CA2162066A1 - Alert receiver - Google Patents
Alert receiverInfo
- Publication number
- CA2162066A1 CA2162066A1 CA002162066A CA2162066A CA2162066A1 CA 2162066 A1 CA2162066 A1 CA 2162066A1 CA 002162066 A CA002162066 A CA 002162066A CA 2162066 A CA2162066 A CA 2162066A CA 2162066 A1 CA2162066 A1 CA 2162066A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- alert
- recited
- receiver
- alert receiver
- frequency
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A50/00—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE in human health protection, e.g. against extreme weather
Abstract
This invention relates to an apparatus and method for receiving and automatically detecting the issuance of emergency, weather or other alert messages broadcast on a radio frequency, and recording that alert message into an alert receiver on solid state voice circuitry with a day and time stamp for later playback. This invention also teaches interface methods between the alert receiver and other communications systems whereby an alert message, or an alarm tone, is automatically relayed and repeated on the other communication system. A method and apparatus for automatically selecting the strongest received signal from a set of pre-selected channels, monitoring the selected channel for signal strength and the presence of modulated audio, and a sequence for automatically reinitiating the channel selection process, should certain preset minimum parameters for the received signal fail to be met, is also taught. A method and apparatus for selectively activating other communication systems for only those warnings of specific concern to certain users of the other communication system is also taught herein. A method and apparatus in which the alert receiver user can select the radio channel and the alert tone frequency and sequence to activate the alert receiver is also taught herein.
Description
Alert Receiver 21 62066 Page-2-2 Brief Summary of The Invention.
4 This invention teaches a method and apparatus for detecting S emergency, weather, or other alert messages and recording the 6 alert messages into the alert receiver. The alert receiver also 7 acts as an interface to automatically play alert messages, or 8 alarm tones, on other communication systems.
Alert messages are designated through the transmission of an 11 alert tone. The alert message follows the transmission of the 12 alert tone. The alert receiver automatically date and time stamps 13 each alert message to indicate the date and time the alert message 14 was received by alert receiver.
16 The invention also teaches a method and apparatus for 17 automatically scanning a set of pre-selected frequencies, 18 determining which of the pre-selected frequencies has the highest 19 received signal strength and selecting that frequency. An algorithm for re-selecting the best frequency based on changes of 21 status of received signal strength and/or audio level are also 22 taught herein.
24 The invention also teaches a method for selectively activating other communication systems only in response to alert 26 messages of specific interest to listeners on the other 27 communication system.
Alert Receiver 21 62066 Page-3-2 This invention also teaches a method and apparatus for 3 permitting the user to select a specific frequency and to select a 4 specific alert tone frequency and sequence to activate the alert S receiver.
7 Field and Backaround of The Invention.
9 An object of the present invention is to create a simple and reliable emergency, weather or alert message receiver into which 11 weather, emergency, or alert messages are automatically recorded 12 for future playback.
14 Another object of the invention is to automatically date and time stamp each alert message so that the listener will know the 16 date and time the message was received by alert receiver.
18 Another object of the invention is to automatically link the 19 alert receiver to other communication systems, such as public address systems, land mobile repeater systems, and maritime radio 21 communication systems, in order to permit alert messages issued on 22 the one communication system to automatically be relayed and 23 played onto the other communication system.
Another object of the invention is to take advantage of 26 digitally encoded messages which indicate the specific area for 27 which an alert message is effective so as to selectively activate Alert Receiver 21 62066 Page-4-1 the other communication system for only alerts of interest to 2 listeners of the other communication system.
4 Another object of this invention is to have the alert S receiver operate on low voltage and low current to permit 6 continued reliability during commercial power failures by running 7 on back-up batteries.
9 Another object of this invention is to permit the remote control of the features of the alert receiver through presently 11 known or future developed signaling devices.
13 Another object of this invention is to provide an alert 14 receiver which will automatically select the frequency with the best received signal strength having modulated audio to permit the 16 alert receiver to function in mobile locations as well as to 17 enable the alert receiver to automatically select a backup 18 frequency should the primary frequency become out of service.
Another object of this invention is to provide an alert 21 receiver where the user may select the frequency to be monitored.
23 Another object of this invention is to provide an alert 24 receiver where the user may select the frequency and sequence of the alert tones to be detected.
Alert Receiver 2 1 62066 Page-5-1 Brief DescriDtion of The Drawinas.
2 Figure l is a front perspective view of alert receiver.
3 Figure 2 is a rear elevational view of the receiver.
4 Figure 3 is a hardware block diagram of alert receiver.
S Figure 4 is a front view of a DTMF keypad which can be 6 interfaced to the alert receiver in an alternate embodiment thereof.
8 Specification.
9 Figure 1 is a front perspective view of alert receiver 2 and Figure 2 is a rear elevational view of alert receiver 2. Alert 11 receiver 2 has a front panel 4, a rear panel 22, and a case, 12 generally shown as 150. The case may be of metal or plastic or of 13 any known or future developed material suitable for enclosing a 14 radio receiver. The case 150 should be of a RF resistant lS material, such as metal or treated plastic, for use of alert 16 receiver 2 in high RF environments.
18 The following switches and controls are on front panel 4 of 19 alert receiver 2: On, off and volume switch 6; channel indication LEDs designated as 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f, and 8g; scan mode 21 switch 10 and scan mode LED 70; manual mode switch 12 and manual 22 LED 72; live audio switch 14 and live LED 74; playback audio 23 switch 16 and playback LED 76; alarm voice switch 18 and alarm 24 voice LED 78; and alarm tone switch 20 and alarm tone LED 80.
26 Pressing scan mode switch 10 places alert receiver 2 into the 27 scan mode, which will be described later herein. Each press of Alert Receiver 21 62066 Page-6-1 manual mode switch 12 sequentially steps alert receiver 2 through 2 each pre programmed channel as is indicated through an alarm tone 3 168 played on speaker 108 and a channel indication LED 8a through 4 8g. Pressing live audio button 14 permits live received audio S from the chosen channel to be played through speaker 108. Any 6 audio appearing at speaker 108 also appears at external speaker 7 jack 42 and at pin 120 of interface connector 34. Audio ground 8 152 is also a pin of interface connector 34. External speaker jack 9 42 has an internal switch which shuts off speaker 108 when external speaker jack 42 is in use.
