Channel Or Station Selection Patents (Class 455/179.1)
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Publication number: 20090264149Abstract: A handheld device includes an FM receiver to receive FM radio signals and a processor that is configured to monitor Radio Data System (RDS) data within FM radio broadcasts and to activate an application when a particular RDS data pattern is received. Methods for recognizing and using the RDS data to activate or initiate applications on the handheld device enable a wide range of uses and new services. A server may provide data to the handheld device in response to queries which are based on or include part of the RDS data. Operating in conjunction with FM radio broadcasters, the handheld device and the server provide a data communication system that can deliver useful services and additional entertainment options for users.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2008Publication date: October 22, 2009Inventors: Jason MILLER, Mark D. JERGER, Stephen A. SPRIGG, Parag PALSAPURE
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Patent number: 7603077Abstract: A broadcast receiver includes a smart antenna, a tuner for extracting a signal of a predetermined channel from airwaves received by the smart antenna, a signal processing unit for processing the signal extracted by this tuner, and a control unit for controlling the smart antenna. The control unit detects a receivable direction by performing automatic scanning for each of the channels with respect to each of the directions of the smart antenna, and when the receivable direction is first detected during execution of automatic scanning for a certain channel, the automatic scanning is stopped at a point in time of the detection and transition to automatic scanning for the next channel is made.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2005Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takehiro Onomatsu, Shusuke Narita
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Publication number: 20090253394Abstract: A disclosed method tunes a signal from a channelized spectrum having a predetermined channel spacing. A signal of interest having a predetermined maximum bandwidth is mixed with a local oscillator signal, which has a frequency that is an integer multiple of the channel spacing or one-half of a channel spacing displaced from an integer multiple of the channel spacing. The local oscillator signal is selected to frequency translate the signal of interest to within a near-baseband passband whose lower edge is spaced from DC by at least about the maximum bandwidth of the signal of interest. Problems associated with 1/f noise, DC offsets, and self-mixing products are avoided or substantially diminished. Other methods and systems are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2009Publication date: October 8, 2009Inventor: Edwin A. Suominen
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Patent number: 7599673Abstract: A technique includes receiving a signal spectrum that includes a plurality of channels within a first frequency range. The technique includes receiving a selection signal that identifies at least one desired channel to be tuned. The technique includes providing an oscillator that has a second frequency range that is substantially the same as the first frequency range and controlling the oscillators to generate one of a plurality of coarse-tune analog mixing signals. The signals substantially span across the second frequency range and each depends upon the location of the desired channel within the signal spectrum. The technique includes mixing the signal spectrum with the selected coarse-tune analog mixing signal to generate a coarsely tuned signal spectrum. The technique includes digitally processing the coarsely-tuned signal spectrum to fine tune the desired channel and to produce digital baseband signals for the desired channel.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2005Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: Silicon Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Adrian Maxim, Ramin Khoini-Poorfard, James Kao
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Patent number: 7599655Abstract: A method, apparatus and system provide for efficient use of communication resources for providing broadcast services in a communication system. A receiver receives a first broadcast controller identification from a first base station, and a second broadcast controller identification from a second base station. A controller coupled to the receiver determines whether the first and second broadcast controller identifications are associated with use of a common set of broadcast parameters. A transmitter transmits a request for transmission of a new set of broadcast parameters when the first and second broadcast controller identifications are not associated with use of the common set of broadcast parameters. After receiving the new set of broadcast parameters, the receiver uses the new set of broadcast parameters for receiving broadcast services.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2003Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Parag A. Agashe, Roy Franklin Quick, Jr., Jun Wang, Raymond T. Hsu
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Patent number: 7596360Abstract: A CPU confirms a receivable channel while sequentially changing channel numbers set to an analog front-end unit and specifies an area in which the receivable channel can be received and an area adjacent thereto by referring a receiving channel table by area and an adjacent area table after confirming the receivable channel. After this, the CPU confirms the receivable channel while sequentially setting the channel numbers receivable in the adjacent areas to the front-end unit to specify areas matching with the confirmation result. When the number of specified areas becomes one, the CPU assigns channel numbers to each switch formed of a channel switch group of a user interface unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2006Date of Patent: September 29, 2009Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazuaki Hagiwara
