Abstract: A method of tuning a frequency and apparatus thereof are disclosed, in which broadcast channel information for bringing up the image of broadcasting is used and by which the frequency corresponding to the broadcast channel information is automatically tuned. The present invention includes the steps of storing a broadcast channel information and a frequency for a specific broadcasting, searching the frequency using the broadcast channel information provided by a user, and tuning the searched frequency.

Abstract: A radio receiver (300) having a multi-state variable threshold automatic gain control (AGC) for fast channel scanning acquisition includes an amplifier (303) having an automatic gain control (AGC) for controlling the gain of a receiver analog signal. An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) (311) is used for converting the receiving analog signal to a digital signal while a digital signal processor (DSP) (325) operates to process the digital signal. A signal magnitude estimator (315) in an AGC controller (313) provides a signal strength estimate of the received signal. The AGC controller (313) then sets the receiver amplifier (303) for an open-loop AGC operational mode and sets a first threshold for triggering an interrupt service request (ISR). This ISR is provided the DSP (325) and the host processor (327) if a radio frequency (RF) signal is detected above a first threshold during a priority scan of a priority channel to minimize interruptions in audio during priority scan.

Abstract: In one illustrative scanning and decoding method, a signal strength level of an RF signal on an RF channel is measured for a plurality of RF channels of an RF band. The act of measuring a signal strength level is repeated at least one time to obtain at least one other signal strength level of the RF signal. Subsequently, an averaging function is completed with use of the signal strength level and the at least one other signal strength level for identifying an averaged signal strength level of the RF signal. At least one optimal RF signal is then identified based on the averaged signal strength levels of the RF signals on the RF channels. In between the repeated acts of measuring signal strength levels of the RF signals, and prior to identifying the averaged signal strength levels, control information is decoded on at least one of the RF channels and stored in memory.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for dynamic radio station tuning in a data processing system. A play list is identified. The play list is a user-defined list and includes an identification of a number of songs. Music information is obtained from a plurality of radio stations. This music information is compared to the play list to generate a schedule. Dynamic tuning to a radio station within the plurality of radio stations is performed using the schedule to present songs from the number of songs to a listener.

Abstract: A mobile station including a processor and a memory storing program instructions. The instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to determine if any candidate control channels of a list of candidate control channels are ineligible for selection by belonging to a private network to which the mobile station is not permitted access, analyze those candidate control channels not determined to be ineligible for selection to identify a primary candidate control channel, and attempt to select the primary candidate control channel.

Abstract: A multi-band wireless transceiver having a plurality of signal-processing paths, and further having a function of making wireless communication through a plurality of frequency bands by selecting one of the signal-processing paths, includes a band identification circuit for identifying a frequency band, the band identification circuit identifying a frequency band in dependence on a frequency-band information received from a controller which controls an operation of the multi-band wireless transceiver, and selecting one of the signal-processing paths in accordance with the identified frequency band.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for identifying radio stations along a travel route broadcasting programs in user-specified radio program formats without requiring positioning devices that provide real-time positioning information of a radio receiver. An exemplary method includes determining a travel route based on specified starting and ending location information. The method includes identifying, from a plurality of radio stations, any radio stations along the determined travel route that broadcast radio program formats corresponding to at least one specified radio program format. The identifying includes analyzing predetermined radio station information compiled for the plurality of radio stations. The method includes outputting the identified radio stations to accompany the determined travel route as text-formatted travel directions comprising a plurality of text segments.

Abstract: A method for re-selecting control channels in a mobile station reduces the use of resources by limiting an evaluation of candidate control channels to those channels which satisfy certain criteria and are deemed to be eligible control channels. As a consequence, resources are not spent on attempting to re-select a control channel that is not compatible with the mobile station.

