Patent Publication Number: US-2019172452-A1

Title: External information rendering

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The technical field generally relates to the field of vehicles and computer applications for vehicles and other systems and devices and, more specifically, to methods and systems for processing user requests using a voice assistant. 
     INTRODUCTION 
     Many vehicles, smart phones, computers, and/or other systems and devices utilize a voice assistant to provide information or other services in response to a user request. However, in certain circumstances, it may be desirable for improved processing of user requests in certain situations. 
     Accordingly, it is desirable to provide improved methods and systems for utilize a voice assistant to provide information or other services in response to a request from a user for vehicles and computer applications for vehicles and other systems and devices. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of exemplary embodiments and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, a method is provided that includes obtaining, via a sensor, a request from a user; identifying, via a processor, a nature of the request; obtaining, via a memory, voice assistant data pertaining to respective skills of a plurality of different voice assistants; identifying a selected voice assistant, from the plurality of different voice assistants, having skills that are most appropriate for the request, based on the nature of the request and the voice assistant data; and facilitating communication with the selected voice assistant to provide assistance in accordance with the request. 
     Also in one embodiment, the user is disposed within a vehicle; and the processor is disposed within the vehicle, and identifies the nature of the request and the selected voice assistant within the vehicle. 
     Also in one embodiment, the user is disposed within a vehicle; and the processor is disposed within a remote server that is remote from the vehicle, and identifies the nature of the request and the selected voice assistant from the remote server. 
     Also in one embodiment, the plurality of different voice assistants are from the group consisting of: a vehicle voice assistant, a navigation voice assistant, a home voice assistant, an audio, a mobile phone voice assistant, a shopping voice assistant, and a web browser voice assistant. 
     Also in one embodiment, the selected voice assistant includes an automated voice assistant that is part of a computer system. 
     Also in one embodiment, the selected voice assistant includes a human voice assistant that utilizes information from a computer system. 
     Also in one embodiment, the method further includes obtaining, via the memory, a user history including previous selections of voice assistants by or for the user; wherein the step of identifying the selected voice assistant includes identifying the selected voice assistant based also at least in part on the user history. 
     Also in one embodiment, the method further includes updating the user history based on the identification of the selected voice assistant, the providing of assistance by the selected voice assistant, or both. 
     Also in one embodiment, the method further includes registering the respective skills of the plurality of different voice assistants into the voice assistant data in the memory; and updating the voice assistant data based on the identification of the selected voice assistant, the providing of assistance by the selected voice assistant, or both. 
     In another embodiment, a system is provided that includes a sensor, a memory, and a processor. The sensor is configured to obtain a request from a user. The memory is configured to store voice assistant data pertaining to respective skills of a plurality of different voice assistants. The processor is configured to at least facilitate: identifying a nature of the request; identifying a selected voice assistant, from the plurality of different voice assistants, having skills that are most appropriate for the request, based on the nature of the request and the voice assistant data; and facilitating communication with the selected voice assistant to provide assistance in accordance with the request. 
     Also in one embodiment, the user is disposed within a vehicle; and the processor is disposed within the vehicle, and identifies the nature of the request and the selected voice assistant within the vehicle. 
     Also in one embodiment, the user is disposed within a vehicle; and the processor is disposed within a remote server that is remote from the vehicle, and identifies the nature of the request and the selected voice assistant from the remote server. 
     Also in one embodiment, the plurality of different voice assistants are from the group consisting of: a vehicle voice assistant, a navigation voice assistant, a home voice assistant, an audio, a mobile phone voice assistant, a shopping voice assistant, and a web browser voice assistant. 
     Also in one embodiment, the selected voice assistant includes an automated voice assistant that is part of a computer system. 
     Also in one embodiment, the selected voice assistant includes a human voice assistant that utilizes information from a computer system. 
     Also in one embodiment, the memory is further configured to store a user history including previous selections of voice assistants by or for the user; and the processor is further configured to at least facilitate identifying the selected voice assistant based also at least in part on the user history. 
     Also in one embodiment, the processor is further configured to at least facilitate updating the user history based on the identification of the selected voice assistant, the providing of assistance by the selected voice assistant, or both. 
     Also in one embodiment, the processor is further configured to at least facilitate: registering the respective skills of the plurality of different voice assistants into the voice assistant data in the memory; and updating the voice assistant data based on the identification of the selected voice assistant, the providing of assistance by the selected voice assistant, or both. 
     In another embodiment, a vehicle is provided that includes a passenger compartment for a user; a sensor; a memory; and a processor. The sensor is configured to obtain a request from the user. The memory is configured to store voice assistant data pertaining to respective skills of a plurality of different voice assistants. The processor configured to at least facilitate: identifying a nature of the request; identifying a selected voice assistant, from the plurality of different voice assistants, having skills that are most appropriate for the request, based on the nature of the request and the voice assistant data; and facilitating communication with the selected voice assistant to provide assistance in accordance with the request. 
