Amerigon Offers Help for Lost Motorists

Automotive industry manufacturer Amerigon today announced an interactive, voice-activated car navigation system called Interactive Voice System (IVS). The device works in conjunction with a car CD stereo system and costs approximately $700.

The IVS navigator finds addresses, cross streets, and landmarks, according to Amerigon officials. The driver spells out the destination, and the IVS gives step-by-step directions with the anticipated travel distance. Commands like "I am lost," "No turn," and "One way" are also available to help reroute the driver.

The navigator directs drivers to services such as gas stations, ATM machines, shopping centers, and restaurants.

IVS responds to commands, letters, and numbers spoken in North American dialects, and can understand accents from Boston to Dallas. The system ignores background music, wind, and other environmental noise, according to Amerigon officials.