WO2011016721A1

WO2011016721A1 - A method and system for informing the driver of a vehicle, and a computer program product

Info

Publication number: WO2011016721A1
Application number: PCT/NL2010/050493
Authority: WO
Inventors: Johan Rijks; Jasper Rijnsburger
Original assignee: Phyco Trading B.V.
Priority date: 2009-08-03
Filing date: 2010-08-03
Publication date: 2011-02-10
Also published as: NL2003326C2

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and system for informing the driver of a vehicle via a radio receiver provided in the vehicle. The method comprises the steps of determining radio transmission frequencies in a frequency band and selecting a target frequency. Furthermore, the method comprises the steps of modulating data with respect to the selected target frequency and sending the modulated data to the radio receiver.

Description

Title: A method and system for informing the driver of a vehicle, and a computer program product

The invention relates to a method for informing the driver of a vehicle via a radio receiver provided in the vehicle, comprising the steps of modulating data with respect to the selected target frequency; and sending the modulated data to the radio receiver.

A method of this type is known, for example, from the International patent publication WO 03/103993, whereby sensor information of the pressure in automobile tires is presented to a car radio via frequency modulation on a fixed FM frequency. In this way, the driver of the car receives information on the current condition of the tires via the radio.

For actually reproducing the received information it is of course necessary for the radio receiver to be tuned to the FM frequency on which the message is modulated. Since in practice this will not always be the case, the system from WO '993 has a limited reliability, for the sent message may escape the driver because at that moment the radio receiver is tuned to another transmitter.

The invention contemplates a method of the type mentioned in the opening paragraph, by which the disadvantages mentioned are obviated while the advantages are preserved. In particular, the invention seeks to provide a method for informing the driver of a vehicle via a radio receiver provided in the vehicle, whereby reliability is enhanced. To this end, the method also comprises the steps of determining radio transmission frequencies in a frequency band, and selecting a target frequency.

By determining the radio transmission frequencies and selecting a target frequency, current information on relevant radio transmission frequencies can be obtained. Such information can then be utilized, in selecting a target frequency, to increase the chance that the driver actually receives the message via the radio receiver. By actually determining to what frequency the radio receiver is tuned, the chance that the driver receives the broadcast information can be considerably increased or even raised to 100%. This is because the message can then be broadcast on the frequency to which the radio receiver is tuned.

Preferably, determining to what frequency the radio receiver is tuned is carried out by comparing audio information of a particular radio transmission frequency with audio information of the transmitter to which the radio receiver is tuned. More preferably, an identification signal is then sent to the radio receiver which has been modulated with respect to a particular radio transmission frequency. Thereupon, it is detected whether the identification signal is received by the radio receiver. This results in a still further enhancement of the reliability in determining to what radio frequency the radio receiver is tuned.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are

represented in the subclaims.

The invention also relates to a system.

In addition, the invention relates to a computer program product. A computer program product can include a set of computer-executable instructions which are stored on a data carrier, such as a CD or a DVD. The set of computer-executable instructions which enable a programmable computer to carry out the method as described above may also be made available through data transfer, for example, via the Internet.

The invention will be further elucidated on the basis of exemplary embodiments represented in the drawings. In the drawings:

Fig. 1 shows a diagram regarding an application of the system according to the invention;

Fig. 2 shows a first schematic block diagram of a system according to the invention which is connected to a radio receiver; Fig. 3 shows a second schematic block diagram of the system according to the invention from Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 shows a flow diagram of a method according to the invention. The Figures show only a schematic representation of preferred embodiments of the invention. In the figures, like parts or corresponding parts are indicated with the same reference numerals.

Figure 1 shows a diagram 1 regarding an application of a system according to the invention. The system is designed for informing the driver of a vehicle, for example, a passenger car or truck. For providing local information, a computer system 2 can be connected to an exchangeable memory element 3 on which local information is stored which is available via a central data server 4, for example, via the Internet. The local information can relate, for example, to location data of so-called points of interest (POI), such as fixed speed cameras 5 with corresponding local speed limits 6, or gas stations. By associating these data in a suitable manner with current position data of the vehicle, for example, from a GPS sensor 7, a notification, such as a speech message 8, may be generated for informing the driver 9 of the vehicle and user of the system according to the invention. Also, the user, for example a tourist, may be informed of sights in the immediate surroundings. Optionally, with the aid of an input unit 10 the driver 9 can add information about POI, for example, about newly found speed camera locations 11 or, conversely, speed cameras that are gone. This added information can in turn be stored in the exchangeable memory element 3, so that the central data server 4 can be provided with an update.