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Patent number: 7587185Abstract: An apparatus, program product and method in which a set of broadcast channels is automatically selected on a mobile receiver based on the mobile receiver's current location, a database of broadcast sources contained within the mobile receiver, and a predefined set of user preferences. This location based selection of broadcast channels may be implemented by first querying a user for personal preferences. These user preferences, along with a database of broadcast sources and program formats, are then loaded into the mobile receiver. The mobile receiver includes a means for determining the current location of the receiver, as the receiver moves from location to location. After the location of the receiver is determined, the database of broadcast sources and program formats are searched in order to determine broadcast sources that can be received by the receiver in its current location.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2001Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Wright J. Nee
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Publication number: 20090197551Abstract: A billboard receiver comprising a layered structure may include a first layer comprising a receiver portion and at least a second layer defining a billboard portion. The receiver portion may include a radio receiver configured to be tunable to a selected one of a plurality of predefined radio programs via a corresponding one of a plurality of predetermined selection switch mechanisms. The billboard portion may include at least a first substrate comprising the second layer. The first substrate may be positioned to substantially cover at least one side of the receiver portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2008Publication date: August 6, 2009Applicant: Paper Radio LLCInventors: Michael Paraskake, Barry Shecter
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Publication number: 20090195827Abstract: A radio communication device and multifunction device are provided. The radio communication device includes a radio communicating unit which receives data according to a radio communication method using one of a plurality of radio channels provided in a frequency band and changes the radio channel according to a period; a data processing unit which performs processing using the data; a communication status determining unit which determines, for each channel, whether a communication status of the radio channel is good; a ratio changing unit which changes a ratio of setting a good channel whose communication status is determined as good, and a ratio of setting a not-good channel whose communication status is determined as not-good; and a setting unit which sets either the good channel or the not-good channel as the radio channel in the radio communication method according to the ratios changed by the ratio changing unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2009Publication date: August 6, 2009Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Masahiko KIMURA, Masaaki WAKIZAKA
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Patent number: 7567302Abstract: A receiving device for digital broadcasting is provided. The receiving device is provided with a receiving system that receives a digital broadcast wave and obtains digital data based on the received digital broadcast wave, a memory that is used to store channel information regarding available channels of the digital broadcast wave, and an operation unit that is operated by a user for a channel selection operation.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2005Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: Clarion Co., Ltd.Inventor: Wataru Tachiwa
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Publication number: 20090181629Abstract: A direct sampling tuner includes a low noise amplifier and an optional dynamically configurable band pass filter coupled to the low noise amplifier. The optional filter is configured to pass a selected band of channels. The tuner further includes a relatively high accuracy, multi-bit analog-to-digital converter (“ADC”) coupled to the LNA or to the optional dynamically configurable band pass filter. The ADC operates at greater than about twice a frequency of a sampled signal. The ADC directly samples the spectrum of the selected channels at the Nyquist frequency, thus avoiding image problems presented by conventional tuners.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2009Publication date: July 16, 2009Applicant: Broadcom CorporationInventor: Leonard DAUPHINEE
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Patent number: 7542715Abstract: In a satellite receiving system, program channels are selected from one or more broadband signals and combined with other selected channels and transmitted from a first unit, for example an outdoor unit, to a second unit, for example a gateway, server, or set-top box, using a single cable. Channels can be selected by digitizing the broadband signal then digitally filtering to isolate the desired channels. The outputs of several LNBs can be selected and combined into one signal. Multiple set-top boxes can receive independent signals over a single cable from the outdoor unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2006Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Assignee: Entropic Communications Inc.Inventors: Itzhak Gurantz, Ladd El Wardani, Michael Landry
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Patent number: 7539472Abstract: Type-ahead keypad input is described. In an embodiment, keypad inputs that are entered as characters of a search term on a keypad of an input device, such as a television remote control, are received by a television-based client device. A user interface displays the keypad inputs as they are received, and displays an alphanumeric keypad as a representation of the keypad of the input device. The keypad representation of the input device has input keys that include a display of characters, any of which can change after each keypad input is received.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2005Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventor: David Hendler Sloo
