Abstract: A mobile phone is provided with a broadband AM and/or FM radio signal receiver. The mobile phone further has a radio channel memory for storing a plurality of radio channel settings. The mobile telephone further receives messages, such as SMS messages, and a storage for storing a radio channel setting contained in a received message in the radio channel memory. A method of updating radio channel settings of a mobile phone having a broadband AM and/or FM radio receiver is provided. The mobile phone receives messages. The message contains a radio channel setting. The radio channel setting may be stored in the mobile phone.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the efficient use of the radio spectrum in wireless communications. Channel occupancy data and channel availability data concerning a specific base station and its neighbors are used to assign frequency channels to mobile units and/or base stations. The channel occupancy and availability data may be located at a base station or at a mobile switching center. Channels are preferably assigned as channel pairs.

Abstract: The receive part 101 demodulates and decodes a digital modulated signal obtained by receiving a digital broadcast to generate a transport stream and extracts data-broadcast data transmitted over a data channel. An electronic program list generator 102 generates, from program sequence information included in the transport stream, display data for a program list. Based thereon, a video display part 110 displays the program list. When the user looks at this and selects a program desired for preset recording through an input operation part 109, a system control part 105 determines whether the weather during the broadcast time period of the program will be bad or not based on weather forecast information obtained from the data-broadcast data. As a result, if the weather is determined as bad, the system control part 105 causes the video display part 110 to provide a display indicating a possibility of degradation in image quality, etc., during the broadcast time period.

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: A radio device (10) having radio device information specific to the radio device, for example regulatory summary file (18) and specification information, stored thereon. In some embodiments, the radio device information may be displayed on the radio device. The radio device may also include a radio device information server address, for example a Universal Resource Locator (URL) link to an information server (30) for accessing the radio device information locally from the radio device or from a remote client (40).

Abstract: The invention relates to a signalling method and a transmitter, used in a digital radio system wherein the signals transmitted comprise data and signalling. The transmitter comprises control means for placing the signalling in a signal to be transmitted on the basis of control information that is separate from the data, and for preventing the control information from being placed in the signal to be transmitted, the control information being used for managing the signalling.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a digital mobile terminal system for accessing mobile internet services including a VHF/AM/FM radio receiver and a subsystem that handles interfaces and interactions between the digital mobile terminal and a radio network via a digital (e.g., RDS) data stream, interfaces and interactions between the digital mobile terminal and a mobile internet services platform and interfaces and interactions between the digital mobile terminal and a user seeking to access and interact with mobile internet services. The present invention also comprises a radio broadcasting server platform for transmitting an RDS data stream including a subsystem that handles interfaces and interaction between the radio broadcasting server platform and a radio network via the digital (e.g., RDS) data stream and interfaces and interactions between the radio broadcasting server platform and a mobile internet services platform.

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 radio broadcasting system, transmitter, receiver, method and signal are provided wherein a program signal is combined with a data signal. According to the invention 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.

Abstract: Broadcast signals are detected and matched with signal information, such as call letters, genre and geographical location for corresponding signal sources, based on the geographical location of the receiver and the frequency at which the signals are broadcast. The signal information is stored with signal and medium selection data, so that signal sources provided via different communication media, such as broadcast radio and Internet streaming audio, can be accessed, sorted, selected and displayed together. Thus, a user can group for display information about signal sources transmitting a type of music that the user enjoys, via any communication medium that the receiver supports. Also, a currently selected signal source and communication medium can be matched with a different communication medium for the same source, so that if the received signal deteriorates, the receiver can switch to the different communication medium for receipt of the same signal.

Abstract: A novel frequency synthesizer incorporating a band switching VCO having a low KVCO tuning factor enabling operation with low supply voltage and low susceptibility to noise and frequency pulling. The VCO has a low tuning factor that covers only a small portion of the operating frequency range, depending on the number of bands into which the frequency range is divided. The normal phase locked loop operation of the synthesizer is preceded by an open loop band selection procedure which results in faster lock time and a lower required tuning voltage range for the VCO. The frequency band selection is made using frequency measurements. Alternatively, a band select LUT and channel LUT are generated a priori during a calibration stage in order to speed frequency acquisition and band selection.

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 mobile communication device utilizes the short message service of its communication network to generate messages. The messages are constructed from a series of fields. From stored data a series of questions and optional answers are pressented. The user can select the appropriate answer from the memory. Each of the answers is correlated to a message component which are compiled by the microprocessor to form a complete message.

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 mobile weather band radio and method with dynamic geographic message updating. The radio has a weather band tuner for receiving weather band signals containing a message and a geographic identification code. A position indicative receiver is provided for receiving position indicative signals and determining a current position of the radio. Geographic identification codes and electronic map data are stored in memory for defining geographic regions corresponding to the geographic identification codes. A controller determines one of the geographic codes corresponding to the determined current position based on the position indicative signals, and further performs an operation, such as playing the message, when the determined geographic code corresponds to the received geographic code.