     Also in one embodiment, the plurality of different voice assistants are from the group consisting of: a vehicle voice assistant, a navigation voice assistant, a home voice assistant, an audio, a mobile phone voice assistant, a shopping voice assistant, and a web browser voice assistant. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a functional block diagram of a system that includes a vehicle, a remote server, various voice assistants, and a control system for utilizing a voice assistant to provide information or other services in response to a request from a user, in accordance with exemplary embodiments; and 
         FIG. 2  is a flowchart of a process for utilizing a voice assistant to provide information or other services in response to a request from a user, in accordance with exemplary embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the disclosure or the application and uses thereof. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or the following detailed description. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a system  100  that includes a vehicle  102 , a remote server  104 , and various voice assistants  170 - 174 . In various embodiments, As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the vehicle  102  includes one or more vehicle voice assistants  170 , and the remote server  104  includes one or more remote server voice assistants  172 . In certain embodiments, the vehicle voice assistant(s) provide information for a user pertaining to one or more systems of the vehicle  102  (e.g., pertaining to operation of vehicle cruise control systems, lights, infotainment systems, climate control systems, and so on). Also in certain embodiments, the remote server voice assistant(s) provide information for a user pertaining to navigation (e.g., pertaining to travel and/or points of interest for the vehicle  102  while travelling). 
     Also in certain embodiments, various additional voice assistants  174  may comprise any number of other different types of voice assistants  174 , such as, by way of example, one or more home voice assistant  174 (A) (e.g., pertaining to lighting, climate control, locks, and/or one or more other systems pertaining to a user&#39;s home); audio voice assistants  174 (B) (e.g., pertaining to music and/or other audio selections, preferences, or instructions for the user); mobile phone voice assistants  174 (C) (e.g., pertaining to or utilizing a user&#39;s mobile phone and/or services relating thereto); shopping voice assistants  174 (D) (e.g., pertaining to a user&#39;s preferred shopping website or service); web browser voice assistants  174 (E) (e.g., pertaining to a user&#39;s preferred web browser and/or search engine for the user&#39;s electronic devices); and/or any number of other voice assistants  174 (N) (e.g., pertaining to any number of other devices, applications, services, or the like for the user). 
     It will be appreciated that the number and/or type of voice assistants, including the additional voice assistants  174 , may vary in different embodiments (e.g., the use of lettering A . . . N for the additional voice assistants  174  may represent any number of voice assistants). It will similarly be appreciated that in certain embodiments the user may utilize multiple voice assistants of the same or similar types (e.g., certain users may have multiple shopping voice assistants, and so on). 
     In various embodiments, each of the voice assistants  170 - 174  is associated with one or more computer systems having a processor and a memory. Also in various embodiments, each of the voice assistants  170 - 174  may include an automated voice assistant and/or a human voice assistant. In various embodiments, in the case of an automated voice assistant, an associated computer system makes the various determinations and fulfills the user requests on behalf of the automated voice assistant. Also in various embodiments, in the case of a human voice assistant (e.g., a human voice assistant  146  of the remote server  104 , as shown in  FIG. 1 ), an associated computer system provides information that may be used by a human in making the various determinations and fulfilling the requests of the user on behalf of the human voice assistant. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 1 , in various embodiments, the vehicle  102 , the remote server  104 , and the various voice assistants  170 - 174  communicate via one or more communication networks  106  (e.g., one or more cellular, satellite, and/or other wireless networks, in various embodiments). In various embodiments, the system  100  includes one or more voice assistant control systems  119  for utilizing a voice assistant to provide information or other services in response to a request from a user. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 1 , in various embodiments the vehicle  102  includes a body  101 , a passenger compartment (i.e., cabin)  103  disposed within the body  101 , one or more wheels  105 , a drive system  108 , a display  110 , one or more other vehicle systems  111 , and a vehicle control system  112 . In various embodiments, the vehicle control system  112  of the vehicle  102  comprises or is part of the voice assistant control system  119  for utilizing a voice assistant to provide information or other services in response to a request from a user, in accordance with exemplary embodiments. As depicted in  FIG. 1 , in various embodiments, the voice assistant control system  119  and/or components thereof may also be part of the remote server  104 . 
     In various embodiments, the vehicle  102  comprises an automobile. The vehicle  102  may be any one of a number of different types of automobiles, such as, for example, a sedan, a wagon, a truck, or a sport utility vehicle (SUV), and may be two-wheel drive (2WD) (i.e., rear-wheel drive or front-wheel drive), four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and/or various other types of vehicles in certain embodiments. In certain embodiments, the voice assistant control system  119  may be implemented in connection with one or more different types of vehicles, and/or in connection with one or more different types of systems and/or devices, such as computers, tablets, smart phones, and the like and/or software and/or applications therefor, and/or in one or more computer systems of or associated with any of the voice assistants  170 - 174 . 
