EP2676378A1

EP2676378A1 - An apparatus and associated methods for interrupted data transmissions

Info

Publication number: EP2676378A1
Application number: EP12747809.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Neil Briffett
Original assignee: Nokia Oyj
Current assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
Priority date: 2011-02-17
Filing date: 2012-01-11
Publication date: 2013-12-25
Also published as: WO2012110687A1; GB2488146A; EP2676378A4; GB201102776D0

Abstract

An apparatus comprising: a processor and memory including computer program code, the memory and the computer program code configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to: transmit data via radio transmission on a carrier wave; interrupt transmission of the data while maintaining transmission of the carrier wave; after a first predetermined period of time, automatically interrupt transmission of the carrier wave for a second predetermined period of time; and once the second predetermined period of time has expired, automatically resume transmission of the carrier wave.

Description

AN APPARATUS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS FOR

INTERRUPTED DATA TRANSMISSIONS

Technical Field The present disclosure relates to the field of unlicensed radio transmissions, associated methods and apparatus, and in particular concerns the handling of unlicensed radio transmissions of media content in situations where provision of the media content is interrupted. Certain disclosed example aspects/embodiments relate to portable electronic devices, in particular, so-called hand-portable electronic devices which may be hand-held in use (although they may be placed in a cradle in use). Such hand-portable electronic devices include so-called Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs).

The portable electronic devices/apparatus according to one or more disclosed example aspects/embodiments may provide one or more audio/text/video communication functions (e.g. tele-communication, video-communication, and/or text transmission, Short Message Service (SMS)/ Multimedia Message Service (MMS)/emailing functions, interactive/non- interactive viewing functions (e.g. web-browsing, navigation, TV/program viewing functions), music recording/playing functions (e.g. MP3 or other format and/or (FM/AM) radio broadcast recording/playing), downloading/sending of data functions, image capture function (e.g. using a (e.g. in-built) digital camera), and gaming functions.

Background

Low powered (short range) transmitters (e.g. FM transmitters) are used for interfacing personal audio devices with radio receivers. The transmitter plugs into the headphone jack or proprietary output port of the audio device, or may be built into the audio device, so that the audio signal can be broadcast and received by the radio. One purpose of short range transmitters is to provide a simple and inexpensive means for playing music from an audio device through a car stereo without the need to modify or replace the existing stereo. Nowadays, short range transmitters are being integrated into mobile telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and even laptop computers.

The legal status of unlicensed FM transmission varies around the world. In certain regions it is illegal to transmit on FM frequencies due to the risk of interference with other radio devices. In other regions, however, unlicensed FM transmission is legal provided that local regulations are adhered to. The regulations define technical requirements for FM transmission, but these requirements typically vary from region to region. In Europe and Japan, the maximum output power of an FM transmitter is limited to 50 nW (-43 dBm effective radiated power, ERP), whilst in China and the US, the maximum output is limited to 45 nW (-43.5 dBm) and 250 μ @3ΓΤΐ (-47.3 dBm), respectively. Besides output power, the available frequency bands and channel spacing also differ. The available frequency bands are currently 87.6-107.9 MHz in Europe, China and the US, and 76.1 - 87.5 MHz in Japan, and the channel spacing is 100 kHz in Europe and Japan, and 200 kHz in the US and China. The listing or discussion of a prior-published document or any background in this specification should not necessarily be taken as an acknowledgement that the document or background is part of the state of the art or is common general knowledge. One or more aspects/embodiments of the present disclosure may or may not address one or more of the background issues.

Summary

According to a first aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising:

a processor and memory including computer program code, the memory and the computer program code configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to:

transmit data via radio transmission on a carrier wave;

interrupt transmission of the data while maintaining transmission of the carrier wave;

on expiration of a first predetermined period of time, automatically interrupt transmission of the carrier wave for a second predetermined period of time; and

on expiration of the second predetermined period of time, automatically resume transmission of the carrier wave.

