Abstract: A method for recording information that is transmitted over a radio frequency, especially traffic information, in which, in a monitoring state, the receiving device is supplied with power in a clocked manner. While switched on, the receiving device is tuned to a preestablished radio frequency and the received radio frequency is monitored for the presence of an identifier designating information. In the event an information identifier is detected, the receiver is supplied with power for the duration of the identifier and the information is recorded. In response to switching on the monitoring state, the preestablished radio frequency is determined as the frequency to which a radio frequency refers that transmits no information and that was set before the monitoring state was switched on.

Abstract: A mobile cellular telephone is used to select a music recording from a remote source, such as online music recording storage facility, and wirelessly receive the selected music recording. The received music recording is stored in a memory of the cellular telephone where it is available for playback with an audio player in the cellular telephone. Additional information, such as a title and artist associated with the music recording, is transmitted from the remote source to the cellular telephone with the music data. During playback of the music recording, the information is presented on a display of the cellular telephone. A system includes the remote music source and the mobile cellular telephone and may include an online user account via which the music recording is selected and downloaded to the cellular telephone.

Abstract: A method of storing and selecting a radio station (104, 106) in a radio (102) having a plurality of tuner presets (130) and a plurality of memory locations (146) assigned to each of the plurality of tuner presets, includes storing a plurality of radio stations (104, 106) under a tuner preset (134), where each of the plurality of radio stations is stored as a record (148) in one of the plurality of memory locations assigned to the tuner preset. The record can include a radio station frequency (150) and a geographic position (152) of the radio at a time that the record is stored. In response to subsequent selection of the tuner preset (134), a radio station is selected from the plurality of radio stations stored under the tuner preset and includes identifying the record having the geographic position that is closest to a geographic position (253) of the radio at a time that the tuner preset is selected and tuning the radio to the radio station frequency (150) of the identified record.

Abstract: Described is a communication system including wireless client devices. In the described system, the client devices may be wrist-worn watches such as are in common use today, except that the watches are specially configured to receive transmissions from broadcast towers. A client device is associated with one or more home service regions, and is configured to receive personal messages on a home channel when in the home service region. The client device employs a self-assignment method to identify and select a home channel without the need for interaction by a user. A tower discovery method is employed to identify broadcast towers and available channels within a service region. A failover method is employed to identify a change in the broadcast system, and take appropriate action such as, for example, changing to another broadcast tower, selecting another frequency, selecting a sleep mode, as well as others.

Abstract: Radio control is used for different types of models, e.g. aircraft, cars and boats. Commonly, a number of different radio channels are allocated in a frequency band for use in radio control. If a modeller finds her or his intended channel in use, s/he can either wait until it becomes free, or retune the transmitter and receiver to a channel which is not in use. This can involve changing two crystals, one of which, in the receiver, may involve partly disassembling the model. A radio control receiver is disclosed having data storage containing code unique to the receiver. The receiver has a tuner arranged to scan a plurality of radio channels. A processor is arranged to process receiver identifying code received on a channel, with the unique code to determine whether transmissions on the channel are intended for the receiver.

Abstract: The continuing validity of a lookup table in a radio receiver for tuning to digital audio stations is monitored. The radio receiver is tuned to a first designated frequency. A determination is made whether a station identification code is identified in a digital broadcast signal at the first designated frequency matches the designated station identification code in the table entry. The radio receiver is tuned to a next designated frequency. A determination is made whether a next station identification code identified in a next digital broadcast signal at the next designated frequency matches the next designated identification code in a next table entry. A determination is made whether an invalid table condition occurs wherein the invalid table condition is a predetermined number of non-matches from the determining steps. A message is displayed that the lookup table is invalid when the invalid table condition occurs.