     In various embodiments, the drive system  108  is mounted on a chassis (not depicted in  FIG. 10 , and drives the wheels  109 . In various embodiments, the drive system  108  comprises a propulsion system. In certain exemplary embodiments, the drive system  108  comprises an internal combustion engine and/or an electric motor/generator, coupled with a transmission thereof. In certain embodiments, the drive system  108  may vary, and/or two or more drive systems  108  may be used. By way of example, the vehicle  102  may also incorporate any one of, or combination of, a number of different types of propulsion systems, such as, for example, a gasoline or diesel fueled combustion engine, a “flex fuel vehicle” (FFV) engine (i.e., using a mixture of gasoline and alcohol), a gaseous compound (e.g., hydrogen and/or natural gas) fueled engine, a combustion/electric motor hybrid engine, and an electric motor. 
     In various embodiments, the display  110  comprises a display screen, speaker, and/or one or more associated apparatus, devices, and/or systems for providing visual and/or audio information, such as map and navigation information, for a user. In various embodiments, the display  110  includes a touch screen. Also in various embodiments, the display  110  comprises and/or is part of and/or coupled to a navigation system for the vehicle  102 . Also in various embodiments, the display  110  is positioned at or proximate a front dash of the vehicle  102 , for example between front passenger seats of the vehicle  102 . In certain embodiments, the display  110  may be part of one or more other devices and/or systems within the vehicle  102 . In certain other embodiments, the display  110  may be part of one or more separate devices and/or systems (e.g., separate or different from a vehicle), for example such as a smart phone, computer, table, and/or other device and/or system and/or for other navigation and map-related applications. 
     Also in various embodiments, the one or more other vehicle systems  111  include one or more systems of the vehicle  102  for which the user may be requesting information or requesting a service (e.g., vehicle cruise control systems, lights, infotainment systems, climate control systems, and so on). 
     As depicted in  FIG. 1 , in various embodiments, the vehicle control system  112  includes one or more transceivers  114 , sensors  116 , and a controller  118 . As noted above, in various embodiments, the vehicle control system  112  of the vehicle  102  comprises or is part of the voice assistant control system  119  for utilizing a voice assistant to provide information or other services in response to a request from a user, in accordance with exemplary embodiments. In addition, similar to the discussion above, while in certain embodiments the voice assistant control system  119  (and/or components thereof) is part of the vehicle  102  of  FIG. 1 , in certain other embodiments the voice assistant control system  119  may be part of the remote server  104  and/or may be part of one or more other separate devices and/or systems (e.g., separate or different from a vehicle and the remote server), for example such as a smart phone, computer, and so on, and/or any of the voice assistants  170 - 174 , and so on. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 1 , in various embodiments, the one or more transceivers  114  are used to communicate with the remote server  104  and the voice assistants  172 - 174 . In various embodiments, the one or more transceivers  114  communicate with one or more respective transceivers  144  of the remote server  104 , and/or respective transceivers (not depicted) of the additional voice assistants  174 , via one or more communication networks  106  of  FIG. 1 . 
     Also as depicted in  FIG. 1 , the sensors  116  include one or more microphones  120 , other input sensors  122 , cameras  123 , and one or more additional sensors  124 . In various embodiments, the microphone  120  receives inputs from the user, including a request from the user (e.g., a request from the user for information to be provided and/or for one or more other services to be performed). Also in various embodiments, the other input sensors  122  receive other inputs from the user, for example via a touch screen or keyboard of the display  110  (e.g., as to additional details regarding the request, in certain embodiments). In certain embodiments, one or more cameras  123  are utilized to obtain data and/or information pertaining to point of interests and/or other types of information and/or services of interest to the user, for example by scanning quick response (QR) codes to obtain names and/or other information pertaining to points of interest and/or information and/or services requested by the user (e.g., by scanning coupons for preferred restaurants, stores, and the like, and/or scanning other materials in or around the vehicle  102 , and/or intelligently leveraging the cameras  123  in a speech and multi modal interaction dialog), and so on. 
     In addition, in various embodiments, the additional sensors  124  obtain data pertaining to the drive system  108  (e.g., pertaining to operation thereof) and/or one or more other vehicle systems  111  for which the user may be requesting information or requesting a service (e.g., vehicle cruise control systems, lights, infotainment systems, climate control systems, and so on). 
     In various embodiments, the controller  118  is coupled to the transceivers  114  and sensors  116 . In certain embodiments, the controller  118  is also coupled to the display  110 , and/or to the drive system  108  and/or other vehicle systems  111 . Also in various embodiments, the controller  118  controls operation of the transceivers and sensors  116 , and in certain embodiments also controls, in whole or in part, the drive system  108 , the display  110 , and/or the other vehicle systems  111 . 