Reference to radio transmission or radio broadcast may be taken to include reference to any type of unlicensed wireless communication. In this respect, certain embodiments of the apparatus described herein are not necessarily limited specifically to transmission at radio frequencies (30kHz-300GHz), but may also enable transmission at microwave frequencies (300MHz-300GHz) and infrared frequencies (1 THz-430THz). In particular, the apparatus described herein may be configured to transmit data using one or more of the FM (e.g. at 30-300MHz radio frequencies), AM (e.g. at 300-3000kHz radio frequencies), DAB (e.g. digital audio broadcast radio frequencies), Bluetooth™, and infrared protocols. Furthermore, the maximum range of transmission may be limited to below 1 m, 1 -5m, 5-10m, 10-20m, or 20-50m, and may therefore be considered as "short range transmission". Also, the term "data" may be taken to encompass one or more of audio data, visual data, RDS data, RBDS data, and any other type of media data. In addition, the audio, visual, and media data may be encoded audio data, encoded visual data, and encoded media data, respectively. The first predetermined period of time may be less than or equal to a maximum duration for which unlicensed radio transmitters are permitted to transmit an unmodulated carrier wave continuously in a particular territory.

The second predetermined period of time may be less than or equal to a maximum duration for which a radio receiver, for a particular territory, is configured to wait to detect a transmitted signal at a particular frequency before automatically retuning to a different frequency.

The memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to resume transmission of the data on the carrier wave. The interruption and resumption of data transmission may be performed upon occurrence of an event.

The event causing interruption of data transmission may be one or more of the following: instruction from a user of the apparatus, detection of an incoming telephone call, initiation of an outgoing telephone call, establishment a telephone call, detection of incoming traffic information, audio and/or visual playback of a received message, audio or visual playback of a prerecorded video, activation of an electronic game involving the playback of audio and/or visual data, and activation of a navigation application involving the playback of audio and/or visual data.

The event causing resumption of data transmission may be one or more of the following: instruction from the user of the apparatus, rejection of the incoming telephone call, cancellation of the outgoing telephone call, termination of the established telephone call, termination of the incoming traffic information, termination of the audio and/or visual playback of the received message, termination of the audio or visual playback of the prerecorded video, termination of the activated electronic game involving the playback of audio and/or visual data, and termination of the navigation application involving the playback of audio and/or visual data. The memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to repeat the interruption and resumption of carrier wave transmission until transmission of the data on the carrier wave has resumed.

The data may comprise one or more of audio and visual content data. The apparatus may be configured to transmit Radio Data System data along with the data. The term "Radio Data System data" may be taken to encompass Radio Data System (RDS) and/or Radio Broadcast Data System (RBDS) data. The Radio Data System data may comprise an updated list of alternative frequencies available for use in transmitting the data. The apparatus may comprise a short range low power transmitter. The data and carrier wave may be transmitted using the short range low power transmitter.

The memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to automatically switch off the short range low power transmitter on expiration of a third predetermined period of time if the transmission of data has not resumed.

The memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to automatically transmit substitute data on the carrier wave on expiration of a fourth predetermined period of time.

The fourth predetermined period of time may be less than or equal to the maximum duration for which unlicensed radio transmitters are permitted to transmit an unmodulated carrier wave continuously in a particular territory.

The fourth predetermined period of time may be less than or equal to the maximum duration for which a radio receiver, for a particular territory, is configured to wait to detect a transmitted signal at a particular frequency before automatically retuning to a different frequency. The substitute data may be transmitted until transmission of the data has been resumed. The substitute data may be transmitted continuously. The substitute data may be transmitted intermittently with a predetermined duration and a predetermined repetition rate.

The substitute data may be the same data as the data whose transmission has been interrupted. On the other hand, the substitute data may be different data to the data whose transmission has been interrupted. The substitute data may comprise audio data, visual data, and/or any other type of media data.

The substitute data may relate to content which is stored on the apparatus, or which is available to the apparatus via a removable storage medium or wireless interface (e.g. streaming). When the substitute data comprises audio data, it may be transmitted with an amplitude (volume) and/or frequency such that playback of the audio data is inaudible to the user.

The apparatus may be one or more of the following: an electronic device, a portable electronic device, a portable telecommunications device, a cognitive radio device, a short range low power transmitter device, and a module for any of the aforementioned devices.

According to a further aspect, there is provided a method comprising:

transmitting data via radio transmission on a carrier wave;

interrupting transmission of the data while maintaining transmission of the carrier wave;

on expiration of a first predetermined period of time, automatically interrupting transmission of the carrier wave for a second predetermined period of time; and

on expiration the second predetermined period of time, automatically resuming transmission of the carrier wave. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly stated or understood by the skilled person.