Abstract: A method of masking interruptions in the playback of received radio signals is provided, in which lengthy interruptions are allowed only when modulation of the radio broadcast program currently being received is recognized as speech, and a modulation pause in the received radio signal is detected. This method permits essentially complete masking of lengthy interruptions in playback or making them inaudible, in which these interruptions are necessary, e.g., for analysis/testing for a transmission frequency of transmitted RDS information to be used as an alternative to a transmission frequency currently being received.

Abstract: A radio receiver embodying the present invention comprises, a front-end circuit for selecting a broadcasting wave of a certain frequency from broadcasting waves received, a memory for storing a channel registering table, tuning key, and a control circuit. A channel registering table has a plurality of channels registered therein, and a frequency and register time for each channel are written thereon. The control circuit specifies a channel of which register time is closest to time of the depression of the key out of a plurality of channels registered in the table upon the depression of the key to command tuning operation of the channel to the front-end circuit. Thus, the radio receiver can be realized wherein the device body is compact, and even when a listener does not remember a channel registered, a desired channel can be tuned in with easy manipulation for a short period of time.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A receiver in a digital broadcast system is provided for storing broadcast content files for on-demand playback purposes. The content files are transmitted in a partitioned format. Users can select which content files are to be captured in a memory device following reception. The receiver is operable to monitor the reception of content file segments and, when a selected on-demand content file has been completely received, to generate an alert message to notify a user that the content is available for retrieval from the memory device and playback via an output device.

Abstract: A system and method of eliminating static while utilizing pre-programmed tuner buttons on a radio is disclosed. The system of the present invention mutes a pre-programmed tuner button frequency when the radio signal for the pre-programmed frequency is below a threshold value. Further the system of the present invention may automatically tune to an alternate frequency when radio signal strength of the pre-programmed tuner button frequency is below a threshold value.

Abstract: A method for searching a predetermined satellite channel by making use of information available from the satellite. The method comprises three steps. The first step is searching for a service channel from the satellite, if found than the user look up table is updated with this information. A second step is updating the user look up table by using the receiver look up table, which is implemented in the satellite receiver. The third step is the conventionally search through the entire band till the predetermined channel is found.

Abstract: A receiving apparatus and a preset station setting method, in which even when a reception area is changed, the latest preset stations which can be received are always held, and when the reception area is not changed, the preset stations can be protected. Receiving states of the preset stations are checked. If it is determined that the receiving states of all of the preset stations are deteriorated, the preset stations are rearranged. When rearranging the preset stations, a plurality of stations in a predetermined band are received and the stations are arranged into the preset stations in the order of goodness of the receiving state. When the station in the good receiving state cannot be detected, the conventional preset stations are maintained.

Abstract: A mobile weather band radio and method of tuning the radio to select a signal channel based on geographic position. The radio has a weather band tuner adjustable for a plurality of radio wave signal channels. A position indicative receiver is provided for receiving position indicative signals and determining a current position of the radio. A controller automatically tunes the tuner to a select signal channel based on the determined geographic region.

Abstract: A broadcast receiver such as a radio, television, or web browser, which automatically tunes to a preselected signal source upon initialization for a predetermined period of time. During this period of time, the user of the system may receive useful information or directions, such as directions to exit an airport or train station, instructions to orient a new user with a rental car or rental receiver, news, traffic reports, weather reports, instructions regarding hotel facilities or check-in and check-out procedures. In an enhanced form of the invention, the receiver may be automatically tuned to a series of signal sources on a timed basis. Upon conclusion of the predetermined time interval, the radio is optionally re-tuned to a user's preferred radio station or the last signal source which was tuned prior to shut off.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for a personal radio recorder. The personal radio recorder allows for random access of communication signals by identifying a channel and time. The personal radio recorder is capable of concurrent reception, storage and playback of a complete spectrum of individual communication signals. A wide-band signal is received, and concurrently demodulated into a plurality of individual communication signals. These audio signals are identified by channel and time. Individual signals may be simultaneously played, paused, or stored for later playback. Compression may be used to make efficient use of storage. Storage may be fixed, removable, or a combination of both. The system is also capable of storing signals that are digitally formatted, and is compatible with existing analog or digital playback devices. The personal radio recorder may playback multiple channels of communications data, either previously recorded or currently broadcast, to multiple output stages at the same time.

