DE10060599A1 - Traffic information transmission system for use in vehicle has data received from information providers entered in databank and supplied to transmitter after conversion into broadcast signal - Google Patents

Abstract

The traffic information transmission system has a receiver (102) receiving traffic information from a number of external information providers. The received information is entered in a databank (103) from which it is extracted via a control device (104), supplying it to a traffic information transmitter (101) via an information preparation device (105) and a coder (108). The information preparation device converts the traffic information into a graphic format and the coder codes the traffic information into a digital video broadcast terrestrial signal or a digital audio broadcasting signal. Also included are Independent claims for the following:- (a) a traffic information transmission method; (b) a portable reception device for reception of traffic information within a vehicle.

Description

The invention relates to a portable receiving device, in particular for Reception of traffic information in vehicles, a system for transmission traffic information, in particular current traffic information Method for transmitting current traffic information, a method for Obtaining information about traffic conditions and a process for creating them of forecasts of expected traffic conditions depending on the time of day and Weekdays and a portable receiving device for receiving and Reproduction of such information.

Due to the increasing traffic density in the European countries is a speedy travel with a motor vehicle has become extremely tedious. An exact Planning the trip duration is based on expected traffic disruptions  such as traffic jams, construction sites or the like has become impossible. Currently drivers have to transmit themselves on public or private radio traffic information, d. H. the so-called traffic radio. The the respective radio stations mostly only transmit regional traffic information. The few radio stations, the national traffic information send out, however, only transmit the large traffic jams and traffic delays but not small or medium traffic obstructions.

The radio stations receive their traffic information from the Landes Police reporting points from central data processing in Düsseldorf. This Messages are mostly inaccurate and are sent too late because they are from the respective Police departments need to be confirmed. Another disadvantage is that rare Alternative recommendations are given, as well as that the messages are fleeting are and usually take place at an interval of 30 minutes.

So-called traffic jam clubs have sprung up at some private radio stations the. For example, if a driver has a traffic jam or other traffic notices disability, he notifies the radio broadcaster, who evaluates this information and in its respective traffic news transmitted. Experience has shown that the detectors tend to be a Have an interest in the occurrence of a traffic obstruction than in its disappearance and consequently rarely tend to indicate the absence of a traffic obstruction Here, the traffic information remains only in the respective transmission area of the radio station. So far, it was with analog traffic information not possible to get traffic forecasts from a cross-border traveler Transmit space.

Furthermore, travelers can call traffic information by telephone. H. either over the fixed network as well as over the cellular network, from different providers such as D1, D2, ADAC. The traffic information will obtained by measuring technology installed at defined measuring points.  

The disadvantage here is that sometimes a cumbersome dialing into the respective Service must be done. These services are mostly chargeable and are available through the Billed phone bill. For the service offered by ADAC must In addition, a receiver of approximately DM 800 can be purchased.

This occurs regularly for German-speaking travelers to other European countries Problem on that traffic information is usually in the national language be sent out. A response to such traffic information is therefore difficult if not impossible for the average traveler.

Every driver is well aware of the situation described above needs remedial action. Mobility as a feature of our society's prosperity it is important to secure and expand. To do this, nationally attractive traffic information is made available to everyone at low cost. The car driver must continuously have comprehensive overviews of traffic conditions and others relevant information (weather situations) to his individual behavior to plan ahead.

According to the decision of the federal government, analog television should be switched from digital terrestrial television (Digital Video Broadcast-Terrestric DVB-T) as well as the analog broadcasting from digital broadcasting (Digital Audio Broadcasting DAB) be replaced by 2010. DVB-T enables digitized and com primed television broadcasting in high quality for mobile reception in Transfer vehicles. Both DAB and DVB-T enable a significant Improved utilization of the available frequency channels. Separate Pilot projects for the use of these new technologies have already been implemented in some Federal states started. So far, these projects have only been local, at best regional and can only be received in this room to a limited extent. DAB and DVB-T make it possible in addition to the digital radio and television program, also other information transferred to.  

