Method and device for controlling a system for receiving a frequency-modulated radio signal on board a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and a system for controlling a system for receiving a frequency-modulated radio signal on board a vehicle. Indeed, the method comprises receiving a first audio signal obtained from the radio signal from the reception system (21), the first audio signal being associated with a first frequency, determining a first noise level of the first audio signal, for example using a noise level detector (25a), comparing the first noise level with a threshold value, for example via a comparator (25b) and transmitting data representative of an order to change the reception frequency of the reception system to a second frequency when the first noise level is greater than the threshold value. Figure for abstract: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Method and device for controlling a system for receiving a frequency-modulated radio signal on board a vehicle Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to methods and devices for controlling a system for receiving a frequency-modulated radio signal on board a vehicle. In particular, the present invention relates in particular to methods and devices for controlling a reception frequency of a frequency-modulated radio signal on board a vehicle, in particular but not exclusively a motor vehicle. Technological background

[0002] FM (Frequency Modulation) station search and noise problems in the sound are common aspects of radio reception. FM radio is a popular means of broadcasting audio programs using modulated frequencies to transmit radio signals. However, problems sometimes arise when searching for stations or receiving signals, especially from a vehicle that is moving, affecting the quality of the sound being listened to.

[0003] Problems with searching for FM stations arise, for example, when searching for FM stations is hampered by one or more factors, including: - the presence of electromagnetic interference, nearby electronic devices, or other transmitters disrupting the station search by creating radio interference; and / or - the distance from the source, in fact when the receiver is far from the source or in an area where the signal is weakened, searching for the station may be more difficult or even impossible; and / or - incorrect positioning or damage to the antenna, a defective or incorrectly positioned FM antenna affecting the quality of reception, making station searching less effective; and / or - the presence of physical obstacles such as buildings, landforms or other physical structures that may block or weaken the signal, making it difficult to find or clearly receive stations.

[0004] Sound noise problems occur in particular when a station is poorly tuned or poorly received, which can lead to sound noise problems. These noises are of different nature: - background noise such as unwanted hissing, crackling or buzzing sounds, which may occur when the signal is weak or disrupted by external interference; and / or - signal distortion, poor reception which may cause distortion of the audio signal, affecting the clarity and quality of the sound; and / or - frequency hopping, where the station appears to move from one frequency to another, thus disrupting the continuity of listening; and / or - a weak signal or no signal which can lead to a complete loss of signal, leaving the listener without sound.

[0005] These various problems then generate noise or a reduction in the quality of the audio content received through these radio signals. A listener, for example a driver or a passenger of a vehicle equipped with a car radio, will then be disturbed by these noises or bothered by the poor quality of the sound reproduced by an audio system powered by the radio receiver. Thus, the listener is led to change radio stations, for example manually, which then requires attention. In the case where the listener is driving a vehicle, then his vigilance decreases during the phase of tuning or searching for a radio station.

[0006] To solve these problems, several measures can be taken such as adjusting the antenna by changing its position or orientation, moving away from sources of interference, changing the position of the vehicle or using improved amplifiers or receivers.

[0007] A final solution proposed by the radio data system, called RDS (from the English "Radio Data System"), consists of a change of frequency according to the frequencies available for the same radio emitted by different transmitters. Thus, a car radio on board a vehicle is able to change reception frequency according to the power of a signal emitted by a transmitter for the same radio broadcast, thus improving the reception quality of this signal. However, this technology requires having both a transmitter and a receiver compatible with the RDS system.

[0008] In conclusion, problems with searching for FM stations and noise in the sound are often due to interference, poor reception or equipment problems. By taking steps to improve reception and identifying sources of disturbance, it is possible to optimize the quality of FM radio broadcasting. Summary of the present invention

[0009] An object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems of the technological background described above.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to automate the search for an FM station when the audio signal obtained from a radio station is of poor quality, per example when the noise is too loud.

[0011] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for controlling a system for receiving a frequency-modulated radio signal on board a vehicle, the method comprising the following steps: - receiving a first audio signal obtained from the radio signal from the receiving system, the first audio signal being associated with a first frequency; - determining a first noise level of the first audio signal; - comparison of the first noise level with a threshold value; - transmission of data representative of an order to change the reception frequency of the reception system to a second frequency when the first noise level is greater than the threshold value.

[0012] Such a method makes it possible to automatically change radio stations when the audio signal obtained from the radio signal associated with this radio station is noisy. A user, for example a driver of the vehicle, then does not have to worry about adjusting the frequency associated with the radio station, thus avoiding any distraction, particularly during a driving phase.