     In various embodiments, the controller  118  receives inputs from a user, including a request from the user for information and/or for the providing of one or more other services. Also in various embodiments, the controller  118  determines an appropriate voice assistant (e.g., from the various voice assistants  170 - 174 ) to best handle the request, and routes the request to the appropriate voice assistant to fulfill the request. Also in various embodiments, the controller  118  performs these tasks in an automated manner in accordance with the steps of the process  200  described further below in connection with  FIG. 2 . In certain embodiments, some or all of these tasks may also be performed in whole or in part by one or more other controllers, such as the remote server controller  148  (discussed further below) and/or one or more controllers (not depicted) of the additional voice assistants  174 , instead of or in addition to the vehicle controller  118 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the controller  118  comprises a computer system. In certain embodiments, the controller  118  may also include one or more transceivers  114 , sensors  116 , other vehicle systems and/or devices, and/or components thereof. In addition, it will be appreciated that the controller  118  may otherwise differ from the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 . For example, the controller  118  may be coupled to or may otherwise utilize one or more remote computer systems and/or other control systems, for example as part of one or more of the above-identified vehicle  102  devices and systems, and/or the remote server  104  and/or one or more components thereof, and/or of one or more devices and/or systems of or associated with the additional voice assistants  174 . 
     In the depicted embodiment, the computer system of the controller  118  includes a processor  126 , a memory  128 , an interface  130 , a storage device  132 , and a bus  134 . The processor  126  performs the computation and control functions of the controller  118 , and may comprise any type of processor or multiple processors, single integrated circuits such as a microprocessor, or any suitable number of integrated circuit devices and/or circuit boards working in cooperation to accomplish the functions of a processing unit. During operation, the processor  126  executes one or more programs  136  contained within the memory  128  and, as such, controls the general operation of the controller  118  and the computer system of the controller  118 , generally in executing the processes described herein, such as the process  200  described further below in connection with  FIG. 2 . 
     The memory  128  can be any type of suitable memory. For example, the memory  128  may include various types of dynamic random access memory (DRAM) such as SDRAM, the various types of static RAM (SRAM), and the various types of non-volatile memory (PROM, EPROM, and flash). In certain examples, the memory  128  is located on and/or co-located on the same computer chip as the processor  126 . In the depicted embodiment, the memory  128  stores the above-referenced program  136  along with one or more stored values  138  (e.g., in various embodiments, a database of specific skills associated with each of the different voice assistants  170 - 174 ). 
     The bus  134  serves to transmit programs, data, status and other information or signals between the various components of the computer system of the controller  118 . The interface  130  allows communication to the computer system of the controller  118 , for example from a system driver and/or another computer system, and can be implemented using any suitable method and apparatus. In one embodiment, the interface  130  obtains the various data from the transceiver  114 , sensors  116 , drive system  108 , display  110 , and/or other vehicle systems  111 , and the processor  126  provides control for the processing of the user requests based on the data. In various embodiments, the interface  130  can include one or more network interfaces to communicate with other systems or components. The interface  130  may also include one or more network interfaces to communicate with technicians, and/or one or more storage interfaces to connect to storage apparatuses, such as the storage device  132 . 
     The storage device  132  can be any suitable type of storage apparatus, including direct access storage devices such as hard disk drives, flash systems, floppy disk drives and optical disk drives. In one exemplary embodiment, the storage device  132  comprises a program product from which memory  128  can receive a program  136  that executes one or more embodiments of one or more processes of the present disclosure, such as the steps of the process  200  (and any sub-processes thereof) described further below in connection with  FIG. 2 . In another exemplary embodiment, the program product may be directly stored in and/or otherwise accessed by the memory  128  and/or a disk (e.g., disk  140 ), such as that referenced below. 
     The bus  134  can be any suitable physical or logical means of connecting computer systems and components. This includes, but is not limited to, direct hard-wired connections, fiber optics, infrared and wireless bus technologies. During operation, the program  136  is stored in the memory  128  and executed by the processor  126 . 
     It will be appreciated that while this exemplary embodiment is described in the context of a fully functioning computer system, those skilled in the art will recognize that the mechanisms of the present disclosure are capable of being distributed as a program product with one or more types of non-transitory computer-readable signal bearing media used to store the program and the instructions thereof and carry out the distribution thereof, such as a non-transitory computer readable medium bearing the program and containing computer instructions stored therein for causing a computer processor (such as the processor  126 ) to perform and execute the program. Such a program product may take a variety of forms, and the present disclosure applies equally regardless of the particular type of computer-readable signal bearing media used to carry out the distribution. Examples of signal bearing media include: recordable media such as floppy disks, hard drives, memory cards and optical disks, and transmission media such as digital and analog communication links. It will be appreciated that cloud-based storage and/or other techniques may also be utilized in certain embodiments. It will similarly be appreciated that the computer system of the controller  118  may also otherwise differ from the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , for example in that the computer system of the controller  118  may be coupled to or may otherwise utilize one or more remote computer systems and/or other control systems. 
     Also as depicted in  FIG. 1 , in various embodiments the remote server  104  includes a transceiver  144 , one or more human voice assistants  146 , and a remote server controller  148 . In various embodiments, the transceiver  144  communicates with the vehicle control system  112  via the transceiver  114  thereof, using the one or more communication networks  106 . 