Figure 2 shows a first schematic block diagram 20 of a system 21 according to the invention which is connected to a radio receiver 22 which is provided in the vehicle. The system 21 is mounted between the radio receiver 22 and a receiving antenna of the radio receiver 22. For this purpose, the system 21 comprises a receiving module for receiving signals from an antenna and a transmission module for sending modulated data to the radio receiver. In the embodiment shown, the receiving module comprises a connection 24 for the external receiving antenna of the radio receiver 22, and the transmission module comprises a connection 25 for connection with a radio reception input of the radio receiver 22. As shown, the system 21 has also an input for connection with the exchangeable memory element 3, such as an SD card or a DVD. Furthermore, the system 21 comprises a switch 27, designed, for example, as a relay, for

interrupting the connection between the antenna and the radio reception input of the radio receiver 22. Also, the system 21 comprises a

microprocessor 30 which operates switch 27, so that the transmission module can send information to the radio receiver 22. Optionally, the system is provided with extra inputs, for example, for connection with the above-described input unit 10 which can be operated manually and/or digitally by the user 9, for example for update purposes, for connection with a module capable of forwarding current positioning data, such as a GPS sensor 7. However, also other modules may be connected to the system 21, for example, a sensor for automatically detecting a radar unit or a laser gun with which speed is measured. In addition, not only position- dependent data may be inputted. Also other types of data may be made available via an input of the system 21, for example, data on parts of the vehicle, such as the pressure of the tires, parking sensor information or motor management information. An exchangeable memory element 3 with local information is not required then. Naturally, in a specific embodiment the system 21 may be connected via a communication port to other digital equipment 23, such as devices that are suitable for mobile Internet or special interfaces.

It is noted that the system 21 may be designed for configuring modules mentioned above that are connected to the system. Thus, a tire pressure sensor may be set such that a warning signal is sent when a measured pressure value is outside the range of a predetermined range of pressure values. Also, via the system 21 a sensor for detecting radar signals may be automatically tuned to specific radar frequency bands.

Thus, external modules may be configured in a simple manner via the central data server and the system according to the invention.

The radio receiver is normally provided with an optical

representation unit 32, also called display, and an audio module 33 for reproducing sound signals.

Preferably, the system 21 is integrated in a single housing which, for example, may be mounted in a dashboard compartment or in the trunk of the vehicle.

Figure 3 shows a second schematic block diagram with more details of the system 21 according to the invention from Fig. 2. The external ^~~ antenna 28 is actually connected to the dedicated input 24 which is looped with the switch 27 and an electronic receiving unit 26 which is part of the receiving module for receiving signals from the antenna 28. The receiving unit 26 can forward registered data to the microprocessor 30. Furthermore, the system 21 comprises a comparator unit 29 for comparing audio generated by the receiving unit 26 and audio information coming from the radio receiver 22. For that purpose, in the embodiment shown, the system 21 additionally comprises a connection 34 for connection with an audio output of the radio receiver. Also, the system is provided with a

transmission unit 31 which is part of the transmission module for sending modulated data to the radio receiver 22. The transmission unit 31 is driven by the microprocessor 30 and is connected to the connection between the antenna 28 and the radio receiver 22, with the switch 27 situated between the connection of the transmission unit 31 and the antenna 28. The system is furthermore provided with a feed terminal (not shown).

In the embodiment shown, the above-described microprocessor 30 is arranged for carrying out the steps of determining radio transmission frequencies in a frequency band, selecting a target frequency, and modulating data with respect to the selected target frequency, which is elucidated in more detail below.

Prior to actual use of the system 21 according to the invention, the user 9 can provide the exchangeable memory element 3 with relevant local travel information, such as the location of fixed and mobile speed cameras and other POL This may be done, for example, by registering with a website where such information can be transferred to the exchangeable memory element 3. Also, the user can set various use parameters for the use of the system, such as language of text and speech messages, preferred radio stations, country and/or region. The website is supported by a data server on which such data can be inputted, stored and outputted. After this, the user connects the memory element 3 to the system 21 according to the invention.