According to a further aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable memory medium storing a computer program, the computer program comprising computer code configured to perform any method described herein. The apparatus may comprise a processor configured to process the code of the computer program. The processor may be a microprocessor, including an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). The present disclosure includes one or more corresponding aspects, example embodiments or features in isolation or in various combinations whether or not specifically stated (including claimed) in that combination or in isolation. Corresponding means for performing one or more of the discussed functions are also within the present disclosure. The above summary is intended to be merely exemplary and non-limiting.

Brief Description of the Figures

A description is now given, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Figure 1 shows a flow chart illustrating an implementation of the method described herein; Figure 2 shows a first device comprising the apparatus described herein, and a second device comprising a radio receiver;

Figure 3 shows the key steps of the method described herein; and

Figure 4 shows a computer readable medium providing a computer program for carrying out the method described herein.

Description of Specific Aspects/Embodiments

When information is sent via radio transmission, a data signal is overlaid on a carrier wave and transmitted at the carrier frequency. By overlaying the data signal on the carrier wave, a property of the carrier (such as the frequency, amplitude or phase) becomes modulated. A radio receiver, which is tuned to the carrier frequency, then detects the modulated carrier wave and transforms the modulation into a recognisable form (e.g. sound).

In certain circumstances it may be desirable to interrupt transmission of the data. One scenario is where an unlicensed short range transmitter is being used to transmit audio data from a mobile phone to an in-car stereo, and the mobile phone user wishes to engage in a telephone conversation. In this situation, audio playback through the stereo might prevent the user from hearing the person on the other end of the phone.

One way to overcome this problem is to manually reduce the volume of the car stereo. However, because the audio signal continues to be transmitted, the user then has to rewind the audio signal once the telephone call had ended if they wish to resume audio playback from where they left off. A further drawback of this approach is that the device is forced to process two separate streams of data simultaneously (the telephone call and the audio signal), which puts the processor under greater strain and increases power consumption.

An alternative solution is to pause the transmission of data (either manually or automatically) for the duration of the telephone call, and then resume transmission once the call has ended. In this way, when the user comes to resuming audio transmission, the audio signal continues from the point at which it was paused.

When data transmission has been interrupted (e.g. paused), however, the short range transmitter continues to transmit an unmodulated carrier wave at a specific frequency, and thereby prevents other users from making use of that frequency. To facilitate fair usage of the frequency spectrum, current regulations state that short range transmitters must cease transmission of an unmodulated carrier wave after a predetermined period of time (typically 60 seconds). The regulations therefore serve to free up available bandwidth for other users. Given that the average telephone call lasts longer than 60 seconds, short range transmitters must cease transmission of the carrier in order to comply with these regulations.

Ceasing transmission of the carrier wave can, however, have a number of undesirable consequences. First of all, some radio receivers are configured to automatically retune to a different frequency within a predetermined period of time if they cannot detect a signal (data and/or carrier wave) at the current frequency. In this situation, the user has to resynchronise the short range transmitter with the radio receiver once the telephone call has ended in order to play the audio signal over the car stereo, which is inconvenient. Furthermore, if the user is driving at the time, the need to synchronise the system may distract the user. This therefore poses a safety concern. Another problem with ceasing carrier transmission is that many radios (or stereos) will output noise until a new signal has been detected, unless a squelch circuit mutes the noise to suppress it. Even with a squelch circuit, some degree of audio disturbance will still occur because of the delay associated with activation of the squelch circuit. On the other hand, if the radio detects an external signal transmitted at a similar frequency to that at which the receiver was originally set, the radio will output sound associated with the external signal. Both scenarios could make it difficult for the user to have a telephone conversation. A further problem with ceasing carrier transmission is related to Radio Data System (RDS) data and Radio Broadcast Data System (RBDS) data. RDS and RBDS are communication protocol standards for embedding small amounts of digital information in conventional radio broadcasts. One type of useful information that may be transmitted from the short range transmitter to the radio receiver is a list of alternative frequencies. Alternative frequencies are frequencies which are available for use in the event that interference from an external transmission (operating on an identical or similar frequency) prevents use of the current frequency. By transmitting this information to the radio receiver, the short range transmitter and the radio receiver are able to maintain a continuous link. Some short range transmitters and radio receivers are configured to simultaneously switch from one frequency to another when an external transmitter does happen to interfere with the signal. Having access to an up-to-date list of alternative frequencies is particularly useful when the short range transmitter is being used on the move, because signals from various surrounding radio stations may be detected at different times/locations. By ceasing transmission of the carrier wave, it becomes impossible to transmit an updated list of alternative frequencies, and as a result, the short range transmitter may lose sync with the radio receiver.