     In addition, as depicted in  FIG. 1 , in various embodiments the remote server  104  comprises a voice assistant  172  associated with one or more computer systems of the remote server  104  (e.g., controller  148 ). In certain embodiments, the remote server  104  includes a navigation voice assistant  172  that provides navigation information and services for the user (e.g., information and services regarding restaurants, service stations, tourist destinations, and/or other points of interest for the user that the user may visit during travel by the user). In certain embodiments, the remote server  104  includes an automated voice assistant  172  that provides automated information and services for the user via the controller  148 . In certain other embodiments, the remote server  104  includes a human voice assistant  146  that provides information and services for the user via a human being, which also may be facilitated via information and/or determinations provided by the controller  148  coupled to and/or utilized by the human voice assistant  146 . 
     Also in various embodiments, the remote server controller  148  helps to facilitate the processing of the request and the engagement and involvement of the human voice assistant  146 , and/or may serve as an automated voice assistant. As used throughout this Application, the term “voice assistant” refers to any number of different types of voice assistants, voice agents, virtual voice assistants, and the like, that provide information to the user upon request. For example, in various embodiments, the remote server controller  148  may comprise, in whole or in part, the voice assistant control system  119  (e.g., either alone or in combination with the vehicle control system  112  and/or similar systems of a user&#39;s smart phone, computer, or other electronic device, in certain embodiments). In certain embodiments, the remote server controller  148  may perform some or all of the processing steps discussed below in connection with the controller  118  of the vehicle  102  (either alone or in combination with the controller  118  of the vehicle  102 ) and/or as discussed in connection with the process  200  of  FIG. 2 . 
     In addition, in various embodiments, as depicted in  FIG. 1 , the remote server controller  148  includes a processor  150 , a memory  152  with one or more programs  160  and stored values  162  stored therein, an interface  154 , a storage device  156 , a bus  158 , and/or a disk  164  (and/or other storage apparatus), similar to the controller  118  of the vehicle  102 . Also in various embodiments, the processor  150 , the memory  152 , programs  160 , stored values  162 , interface  154 , storage device  156 , bus  158 , disk  164 , and/or other storage apparatus of the remote server controller  148  are similar in structure and function to the respective processor  126 , memory  128 , programs  136 , stored values  138 , interface  130 , storage device  132 , bus  134 , disk  140 , and/or other storage apparatus of the controller  118  of the vehicle  102 , for example as discussed above. 
     As noted above, in various embodiments, the various additional voice assistants  174  may comprise any number of other different types of voice assistants  174 , such as, by way of example, one or more home voice assistant  174 (A) (e.g., pertaining to lighting, climate control, locks, and/or one or more other systems pertaining to a user&#39;s home); audio voice assistants  174 (B) (e.g., pertaining to music and/or other audio selections, preferences, or instructions for the user); mobile phone voice assistants  174 (C) (e.g., pertaining to or utilizing a user&#39;s mobile phone and/or services relating thereto); shopping voice assistants  174 (D) (e.g., pertaining to a user&#39;s preferred shopping website or service); web browser voice assistants  174 (E) (e.g., pertaining to a user&#39;s preferred web browser and/or search engine for the user&#39;s electronic devices); and/or any number of other voice assistants  174 (N) (e.g., pertaining to any number of other devices, applications, services, or the like for the user), and so on, and may include automated and/or human voice assistant (e.g., similar to the remote server  104 ). 
     It will also be appreciated that in various embodiments each of the additional voice assistants  174  may comprise, be coupled with and/or associated with, and/or may utilize various respective devices and systems similar to those described in connection with the vehicle  102  and the remote server  104 , for example including respective transceivers, controllers/computer systems, processors, memory, buses, interfaces, storage devices, programs, stored values, human voice assistant, and so on, with similar structure and/or function to those set forth in the vehicle  102  and/or the remote server  104 , in various embodiments. In addition, it will further be appreciated that in certain embodiments such devices and/or systems may comprise, in whole or in part, the voice assistant control system  119  (e.g., either alone or in combination with the vehicle control system  112 , the remote server controller  148 , and/or similar systems of a user&#39;s smart phone, computer, or other electronic device, in certain embodiments), and/or may perform some or all of the processing steps discussed in connection with the controller  118  of the vehicle  102 , the remote server controller  148 , and/or in connection with the process  200  of  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 2  is a flowchart of a process for utilizing a voice assistant to provide information or other services in response to a request from a user, in accordance with exemplary embodiments. The process  200  can be implemented in connection with the vehicle  102  and the remote server  104 , and various components thereof (including, without limitation, the control systems and controllers and components thereof), in accordance with exemplary embodiments. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 2 , the process  200  begins at step  202 . In certain embodiments, the process  200  begins when a vehicle drive or ignition cycle begins, for example when a driver approaches or enters the vehicle  102 , or when the driver turns on the vehicle and/or an ignition therefor (e.g. by turning a key, engaging a keyfob or start button, and so on). In certain embodiments, the process  200  begins when the vehicle control system  112  (e.g., including the microphone  120  or other input sensors  122  thereof), and/or the control system of a smart phone, computer, and/or other system and/or device, is activated. In certain embodiments, the steps of the process  200  are performed continuously during operation of the vehicle (and/or of the other system and/or device). 