The object of the invention is therefore to overcome the disadvantages described above Eliminate transmission of traffic information and a system and one Method for transmitting traffic information on the basis of digital Television and digital broadcasting, as well as other means of mass communication such as Internet, UMTS and. a. which ensures that current supra-regional le Traffic information is made available to everyone at low cost. Further is intended to be a portable receiving device for receiving traffic information NEN, especially in vehicles.

This task is accomplished by a traffic information transmission system according to claim 1 and by a corresponding method for transmitting Traffic information according to claim 3 solved. Furthermore, the task by portable receiving device according to claim 5 solved.

The invention is based on the idea of a transmission system for To provide traffic information, the transmission system a receiving means for receiving traffic information from external Information providers, in particular from road users (drivers) itself as a telephone message via mobile phone a first database for Storage of the received traffic information, a control means for off select traffic information to be transmitted from the data in the first existing traffic information, an information processing tool for graphically processing the traffic selected by the control means information for the visual representation of pictures, road maps, traffic situation u. a. in commercial TV receivers, a coding means for coding the aufbe rode traffic information into a DVB-T and / or DAB signal and broadcast means for sending the DVB-T and / or DAB signal with the coded therein Has traffic information.

It proves to be advantageous that local, regional, national and Europe-wide traffic information can be collected centrally and then  embedded in DVB-T and DAB signals can be transmitted. So you can not just short traffic information, but also longer reports and executions information is transmitted, for example forecasts about expected current traffic conditions, traffic-relevant messages, emergency calls, warnings, weather individual service over the phone.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the transmission system further comprises a traffic information update means for updating the data in traffic information stored in the first database based on the information from the Receiving traffic information received. This ensures it means that the traffic information in the database is always on are up to date.

The invention also relates to a corresponding method for transmitting Traffic information. It was done by receiving traffic information external information providers, save the traffic received information in a first database, selection of ver Traffic information from the traffic information available in the first database tion, graphic preparation of the selected traffic information, coding the processed traffic information into a DVB-T and / or DAB signal and by sending the DVB-T and / or DAB signal with the traffic encoded therein information by means of transmission. The advantages achieved with the process correspond to those of the system described above.

The traffic information sent, individual images such as B. road maps - comparable to the current teletext - stored in a memory, constantly updated and can be displayed individually. With combination A GPS receiver can automatically display the respective location map that will advance accordingly while driving.  

The traffic information sent is also issued with an identifier, so that the receiver sends the associated data stream within the broadcast channels, in to whom it is embedded or transferred, automatically recognize, find and can turn on.

The information sent also contains an encoding in the form that Breaking news or other priority information full and / or partial image automatically displayed on the receiver screen regardless of the the page you are viewing, regional or national, depending on your needs. The The same applies to audio information that is also sent.

In a preferred embodiment of the method for transmitting Traffic information becomes the traffic stored in the first database information based on the traffic information received by the receiving means tions updated. This ensures that they are in the database traffic information is always up to date.

The invention further relates to a portable receiving device for receiving of traffic information. He assigns them receiving means for receiving DVB-T and / or DAB signals, which can contain traffic information, Extracting means for extracting the contained in the DVB-T and / or DAB signals traffic information, a selection means for automatic selection one of the signals depending on selection criteria and a display means for View the information extracted from the selected signal.

Such a portable receiving device can be used in a DVB-T and / or DAB signal embedded traffic information through a system Claim 1 or were sent according to a method according to claim 3, too received and displayed in vehicles.  

In one embodiment, the portable receiving device has a Ge speed detection means for detecting the speed of the vehicle on, whereby the selection means - according to the general safety regulations mungen - automatically from the received TV program on this traffic program depending on the detected speed of the vehicle toggles or the display switches off completely. This ensures that, for example, a driver is not using the digital remote while driving viewing program and thus draws his attention from the street becomes. Furthermore, according to the speed of the vehicle between various information embedded in the DVB-T and / or DAB signals or change information displays.