[0013] According to a variant of the method, the steps of receiving, determining, comparing and transmitting are repeated until a second noise level determined for a second audio signal associated with the second frequency is lower than the threshold value.

[0014] According to another variant of the method, the second frequency is higher than the first frequency.

[0015] According to an additional variant, the method further comprises a step of converting the first audio signal from analog to digital.

[0016] According to another variant of the method, the threshold value is received from a human-machine interface on board the vehicle.

[0017] According to yet another variant of the method, the noise level is a signal-to-noise ratio.

[0018] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a system for controlling a system for receiving a frequency-modulated radio signal on board a vehicle, the system comprising a memory associated with a processor configured for implementing the steps of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0019] According to a variant, the system further comprises a noise level detector, a comparator and an analog-to-digital converter.

[0020] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle, for example of the automobile type, comprising a system as described above according to the second aspect of the present invention.

[0021] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a computer program which comprises instructions adapted for executing the steps of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention, in particular when the computer program is executed by at least one processor.

[0022] Such a computer program may use any programming language, and be in the form of source code, object code, or intermediate code between source code and object code, such as in a partially compiled form, or in any other desirable form.

[0023] According to a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to a computer-readable recording medium on which is recorded a computer program comprising instructions for carrying out the steps of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0024] On the one hand, the recording medium may be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the medium may comprise a storage means, such as a ROM memory, a CD-ROM or a microelectronic circuit type ROM memory, or even a magnetic recording means or a hard disk.

[0025] Furthermore, this recording medium may also be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, such a signal being able to be conveyed via an electrical or optical cable, by conventional or hertzian radio or by self-directed laser beam or by other means. The computer program according to the present invention may in particular be downloaded from an Internet-type network.

[0026] Alternatively, the recording medium may be an integrated circuit in which the computer program is incorporated, the integrated circuit being adapted to perform or to be used in performing the method in question. Brief description of the figures

[0027] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description of the particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the present invention below, with reference to the appended figures 1 to 4, in which:

[0028] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates a passenger compartment of a vehicle, according to an example of particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a system configured for controlling a system for receiving a frequency-modulated radio signal on board the vehicle of [Fig.l], according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates a device configured for controlling a system for receiving a frequency-modulated radio signal on board the vehicle. of [Fig.l], according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] [Fig.4] illustrates a flowchart of the different steps of a method for controlling a system for receiving a frequency-modulated radio signal on board the vehicle of [Fig.l], according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Description of examples of implementation

[0032] A method and a device for controlling an on-board display system in a vehicle will now be described in the following with joint reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. The same elements are identified with the same reference signs throughout the description which follows.

[0033] The terms "first(s)", "second(s)" (or "first(s)", "second(s)"), etc. are used in this document by arbitrary convention to enable different elements (such as operations, means, etc.) implemented in the embodiments described below to be identified and distinguished. Such elements may be distinct or correspond to a single element, depending on the embodiment.

[0034] According to a particular and non-limiting example of embodiment of the present invention, the control of a system for receiving a frequency-modulated radio signal on board a vehicle is for example implemented by one or more computers of the vehicle, for example via one or more processors.

[0035] For this purpose, the method comprises receiving a first audio signal obtained from the radio signal from the receiving system, the first audio signal being associated with a first frequency.

[0036] The method also comprises determining a first noise level of the first audio signal, for example using a noise level detector, and comparing the first noise level to a threshold value, for example via a comparator.

[0037] Data are then transmitted and are representative of an order to change the reception frequency of the reception system to a second frequency when the first noise level is greater than the threshold value.

[0038] The radio (or radioelectric) signal advantageously corresponds to a VHF signal (from the English “Very High Frequency” or in French THF “very high frequency”) whose frequency is for example between 30 MHz and 300 MHz, and more particularly in the FM broadcasting band between 87.5 and 108 MHz.

[0039] [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates a passenger compartment of a vehicle 10, according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] The vehicle 10 corresponds for example to a vehicle with a thermal engine, with electric motor(s) or even a hybrid vehicle with a thermal engine and a or several electric motors. The vehicle 10 thus corresponds, for example, to a land vehicle, for example an automobile, a truck, a bus.

[0041] The vehicle 10 advantageously incorporates at least one on-board system controlled using a human-machine interface, called an HMI. The on-board system is, for example, an on-board infotainment system, called an IVI system (from the English “In-Vehicle Infotainment” or in French “Infodivertissement monté”).