12 Alarm voice switch 18 and alarm tone switch 20 set the alarm 13 mode of alert receiver 2.
lS An alert tone 164 is defined as a special indicator 16 transmitted in any mode on the communication system to designate 17 that alert message 166 is to follow alert tone 164. Alert tone 18 164 may be a single tone or a multiple tone sequence or a digital 19 code or any signaling code hereinafter developed that may be transmitted on a communication system and received, detected and 21 decoded by alert receiver 2. When alert receiver 2 has been set in 22 the alarm voice mode, alert message 166 is played through speaker 23 108, as well as through line output 40 and pins 114 and 116 on 24 interface connector 34. The audio level of line output 40 and interface 114 and 116 is set and adjusted by line level 26 potentiometer 38.
Alert Receiver 21 62066 Page-7-1 When alert receiver 2 is in the alarm tone mode, as set by 2 switch 20, a valid alert tone 164 causes alert receiver 2 to play 3 only alarm tones 168, and not voice alert messages 166, through 4 speaker 108, external speaker jack 42, line output 40 and external audio outputs 114, 116, and 120. If alert tone 164 is received by 6 alert receiver 2 when alert receiver 2 is in alarm voice mode, the 7 voice alert message 166 is played through speaker 108, external 8 jack 42, line output 40 and external audio outputs 114, 116, and 9 120.
11 In this manner the user selects whether either voice alert 12 message 166, or only alarm tones 168, are output from alert 13 receiver 2. This decision will usually be based on the audience 14 which will receive the warnings from alert receiver 2. In situations where discrete warnings are required, such as at a 16 public assembly area such as a stadium or a theater, alert 17 receiver 2 will usually be set in the alarm tone mode. In 18 situations where the threat of life threatening severe weather, or 19 other emergencies, is likely to outweigh any inconvenience caused by alert message 166 interrupting activities in progress, alert 21 receiver 2 is likely to be set in the alarm voice mode.
23 Figure 3 is a block hardware diagram of alert receiver 2.
24 Power for alert receiver 2 may be input into alert receiver 2 through a variety of means including through 12 volt DC power 26 input jack 24. The 12 volt DC input 24 into alert receiver 2 may 27 be supplied by a power cube or similar transformer device from Alert Receiver Page-8-1 commercially available power sources. Alternatively, 6 volt DC
2 battery power may be input into 6 volt battery jack 26 to enable 3 alert receiver 2 to have battery back-up power should commercial 4 power into 12 volt jack 24 fail or for portable operation.
Additionally, 12 volt DC input 24 may be supplied by connection to 6 automobile, boat, truck or other vehicle 12 volt DC systems 7 through jack 24.
9 Alert receiver 2 also date and time stamps each alert message 166 it receives following alert tone 164. The date and time stamp 11 clock of alert receiver 2 is set through adjustment of hour adjust 12 switch 28, minute adjust switch 30, and day adjust switch 32.
14 Logic output for automatic control of other communications systems and for control of special alerting devices such as CTCSS
16 or PL is provided at pins 110 and 112. Pins 110 and 112 trigger 17 each time audio appears at line outputs 114, 116 and 40. Audio 18 will usually appear at external audio outputs 114, 116 and 40 when 19 alert receiver 2 is in the alarm voice mode and either live audio switch 14 or playback audio switch 16 is pressed, or when alert 21 tone 164 is detected by alert receiver 2. Pins 110 and 112 will 22 also trigger each time alert receiver 2 generates alarm tone 168.
24 Test switch 36 simulates the reception of alert tone 164 by alert receiver 2 and initiates the record cycle of alert receiver 26 2. A female Motorola-type antennae jack 44 is on the rear panel 27 22 of alert receiver 2. The Motorola antennae jack 44 is Alert Receiver 21 62066 Page-9-1 configured to accept the base of a telescoping antennae 46 or the 2 base of a standard automobile antennae plug.
4 Each time alert tone 164 is received and detected by alert S receiver 2, alert message 166, following alert tone 164, is 6 digitally recorded onto a digital voice storage chips 96. Digital 7 voice storage chips 96 are controlled by digital voice storage 8 control lines 124 a and b and micro controller unit 62. Recorded 9 alert messages 166 may be played back by pressing playback switch 16, or automatically as part of the alarm voice mode.
12 Radio receiver section 48 includes antennae 46, Motorola 13 antennae jack 44, RF preamplifier stage 50, IF mixer 52, IF
14 section 54, frequency synthesizer 56, loop filter 58, and voltage lS controlled oscillator 60.
17 For alert receivers 2 dedicated to receiving the seven 18 weather frequencies, micro controller unit 62 will control 19 frequency synthesizer 56 through frequency synthesizer control lines 130 a and b.
22 In an alternate embodiment of alert receiver 2, a DTMF (dual 23 tone multi frequency) keypad 156, as shown in Figure 4, can be 24 interfaced with micro controller unit 62, and frequency synthesizer 56, to synthesize different frequencies to permit 26 alert receiver 2 to receive desired frequencies in the HF, UHF, 27 VHF bands and in other bands.
Alert Receiver 21 62066 Page-10-2 Additionally, DTMF keypad 156 can be interfaced with micro 3 controller unit 62 to detect desired alert tones 164 of various 4 frequencies and tone sequences. In this manner, alert receiver 2 S can be set by the user for specific needs such as to detect a fire 6 company's alert tone on a fire frequency and then go through the 7 recording, date and time stamp and playback sequences, as set out 8 above.
On/off power supply switch 6 is connected to power supply 11 section 64, as are 12 volt DC power input jack 24 and 6 volt DC
12 battery input 36. Alert receiver~s 2 power supply positive bus is 13 fed by power supply output 66.
LEDs 8a-g, 74, 76, 78, 80, 72, 70 are controlled by LED
16 decoder/latch circuitry 68 which is in turn controlled by micro 17 controller unit 62 through LED control lines 158 a, b, c, and d.
19 To conserve power, the micro controller unit 62 is powered down at all possible times and is controlled by wake-up timer 82 21 through wake up timer control line 160. Micro controller unit 62 22 receives a clock input from clock IC 84 through clock control 23 lines 148 a and b. Clock IC 84 is powered through power supply 64 24 and/or through battery back-up 86. Non volatile memory storage is provided to micro controller unit 62 through EEPROM 88 as 26 controlled by EEPROM control lines 146 a and b.
Alert Receiver 2 1 6 2 0 6 6 Page-ll-1 The software program to control micro controller unit 62 is 2 stored in EPROM 90 as controlled by EPROM control lines 144a and 3 b.
