Ford filed a patent application for software that uses interior cameras to read occupants' lips and facial expressions to interpret commands when cabin noise prevents normal voice control.
The application describes an "enhanced mode" that activates when sensors detect a convertible state or ambient noise above a threshold, prompting occupants to enable lip-reading and gesture modes through the SYNC infotainment interface. Ford's diagrams show separate lip-reading and facial-expression detection modes and an infotainment prompt for users to select one, both, or neither.
The patent explains camera images would be processed by AI trained on lip reading to convert movements into written words that the vehicle could use to issue commands without relying on audio. Ford cites convertibles with the top down, removed doors, or open windows as use cases where wind buffeting can inhibit cabin microphones.
Read the full article at theautopian.com.
More automotive news: Latest car news