In a further embodiment of the portable receiving device, this Selection means a selection switch-off means for switching off the automatic Selection of one of the signals so that the selection can be made by a user an input means can take place. This ensures that, for example Passengers in the rear seats of any vehicle among those offered programs and services transmitted by the DVB-T and / or DAB signals can choose. Passengers can also do this with the while driving Watch the television program transmitted DVB-T signal. Selection means can also installed in device holders outside the driver's field of vision become.

The invention will now be described on the basis of exemplary embodiments with the aid of the figures are explained in more detail. These show

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a transmission system,

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a portable receiver device,

Fig. 3 is a block diagram of a selection means of the portable receive device, and

Fig. 4 shows another embodiment of a portable receiving device.

Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of a system for transmitting traffic information. The system has a receiver 102 , a traffic information update means 106 , a traffic information database 103 , a control means 104 , an information preparation means 105 , a coding means 108 and a transmitter 101 as well as a secondary information database 107 .

The receiver 102 is configured to receive traffic information from external information providers. This can be done, for example, via a network such as the Internet, via a radio connection or by telephone, ie via a fixed network or via the mobile radio network. This enables the driver on site to check the traffic reports that are broadcast and to monitor deviations. B. via a free telephone number to inform the editors, so that a direct control loop is created. The receiver 102 is also designed to also receive secondary information in the above-mentioned way. The received secondary information is stored in the secondary information database 107 . The traffic update means 106 compares the data received by the receiver 102 with the data stored in the traffic information database 103 . If more current data is received, the traffic information data in the database 103 is updated on the basis of the more current received data. It is thus achieved that the traffic information contained in the database 103 is always up to date.

The control means 104 selects the traffic information to be transmitted from the traffic information located in the traffic information database 103 . The selected traffic information is forwarded to the information processing means 105 so that the traffic information is graphically processed so that it can be clearly displayed on a monitor or a display. This graphical preparation is particularly important with regard to traffic information, since the driver of a motor vehicle must first and foremost concentrate on road traffic. The information shown on his display must not distract him. He must also be able to quickly stop all essential information on a picture. The graphic processing for visual presentation takes place in the broadcasting center, so that all traffic information can be received with a standard TV receiver for DVB-T reception. This makes this information available to the general public.

The graphically processed information data is then forwarded to the coding means 108 , where it is optionally coded in a DVB-T or a DAB signal. The DVB-T and the DAB signal together with the graphically prepared traffic information encoded therein are forwarded to the transmitter 101 , from which they are transmitted.

In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the graphical preparation of the traffic data can also only take place in a receiving device of the user, so that the information preparation means 105 is not required in this exemplary embodiment.

In addition to the traffic information located in the traffic information database 103 , the control means 104 can also use the secondary information in the secondary information database 107 . This secondary information is then forwarded together with the traffic information to the information processing means 105 , from where it is encoded in the DVB-T and DAB signal by the coding means 108 and sent by the transmitter 101 . This traffic information channel has an identifier so that it is automatically found by the receiver among the multitude of TV and radio channels or data streams.

The traffic information includes, for example, current traffic overview ten, police reports and notices, construction sites with traffic jam overviews, traffic jams  information on length and duration, emergency calls, search reports, current weather reports conditions such as rain, fog, icy conditions etc., parking and parking space situations, Information on congestion-free alternative routes as well as information on speed cameras and like. Secondary information includes, for example general country information, regional information, city information, as well as events in the respective city or region.

Further service offers can also be called up by telephone. These offers include, for example, individual navigation, individual route planning, breakdowns and emergency calls, hotel reservations and services, events and ticket services, flight reservations and a travel service. The user can have the offers described above activated by a telephone call. The receiver 102 receives this request for activation and forwards this to the secondary information database 107 . In the database 107, the corresponding information is then released, so that the control means extracts bank 107 and may forward 104 for transmitting this information from the data.

The traffic data are in the DVB-T channel in the form of the Data Caroussel and Transfer MHP (Multimedia Home Platform). On the channel used, the Traffic information transmitted as a data stream. All information is available User permanently available, so that an overload of the system is avoided is closed.