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Publication number: 20090111395Abstract: In one embodiment, a receiver for providing a virtual local channel in a broadcast radio system that transmits a plurality of sets of local content corresponding to a plurality of different geographic regions is disclosed. The receiver includes a detector (e.g., 432), adapted to determine a regional identifier for the receiver. The receiver also includes a channel selector (e.g., 412), adapted to obtain a selected set of local content from among the plurality of sets of local content, based on the determined regional identifier, for inclusion in the virtual local channel. The determined regional identifier identifies the geographic region associated with the selected set of local content.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2008Publication date: April 30, 2009Applicant: AGERE SYSTEMS INC.Inventors: Hong Jiang, Edwin A. Muth, Martin S. Rauchwerk
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Patent number: 7522875Abstract: In a satellite receiving system, program channels are selected from one or more broadband signals and combined with other selected channels and transmitted from a first unit, for example an outdoor unit, to a second unit, for example a gateway, server, or set-top box, using a single cable. Channels can be selected by digitizing the broadband signal then digitally filtering to isolate the desired channels. The outputs of several LNBs can be selected and combined into one signal. Multiple set-top boxes can receive independent signals over a single cable from the outdoor unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2004Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: Entropic Communications Inc.Inventors: Itzhak Gurantz, Ladd El Wardani, Michael Landry
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Publication number: 20090098842Abstract: A signal receiving apparatus includes: a receiver which receives at least two types of broadcasting signals included in a plurality of channels; and a controller which controls the receiver to search a current channel according to one type of a broadcasting signal used for a previous channel search and to search a current channel according to another type of a broadcasting signal if the channel is not searched, to thereby set an automatic channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2008Publication date: April 16, 2009Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventor: Bong-ki JANG
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Method and apparatus for automatic change of an operating channel in a wireless communication system
Patent number: 7515913Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for automatically detecting when an operating channel needs to be changed in a wireless communication system. An alternate channel is selected by obtaining information about a plurality of available channels; assigning a score to each available channel; and selecting an alternate channel from the available channels based on the assigned score. The state of the selected alternate channel and the current channel are compared. A change to the selected alternate channel is initiated when one or more predefined criteria are satisfied.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2004Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Agere Systems Inc.Inventors: Gerrit Willem Hiddink, Amiram Levi, Harald Van Kampen, Martinus Cornelis Wezelenburg -
Patent number: 7509666Abstract: A TV broadcast receiver measures, at least two times, a signal intensity in a maximum receiving direction and a signal intensity in the 180 degree opposite receiving direction among 16 receiving directions of a smart antenna. If the signal intensity in the maximum receiving direction is significantly different from that in the opposite receiving direction, it determines that the smart antenna is connected. If the signal intensity in the maximum receiving direction is substantially the same as that in the opposite receiving direction, it determines that the smart antenna is disconnected. It displays messages of the connection and disconnection of the smart antenna on a monitor. This makes it possible to quickly determine whether the antenna connected to the TV broadcast receiver is a smart antenna or a stationary unidirectional antenna.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2005Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshihiro Takagi, Yoshihisa Nagamura, Yasuhiro Inui
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Patent number: 7505733Abstract: In a broadcast signal receiver to which a multi-directional antenna having a plurality of signal receiving directions is connected through an antenna controller for controlling the multi-directional antenna, even when the antenna controller is erroneously connected to the broadcast signal receiver, a tuner circuit and a power supply circuit of the broadcast signal receiver is protected from over current caused by a driving voltage of the antenna controller used for switching the effective signal receiving direction of the multi-directional antenna. A polymeric protection switch is provided between a connector to which a coaxial cable connected to the antenna controller be connected and the tuner circuit.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2005Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masato Fujimoto
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Patent number: 7493095Abstract: A device and a method for processing high data rate serial data includes circuitry for recovering a clock based on the high data rate input data stream. A transceiver includes a coarse loop of a phase-locked loop that selectively provides a clock having accuracy that is within a specified amount. In a sample mode of operation, only the coarse loop PLL is coupled to provide an error signal from which an oscillation signal and clock may be derived. In a second mode (lock) of operation, the transceiver may lock to the received serial data stream by coupling the fine loop PLL to provide an adjusted error signal. In a third mode of operation, (automatic) the transceiver initially performs coarse loop calibration by de-coupling the fine loop PLL and coupling the coarse loop PLL until a steady state has been reached.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2007Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Xilinx, Inc.Inventors: Jerry Chuang, William C. Black, Scott A. Irwin
