Direct Voice Input
DVI is a very simple concept: the pilot uses his/her voice to provide an input to an aircraft system in order to obtain an action or information from that system.
The increment of aircraft capabilities and functionalities can dramatically increase pilot workload. Keeping pilot workload within acceptable margins in the main driver for next generation cockpit design. The Eurofighter Typhoon cockpit combines cutting edge Hands On Throttle And Stick (HOTAS) design with revolutionary DVI technology, providing the operator with an unmatched Voice, Throttle And Stick (VTAS) capability.
The technical process basically consists of a real time comparison between the incoming audio signal (pilot voice) and stored data (general/individual speech models). The key issues are:
- Injected audio signal (acoustic nature: speaker speech style, reverberations and echoes when talking into the oxygen mask, background cockpit noise; electrical nature: frequency response from microphone, transmission channel)
- Speech models (speaker dependant/independent system)
- Recognition algorithms
- Computing capability of the processor/system (including syntax structure and total number of words)
DVI has been targeted for use in the commands that can reduce pilot workload without compromising flight safety (a press button or soft key backup is incorporated):
- Display management: Using DVI for display optimisation is an appreciated tool when workload increases
- Communications and management: this tool is use for radio, IFF, routes, waypoints etc.
- Track management: All displays present a fused picture to increase situational awareness and reduce workload. DVI will allow tracks nomination, deletion, interrogation, display of extra info etc.
- MIDS management is another time consuming task that may be optimised with DVI
The initial template-based functionality has been in service on Eurofighter Typhoon since 2005. Aligned with aircraft capability enhancements, the DVI system has its own potential for growth. The 2007 signature of the Phase 1 Enhancements package incorporates the two-stage delivery of DVI upgrades:
First stage:
- Requesting information to be displayed for any target or waypoint
- Manipulation of the Laser Designator Pod and its picture
- Creation of a waypoint at a point of interest with only two commands
- Increased vocabulary to almost 90 commands
Second stage:
- Expansion of functions relates to the allocation of different mission types to wingmen and the reporting of own mission details
- Increased vocabulary to over 100 commands
In parallel, EADS Defence and Security in Spain have worked on a new DVI module for Eurofighter Typhoon not based in templates. Although the initial development work has now finished, the new features of this system could include:
- Continuous speech recogniser
- Speaker independent voice recognition system based on common databases (e.g. “British English”, “American English”, “Spanish English” etc., no pilot templates)
- Large vocabulary
Significant tolerance against variations in the acoustic signal (e.g. ability to cope with pilot breathing)
- Voice level variability
- The ability to cope with microphones with different frequency responses
- The ability to cope with changing environmental conditions (cockpit noise)
High Resolution images of the Eurofighter Typhoon can be downloaded from our web site. Hard Copy images are available on request.
For more information contact
Dr. Theodor Benien
Vice President Communications
Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH
Am Söldnermoos 17
85399 Hallbergmoos
Germany
Tel.: +49 811 80 1555
Fax: +49 811 80 1557
Mobile: +49 (0)160 93 99 38 40
theodor.benien @eurofighter.com marco-valerio.bonelli @eurofighter.com