When relevant information is to be passed on to the driver, for example, if the vehicle approaches a speed camera location or other POI, or if the tire pressure falls below a predetermined value, a text and/or speech message will be generated which is sent to the radio receiver, so that the driver is informed visually and/or aurally.

To that end, radio transmission frequencies are determined in a frequency band, for example, the FM band (from about 88 MHz to about 108 MHz). From the radio transmission frequencies determined, a target frequency is selected. Furthermore, data are modulated with respect to the selected target frequency and sent to the radio receiver. In this connection it is noted that other frequency bands than the FM band defined in the

Netherlands - running from about 88 MHz to about 108 MHz - may apply, for example, in case of use in a region outside Europe, such as the United States, Canada, Japan and other parts of Asia.

In a first embodiment according to the invention, the step of determining radio transmission frequencies comprises scanning the frequency band. This scanning is carried out by the receiving unit 26.

Alternatively, instead of scanning, or in addition thereto, frequency- dependent information about radio stations is obtained otherwise, for example, via data that are stored on the memory element 3.

Most preferably, selecting a target frequency comprises determining to what frequency the radio receiver is tuned. As a result, the text and/or speech message can be immediately reproduced by the radio receiver, since the text and/or speech message can then be sent to the radio receiver on the tuned frequency.

Advantageously, determining to what frequency the radio receiver is tuned comprises comparing audio information of a particular radio transmission frequency with audio information of the transmitter to which the radio receiver is tuned. In the above-described embodiment, comparing is done by the comparator unit 29. Thus, a match between the tuned frequency and the frequency of a specific radio station can be found.

Alternatively, a match between the tuned frequency of the radio receiver and the frequency of a specific radio station can be found by obtaining information about the tuned frequency directly from the radio receiver, for example, via a derived signal that the radio receiver generates.

Furthermore, the step of determining to what frequency the radio receiver is tuned can comprise sending an identification signal which is modulated with respect to a particular radio transmission frequency to the radio receiver, and detecting whether the identification signal is received by the radio receiver. Such step may be carried out, for example, after a match has been found through comparison of audio information. As a result, determining the tuned frequency can be done with greater certainty. However, in principle, the use of an identification signal may also take place independently of the above-mentioned step of comparing audio information. The identification signal is preferably a sound signal, so that in this manner the driver is immediately informed that the system has found the tuned transmitter and is ready for actually sending the messages. The identification signal can then be detected via the connection 34 for connection with an audio output of the radio receiver. Detection with the aid of a separate microphone is naturally also possible. Preferred, however, is detection with the aid of a connection 34 for connection with an audio output, for example, a line output, because the captured detection signal then cannot be disturbed by ambient sound, as may happen in the case of detection with the aid of a separate microphone. Another advantage is that when the level of the audio volume of the audio module for reproducing sound signals is very low or even 0, this can be detected and used in the prioritization of the hit list described below. Optionally, the identification signal is in a frequency range that is not audible to humans. Theoretically, the identification signal could also include a text message which is detected by the system via the radio receiver.

Most preferably, modulating data comprises generating an information signal in an RDS/RBDS format and/or speech signal. By use of the RDS (Radio Data System) format which is comparable to the RBDS format current in the United States, in an elegant manner use can be made of the protocol for reproducing the desired information on the display of the radio receiver and/or via the audio module 33 of the radio receiver.

By periodically checking to what frequency the radio receiver is tuned, this information remains up-to-date and it is not required to look up the tuned transmitter before sending a message. Thus, waste of possibly costly time can be prevented. When the user chooses a different channel, or a different sound source is switched on, for example, a CD or MP3 player, the system can restart the procedure for finding the tuned frequency. As long as no new tuned frequency is found, the previous tuned frequency remains active for sending messages, so that these messages also reach the user when the CD or MP3 player or another source is being listened to. In sending the modulated information, the reception of the regular radio signal on the radio receiver may be temporarily interrupted. This can be effected through operation of the switch 27. Interrupting the reception of the regular radio signal is preferred because a transmission unit 31 used in the system 21 may, for example in connection with legislation, broadcast a signal that is less strong than the locally received regular radio signal. Further, such a disconnection of the antenna 28 by switch 27 prevents the antenna 28 radiating the signal sent by the transmission unit 31, which in turn prevents interference with other equipment, for example that of other vehicles driving in the proximity.

