EP1192602B1 - Information system for public transport and corresponding communication method - Google Patents

Abstract

An information system for vehicles ( 35 ) includes a plurality of contactless transceivers ( 31-32 ) oriented in the direction of the passengers ( 36 ) that allow a data transfer at close range, with a central data processor ( 2 ). A data bus ( 3 ) is connected with the transceivers ( 31-32 ) and with the central data processor ( 2 ), so that data can be transmitted between private portable terminals ( 4 ) of the passengers and the central data processor ( 2 ) in both directions over the transceivers ( 31-32 ) and the data bus ( 3 ). The portable terminals ( 4 ) additionally store passengers' identification data in such a manner that the identification data are transmitted to the central data processor, so that the system can check the passengers' travel authorizations.

Description

Technical area

The present invention is in the field of traffic telematics and relates to a communication system for vehicles, for example a communication system for public transport vehicles such as trains, buses or subway.

State of the art

Systems are already known with which data, for example multimedia data, for example an entertainment program, can be distributed to passengers of a vehicle. Some systems are interactive and have a return channel through which passengers can, for example, order a new entertainment program or participate in sweepstakes. These systems generally use terminals that belong to the vehicle. CH-A-671 845 concerns such a pure entertainment system. A disadvantage of these systems is that passengers are rarely familiar with such terminals, so that only simple functions can be offered. So that the terminals are not stolen, often non-standardized and out of the vehicle unusable devices are provided. However, such devices that are not made for the general public are usually expensive.

In addition, systems are known to check the travel authorization of passengers electronically. Such a system is inter alia in the patent EP-A-0 465 456 described. Trains are fitted on the doors with suitable readers to register the entry and exit of passengers equipped with a contactless identification element. Travel data, which include the boarding and disembarkation time of each identified passenger, are forwarded by the trains to a central office, which calculates the route traveled monthly to the passengers. The used Identification element has no control elements, which greatly limits the application possibilities. For example, it is not possible to reserve seats with this system.

DE-A1-197 08 764 discloses an interactive information and entertainment system for vehicles in which a plurality of terminals each having a screen and an input device are connected to a central computer. It is envisaged that these terminals are each assigned to a driving seat, wherein at least one screen of a terminal is integrated into the backrest of a driving seat, which is assigned in the sitting direction before the driving seat of this terminal.

Summary of the invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a new communication system which can be used both for the distribution of information and entertainment programs to passengers and for the control of their travel authorization.

Another object is to provide a new communication system that is compatible with a variety of terminals that may also be owned by the passengers.

According to the invention, these objects are achieved in particular by an information system having the features of claim 1.

In particular, these objects are achieved with an information system in which the data within the vehicle can be transmitted to passengers via a data bus and a plurality of contactless transceivers.

A standardized contactless interface is preferably used so that passengers can use their own familiar terminal.

Central data processing means are provided in the vehicle and are connected to the designated data bus. The contactless interface is preferably bidirectional so that data can be transmitted in both directions between the passengers and the central data processing means.

The inventive method can therefore be used both for the dissemination of information, such as travel information, and entertainment programs, including advertising, as well as for the settlement of the traveled route.

Brief description of the figures

Fig. 1

eine schematische Ansicht eines Vehikels, in diesem Beispiel ein Bus, mit einem Informationssystem gemäss einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;

Fig. 2

ein Blockdiagramm des erfindungsgemässen Systems;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Ansicht einer anderen Ausführungsform eines Identifizierungsmoduls, hier als tragbarer Radioempfänger gebaut;

Fig. 4

eine schematische Ansicht einer anderen Ausführungsform eines ldentifizierungsmoduls, hier als Armbanduhr gebaut und

Fig. 5

eine schematische Ansicht eines Identifizierungsmoduls,in diesem Beispiel eine kontaktlose Chipkarte, mit einem Berechtigungprüfgerät, in diesem Beispiel eine Brille mit einer VRD-Anzeige.

In the following, the attached drawings are described in detail. It is described in more detail. Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic view of a vehicle, in this example a bus, with an information system according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2

a block diagram of the inventive system;

Fig. 3

a schematic view of another embodiment of an identification module, built here as a portable radio receiver;

Fig. 4

a schematic view of another embodiment of an identification module, built here as a wristwatch and

Fig. 5

a schematic view of an identification module, in this example, a contactless chip card, with a legitimacy device, in this example, a pair of glasses with a VRD display.