     In various embodiments, voice assistant data is registered (step  204 ). In various embodiments, respective skills of the different voice assistants  170 - 174  are obtained, for example via instructions provided by one or more processors (such as the vehicle processor  126  of  FIG. 1 , the remote server processor  150  of  FIG. 1 , and/or one or more other processors associated with any of the voice assistants  170 - 174  of  FIG. 1 ). Also in various embodiments, the respective skills of the different voice assistants  170 - 174  are stored as voice assistant data in memory (e.g., as stored values  138  in the vehicle memory  128  of  FIG. 1 , stored values  162  in the remote server memory  152  of  FIG. 1 , and/or one or more other memory devices associated with any of the voice assistants  170 - 174  of  FIG. 1 ). 
     In addition, in various embodiments, the respective skills for each of the voice assistants  170 - 174  represent various tasks for which the particular voice assistants  170 - 174  are adept at providing information and/or services pertaining thereto. For example, in certain embodiments, (i) a vehicle voice assistant may have particular skills pertaining to operating of various vehicle  102  systems (such as one or more engines, entertainment systems, climate control systems, window systems of the vehicle  102 , and soon); (ii) a navigation voice assistant may have particular skills pertaining to maps, navigation, driving routes, points of interest while travelling, and so on; (iii) a home voice assistant may have particular skills pertaining to lighting, climate control, locks, and/or one or more other systems pertaining to a user&#39;s home; (iv) an audio voice assistant may have particular skills pertaining to music and/or other audio selections, preferences, or instructions for the user; (v) a mobile phone voice assistant may have particular skills pertaining to or utilizing a user&#39;s mobile phone and/or services relating thereto; (vi) a shopping voice assistant may have particular skills pertaining to a user&#39;s preferred shopping website or service; (vii) a web browser voice assistant  174  may have particular skills pertaining to a user&#39;s preferred web browser and/or search engine for the user&#39;s electronic devices, and so on. 
     In various embodiments, user inputs are obtained (step  206 ). In various embodiments, the user inputs include a user request for information and/or other services. For example, in various embodiments, the user request may pertain to a request for information regarding a particular point of interest (e.g., restaurant, hotel, service station, tourist attraction, and so on), a weather report, a traffic report, to make a telephone call, to send a message, to control one or more vehicle functions, to obtain home-related information or services, to obtain audio-related information or services, to obtain mobile phone-related information or services, to obtain shopping-related information or servicers, to obtain web-browser related information or services, and/or to obtain one or more other types of information or services. Also in various embodiments, the request is obtained automatically via the microphone  120  (e.g., if a spoken request) of  FIG. 1 . In certain embodiments, the request is obtained automatically via one or more other input sensors  122  of  FIG. 1  (e.g., via touch screen, keyboard, or the like). 
     In certain embodiments, other sensor data is obtained (step  208 ). For example, in certain embodiments, the additional sensors  124  of  FIG. 1  automatically collect data from or pertaining to various vehicle systems for which the user may seek information, or for which the user may wish to control, such as one or more engines, entertainment systems, climate control systems, window systems of the vehicle  102 , and so on. Also in certain embodiments, one or more cameras  123  of  FIG. 1  automatically obtain additional data, for example pertaining to point of interests and/or other types of information and/or services of interest to the user, for example by scanning quick response (QR) codes to obtain names and/or other information pertaining to points of interest and/or information and/or services requested by the user. 
     In various embodiments, a user history (or user database) is retrieved (step  210 ). In various embodiments, the user history includes various types of information pertaining to the user. For example, in certain embodiments, the user database may include a history of past requests for the user, a list of preferences for the user (e.g., points of interest that the user commonly visits, other services often requested by the user, various vehicle and/or non-vehicle systems for which the user has requested information and/or services, and so on), a list of preferred voice assistants that the user prefers using various different types of requests (e.g., a list of subscriptions held by the user, a history of voice assistants that the user has most recently used, has most frequently used, and/or for which the user may have otherwise expressed a preference, and the like), and so on. Also in various embodiments, the user database is stored in the memory  128  of  FIG. 1  (and/or the memory  152  of  FIG. 1 , and/or one or more other memory devices) as stored values thereof, and is automatically retrieved by the processor  126  during step  206  (and/or by the processor  150 , and/or one or more other processors). In certain embodiments, the user database includes data and/or information regarding favorites of the user (e.g., favorite points of interest of the user, favorite types of services and/or request made by the user, and so on), for example as tagged and/or otherwise indicated by the user, and/or based on a highest frequency of usage based on the usage history of the user, and so on. 
