Frequency Scanning Patents (Class 455/161.1)
  • Publication number: 20080299925
    Abstract: A method and system for processing channels in a FM communication system are provided. The FM communication system using the method or program may include adjusting a tuning frequency of a FM receiver for scanning and detecting an FM channel based on one or more of knowledge of location of said FM receiver, received signal strength indicator (RSSI), and/or carrier error of a related FM signal. Frequency offsets and channel spacing of the detected FM channels may be derived based on a self measurement routine. The aforementioned information may be preprogrammed, updated from a previous scan, or from external inputs to configure the receiver for subsequent selective tuning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: John Stuart Walley, Rafael Sotomayor, Prasan Kumar Pai
  • Patent number: 7460867
    Abstract: Scanning neighboring base stations in a wireless access system is provided. In one embodiment, a method of scanning neighboring base stations for assessing channel quality includes receiving from a serving base station information associated with at least one neighboring base station, and transmitting a scanning request message from a mobile subscriber station to the serving base station, wherein the scanning request message comprises a requested scan duration and a requested scan iteration, the requested scan iteration being associated with a requested number of iterations of the scanning of the at least one neighboring base station. The method also includes receiving a scanning response message from the serving base station, wherein the scanning response message comprises an allowed scan duration and an allowed scan iteration, the allowed scan iteration being associated with an allowed number of iterations of the scanning of the at least one neighboring base station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Yong Ho Kim, Ki Hyoung Cho
  • Publication number: 20080261547
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for RF channel selection in a multi-frequency network. A method includes identifying selected local operations infrastructures (LOIs) and their neighboring LOIs, generating a neighbor description message (NDM) that identifies the selected LOIs and their neighboring LOIs and associates a descrambling sequence identifier with each RF channel of the selected LOIs and their neighboring LOIs, and distributing the NDM over the selected LOIs. An apparatus includes a message decoder to receive an NDM that identifies RF channels of a first LOI and neighboring LOIs, and wherein each RF channel is associated with a descrambling sequence identifier, and processing logic to detect content acquisition failures, determine a list of RF channels and their associated LOIs that carry desired content, and select a selected RF channel that is associated with a selected LOI that carries the most additional content among the associated LOIs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Binita Gupta, Linbo Li, Raghuraman Krishnamoorthi, Ashok Mantravadi
  • Patent number: 7418245
    Abstract: A method of radio control, adapted in a wireless device that includes a cognitive radio and a free radio. First, the cognitive radio scans within vicinity or range to receive frames sent from or to the free radio, for retrieving therefrom network information of on-air frames indicative of past operational status of the free radio. Next, network operation commands of the free radio are sensed by the cognitive radio, in which the network operations commands being indicative of present operational status of the free radio. Then, a step is performed using the cognitive radio to read network flags generated in the free radio indicative of future operational status of the free radio. Following operation of the cognitive radio is then configured based on at least one of the past, present and future operational status of the free radio so as to reduce channel interferences with the free radio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Accton Technology Corporation
    Inventor: I-Ru Liu
  • Patent number: 7415255
    Abstract: With the objective of providing a scanning receiver capable of capturing a target radio wave in an extremely short period of time by use of a simple constituting means, a plurality of wide frequency division bands in which a full frequency range is divided into predetermined frequency ranges are set and the field intensities of received radio waves are retrieved using the output of an intermediate frequency amplifier circuit over the set wide frequency division bands in order. Further, when a received radio wave having a field intensity greater than or equal to a prescribed level is obtained upon the above retrieval, receive frequencies are swept from one end of each of the wide frequency division bands to the other end thereof. When a target radio wave can be captured upon the above sweeping, transition to the operation of receiving the target radio wave is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: General Research of Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Wakui, Nobuaki Yokoyama, Kazuo Kawai
  • Patent number: 7403747
    Abstract: A method of tuning a station is disclosed, wherein a first pilot signal is applied on a circuit of the station and the resulting output power of the signal circuit is subsequently detected. A second pilot signal is then applied to the circuit and the resulting output power of the circuit is detected. The offset of the circuit is then tuned based on information of the resulting output power detected for the first and second signals. A station that is adapted to implement the method may be tuned by the manufacturer thereof or later after having already been taken into use. The tuning may occur automatically as response to a predefined event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Tapio Kuiri, Ville Salmi, Jorma Savolainen