WO 2008/062250 describes an apparatus and method (known as "chirp") for ensuring transmission continuity when media playback is interrupted, without requiring manual interaction from the user, without breaching the current regulations, and without disturbing the user. This approach involves pausing the media transmission during an interruption event, transmitting a substitute signal whilst the audio transmission is paused, and then resuming media transmission once the interruption event has ended. The substitute signal is typically a continuous or periodic audio signal having a frequency outside the range of human hearing to minimise disturbance to the user. Also, the substitute signal is transmitted within the predetermined time period set by the regulations to avoid prolonged transmission of an unmodulated carrier.

A disadvantage of this approach, however, is the need to generate a substitute signal, which requires additional memory and processing power. There will now be described an apparatus and method which may or may not address this issue. The main steps 326-329 of the method described herein are illustrated schematically in Figure 3, whilst one possible implementation of how the present disclosure may be implemented is illustrated as a flow chart in Figure 1.

The apparatus (which will be described in detail later) is configured to transmit data, via radio transmission (step 101 ), to a radio device (which will also be described in detail later). The apparatus may be configured to transmit the data as a frequency modulated (FM) radio signal, an amplitude modulated (AM) radio signal, a digital audio broadcasting (DAB) radio signal, a Bluetooth™ signal, or an infrared signal.

The data may comprise audio data, visual data, RDS data (including alternative frequency data), RBDS data, and/or any other type of media data (including combinations of the aforementioned data). The data may relate to content which is stored on the apparatus, or which is available to the apparatus via a removable storage medium or wireless interface (e.g. streaming). The data may also comprise control data configured to establish a wired or wireless connection between the apparatus and the radio device, and/or configured to control operation of the radio device. For example, when the apparatus is a portable telecommunications device, the control data may be configured to connect the apparatus to the radio device in such a way as to enable the user to have a "hands free" telephone conversation (in which case the loudspeakers of the radio device are used to output the other half of the telephone conversation). In this embodiment, the apparatus may be connected to the radio device via Bluetooth™ (e.g. head set) or a data cable (e.g. car kit) to enable the hands free telephone conversation, rather than via an FM, AM or DAB radio link.

On occurrence of an interruption event (step 102), the data transmission is interrupted by the apparatus (step 103). Typically the interruption involves pausing the data transmission so that it may be resumed from where it left off, but it could involve stopping the data transmission in such a way that it must be resumed from the start of the data (i.e. restarted). When the data comprises both media (content) data and control data, the apparatus may be configured to interrupt transmission of the media content on occurrence of an interruption event, but continue transmission of the control data.

The interruption event may be any event which could be adversely affected by output from the radio device. Furthermore, the interruption may be initiated automatically by the apparatus, or manually by a user of the apparatus. For example, the interruption event may be an instruction from the user initiated by touching/activating a button on the apparatus or the radio device. Additionally or alternatively, if the apparatus is a telecommunications device, the interruption event could be detection of an incoming telephone call, initiation of an outgoing telephone call, or establishment of a telephone call (i.e. connection to another telecommunications device). If the apparatus supports audio and/or visual playback of media files (e.g. text messages, multimedia messages, or prerecorded audio or video files), playback of these files might initiate interruption of the data transmission. Similarly, if the apparatus supports electronic game play, activation of the game might initiate interruption of the data transmission. Likewise, if the apparatus supports a navigation application (e.g. satellite navigation), activation of the navigation application may initiate interruption of the data transmission.