Abstract: A method of operating a single-tuner radio includes tuning into a first frequency. A pause in a first signal associated with the first frequency is detected. Tuning is switched from the first frequency to a second frequency. A signal quality metric for the second frequency is measured. Tuning is switched from the second frequency to the first frequency.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An IC chip allows first communication for performing communication with all of the other IC chips, and second communication for performing communication while restricting communication parties. That is to say, the IC chip performs sending/receiving signals with a new communication arrangement with both the first communication which is a broadcasting arrangement and the second communication which is a communicatory arrangement. This enables the function upgrading electronic equipment to be performed easily, and enables flexible signal processing with a new communication arrangement.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An audio apparatus is provided that permits selection of either analog or digital audio signals in execution of a scan operation. A radio receiver 300 comprises a tuner 320 capable of receiving carrier wave signals including at least an analog audio signal and a digital audio signal, a microcomputer 380 for controlling the tuner to search for a receivable broadcast station in sequence, and to receive the carrier wave signal from the broadcast station searched for during a certain period of time, a switch 350 for selecting one audio signal from the analog audio signal and the digital audio signal sent from the tuner 320 during the scan operation, and a speaker 390 for reproducing the audio signal selected by the switch 350.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Techniques to manage power based on motion detection are described. For example, a mobile computing device may include a radio module having a communications failure event detector operative to detect a communications failure event, a motion detector operative to detect motion, and a processor coupled to the radio module and the motion detector. The processor operative to execute a scan control module to determine the mobile computing device is moving or stationary, and control scanning operations by the radio module in accordance with the determination. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and a method for determining the frequency of a radio frequency signal. The coherency of a received signal is determined and only the frequency of a coherent signal is determined. Zero amplitude transitions of coherent signals are counted in respective time periods. If the counts in each time period agree within a quantization error, the accumulated counts for a fixed time period are employed to determine a frequency. The frequency determining apparatus and method are particularly useful with a frequency agile radio receiver for detecting the presence of radio frequency signals from nearby mobile and stationary transmitters. Upon determination of the frequency of the nearby transmitter, the channel of transmission can be determined from a memory within the receiver and the receiver can be tuned to monitor the transmission. Additional tests to verify the frequency determination may be applied using squelch and window detector circuits of the radio receiver.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for providing communications services. One method receives a request for communications service. The request for communications service originates from a client communications device, and the request for communications service is communicated to a service provider of a communications network. A preferred scenario of segmentation, dispersion, and assemblage of electronic data is dynamically ascertained to fulfill the request. The method then bills for the communications service.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An automatic channel selection (ACS) process enables an access point to determine a best channel available, i.e., the channel with a least amount of interference, for it operation. When ACS is enabled, the access point scans frequencies for all neighboring access points and their signal strengths. Based on this data, the access point then determines which frequency is least likely to be interfered with by these other access points. The access point switches itself to this frequency and begins operation. During normal operation, the access point may periodically rescan the air space and reevaluate its current operating channel. Preferably, every neighboring access point has its own channel, and the co-channel interference levels should be low enough so that there is a maximum coverage and high throughput for the network. If these characteristics cannot be achieved, the access point may then adjust its power automatically to reduce the interference level in the network.

Abstract: An IC chip allows first communication for performing communication with all of the other IC chips, and second communication for performing communication while restricting communication parties. That is to say, the IC chip performs sending/receiving signals with a new communication arrangement with both the first communication which is a broadcasting arrangement and the second communication which is a communicatory arrangement. This enables the function upgrading electronic equipment to be performed easily, and enables flexible signal processing with a new communication arrangement.

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.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for determining a region where a broadcasting receiver is located by detecting the signal strength of a plurality of channels. When a user takes the broadcasting receiver from region A to region B, the broadcasting receiver provides a list of regions including region B when the broadcasting receiver is turned on. When the user chooses to change the current region to region B, and after the channel scan is performed, the user can effortlessly view the broadcast programs of region B.

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.

Abstract: An integrated circuit radio frequency (RF) transmitter includes a phase locked loop having a multi-mode loop filter that is operable to provide wide band response with a fast settle time in a startup mode of operation and a relatively more narrow response with a longer settle time but with improved filtering in a steady state mode of operation according to one embodiment of the invention. The multi-mode loop filter includes, in one embodiment, selectable resistance circuitry for selecting between a plurality of resistance values based upon a two-state multi-mode control signal to provide the selected resistance values and selectable capacitance circuitry for selecting between a plurality of capacitance values based upon the two-state multi-mode control signal and for operatively coupling selected capacitors to selected resistors to provide the selected capacitance values.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus, method and system for providing reduced power consumption, fast processing of digitized communication signals and relatively easy reconfiguration for different applications, such as communication protocols/standards. The invention recognizes that the processing of signals associated with different types of communication standards can be recharacterized as deterministic data flows. Also, for each deterministic data flow, several of the same categories of computation are performed in substantially the same manner, albeit in a different order or somewhat differently, that is unique to a particular application. Based on this recharacterization, the invention divides the processing of the deterministic data flow for a communication signal among several Class processors that are separately configurable to optimize their particular category/class of computation in the processing of the signal.

