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Once a Sci Fi concept, voice recognition is now a time saving safety feature
available on all 2000 BMW 7 Series models.
Available as a $900 option, the BMW Voice Recognition system allows BMW
7 Series drivers to operate a number of the car’s functions simply by
speaking.
Used in conjunction with the Multi Function Steering Wheel fitted as
standard to all 7 Series models, the driver can also operate all principal
functions and accessories without moving his or her hand from the wheel.
Through BMW Voice Recognition, it is possible to access phone functions,
including recalling stored numbers and dialling, operate BMW Navigation
functions, or use the system as a stenographer, through its built-in memo
function.
The system requires no lengthy voice recognition protocol and responds to
a simple series of set voice commands that are not sensitive to the accent or
dialect of the speaker.
The voice control is a finite speech dialogue system, which follows a
predefined structure. The voice commands are entered by the user from a
fixed vocabulary and are passed on to the car telephone or navigation
system via the telephone interface.
The system gives acoustic feedback on everything recognised. Faulty
operation or error recognition can easily be corrected by simply repeating
the desired command.
The voice recogniser is very resistant to stationary environmental noise,
employing extensive noise reduction algorithms for high efficiency
recognition.
The size of the non-speaker-dependent vocabulary includes around 30
words, including numbers and commands. Spoken sequences of
commands of up to five words and columns of numbers can be recognised
with a high degree of accuracy.
The user can create a telephone book with up to 40 numbers. Dialling is
then simply a matter of speaking a name. Other normal telephone functions,
such as repeat dialling and call hang-up are also voice activated.
The BMW Voice Recognition system is another demonstration of how BMW
Group rapidly develops and implements the latest in vehicle technology,
particularly when a direct safety benefit results.
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