It is noted that information is modulated with respect to the selected target frequency, for example, by use of the frequency modulation (FM).

Optional is a so-called mute function, whereby also the reception of an incoming speech signal of a telephone connection that is reproduced via the audio installation of the radio receiver is temporarily interrupted during transmission of the modulated information. Thus, transmission of the modulated information retains priority. Also, audio information can be notified via the audio reception input of the radio receiver 22 and by using the mute function.

As a further option, determining to what frequency the radio receiver is tuned can comprise the step of checking whether the radio receiver has switched to an alternative radio transmission frequency that broadcasts the same audio information as the radio transmission frequency tuned to before switching. Especially in densely populated countries, such as, for example, the Netherlands, at any location where the car is, many alternative frequencies of a radio station may be used. Many car radios have an alternative frequency (AF) option. Via RDS, a radio station forwards inter alia information about alternative frequencies. If the signal strength of the radio station diminishes, the car radio will switch to one of the strongest alternative frequencies of the radio station. However, through reception of the RDS information signal with the AF list in the receiving unit 26, the system can check which AF frequencies have a high signal reception and then check according to the above-described procedure whether the radio receiver has actually switched.

By optionally, when determining to what frequency the radio receiver is tuned, sending an RDS/RBDS Traffic Announcement (TA) message with an identification signal to the radio receiver, the radio receiver will temporarily ignore an alternative sound source, for example, a CD player (35), and switch back to the last tuned radio frequency if the TA message is broadcast on the same frequency. In the case where it appears from verification, through comparison of the signal obtained from the radio receiver 22 with the TA message sent by the system 21, that the radio receiver is not tuned to the frequency on which the TA message has been sent, the system 21 can send an RDS/RBDS TA message with an

identification signal on another target frequency. This can be repeated until it is found that the signal obtained from the radio receiver 22 matches the TA message sent by the system 21, so that with the aid of the identification signal the right tuning can be found, hence also when the user is not listening to a radio channel but to an alternative sound source. Optionally, of the right tuning found, the AF information of the RDS signal sent by the radio station may be monitored. This information can be used for keeping the priority list discussed below accurate.

It is noted that in the RDS signal to be sent the option of "TA" may be activated, so that the RDS signal can suppress the reproduction of an alternative sound source.

Instead of selecting a single target frequency, the method can also comprise the steps of selecting a plurality of target frequencies and modulating the data with respect to the plurality of selected target frequencies. In a specific embodiment according to the invention, selecting a plurality of target frequencies comprises compiling a series of target frequencies, where, in traversing the series, the received power of the respective target frequency decreases, and where modulating and sending the data takes place in accordance with the order in the compiled series of target frequencies. To the strongest target frequencies a high priority can be assigned, which is monitored in a priority list, also called hit list or chance list. Thus, a ranking list is obtained in which the different broadcasting frequencies of the radio station being listened to are listed in the order of extent of probability that the radio receiver 22 is tuned to this frequency. It is noted that, more generally, probabilities may be assigned to the frequencies in the list. It is particularly advantageous that the system during use has a priority list ready at all times in order that thereby, when relevant information needs to be passed on quickly to the driver, or user 9, the target frequencies that are most likely being listened to are the first to be provided with the text and/or speech messages, thereby considerably enhancing the chance of the text and/or speech messages being received by the user 9 of the system 21 upon the very first or second broadcast thereof on the first or second target frequency, respectively. As it is not necessary to determine target frequencies prior to broadcasting, broadcasting can be done fast. As a result, and due to the very high hitting chance of the first and second broadcast, it is ensured that a message is passed on to the user 9 very fast, so that the reliability of the system is very high. Compiling the series of target frequencies, or hit list, may be carried out periodically to keep the list up-to-date, for example, every three minutes or every second. In principle, sending the text and/or speech messages can then take place without checking to what radio station the radio receiver is tuned. This is particularly preferred if for checking use is made of human-audible signals, because the user 9, for example while listening to music, then is not disturbed by, for example, bleeps.