     A nature of the user request is identified (step  212 ). In various embodiments, the nature of the user request of step  206  is automatically determined by the processor  126  of  FIG. 1  (and/or by the processor  150  of  FIG. 1  and/or one or more other processors) in order to attempt to ascertain the specifics of the user request, including any devices and/or systems (vehicle or non-vehicle) pertaining to the request, and what information and/or services are desired by the user pertaining to such devices and/or systems. For example, in various exemplary embodiment, the processor  126  may seek to determine whether the user is seeking to operate the vehicle climate system or other vehicle system, or seeking directions to a point of interest, or attempting to purchase an item, or attempting to control lighting or other systems of his or her home, or controlling a mobile phone or other device, and so on. In certain embodiments, the processor  126  utilizes automatic voice recognition techniques to automatically interpret the words that were spoken by the user as part of the request, for use in identifying the nature of the request. Also in various embodiments, the processor  126  also utilizes the user history from step  210  in interpreting the request (e.g., in the event that the request has one or more words that are similar to and/or consistent with prior requests from the user as reflected in the user history, and so on). 
     Also in various embodiments, voice assistant data is obtained with respect to the various voice assistants (step  214 ). For example, in various embodiments, the particular respective skills of each of the voice assistants  170 - 174  (e.g., as registered in step  204 ) are retrieved from memory, in accordance with instructions provided by one or more processors. In certain embodiments, one or more of processors  126 ,  150  of  FIG. 1  (and/or one or more other processors associated with voice assistants  170 - 174  of  FIG. 1 ) provide instructions to retrieve the voice assistant data including the respective skills from stored values  138  of the vehicle memory  128  of  FIG. 1  and/or stored values  162  of the remote server memory  152  of  FIG. 1  (and/or one or more other memory devices associated with one or more of the voice assistants  170 - 174  of  FIG. 1 ). 
     A determination is made as to which of the various voice assistants is selected as a most appropriate voice assistant for the particular request (step  216 ). In various embodiments, during step  216 , a selected voice assistant of the voice assistants  170 - 174  of  FIG. 1  is determined as having skills that are most appropriate (as compared with the other voice assistants) for the particular request of step  206 . 
     For example, in certain embodiments, when a request to control a particular vehicle system was made by the user, then a vehicle voice assistant  170  may be selected. Also in certain embodiments, when a request for navigation information was made by the user, then a navigation voice assistant  172  may be selected. Similarly, in certain embodiments, when a request for control of a device or system of the user&#39;s home was made by the user, then a home voice assistant  174 (A) may be selected. Likewise, in certain embodiments, when a request for control of an audio device or audio preferences was made by the user, then an audio voice assistant  174 (B) may be selected. By way of additional example, in certain embodiments, when a request for control of a user&#39;s mobile phone or associated service was made by the user, then a mobile phone voice assistant  174 (C) may be selected. Also in certain embodiments, when a request for shopping information or services was made by the user, then a shopping voice assistant  174 (D) may be selected. In addition, in certain embodiments, when a request for control of a user&#39;s web browser or associated service was made by the user, then a web browser voice assistant  174 (E) may be selected. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, when one or more other types of request are made by the user, one or more other voice assistants  174 (N) may be selected, and so on. 
     In various embodiments, during step  216 , the user history of step  210  may also be utilized in identifying the selected voice assistant for the particular user request. For example, in certain embodiments, a voice assistant may be selected based at least in part on the user&#39;s preference for a particular voice assistant, such as if the user has frequently and/or most recently used a particular voice assistant for particular types of requests. For example, if the user utilizes multiple shopping voice assistant, then in various embodiments, when the user makes a shopping request, a selection may be made as to a particular shopping voice assistant that the user has used most recently and/or most frequently, and/or for which the user has otherwise expressed a preference (e.g., for which the user has provided positive feedback), and so on. 
     In addition, in various embodiments, one or more other considerations may also be taken into account when the most appropriate voice assistant is selected. For example, in certain embodiments, if the user is known to have a subscription, contract, and/or other known relationship with a particular voice assistant, then such voice assistant may be selected. Likewise, in certain embodiments, if the vehicle  102 , remote server  104 , and/or manufacturers and/or partners thereof have a relationship or contract with a particular voice assistant, then such voice assistant may be selected, and so on. 
     In various embodiments, the most appropriate voice assistant is selected automatically by a processor during step  216 . Also in various embodiments, the selection is made by one or more of processors  126 ,  150  of  FIG. 1 , and/or one or more other processors associated with voice assistants  170 - 174  of  FIG. 1 . In certain embodiments, an automated voice assistant may be selected that is part of a computer system. In certain embodiments, the voice assistants include virtual voice assistants that utilize artificial intelligence associated with one or more computer systems. In certain other embodiments, a human voice assistant may be selected that utilizes information from a computer system in fulfilling the request. 