Abstract: A system and method is directed to setting user preference satellite radio music selections in a mobile vehicle. The method provides creating at least one vehicle preference selection list utilizing a user interface, transferring the vehicle preference selection list into a mobile communication unit, monitoring a satellite radio system broadcast, requesting the vehicle preference selection list from the mobile communication unit, and extracting a selection from the broadcast based on the vehicle preference selection list. The system provides a means for creating a vehicle preference selection list utilizing a user interface, a means for transferring the vehicle preference selection list into a mobile communication unit, a means for monitoring a satellite radio system broadcast, a means for requesting the vehicle preference selection list from the mobile communication unit, and a means for extracting a selection from the broadcast based on the vehicle preference selection list.

Abstract: A broadcast receiver which automatically tunes to a signal source depending on a set of rules and vehicle state conditions, such as seat occupancy, door sensors, time, day of the week, weather conditions, program content rating, vehicle location, user language preference, user identity and driver preferences. The user can configure a set of rules which causes the receiver to be automatically retuned in response to changes in conditions of the vehicle, such as favorites for the commute to work and favorites while driving with children. This eliminates the driver's distraction while operating the vehicle of searching for stations and routinely changing the station setting, thereby enhancing the usefulness, convenience, and safety of the vehicle broadcast receiver.

Abstract: A method for recording information that is transmitted over a radio frequency, especially traffic information, in which, in a monitoring state, the receiving device is supplied with power in a clocked manner. While switched on, the receiving device is tuned to a preestablished radio frequency and the received radio frequency is monitored for the presence of an identifier designating information. In the event an information identifier is detected, the receiver is supplied with power for the duration of the identifier and the information is recorded. In response to switching on the monitoring state, the preestablished radio frequency is determined as the frequency to which a radio frequency refers that transmits no information and that was set before the monitoring state was switched on.

Abstract: A scanning operation in a mobile terminal includes storing identifiers of sub-carrier frequencies known to be in use without regard to operator identity or location of use. A first scanning of only sub-carrier frequencies identified by the stored identifiers is performed in an attempt to find a used sub-carrier frequency. If no used sub-carrier frequencies are found in the first scanning, then a second scanning of sub-carrier frequencies that are not associated with stored identifiers is performed.

Abstract: The invention may be broadly conceptualized as an approach in which the configuration of a radio (108) occurs by a user entering data into a graphical interface (110), the data is stored in a user profile (112) at a server (106) and also downloaded to the radio (108).

Abstract: Reduction in the time required for an Advanced Television Standards Committee (ATSC) digital television tuner to equalize, converge, and acquire a digital television signal suitable for viewing, wherein early model ATSC tuners also include a National Television Standards Committee (NTSC) analog tuner, is achieved by using a microprocessor to control use of the NTSC tuner to scan television channels. A channel measurement module converts the scanned analog signal to a digital signal, and the equalization coefficients for the resultant digital signal are stored in memory. The equalization coefficients stored in memory are then accessed and utilized to tune in new channels on the ATSC tuner. The amount of time necessary for the ATSC tuner to tune in a new channel is thus reduced. When the ATSC tuner is in use, the equalization coefficient data stored in memory are periodically updated.