  • Publication number: 20080139213
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method, system, apparatus, receiver module, and computer program product which may provide a power-efficient reception. In an example embodiment, at least one spectrum available for a desired communication may be scanned, and available communication channels may be categorized based on at least one determined channel property. A communication channel may be selected from the available communication channels based on the result of the categorization, and complexity of a receiver processing may be set based on the at least one channel property of the selected communication channel. Complexity of the receiver processing may be reduced in light of the property of the selected channel, so that power consumption may be kept low.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: NOKIA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Edmund Coersmeier
  • Patent number: 7386272
    Abstract: A system and a method for transmitting signals having audio data in a vehicle are provided. The system includes a first transceiver configured to receive an analog communication signal having the audio data and to transmit a first FM signal having the audio data in an ISM frequency band in response to the analog communication signal. The first FM signal is transmitted at a first predetermined power level. The system further includes a second transceiver configured to receive the first FM signal and to transmit a second FM signal having the audio data in an FM frequency band in response to the first FM signal. The second FM signal is transmitted at a second predetermined power level less than the first predetermined power level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank M. Hirschenberger
  • Patent number: 7369824
    Abstract: A receiver contains a demodulator system that can deliver a stream of digital data comprising at least a first and a second set of audio data. In a first time interval, a memory is used to store either the first or the second set of audio data. In a subsequent time interval, the demodulator system delivers another stream of digital data. A user can select either the stored audio data or the another stream of digital data. The selected data is converted to analog audio signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Inventor: Hark C. Chan
  • Publication number: 20080096501
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for use in scanning a radio frequency (RF) band for wireless local area networks (WLANs) while regulatory information for the RF band is deemed unknown are disclosed. A mobile communication device includes one or more processors and a wireless transceiver coupled to the one or more processors. In one illustrative embodiment, a processor of the mobile device utilizes the wireless transceiver to cause the RF band to be scanned using a passive scan operation on RF channels having a passive scan status. During the passive scan operation, the processor attempts to decode an information frame on the RF channel. In response to successfully decoding an information frame on the RF channel during the passive scan operation, the processor changes the passive scan status of the RF channel to an active scan status, and causes an active scan operation to be performed on the RF channel having the active scan status.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Leonardo Salomone, Michael Peter Montemurro
  • Publication number: 20080090533
    Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for compensating for using a transmitter to calibrate a receiver for channel equalization are provided. Various embodiments of the invention may be applicable wireless devices in TDM systems, Bluetooth, and/or WLAN applications, for example. Transmit tones may be generated by a transmitter PLL and the baseband response may be measured for each of the injected tones. The tones may be swept over a frequency range and a corresponding oscillator signal may be mixed with the received signal to determine the response of, for example, the receiver filters. Adjusting any of a plurality of receiver and/or transmitter parameters based on baseband measurements may provide appropriate channel compensation or calibration. Accordingly, the baseband circuitry may generate equalization signals, which may be utilized to adjust receiver and/or transmitter circuitry. This approach may be provide I/Q balancing and transmit filtering calibration after receiver calibration is completed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventor: Ahmadreza Rofougaran
  • Patent number: 7359676
    Abstract: This application is directed to systems and methods for adaptively scanning for wireless communications. Scan data associated with scanning one or more wireless network channels based upon a scan pattern is received. Each wireless channel has a designation of primary or secondary with at least one channel having the secondary designation. A determination is made as to whether anomalous activity is present on a selected wireless channel designated as secondary. If anomalous activity is determined to be present, at least one scanning parameter of the selected channel is altered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: AirDefense, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott E. Hrastar
  • Publication number: 20080070523