Abstract: Memory management method in which lifetimes are assigned to messages which are to be written into a memory, and in which, in addition, when the memory is full and further messages arrive those stored messages whose period of activation has expired the longest are cleared.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a transceiver, capable of receiving radio signals in a radio communication apparatus, and capable of receiving one to two channels for regional information such as weather from a large number of channels. The transceiver comprises a radio communication section and a weather broadcast receiving section. A channel of radio communication and a weather reception are selected by a channel switch, and a selecting section selects radio channel signal reception or weather channel signal reception by use of a control signal sent from a CPU of a control section. If the weather reception is selected and weather channel frequency data is stored in a memory, the weather channel reception can be carried out. If no weather channel frequencies are stored therein, a weather frequency band is scanned to detect weather channel frequencies, and detected frequencies are temporarily stored in the memory and can be used until the power supply is turned off.

Abstract: A cellular broadcast receiver and method for continuous reception of broadcasted audio signals for a selected genre in a motor vehicle independent of the broadcasting area of a specific broadcast channel, comprising, in combination, a cellular modem/computer processor unit, a control unit, and a sound processor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting radio stations for reception based on a preferred program content. A list of radio station identifiers is stored in a memory and organized according to program content specifiers. When a presently received signal fades, the memory is searched for an alternate radio station with similar program content. If none is available, a prioritized list of alternative program content preferences is accessed and used to index other preferred radio stations for searching. In one embodiment, radio station geographic location information is stored in the memory, and the searching operation considers both program content preference and geographic proximity. The memory can be manually programmed, pre-programmed, updated by subscription, or programmed over-the-air by radio transmission. In one embodiment, a global positioning system receiver is employed to provide instantaneous radio location information.

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: 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: Method and apparatus for suppressing route request messages for wireless gateway applications by establishing a relationship between a serving mobile switching center identifier and a facility identifier at a wireless gateway switch. The wireless gateway switch determines a corresponding facility to the serving mobile switch in order to establish an incoming call to a wireless subscriber unit. An exemplary embodiment exploits the present invention in a wireless system utilizing ANSI-41 messaging.

Abstract: A SIM for a mobile station used in a GSM mobile communications system the SIM operating system being adapted to perform data coding format conversion for data items stored in the SIM and transmitted to the mobile station. This ensures that the SIM is able to receive, and present, data items in the required standard format at the interface between the mobile station and the SIM, while allowing the data items to be stored in a compressed format in the SIM memory, thereby increasing the perceived storage capacity of the SIM.

Abstract: A receiver for receiving a digital audio broadcast by which digital audio data and incidental control data are sent out includes a reception circuit for receiving the digital audio broadcast, a decoder circuit for extracting the digital audio data and the control data from a signal received by the reception circuit, a D/A converter for performing D/A conversion of the thus extracted digital audio data into an analog audio signal and outputting the analog audio signal, a controller for controlling a characteristic of the analog audio signal in accordance with the extracted control data, and a memory into which the one of the digital audio data and the control data which had been extracted at an earlier time by the decoder circuit is written.

Abstract: The present invention is a computer-based radio scanner internet system, with home base user computers with radio scanner hardware and software, a host server computer, a plurality of remotely located antenna computers connected to antennas, and an internet system. The user computer also has conventional operating hardware and software, a sound system, a monitor, a keyboard or mouse, as well as disc drive, CD Rom drive. The radio scanner hardware contained within the user computer includes a radio receiver and frequency changer with a scanner range having at least some frequencies in the range of 25 MHz to 1,300 MHz. The antenna computers are available via the internet connection for connecting to user computers to offer remote scanning of even an intercontinental nature, e.g., a user in Boston can, through this system, use his computer-based scanner to scan frequencies in, for example, Los Angeles. Local scanning is also available using the foregoing user computers with their own antennas.

Abstract: An improved method of updating parameters stored in memory of mobile telecommunications stations. An object model represents all the parameters that can be modified in an IS-683A mobile station. The details of the physical location of each parameter are defined in this mobile object model. Advantageously, when any parameter is changed or added, it is necessary to provide the computer system, which generates messages to be transmitted to the mobile station, only the identification and value of the parameter to be added or changed. The computer system then generates a message sequence that defines the memory location in the mobile station to be changed, and the new value of the data for that memory location. Advantageously, this arrangement sharply reduces the total number of airwave messages transmitted to the mobile station in order to change or add a parameter.

Abstract: A system is described for deriving benefits from the reception and processing of auxiliary data by a hand-held device 12, such as a smart card, personal digital assistant (PDA), or mobile phone.