Whilst the above interruption events are associated with functions of the apparatus, the interruption event could be associated with functions of the radio device instead. One example might be detection of incoming traffic information via the radio receiver, although this would require the radio device to detect an external radio transmission whilst being synchronised with the apparatus. Once the data transmission has been interrupted, the carrier wave continues to be transmitted to the radio device. To avoid breaching the current regulations, the apparatus is configured to automatically interrupt transmission of the carrier wave on expiration of a first predetermined period of time (steps 104-105). This first predetermined period of time is set (e.g. by the user, by the manufacturer, or by a signal received over a network) to be less than or equal to the maximum duration for which radio transmitters are permitted to transmit an unmodulated carrier wave continuously. The first predetermined period of time may be set to less than (and/or on the order of) 1 second (i.e. momentary), 1 -4 seconds, 1 -10 seconds, 10-60 seconds, 1 -5 minutes, or over 5 minutes (depending on the local law). The momentary time period may be 1 -10 milliseconds, 10-100 milliseconds, 100-500 milliseconds, or 500-1000 milliseconds. Interruption of the data and carrier wave transmission may be performed by switching off all or part of the transmitter/transceiver. For example, the antenna and/or power amplifier may be switched off rather than the complete transmitter/transceiver circuit. This may allow the transmission to be interrupted without the transmitter/transceiver losing its configuration settings. Given the time taken to power-up the various components of the transmitter/transceiver circuit, this may also allow the transmission to be resumed more quickly than if the complete circuit was switched off.

Also, in order to prevent the transmitter from losing lock with the radio device, the apparatus is configured to automatically resume transmission of the carrier wave on expiration of a second predetermined period of time (steps 106-107). This second predetermined period of time is set (e.g. by the user, by the manufacturer, or by a signal received over a network) to be less than or equal to a maximum duration for which the radio device is configured to wait to detect a transmitted signal at a particular frequency before automatically retuning to a different frequency. The second predetermined period of time may be set to less than 1 second (i.e. momentary), 1 -10 seconds, 10-60 seconds, 1 -5 minutes, or over 5 minutes (depending on the specific radio device).

The interruption (steps 104-105) and resumption (steps 106-107) of carrier transmission is then repeated until the apparatus resumes the transmission of data on the carrier wave (steps 108-109). As with the interruption of data transmission, the resumption of data transmission is initiated by an event. For example, the resumption event may be an instruction from the user of the apparatus, rejection of the incoming telephone call, cancellation of the outgoing telephone call, termination of the established telephone call, termination of the incoming traffic information, termination of the audio and/or visual playback of the media file (e.g. text messages, multimedia messages, or prerecorded audio or video files), termination of the activated electronic game, or termination of the navigation application. Also, the data transmission may be resumed from where it left off (i.e. from a paused state), or it may be resumed from the start of the data (i.e. restarted).

It should be noted that the flow chart of Figure 1 assumes no occurrence of a resumption event during the first and/or second predetermined time periods. In reality, however, a resumption event may well occur during the first and/or second predetermined time periods, in which case the apparatus is configured to resume the transmission of data on the carrier wave when the resumption event occurs (steps 108-109). Additionally, the apparatus may also be configured to automatically switch off the transmitter if the transmission of data has not resumed after a third predetermined period of time. This feature acts to save power, and may be particularly useful if the apparatus is a portable electronic device. The third predetermined period of time may be less than 1 minute, 1 -5 minutes, 5-10 minutes, or over 10 minutes (possibly depending on the battery capacity), and may be set by the user, by the manufacturer, or by a signal received over a network.

With the apparatus and method described herein, transmission of the carrier wave is interrupted and then resumed whilst the data transmission is still interrupted. However, despite the carrier wave transmission being interrupted, some local regulations may view this as a single period of unmodulated carrier transmission (albeit separated by a break). In this situation, the apparatus may be configured to transmit substitute data (e.g. non- audible data) on the carrier wave on expiration of a fourth predetermined period of time to avoid breaching the local regulations. The fourth predetermined period of time may be less than or equal to the maximum duration for which unlicensed radio transmitters are permitted to transmit an unmodulated carrier wave continuously in a particular territory.

Furthermore, some radio receivers may be configured to automatically retune to a different frequency if they do not detect the transmission of data on a carrier wave at the current frequency within a predetermined time period. In this situation, the transmission of an unmodulated carrier wave could be insufficient to prevent the radio receiver from automatically retuning. The transmission of substitute data may address this issue if the fourth predetermined period of time is less than or equal to the maximum duration for which the radio receiver, for a particular territory, is configured to wait to detect a transmitted signal at a particular frequency before automatically retuning to a different frequency.

The terms "third" and "fourth" with respect to the above-mentioned time periods are used merely to distinguish one time period from the other, and do not imply any particular order.