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Publication number: 20090036074Abstract: There is an antenna diversity system for radio reception in moving vehicles which includes a receiver, and at least two antennas coupled to the receiver. These antennas transmit antenna feed signals to an antenna diversity module coupled between the receiver and the antennas. In at least one embodiment, the antenna diversity module comprises at least one evaluation circuit for evaluating an interference in a reception signal, and at least one processor for adjusting a magnitude em and a phase angle of a linear combination of the antenna feed signals. The evaluation circuit reads and sends an interference indication signal to the processor to create a relatively low interference signal. Thus, the diversity module combines the antenna feed signals in an adjustable manner based on an magnitude of phase angle, to form a linear combined signal that is present at the output of the antenna diversity module as a reception signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2008Publication date: February 5, 2009Applicant: DELPHI DELCO ELECTRONICS EUROPE GMBHInventors: Heinz LINDENMEIER, Stefan LINDENMEIER, Jochen HOPF, Leopold REITER
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Publication number: 20090029705Abstract: Methods and apparatus for service acquisition in a multi-frequency network. In an aspect, a method is provided for service acquisition in a multi-frequency network. The method includes detecting a service acquisition trigger event and identifying a selected RF channel from an acquisition RF list based on signal strength, wherein the acquisition RF list identifies RF channels in one or more local operations infrastructures (LOIs) of the multi-frequency network. The method also includes acquiring a wide system on the selected RF channel, removing the selected RF channel from the acquisition RF list if the wide system can not be acquired on the selected RF channel, and repeating said operations of identifying, acquiring and removing until the wide system is acquired on the selected RF channel or a system acquisition timeout occurs.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2008Publication date: January 29, 2009Inventors: Binita Gupta, Linbo Li, Raghuraman Krishnamoorthi, Ashok Mantravadi
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Patent number: 7477871Abstract: In a satellite receiving system, program channels are selected from one or more broadband signals and combined with other selected channels and transmitted from a first unit, for example an outdoor unit, to a second unit, for example a gateway, server, or set-top box, using a single cable. Channels can be selected by digitizing the broadband signal then digitally filtering to isolate the desired channels. The outputs of several LNBs can be selected and combined into one signal. Multiple set-top boxes can receive independent signals over a single cable from the outdoor unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2004Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: Entropic Communications Inc.Inventors: Itzhak Gurantz, Ladd El Wardani, Michael Landry
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Publication number: 20080299926Abstract: An example radio receiver and a method is provided for controlling a radio receiver having two tuners, and receiving a hybrid signal containing digital and analog broadcast signal components. According to the example method, a selection is made in the radio receiver to operate between at least the following operating modes of the receiver: (i) a first operating mode in which both tuners are tuned to the same broadcast hybrid signal and where one of the tuners is configured to receive the digital broadcast signal and the other tuner is configured to receive the analog broadcast signal; (ii) a second operating mode in which one of the tuners receiving the digital broadcast signal is the operating tuner and the other tuner is a search and check tuner; and (iii) a third operating mode in which one of the tuners receiving the analog broadcast signal is the operating tuner and the other tuner is a search and check tuner.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2008Publication date: December 4, 2008Applicant: Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbHInventors: Karl-Anton Becker, Philip Obergfell, Binh Ton That Giang
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Publication number: 20080301730Abstract: A TV channel search method and device is provided, wherein the method comprises (a) snatching screenshots of real time video signals of frequencies to generate snatched screenshots; (b) establishing and storing correspondence relationship of the snatched screenshots and frequencies; (c) providing the snatched screenshots for user selection and obtaining a snatched screenshot selected by the user; and (d) obtaining a frequency corresponding to the snatched screenshot selected by the user based on the correspondence relation of the snatched screenshots and frequencies, and then performing aimed TV channel switch and play. According to the method and device of the invention, the user can quickly and visually search a TV channel independent on EPG information after the correspondence relationship of images and frequencies has been established by snatching screenshots of real time TV pictures, and the method and device is applicable in both analog TV and digital TV.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2008Publication date: December 4, 2008Applicants: Legend Holdings Ltd., Lenovo (Beijing) LimitedInventor: Shuangxi Huang