Ways to carry out the invention

The FIG. 1 shows a vehicle 35, in this example a bus, with an information system according to the invention. However, the invention can be used for any type of public transport vehicle, such as trains, subway cars, ships or airplanes.

The information system comprises central data processing means 2, for example a computer with suitable interfaces, or a digital radio receiver with a processor, as well as a data bus 3, which connects the central data processing means 2 with a multiplicity of transmitter-receivers 31, 32. Each transceiver 31, 32 has an antenna, the antennas being oriented within the vehicle 35 and toward the passengers 36. Certain transceivers 32 are preferably installed near the doors to monitor the entry and exit of passengers 36.

• Radioprogramme, vorzugsweise digitale Radioprogramme eines Radio-Senders 1, der beispielsweise gemäss dem DAB-Standard (Digital Audio Broadcasting) sendet, einschliesslich programmbegleitende Daten;
• Fernsehprogramme, vorzugsweise digitale Fernsehprogramme, beispielsweise gemäss dem DVB-Standard (Digital Video Broadcasting), einschliesslich programmbegleitende Daten;
• Daten, die durch ein Mobilfunknetz 6 übertragen werden, beispielsweise durch einen GSM- oder UMTS-Netz (Global System for Mobile), einschliesslich SMS-, USSD- und WAP-Daten (Short Message System, Unstructured Supplementary Service Datas, beziehungsweise Wireless Application Protocol), wobei diese Daten mit einem Mobilgerät 8 oder mit einem Server 7 ausgetauscht werden können;
• Daten eines Standortbestimmungssystems, beispielsweise GPS-Daten;
• Daten aus einem anderen Vehikel, beispielsweise Daten aus einem andern Wagen in einem Zug;
• usw.

The central data processing means 2 have, or are connected to, at least one radio receiver 21 via which data from at least one transmitter 1, a server 7 or a mobile device 8 (FIG. Fig. 2 ) can be received outside the vehicle 35. The transmitter 1 consists of a server 10, which is connected to an antenna 11. Depending on the application, the radio receiver 21 may, for example, receive and / or send the following data and process it if necessary:

• Radio programs, preferably digital radio programs of a radio transmitter 1, for example, according to the DAB standard (Digital Audio Broadcasting), including program-related data;
• Television programs, preferably digital television programs, for example according to the DVB standard (Digital Video Broadcasting), including program-accompanying data;
• Data transmitted through a mobile network 6, for example, through a GSM or UMTS (Global System for Mobile) network, including SMS, USSD and WAP (Short Message System, Unstructured Supplementary Service Datas, or Wireless Application Protocol) data ), which data can be exchanged with a mobile device 8 or with a server 7;
• Data of a positioning system, such as GPS data;
• Data from another vehicle, for example data from another car in one go;
• etc.

These different data are converted in the data processing means 2 into another format, for example in the Bluetooth format, and addressed via the data bus 3 and the transceivers 31-32 to the relevant passengers 36.

The passengers 36 have personal terminals 4, each terminal having an identification module 40 (FIG. FIG. 2 ), in which user-specific data are stored, and a contactless interface 41, via which a radio link with the transmitter-receivers 31-32 can be made.

The contactless interface 41 permits a short-range radio link (typically up to a maximum of 20 meters) and preferably comprises a chip, for example an RFID chip, and an antenna 410. The chip comprises a radio part and data processing means in the fundamental frequency range and can operate, for example, in the microwave range. Depending on the applied frequency, the antenna 410 can also be integrated in the chip, or consist of a wound coil.

