WO2006122332A2

WO2006122332A2 - Transmission system for media information and passenger quantification apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2006122332A2
Application number: PCT/ZA2006/000067
Authority: WO
Inventors: Neil Leslie Zimmerman; Bradley Graeme Maynard; Tyrone Willemse
Original assignee: Neil Leslie Zimmerman; Bradley Graeme Maynard; Tyrone Willemse
Priority date: 2005-05-09
Filing date: 2006-05-08
Publication date: 2006-11-16
Also published as: WO2006122332A3

Abstract

The application in a first aspect relates to a transmission system for media information comprising a transmitter (12) for transmitting media information to a plurality of preselected receivers (46) in vehicles (14). The media information is stored in a database (16). A user interface (20) is provided, communicating with a processor (18), for allowing pre-selection of the receivers (36). A second aspect relates to a passenger quantification apparatus including a sensor (26) for sensing presence of at least one passenger in the vehicle, a processor (32) for processing the sensor signal and a reporting means (36) for reporting the number of persons in the vehicle. These two aspects can be combined.

Description

TRANSMISSION SYSTEM FOR MEDIA INFORMATION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a transmission system for media information and an associated passenger quantification apparatus.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

By being able to determine the amount of passengers present in a vehicle at any particular moment in time, an organization disseminating information inside such a vehicle, such as informative, advertising and/or promotional information, is able to determine the number of people targeted during such dissemination. This finds particular application in the field of marketing, as well as transport management.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a transmission system for media information which system includes: a transmitter for transmitting predetermined media information to at least one pre-selected receiver associated with a vehicle; an electronic database which stores the media information for transmission to the receiver; a processor arranged in communication with the transmitter and database which processor is configured to manage the transmission of media information; and a user interface arranged in communication with the processor which interface is configured to allow a user to specify the media information for transmission to the receiver, and which interface is further configured to allow a user to select the receiver to which the media information is transmitted.

It is to be appreciated that media information refers to information such as news, weather information, political information, sports results, documentary information, and/or the like. Accordingly, the information is typically audiovisual information. The receiver associated with a vehicle typically includes a satellite receiver, or the like. Accordingly, the transmitter may include a satellite transmitter for transmitting the media information to the receiver. In addition, the receiver is generally arranged in communication with dissemination means for disseminating the media information to passengers of a vehicle, e.g. a video and audio output, or the like.

Accordingly, the dissemination means may include a visual display mounted in the vehicle so as to be readily visible to passengers in the vehicle. The dissemination means may further include an audio output mounted in the vehicle, e.g. speakers, or the like. It is to be appreciated that the dissemination means is typically a large screen and/or speaker in the vehicle so that the media information is readily disseminated to passengers of the vehicle.

Accordingly, the vehicle is typically a bus, a taxi, an aeroplane, a boat, and/or the like. It is to be appreciated that a vehicle typically has only a single receiver, but have more than one dissemination means, e.g. a large boat or ship may have a plurality of dissemination means. It is also to be appreciated that the vehicle is typically a passenger vehicle.

The transmitter may transmit the media information in a radio band of a satellite frequency. Accordingly, the receiver may be configured to compile the selected media information from a plurality of received transmissions, e.g. the receiver compiles a number of received transmissions into a whole as specified by indicators in the received information.

The receiver associated with a vehicle may be arranged in communication with a display for displaying the received information in the vehicle. The receiver may be arranged in communication with an audio output for disseminating received audio information in the vehicle.

The receiver associated with a vehicle may form part of a transceiver able to transmit and receive information. Accordingly, the system may include a feedback receiver for receiving feedback information from the vehicle transceiver about the information disseminated by the dissemination means, e.g. integrity of information received, time of dissemination, geographical location when received information was disseminated, and/or the like. The feedback transceiver may transmit the feedback information via GPRS, SMS, MMS, WAP, and/or the like.

In addition, the feedback information may include the number of persons in the vehicle when the media information is disseminated, or the like.

