Voice Control
The voice system provides the driver with the option of voice control for a range of supported functions. In addition to the navigation system, the system also supports the following:
- phone system
- notepad functions
- radio
- satellite radio
- Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB)
- single CD
- CD autochanger
- USB and auxiliary connection functions.
The voice system adopts a concept known as 'Say What You See' (not applicable to Japan specification vehicles). Each of the voice functions are supported by 'Help' commands, saying 'Help' at each point in the conversation will give a context sensitive explanation of what the user can do at that point. The voice menu shown in the TS always guides the user through the flow showing not only examples of what they can say next, but also confirmation of where they are in the conversation flow.
The 'notepad' facility allows voice notes to be recorded. Nametags for radio tuning, phone dialing and navigation locations allow the system to be personalized and there is a help and tutorial function to provide advice on using the system.
Voice control is a key component of the navigation system, allowing hands free control when issuing navigation commands.
The system is controlled by the voice switch on the steering wheel. Voice commands are picked up by a dedicated microphone. When giving a voice command, audible feedback will be heard through the vehicle's audio speakers.
Voice Control Switch
| ITEM | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| 1 | Voice control switch - push to talk |
Efficient operation of voice control is reliant on the user understanding some of the following basic operating conditions:
- Face forwards, sitting in a normal driving position.
- After pressing the voice switch, always wait for the end of the tone before speaking.
- Speak naturally, as if you were talking to a passenger or on the phone without pausing between words.
- When the system asks for more information, always wait for the end of the tone before responding.
- Always say numbers correctly.
- Excessive noise, for example while driving with windows open, may cause voice command mis-recognition. For example if it is too noisy to use the phone, it is likely that voice commands will not be recognized.
Most accents are understood without difficulty, but if the system does not recognize the command it will respond "SORRY" and allow two more attempts to say the command.
Voice feedback is given in the same language as the command recognition. It is possible to change the language of the speech control system.
Voice control is mainly a software based system. The software responsible for controlling the voice system is resident in the following control modules:
- Integrated Audio Module (IAM) (All markets except Japan)
- Navigation computer (Japan markets only)
- Touch Screen (TS).
Some of these modules contain more than one software component. Voice control communication between these modules takes place via the MOST network. A voice control microphone is located in the front overhead console and is hardwired to the IAM.
When the push to talk switch is pressed on the steering wheel, a voltage is received at the TS via the clockspring assembly. This voltage is sent on a single wire from the switch, through a resistive ladder. The whole process is then initiated via the MOST network, for example the TS starts the voice session and carries out the resulting action requested by the user, but the IAM maintains the dialogue with the user. The accompanying voice instruction is sent to the audio amplifier for broadcast over the speakers from the IAM. If a recognized user instruction is received via the microphone, this is then processed by the IAM and sent to the TS to perform the required action.