Keyboard functions of alert receiver 2 are sensed by micro 6 controller unit 62 through keyboard scanner IC 92. Switches 14, 7 16, 18, 20, 12, 10, 28, 30, and 32 are connected to keyboard 8 scanner IC 92. Keyboard scanner IC 92 is controlled through 9 keyboard scanner control lines 142 a and b. Digital speech for date and time stamp functions are provided by speech chip 94 Il through speech chip control lines 162a and 162b. The digital 12 voice output of speech chips 94 is provided to audio mixer 104 13 through digital voice audio output line 134. Alert tone 164 is 14 detected by audio detector 98 through monitoring received audio output 120 from radio receiver section 48. Alert tone 164 may be 16 decoded by an algorithm programmed into micro controller unit 62, 17 as detected by an op amp audio slicer or by an external phase lock 18 loop tone detection device, generally shown as 98. The logic 19 output from these devices is fed into micro controller unit 62 by means of audio detect logic line 126.
22 Analog to digital circuitry 100 is connected to micro 23 controller unit 62 by analog to digital control line 128. The 24 analog to digital circuitry monitors the received signal strength indication of IF section 54 of radio receiver 48 by means of 26 received signal strength input line 118. As part of scan mode 27 function of alert receiver 2, analog to digital circuitry 100 Alert Receiver 21 62066 Page-12-. ~.
1 senses the relative received analog signal strength output 118 of 2 IF section 54 of radio receiver 48 and writes a digital word 3 corresponding to the relative received signal strength into EEPROM
4 88, or into micro controller unit 62, by means of analog to S digital control line 128. At the end of each scan cycle micro 6 controller unit 62 chooses the frequency with relatively strongest 7 signal strength as the signal to monitor. If the received signal 8 strength falls below a preset threshold for a preset length of 9 time.
11 Due to equipment failures and other malfunctions, such as 12 downed telephone lines or broken recording studio consoles, the 13 weather or emergency radio transmitting station may transmit an 14 unmodulated carrier. An unmodulated carrier provides no useful lS information to alert receiver 2. Since speaker 108 is normally 16 muted, it is likely that the occurrence of an unmodulated carrier 17 will go undetected thereby giving alert receiver 2 users a false 18 sense of security.
Modulated audio may be detected by means of a peak detector 21 whereby if a predetermined number of modulated peaks are not 22 detected within a predetermined time frame, micro controller unit 23 62 will automatically reinitiate a new scan routine seeking the 24 strongest received signal with modulated audio. In this manner, the alert receiver 2 will automatically choose the station with 26 the second strongest received signal strength indication having Alert Receiver 21 62066 Page-13-1 modulated audio if the strongest received signal is not audio 2 modulated.
4 The scan function of alert receiver 2 is well adapted for use S in mobile installations, such as in cars, boats and trucks. As the 6 vehicle moves, alert receiver 2 will automatically seek the 7 strongest modulated signal from a preset set of frequencies. The 8 selection process also will work well where the coverage area of 9 different transmitters on different frequencies is overlapping. In these situations, alert receiver 2 will automatically and 11 continuously seek the strongest received signal with modulated 12 audio from the set of received signals.
14 In fixed installation, the scan feature serves to automatically choose a backup frequency if the strongest signal 16 either looses carrier or modulated audio. Thus, the alert 17 receiver~s scan feature may become a critical life saver in the 18 event that the primary communication system becomes disabled.
Received audio gate 102 is controlled by mute control line 21 138, which, in turn, is controlled by micro controller unit 62.
22 Received audio gate 102 mutes received audio 120 entering audio 23 mixer 104 when alert receiver 2 is in the playback alert mode, the 24 alarm voice mode or the alarm tone mode. Audio mixer 104 combines received audio signal 120, playback audio 132 from the digital 26 storage unit 96, synthesized speech voice from speech chips 94 27 through digital voice output line 134, and alarm tone 168, Alert Receiver 21 62066 Page-14-1 generated by the micro controller unit 62 as ported to audio mixer 2 104 through audio line 136.
4 The output level of audio mixer 104 is adjusted through S potentiometer 6. The audio is then ported to audio amplifier 106.
6 Audio amplifier 106 is controlled by audio amp control line 140.
7 The output of the audio amplifier 106 is then ported to external 8 speaker jack 42 and speaker 108.
In operation, micro controller unit 62 of alert receiver 2 is 11 programmed to detect alert tone 164 issued by an agency, such as 12 the National Weather Service, or by another emergency agency such 13 as the police, fire, rescue or ambulance services. Alert tone 164 14 may be of any frequency or sequence of frequencies. It is common lS that 1,050 Hz alert tone is used.
17 Upon detecting alert tone 164, micro controller unit 62 18 causes alert message 166, following alert tone 164, to be 19 digitally recorded onto the digital voice storage chips 96. The length of the alert message 166 to be recorded is limited only by 21 the storage capacity of digital recorder chips 96. Alert message 22 166 is then automatically day and time stamped by the micro 23 controller unit 62. Playback switch 16 is activated to playback 24 alert message 166.
26 The number and audio frequency of alarm tones 168 is 27 programmed into micro controller unit 62. The number and length of Alert Receiver 21 620 66 Page-15-1 time over which alarm tones 168 are generated should be sufficient 2 to alert listeners to the detection of alert message 166. The 3 timing and frequency of alarm tones 168 should not unduly 4 interfere with ongoing communications on the other communication S system. For example, one alarm tone 168 per minute for five 6 minutes might be sufficient when alert receiver 2 is the alarm 7 tone mode, while one alarm tone 168 per minute for fifteen minutes 8 might be acceptable when alert receiver 2 is in the alarm voice 9 mode.
11 If an alert tone 168 is detected and the alert receiver is in 12 the alarm tone mode and alert receiver 2 user finds recorded alert 13 message 166 to be of great interest to listeners to the second 14 communication system, the operator can press alarm voice switch 18 lS and then press playback switch 16 to play alert message 166 over 16 the other communication system. This is well suited for use in 17 radio stations as it gives the announcer time to review alert 18 message 166 and to alert the listeners that he is about to play 19 alert message 166 on the air.
21 External logic input 172 is provided to sense when the other 22 communication system, such as a land mobile repeater, is in use.
23 Micro controller unit 62 is programmed to delay playing alert 24 message 166 on the other communication system until the other communication system is available. This feature is especially 26 important in fire, police, rescue, ambulance and in other public 27 safety communications applications.
Alert Receiver 2 1 6 2 0 6 6 Page-16-2 Logic input port 174 is provided to accept remote control 3 signals, such as by DTMF (Dual Tone Multi Frequency) to enable 4 users of alert receiver 2 to remotely control its functions, and S in particular, to remotely playback alert message 166 or link 6 alert receiver 2 live audio to the other communication system.