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Publication number: 20080287082Abstract: The present invention provides architectures and methods which use multiple radio receive chains in mobile devices to provide enhanced performance, such as when acquiring and maintaining network access. A plurality of receive chains simultaneously perform signal level measurements across one or more measurement cycles. The number of RF channels upon which measurements are performed may be determined adaptively/dynamically. One or more criterion may be used to set signal level thresholds. If a measured signal for a given channel fails to satisfy a threshold, then that RF channel may be removed from the network acquisition process. If a measured signal for a channel exceeds another threshold, then that channel may be employed in further network acquisition processes, such as identifying potential beacon signal channels, verifying beacon signal channels and synchronizing the device to one of the beacon channels.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2008Publication date: November 20, 2008Applicant: MBIT WIRELESS, INCInventors: Arumugam Govindswamy, Bhaskar Patel
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Patent number: 7447488Abstract: A method for receiving broadcast signals includes selecting a broadcast signal, and receiving selected broadcast signal. Determine parameters about the selected broadcast signal wherein the parameters are based on supplemental broadcast data. Choose a scan interval based on the parameters.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2005Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Assignee: Bose CorporationInventors: Damian Howard, Valerie Mollo, Kenneth S. Yoshioka
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Publication number: 20080268802Abstract: A radio receiver includes a voice-only detection mechanism that detects when the current radio station is transmitting mostly voice, and that changes the function of the receiver depending on whether or not the current radio station is transmitting mostly voice. In a first embodiment, the radio receiver mutes its audio output when the voice-only detection mechanism detects a voice broadcast, or mutes its audio output when the voice-only detection mechanism detects a music broadcast. In a second embodiment, the radio receiver changes to a different radio station when a voice-only signal is detected, or when a music signal is detected. The second embodiment preferably includes a spectrum analyzer that can store a frequency spectrum “signature” of a radio signal, and a second tuner that scans the available radio stations for a signal that matches the stored signature.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2008Publication date: October 30, 2008Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Gary Ross Ricard, James William Bonalumi
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Publication number: 20080250460Abstract: Receiver architectures and associated methods are disclosed that provide initial analog coarse tuning of desired channels within a received signal spectrum, such as a set-top box signal spectrum for satellite communications. These architectures provide significant advantages over prior direct down-conversion (DDC) architectures and low intermediate-frequency (IF) architectures, particularly where two tuners are desired on the same integrated circuit. Rather than using a low-IF frequency or directly converting the desired channel frequency to DC, initial coarse tuning provided by analog coarse tuning circuitry allows for a conversion to a frequency range around DC. This coarse tuning circuitry can be implemented, for example, using a large-step local oscillator (LO) that provides a coarse tune analog mixing signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2007Publication date: October 9, 2008Inventors: Ramin Khoini-Poorfard, Andrew W. Krone
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Patent number: 7424278Abstract: A low IF mixer and method for down-converting a signal at a desired frequency are disclosed with improved selectivity performance. The energy of sidebands on each side of the desired frequency is evaluated; and a local oscillator frequency is selected based on the evaluation of the energy. Generally, the local oscillator frequency associated with the sideband having a lower energy is selected. The desired frequency may have a frequency of RF and the sidebands have a frequency of the desired frequency plus or minus an offset frequency (RF+IF or RF?IF). The signal at the desired frequency may be multiplied by the selected local oscillator frequency to down-convert the signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2004Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Assignee: Agere Systems Inc.Inventors: Edward E. Campbell, Syed Aon Mujtaba
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Publication number: 20080176526Abstract: An RF radio and a method of monitoring warning alert data is provided. The RF radio includes a radio receiver for receiving broadcast radio wave signals, and a tuner adjustable for selecting radio wave signal channels within AM and FM radio bands and radio wave signal channels within a weather band. The weather band is adapted to provide warning alert data. The radio also includes a controller for controlling the tuner to select a radio wave signal channel within the AM or FM radio band. The controller controls the tuner to periodically switch to the weather band and determines presence of warning alert data. The controller further initiates receipt of the warning alert data when such warning alert data is determined to be present.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2007Publication date: July 24, 2008Inventor: Daniel T. Altizer
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Patent number: 7403755Abstract: A monitoring receiver accepts program preferences from an operator. When active, the receiver automatically monitors alternate frequencies for programming that matches the program preferences, alerts the operator when a match is found, and may switch to a preferred program.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2004Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbHInventors: Guido Zehnle, Werner Conzelmann
