Clarity Automotive

Voice portals have an enormous and as yet relatively unexplored range of applications for cars. In particular, Clarity's multi-modal and multi-media solutions have numerous advantages.

Cars and dialog systems are a natural pair. Here's why:

• Voice applications for cars have long been established. Navigations systems have been directing drivers per voice output for years.
• The technical infrastructure for voice has often been used in cars. An example would be a hand-free set with a microphone.  
• On the road, the driver is dependent on sound as he is unable to use a graphic interface for safety reasons.

The possible uses of car voice applications are so complex, and the amount of data so large, that hierarchical structures, such as with graphic interfaces, quickly become too complex. With voice applications, hierarchical structures don't matter.

There is a great variety of application possibilities, for example:

• Navigation: Entering start and finishing point is faster and more convenient via voice than with customary methods. The route can be adjusted while on the road, for example, in order to avoid a traffic jam.  
• Service: Equipped with the appropriate database, cars turn into an information portal on gas stations, service stations, and restaurants.

Clarity has developed prototypes for voice portals in cars in cooperation with well-known German car manufacturers. The multi-modality takes specific focal points into account. For example: the screen of a navigation system disappears the moment the ignition is turned so that the driver is not distracted while driving. The system continues to function, however, via voice.