[0042] According to a particular embodiment, each on-board system is controlled by one or more computers. These computers form, for example, a multiplexed architecture for the performance of various services useful for the proper functioning of the vehicle and for assisting the driver and / or the passengers of the vehicle in controlling the vehicle 10 via the control of the system(s) on-board the vehicle 10.The computers communicate and exchange data with each other via one or more computer buses, for example a communication bus of the data bus type CAN (from the English "Controller Area Network" or in French "Réseau de contrôles"), CAN FD (from the English "Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate" or in French "Réseau de contrôles à débit de données flexible"), FlexRay (according to the ISO 17458 standard), LIN (from the English "Local Interconnect Network" or in French "Réseau interconnecté local") or Ethernet (according to the ISO / IEC 802-3 standard).

[0043] The HMI comprises, for example, a touch interface for controlling the various on-board systems of the vehicle 10, including the IVI system. The touch interface 12 belongs to a set of touch interfaces comprising: - a mechanical button, for example a push button activated by mechanical pressure from a user's finger, - a touch button also called a contactless button, for example activated when a user's finger touches the touch button on a surface for a set period of time, - part of a 12 touch screen.

[0044] The touch screen 12 is for example associated with a touch interface and corresponds for example to a screen of the LCD type (from the English “Liquid Crystal Display” or in French “Display à cristals liquide”), for example of the TFT type (from the English “Thin-Film Transistor” or in French “Transistor en film mince”), or OLED type (from the English “Organic Light-Emitting Diode” or in French “Diode électroluminescente biologique”).

[0045] The touch screen 12 is configured to display content intended for the driver and passengers of the vehicle 10. The touch screen 12 is also configured to allow the driver and / or passengers of the vehicle to interact with the IVI system on board the vehicle 10. For example, the touch screen 12 is configured to interact with the IVI system and allows a reception frequency or radio station to be set, thus making it possible to pick up a radio program and broadcast its audio content through an audio system on board the vehicle 10, for example through the speakers 11 installed in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 10.

[0046] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a system configured for controlling a system for receiving a frequency-modulated radio signal on board a vehicle, for example in the vehicle of [Fig. 1].

[0047] The vehicle 10 includes in particular a device for receiving radio waves, called a radio tuner 21. The radio tuner 21 picks up the radio waves using an antenna (not shown), converting these waves into audio signals. It operates by selecting a specific frequency via a dial or digital controls, a first frequency being for example set by a user, for example by the driver of the vehicle 10, via the HMI previously described. The antenna picks up the radio waves emitted, for example, by a radio transmitter 200 located at a distance d from the vehicle 10, the distance d being for example between a few meters and several tens of kilometers. Indeed, the distance d at which the vehicle 10 can pick up the radio waves emitted by a radio transmitter 200 depends on several factors, in particular the power of the radio transmitter 200, the quality of the antenna of the vehicle 10, the presence of surrounding obstacles and the atmospheric conditions.Typically, FM radio signals can be effectively received up to about 50 to 100 kilometers from the radio transmitter 200. The radio tuner 21 then filters the received radio waves to isolate the desired frequency.

[0048] The filtered radio signal is in particular demodulated or converted into an audio signal in order to be transmitted to an audio system 23 and / or to loudspeakers 11 of the vehicle 10. The radio tuner 21 is analog or digital, using electronic components to process and convert the signals. By adjusting the frequency, the user accesses different radio stations broadcasting at specific frequencies.

[0049] The audio signal is for example analog and transmitted by a pair of conductive wires connecting the radio tuner 21 to the audio system 23 and / or to the speakers 11.

[0050] According to a particular embodiment, an amplifier 22 is positioned between the radio tuner 21 and the audio system 23 and / or the loudspeakers 11 so as to amplify the audio signal emitted by the radio tuner 21. This audio amplifier 22 is an electronic device designed to increase the amplitude of an audio signal. The audio amplifier 22 receives the so-called incoming audio signal from a source such as the radio tuner 21, transmits the incoming audio signal through electronic components such as transistors or electronic tubes. These components then amplify the incoming audio signal by increasing its voltage, its current or its power, without altering the audio content or sound content. According to a variant, the amplifier audio 22 includes circuits for adjusting sound characteristics, such as equalization to modify the bass, midrange or high frequencies. At the output of this audio amplifier 22, an amplified audio signal is sent to the audio system 23 and / or the speakers 11 for broadcasting.