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Patent number: 7376446Abstract: A base station for a mobile communications system, a mobile communications system including the base station and a method of increasing base station capacity. Each base station antenna is coupled to a transmission line that may be connected to a triplexer. The triplexer separates uplink signals from a duplex signal on the transmission line. The uplink and downlink signals are both in two sub-bands that are separated by a third sub-band. The triplexer passes the uplink signal to a duplexer/combiner that forwards the uplink signal to a combiner. The duplexer/combiner and combiner each pass downlink signals in one of the sub-bands to the triplexer, which combines the passes to the duplex signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2005Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Nokia Siemens Networks GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Udo Licht
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Patent number: 7373123Abstract: A radio receiver having multiple AM/FM tuners. A first tuner and a second tuner may be connected with an antenna for generating a first and second composite audio output signal. A dual input digital signal processor may be connected with the first tuner and the second tuner. The first and second composite audio output signals are processed by the dual input digital signal processor to generate a first audio output signal and a second audio output signal. A first audio power amplifier may be connected with the dual input digital signal processor for receiving the first audio output signal and a second audio power amplifier may be connected with the dual input digital signal processor for receiving the second audio output signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2004Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: Harman International Industries, IncorporatedInventor: Mark Spellman
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Patent number: 7369744Abstract: A signal receiving apparatus includes a tuner (102) for selecting a broadcasting station or a program, which becomes a reception subject, a program recording/playing circuit (202) for recording a received signal of the reception subject, and a control unit (109) for controlling start of recording a signal on the program recording/playing circuit (202). The control unit (109) controls the program recording/playing circuit (202) by using a fact that a selected time over which the reception subject has been selected exceeds a predetermined time, as a condition under which recording is started. Even if the user does not conduct operation for starting recording, therefore, recording can be started.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2003Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Toshiharu Tobiishi
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Patent number: 7369826Abstract: Many broadcast stations transmit their programs via a variety of different frequencies. The invention relates to monitoring alternative frequencies during the reception of a broadcast signal at a present frequency. Whenever the broadcast signal at an alternative frequency is checked, the receiver's gain is instantaneously switched from a present gain value corresponding to the present frequency to a second gain value corresponding to the alternative frequency. The second gain value is adapted to the supposed signal strength of the broadcast signal at the alternative frequency.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2003Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: Sony Deutschland GmbHInventor: Jens Wildhagen
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Publication number: 20080085676Abstract: A wireless multi-channel video/audio apparatus has a wireless transmitter to be connected to a video/audio player and multiple sound outputting devices with built-in wireless receivers. The video/audio player outputs an audio signal to the wireless transmitters to be encoded and wirelessly transmitted to the sound outputting devices for generating stereo surround sound effects. Since signal transmission between the player and the sound outputting devices is achieved in a wireless way without using cables, the sound outputting devices can be despised at any positions according to users' requirements.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2006Publication date: April 10, 2008Inventor: Chen-Jen Huang
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Patent number: 7349034Abstract: An integrated circuit is provided with a power supply terminal and an external circuit connecting terminal which is DC insulated from an internal high-frequency circuit and is connected to an external circuit. An interface is provided with an address identifying circuit having applied with an address identifying voltage corresponding to address data and for setting the interface to receive only channel selection data by the address identifying voltage. The address identifying circuit is connected to the external circuit connecting terminals, and a first resistor is connected between the power supply terminal and the external circuit connecting terminal. The external circuit connecting terminal is DC shorted to the ground, a second resistor is connected between the external circuit connecting terminal and the ground, or the external circuit connecting terminal is DC insulated from the ground.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2004Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: Alps Electric Co., LtdInventor: Masaki Yamamoto