7 DTMF decoders are commonly known in the industry and many standard 8 configurations can be used in this application.
A remote control head, with the functions of the switches on Il front panel 4 of alert receiver 2, may also be input into logic 12 input port 174. A remote control head can be connected to alert 13 receiver 2 in any commonly known manner such as hard wire or 14 radio. A remote control head is especially important in applications in buildings with extensive amounts of steel and 16 computers in which alert receiver 2 must be located in the 17 building~s penthouse and the functions of the alert receiver 2 are 18 used elsewhere in the building. This feature is especially 19 important for emergency operations centers which are usually located in underground areas for security.
22 To indicate the presence of a new and unplayed alert message 23 166, playback LED 76 will flash from the time alert tone 164 is 24 detected until playback switch 16 is activated.
26 In a another embodiment of the present invention, alert 27 receiver 2 can be programmed to activate speaker 108, line output Alert Receiver 21 62066 Page-17-., 1 40 and external audio outputs 114, 116, 120 and 42 only in 2 response to specific messages containing the specific digital 3 code. The specific locations may be programmed into micro 4 controller unit 62 of alert receiver 2 by means of keyboard 156.
S For example, if alert message 166 is a tornado warning for a 6 particular county, and the weather service transmits, in addition 7 to analog alert message 164, a digital message containing the 8 digital code for a particular county, and the user of alert 9 receiver 2 has programmed alert receiver 2 to detect this digital code, speaker 108, line output 40 and external audio outputs 114, 11 116, 120 and 42 will activate. In this manner the number of 12 warnings which are received and acted upon by an alert receiver 2 13 are held to a minimum. In effect, alert receiver 2 has filtered 14 out warnings which are not of interest to a particular user group.
lS With this feature it is more likely that alert receivers 2 16 connected to other communications systems, such as public address 17 systems and land mobile and public service repeater systems, will 18 be used in the alarm voice mode as the number of alerts that are 19 inapplicable to that user group are reduced through this digital selective calling feature.
22 This system can be used in a multitude of applications where 23 radio voice mail applications are required.
It is understood that while radio communications systems are 26 primarily discussed herein, alert receiver 2 can be adapted to Alert Receiver 21 62066 Page-18-1 work with almost any communication system over which an alert tone 2 164, followed by an alert message 166, can be transmitted.
4 While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown S and described in detail to illustrate the application of the 6 principles of the invention, it will be understood that the 7 invention may be embodied otherwise without departing such 8 principles.
4 This invention teaches a method and apparatus for detecting S emergency, weather, or other alert messages and recording the 6 alert messages into the alert receiver. The alert receiver also 7 acts as an interface to automatically play alert messages, or 8 alarm tones, on other communication systems.
Alert messages are designated through the transmission of an 11 alert tone. The alert message follows the transmission of the 12 alert tone. The alert receiver automatically date and time stamps 13 each alert message to indicate the date and time the alert message 14 was received by alert receiver.
16 The invention also teaches a method and apparatus for 17 automatically scanning a set of pre-selected frequencies, 18 determining which of the pre-selected frequencies has the highest 19 received signal strength and selecting that frequency. An algorithm for re-selecting the best frequency based on changes of 21 status of received signal strength and/or audio level are also 22 taught herein.
24 The invention also teaches a method for selectively activating other communication systems only in response to alert 26 messages of specific interest to listeners on the other 27 communication system.
Alert Receiver 21 62066 Page-3-2 This invention also teaches a method and apparatus for 3 permitting the user to select a specific frequency and to select a 4 specific alert tone frequency and sequence to activate the alert S receiver.
7 Field and Backaround of The Invention.
9 An object of the present invention is to create a simple and reliable emergency, weather or alert message receiver into which 11 weather, emergency, or alert messages are automatically recorded 12 for future playback.
14 Another object of the invention is to automatically date and time stamp each alert message so that the listener will know the 16 date and time the message was received by alert receiver.
18 Another object of the invention is to automatically link the 19 alert receiver to other communication systems, such as public address systems, land mobile repeater systems, and maritime radio 21 communication systems, in order to permit alert messages issued on 22 the one communication system to automatically be relayed and 23 played onto the other communication system.
Another object of the invention is to take advantage of 26 digitally encoded messages which indicate the specific area for 27 which an alert message is effective so as to selectively activate Alert Receiver 21 62066 Page-4-1 the other communication system for only alerts of interest to 2 listeners of the other communication system.
4 Another object of this invention is to have the alert S receiver operate on low voltage and low current to permit 6 continued reliability during commercial power failures by running 7 on back-up batteries.
9 Another object of this invention is to permit the remote control of the features of the alert receiver through presently 11 known or future developed signaling devices.
13 Another object of this invention is to provide an alert 14 receiver which will automatically select the frequency with the best received signal strength having modulated audio to permit the 16 alert receiver to function in mobile locations as well as to 17 enable the alert receiver to automatically select a backup 18 frequency should the primary frequency become out of service.
Another object of this invention is to provide an alert 21 receiver where the user may select the frequency to be monitored.
23 Another object of this invention is to provide an alert 24 receiver where the user may select the frequency and sequence of the alert tones to be detected.
Alert Receiver 2 1 62066 Page-5-1 Brief DescriDtion of The Drawinas.
2 Figure l is a front perspective view of alert receiver.
3 Figure 2 is a rear elevational view of the receiver.
4 Figure 3 is a hardware block diagram of alert receiver.
S Figure 4 is a front view of a DTMF keypad which can be 6 interfaced to the alert receiver in an alternate embodiment thereof.
8 Specification.
9 Figure 1 is a front perspective view of alert receiver 2 and Figure 2 is a rear elevational view of alert receiver 2. Alert 11 receiver 2 has a front panel 4, a rear panel 22, and a case, 12 generally shown as 150. The case may be of metal or plastic or of 13 any known or future developed material suitable for enclosing a 14 radio receiver. The case 150 should be of a RF resistant lS material, such as metal or treated plastic, for use of alert 16 receiver 2 in high RF environments.
18 The following switches and controls are on front panel 4 of 19 alert receiver 2: On, off and volume switch 6; channel indication LEDs designated as 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f, and 8g; scan mode 21 switch 10 and scan mode LED 70; manual mode switch 12 and manual 22 LED 72; live audio switch 14 and live LED 74; playback audio 23 switch 16 and playback LED 76; alarm voice switch 18 and alarm 24 voice LED 78; and alarm tone switch 20 and alarm tone LED 80.