The skilled person will appreciate that the storage, processing and transmission of data as performed using the apparatus described below could also be applied to the storage, processing and transmission of substitute data. Greater detail of the apparatus 210 and radio device 218 will now be provided with reference to Figure 2. The apparatus 210 comprises transmission circuitry 21 1 , a timer module 212, a processor 213, a storage medium 214, a display 215, and a transeiver 216, which are electrically connected to one another by a data bus 217. The apparatus 210 may be an electronic device, a portable electronic device, a portable telecommunications device, a cognitive radio device, a short range transmitter device, or a module for any of the aforementioned devices.

The transmission circuitry 21 1 is configured to receive data from the storage medium 214, and transmit the data on a carrier wave to the radio device 218 at a chosen frequency. The frequency used to transmit the data is typically a frequency which is not currently being used by any external transmitters whose signals are detectable by the radio device 218. The transmission circuitry 21 1 may form part of the apparatus 210 (i.e. built into the apparatus 210), or may be a separate component which is attachable to the apparatus 210.

In addition, the transmission circuitry 21 1 may be configured to detect the presence of external transmissions, and using this information, determine a list of available frequencies for use in transmitting the data to the radio device 218. The transmission circuitry 21 1 may be configured to transmit an up-to-date list of alternative frequencies to the radio device 218. In the event that a signal from an external transmitter is interfering with the reception of data from the apparatus 210, the apparatus 210 and radio device 218 may communicate with one another to agree on a different frequency. In this way, the apparatus 210 and radio device 218 can remain synchronised with one another.

The transmission circuitry 21 1 may comprise its own transceiver, or may utilise a multipurpose transceiver 216 for transmitting and receiving information. Where the transmission circuitry 21 1 does comprise its own transceiver, the transceiver may comprise separate antennas for transmitting and receiving data, and may be configured for long and/or short range communications. The transmitter/transceiver may have a maximum output power of 50 nW (-43 dBm effective radiated power, ERP), 45 nW (-43.5 dBm) or 250 μ @3ΓΤΐ (-47.3 dBm). Furthermore, the transmitter/transceiver may be configured to transmit within an FM frequency band of 87.6-107.9 MHz or 76.1 -87.5 MHz. These parameters would also be appropriate for a multi-purpose transceiver 216. In one embodiment, the timer module 212 is configured to monitor how much time has passed since the data and carrier wave transmissions were interrupted. In this embodiment, the timer module 212 may also be configured to provide signalling to the transmission circuitry 21 1 to interrupt and resume transmission of the carrier wave accordingly. The timer module 212 may also be configured to provide signalling to the switch the transmission circuitry off. In another embodiment, these functions may be performed by the processor 213, with the timer module 212 being used merely to keep time. The timer module 212 may comprise software and/or hardware. The processor 213 is configured for general operation of the apparatus 210 by providing signalling to, and receiving signalling from, the other device components to manage their operation. The processor 213 may be a microprocessor, including an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). The storage medium 214 is configured to store computer code configured to perform, control or enable operation of the apparatus 210, as described with reference to Figure 4. The storage medium 214 may also be configured to store one or more of the following: the data which is transmitted from the apparatus 210 to the radio device 21 1 ; first and second predetermined time settings (which can be used by the processor 213 or timer module 212 to determine whether or not transmission of the carrier wave should be interrupted or resumed); RDS data (including an up-to-date list of alternative frequencies); and/or settings for the other device components. When the storage medium 214 is used to store settings for the other device components, the processor 213 may access the storage medium 214 to retrieve the settings in order to manage operation of the other device components.

In addition, the storage medium 214 may be configured to store a graphical user interface which enables a user to control the functionality of the apparatus 210. In particular, the graphical user interface may enable the user to control interruption and resumption of data transmission, and to select a particular frequency for transmission.

The storage medium 214 may be a temporary storage medium such as a volatile random access memory. On the other hand, the storage medium 214 may be a permanent storage medium such as a hard disk drive, a flash memory, or a non-volatile random access memory. The display 215 is configured to present the graphical user interface to the user. The display 215 may also be configured to convert visual data received from the storage medium 214 or an external device into images which are visible to the user. For example, the display 215 may be configured to receive and present text, pictures, and/or videos received from the storage medium or external device. The display 215 may be an organic LED, inorganic LED, electrochromic, electrophoretic, or electrowetting display, and may be touch sensitive (comprising resistive, surface acoustic wave, capacitive, force panel, optical imaging, dispersive signal, acoustic pulse recognition, or bidirectional screen technology).