Accordingly, the system may include at least one passenger quantification apparatus for determining the number of people in a vehicle, in use, which apparatus includes a sensor configured to sense the presence of at least one person in the vehicle, in use; processing means arranged in communication with the sensor which processing means is configured to analyze sensing signals received from the sensor to determine the number of persons present in the vehicle when the media information is disseminated; and reporting means for reporting the number of persons in the vehicle, as determined by the processing means, to the user via the user interface.

It is to be appreciated that the reporting means typically reports back to the feedback receiver. As such, the reporting means may report via the transceiver of the vehicle.

The sensor may include a single sensor positioned at an entry or exit point of the vehicle to sense when a person enters or exits said vehicle. Accordingly, the processing means may be configured to analyze the sensing signal from the single sensor to determine if a person is leaving or entering the vehicle, whereby the number of persons inside the vehicle is determinable.

Otherwise, the sensor may include a plurality of individual sensors located contiguous to individual passenger portions of the vehicle to sense the presence of a person in that particular portion. Accordingly, the processing means may be configured to analyze a plurality of sensing signals from the individual sensors to determine the number of people in the vehicle, e.g. by tallying outputs from the individual sensors, or the like. It is to be appreciated that when reference is made to a passenger portion of the vehicle, it typically refers to a seating arrangement for a single person, a standing portion in a vehicle, a passenger compartment, and/or the like.

The sensor may sense by transmitting an electromagnetic wave to a passenger portion and then receiving a reflected wave from that passenger portion, so that a flight time of the wave is indicative to the processing means of the presence of a person in that passenger portion. Accordingly, the processing means may be configured to manage the transmission and reception of the wave by the sensor and to monitor the flight time thereof to determine the presence of a person.

The sensor may include a plurality of weight sensors located in the individual passenger portions so that each weight sensor senses weight in an individual passenger portion. Accordingly, the processing means may be configured to analyze a plurality of sensing signals from the individual weight sensors to determine the number of person in the vehicle.

The sensor may include a single weight sensor for sensing a weight of a passenger compartment of the vehicle, e.g. the weight on a chassis of the vehicle, or the like. Accordingly, the processing means may be configured to determine the number of people inside the vehicle from the sensed weight of the compartment, e.g. assuming a certain average weight per person to calculate the number or persons in the compartment, or the like.

Similarly, the sensor may include a heat sensor, a proximity sensor such as a capacitance sensor, or the like. Accordingly, the processing means is then suitably configured to analyze the signals received from these sensors to determine the number of persons present in the vehicle.

It is to be appreciated that, where the sensor includes a plurality of individual sensors, these sensors are typically located contiguously to their respective passenger portions by being located above a seat of the passenger portion, or beneath the passenger portion, or in some other unobtrusive location.

The processing means may be configured to determine the number of people inside the vehicle by comparing the sensing signal or signals from the sensor to predetermined values stored in a suitable memory arrangement, i.e. a value table, or the like. For example, to determine the meaning of the sensing signal or signals received from the sensor, the digital and/or analog values received from the sensor are compared to a look-up table to determine whether the sensor senses the presence of a person or not.

The processing means may be configured to determine the number of people inside the vehicle at predetermined intervals, i.e. the processing means determines the number of people inside the vehicle every five minutes, or the like.

The processing means may be configured to determine the number of people inside the vehicle at a particular time, e.g. nine o'clock in the morning, or the like.

The processing means may be configured to determine the number of people inside the vehicle on a frequent basis, e.g. sensor readings are analyzed a number of times a second, e.g. intervals of 50Hz, so that the reading are stored as a virtually continuous result. It is to be appreciated that by performing the readings in this manner, it is possible to determine the duration of time a person was inside the vehicle, as well as the times of entry and exit of said person.

It is to be appreciated that the processing means generally executes its various configurations and tasks by executing a specific set of instructions, e.g. a software package.

The reporting means may include a suitable transmitter for transmitting the determined number of persons in the vehicle to the processor in communication with the user interface. As such, the reporting means may be configured to transmit the stored number on a periodic basis, or the like. Accordingly, the reporting means may include a suitable receiver so that the determined number is reported only when an instructing signal is received from the user interface.