[0051] Thus, the system for receiving the frequency-modulated radio signal on board the vehicle 10, hereinafter called the receiving system, comprises the radio tuner 21 as well as, depending on the embodiment, the audio system 23 and / or the loudspeakers 11 and / or the audio amplifier 22.

[0052] The vehicle 10 also carries a control system 2 for the reception system.

[0053] The control system 2 of the reception system has the role of adjusting the reception frequency of the radio tuner 21 according to the quality of an audio signal emitted by the radio tuner 21, called the output audio signal.

[0054] Thus, the control system 2 is connected to a peripheral or to a circuit receiving the output audio signal, the output audio signal being for example the audio signal entering the audio amplifier 22 if the reception system comprises the audio amplifier 22. Thus, according to different particular embodiments, the control system 2 is connected: - to a radio tuner output 21, - to an input of an audio amplifier 22, - to an output of the audio amplifier 22, or - at the input of an audio system 23 and / or a loudspeaker 11.

[0055] According to a particular embodiment, the control system 2 and the radio tuner 21 form a single system and are for example integrated into the same device. This device comprises for example a separate electronic card for the control system 2 and for the radio tuner 21, or even comprises a single electronic card integrating this control system 2 and the radio tuner 21.

[0056] According to another particular embodiment, the control system 2 and the radio tuner 21 are two separate assemblies, the control system 2 being, for example, a peripheral connected or plugged into the radio tuner 21 via, for example, a dedicated interface or socket.

[0057] A process for controlling the system for receiving the frequency-modulated radio signal on board the vehicle 10 is advantageously implemented by one or more processors on board the vehicle 10, for example by a computer of the control system 2.

[0058] In a first operation, a first audio signal is received. This audio signal is in particular obtained from the radio signal from the reception system, that is to say that the audio signal corresponds to an audio signal at the output of the radio tuner 21, which has been decoded or converted from a radio signal received by the radio tuner 21. The first audio signal is therefore associated with a first frequency of an FM radio signal.

[0059] It should be noted that the first audio signal is amplified or not, depending on whether it is received before or after amplification by the optional audio amplifier.

[0060] According to a first particular embodiment, the first audio signal is digital, that is to say that an audio signal at the output of the radio tuner 21 is digital. The control system 2 then receives this digital audio signal via a noise level detector 25 a.

[0061] According to a second particular embodiment, the first audio signal is analog, thus corresponding to an audio signal transmitted to loudspeakers 11 or speakers, which are controlled by an analog signal. According to this second particular embodiment, an analog-to-digital converter 24 converts the first analog audio signal into a digital audio signal. The analog-to-digital converter 24 then belongs to the control system 2, it thus receives the first audio signal as input and transmits a digital output audio signal to the noise level detector 25a.

[0062] In a second operation, a first noise level of the first audio signal is determined, for example by the noise level detector 25a. The noise level detector in a digital audio signal is a component or algorithm used to measure and evaluate the noise level present in an audio signal in digital format. Its main purpose is to quantify the amount of unwanted noise present in the audio signal, often expressed in decibels (dB) or in a relative form.

[0063] This noise level detector can be integrated into audio processing software or hardware equipment. It generally uses methods to compare the level of the audio signal against the level of background noise or silence.

[0064] According to a particular exemplary embodiment, the noise level detector 25a measures a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) representative of a difference between the level of the audio signal and the level of the background noise.

[0065] In a third operation, the first noise level is compared to a threshold value. This threshold value represents the value from which the first audio signal is too noisy and deemed unacceptable for a listener, for example for a driver of the vehicle 10. When the first noise level is higher than this threshold value, the listener is no longer able, for example, to clearly distinguish voices or sounds or to recognize a musical extract. The background noise contained in the first audio signal bothers the listener, for example, making listening to a radio station unpleasant.

[0066] According to a particular exemplary embodiment, the acceptable noise level or the threshold value is determined by a user via the HMI, which threshold value is then received by the control system 2. Thus, the threshold value is set by a user according to his own sensitivity to noise for example.

[0067] Depending on whether the first noise level is a noise level or a signal-to-noise ratio, this is for example expressed in decibels, as a ratio or as a percentage. The threshold value thus has the same unit so as to allow its comparison with the previously determined noise level.

[0068] In a fourth operation, data is transmitted, for example to the reception system or to the radio tuner 21. This data is representative of an order to change the reception frequency of the reception system to a second frequency when the first noise level is greater than the threshold value.

[0069] According to a particular exemplary embodiment, such data correspond for example to data in a manufacturer language and interpretable by the radio tuner 21.