Depending on the variant, the terminal 4 in the form of a radio receiver, for example in the form of a portable radio receiver 42 with an antenna 470 (FIG. Fig. 3 ), a non-illustrated mobile phone, a palmtop or laptop computer, not shown, a wristwatch 43 ( Fig. 4 ) or a smart card 44 ( Fig. 5 ), preferably in ISO format. Terminals of various types can also be combined within a single vehicle 35. Depending on the embodiment, the terminal may have various data reproduction means 400, for example via a display and / or a loudspeaker, and via various input means 401, for example via a keyboard, a touchscreen and / or a device for determining the eye position. The display may be, for example, an LCD display and / or preferably a VRD display (Virtual Retina Display), and can thus reproduce operating states as well as received images and texts. The identification module 40 consists for example of a removable chip card, for example a SIM card (Subscriber Identification Module), or from a protected memory area in the terminal (virtual SIM card). The contactless interface 41 allows a bidirectional data transmission with the transmitter-receivers 31, 32. Preferably, a standardized protocol is used for this interface 41, for example the Bluetooth or HomeRF standard, so that standardized terminals 4 can be used. However, the contactless interface 41 can also consist of an RFID element (Radio Frequency Identification). Depending on the variant, the terminal 4 may have its own energy supply means, for example via a battery or solar cells, or be fed by the transmitter-receivers 31-32.

In a variant of the invention, at least some of the terminals have an additional radio receiver 46, via which data of an external transmitter 1 can be received.

When the passenger 36 enters the vehicle 35 with his terminal 4, his identification parameters stored in the identification module 40 are detected via the named contactless interface 41 and the transceivers 32 in the door area and transmitted to the data processing means 2. The identification parameters of the passenger include, for example, his name, his user number, and possibly the identification of his home service provider. If the identification module 4 can also be used as a SIM card (Subscriber Identification Module) in a mobile phone, the identity of the user can also consist of his IMSI number (International Mobile Subscriber Identification) in the mobile network. In a variant, biometric parameters, for example a photograph, a fingerprint or an image of the retina of the passenger are also stored in the identification module 40.

In addition, authorization data of the passenger is read by the transmitter-receivers 32, which authorization data may include, for example, reservation data, type of subscription, pre-paid tickets and so on.

Depending on the embodiment and application, the transmission of the identification parameters by the passenger 36 or by the transceivers 32 can be triggered when entering and leaving the vehicle 35. The identification parameters are read by a software program executed by the terminal 4 or by the module 40 in the identification module 40 and transmitted to the transceivers 32 via the contactless interface by means of suitable communication protocols, from where they are sent via the data bus 3 to the central data processing means 2 are conducted.

A software program in the data processing means 2 registers the boarding and disembarkation time of the passengers 36, and thus determines the travel fee to be charged. If the data processing means 2 are connected to a positioning device, the entry and exit location of the user is preferably also used for this clearing. The determined fee can then be offset against a monthly fee of the transport company, or charged in a variant directly via the named contactless interface 41 a prepaid electronic account in the identification module 40 of the user.

The data processing means 2 can receive a list of authorizations or reservations or blocked identification modules obtained via the named additional radio receiver 21 and thus determine whether the passenger is allowed to board or whether the vehicle 35 is blocked for him. For example, if the vehicle 35 is disabled for the passenger, the data processing means 2 may initiate appropriate steps to deny the passenger 36 boarding, for example, audible and / or visual warning signs may be activated and / or relevant entrances closed or not opened ,

If boarding is permitted to the passenger 36, he may enter the vehicle 35 and take a seat. Within the vehicle 35 there are additional transceivers 31 which detect the identification parameters in the identification module 40 of the passenger 36 and forward them to the central data processing means 2. These data processing means can check, for example, whether the passenger 36 has taken up a place reserved for him in a travel class accessible to him. For this purpose, the transmitted authorization data, for example, reservation information and / or travel class information, contain.

The reservations can be made in advance by the passengers 36 via any distribution channel, for example by telephone Internet, at a counter or with the one in the patent application PCT / CH96 / 00464 described method. The reservation details are preferably stored in a server 7 of the transport company and are either remotely loaded in the identification module 40 or transmitted via the mentioned radio receiver 21 to the data processing means 2. If the reservation information is present in the identification module 40, the passenger can read this reservation, for example the seat number, on the display 400 of his terminal 4.

If the passenger 36 is approaching a place not authorized for him, for example, a written or spoken message can be made on his personal terminal 4. If he finds the reserved place, he can be greeted by his name; the reserved space can then be marked, for example, from "Reserved" to "Reserved and Busy".

If the passenger 36 is sitting in his place, he may receive data on the transceivers 31 and have them reproduced or edited on his personal terminal 4. The data obtained may include, for example, tourist information, advertising, music, entertainment programs, etc. Certain data may be generated by the driver of the vehicle 35 and transmitted via the data bus 3 to each or to selected passengers 36. Other information, such as received via the radio receiver 21 DAB or DVB programs and program-accompanying data can be converted into a suitable format, such as Bluetooth format, and addressed to the passengers 36.