With the transmission system described above, it is now possible to receive all traffic information from your own and distant traffic areas, to receive it permanently visually on stationary devices or even in the vehicle and to display it, for example, on a flat screen. The information can be obtained via language, image and sound. Changing still images such as digital street maps can be combined with limited moving images (video). Priority messages, for example urgent messages, can be displayed at any time by the sending point (editorial staff) directly in full screen or partial screen regardless of the currently selected info page. The same applies to the sound signal, which is activated directly when muted. The traffic and secondary information stored in the two databases 103 , 107 can be accessed by telephone or via the Internet. It is therefore also possible to carry out individual route planning, this taking place depending on the time of day under the weekday.

Fig. 2 shows a block diagram of a portable receiving device. The receiving device has an antenna 1 , a DVB-T / DAB receiver 2 , a second DVB-T / DAB receiver 3 , extracting means 4 , 5 , a first memory 6 , a and / or second memory 7 , a selection means 8 , a speed detection means 9 , an input means 10 , a processing means 11 and a display means 12 .

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the selection means 8 of the portable receiving device of FIG. 2. The selection means 8 has a channel selection means 81 , a selection control means 82 , a selection deactivation means 83 and a selection parameter setting means 84 .

The portable receiving device receives the DVB-T and DAB signals transmitted, for example, from the transmission system described above via the antenna 1 . The DVB-T and the DAB signal are received by the DVB-T / DAB receivers 2 , 3 and passed on to the extracting means 4 , 5 . The receivers are equipped with station search and automatically switch to the data stream of this transmitter, which is embedded in the DVB-T and DAB channels. The traffic information and secondary information contained in the respective signals are extracted and stored in the respective extracting means 4 , 5 . The information extracted by the extracting means 4 is stored in the first memory 6 and the information extracted by the extracting means 5 in the second memory 7 . The extracting means 4 , 5 forward the extracted information to the selection means 8 . The receivers 3 , 4 can receive signals on different channels.

The channel selection means 81 of the selection means 8 receives the extracted information from the extraction means 4 , 5 and automatically selects between one of the two. This selection is controlled by the selection control means 82 . This automatic selection can be switched off by the selection switch-off means 83 , so that the user can manually determine which of the two channels is selected. For this purpose, the user can set the selection parameters by means of the input means 10 . The set selection parameters are stored in the selection parameter setting means 84 . Via the input means 10 and the selection parameter setting means 84 , the user can thus switch directly between the channels.

The automatic selection of the channel in the selection means 8 takes place on the basis of selection criteria, the fulfillment of which is detected by the speed detection means 9 . The speed of the vehicle is determined in the speed detection means 9 . If this speed falls below a certain threshold value, for example 25 km / h, the selection means 8 switches to the other channel and back again when the threshold value is exceeded again.

The traffic information contained in the selected channel is graphically processed in the processing means 11 so that it can be displayed on the display means 12 . The graphic preparation is particularly important in vehicles, because the driver must not be distracted from the traffic by this display. The driver must be able to see all essential information at a glance. Alternatively, the graphic processing can already take place in the transmission system that sends the information. In such a case, the treatment means 11 is not required.

The data stream also contains a sound channel with corresponding, supplementary Information for acoustic reproduction.

The speed detection means 9 can determine the speed of the vehicle, for example, using a switching signal from an on-board computer located in the vehicle. Furthermore, sensors can be provided for the detection of speed, acceleration, impact and shaking movements on a mechanical, acoustic and / or optical basis. Alternatively, the electrical or electronic signals from vehicle electrical systems in motor vehicles can testify, the speed-dependent harmonics in the network and the EMC interference radiation for speed detection can be evaluated. Furthermore, the Doppler effect can be evaluated by measuring acoustic and optical signals and also used to determine the speed. Another alternative to determining the speed is the evaluation of the receivable DVB-T or DAB transmitters based on the Doppler effect and the evaluation of fluctuations in the field strength while driving. The speed can also be achieved by evaluating the GPS signals.

Preferably, the portable receiving device is external by means of a network advises or powered by the electrical system of a motor vehicle. Usually, the portable receiving device is thus with a DC chip voltage of 12 volts.