Abstract: A multi-channel input system connects between a plurality of terminals and a plurality of radio keyboards corresponding to these terminals by radio links (channels), according to a multi-channel system. A high-order terminal has a CPU that manages a setting status of each channel in this multi-channel input system, by using a channel-setting table, and notifies the setting status to any one of the terminals a according to a request from this terminal.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An entertainment device is provided for adaptively tuning to a content signal. The entertainment device includes a receiver responsive to content signals provided to the entertainment device. A selected channel of the receiver provides an output signal to an output terminal of the automobile entertainment device. A data processor is operably linked to the receiver for receiving a signal index of the content signal. The data processor is responsive to a predetermined signal index for actuating the receiver to select the specific channel corresponding to the predetermined signal index. A memory stores the predetermined signal index in accordance with an operator preference. Thus, the predetermined signal index enables the entertainment device to adaptively adjust to an operator's preferred content.

Abstract: A dynamically programmable frequency scanning radio receiver (30) is disclosed. The frequency scanning radio receiver (30) includes a compiler circuit (38) that identifies transmitting parties of interest from the plurality of transmitting parties stored in a frequency database (42). The compiler circuit (38) identifies the transmitting parties of interest based upon the location of the receiver (32) that is determined by a position locator circuit (44). Frequency data corresponding to the transmitting parties of interest is then stored in a memory (40) such that a processing circuit (36) can be used to control the receiver (32) to monitor transmissions at the frequencies of the transmitting parties of interest. When the frequency scanning radio receiver (30) is moved to a geographical area having different transmitting parties of interest, the frequency scanning radio receiver (30) may be dynamically reprogrammed based upon the new location.

Abstract: A broadcast receiver retrieves from a database the image of a program on a user-selected channel which was stored previously at the same time so as to display the image on a display device, in response to a channel selection command by a user. If a broadcast exists on the user-selected channel, the broadcast receiver displays the broadcast program on the display device. If no broadcast exists on the user-selected channel, the broadcast receiver displays a message that there is no corresponding broadcast on the display device. By viewing, during the channel selection, the displayed image of the program stored previously, the user can ascertain whether or not the channel being selected is the same channel as the user desires to view. If the channel is not the desired channel, the user can provide a second channel selection command while the preceding channel selection is performed. This permits the user to select a desired channel quickly.

Abstract: A calibration circuitry includes an adjustable capacitor, a voltage generator, a reference voltage generator, and a controller. The reference voltage generator provides a reference voltage. The voltage generator provides a measurement voltage that depends on the capacitance of the adjustable capacitor. The capacitance of the adjustable capacitor varies in response to a control signal. The controller provides the control signal based on the relative values of the reference voltage and the measurement voltage.

Abstract: A channel selection apparatus for sorting broadcast signals detects parity errors of plural broadcast signals transmitted from the same broadcasting station. The tuned frequency of the broadcast signal is shifted from the frequency of a normal broadcast signal by a predetermined value. As a result, field intensity of the broadcast signal correlates more closely with a parity error rate. The channel selection apparatus thus can sort broadcast signals in the order of fewer error rates and assign them to tuning buttons in the order of easier selecting operation.

Abstract: A communication device (1) comprising a receiver (2) for receiving coded messages transmitted on one or more channels. There is a micro-processor (13), in communication with the receiver (2) and a frequency synthesizer (4) coupled to both the micro-processor (13) and the receiver (2) to thereby control reception of the channels. The communication device (1) also has a memory (14) storing a group of-channel frequencies, wherein the micro-processor (13) is adapted, in combination with the frequency synthesizer (4), to control the receiver (2) to scan at least some of the channels during baud detect periods of a protocol cycle associated with at least one of the channels. Further, the micro-processor (13) cyclically offsets a start of the baud detect periods after completion of a protocol cycle.

Abstract: A typical car radio has favorite-station buttons for storing and selecting a driver's favorite radio stations. If a car has more than one driver, then it becomes difficult for each driver to fully enjoy the comfort these favorite-station buttons offer. For example, a father's favorite radio stations may not be his daughter's. Any sharing of the favorite-station buttons is likely to be confusing when more than one driver shares the use of the same car. The confusion is especially made worse when at least one of the drivers is handicapped by either a physical disability or by senility.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for receiving dispatch messages in a broadcast radio receiver. In one embodiment, audio dispatch messages can be received, in another embodiment, data dispatch messages can be received. In either embodiment, a previously selected broadcast channel is received until a dispatch alert message is simultaneously received. The dispatch alert message includes a dispatch ID codes which is compared by the receiver with a previously stored dispatch ID code. If equality is found, the receiver switches from the previously selected broadcast channel to a dispatch broadcast channel to receive the dispatch message. Upon completion of the dispatch message, the receiver automatically switches back to the previously selected broadcast channel.