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Patent number: 7346319Abstract: A system for use in a radio receiver that provides quick access to previously selected audio includes processor logic that evaluates at least a first user-selected audio that has been previously enabled and a second user-selected audio that is currently enabled. An input controller is dynamically coded by the processor logic for recalling audio information associated with the first user-selected audio when the second user-selected audio is being evaluated by the processor logic based upon the length of time the second user selected audio remains in an enabled state. The input controller is an audio recall button located on a user-interface of the receiver and includes an indicia window that displays recall information stored in memory of a processor during the evaluation of the second user-selected audio.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2004Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Francis E. Szczublewski, Laci J. Jalics, Mona L. Toms
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Patent number: 7336939Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) tuner includes a programmable tracking filter bank receiving an RF input and outputting a filtered RF signal. A mixer stage receives the filtered RF signal and outputs a first quadrature component of the filtered RF signal and a second quadrature component of the filtered RF signal. Two variable gain amplifiers receive the first and second quadrature components and output amplitude-controlled I and Q components of the filtered RF signal. In one embodiment, the programmable tracking filter bank includes a plurality of tank circuits each connected to the RF input through an impedance. Each tank circuit include an inductor and a capacitor connected in parallel thereby forming an LC network, and a plurality of switched capacitors in parallel with the LC network and switched in and out of the tank circuit by programmable switches. In another embodiment, the programmable tracking filter bank includes a plurality of peaked low-pass circuits each connected to the RF input through an impedance.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2003Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventor: Ramon A Gomez
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Patent number: 7324793Abstract: A wireless transmission device capable of transmitting media from different channels concurrently. The transmitter of the device places the inputted TV signals and an audio/video signal on different segments of a frequency spectrum, combines the signals of all segments into one combined signal, and transmits the combined signal as a radio frequency signal so as to transmit signals from different channels at the same time. Meanwhile, a controller in the receiver of the device selects a needed channel signal from the received radio frequency signal according to a selection signal. Therefore with one A/V transmitter and multiple A/V receivers, multiple-channel media transmission and multiple-channel media reception is achieved.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2005Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: Wistron NeWeb CorporationInventors: Cheng-Nan Lee, Chen-Chia Huang
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Publication number: 20080003962Abstract: An approach is provided for adaptive supply voltage control of a power amplifier. A voltage detector detects a voltage swing, and a power detector detects power. A controller is coupled to the voltage detector and the power detector. The controller receives a signal specifying a required output power and determines, using the detected voltage swing and the detected power, a supply rail voltage corresponding to the required output power at a particular loading condition. A converter applies the determined supply rail voltage for generating the required output power.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2006Publication date: January 3, 2008Inventor: Wai Lim Ngai
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Publication number: 20070298740Abstract: An FM radio receiver includes an antenna. A high frequency signal received by the antenna ranges from an FM radio broadcast band to a television broadcast band assigned to higher frequencies. An LPF has an attenuated area corresponding to a television channel at a frequency higher out of two television channels causing intermodulation interference with the FM radio broadcast band. A part of the frequency component constituting the high frequency signal received by the antenna is extracted by the LPF. A mixer mixes a high frequency signal having the frequency component extracted by the LPF with a local oscillation frequency signal to thereby output an intermediate frequency signal. A demodulator circuit creates an audio signal for an FM radio broadcast on the basis of the intermediate frequency signal output from the mixer.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2007Publication date: December 27, 2007Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroshi TERAOKA, Naoki MATSUSHITA
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Patent number: 7310496Abstract: In digital broadcast systems, it is common to broadcast besides main services additional services like news services. Typically, these additional services are regularly updated and broadcasted by a service provider (3) several times a day. In order to keep service data transmitted by the additional services up to date in a receiving device (1) receiving the services, a method of accessing services is given according to which a respective service information about the services provided by service providers (3) is extracted from a service presently received by the receiving device (1), and then at least one of the services about which service information was extracted according to the respective extracted service information might be accessed. Thus, the service data can automatically be updated by the receiving device (1) itself, even if transmission conditions of an additional service like update rates change over the time.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2001Date of Patent: December 18, 2007Assignee: Sony Deutschland GmbHInventors: Dietmar Schill, Carsten Merkle, Markus Zumkeller