The evaluation of the constant mains frequency of 50 Hz with a mains supply (Harmonics) can be used to avoid automatic switching between the Channels are used.

Fig. 4 shows another embodiment of a portable receiving device. An antenna 1 transmits received signals to a DVB-T receiver 2 , which is connected to a program selection device 20 . The program selector 20 contains means for automatically recognizing identification information which is added to the traffic information in the different frequency channels in order to recognize individual traffic information channels. The useful signal is fed to the selection means 8 after the program selection device and then to the display means 12 via the processing means 11 , which may contain, for example, a conventional television display. In the selection means 8 , the user can use the input means 10 to enter selection criteria, for example location, destination or route information, as selection criteria in order to obtain the information desired by the user by location or route and to process it in the processing means 11 and finally on the TV display 12 display. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the input means 10 are also connected to the program selection device 20 , and to make a desired preselection with regard to the desired traffic information channel. Speed detection means 9 are connected to the program selection device 20 and / or to the selection means 8 , in order, for example, to automatically intervene in the program selection device and / or the selection means when a predetermined speed of the vehicle is exceeded, so that PV drivers distracting the driver and front passenger during the journey, for example. Pro programs, for example commercial TV programs blocked and therefore no longer displayed. An extraction means 4 is coupled to the selection means 8 , which can extract and store the traffic information contained in the DVB-T and / or DAB signals, so that this information can be called up neither by the driver of the vehicle, if necessary, via the processing means 11 can be edited and then displayed on the TV display.

In addition to the processing of image information, namely visual traffic information and / or commercial television programs, the receiving device according to the invention can also be used for receiving the reproduction of radio programs or radio traffic information, for example digital radio programs can be carried out via the antenna and the DVB-T receiver received, which can then be fed via the program selection devices 20 and the selection means 8 from a radio playback device 30 .

The automatic switchover, as described above, can be switched off by means of the selection switch-off means 83 . This is particularly useful if the receiving device is attached outside the field of vision of the driver of the motor vehicle.

Furthermore, a conventional anti-theft device, for example by coding or using a chip card.

It is also conceivable to use a portable receiver device Remote control or using voice control.

The current traffic data and messages sent are stored in the first memory 6 or in the second memory 7 , so that they are available for immediate use when the journey begins.

The portable receiving device also has a standard interface, by means of which it can be connected to a GPS receiver. This can the portable receiving device independently location maps as well as the current one Show location. Furthermore, networking with navigation devices is also possible possible. Furthermore, the portable receiving device is prepared for reception other current services and new multimedia services.

Upon request, for example via mobile and landline phones, the individual services, for example through a transmission described above system are provided.

The handling of the portable receiving device corresponds to that of a Walkman or that of a portable DVD player. With one suitable for a motor vehicle Bracket, the device is easy to install even in the driver's field of vision.  

As described above, the portable receiving device is capable of receive and decode both DAB and DVB-T signals to represent (image + sound). Furthermore, the device has an interface for the Networking with other devices such as an analog TV Receiver, a hi-fi system or a PC. A special feature is the simultaneous reception of at least 2 data channels in DAB and / or DVB-T Area. Multimedia applications, for example based on the MHP platform (Multimedia home platform) can also be used.

Another feature is the automatic switchover when using a motor vehicle with a speed approval limit of one approved by TÜV TV program on one for viewing an approved service the changing images.

The transmission system described above can be in the European Also partially apply abroad. Thanks to the clear graphic display position ensures that the user is independent of the language of the country of residence.

The portable receiving device is capable of being used for any Vehicle type can be retrofitted. But it can also be used in private areas, can be used in the office or the like as a normal TV set.

Via a special return channel, for example a free phone number motorists have the option of congestion warnings, congestion resolution conditions, waiting times or the like to report to the transmission system which this information is then linked with the known traffic information and if necessary, passes it on to other drivers.