The user interface may include a web page. Accordingly, the web page may enable a user to determine the media information for transmission to a vehicle. Similarly, the web page may allow a user to select the receiver to which the determined information is to be transmitted to, e.g. a particular group of receivers, all the available receivers, only receivers located in taxi's, or the like. The user interface may enable a user to keep track of information transmitted previously, i.e. a history of information transmitted. The user interface may supply a user with feedback data received from the passenger quantification apparatus and/or the transceiver associated with a vehicle, e.g. integrity of information received, dissemination of the received information, time of dissemination, geographical location when received information was disseminated, number of people inside vehicle when the information was disseminated, and/or the like. It is to be appreciated that, by a user receiving feedback of the information which he/she has selected for transmission to the receiver, a user is able the apply the feedback for marketing purposes, or the like.

It is also to be appreciated that the system typically includes a plurality of passenger quantification apparatuses each located inside a vehicle to which information is to be disseminated, in use.

As such, the processor and database may be configured for analyzing and storing, respectively, the received sensor readings received from the individual apparatuses.

In addition, the processor may be further configured to conduct a quantative analysis of the stored or received numbers so that statistical projections are possible, e.g. the number of people who will be using a certain type of transport in the future, or the like.

It is to be appreciated that the processor generally allows an analysis of the determined numbers to be conducted to allow, for example, the effectiveness of advertising in vehicles to be determined, or to determine the most favourable periods of time to disseminate information in the vehicles, and/or the like. This analysis is generally conducted via the user interface.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided passenger quantification apparatus which includes a sensor configured to sense the presence of at least one person in a vehicle; processing means arranged in communication with the sensor which processing means is configured to analyze sensing signals received from the sensor to determine the number of persons present in the vehicle; and reporting means for reporting the number of persons in the vehicle as determined by the processing means.

Otherwise, the sensor may include a plurality of individual sensors located contiguous to individual passenger portions of the vehicle to sense the presence of a person in that particular portion. Accordingly, the processing means may be configured to analyze a plurality of sensing signals from the individual sensors to determine the number of people in the vehicle, e.g. by tallying outputs from the individual sensors, or the like.

It is to be appreciated that when reference is made to a passenger portion of the vehicle, it typically refers to a seating arrangement for a single person, a standing portion in a vehicle, a passenger compartment, and/or the like.

The processing means may be configured to determine the number of people inside the vehicle on a frequent basis, e.g. sensor readings are analyzed a number of times a second, e.g. intervals of 50Hz, so that the reading are stored as a virtually continuous result. It is to be appreciated that by performing the readings in this manner, it is possible to determine the duration of time a person was inside the vehicle, as well as the times of entry and exit of said person. The reporting means may include a suitable transmitter for transmitting the determined number of persons in the vehicle to a remote location. As such, the reporting means may be configured to transmit the stored number on a periodic basis, or the like. Accordingly, the reporting means may include a suitable receiver so that the determined number is reported only when an instructing signal is received from a remote location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is now described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein

Figure 1 shows, in diagrammatic view, a transmission system for media information, in accordance with the invention;

Figure 2 shows a simplified side diagrammatic view of a minibus tax which includes the passenger quantification apparatus, in accordance with the invention;

Figure 3 shows, in top diagrammatic view, the minibus taxi shown in Figure 2; and

Figure 4 shows, in top diagrammatic view, a further embodiment of the passenger quantification apparatus shown in Figure 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the accompanying drawings, a transmission system for media information, in accordance with the invention, is generally indicated by reference numeral 10.

In general, the transmission system 10 includes a transmitter 12, a database 16, a processor 18, a feedback receiver 22, and a user interface 20.

The transmitter 12 is for transmitting predetermined media information to at least one pre-selected transceiver 36 associated with a vehicle 14. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the system 10 transmits the media information to a plurality of vehicles 14, as shown in Figure 1. It is to be appreciated that the vehicle is typically a passenger carrying vehicle such as a taxi, a bus, an aeroplane, a boat, and/or the like. As such, the system 10 is applicable to any suitable type of vehicle. The electronic database 16 stores the media information for transmission to the receiver 36 of the vehicle 14, and the processor 18 is arranged in communication with the transmitter 12 and database 16 which processor 18 is configured to manage the transmission of media information to the different receivers 36 located on the respective vehicles 14.