Abstract: Selection of a program in a DAB receiver is facilitated. There are provided a data table 31 containing sets of a service ID and a time data indicating a broadcast time of that program in order of the time as well as a data table 32 containing the service ID in order of receiving frequency of that program. When an operation for selecting a program is performed, it is checked whether or not a data coincident with a service ID of a program of the latest broadcast time among data of the data table 31 is found in the data table 32. As a result of this check, if it is found, a program of that service ID is selected. As a result of the check, if it is not found, the same processing is thereafter repeated to select a program, with a service ID of a program of the next latest broadcast time among data of the data table 31.

Abstract: A radio includes storage. When a performance is performed, the title is included in the signal, data stream, or a sideband. The radio receives, decodes, and stores the title of the performance in the storage. When the user requests the radio to present the title of the performance, the radio informs the user of the title of the performance.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Distortion of a received signal due to intersymbol interference as well as to frequency offset is corrected. For this reason, a frequency offset correcting circuit 21 corrects a received signal based on a frequency-offset estimated value. A first CIR estimating circuit 22 estimates CIR estimated values at a first position according to a known training sequence in the corrected received signal. Also, a second estimating circuit 24 updates the CIR estimated values with the LMS algorithm according to the corrected received signals as well as to the decision value outputted from the equalizer 13 with the CIR estimated values at the first position as initial values and obtains CIR estimated values at a second position apart from the first position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for high speed detection, storing, and switching broadcast channels. The broadcast signal is discriminated to exist based an automatic gain control signal. This discrimination is done at a very high speed by the use of speed-up drive units. The invention also performs channel storing and switching operations at high speed by using speed-up drive units.

Abstract: A microcellular communication system which broadcasts its local channel block, including the control channels allotted from a total channel block to the microcellular system, on all control channels being used by the system. A mobile unit seeking access to the microcellular system initially searches the total channel block in an effort to receive the local channel block information broadcast by the microcellular system. The mobile unit compares received local channel block information with stored total channel block information and replaces its memory content with the newly received information. Periodic searching of stored channel block information is conducted to verify that the mobile unit has the relevant channel block information for the local microcellular system.

Abstract: A receiver which includes a control circuit (7) for delivering encoded messages, derived from a radio signal, to at least one storage device (12, 28), for receiving control data, derived from the encoded messages, from at least one storage device (12, 28), and for forming a speech text for an audio circuit (69) and a display text for a display device (13) from the control data. In order to achieve an acceptable speech text quality, a speech segment memory (14) for storing predetermined speech segments of at least one language is coupled to the control circuit (7). The control circuit (7) forms a speech text with at least a part of the message for which speech segments are stored in the speech segment memory (14). The control circuit (7) is also arranged to form a display text with at least all parts of the message which are not contained in the speech text and for which no speech segments are present in the speech segment memory (14).

Abstract: A broadcast receiver that responds to broadcast stations having a listener-preferred program style. The receiver has a processor and a database memory arranged to be coupled with the processor. The memory is configured to store information concerning a number of broadcast stations that serve at least a portion of a user-designated geographic area, and which stations have a designated program style. The information corresponds to an operating frequency for each broadcast station and an associated service coverage. A geographic position determining unit (e.g., a GPS receiver) is coupled to the processor and produces information corresponding to a current position of the receiver within the designated area. The processor is configured to produce a tuning signal operative to set a tuner unit to respond to a broadcast station that can be received at the receiver's position with the designated program style.