[0070] According to another particular exemplary embodiment, this data is equivalent to data received by the radio tuner 21 when a user presses a key or touch interface associated with the IVI system making it possible to switch from a first radio station associated with a first frequency to a second radio station associated with a second frequency higher than the first frequency, this key corresponding to the search for the next station when the radio tuner scans the radio frequencies in an increasing direction.If the radio tuner is set to a first frequency equal to 90.4 MHz corresponding to a first radio station, then the frequency is modified to be equal to a second frequency, for example, equal to 90.9 MHz, this second frequency corresponding to a second radio station that the radio tuner 21 clearly picks up, these frequencies obviously depending on a geographical position of the vehicle 10 and the radio stations broadcast by the radio transmitters 200 located near the vehicle 10. It should be noted that the invention does not only cover the scanning of the radio frequencies in the increasing direction, in fact, the same operation can be carried out by scanning the FM frequencies in a decreasing direction, the technical effect associated with this scanning in the other direction being similar.

[0071] According to yet another particular exemplary embodiment, this data is equivalent to data received by the radio tuner 21 when a user presses a key or touch interface associated with the IVI system making it possible to increase the reception frequency, then going from a first frequency to a second frequency higher than the first frequency, this key corresponding to the scanning of the FM frequencies by the radio tuner in an increasing direction. According to this exemplary embodiment particular use, the first, second, third and fourth operations are repeated until a second noise level determined for a second audio signal associated with the second frequency is lower than the threshold value. Thus, the FM frequencies are scanned in an increasing direction until the sound signal emitted by the radio tuner 21 is of good quality, that is to say the radio tuner 21 satisfactorily picks up a radio station. If the radio tuner is set to a first frequency equal to 90.4 MHz corresponding to a first radio station, then the frequency is modified to be equal to a second frequency, for example, equal to 90.5 MHz, not corresponding to a radio station.The operations are then repeated, the radio tuner being successively set to frequencies equal to 90.6 MHz, 90.7 MHz, 90.8 MHz until reaching the frequency of 90.9 MHz, this second frequency corresponding to a second radio station that the radio tuner 21 clearly picks up. The process then ends if the audio signal obtained from the radio signal associated with the second frequency of 90.9 MHz is of good quality, that is to say whose noise is lower than the threshold value previously defined. It should be noted that these frequencies obviously depend on a geographical position of the vehicle 10 and the radio stations broadcast by the radio transmitters 200 located near the vehicle 10.

[0072] Thus, the control system 2 is able to order the radio tuner 21 to change the FM reception frequency when the audio signal emitted by the radio tuner 21 is of poor quality, that is to say it includes too much background noise for example. This method therefore makes it possible to change the reception frequency and therefore the radio station listened to without the user having to intervene, thus avoiding any distraction for a driver of a vehicle listening to a radio station.

[0073] Unlike the RDS system, this method is applicable to a radio tuner that is not compatible with this technology. In addition, this method is independent of the communication or radio reception technologies, the signal observed being the audio signal at the output of the radio tuner. A device or system implementing this method then requires a simple connection to an audio circuit of the vehicle 10 and a connection to the IVI system for example.

[0074] [Fig. 3] schematically illustrates a system 3 configured for controlling a system for receiving a frequency-modulated radio signal on board a vehicle, for example in the vehicle 10, according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The system 3 corresponds for example to a device on board the vehicle 10, for example a computer.

[0075] The system 3 is for example configured for the implementation of the operations described with regard to figures 1 and 2 and / or the steps of the method described with regard to [Fig.4]. Examples of such a system 3 include, but are not limited to, a on-board electronic equipment such as a vehicle's on-board computer, an electronic calculator such as an ECU ("Electronic Control Unit"), a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop. The elements of system 3, individually or in combination, can be integrated into a single integrated circuit, into several integrated circuits, and / or into discrete components. System 3 can be implemented in the form of electronic circuits or software (or computer) modules or even a combination of electronic circuits and software modules.

[0076] The system 3 comprises one (or more) processor(s) 30 configured to execute instructions for carrying out the steps of the method and / or for executing the instructions of the software(s) embedded in the device 3. The processor 30 may include integrated memory, an input / output interface, and various circuits known to those skilled in the art. The system 3 further comprises at least one memory 31 corresponding for example to a volatile and / or non-volatile memory and / or comprises a memory storage device which may comprise volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as EEPROM, ROM, PROM, RAM, DRAM, SRAM, flash, magnetic or optical disk.

[0077] The computer code of the embedded software(s) comprising the instructions to be loaded and executed by the processor is for example stored in the memory 31.