The user interface 20 is in turn arranged in communication with the processor 18 which interface 20 is configured to allow a user to specify the media information for transmission to the receiver 36 of the vehicles 14. The interface 20 is further configured to allow a user to select the receiver 36 of a vehicle 14 to which the information is to be transmitted to.

For example, in one embodiment of the invention, the user interface 20 allows a user to select individual transceivers 36 independently so that certain media information is only disseminated in specific vehicles.

It is to be appreciated that media information generally refers to information such as news, weather information, political information, sports results, and/or the like. Accordingly, the information is typically audiovisual information, e.g. video and sound.

The receiver or transceiver 36 associated with a vehicle 14 typically includes a satellite receiver, a radio receiver, or any suitable wireless receiver. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, the transmitter 12 is a satellite transmitter for transmitting the media information to the receiver 36 using a frequency of 1467MHz - 1492MHz. It is to be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this frequency range and that any suitable frequency and/or transmission protocol is usable.

The transmitter 12 typically transmits the media information in a radio band of a satellite frequency. It is to be appreciated that, by transmitting the information in a radio satellite band, direct line-of-sight is not necessary to receive the information which enables the reception of the information in a moving vehicle. The receiver 36 may further be configured to compile the received media information from a plurality of received transmissions, e.g. the receiver compiles a number of received transmissions into a whole as specified by indicators in the received information. For example, when the vehicle 14 is moving, the receiver 36 will move into different zones targeted by the radio satellite band where different media information is transmitted. The receiver 36 receives a different portion of media information in each zone and once enough information has been received from different zones, the receiver 36 compiles (via the processing means 32) the received information into a coherent whole, e.g. a video clip, or the like, for display to passengers of the vehicle 14.

Accordingly, the receiver 36 associated with a vehicle 14 is generally arranged in communication with a display (not shown) for displaying the received media information in the vehicle 14. Similarly, the receiver is also arranged in communication with an audio output for disseminating received audio information in the vehicle. As such, it is to be appreciated that the display may include any suitable dissemination means for disseminating the media information to passengers in the vehicle 14.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the receiver associated with a vehicle 14 forms part of a transceiver 36 also able to transmit as well as receive information. Accordingly, the system 10 includes the feedback receiver 22 which receives feedback from the vehicle transceiver 36 about the information received by the vehicle receiver 36, e.g. integrity of information received, notification of dissemination of the received information, time of dissemination of information, geographical location when received information was disseminated, number of people inside vehicle when the information was disseminated, and/or the like. The feedback transceiver 36 may transmit feedback via GPRS, SMS, MMS, WAP, and/or any other suitable protocol.

For example, the media information is received and displayed in the vehicle 14 at a certain time of day. The transceiver 36 of the vehicle 14 then transmits feedback information via an exiting mobile telephone network, or the like, to the system 10 which feedback information includes information about the number of passengers in the vehicle when the media information was displayed, time when the media information was displayed, location where the vehicle was when the information was displayed, and/or the like.

The processor 18 generally manages the transmission of information by being configured to execute a specific set of instructions, i.e. a software package. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the user interface 20 is a web page hosted on the Internet, or the like. Accordingly, the web page enables a user to determine the media information for transmission to a vehicle 14. For example, a user is able to upload certain media information he/she wants transmitted to passengers of a vehicle, such as advertisements, sports results, news, political information, or the like.

Similarly, the web page allows a user to select the specific receiver 36 to which the determined information is to be transmitted to, e.g. a particular group of receivers, all the available receivers, or the like. For example, a user only wants to send the media information to passengers of aeroplanes, or only to taxi passengers, or the like. The user is then able to specify which receivers must receive the media information.

In addition, the user interface 20 also typically enables a user to keep track of information transmitted previously, i.e. a history of information transmitted. The user interface 20 supplies a user with feedback data received from the transceiver 36 associated with a vehicle 14, e.g. integrity of information received, dissemination of the received information, time of dissemination, geographical location when received information was disseminated, number of people inside vehicle when the information was disseminated, and/or the like. It is to be appreciated that, by a user receiving feedback of the information which he/she has selected for transmission to the receiver, a user is able the apply the feedback information for marketing purposes, or the like.