    Abstract: Embodiments of techniques to perform passive and active scanning in a wireless network are presented herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventors: Ahmad Masri, Alexander Tolpin
  • Publication number: 20080064347
    Abstract: A wireless connection apparatus which scans radio frequency bands for local quiet unused, vacant, or unassigned frequencies which the apparatus can use, on a temporary basis, to establish a link for communicating between a portable multimedia device and a nearby RBDS/RDS configured receiver or source. The apparatus does not interfere with or utilize frequencies actively in use by an assigned user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Applicant: Monster Cable Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Le Thu Tran
  • Publication number: 20080064348
    Abstract: A wireless connection apparatus which scans radio frequency bands for local quiet unused, vacant, or unassigned frequencies which the apparatus can use, on a temporary basis, to establish a link for communicating between a portable multimedia device and a nearby RBDS/RDS configured receiver or source. The apparatus does not interfere with or utilize frequencies actively in use by an assigned user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventor: Le Thu Tran
  • Publication number: 20080057888
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a radio frequency receiver; a radio frequency transmitter; and a processing system coupled with the receiver and transmitter. The processing system directs the receiver to scan a radio frequency spectrum for available radio channels over which the transmitter may transmit. The processing system may further direct the receiver to perform a second scan for radio channels which are actively transmitting information. The processing system then selects an available radio channel as the radio channel best suited for use by the transmitter to transmit information to the external audio system. The processing system may select a transmission frequency which is spectrally distant from the active radio channels and/or may take into account a transmission profile of the transmitter to select a frequency that does not interfere with the reception of incoming radio signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: Garmin Ltd.
    Inventors: Eugene L. Shoykhet, Jason D. Bridges
  • Patent number: 7330707
    Abstract: In a heterodyne receiver, the effect of an image interference signal that occurs in a case where a low intermediate frequency is used is alleviated. Circuits (12I), (12Q), (13I), (13Q), and (14) are provided to switch a heterodyne system between an upper heterodyne system and a lower heterodyne system. The switching circuits (12I) to (14) switch the heterodyne system into one of the upper heterodyne system and the lower heterodyne system with less image interference on the basis of each reception frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Taiwa Okanobu
  • Publication number: 20080014880
    Abstract: A signaling method between a cognitive radio (CR) base station and a CR terminal in a CR environment, and a channel division method used for the signaling method, includes: detecting a channel usage of an incumbent system, which communicates with a CR base station; sensing an outband channel to communicate with the CR base station; receiving an EOS, which is broadcasted from the CR base station via the outband channel according to a predetermined period; and transmitting a sensing report signal with respect to the channel to the CR base station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Applicants: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., INHA-Industry Partnership Institute
    Inventors: Tae-In Hyon, Sang-Jo Yoo, Jae Moung Kim, Jae Hak Chung, Hyun Ju Kim
  • Publication number: 20080003961
    Abstract: An apparatus for scanning radio waves including a scanner in operable communication with a radio receiver, the scanner further including a monitor module configured to scan a plurality of radio waves in real time. The monitor module is further configured to extract audio samples containing information. The scanner further includes a memory module in communication with the monitor module. The memory module is configured to receive the extracted audio sample data from the monitor module. The memory module is further configured to store the extracted audio sample data. The scanner further includes an audio analyzer module in communication with the memory module. The audio analyzer module is configured to analyze the extracted audio sample data and classify the extracted audio sample data into a particular content category. The scanner further includes a content aggregation module and a second memory module communicating with the content aggregation module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Victor A. Acuna, Lee Nee, Steven M. Miller, Omar E. Perez, Jamie E. Rivera-Cordero
  • Publication number: 20070298738
    Abstract: A method for managing scanning of a plurality of channels in a wireless network is disclosed. The method comprises detecting by a station that a first channel in a plurality of channels is being used for a communication by another station, determining a duration of the communication based upon the communication information, setting a Network Allocation Vector for the station based on the determined duration, scanning a number of channels during the determined duration, and returning to the first channel upon at least one of a) completion of the step of scanning and b) an end of the determined duration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Applicant: MOTOROLA, INC.