Abstract: A free channel selector for selecting from a plurality of channels an optimal channel for establishing radio communication. The channels may be selected by a radio frequency (RF) module for outputting sampled signals carried on that channel. The selected signals are digitized and provided to a peak detector. The peak detector compares the strength of the signals from the various channels. A memory device, having an array of cells, is provided for storing values representative of the sampled signals of each of the plurality of channels, each of the stored values being stored in a cell having an address indicative of the channel on which the signal represented by the stored value is carried. A stored value corresponding to the lowest signal strength is selected as being the free channel. Communication will then occur over that channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a headphone and or a light portable radio receiving certain controllable frequency such as FM or SW for listening to newspapers, or journals or magazines only. This new idea would revolutionize the concept of newspaper reading, instead of sitting and reading newspapers or journals, you can listen to newspapers by a headphone or light portable radio, while accomplishing other tasks, (work) resulting in saving time and increasing workability, using less energy saving your eyes and faster information transmitting.

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 method and radio receiver provide matching of output levels for a plurality of receiver input sources. The method includes the step of creating alignment information for the plurality of input sources. The method further provides for storing the alignment information in a computer readable memory, and converting a required output level into a matched output level. The matched output level is based on the alignment information contained in the computer readable memory corresponding to the selected input source, and the required output level is obtained from a volume control setting. Thus, creation, storage, and retrieval of alignment information allows for real-time matching of output levels for multiple input sources.

Abstract: An information display device can be structured as an electronic book which has a first screen and a second screen made of liquid crystal with a memory effect. A dry battery can be used as its power source section. The remaining electric power of the battery is detected by measuring the voltage, and immediately before the remaining electric power becomes a minimum voltage necessary for erasure of the screens, the first and second screens are reset so that the images displayed thereon can be erased.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an easy-to-use radio that enables quick selection of radio station channels according to program type. The radio includes a receiver for receiving radio wave signals on radio station signal channels having radio data information, and has a tuner tuneable to one or more of the radio station signal channels. The radio has a processor for receiving and deciphering the radio data information and memory for storing a plurality of programmable preset channels according to a program type indicative of the type of the radio station broadcast. The radio further has a user input for selecting one of the programmable presets and for further selecting one of the preset radio station signal channels based on the selected preset.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for handing-off data receivers in a broadcast-based data dissemination environment. Data receiver hand-off is carried out between data sources in different data cells broadcasting information of the same category. Furthermore, data cell ranges are based on geographic regions rather than signal strength coverage. Generally, the hand-off process involves acquiring the current receiver location of the data receiver and comparing the receiver location with a current data cell range. If the current receiver location is outside the current data cell range, a hand-off controller searches for a new data source encompassing the current receiver location coordinates and having an associated data topic matching the current topic. Once a new data source is found, the hand-off controller subscribes the data receiver to the new data source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of an alert system for notifying subscribers of weather or hazardous conditions. A weather-tracking source or service broadcasts weather or hazardous conditions across the nation to alert the general public of potentially dangerous climatic and hazardous conditions that may arise from time to time. A weather service provider receives the weather condition broadcasts from the weather-tracking source or service and transmits weather or hazardous condition signals to subscribers having an alert unit. The alert unit is a passive device capable of receiving and warning the subscribers of the weather or hazardous condition broadcasts.

Abstract: A recommendation system is disclosed that generates recommendations for one or more items based on user preferences and one or more environmental factors. The user's preferences are learned under various environmental conditions using an environmental data collection system. The observed environmental conditions may include, for example, location, characteristics of the location, weather or characteristics of the user's motion, such as a rate of movement. For each positive and negative behavioral example, a number of attributes of the selected item are classified in the user profile together with the prevailing environmental conditions. When recommending an item, the disclosed recommender retrieves the user preferences and evaluates the current environmental conditions. A recommendation score can be generated for each available item based on the user's demonstrated preferences under similar environmental conditions, such as in the same or a similar geographic area or under similar weather conditions.

Abstract: A system 200 for remotely programming a memory 205 includes a host system 201 for developing a set of code. A wireless transmitter 202 is associated with host system 201 for transmitting the code and a wireless receiver 206 is associated with memory 205 for receiving the transmitted code. System 200 further includes circuitry for storing the code received by wireless receiver 206 in memory 205.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a modular communication system to be installed in a motor vehicle. The communication system in accordance with the teachings of the present invention includes a base unit and a removable unit. The base unit is provided with a cavity to insert the removable unit. The communication system is rendered inoperable when the removable unit is removed from the base unit. The removable unit is provided with two surfaces that perform different function. In particular when the removable unit is inserted into the base unit and the first surface is exposed then the communication system operates as a radio player. The removable unit is capable of being reversed such that second surface is exposed, then the communication system operates as a telephone unit.