Abstract: A receiver includes a plurality of station-selecting keys arranged in parallel, each of which selects a broadcast frequency; a first memory part for memorizing information relating to the station selection of a plurality of broadcast frequencies capable of being received for each predetermined area; an area-selecting key for selecting and designating the area; a second memory part for memorizing and keeping information relating to the station selection of the plurality of broadcast frequencies in correspondence to each of the plurality of station-selecting keys; and a control circuit for memorizing the information relating to the station selection of the plurality of broadcast frequencies broadcasting the same broadcast program in the second memory part in such a way that the individual pieces of information are arranged near the plurality of station-selecting keys.

Abstract: Upon installation of a broadcast receiver, for example, a television receiver, the different tuning frequencies/channel numbers are to be stored in a memory of the broadcast receiver. To facilitate the installation, the network provider transmits a list of nominal tuning frequencies, for example, as a teletext page, together with at least one of the broadcast television programs. To further improve installation, also the RF frequency of a so-called subscription channel is also inserted in the list. As the RF frequency of the set-top box may differ from the nominal value in the list, a fine-tuning is performed to modify the stored tuning frequency/frequencies.

Abstract: A communication device locates a preferable wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a frequency band search schedule. Initially, the communications device registers with a less preferred service provider in a first frequency band. While remaining registered with the less preferred service provider, the device examines several frequency bands in the order specified by the frequency band search schedule. A frequency band is examined by dividing the frequency band into many sub-bands, and by locating the strongest signal above a threshold within the sub-band being examined. The examination continues until a second frequency band having a more preferred service provider is located. The communication device then registers with the more preferred service provider. The category of service provider may be identified and displayed on the communication device.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of, and a method of, playing audio, the apparatus comprising communicating, processing, and playing means for, and the method comprising the steps of: communicating a user's information preferences to an information provider; receiving, from the information provider, informational items that are responsive to the user's information references; interleaving and sequencing, for the user, a playing of the received informational items with a playing of a plurality of musical items included in an audio library of the user; and playing, for the user and responsive to the interleaving and sequencing, the received informational items within a playing of the plurality of musical items; and wherein the playing comprises a voice synthesizing of an at least one of informational item; wherein the playing is responsive to a schedule preferences of the user; wherein a verified apparent listening of a playing of an informational item is associated with a credit; and/or wherein a user's rec

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for a moving body which enables a user to know a receivable broadcast station at the current position in real time and to select smoothly a desired broadcast station in a receiver even in an unfamiliar area. This system includes a broadcast station data memory that stores the channel data of a receivable broadcast station for each area, and a main processing circuit which is responsive to the vehicle's current position sensed by a coordinate computing unit for referring to the channel data and for showing the channel data of a receivable broadcast station at the current position on a display.

Abstract: A communication device (102) has a serving and neighbor list (202) and a bandmap (204, 206). Upon losing communication service (402) the device begins alternately scanning the serving and neighbor list (SNL) and subsections (302, 304, 306, 308) of the bandmap. If an appropriate carrier is found while scanning the SNL, the device reconnects to the serving system. While scanning the subsections of the bandmap, the device creates and maintains a list (312) of suitable carriers. If no carriers are found corresponding to the SNL, a serving cell is selected from the list (312).

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system provide or broadcast information within a given geographic region that is also specific to a given geographic region, such as traffic reports, sightseeing interests, public services information, or weather conditions. The apparatus, method and system of the present invention also provide for different or varying information to be broadcast from region to region; specific hand-off procedures as mobile units change regions; the capability for multiple mobile units to utilize the same broadcast channel containing the information; and the muting of the reverse voice channels of such mobile units during such broadcast sessions. The system of the present invention includes a plurality of serving transceivers located in a corresponding plurality of geographic areas, and a switching center coupled via a plurality of trunk lines to the plurality of serving transceivers.