Claims (18)

1. System for transmitting traffic information, in particular current traffic information, with
receiving means ( 102 ) for receiving traffic information from external information providers,
a first database ( 103 ) for storing the traffic information received,
a control means ( 104 ) for selecting traffic information to be transmitted from the traffic information present in the first database ( 103 ),
an information preparation means ( 105 ) for the graphic preparation of the traffic information selected by the control means ( 104 ),
a coding means ( 108 ) for coding the processed traffic information into a DVB-T and / or a DAB signal, and
a transmission means ( 101 ) for transmitting the DVB-T and / or the DAB signal with the traffic information encoded therein. 2. System according to claim 1, further comprising traffic information updating means ( 106 ) for updating the traffic information stored in the first database ( 103 ) on the basis of the traffic information received by the receiving means ( 102 ). 3. System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the DVB-T and / or the DAB signal contains channel identification information for automatically locating the relevant frequency channel in the receiving means ( 102 ). 4. System according to one of the preceding claims,
furthermore with a receiving device which contains:
Receiving means ( 2 , 3 ) with automatic station search for receiving DVB-T and / or DAB signals which may contain traffic information, extracting means ( 4 , 5 ) for extracting the traffic information contained in the DVB-T and / or DAB signals,
a selection means ( 8 ) for automatically selecting one of the signals in dependence on selection criteria, and
Display means ( 12 ) for displaying the information (image and sound) extracted from the selected signal. 5. System according to claim 4, characterized in that location information and / or as selection criteria Destination information and / or route information can be entered. 6. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by means for calling and showing map information in the display of the display means ( 12 ). 7. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving means ( 2 , 3 ), the extracting means ( 4 , 5 ), the selection means ( 8 ) and optionally the means for displaying map information and the display means ( 12 ) as portable receiving device are formed. 8. System according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a speed detection means ( 9 ) for detecting the Ge speed of the vehicle, wherein the selection means ( 8 ) automatically changes the display of the display means ( 12 ) or switches off depending on the detected speed of the vehicle. 9. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the selection means ( 8 ) includes a selection switch-off means ( 83 ) for switching off the display of the display means ( 12 ). 10. A method of transmitting updated traffic information, comprising the steps of:
Receiving traffic information from external information providers,
Storing the received traffic information in a first database ( 103 ) selecting traffic information to be transmitted from the traffic information available in the first database ( 103 ),
Graphic processing of the selected traffic information,
Encoding the processed traffic information into a DVB-T and / or a DAB signal, and
Sending the DVB-T and / or the DAB signal with the traffic information encoded therein by means of transmission means ( 101 ). 11. The method according to claim 10, with a further step: updating the traffic information stored in the first database ( 103 ) on the basis of the traffic information received by the receiving means ( 102 ). 12. Portable receiving device, in particular for receiving traffic information in vehicles, with:
Receiving means ( 2 , 3 ) for receiving DVB-T and / or DAB signals, which may contain traffic information,
Extracting means ( 4 , 5 ) for extracting the traffic information contained in the DVB-T and / or DAB signals,
a selection means ( 8 ) for automatically selecting one of the signals as a function of selection criteria, and
Display means ( 12 ) for displaying the information extracted from the selected signal. 13. A portable receiving device according to claim 12, characterized in that location information and / or as selection criteria Destination information and / or route information can be entered. 14. Portable receiving device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized by means for calling up and displaying map information in the display of the display means ( 12 ). 15. Portable receiving device according to one of claims 12 to 14, further comprising a speed detection means ( 9 ) for detecting the Ge speed of the vehicle, wherein the selection means ( 8 ) automatically changes the display of the display means ( 12 ) or switches off depending on the detected speed of the vehicle. 16. Portable receiving device according to one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the selection means ( 8 ) includes a selection switch-off means ( 83 ) for switching off the display of the display means ( 12 ). 17. Portable receiving device according to one of claims 12 to 16, for receiving and processing traffic information according to one of the Claims 1 to 3. 18. Portable receiving device according to one of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that the receiving device as a portable television trained receiver, in addition to the traffic information commercial TV programs and / or video programs and / or radio programs emp can catch and play.