26 Pressing scan mode switch 10 places alert receiver 2 into the 27 scan mode, which will be described later herein. Each press of Alert Receiver 21 62066 Page-6-1 manual mode switch 12 sequentially steps alert receiver 2 through 2 each pre programmed channel as is indicated through an alarm tone 3 168 played on speaker 108 and a channel indication LED 8a through 4 8g. Pressing live audio button 14 permits live received audio S from the chosen channel to be played through speaker 108. Any 6 audio appearing at speaker 108 also appears at external speaker 7 jack 42 and at pin 120 of interface connector 34. Audio ground 8 152 is also a pin of interface connector 34. External speaker jack 9 42 has an internal switch which shuts off speaker 108 when external speaker jack 42 is in use.
12 Alarm voice switch 18 and alarm tone switch 20 set the alarm 13 mode of alert receiver 2.
lS An alert tone 164 is defined as a special indicator 16 transmitted in any mode on the communication system to designate 17 that alert message 166 is to follow alert tone 164. Alert tone 18 164 may be a single tone or a multiple tone sequence or a digital 19 code or any signaling code hereinafter developed that may be transmitted on a communication system and received, detected and 21 decoded by alert receiver 2. When alert receiver 2 has been set in 22 the alarm voice mode, alert message 166 is played through speaker 23 108, as well as through line output 40 and pins 114 and 116 on 24 interface connector 34. The audio level of line output 40 and interface 114 and 116 is set and adjusted by line level 26 potentiometer 38.
Alert Receiver 21 62066 Page-7-1 When alert receiver 2 is in the alarm tone mode, as set by 2 switch 20, a valid alert tone 164 causes alert receiver 2 to play 3 only alarm tones 168, and not voice alert messages 166, through 4 speaker 108, external speaker jack 42, line output 40 and external audio outputs 114, 116, and 120. If alert tone 164 is received by 6 alert receiver 2 when alert receiver 2 is in alarm voice mode, the 7 voice alert message 166 is played through speaker 108, external 8 jack 42, line output 40 and external audio outputs 114, 116, and 9 120.
11 In this manner the user selects whether either voice alert 12 message 166, or only alarm tones 168, are output from alert 13 receiver 2. This decision will usually be based on the audience 14 which will receive the warnings from alert receiver 2. In situations where discrete warnings are required, such as at a 16 public assembly area such as a stadium or a theater, alert 17 receiver 2 will usually be set in the alarm tone mode. In 18 situations where the threat of life threatening severe weather, or 19 other emergencies, is likely to outweigh any inconvenience caused by alert message 166 interrupting activities in progress, alert 21 receiver 2 is likely to be set in the alarm voice mode.
23 Figure 3 is a block hardware diagram of alert receiver 2.
24 Power for alert receiver 2 may be input into alert receiver 2 through a variety of means including through 12 volt DC power 26 input jack 24. The 12 volt DC input 24 into alert receiver 2 may 27 be supplied by a power cube or similar transformer device from Alert Receiver Page-8-1 commercially available power sources. Alternatively, 6 volt DC
2 battery power may be input into 6 volt battery jack 26 to enable 3 alert receiver 2 to have battery back-up power should commercial 4 power into 12 volt jack 24 fail or for portable operation.
Additionally, 12 volt DC input 24 may be supplied by connection to 6 automobile, boat, truck or other vehicle 12 volt DC systems 7 through jack 24.
9 Alert receiver 2 also date and time stamps each alert message 166 it receives following alert tone 164. The date and time stamp 11 clock of alert receiver 2 is set through adjustment of hour adjust 12 switch 28, minute adjust switch 30, and day adjust switch 32.
14 Logic output for automatic control of other communications systems and for control of special alerting devices such as CTCSS
16 or PL is provided at pins 110 and 112. Pins 110 and 112 trigger 17 each time audio appears at line outputs 114, 116 and 40. Audio 18 will usually appear at external audio outputs 114, 116 and 40 when 19 alert receiver 2 is in the alarm voice mode and either live audio switch 14 or playback audio switch 16 is pressed, or when alert 21 tone 164 is detected by alert receiver 2. Pins 110 and 112 will 22 also trigger each time alert receiver 2 generates alarm tone 168.
24 Test switch 36 simulates the reception of alert tone 164 by alert receiver 2 and initiates the record cycle of alert receiver 26 2. A female Motorola-type antennae jack 44 is on the rear panel 27 22 of alert receiver 2. The Motorola antennae jack 44 is Alert Receiver 21 62066 Page-9-1 configured to accept the base of a telescoping antennae 46 or the 2 base of a standard automobile antennae plug.
4 Each time alert tone 164 is received and detected by alert S receiver 2, alert message 166, following alert tone 164, is 6 digitally recorded onto a digital voice storage chips 96. Digital 7 voice storage chips 96 are controlled by digital voice storage 8 control lines 124 a and b and micro controller unit 62. Recorded 9 alert messages 166 may be played back by pressing playback switch 16, or automatically as part of the alarm voice mode.
12 Radio receiver section 48 includes antennae 46, Motorola 13 antennae jack 44, RF preamplifier stage 50, IF mixer 52, IF
14 section 54, frequency synthesizer 56, loop filter 58, and voltage lS controlled oscillator 60.
17 For alert receivers 2 dedicated to receiving the seven 18 weather frequencies, micro controller unit 62 will control 19 frequency synthesizer 56 through frequency synthesizer control lines 130 a and b.
22 In an alternate embodiment of alert receiver 2, a DTMF (dual 23 tone multi frequency) keypad 156, as shown in Figure 4, can be 24 interfaced with micro controller unit 62, and frequency synthesizer 56, to synthesize different frequencies to permit 26 alert receiver 2 to receive desired frequencies in the HF, UHF, 27 VHF bands and in other bands.
Alert Receiver 21 62066 Page-10-2 Additionally, DTMF keypad 156 can be interfaced with micro 3 controller unit 62 to detect desired alert tones 164 of various 4 frequencies and tone sequences. In this manner, alert receiver 2 S can be set by the user for specific needs such as to detect a fire 6 company's alert tone on a fire frequency and then go through the 7 recording, date and time stamp and playback sequences, as set out 8 above.
On/off power supply switch 6 is connected to power supply 11 section 64, as are 12 volt DC power input jack 24 and 6 volt DC
12 battery input 36. Alert receiver~s 2 power supply positive bus is 13 fed by power supply output 66.
LEDs 8a-g, 74, 76, 78, 80, 72, 70 are controlled by LED
16 decoder/latch circuitry 68 which is in turn controlled by micro 17 controller unit 62 through LED control lines 158 a, b, c, and d.