If the data processing means 2 are connected to a location determination center, for example with a GPS receiver, location-dependent data can also be transmitted to the passengers 36, for example information about the next stop. This location-dependent information can either be generated in the vehicle 35, and / or received as program-accompanying data and filtered based on the location information determined in the vehicle.

The interface between the terminals 4 and the transmitter-receivers 31 is bidirectional. Passengers 36 can thereby initiate certain actions with the data processing means 2 via suitable operating elements of their terminals 4. For example, each passenger 36 may initiate a stop of the vehicle 35 at the next stop via this channel, or apply for a place and / or class change.

The position of the identified passengers 36 in the vehicle 35 is preferably temporarily stored in the data processing means 2. Thereby, for example, certain data routed via the data bus 3 can be addressed in dependence on the named stored position and transmitted only by the transceiver closest to the addressed passenger.

The passengers in the vehicle can communicate with each other via the designated data bus, for example by calling or playing with each other. If the data processing means 2 are connected to a mobile radio system 6, for example with a GSM or UMTS mobile radio system, the passengers can also log into this mobile radio system via the mentioned contactless interface 4-31 and the data bus 3 and establish connections. In this way, passengers who do not have a mobile phone but who have a terminal 4 with a suitable interface 41 can make calls or send and receive e-mails when they are in the vehicle 35.

For this purpose, temporary IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identification) and MSISDN (Mobile Subscriber ISDN) are provided by the operator of the vehicle 35 in a first variant. Each vehicle 35 in this variant has one or more IMSI numbers, which are converted in the data processing means 2 into a suitable address for the data bus. To establish a connection, borrow Passenger one of the available IMSI number, which will then be assigned to him during the connection. In this variant, incurred in the connection telecommunications costs are charged by the operator of the mobile network 6 via known mechanisms the operator of the vehicle 35, which charges these costs with a surcharge on the travel bill the passenger.

In a second variant, the passenger has a subscription with the operator of his home mobile radio network 6. The IMSI number and the MSISDN number are then stored in the identification module 40 in the terminal 4 and the data processing means 2 are delivered as soon as the passenger has taken his seat. The communication system in the vehicle 35 behaves in this variant like a visited network (VPLMN-Visited Public Land Mobile Network) with a Roaminsgabkommen with the operator of the mobile network 6, and operates a visitor's file (VLR - Visitor Location Register), in which the IMSI of Passengers is copied. The mobile radio part connected to the data processing means 2 can log into the mobile radio network 6 with the aid of the known roaming method with this IMSI number, so that calls are forwarded to the passenger automatically. In this variant, the mobile network operator may charge the resulting telecommunications costs directly to the user of the terminal 4. The billing documents produced by the mobile network operator, such as CDR (Call Details Records), for example, can be implemented in the data processing means 2 in a suitable format so that they can be routed via the data bus 3 and automatically charged, for example, an electronic money account in the identification module 4 or charged monthly ,

The inventive system can also be used if the travel authorization is not checked when entering and exiting; but within the vehicle. For this purpose, for example, a so-called polling method can be used. In this case, the central data processing means call all at regular intervals Passengers in the vehicle. Each terminal 4 receiving this call responds by a message in which preferably the identification data is contained. In this way, the central data processing means regularly get a list of all terminals in the vehicle.

However, the system according to the invention can also be used if the tickets have been checked by an inspector 9 (FIG. FIG. 5 ) being checked. In this case, the inspector preferably has a portable authentication device 90 which is equipped with a contactless interface integrated in the housing 91 and which can thus connect with the terminals of the passengers in order to record the authorization and identification data stored in the identification module 40. The data that is collected includes, for example, the reservation information and the electronic ticket or the subscription of the passenger, as well as, in a preferred variant, biometric parameters of the passenger, for example a photograph of the passenger. With these biometric parameters, the controller can check whether the terminal really belongs to the passenger. The authorization check device contains playback means 92 and 93 in order to visually and / or acoustically reproduce this authorization information and identification data. This information can be displayed, for example, on a display, for example on an LCD display, of the tester, and / or read by a voice synthesizer and audibly reproduced in the headset 93 of the controller. In the preferred variant shown, this information is optically projected with a VRD device 92 (Virtual Retina Display) on the retina of the controller.