[0078] According to various particular and non-limiting embodiments, the system 3 is coupled in communication with other similar devices or systems and / or with communication devices, for example a TCU (from the English “Telematic Control Unit” or in French “Telematic Control Unit”), for example via a communication bus or through dedicated input / output ports.

[0079] According to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the system 3 comprises a block 32 of interface elements for communicating with external devices. The interface elements of the block 32 comprise one or more of the following interfaces: - RF radio frequency interface, for example Wi-Fi® type (according to IEEE 802.11), for example in the 2.4 or 5 GHz frequency bands, or Bluetooth® type (according to IEEE 802.15.1), in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, or Sigfox type using UBN (Ultra Narrow Band) radio technology, or LoRa in the 868 MHz frequency band, LTE (Long-Term Evolution), LTE-Advanced; - USB interface (from the English “Universal Serial Bus” or “Universal Serial Bus” in French); - HDMI interface (from the English “High Definition Multimedia Interface” or “High Definition Multimedia Interface” in French); - LIN interface (from the English “Local Interconnect Network”).

[0080] According to another particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the system 3 comprises a communication interface 33 which makes it possible to establish communication with other devices (such as other computers of the on-board system) via a communication channel 330. The communication interface 33 corresponds for example to a transmitter configured to transmit and receive information and / or data via the communication channel 330. The communication interface 33 corresponds for example to a wired network of the CAN (Controller Area Network) type, CAN FD (Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate), FlexRay (standardized by the ISO 17458 standard) or Ethernet (standardized by the ISO / IEC 802-3 standard).

[0081] According to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the system 3 can provide output signals to one or more external devices, such as a display screen 340, 12, touch-sensitive or not, one or more speakers 350, 23, 11 and / or other peripherals 360 via output interfaces 34, 35 and 36 respectively. According to a variant, one or other of the external devices is integrated into the system 3.

[0082] [Fig.4] illustrates a flowchart of the different steps of a method for controlling a system for receiving a frequency-modulated radio signal on board a vehicle, for example in the vehicle 10. The method is for example implemented by a device or system on board the vehicle 10, for example by the control system 2 of [Fig.2] or by the system 3 of [Fig.3].

[0083] In a first step 41, a first audio signal obtained from the radio signal is received from the reception system 21, the first audio signal being associated with a first frequency.

[0084] In a second step 42, a first noise level of the first audio signal is determined.

[0085] In a third step 43, the first noise level is compared to a threshold value.

[0086] In a fourth step 44, data is transmitted. This data is representative of an order to change the reception frequency of the reception system 21 to a second frequency when the first noise level is greater than the threshold value.

[0087] According to a variant, the variants and examples of the operations described in relation to one of figures 1 and 2 apply to the steps of the method of [Fig.4].

[0088] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above but extends to a method for controlling a reception frequency of a frequency-modulated radio signal on board a vehicle which would include secondary steps without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention. The same would apply to a device configured for implementing such a method.

[0089] The present invention also relates to a vehicle, for example an automobile or more generally a land motor vehicle, comprising the system 3 of [Fig.3] or the control system 2 of [Fig.2].

Claims

Claims

1. Method for controlling a system for receiving a frequency-modulated radio signal on board a vehicle (10), said method comprising the following steps: - receiving (41) a first audio signal obtained from the radio signal from said receiving system, said first audio signal being associated with a first frequency; - determining (42) a first noise level of the first audio signal; - comparing (43) the first noise level with a threshold value; - transmitting (44) data representative of an order to change the reception frequency of said receiving system to a second frequency when the first noise level is greater than the threshold value.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the steps of receiving (41), determining (42), comparing (43) and transmitting (44) are repeated until a second noise level determined for a second audio signal associated with the second frequency is lower than the threshold value.

3. Method according to one of claims 1 to 2, for which the second frequency is higher than the first frequency.

4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a step of converting the first audio signal from analog to digital.

5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, for which the threshold value is received from a human-machine interface on board the vehicle (10).

6. A method according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the noise level is a signal-to-noise ratio.

7. Computer program comprising instructions for implementing the method according to any one of the preceding claims, when these instructions are executed by a processor.

8. System (3) for controlling a system for receiving a frequency-modulated radio signal on board a vehicle, said system (3) comprising a memory (31) associated with at least one processor (30) configured for implementing the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. The system of claim 8, further comprising a detector of

10. noise level (25a), a comparator (25b) and an analog-to-digital converter (24). Vehicle (10) comprising the system according to claim 8 or 9.

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