     The user&#39;s request is then provided to the selected voice assistant (step  218 ). Specifically, in various embodiments, communication is facilitated between the user and the selected voice assistant of step  216 . In certain embodiments, the user&#39;s request is forwarded to the selected voice assistant, and the user is placed in direct communication with the selected voice assistant (e.g., via a telephone, videoconference, e-mail, live chat, and/or other communication between the user and the selected voice assistant). In various embodiments, the facilitating of this communication is performed via instructions provided by one or more processors (e.g., by one or more of processors  126 ,  150  of  FIG. 1 , and/or one or more other processors associated with voice assistants  170 - 174  of  FIG. 1 ) via the communication network  106  of  FIG. 1 . 
     In various embodiments, the user&#39;s request is fulfilled (step  220 ). In various embodiments, the selected voice assistant provides the requested information and/or services for the user. In addition, in certain embodiments, information and/or details pertaining to the fulfillment of the request are provided (e.g., to one or more of processors  126 ,  150  of  FIG. 1 , and/or one or more other processors associated with voice assistants  170 - 174  of  FIG. 1 ) for use in updating the voice assistant data of step  204  and the user history of step  206 . 
     Also in various embodiments, voice assistant data is updated (step  222 ). In various embodiments, the voice assistant data of step  204  is updated based on the identification of the selected voice assistant, the providing of assistance by the selected voice assistant, or both. In certain embodiments, user feedback is obtained with respect to the selection of the voice assistant and/or the fulfillment of the request (e.g., as to the user&#39;s satisfaction with the selection of the voice assistant and/or the voice assistant&#39;s execution in fulfilling the request), and the voice assistant data is updated accordingly based on this feedback. For example, in various embodiments, the voice assistants  170 - 174  of  FIG. 1  may be trained in this manner, for example to learn new skills and/or to have a more accurate description of skills of the various voice assistants. In various embodiments, the voice assistant data is updated in this manner by one or processors (e.g., one or more of processors  126 ,  150  of  FIG. 1 , and/or one or more other processors associated with voice assistants  170 - 174  of  FIG. 1 ), and the respective updated information is stored in memory (e.g., the memory  128 ,  152  of  FIG. 1 , and/or one or more other memory devices associated with voice assistants  170 - 174  of  FIG. 1 ). 
     Moreover, also in various embodiments, user history data is also updated (step  224 ). In various embodiments, the user history of step  210  is updated based on the identification of the selected voice assistant, the providing of assistance by the selected voice assistant, or both. Similar to step  222 , in certain embodiments, user feedback is obtained with respect to the selection of the voice assistant and/or the fulfillment of the request (e.g., as to the user&#39;s satisfaction with the selection of the voice assistant and/or the voice assistant&#39;s execution in fulfilling the request), and the user history is updated accordingly based on this feedback. For example, in various embodiments, when a user is satisfied with a particular voice assistant (and/or the selection thereof and/or the voice assistant&#39;s fulfillment of the user request), then the user history may be updated accordingly to place a higher likelihood of selecting the same voice assistant in the future (e.g., with respect to similar types of requests), and so on. In various embodiments, the user history is updated in this manner by one or processors (e.g., one or more of processors  126 ,  150  of  FIG. 1 , and/or one or more other processors associated with voice assistants  170 - 174  of  FIG. 1 ), and the respective updated information is stored in memory (e.g., the memory  128 ,  152  of  FIG. 1 , and/or one or more other memory devices associated with voice assistants  170 - 174  of  FIG. 1 ). 
     In various embodiments, the process  200  then terminates (step  226 ), for example until the vehicle  102  is re-started and/or until another request is made by the user. 
     Similar to the discussion above, in various embodiments some or all of the steps (or portions thereof) of the process  200  may be performed by the vehicle control system  112 , the remote server controller  148 , and/or one or more other control systems and/or controllers of or associated with the voice assistants  170 - 174  of  FIG. 1 . Similarly, it will also be appreciated that various steps of the process  200  may be performed by, on, or within a vehicle and/or remote server, and/or by one or more other computer systems, such as those for a user&#39;s smart phone, computer, tablet, or the like. It will similarly be appreciated that the systems and/or components of system  100  of  FIG. 1  may vary in other embodiments, and that the steps of the process  200  of  FIG. 2  may also vary (and/or be performed in a different order) from that depicted in  FIG. 2  and/or as discussed above in connection therewith. 
     Accordingly, the systems, vehicles, and methods described herein provide for potentially improved processing of user request, for example for a user of a vehicle. Based on an identification of the nature of the user request and a comparison with various respective skills of a plurality of different types of voice assistants, the user&#39;s request is routed to the most appropriate voice assistant. 
     The systems, vehicles, and methods thus provide for a potentially improved and/or efficient experience for the user in having his or her requests processed by the most accurate and/or efficient voice assistant tailored to the specific user request. As noted above, in certain embodiments, the techniques described above may be utilized in a vehicle. Also as noted above, in certain other embodiments, the techniques described above may also be utilized in connection with the user&#39;s smart phones, tablets, computers, other electronic devices and systems. 
     While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims and the legal equivalents thereof.