19 To conserve power, the micro controller unit 62 is powered down at all possible times and is controlled by wake-up timer 82 21 through wake up timer control line 160. Micro controller unit 62 22 receives a clock input from clock IC 84 through clock control 23 lines 148 a and b. Clock IC 84 is powered through power supply 64 24 and/or through battery back-up 86. Non volatile memory storage is provided to micro controller unit 62 through EEPROM 88 as 26 controlled by EEPROM control lines 146 a and b.
Alert Receiver 2 1 6 2 0 6 6 Page-ll-1 The software program to control micro controller unit 62 is 2 stored in EPROM 90 as controlled by EPROM control lines 144a and 3 b.
Keyboard functions of alert receiver 2 are sensed by micro 6 controller unit 62 through keyboard scanner IC 92. Switches 14, 7 16, 18, 20, 12, 10, 28, 30, and 32 are connected to keyboard 8 scanner IC 92. Keyboard scanner IC 92 is controlled through 9 keyboard scanner control lines 142 a and b. Digital speech for date and time stamp functions are provided by speech chip 94 Il through speech chip control lines 162a and 162b. The digital 12 voice output of speech chips 94 is provided to audio mixer 104 13 through digital voice audio output line 134. Alert tone 164 is 14 detected by audio detector 98 through monitoring received audio output 120 from radio receiver section 48. Alert tone 164 may be 16 decoded by an algorithm programmed into micro controller unit 62, 17 as detected by an op amp audio slicer or by an external phase lock 18 loop tone detection device, generally shown as 98. The logic 19 output from these devices is fed into micro controller unit 62 by means of audio detect logic line 126.
22 Analog to digital circuitry 100 is connected to micro 23 controller unit 62 by analog to digital control line 128. The 24 analog to digital circuitry monitors the received signal strength indication of IF section 54 of radio receiver 48 by means of 26 received signal strength input line 118. As part of scan mode 27 function of alert receiver 2, analog to digital circuitry 100 Alert Receiver 21 62066 Page-12-. ~.
1 senses the relative received analog signal strength output 118 of 2 IF section 54 of radio receiver 48 and writes a digital word 3 corresponding to the relative received signal strength into EEPROM
4 88, or into micro controller unit 62, by means of analog to S digital control line 128. At the end of each scan cycle micro 6 controller unit 62 chooses the frequency with relatively strongest 7 signal strength as the signal to monitor. If the received signal 8 strength falls below a preset threshold for a preset length of 9 time.
11 Due to equipment failures and other malfunctions, such as 12 downed telephone lines or broken recording studio consoles, the 13 weather or emergency radio transmitting station may transmit an 14 unmodulated carrier. An unmodulated carrier provides no useful lS information to alert receiver 2. Since speaker 108 is normally 16 muted, it is likely that the occurrence of an unmodulated carrier 17 will go undetected thereby giving alert receiver 2 users a false 18 sense of security.
Modulated audio may be detected by means of a peak detector 21 whereby if a predetermined number of modulated peaks are not 22 detected within a predetermined time frame, micro controller unit 23 62 will automatically reinitiate a new scan routine seeking the 24 strongest received signal with modulated audio. In this manner, the alert receiver 2 will automatically choose the station with 26 the second strongest received signal strength indication having Alert Receiver 21 62066 Page-13-1 modulated audio if the strongest received signal is not audio 2 modulated.
4 The scan function of alert receiver 2 is well adapted for use S in mobile installations, such as in cars, boats and trucks. As the 6 vehicle moves, alert receiver 2 will automatically seek the 7 strongest modulated signal from a preset set of frequencies. The 8 selection process also will work well where the coverage area of 9 different transmitters on different frequencies is overlapping. In these situations, alert receiver 2 will automatically and 11 continuously seek the strongest received signal with modulated 12 audio from the set of received signals.
14 In fixed installation, the scan feature serves to automatically choose a backup frequency if the strongest signal 16 either looses carrier or modulated audio. Thus, the alert 17 receiver~s scan feature may become a critical life saver in the 18 event that the primary communication system becomes disabled.
Received audio gate 102 is controlled by mute control line 21 138, which, in turn, is controlled by micro controller unit 62.
22 Received audio gate 102 mutes received audio 120 entering audio 23 mixer 104 when alert receiver 2 is in the playback alert mode, the 24 alarm voice mode or the alarm tone mode. Audio mixer 104 combines received audio signal 120, playback audio 132 from the digital 26 storage unit 96, synthesized speech voice from speech chips 94 27 through digital voice output line 134, and alarm tone 168, Alert Receiver 21 62066 Page-14-1 generated by the micro controller unit 62 as ported to audio mixer 2 104 through audio line 136.
4 The output level of audio mixer 104 is adjusted through S potentiometer 6. The audio is then ported to audio amplifier 106.
6 Audio amplifier 106 is controlled by audio amp control line 140.
7 The output of the audio amplifier 106 is then ported to external 8 speaker jack 42 and speaker 108.
In operation, micro controller unit 62 of alert receiver 2 is 11 programmed to detect alert tone 164 issued by an agency, such as 12 the National Weather Service, or by another emergency agency such 13 as the police, fire, rescue or ambulance services. Alert tone 164 14 may be of any frequency or sequence of frequencies. It is common lS that 1,050 Hz alert tone is used.
17 Upon detecting alert tone 164, micro controller unit 62 18 causes alert message 166, following alert tone 164, to be 19 digitally recorded onto the digital voice storage chips 96. The length of the alert message 166 to be recorded is limited only by 21 the storage capacity of digital recorder chips 96. Alert message 22 166 is then automatically day and time stamped by the micro 23 controller unit 62. Playback switch 16 is activated to playback 24 alert message 166.
26 The number and audio frequency of alarm tones 168 is 27 programmed into micro controller unit 62. The number and length of Alert Receiver 21 620 66 Page-15-1 time over which alarm tones 168 are generated should be sufficient 2 to alert listeners to the detection of alert message 166. The 3 timing and frequency of alarm tones 168 should not unduly 4 interfere with ongoing communications on the other communication S system. For example, one alarm tone 168 per minute for five 6 minutes might be sufficient when alert receiver 2 is the alarm 7 tone mode, while one alarm tone 168 per minute for fifteen minutes 8 might be acceptable when alert receiver 2 is in the alarm voice 9 mode.