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Patent number: 7308235Abstract: While a plurality of seek object frequencies decided in advance is being set as a receiving frequency in order, seek object frequencies meeting at least the following conditions are selected. The electric field strength of a seek object frequency being currently received must exceed a predetermined threshold value ThE. The second intermediate-frequency signal of the seek object frequency being received must be in a prescribed frequency band. When the electric field strength of a neighboring seek object frequency meets the first and second conditions, the absolute value of the difference between the electric field strength of the neighboring seek object frequency whose electric field strength exceeds ThE and the electric field strength of the seek object frequency being received must not exceed a predetermined threshold value h. The modulation factor of the seek object frequency being received must not exceed a threshold value ThM.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2004Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: Alpine Electronics, Inc.Inventor: Shunichi Suto
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Patent number: 7308236Abstract: A channel scanning method in a multi-channel digital broadcast is provided for enabling a user to identify the broadcast contents of a channel being currently received with accuracy during the channel scan, even though the broadcast contents may change within a channel scanning time period. In one embodiment of the channel scanning method, a receive channel is switched at predetermined intervals (the scanning time period), it is checked whether the broadcast contents of the channel being received currently, after the channel switching, will change within the scanning time period, and a time period for receiving the channel is prolonged, if the broadcast contents will change.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2005Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: Alpine Electronics, Inc.Inventor: Takahiro Fukushima
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Publication number: 20070275680Abstract: A digital demodulating apparatus comprises a tuner constituted by circuit elements to perform channel select processing to a signal; a demodulator that performs demodulation processing to a signal output from the tuner; a power supply unit that supplies a normal power to each circuit element, and supplies to the circuit element a test power different from the normal power, over a first time period in place of the normal power; a test noise measuring unit that measures the intensity of test noise contained in a signal to be output from the tuner, when the power supply unit supplies the test power over the first time period; a comparing unit that compares the intensity of the test noise measured by the test noise measuring unit with a noise reference value as a reference for updating of the normal power; and a power updating unit that updates the intensity of the normal power on the basis of a result of the comparison by the comparing unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2007Publication date: November 29, 2007Inventors: Nobuyoshi Kaiki, Takae Sakai, Masayuki Natsumi, Kazumasa Kioi
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Patent number: 7283796Abstract: An electronic tuning system includes an electronic tuner for adjusting the predetermined control voltage of a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) to tune the local frequency signal to radio waves on an arbitrary channel in accordance with channel selection information. A booster circuit boosts a source voltage to generate a boosted voltage in order to ensure the predetermined control voltage. A non-volatile memory stores the channel selection information in response to a predetermined write voltage. The boosted voltage of the booster circuit is utilized as the predetermined write voltage.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2001Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., LtdInventors: Yoh Takano, Fumihiro Sasaki
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Patent number: 7274918Abstract: The invention relates to a method for automatically finding an AM radio program, by which an AM radio receiver is tuned through in discrete steps, such that, for each set AM frequency, the reception quality at the currently set AM frequency is determined, the field strength of the neighboring frequencies is measured. If a significant field strength is detected at the neighboring frequencies, these are taken into account in determining the overall reception quality, in that the reception quality is reduced by a noise value, and subsequently the overall reception quality is compared with an upper quality limit. If the upper quality limit is exceeded, the program search is interrupted, and the AM radio program with this high overall reception quality is played. This method succeeds in reducing the number of misjudgments of AM radio programs with actually poor quality, and thus improves the reproduction quality of an AM radio receiver.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2001Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbHInventor: Bernhard Albicker
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Patent number: 7269396Abstract: A method and a device for a receiver for electromagnetic waves having at least two antennas are described; using this method and this device it is possible to effectively suppress multipath interference, while a portion of the antenna signals may also be utilized for other purposes at least temporarily, e.g., to allow better utilization of the possibilities of RDS activities. To do so, a first antenna signal (1) is used as the basis for generating a playback signal (23) when the signal quality of the first antenna signal (1) is above a defined threshold for undisturbed reception—case 1. In this case 1, the signal quality of the first antenna signal (1) is determined. If the signal quality of the first antenna signal (1) falls below this threshold—case 2—then a new signal y generated from at least two antenna signals (1, 2) is used as the basis for generating the playback signal (23).Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2002Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Lothar Vogt, Detlev Nyenhuis