Method and apparatus for generating voice guidance in a race vehicle

Abstract

A method and apparatus for generating voice guidance in a race vehicle while the race vehicle is racing on a race track, comprises receiving, at a voice guidance system (VGS) from a data system (DS) of the race vehicle, status information regarding the race vehicle. Based on the status information, a guidance data for the race vehicle is determined at the VGS, and a voice data of the guidance data is communicated from the VGS to an audio actuator located in the race vehicle. The voice actuator annunciates a voice prompt based on the voice data in the race vehicle.

1 . A method for generating voice guidance in a vehicle comprising:
 identifying a racetrack upon which the vehicle is driving;   collecting status information regarding performance of a vehicle while driving on the identified racetrack;   processing the status information to generate driver guidance information;   annunciating the driver guidance information as at least one voice prompt to a driver of the vehicle; and   storing the status information for analysis after the race vehicle is no longer being driven.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the processing is performed using artificial intelligence. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the processing is in accordance with a specific racetrack upon which the race vehicle is driving. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein identifying the racetrack is provided through a user selectable menu. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein identifying the racetrack is automatically provided through vehicle location detection. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising selecting at least one guidance option through a user interface. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the at least one guidance option is related to a proficiency level of the driver. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the at least one voice prompt is related to the at least one guidance option. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the voice prompts provide real-time feedback to the driver. 
     
     
         10 . A system for providing voice guidance comprising:
 a processor for collecting status information regarding performance of a vehicle while driving on an identified racetrack and processing the status information to generate driver guidance information;   an audio actuator for annunciating the driver guidance information as at least one voice prompt to a driver of the vehicle; and   a memory for storing the status information for analysis after the race vehicle is no longer being driven.   
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10  wherein the processor utilizes artificial intelligence in processing the status information. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 10  wherein the processor processes the status information in accordance with a specific racetrack upon which the race vehicle is driving. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 10  further comprising a user interface for displaying a user selectable menu of racetracks. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 10  wherein the racetrack identification is automatically provided through vehicle location detection. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 10  further comprising a user interface for selecting at least one guidance option. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15  wherein the at least one guidance option is related to a proficiency level of the driver. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 15  wherein the at least one voice prompt is related to the at least one guidance option. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 10  wherein the voice prompts provide real-time feedback to the driver. 
     
     
         19 . A system for providing voice guidance and data analysis comprising:
 a processor for collecting status information regarding performance of a vehicle while driving on an identified racetrack and processing the status information using artificial intelligence to generate driver guidance information;   an audio actuator for annunciating the driver guidance information as at least one voice prompt providing real-time feedback to a driver of the vehicle; and   a memory for storing the status information for analysis and display to a driver after the race vehicle is no longer being driven.   
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 19  further comprising a user interface for selecting at least one guidance option, wherein the at least one guidance option is related to a proficiency level of the driver and the at least one voice prompt is related to the at least one guidance option. 
     
     
         21 . Apparatus for providing voice guidance comprising:
 a voice guidance system for collecting status information regarding performance of a vehicle while driving on an identified racetrack and processing the status information to generate driver guidance information;   an audio actuator for annunciating the driver guidance information as at least one voice prompt providing real-time feedback to a driver of the vehicle; and   an audio bridging adapter coupled between the voice guidance system and the audio actuator and adapted to connect to a two-way communications radio whereby a driver hears the at least one voice prompt as well as communications from the two-way communications radio.