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.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for dynamic radio station tuning in a data processing system. A play list is identified. The play list is a user-defined list and includes an identification of a number of songs. Music information is obtained from a plurality of radio stations. This music information is compared to the play list to generate a schedule. Dynamic tuning to a radio station within the plurality of radio stations is performed using the schedule to present songs from the number of songs to a listener.

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.

Abstract: A motor vehicle entertainment system includes a radio receiver and a control unit. The control unit receives a first status signal indicative of whether or not a motor vehicle door has been unlocked and initiates the application of power to the radio receiver upon the first status signal indicating that the door has been unlocked. Upon the application of power to the radio receiver, the radio receiver scans through a selected frequency spectrum to identify valid frequencies and their associated broadcast identifying information and stores a list of the valid frequencies and their associated broadcast identifying information in a memory device associated with the radio receiver. The radio receiver acquires and records information on a plurality of transmitters initially in a standby mode before it switches over to an operating mode. The radio receiver has a device for receiving an ON command from the user and switches from the standby mode to the operating mode when the ON command is received.

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.

Abstract: A radio apparatus including an outer encasement, a radio signal receiver secured relative to the outer encasement and configured to receive at least one of AM and FM radio signals, an audio output operatively connected to the radio signal receiver, and wherein the audio output may be limited to a predetermined radio signal frequency representing broadcast services of a radio station. The invention further includes a method of promoting radio broadcast services, comprising providing a radio apparatus which includes an audio output, an encasement with at least one promotional element thereon, setting the radio apparatus to provide audio output only for a predetermined radio broadcast frequency related to a source of the radio broadcast services being promoted; and distributing the radio apparatus to one of existing and prospective listeners of the source of the radio broadcast services being promoted, thereby promoting the broadcast services.

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.

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.

Abstract: In a UMTS, the AICH is arranged to send, in addition to a signal acknowledging that a preamble from a mobile is at an acceptable strength, an additional signal indicating that the mobile is not currently permitted to send its message; this may apply when the BTS does not have hardware resources available. If the BTS can predict when the hardware will become available, the additional signal can include a time out (T) after which the mobile system can send its message signal.

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.

Abstract: Single radio retransmission with a half duplex radio accomplished using Time Division Duplexing to alternate between transmit and receive cycles of a retransmission radio. This allows a single half duplex radio to function as the retransmission radio. The retransmission half duplex radio may be utilized in a communication system comprised of a plurality of remote units to increase communication range and area coverage and perform channel conversion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a frequency hopping spread spectrum transceiver. The transceiver includes a microcontroller; a transmitter having a voltage controlled oscillator, a direct digital synthesizer, and a power amplifier; and a receiver having an amplifier, a mixer, an IF amplifier, a demodulator, and a data slicer. When transmitting, the transmitter sends a preamble that allows the receiving device to detect the signal and lock to it to receive the data. When receiving, the receiver first scans all channels and sorts them based on a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) and then attempts to lock to the channel with the strongest RSSI value by first sampling the received signal to verify the preamble, then synchronizing to the bit edges of the received signal, then detecting the start of a Start Frame Delimiter (SFD), decoding bits to verify a valid SFD and then sampling data bits to receive the data.