11 If an alert tone 168 is detected and the alert receiver is in 12 the alarm tone mode and alert receiver 2 user finds recorded alert 13 message 166 to be of great interest to listeners to the second 14 communication system, the operator can press alarm voice switch 18 lS and then press playback switch 16 to play alert message 166 over 16 the other communication system. This is well suited for use in 17 radio stations as it gives the announcer time to review alert 18 message 166 and to alert the listeners that he is about to play 19 alert message 166 on the air.
21 External logic input 172 is provided to sense when the other 22 communication system, such as a land mobile repeater, is in use.
23 Micro controller unit 62 is programmed to delay playing alert 24 message 166 on the other communication system until the other communication system is available. This feature is especially 26 important in fire, police, rescue, ambulance and in other public 27 safety communications applications.
Alert Receiver 2 1 6 2 0 6 6 Page-16-2 Logic input port 174 is provided to accept remote control 3 signals, such as by DTMF (Dual Tone Multi Frequency) to enable 4 users of alert receiver 2 to remotely control its functions, and S in particular, to remotely playback alert message 166 or link 6 alert receiver 2 live audio to the other communication system.
7 DTMF decoders are commonly known in the industry and many standard 8 configurations can be used in this application.
A remote control head, with the functions of the switches on Il front panel 4 of alert receiver 2, may also be input into logic 12 input port 174. A remote control head can be connected to alert 13 receiver 2 in any commonly known manner such as hard wire or 14 radio. A remote control head is especially important in applications in buildings with extensive amounts of steel and 16 computers in which alert receiver 2 must be located in the 17 building~s penthouse and the functions of the alert receiver 2 are 18 used elsewhere in the building. This feature is especially 19 important for emergency operations centers which are usually located in underground areas for security.
22 To indicate the presence of a new and unplayed alert message 23 166, playback LED 76 will flash from the time alert tone 164 is 24 detected until playback switch 16 is activated.
26 In a another embodiment of the present invention, alert 27 receiver 2 can be programmed to activate speaker 108, line output Alert Receiver 21 62066 Page-17-., 1 40 and external audio outputs 114, 116, 120 and 42 only in 2 response to specific messages containing the specific digital 3 code. The specific locations may be programmed into micro 4 controller unit 62 of alert receiver 2 by means of keyboard 156.
S For example, if alert message 166 is a tornado warning for a 6 particular county, and the weather service transmits, in addition 7 to analog alert message 164, a digital message containing the 8 digital code for a particular county, and the user of alert 9 receiver 2 has programmed alert receiver 2 to detect this digital code, speaker 108, line output 40 and external audio outputs 114, 11 116, 120 and 42 will activate. In this manner the number of 12 warnings which are received and acted upon by an alert receiver 2 13 are held to a minimum. In effect, alert receiver 2 has filtered 14 out warnings which are not of interest to a particular user group.
lS With this feature it is more likely that alert receivers 2 16 connected to other communications systems, such as public address 17 systems and land mobile and public service repeater systems, will 18 be used in the alarm voice mode as the number of alerts that are 19 inapplicable to that user group are reduced through this digital selective calling feature.
22 This system can be used in a multitude of applications where 23 radio voice mail applications are required.
It is understood that while radio communications systems are 26 primarily discussed herein, alert receiver 2 can be adapted to Alert Receiver 21 62066 Page-18-1 work with almost any communication system over which an alert tone 2 164, followed by an alert message 166, can be transmitted.
4 While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown S and described in detail to illustrate the application of the 6 principles of the invention, it will be understood that the 7 invention may be embodied otherwise without departing such 8 principles.
Claims (49)
1. An Alert Receiver comprising:
a. means for receiving communications signals from a communications system;
b. means, connected to said means for receiving communications signals, for detecting alert tone means transmitted on said communications system;
c. alert message means, transmitted on said communications system, after said alert tone means has been transmitted on said communications system; and, d. means for recording said alert message means into said means for receiving communications signals.
a. means for receiving communications signals from a communications system;
b. means, connected to said means for receiving communications signals, for detecting alert tone means transmitted on said communications system;
c. alert message means, transmitted on said communications system, after said alert tone means has been transmitted on said communications system; and, d. means for recording said alert message means into said means for receiving communications signals.
2. An Alert Receiver, as recited in claim 1, wherein said means for receiving communications signals is a radio receiver.
3. An Alert Receiver, as recited in claim 1, further comprising means for playing back said alert message means.
Alert Receiver Claims Page-2-
Alert Receiver Claims Page-2-
4. An Alert Receiver, as recited in claim 2, wherein said means for receiving communications signals is tuned to receive government supported weather radio service.
5. An Alert Receiver, as recited in claim 2, wherein said means for receiving communications signals is tuned to receive public service radio service.
6. An Alert Receiver, as recited in claim 2, wherein said means for receiving communications signals is tuned to receive a public utility radio service.
7. An Alert Receiver, as recited in claim 2, wherein said means for receiving communications signals is tuned to receive a private radio service.
8. An Alert Receiver, as recited in claim 1, wherein said alert tone means is an oscillating tone of a particular frequency.
9. An Alert Receiver, as recited in claim 8, wherein said alert tone means has a frequency of 1050 Hz.
10. An Alert Receiver, as recited in claim 8, wherein said alert tone means has a frequency of 1650 Hz.
11. An Alert Receiver, as recited in claim 1, wherein said alert message means is a severe weather message.
Alert Receiver Claims Page-3-
Alert Receiver Claims Page-3-
12. An Alert Receiver, as recited in claim 1, wherein said alert message means is an alert test message.
13. An Alert Receiver, as recited in claim 1, wherein said alert message means is an emergency message.
14. An Alert Receiver, as recited in claim 1, wherein said alert message means is a non emergency message.
15. An Alert Receiver, as recited in claim 1, wherein said means for receiving communications signals is a narrow band FM receiver.
16. An Alert Receiver, as recited in claim 1, wherein said means for detecting alert tone means further comprises a phase locked loop.
17. An Alert Receiver, as recited in claim 16, wherein the logic output of said phase locked loop is connected to said means for recording and wherein said phase locked loop activates said means for recording after said phase locked loop detects said alert tone means.
18. An Alert Receiver, as recited in claim 1, further comprising micro controller means connected to said means for receiving communications signals.
Alert Receiver Claims Page-4-
Alert Receiver Claims Page-4-
19. An Alert Receiver, as recited in claim 18, wherein said micro controller means is configured to detect said alert tone means.
20. An Alert Receiver, as recited in claim 18, wherein said micro controller means is connected to said means for recording and wherein said micro controller activates said means for recording to record said alert message means after said micro controller detects said alert tone means.
21. An Alert Receiver, as recited in claim 8, wherein said alert tone means further comprises a plurality of sequential tones having different frequencies.