The database 16 is typically an electronic storage means or similar memory arrangement, e.g. a computer hard disk, or the like. The system 10 is generally incorporated into a conventional computer server, or the like.

In use, a user will interface with the system 10 via the user interface 20. The user will determine the media information which he/she wants to transmit to a specific audience, e.g. upload a specific political message, or the like. The user will then select the relevant receivers which he/she wants to target the media information at, e.g. taxi passengers, or the like. The system 10 will then transmit the specified media information to the selected receivers 36 of the vehicles 14. The transceiver 36 of the vehicle will then typically supply feedback on the number of passengers in the vehicle, e.g. through axle mass measurement, or the like, the time of display of the information, and/or the like. The user is then supplied with these statistics via the interface 20. In this fashion, the system 10 is able to supply the user with relevant and real-time values regarding the target audience supplied with the media information. This feedback finds particular application in the field of marketing and advertising.

It is to be appreciated that by combining the feedback information with predetermined statistical data, it is possible to calculate to a high accuracy the number of people who is subjected to the media information. For example, by transmitting the information at a certain time in the mornings, taxi commuters can be targeted. If the amount of commuters per taxi at a certain time is known, the amount of people actually viewing the media information is accurately determinable.

It is further to be appreciated that, although the receiver is associated with a vehicle 14 so that the media information can be transmitted to a moving receiver, no aspect of the invention prevents using the system 10 to transmit the media information to a stationary receiver. For example, the system 10 can transmit the media information in a similar manner to a receiver associated with a community centre, a shop, and/or other establishments where a user of the system 10 wishes to disseminate the media information to particular persons.

As the potential advantages associated with determining the number of persons inside a vehicle 14 find such widespread application in numerous fields, each vehicle 14 is typically fitted with passenger quantification apparatus 24, which will now be discussed with specific reference to Figures 2 to 4.

In the embodiment shown, the passenger quantification apparatus 24 includes sensors 26, a processing means 32, reporting means 34, and a transceiver 36.

The apparatus 24 generally includes a plurality of sensors 26, with each sensor 26 located contiguous to a passenger portion 28 of a vehicle 30. In the example shown, the vehicle 30 is a minibus taxi. However, it is to be appreciated that the vehicle 30 may include any type of vehicle, such as a bus, a car, a boat, a train, an aeroplane, or the like. It is further to be appreciated that the vehicles collectively referred to in Figure 1 by reference numeral 14 is now individually indicated by reference numeral 30, as shown. E E ach sensor is generally configured to determine if a person is present in the passenge rr portion 28 contiguous to that particular sensor 26.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sensors 26 includes a transceiver 26 which is configured to transmit to and receive an electromagnetic wave from the passenger portion 28 contiguous to each sensor 28, so that a flight time of the received wave is indicative of the presence of a person in the passenger portion 28.

In a further example, the sensors 26 includes weight sensors located in a seat of the passenger portion 28. It is to be appreciated that, in further embodiments, the sensors 26 includes heat sensors, or the like. It is further to be appreciated that the sensors 26 may include any type of sensor which is configured to detect the presence of a person when arranged contiguous to the particular passenger portion 28.

In the example shown, the sensors 26 are located contiguously to the relevant passenger portions 28 by being located above a seat of the passenger portion 28, e.g. an infra red transceiver, or the like. Otherwise, in further embodiments, the sensors 26 are located beneath the passenger portion, e.g. a weight sensor in a seat, or the like.

As such, it is to be appreciated that the passenger portion 28 may include a seat, a standing portion in a vehicle, a passenger compartment, and/or the like.

As shown, the processing means 32 is arranged in communication with the sensors 26, which processing means 32 is configured to analyze sensing signals received from the sensors 26, i.e. to interpret the signals received from the sensors 26 in order to determine if a person is present in the relevant passenger portion 28.

In one embodiment, the processing means 32 is configured to analyze the sensing signal received from the sensors 26 by comparing the received signal to a predetermined value stored in a memory arrangement 34.