The transceiver 216 is configured to enable a user of the device to send data to, and receive data from, external devices. For example, the transceiver 216 may be configured to enable a telephone call between a user of the apparatus 210 and a user of an external telecommunications device. As described previously, the detection, initiation or establishment of telephone calls may trigger interruption of the data transmission. The transceiver 216 may also be configured to enable text or multimedia messages to be sent between the apparatus 210 and an external device. The transceiver 216 may comprise separate antennas for transmitting and receiving data, and may be configured for long and/or short range communications.

The apparatus 210 may also comprise an external memory interface (not shown) which is configured to allow an external storage medium (not shown) to be connected to the apparatus 210 so that software and/or data (including media content data) can be loaded or updated. For example, the external memory interface may be one or more of a USB port for accepting memory sticks, a CD/DVD drive for accepting CDs or DVDs, and a card reader for accepting SD, mini SD or micro SD memory cards.

The radio device 218, on the other hand, may comprise a loudspeaker 219, a timer module 220, a processor 221 , a storage medium 222, a display 223, and a receiver 224, which are electrically connected to one another by a data bus 225.

The loudspeaker 219 is configured to convert audio data received from the apparatus 210 into sound which is audible to the user. The loudspeaker 219 may also be configured to convert audio data received from an external source into sound which is audible to the user. For example, the loudspeaker 219 may be configured to receive and output traffic information broadcast by a local radio station. In one embodiment, the timer module 220 is configured to monitor how much time has passed since a transmitted signal was last detected at the current frequency. In this embodiment, the timer module 220 may also be configured to provide signalling to cause the receiver 224 to retune to a different frequency in order to detect a transmitted signal. In another embodiment, these functions may be performed by the processor 221 , with the timer module 220 being used merely to keep time. The timer module 220 may comprise software and/or hardware. The processor 221 is configured for general operation of the radio device 218 by providing signalling to, and receiving signalling from, the other device components to manage their operation. The processor may be a microprocessor, including an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). The storage med iu m 222 is configu red to store one or more of the fol lowi ng : a predetermined time setting (which can be used by the processor 221 or timer module 220 to determine whether or not the receiver 224 should retune to a different frequency in order to detect a transmitted signal); RDS data (including an up-to-date list of alternative frequencies); and/or settings for the other device components. When the storage medium 222 is used to store settings for the other device components, the processor 221 may access the storage medium 222 to retrieve the settings in order to manage operation of the other device components.

In addition, the storage medium 222 may be configured to store a graphical user interface which enables a user to control the functionality of the radio device 218. In particular, the graphical user interface may enable the user to select a particular frequency for reception.

The storage medium 222 may be a temporary storage medium such as a volatile random access memory. On the other hand, the storage medium 222 may be a permanent storage medium such as a hard disk drive, a flash memory, or a non-volatile random access memory.

The display 223 is configured to present the graphical user interface to the user. The display 223 may also be configured to convert visual data received from the apparatus 210 or an external source (e.g. a radio station or an external device) into images which are visible to the user. For example, the display 223 may be configured to receive and present the current frequency, volume, and/or programme information. The display 223 may be an organic LED, inorganic LED, electrochromic, electrophoretic, or electrowetting display, and may be touch sensitive (comprising resistive, surface acoustic wave, capacitive, force panel, optical imaging, dispersive signal, acoustic pulse recognition, or bidirectional screen technology).

The receiver 224 is configured to receive data from the apparatus 218 (and/or an external source), and pass this data to the loudspeaker 219 and/or display 223 for output/presentation. The receiver 224 may form part of a transceiver, and may comprise separate antennas for transmitting and receiving information.

Figure 4 illustrates schematically a computer/processor readable medium 430 providing a computer program according to one embodiment. In this example, the computer/processor readable medium 430 is a disc such as a digital versatile disc (DVD) or a compact disc (CD). In other embodiments, the computer/processor readable medium 430 may be any medium that has been programmed in such a way as to carry out an inventive function. The computer/processor readable medium 430 may be a removable memory device such as a memory stick or memory card (SD, mini SD or micro SD). The computer program may comprise computer code configured to perform, control or enable one or more of the following method steps: transmitting data via radio transmission on a carrier wave; interrupting transmission of the data while maintaining transmission of the carrier wave; on expiration of a first predetermined period of time, automatically interrupting transmission of the carrier wave for a second predetermined period of time; and on expiration of the second predetermined period of time, automatically resuming transmission of the carrier wave.