    Inventors: BYUNG SEO KIM, YE CHEN
  • Patent number: 7274917
    Abstract: The roaming of mobile equipment between a home network and foreign network is managed. The roaming behavior is based on the contents of control files saved in the mobile equipment of the subscribers. A list of networks to be used in a priority order in a roaming situation is defined in the control files. The management application checks the current roaming setting for the mobile equipment and the desired roaming behavior for the location that the mobile equipment roamed into. As a result of the comparison, the management application adjusts the roaming setting to be in accordance with the desired roaming behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Smarttrust AB
    Inventor: Fredrik Almgren
  • Patent number: 7260393
    Abstract: A communication unit operates in a wireless-networking environment and maintains a mapping for active channels and associated network identifiers. The communication unit may associate with a wireless network using the mapping for one or more of the active channels having a selected network identifier. For associations and reassociations with wireless networks, the communication unit may selectively scan the channels having mapping stored in a table to more quickly identify active channels and thereby reduce scan time. In some embodiments, an access point may perform channel-width measurements and radar detection using the bitmap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Tejaswini Fnu, Shahrnaz Azizi
  • Patent number: 7257112
    Abstract: A method of conserving power in a WLAN receiver is provided wherein processing tasks that need only to be operated for a brief period of time during the reception of a received packet are enabled only during the brief period of time. The enabling includes providing multiple power control signals that are controlled by a state machine for enabling and disabling the processing tasks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Jie Liang
  • Patent number: 7221900
    Abstract: A RFID jamming device and methodology are provided for inhibiting unwanted intrusions of RFID smart tag technology. The device includes a mechanism for actively or passively preventing a RFID scanner from accurately receiving information from smart tags associated with products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter C. Reade, Daniel L. Ellingson, Jeff Lindsay
  • Patent number: 7215956
    Abstract: Techniques for scanning other frequency channels for candidate base stations are described. In one scheme, the scanning of other frequency channels is performed based on the received signal quality (e.g., pilot Ec/Io) for an active base station that a wireless device is monitoring for user-specific and overhead messages. The scanning is bypassed if the active pilot Ec/Io exceeds a high threshold and performed if the active pilot Ec/Io is between the high threshold and a low threshold. In another scheme, the scanning of other frequency channels is performed at a rate that is a function of the active pilot Ec/Io. In yet another scheme, the scanning of other frequency channels is performed based on the active pilot Ec/Io and further using an adaptive timer. The timer is set to an initial value and thereafter adjusted by variable amounts determined by active pilot Ec/Io measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Qualcomm, Incorporated
    Inventors: Jing Liu, Jon James Anderson, Kurt William Otte
  • Patent number: 7215935
    Abstract: Techniques for segmented CDMA searching are disclosed. In one aspect, a searcher comprises a plurality of storage elements selectable for performing a plurality of segmentable search tasks, each storage element operable for storage of and access to state information for one of the plurality of search tasks. In another aspect, a first search task is interrupted in progress, the state information for the first task is stored, a second search task is performed, and the first search task is continued using the stored state information. In yet another aspect, a search task is segmented into smaller search segments, sized to fit within contiguous available time in the searcher. Various other aspects of the invention are also presented. These aspects have the benefit of circuit area and search-time efficiency which translate into reduced costs, increased standby time, increased acquisition speed, higher quality signal transmission, increased data throughput, decreased power, and improved overall system capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Qualcomm Incorporated
    Inventors: Subramanya P. Rao, Da-shan Shiu, Jeremy H. Lin, Jeong Geun Kim
  • Patent number: 7184715
