Multi-modal Input Synchronization for Vehicle Infotainment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current human-machine interaction systems are limited by their inability to seamlessly integrate and coordinate multiple input modalities, such as voice, touch, and gestures, leading to inefficiencies and user frustration, particularly in environments like vehicle infotainment systems where fully interactive services are unsuitable for use while in motion.
Innovation Solution
A multi-modal synchronization and disambiguation system that synchronizes and integrates inputs from various modalities, disambiguates user intent, and provides error recovery, allowing users to input information via multiple modalities simultaneously, such as speaking and gesturing, to enhance flexibility and reduce complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple input modalities are provided in present HMI systems, then user flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases and modalities are not coordinated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple input modalities (voice, touch, gesture) into a unified processing framework where all inputs are synchronized and integrated through a common synchronization module. This allows the system to treat diverse inputs as coordinated elements rather than separate complex subsystems, resolving the contradiction by combining modalities while managing complexity through unified architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization module serves as a universal component that handles multiple types of inputs (voice commands, touch gestures, physical controls) through a single multi-functional interface. This universal processing approach allows the system to support diverse modalities without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same core synchronization mechanism handles all input types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple input modalities are provided, then user flexibility is improved, but coordination between modalities is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the synchronization module continuously monitors and adjusts the timing and integration of inputs from different modalities. By providing real-time feedback on input synchronization status and coordinating the processing of multi-modal inputs, the system ensures that voice, touch, and gesture inputs work together reliably rather than in isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization module performs preliminary processing and coordination of inputs from different modalities before they are passed to higher-level processing stages. By pre-synchronizing and integrating inputs in advance, the system ensures that all modalities are properly coordinated before interpretation, improving reliability without requiring complex coordination at each processing stage.
3Ease of operation
If fully interactive services are provided in vehicle systems, then user control is improved, but safety deteriorates due to distractions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical interaction methods (manual controls requiring visual attention and manual manipulation) with voice-based and gesture-based interfaces that can be operated without visual distraction. By substituting voice and gesture recognition for manual button pressing and screen interaction, the system maintains full user control while eliminating the safety hazards associated with visual and manual distractions during vehicle operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional multi-modal systems are used, then input options are provided, but seamless integration is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple input modalities into a unified seamless interface where voice, touch, and gesture inputs are integrated through a common synchronization and processing framework. This merging eliminates the fragmented experience of separate modalities and creates a cohesive user experience where all input types work together smoothly, providing diverse input options while maintaining interface seamlessness.
Data Source
AI summary
An in-vehicle infotainment system, smart home information access and device control unit, or mobile system presents summarized information to a user based on a user preference model that is associated with the user. The system modifies the presentation of information to the user based on environmental context data about the vehicle and user context data about the activity of the user. During presentation of the information, the system modifies the content and presentation of the summarized information in response to multi-modal input requests from the user.