It is to be appreciated that the processing means 32 generally executes its various configurations and tasks by executing a specific set of instructions, e.g. a software package, instruction codes, or the like. These instructions are also typically stored in the memory arrangement 34. The reporting means 36 is generally a transmitter configured to transmit the number of determined persons to the feedback receiver 22 of the system 10. Accordingly, the apparatus 24 also generally includes a receiver so that the determined number if persons is transmitted when an instructing signal is received from the transmitter 12 of the system 10.

In one embodiment, a number of the apparatuses 24 are fitted to a fleet of minibus taxis 14. These apparatuses 24 will either give a continuous stream of readings, or will retrieve a reading when requested to do so by the processor 18. The readings are then transmitted back to the system 10 via the transmitter 36 using a GSM platform like GPRS (global packet radio service), EDGE, 3G, or the like format at specific times. These readings from all the vehicles 14 will be collated on the system 10 for processing via the user interface 20.

In use, in one embodiment, the processing means 32 is used for sending a signal to infra red (IR) sensors 26 which each include an IF transmitter and IF receiver. Each sensor 26 is associated with an individual seat or seating area 28 reserved for one passenger or commuter.

On arrival of the signal from the processing means 32, the IF transmitter of each sensor 26 transmits a predefined pulse of infra red light towards the targeted seat or seating area 28. The processing means 32 will then send a "receive" signal to the IF receiver located in the same sensor 26. The activated infra red receiver receives any reflected infra red light.

The processing means 32 calculates the time difference between the transmission and reception of the pulse of infra red light. The processing means 32 interprets the time taken against a lookup table stored in the memory arrangement 34, and returns a "valid" or "invalid" response. A valid reading will be recorded if the reflected time is less than the predetermined value, indicating that there is an obstacle/passenger/commuter in the seating area 28. The result will be recorded on the memory arrangement 34. In this fashion, the apparatus 24 is able to supply a user with relevant and real time values regarding the amount of passengers within a predefined area, within a predefined vehicle.

Although only certain embodiments of the invention have been described herein, it will be understood by any person skilled in the art that other modifications, variations, and possibilities of the invention are possible. Such modifications, variations and possibilities are therefore to be considered as falling within the spirit and scope of the invention and hence forming part of the invention as herein described and/or exemplified.

It shall be understood that the examples are provided for illustrating the invention further and to assist a person skilled in the art with understanding the invention and is not meant to be construed as unduly limiting the reasonable scope of the invention.

The Inventors regard it as an advantage that the system allows media information to be targeted at a selectable audience. The Inventors regard it as a further advantage that the system allows feedback of the received media information which feedback finds particular application in the field of marketing. The Inventors regard it as a yet further advantage that the media information is transmitted to a receiver specifically associated with a vehicle.

The Inventors regard it as a yet further advantage that the system is able to provide a user with the number of people traveling in a vehicle at a given moment. The Inventors regard it as a further advantage that a plurality of the apparatuses may be fitted to a plurality of vehicles in order to produce a network of systems, whereby the number of passengers in these vehicles can be quantified at a given moment. The Inventors regard it as an advantage that such quantification finds particular application in the field of advertising and market analysis using the dissemination of media information.

Claims

1. A transmission system for media information which system includes: a transmitter for transmitting predetermined media information to at least one pre-selected receiver associated with a vehicle; an electronic database which stores the media information for transmission to the receiver; a processor arranged in communication with the transmitter and database which processor is configured to manage the transmission of media information; and a user interface arranged in communication with the processor which interface is configured to allow a user to specify the media information for transmission to the receiver, and which interface is further configured to allow a user to select the receiver to which the media information is transmitted.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the receiver associated with the vehicle is arranged in communication with dissemination means for disseminating the media information to passengers in the vehicle.

3. A system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the dissemination means includes a visual display mounted in the vehicle so as to be readily visible to passengers in the vehicle.

4. A system as claimed in either one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the dissemination means includes an audio output mounted in the vehicle.

5. A system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the receiver is configured to compile the selected media information from a plurality of received transmissions.

6. A system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the receiver associated with a vehicle forms part of a transceiver able to transmit and receive information to and from the vehicle.

7. A system as claimed in claim 6, which includes a feedback receiver for receiving feedback information from the vehicle transceiver regarding the information disseminated by the dissemination means.

8. A system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the feedback information relates to the integrity of the media information received by the receiver.