    Abstract: A method of tuning a station is disclosed, wherein a first pilot signal is applied on a circuit of the station and the resulting output power of the signal circuit is subsequently detected. A second pilot signal is then applied to the circuit and the resulting output power of the circuit is detected. The offset of the circuit is then tuned based on information of the resulting output power detected for the first and second signals. A station that is adapted to implement the method may be tuned by the manufacturer thereof or later after having already been taken into use. The tuning may occur automatically as response to a predefined event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Tapio Kuiri, Ville Salmi, Jorma Savolainen
  • Patent number: 7177608
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Catch a Wave Technologies
    Inventors: William S. Herz, Michael A. Polatnick
  • Patent number: 7174141
    Abstract: Apparatus, and an associated method, for a radio communication system having a sending station and a receiving station. The sending station sends data pursuant to a communication service and ultrawide band signals pursuant to a selected time-hopping sequence. An ultrawide band signal detector is positioned at the receiving station. The ultrawide band signal detects the ultrawide band signal transmitted thereto. Correlation is made between the detected ultrawide band signal and a locally-generated replica signal. Correlations therebetween are used to facilitate various receiving station operations, such as equalization operations upon received data, time synchronization of the receiving station to the sending station, and position determination of the positioning of the receiving station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Marilynn P. Green, Shu-Shaw Wang
  • Patent number: 7171174
    Abstract: We have disclosed an enhanced radio system that provides for the capture and playback of one or more radio stations. The user may tune to a station, or scan through stations, rewind to hear what was missed, and fast-forward through undesired content. The system allows a user to rate content, and to be notified when that content is being played on any station. The system may make radio station recommendations. The system allows the user to respond easily to radio content, download audio content, and send radio content to another user. The system may provide other radio related and radio content related information. The system may provide a karaoke mode. The system may also allow the user to integrate a telephone with the radio. The system may report usage information to a collection facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, Caron S. Ellis
  • Patent number: 7167696
    Abstract: The performance and ease of management of wireless communications environments is improved by a mechanism that enables access points (APs) to perform automatic channel selection. A wireless network can therefore include multiple APs, each of which will automatically choose a channel such that channel usage is optimized. Furthermore, APs can perform automatic power adjustment so that multiple APs can operate on the same channel while minimizing interference with each other. Wireless stations are load balanced across APs so that user bandwidth is optimized. A movement detection scheme provides seamless roaming of stations between APs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Autocell Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Floyd Backes, Laura Bridge
  • Patent number: 7167697
    Abstract: An electronic circuit having reverse scan tuning comprises an IC radio having the forward scan function, in which a VCO capacitor is connected in parallel to a series connected resistor and switch, and a second switch is connects an input to an IF limiter amplifier to either circuit ground or a voltage supply. The invention makes it convenient for a user to search for a radio station by not having to start a search for a lower band station at the lowest end of the frequency band. The user does not need to push reset button to return to the lowest frequency when the user wants to receive a station whose frequency is lower than the current station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: OneWorld Enterprises Limited
    Inventor: Man Shan Hui
  • Patent number: 7149518
    Abstract: A method of connecting to a radiocommunication network a terminal which is in a standby mode because of temporary unavailability of the signal from the network includes a step of periodically scanning frequencies of the radiocommunication network using one or more sequences each associated with a predetermined list of frequencies selected from all the frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Alcatel
    Inventors: Luc Attimont, Jannick Bodin
  • Patent number: 7127010
    Abstract: A receiver local oscillator is always tuned to a frequency that lies within a range of reception frequencies of the receiver. The oscillator is tuned to a frequency less than and above the received frequency when the received frequency is above and below a threshold frequency, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventor: Robert P. Parker
  • Patent number: 7120437