22. An Alert Receiver, as recited in claim 1, wherein said means for recording is a digital voice recorder.
23. An Alert Receiver, as recited in claim 1, further comprising date and time stamp means for identifying the date and time said alert message means was detected and recorded by said means for recording.
24. An Alert Receiver, as recited in claim 18, wherein said micro controller means controls the playback of said alert message means.
Alert Receiver Claims Page-5-
Alert Receiver Claims Page-5-
25. An Alert Receiver, as recited in claim 3, further comprising a logic closure circuit which is triggered when said alert message means is played back.
26. An Alert Receiver, as recited in claim 3, further comprising an a logic and an audio interface to control another communications system.
27. An Alert Receiver, as recited in claim 26, further comprising an in use detection circuit, wherein said alert message means will not playback on said another communications system when said another communications system is in use.
28. An Alert Receiver, as recited in claim 26, wherein said alert message means is played back over said another communications system.
29. An Alert Receiver, as recited in claim 3, wherein said alert message means is played back on said communications receiver.
30. An Alert Receiver, as recited in claim 26, further comprising alarm tone means, wherein said alarm tone means is generated by said means for receiving communications signals in response to said means for receiving communications signals detecting said alert tone means.
Alert Receiver Claims Page-6-
Alert Receiver Claims Page-6-
31. An Alert Receiver, as recited in claim 3, further comprising alarm tone means, wherein said alarm tone means is transmitted on said another communications system to alert listeners of said another communications system of said means for receiving communications signals detecting said alert tone means.
32. An Alert Receiver, as recited in claim 31, wherein said alarm tone means is subaudible.
33. An Alert Receiver, as recited in claim 31, wherein said alarm tone means is audible.
34. A method of automatically selecting a particular frequency from a preselected set of frequencies comprising the steps of:
a. preselecting a set of frequencies;
b. scanning each frequency in said preselected set of frequencies and automatically determining each frequency's relative received signal strength;
c. storing each frequency's relative signal strength in a memory bank; and, d. automatically selecting said frequency with the highest relative received signal strength.
Alert Receiver Claims Page-7-
a. preselecting a set of frequencies;
b. scanning each frequency in said preselected set of frequencies and automatically determining each frequency's relative received signal strength;
c. storing each frequency's relative signal strength in a memory bank; and, d. automatically selecting said frequency with the highest relative received signal strength.
Alert Receiver Claims Page-7-
35. A method of automatically selecting a particular frequency from a preselected set of frequencies, as recited in claim 34, wherein the set of preselected frequencies is the set of all of the allocated government supported weather radio service frequencies.
36. A method of automatically selecting a particular frequency from a preselected set of frequencies, as recited in claim 34, wherein each frequency's received signal strength is converted from an analog signal level to a digital signal level.
37. A method of automatically selecting a particular frequency from a preselected set of frequencies, as recited in claim 34, further comprising automatically reinitiating a new scan sequence of said preselected frequencies after a preset time period has elapsed.
38. A method of automatically selecting a particular frequency from a preselected set of frequencies, as recited in claim 34, further comprising the step of reinititating a scan sequence after said means for receiving communications signals senses the loss of signal strength, below a preselected threshold for a preselected time period, of a previously selected frequency.
39. A method of automatically selecting a particular frequency from a preselected set of frequencies, as recited in claim 34, further comprising the step of reinititating a scan sequence after Alert Receiver Claims Page-8-said means for receiving communications signals senses the loss of modulated audio signal, below a preselected threshold for a preselected time period, of a previously selected frequency.
40. An apparatus for automatically selecting a particular frequency from a preselected set of frequencies comprising:
a. means for preselecting a set of frequencies;
b. means for scanning each frequency in said preselected set of frequencies and automatically determining each frequency's relative received signal strength;
c. means for storing each frequency's relative signal strength in a memory bank; and, d. means for automatically selecting the frequency with the highest relative received signal strength.
a. means for preselecting a set of frequencies;
b. means for scanning each frequency in said preselected set of frequencies and automatically determining each frequency's relative received signal strength;
c. means for storing each frequency's relative signal strength in a memory bank; and, d. means for automatically selecting the frequency with the highest relative received signal strength.
41. An apparatus for automatically selecting a particular frequency from a preselected set of frequencies comprising, as recited in claim 40, wherein said preselected set of is the set of all of the allocated government supported weather radio service frequencies.
42. An apparatus for automatically selecting a particular frequency from a preselected set of frequencies comprising, as Alert Receiver Claims Page-9-recited in claim 40, further comprising means for converting each received frequency's received signal strength from an analog signal level to a digital signal level.
43. An apparatus for automatically selecting a particular frequency from a preselected set of frequencies comprising, as recited in claim 40, further comprising means for automatically reinitiating a new scan sequence of said preselected frequencies after a preset time period has elapsed.
44. An apparatus for automatically selecting a particular frequency from a preselected set of frequencies comprising, as recited in claim 40, further comprising means for reinititating a scan sequence after said means for receiving communications signals senses the loss of signal strength, below a preselected threshold for a preselected time period, of a previously selected frequency.
45. An apparatus for automatically selecting a particular frequency from a preselected set of frequencies comprising, as recited in claim 40, further comprising means for reinititating a scan sequence after said means for receiving communications signals senses the loss of modulated audio signal, below a preselected threshold for a preselected time period, of a previously selected frequency.
Alert Receiver Claims Page-10-
Alert Receiver Claims Page-10-
46. An Alert Receiver, as recited in claim 1, further comprising means for selectively activating said means for recording only in response to specific digital codes received by said means for receiving communications signals.
47. An Alert Receiver, as recited in claim 26, further comprising means for selectively activating said other communications system only in response to specific digital codes received by said means for receiving communications signals.
48. An Alert Receiver, as recited in claim 1, further comprising means for the user of said means for receiving communications signals to select the frequency of said communications system.
49. An Alert Receiver, as recited in claim 1, further comprising means for the user of said means for receiving communications signals to select the frequency of said alert tone means to be detected.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/337,198 | 1994-11-07 | ||
| US08/337,198 US5574999A (en) | 1994-03-07 | 1994-11-07 | Alert receiver |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2162066A1 true CA2162066A1 (en) | 1996-05-08 |
Family
ID=23319516
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002162066A Abandoned CA2162066A1 (en) | 1994-11-07 | 1995-11-03 | Alert receiver |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2162066A1 (en) |
-
1995
- 1995-11-03 CA CA002162066A patent/CA2162066A1/en not_active Abandoned
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