Voice input for automobiles using a new method of feature extraction

A voice input system suitable for the use in automobiles has been developed by the Research Department of Volkswagen. The aim was to show that such a system needs not to be expensive and has high performance as well under all working conditions occuring in a car even if the microphone is placed at great distances from the driver. Such a system may be of interest not only for special applications (aids for handicapped people) but may also help the driver to concentrate on the essential tasks of driving. Instead of operating on complex keyboards (radios, trip-computers, navigation systems) the driver can use simply spoken commands to control various functions in the car. His eyes and hands will be free and his reactions will not be diminished.