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for selecting carriers to be measured by a subscriber unit (301,303, 501). The subscriber unit (301, 303, 501) is served by a communication system and is operable to measure carriers in a frequency band, which typically belongs to a different communication system. The apparatus comprises a performance processor (329) for determining a measuring performance characteristic of the subscriber unit (301, 303, 501) related to the measurement performance of the subscriber unit (301, 303, 501) when measuring in the frequency band. The apparatus furthermore comprises a carrier subset selector (331) for selecting a subset of carriers in the frequency band to be measured by the subscriber unit. The subset of carriers is selected dependent on the measuring performance characteristic. The invention is applicable to dual 2nd and 3rd generation cellular communication systems such as GSM/UMTS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Maya Benson, Howard Thomas
  • Patent number: 7120404
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a radio reception system, which comprises a plurality of receivers assigned to a common output device, in which one of the receivers is designated as audio receiver and is tuned to a frequency of a radio transmitter, and outputs a signal received from the transmitter to the output device. At least one second receiver is designated as search receiver, and continuously searches its own reception frequency band for a frequency of the same transmitter. The system changes to a frequency of this transmitter, which was found by the search receiver, if the quality of the signal received by the audio receiver falls below a certain limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Gierl
  • Patent number: 7099638
    Abstract: Receiving apparatus (1) for receiving an amplitude modulated signal which may be transmitted on a plurality of frequency channels within a predetermined frequency bandwidth comprises a tuner (3) for sequentially scanning through the channels under the control of a microprocessor (6) which determines the presence of a signal on a channel to which the tuner (3) is tuned. A first validation circuit (10) determines if the received signal is a valid type signal, and if so the microprocessor (6) counts the channels from the channel on which the signal is first detected to the channel on which the signal can no longer be detected is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignees: Hi-Key Limited, Land Rover
    Inventors: Patrick J Lyons, Jeremy J Greenwood
  • Patent number: 7096017
    Abstract: A method and system for synchronizing scan opportunities in a mobile communications system. Time slots are sent between a mobile subscriber and an associated base station wherein the mobile subscriber corresponds to a scan group. The number of time slots sent between the mobile subscriber and the associated base station is counted. Based upon the count, the scan group of the mobile subscriber, a scan rate, and a scan opportunity divisor, a scan opportunity is determined. If it is a scan opportunity, a scan is performed of a neighboring base station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanko Jelavic, Apoorv Chaudhri, Alan P. Conrad
  • Patent number: 7076220
    Abstract: The performance and ease of management of wireless communications environments is improved by a mechanism that enables access points (APs) to perform automatic channel selection. A wireless network can therefore include multiple APs, each of which will automatically choose a channel such that channel usage is optimized. Furthermore, APs can perform automatic power adjustment so that multiple APs can operate on the same channel while minimizing interference with each other. Wireless stations are load balanced across APs so that user bandwidth is optimized. A movement detection scheme provides seamless roaming of stations between APs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Autocell Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Floyd Backes, Laura Bridge
  • Patent number: 7062238
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for connecting an in-vehicle radio to a wireless device. A user selection input is provided to the in-vehicle radio. A local broadcast frequency is determined based on the user selection input. A broadcast request message including the local broadcast frequency is sent to the wireless device, and the radio is tuned to the local broadcast frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Mark J. Glaza
  • Patent number: 7050802
    Abstract: A receiver receives communication signals on an assigned frequency channel while monitoring the signals received on other frequency channels. A communication processor processes the received communication signals from the current base station while a wideband digitizer processes received filtered signals on the other frequency channels, which correspond to the neighboring base stations. The wideband digitizer generates numerical samples representing the filtered signals in response to a control signal generated by a control processor. The control processor then determines characteristic signals of the frequency channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Ericsson Inc.
