency deteriorates due to time and attention required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetexting capabilityVSAvoiddriving time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring speech-to-text templates, common message phrases, and automated response options. The system prepares these elements in advance, allowing drivers to send complex messages with minimal voice input, significantly reducing the time required for texting while maintaining full texting capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables self-service through automated features including spell-check, grammar correction, message formatting, and intelligent routing of text messages. The system performs these functions autonomously without requiring driver intervention, freeing up driving time while ensuring high-quality message output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8781838B2In-vehicle text messaging experience engine
Publication Date: 2014.07.15 GENERAL MOTORS LLC
  • US8781838B2 patent drawing
  • US8781838B2 patent drawing
  • US8781838B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The disclosed invention provides a system and apparatus for providing a telematics system user with an improved texting experience. A messaging experience engine database enables voice avatar/personality selection, acronym conversion, shorthand conversion, and custom audio and video mapping. As an interpreter of the messaging content that is passed through the telematics system, the system eliminates the need for a user to manually manipulate a texting device, or to read such a device. The system recognizes functional content and executes actions based on the identified functional content.