It is preferred, however, that upon sending of the modulated data of the text and/or speech messages, it is checked whether the messages are actually received by the user 9, by having the comparator unit 29 compare the audio information obtained from the radio receiver 22 with the modulated data. When the microprocessor 30 has registered that the messages have been received by the user 9, the microprocessor 30 can immediately thereupon operate the switch 27 to reestablish the

interrupted connection between the antenna and the radio reception input of the radio receiver 22. Similarly, also the interruption of another audio signal that was being listened to, such as that of the CD player 35, can be undone. Thus, the user can continue listening as soon as possible, for example, to the program of the radio station he or she was listening to, without the message (already received by him) first being broadcast by the transmission unit 31 on all other target frequencies. Further, when, for example, only the third target frequency is found to match the frequency of the signal that was received by the radio receiver, a positive verification of the third target frequency can be used by the system to adjust the priority of this target frequency in the hit list.

In case after the sending of the modulated data of the text and/or speech messages on all target frequencies in succession a check by comparison of the audio information obtained from the radio receiver 22 with the modulated data shows that the user 9 has not received the messages, the system 21 may optionally be equipped with an indicator (not shown in the drawing), e.g., a buzzer, which can alert the user 9, by means of sensible vibrations and alternatively or additionally by means of visual, acoustic, audible and/or other signals, to the fact that he or she has not received the messages. For this purpose, the system 21 may be equipped with an extra transmitter and the indicator with a receiver, but the indicator may also, for example, be connected with the system 21 directly, for example, by means of a small cable.

Further, in compiling the series with target frequencies, whether or not in addition to the different broadcasting frequencies of the radio station being listened to, use can be made of other data than the tuned-in radio station's alternative broadcasting frequencies received via the RDS signal. Such alternative data can relate, for example, to a positive verification of the target frequency or to information obtained by comparing audio information of different radio transmission frequencies in a frequency band with the audio information obtained from the radio receiver 22. The use of information obtained through audio information comparison may be particularly advantageous, for example, in the case where a radio station is being listened to that does not broadcast any RDS signal or when a radio program on a particular radio station is being listened to while simultaneously the same radio program is also being broadcast by another radio station.

In another exemplary embodiment according to the invention, all or substantially all radio transmission frequencies are selected of which the received power is greater than a predetermined threshold. Also, all radio transmission frequencies from a priorly received list can be selected. After the selection, text and/or speech messages can then be broadcast on all selected radio transmission frequencies, for example, by means of a spread spectrum technique.

Fig. 4 shows a flow diagram of a method according to the invention. The method is used for informing the driver of a vehicle via a radio receiver provided in the vehicle. The method comprises the steps of determining 100 radio transmission frequencies in a frequency band, selecting 110 a target frequency, modulating 120 data with respect to the selected target frequency, and sending 130 the modulated data to the radio receiver. The method for informing the driver of a vehicle via a radio receiver provided in the vehicle can be carried out by utilization of specific hardware structures, such as FPGA and/or ASIC components. On the other hand, the method may also be carried out at least partly by making use of a computer program product comprising instructions to cause a processor or a computer system to carry out the above-described steps of the method according to the invention. All method steps may be carried out, in principle, by a single processor. It is noted, however, that at least one step may be carried out by a separate processor, for example, the step of sending the modulated data to the radio receiver.

The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described here. Many variants are possible.

For example, the receiving module can comprise a receiving antenna, and the transmission module can comprise a transmitting antenna for broadcasting the modulated data via radio waves. Then it is no longer necessary for the system according to the invention to be connected between the radio receiver and the receiving antenna of the radio receiver. By setting the transmitting power of the transmitting antenna to a suitable level, the reception of the regular transmitting station signals is overpowered by a signal that transmits the desired message to the radio receiver. Since fewer physical connections need to be realized, the system can thus be built into the vehicle more easily. In an efficient embodiment, the transmitting antenna and receiving antenna are integrated. Naturally, the antennas mentioned can also be implemented separately.

Instead of a connection 34 for connection with an audio output of the radio receiver 22, the system according to the invention can also comprise a sensor for sensing the audio identification signal. This makes it still easier to mount the system in the vehicle.

As an alternative to or supplemental to the use of the exchangeable memory element 3, information may also be exchanged with the data server in a different manner, for example, via equipment that is arranged for wireless communication, with utilization of, for example, GPRS, UMTS, WiFi, WiMax or other wireless Internet applications.

Furthermore, it is noted that the system according to the invention can be used not only in a car, but also in other vehicles, such as train, vessel, airplane and spacecraft.