9. A system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the feedback information includes the time of dissemination of the media information.

10. A system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the feedback information includes a geographical location of the vehicle when the received media information was disseminated.

11. A system as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the feedback information includes the number of persons in the vehicle when the media information was disseminated.

12. A system as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 11 , which includes at least one passenger quantification apparatus for determining the number of people in a vehicle, in use, said apparatus including a sensor configured to sense the presence of at least one person in the vehicle, in use; processing means arranged in communication with the sensor which processing means is configured to analyze sensing signals received from the sensor to determine the number of persons present in the vehicle when the media information is disseminated; and reporting means for reporting the number of persons in the vehicle, as determined by the processing means, to the user via the user interface.

13. A system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the sensor includes a proximity sensor positioned at an entry or exit point of the vehicle to sense when a person enters or exits said vehicle.

14. A system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the sensor senses by transmitting an electromagnetic wave to a passenger portion and then receiving a reflected wave from that passenger portion, so that a flight time of the wave is indicative to the processing means of the presence of a person in that passenger portion.

15. A system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the sensor includes a plurality of weight sensors located in individual passenger portions so that each weight sensor senses weight in an individual passenger portion.

16. A system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the sensor includes a weight sensor for sensing a weight of a passenger compartment of the vehicle.

17. A system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the processing means is configured to determine the number of people inside the vehicle by comparing the weight of the passenger compartment with a pre-selected average weight of a person.

18. A system as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the processing means is configured to determine the number of people inside the vehicle at predetermined intervals.

19. A system as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the processing means is configured to determine the number of people inside the vehicle at a particular time.

20. A system as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein the reporting means includes a suitable transmitter for transmitting the determined number of persons in the vehicle to the processor in communication with the user interface via the transceiver of the vehicle.

21. A system as claimed in claim 20, wherein the reporting means is configured to transmit the stored number on a periodic basis.

22. A system as claimed in claim 20, wherein the reporting means includes a suitable receiver so that the determined number is reported only when an instructing signal is received from the user interface.

23. A system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the user interface includes a web page hosted on a suitable electronic network.

24. A system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the user interface is configured to enable a user to keep track of previously transmitted media information.

25. A passenger quantification apparatus which includes a sensor configured to sense the presence of at least one person in a vehicle; processing means arranged in communication with the sensor which processing means is configured to analyze sensing signals received from the sensor to determine the number of persons present in the vehicle; and reporting means for reporting the number of persons in the vehicle as determined by the processing means.

26. Apparatus as claimed in claim 25, wherein the sensor includes a proximity sensor positioned at an entry or exit point of the vehicle to sense when a person enters or exits said vehicle.

27. Apparatus as claimed in claim 25, wherein the sensor senses by transmitting an electromagnetic wave to a passenger portion and then receiving a reflected wave from that passenger portion, so that a flight time of the wave is indicative to the processing means of the presence of a person in that passenger portion.

28. Apparatus as claimed in claim 25, wherein the sensor includes a plurality of weight sensors located in individual passenger portions so that each weight sensor senses weight in an individual passenger portion.

29. Apparatus as claimed in claim 25, wherein the sensor includes a single weight sensor for sensing a weight of a passenger compartment of the vehicle.

30. Apparatus as claimed in claim 29, wherein the processing means is configured to determine the number of people inside the vehicle by comparing the weight of the passenger compartment with a pre-selected average weight of a person.

31. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 30, wherein the processing means is configured to determine the number of people inside the vehicle at predetermined intervals.

32. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 30, wherein the processing means is configured to determine the number of people inside the vehicle at a particular time.

33. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 32, wherein the reporting means includes a suitable transmitter for transmitting the determined number of persons in the vehicle to a remote location.

34. Apparatus as claimed in claim 33, wherein the reporting means is configured to transmit the stored number on a periodic basis.

35. Apparatus as claimed in claim 33, wherein the reporting means includes a suitable receiver so that the determined number is reported only when an instructing signal is received from a remote location.

36. A system as claimed in claim 1 or apparatus as claimed in claim 25, substantially as herein described and illustrated.

37. A new system or new apparatus substantially as herein described.