US 2002/0173283 A1Published application

Multiple band scanning receiver system having data and speech searching capability

AssigneeRaddscann Corporation

InventorsHerbert Morewitz II, Jeffrey A. Pawlan

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Abstract

A receiver system and audio processing method for use therewith are provided. The system includes pairs of receivers with each pair receiving broadcasts on a unique broadcast band. A decoder converts the received signal to a character representation thereof. Input controls include those for receiving a user-selected frequency on a selected broadcast band and search criteria. In foreground operations, a controller tunes one of the receivers to the user-selected frequency and couples this tuned receiver to an audio output device. In background operations, the controller scans the broadcast band associated with each of the receivers not coupled to the audio output device, compares the character representation of each of these broadcast signals with the search criteria, and generates a match signal when the search criteria is present to thereby define a match frequency on a match broadcast band indicating that the search criteria is present. The controller background operations can further process a match select signal received from the user to uncouple the tuned receiver from the audio output device and couple a designated one of the receivers capable of receiving the match frequency to the audio output device. The previously tuned receiver then assumes a background operations function that is the same as the other receivers not coupled to the audio output device.

Claims17

Dependent claims

A broadcast audio receiver system, comprising:

a plurality of pairs of receivers, each pair of said plurality of pairs receiving broadcasts on a unique broadcast band defined by a broadcast signal that is one of an analog audio signal or a digital audio signal;
a decoder coupled to each of said receivers for converting each said broadcast signal to a character representation thereof;
input controls for receiving, from a user, a selected frequency on a selected broadcast band and search criteria;
an audio output device;
control means coupled to said receivers, said input controls and said audio output device for:
i) tuning one of said receivers to said selected frequency,
ii) coupling said one of said receivers to said audio output device wherein all others of said receivers are not coupled to said audio output device,
iii) scanning said broadcast band associated with each of said all others of said receivers,
iv) comparing said character representation of said broadcast signal with said search criteria for each of said all others of said receivers,
v) generating a match signal when said search criteria is present in said character representation for one receiver from said all others of said receivers to thereby define a match frequency on a match broadcast band where said search criteria is present;
means, coupled to said control means, for generating an announcement in response to said match signal;
said input controls further being capable of receiving a match select signal from the user;
and
said control means, in response to said match select signal, uncoupling said one of said receivers from said audio output device and coupling a designated one of said receivers capable of receiving said match frequency on said match broadcast band to said audio output device wherein said one of said receivers assumes a function that is the same as said all others of said receivers.

11 more elements

A broadcast audio receiver system, comprising:

a plurality of pairs of receivers, each pair of said plurality of pairs receiving broadcasts on a unique broadcast band defined by a broadcast signal that is one of an analog audio signal or a digital audio signal;
a decoder coupled to each of said receivers for converting each said broadcast signal to a character representation thereof;
input controls for receiving, from a user, a selected frequency on a selected broadcast band and search criteria;
an audio output device;
foreground control means for coupling one of said receivers capable of receiving said selected frequency to said audio output device wherein said broadcast signal associated therewith is audible and wherein said broadcast signal associated with each of all others of said receivers is not audible;
background control means having operational control over said all others of said receivers such that each said broadcast band associated therewith is examined to determine whether said search criteria is present in said character representation, and for generating a match signal when said search criteria is present in said character representation for one receiver from said all others of said receivers to thereby define a match frequency on a match broadcast band where said search criteria is present;
means, coupled to said background control means, for generating an announcement in response to said match signal;
said input controls further being capable of receiving a match select signal from the user;
said foreground control means, in response to said match select signal, uncoupling said one of said receivers from said audio output device and coupling a designated one of said receivers capable of receiving said match frequency on said match broadcast band to said audio output device;
and
said background control means assuming said operational control over said one of said receivers uncoupled from said audio output device.

8 more elements

An audio processing method for a broadcast audio receiver system having a plurality of pairs of receivers, each pair of which receives broadcasts on a unique broadcast band defined by a broadcast signal that is one of an analog audio signal or a digital audio signal that can be reproduced by an audio output device, said method comprising the steps of:

converting each said broadcast signal to a character representation thereof;
tuning one of said receivers to a user selected frequency;
coupling said broadcast signal associated with said one of said receivers to said audio output device wherein all others of said receivers are not coupled to said audio output device;
scanning said broadcast band associated with each of said all others of said receivers;
comparing said character representation of said broadcast signal with said search criteria for each of said all others of said receivers;
generating a match signal when said search criteria is present in said character representation for one receiver from said all others of said receivers to thereby define a match frequency on a match broadcast band where said search criteria is present;
announcing the generation of said match signal;
receiving a match select signal from the user;
and
uncoupling said one of said receivers from said audio output device in response to said match select signal;
coupling a designated one of said receivers capable of receiving said match frequency on said match broadcast band to said audio output device in response to said match select signal;
and
performing said steps of scanning and comparing for said one of said receivers so-uncoupled.

10 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 09/855,482Filed 15 May 2001
Published: 21 Nov 2002
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification5 codes

H04H 20/26
Arrangements for broadcast or for distribution combined with broadcast: arrangements for switching distribution systems
G10L 25/78
Speech or voice analysis techniques not restricted to a single one of groups G10L15/00 - G10L21/00: detection of presence or absence of voice signals
H04H 60/58
Arrangements characterised by components specially adapted for monitoring, identification or recognition covered by groups H04H60/29-H04H60/54: of…
H04H
Broadcast communication