Remote Text-to-Voice Converter for Vehicle Media Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for allowing drivers to access and listen to text-based messages like email and voicemail while driving are not sufficiently hands-free, posing safety risks due to the need for manual operation of devices.
Innovation Solution
A system that enables cell phones to register with an IP multimedia subsystem, convert text-based messages to audio using a remote text-to-voice converter, and transmit these audio signals to a vehicle's media system via unlicensed wireless technologies like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, allowing safe playback and interaction with messages through the vehicle's audio system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If text-based messages are accessed using conventional methods (FM modulators with microphones), then drivers can listen to messages, but drivers must manually operate devices which creates safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote text-to-voice converter as an intermediary component that automatically converts text-based messages into audio signals. This mediator handles the message delivery process, allowing drivers to passively receive converted messages through the vehicle's audio system without manual device operation, thus achieving both hands-free operation and maintaining driving safety
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically converting text messages to audio format without requiring driver intervention. The remote TTV converter autonomously performs the conversion and delivery process, and the vehicle's existing audio system is utilized without manual configuration, allowing drivers to receive messages safely without taking their hands off the wheel
2Ease of operation
If text messages are converted to audio using remote TTV converter and transmitted via unlicensed wireless technology, then hands-free message access is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the vehicle's existing audio system for message playback, making the system universal by utilizing already-present hardware. The remote TTV converter serves multiple functions: converting text to audio, transmitting via wireless technology, and integrating with the vehicle's audio infrastructure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby managing system complexity while achieving hands-free access
Data Source
AI summary
Architecture for playing back personal text-based messages such as email and voicemail over a vehicle-based media system. The user can use a cell phone that registers over a cellular network to an IMS (IP multimedia subsystem) to obtain an associated IP address. The personal messages are then converted into audio signals using a remote text-to-voice (TTV) converter and transmitted to the phone based on the IP address. The phone then transmits the audio signals to the vehicle media system for playback using an unlicensed wireless technology (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.). Other alternative embodiments include transmitting converted message directly to the media system, via a satellite channel, converting the messages via a TTV converter on the cell phone, and streaming the converted messages to the phone and/or the media system for playback.