Abstract: A method for updating service information stored in a mobile station relies on the programmability of the station and over-the-air transmission of teleservice information. When a station is inactive, a delivery flag is set when the station subsequently registers the over-the-air transmission is performed.

Abstract: A selective call radio receiver with an external connection function, includes a connection section, a normal message storage section, a transfer message storage section and a control section. The connection section is connected with an external unit. The normal message storage section stores normal messages and the transfer message storage section stores transfer messages. The control section classifies a reception message into the normal message and the transfer message based on a header data of the reception message to store in one of the normal message storage section and the transfer message storage section in accordance with the classification. Also, the control section transfers the transfer messages from the transfer message storage section to the external unit through the connection section in response to a transfer instruction.

Abstract: A method and system for receiving messages with a receiver in a motor vehicle, wherein receipt of the message interrupts audio reproduction by the device, and receipt must be confirmed by the user. The device may include an interrupt feature for interrupting audio reproduction and for confirming receipt of a message.

Abstract: This invention relates to a communication system for use with a vehicle. The system comprises a first communication unit (1), being positioned within a vehicle (2), and a second portable communication unit (7).The first communication unit (1) comprises a first memory circuit (4) being connected with a first transceiver (3), and said second communication unit (7) comprises a second memory circuit (10) being connected with a second transceiver (9). The transceivers (3,9) are arranged to establish a short-distance wireless communication link (8) between said first and second communication units when the communication units are within a communication range from each other, thereby enabling two-way communication between said communication units. An information item, stored in any one of said memory circuits is automatically transmitted to the other one of said memory circuits (4,10), over said wireless communication link (8) when the communication units (1,7) are within said communication range from each other.

Abstract: A digital broadcasting receiver capable of receiving a plurality of types of digital broadcasting, for example, digital satellite broadcasting, digital ground wave broadcasting and digital CATV broadcasting. The digital broadcasting receiver includes a software utilizing demodulating section for demodulating a digitized intermediate-frequency signal, a memory for storing software to be used in the software utilizing demodulating section so that each digital broadcasting capable of being received is demodulated, and a control section for giving a command to the software utilizing demodulating section so that the software for demodulating each digital broadcasting is selectively used by the software utilizing demodulating section according to a setting made by a remote control transmitting unit or a key input section which is a setting input section.

Abstract: Encoded video recorder/player timer preprogramming information listed in a television calendar allows a timer preprogramming feature on a video cassette recorder VCR to be programmed using a compressed code of as few as 1 to 8 digits, which are decoded by a decoder built into a remote control, video cassette recorder, television or other video device to convert the compressed code into channel, date, time and length information. The channel, date, time and length information is used to select channels, start recording, and stop recording at the appropriate time. A local channel map is stored so that the channel information from the compressed codes can be utilized to tune the correct channel even though channel numbers in different localities may be different. The remote may be a universal remote control capable of selecting between various stored infrared code protocols for commanding different brands and model of video devices.

Abstract: Encoded video recorder/player timer preprogramming information listed in a television calendar allows a timer preprogramming feature on a video cassette recorder VCR to be programmed using a compressed code of as few as 1 to 8 digits, which are decoded by a decoder built into a remote control, video cassette recorder, television or other video device to convert the compressed code into channel, date, time and length information. The compressed code indications associated with each television program can be printed in a television program calendar in advance. The user would use the remote control or controls on the video device to enter the code that signifies the program to be recorded. The channel, date, time and length information is used to select channels, start recording, and stop recording at the appropriate time.

Abstract: An on-demand message system includes a profile proxy server and a plurality of message servers coupled to a wireless network for sending messages to mobile users under conditions specified by the users and sellers. Users provide profile information specifying categories and conditions for which they will receive messages. Sellers also provide profile information specifying conditions under which they want messages to be sent. A multicast message is sent and processed by target users in response to a predetermined event, e.g., location update, conveying information related to a seller for which the target users have expressed an interest in receiving.

Abstract: The invention provides a technique for transmitting radio programming over a cellular transmission network. In some embodiments, the technique provides a system for making radio programming available in a digital form over a processor based network. The radio programming is then accessed by a cellular transmission system and broadcast to cellular receivers.

Abstract: The invention relates to the transmission of files in a digital broadcasting system, particularly in a DAB system according to the standard ETS 300 401. According to the invention, a file descriptor (16) is created for each file. This file descriptor is of the data group type denoted by 0011 in said standard and includes parameters (27) describing the file associated with the descriptor. The file descriptor is transmitted in the broadcasting system before the file and possibly also during the transmission of the file. The information to be transmitted is divided into segments, which are identified in a file-specifically unique manner, such as consecutive numbering, which starts from zero at the beginning of each file.

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.