Abstract: A portable television/cellular phone device for providing a complete handheld entertainment center for a user. The portable television/cellular phone device includes a handheld housing having front, back, top, and side walls; and also includes a housing support member being hingedly attached to the handheld housing for standing up the handheld housing upon a surface; and further includes a display screen being disposed upon the front wall of the handheld housing; and also includes a phone reception/transmission assembly being disposed in the handheld housing and including a power supply being replaceably disposed in the handheld housing and also including an antenna being attached to the handheld housing; and further includes a television reception assembly being disposed in the handheld housing.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Method for tuning the reception of radio broadcast signals to an FM RDS transmitter using program related data and transmitter related data and receiver executing the method, providing a band scanning search for detecting FM RDS transmitters exceeding a predetermined reception quality level. To enhance efficiency in data processing and use of storage capacity, transmitter related data including tuning data is stored separately from program related RDS data. Per each detected transmitter a permanency factor indicating the permanency in reception quality thereof is being allocated to each detected RDS transmitter and stored in a first memory bank, along with the relevant tuning data.

Abstract: A frequency offset correction value estimation section (21) receives a signal including a predetermined fixed pattern from a transmission side, thereafter, selects a combination of fixed patterns used in a process of estimating a frequency offset is selected depending on the state of a channel, and an estimation result of the frequency offset calculated by the combination of the fixed patterns is output as a correction value of a determined frequency offset. A frequency offset correction section (22) receives the received signal obtained after the correction is performed for correcting a frequency offset of the received signal on the basis of the correction value, and an equalizer (23) demodulates the received signal by using a predetermined algorithm.

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.

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 tuneable radio and method for automatically adjusting the seek sensitivity alignment for seek operations. The radio has a radio receiver for receiving broadcast radio wave signals, and a tuner adjustable for selecting from a plurality of radio wave signal channels. A detector detects signal strength of the received radio wave signals, and a seek input allows a user to initiate a seek operation to select a signal channel having a signal strength exceeding a seek sensitivity threshold. A controller calculates an average signal value and adjusts the seek sensitivity threshold based on the average value. The controller adjusts the seek sensitivity when it is determined that the radio has travelled beyond a minimum distance.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for detecting emitter signals and for determining a scan strategy for a receiver system that receives such emitter signals. If a dwells assigned frequency bandwidth is small and not a multiple of the minimum frequency spacing between dwells (tuning step), then coverage gaps can be inadvertently introduced between adjacent dwells. A system and method are provided for detecting this condition and generating dwells without accidental loss of frequency coverage for any combination of bandwidth and step size.

Abstract: A microcellular communications network includes a plurality of base station units and corresponding antenna units. The microcells connected to their respective base station units over a telephone system. The microcells providing received signal strength indication (RSSI) level signals and Supervisory, Audio Tone (SAT) frequencies to the base station for hand-in evaluation. The base stations having a scanning receiver for processing the RSSI level signals and SAT frequencies and for performing hand-in for neighboring cells.

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: A device (100) for receiving, storing and playing back digital audio radio signals comprises a receiver (203), a decoder (502 and/or 504), a user input (516), a storage medium (510) coupled to the decoder, and a system controller (508) coupled to the user input. The receiver receives a digitally encoded bit stream (300) on a plurality of communication resources (104), wherein each communication resource contains content and associated index information. The decoder selectively decodes a selected plurality of communication resources and the user input selects the selected plurality based on the associated index information and selects a portion of the content contained in selected plurality to be retrieved. The storage medium stores the content and associated index information contained in the selected plurality of communication resources and the system controller stores and retrieves content to and from the storage medium based on input received at the user input.

Abstract: The information delivered on the output of a detector linearly varies with the detection error only if this error lies in a certain range. To recover larger errors, oscillators are used which cover a wide frequency band part by part until they find the part of the band on which the detector works linearly and thus which the loop can lock on to. A rapid method of covering the frequency band is disclosed. The method includes selecting an initial part of the band to be covered which is close to the center of the frequency band and selecting a next part of the band to be covered which is formed by the band part that has not yet been covered and is closest to the initial part in the direction of the rising or falling frequencies, as a function of a predefined criterion.

Abstract: A radio broadcasting system, transmitter, receiver, method and signal are provided wherein a program signal is combined with a data signal, the data signal not only includes information on an indicated program signal, but also data of a data service and information on the data service, such as, an identification of the data service, alternative frequencies, information on related data services etc. In this way, it is possible to broadcast the data service on a network differing from the network broadcasting the program signal. This is of particular use in the Radio Data System.