    Inventor: Paul W. Dent
  • Patent number: 7050771
    Abstract: A method for operating a dual-band mobile station (10) includes a first step of (a) storing information in the mobile station. The stored information includes an ordered list of frequency bands (Band Order Table 24A). For example, at least one frequency band is an 800 MHz frequency band and at least one other frequency band is a 1900 MHz frequency band. The stored information further includes an identity (24B) of a band wherein an acceptable control channel was last located. A next step (b) is executed in response to a user invoking a search procedure to locate a new non-public system. This step accesses the memory to determine the identity of the band wherein an acceptable control channel was last located, and marks this band as a band to be searched. A next step (c) collects signal strength measurements on channels in the band to be searched and executes a channel search procedure to locate a control channel of a desired non-public system within the band to be searched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Ari Uistola
  • Patent number: 7043215
    Abstract: A radio receiver performs a fast tune to a target frequency channel potentially containing a hybrid broadcast signal for determining whether analog signal contained in the hybrid broadcast signal contains an identifying data indicating the presence of a digital broadcast station before attempting to decode a digital signal contained in the hybrid broadcast signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd A. Toporski, J. William Whikehart
  • Patent number: 7010298
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting the presence of a wireless LAN. The system includes a radio frequency receiver for receiving radio frequency signals and a controller having associated programming for controlling the receiver. The programming also functions to measure and analyze the energy of the received radio frequency signals for the purpose of determining if the radio frequency signals indicate the presence of a wireless LAN or are being produced by a noise generating electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Chrysalis California L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael Seedman, Bruno Marchevsky, David Gary Padgitt
  • Patent number: 7006802
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a universal transmitter that can learn and emulate the transmission frequency and modulation pattern of a template transmitter, without prior knowledge of such information. The universal transmitter is then operable to transmit the “learned” modulation pattern and transmission frequency to actuate a remote control receiver operable with the template transmitter. The universal transmitter is capable of recognizing a fixed-code pulse-modulated, frequency shift keying, or other transmission without prior knowledge of the frequency and modulation pattern. The universal transmitter includes multiple programmable switches to allow the universal transmitter to learn the modulation pattern and frequency of multiple transmitting sources and store the values in non-volatile memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventor: Philip Y. W. Tsui
  • Patent number: 6968165
    Abstract: A frequency scanning receiver minimizes the time needed for setting the frequency of a phased lock loop of a first local oscillator. The frequency scanning receiver is configured so that when the reference frequency of the PLL of the first local oscillator has been set at a high frequency, and the frequency error is less than the second IF, the frequency error is controlled to be zero by the control circuit switching the frequency of a second local oscillator or third local oscillator to an appropriate frequency using an output of a frequency discriminator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: General Research of Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Sadanori Shitara, Kiyoshi Wakui, Nobuaki Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 6961548
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus-Erwin Groeger, Ulrich Fricke
  • Patent number: 6950638
    Abstract: A system and method is directed to scheduling user preference satellite radio station selections in a mobile vehicle. The method provides creating at least one vehicle preference selection schedule utilizing a user interface, transferring the vehicle preference selection schedule into a mobile communication unit, monitoring a satellite radio system broadcast, requesting the vehicle preference selection schedule from the mobile communication unit, and extracting a radio station selection from the broadcast based on the vehicle preference selection schedule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Matt C. Videtich, Thomas P. Grau, Richard M. Lee
  • Patent number: 6941120
    Abstract: A frequency scanning radio receiver scans and receives transmissions on discrete radio frequencies. The frequency scanning radio receiver is programmable to monitor frequencies in a geographical area where the receiver is located. The receiver is coupled to a communication device, located externally or internally of the receiver, for communication with a positioning system, such as the global positioning system, to determine the geographical location of the frequency scanning radio receiver either automatically or in response to a manual request. A data base of frequency allocation data, either internal to the radio or in a remotely located host system, provides frequency data to a memory in the frequency scanning radio receiver based on geographical location of the receiver determined through the communication device to program the receiver to monitor local radio frequency transmissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Gray Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard E. Barnett, Philip L. Henry
  • Patent number: 6925290
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiko Hitomi, Akio Inoue, Yoshikazu Otsubo, Takayuki Hamabata