Such variants will be clear to those skilled in the art and are understood to be within the scope of the invention, as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A method for informing the driver of a vehicle via a radio receiver provided in the vehicle, comprising the steps of:

- determining radio transmission frequencies in a frequency band;

- selecting a target frequency;

- modulating data with respect to the selected target frequency;

- sending the modulated data to the radio receiver; and

- checking whether the sent data are reproduced by the radio receiver.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the step of determining radio transmission frequencies comprises scanning the frequency band.

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein selecting a target frequency comprises determining to what frequency the radio receiver is tuned.

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising compiling a series of target frequencies based on information about alternative transmission frequencies, a most recently verified target frequency and/or comparing audio information of different radio

transmission frequencies in a frequency band with audio information obtained from the radio receiver.

5. A method according to claim 4, wherein the series of target frequencies are assigned a probability.

6. A method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein data are modulated to a target frequency from the compiled series of target frequencies and sent if the originally sent data are not reproduced by the radio receiver.

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein determining to what frequency the radio receiver is tuned comprises comparing audio information of a particular radio transmission frequency with audio information of the transmitter to which the radio receiver is tuned.

8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein determining to what frequency the radio receiver is tuned comprises sending an identification signal which is modulated with respect to a particular radio transmission frequency, to the radio receiver, and detecting whether the identification signal is received by the radio receiver.

9. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein modulating data comprises generating an information signal in an

RDS/RBDS format and/or speech signal.

10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising periodically checking to what frequency the radio receiver is tuned.

11. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reception of the regular radio signal on the radio receiver is temporarily interrupted during the sending of the modulated information.

12. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reception of an incoming speech signal of a telephone connection that is reproduced via the audio installation of the radio receiver is temporarily interrupted during the sending of the modulated information.

13. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein determining to what frequency the radio receiver is tuned comprises checking whether the radio receiver has switched to an alternative radio transmission frequency which broadcasts the same audio information as the radio transmission frequency tuned to before switching.

14. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein determining to what frequency the radio receiver is tuned comprises sending an RDS/RBDS TA message with an identification signal to the radio receiver.

15. A method according to claim I₁ furthermore comprising the steps of: - selecting a plurality of target frequencies, and - modulating the data with respect to the plurality of selected target frequencies.

16. A method according to claim 15, wherein selecting a plurality of target frequencies comprises compiling a series of target frequencies where, in traversing the series, the received power of the respective target frequency decreases, and wherein modulating and sending the data takes place in accordance with the order in the compiled series of target

frequencies.

17. A method according to claim 15, wherein all or substantially all radio transmission frequencies are selected of which the received power is greater than a predetermined threshold.

18. A system for informing the driver of a vehicle via a radio receiver provided in the vehicle, comprising:

- a receiving module for receiving signals from an antenna;

- a microprocessor which is arranged for:

- determining radio transmission frequencies in a frequency band;

- selecting a target frequency;

- modulating data with respect to the selected target frequency; and

- a transmission module for sending the modulated data to the radio receiver.

19. A system according to claim 18, furthermore comprising a switch for interrupting a connection between an antenna and a radio reception input of the radio receiver.

20. A system according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the receiving module comprises a connection for an external receiving antenna of the radio receiver, and wherein the transmission module comprises a connection for connection with a radio reception input of the radio receiver.

21. A system according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the receiving module comprises a receiving antenna, and wherein the transmission module comprises a transmitting antenna for broadcasting the modulated data via radio waves.

22. A system according to claim 21, wherein the receiving antenna and the transmitting antenna are integrated.

23. A system according to any one of claims 18-22, furthermore comprising a connection for connection with an audio output of the radio receiver.

24. A system according to any one of claims 18-22, furthermore comprising a sensor for sensing the audio identification signal.

25. A system according to any one of claims 18-24, furthermore comprising a connection for an exchangeable memory element with local information and a connection for inputting positioning data.

26. A system according to any one of claims 18-25, furthermore comprising a connection for an input unit for manually and/or digitally inputting information.

27. A computer program product comprising processor-readable instructions for causing to be executed a method for informing the driver of a vehicle via a radio receiver provided in the vehicle, comprising the steps of:

- determining radio transmission frequencies in a frequency band;

- selecting a target frequency;

- modulating data with respect to the selected target frequency; and

- sending the modulated data to the radio receiver.