Electronic encryption and signing means are preferably provided to encrypt the data transmitted via the named contactless interface and to electronically sign that data. For this purpose, TTP (Trusted Third Party) mechanisms are preferably used. The identification module in the terminal preferably contains a private and a public Key, so that an end-to-end encryption to the data processing means 2 and preferably further to external devices 1, 7, 8 can be ensured.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

transmitter

10

server

11

antenna

2

Central data processing means

21

radio receiver

3

bus

31

Transmitter-receiver

32

Transmitter-receiver

35

vehicle

36

passenger

4

terminal

40

identification module

400

Data reproducing means

401

input means

41

contactless interface

410

antenna

42

Radio receiver

43

watch

44

smart card

440

Data reproducing means

46

radio receiver

470

antenna

6

mobile network

7

server

8th

mobile device

9

controller

90

authorization-

91

casing

92

Reproduction means

93

Reproduction means

Claims (22)

1. Information system in a vehicle, comprising:

   portable terminals (4) of passengers (36),

   a plurality of contactless transceivers (31-32) that allow a data transfer with the terminals (4) within the vehicle,

   central data processing means (2),

   a data bus (3) that is connected with said transceivers (31-32) and with said data processing means (2), so that data can be transmitted between the portable terminals (4) of the passengers (36) and the central data processing means (2) in both directions over said transceivers (31-32) and said data bus (3),

   where the system is designed for distributing information and entertainment programs to the terminals (4),
   where the terminals (4) have a contactless interface (41) allowing a two-directional data transmission with the transceivers (31, 32) and through which the terminals (4) can receive said entertainment programs,
   characterized in that
   passenger identification and authorization data of the passengers (36) are stored in the terminals (4) of the passengers (36) in an identification module (40),
   where the contactless interface (41) and the transceivers (31, 32) are designed so as to transmit said identification data and the authorization data of the passengers (36) to said central data processing means (2) and the system is designed for controlling the travel authorizations of the passengers (36).
2. Information system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least one radio receiver (21) is connected with said central data processing means (2) that can receive data from a sender (1) outside the vehicle (35).
3. Information system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that a bi-directional data transfer is possible between said radio receiver (21) and said sender (1).
4. Information system according to one of the claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the data received with said radio receiver (21) are converted into a format compatible with said data bus (3).
5. Information system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said transceivers (31-32) are suitable for a communication with RFID elements.
6. Information system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said transceivers (31-32) are suitable for a communication according to the Bluetooth standard.
7. Information system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said transceivers (31-32) are suitable for a communication according to the HomeRF standard.
8. Information system according to claim 2, characterized in that said radio receiver (21) can receive DAB program-accompanying data.
9. Information system according to claim 2, characterized in that said radio receiver (21) can receive DVB program-accompanying data.
10. information system according to claim 3, characterized in that said radio receiver (21) can receive and send GSM data.
11. Information system according to claim 3, characterized in that said radio receiver (21) can receive and send UMTS data.
12. Information system according to one of the claims 10 or 11, characterized in that a voice and/or data communication between the passengers (36) in the vehicle (35) and subscribers (7, 8) of an external mobile radio network (6) can take place over said data bus (3) and said radio receiver.
13. Information system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that temporary mobile network identifications are provided by the operator of the vehicle.
14. Information system according to claim 12, characterized in that said data processing means (2) comprise a visitor register in which the personal identifications of the passengers (36) in said mobile radio network (6) are stored.
15. Information system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a voice and/or data communication between the passengers (36) in the vehicle (35) can take place over said data bus (3).
16. Information system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one said transceiver (32) is intended for checking the entering and leaving passengers (36) at the doors of the vehicle (35).
17. Information system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the position of the identified passengers (36) in the vehicle (35) is stored in said data processing means (2).
18. Information system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least certain data transmitted over said data bus (3) are addressed depending on said stored position.
19. Information system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a software module for computing the traveled distance is executed in said central data processing means (2).
20. Information system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said software module uses the identification of these passengers (36) stored in said private terminals (4) of these passengers (36).
21. Information system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a location-determining module is connected with said central data processing means (2).
22. Information system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that location-dependent information is selected depending on said location-determining module and distributed to passengers (36).

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