Other embodiments depicted in the figures have been provided with reference numerals that correspond to similar features of earlier described embodiments. For example, feature number 1 can also correspond to numbers 101 , 201 , 301 etc. These numbered features may appear in the figures but may not have been directly referred to within the description of these particular embodiments. These have still been provided in the figures to aid understanding of the further embodiments, particularly in relation to the features of similar earlier described embodiments. It will be appreciated to the skilled reader that any mentioned apparatus/device/server and/or other features of particular mentioned apparatus/device/server may be provided by apparatus arranged such that they become configured to carry out the desired operations only when enabled, e.g. switched on, or the like. In such cases, they may not necessarily have the appropriate software loaded into the active memory in the non-enabled (e.g. switched off state) and only load the appropriate software in the enabled (e.g. on state). The apparatus may comprise hardware circuitry and/or firmware. The apparatus may comprise software loaded onto memory. Such software/computer programs may be recorded on the same memory/processor/functional units and/or on one or more memories/processors/functional units.

In some embodiments, a particular mentioned apparatus/device/server may be preprogrammed with the appropriate software to carry out desired operations, and wherein the appropriate software can be enabled for use by a user downloading a "key", for example, to unlock/enable the software and its associated functionality. Advantages associated with such embodiments can include a reduced requirement to download data when further functionality is required for a device, and this can be useful in examples where a device is perceived to have sufficient capacity to store such pre-programmed software for functionality that may not be enabled by a user.

It will be appreciated that any mentioned apparatus/circuitry/elements/processor may have other functions in addition to the mentioned functions, and that these functions may be performed by the same apparatus/circuitry/elements/processor. One or more disclosed aspects may encompass the electronic distribution of associated computer programs and computer programs (which may be source/transport encoded) recorded on an appropriate carrier (e.g. memory, signal).

It will be appreciated that any "computer" described herein can comprise a collection of one or more individual processors/processing elements that may or may not be located on the same circuit board, or the same region/position of a circuit board or even the same device. In some embodiments one or more of any mentioned processors may be distributed over a plurality of devices. The same or different processor/processing elements may perform one or more functions described herein. It will be appreciated that the term "signalling" may refer to one or more signals transmitted as a series of transmitted and/or received signals. The series of signals may comprise one, two, three, four or even more individual signal components or distinct signals to make up said signalling. Some or all of these individual signals may be transmitted/received simultaneously, in sequence, and/or such that they temporally overlap one another.

With reference to any discussion of any mentioned computer and/or processor and memory (e.g. including ROM, CD-ROM etc), these may comprise a computer processor, Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and/or other hardware components that have been programmed in such a way to carry out the inventive function.

The applicant hereby discloses in isolation each individual feature described herein and any combination of two or more such features, to the extent that such features or combinations are capable of being carried out based on the present specification as a whole, in the light of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art, irrespective of whether such features or combinations of features solve any problems disclosed herein, and without limitation to the scope of the claims. The applicant indicates that the disclosed aspects/embodiments may consist of any such individual feature or combination of features. In view of the foregoing description it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that various modifications may be made within the scope of the disclosure.

While there have been shown and described and pointed out fundamental novel features as applied to different embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the devices and methods described may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or method steps which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements and/or method steps shown and/or described in connection with any disclosed form or embodiment may be incorporated in any other disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment as a general matter of design choice. Furthermore, in the claims means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Thus although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures.

Claims

1 . An apparatus comprising:

transmit data via radio transmission on a carrier wave;

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is arranged to transmit the data at an unlicensed radio frequency.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the apparatus is arranged to transmit the data via a short range radio transmission.

4. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is arranged to transmit the data within one or more of the following frequency ranges: 30kHz-300GHz, 300MHz-300GHz, and 1 THz-430THz.

5. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is arranged to transmit data using one or more of the FM, AM, DAB, Bluetooth™, and infrared protocols.

6. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises a short range low power transmitter, and wherein the data and carrier wave are transmitted using the short range low power transmitter.

7. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to automatically switch off the short range low power transmitter on expiration of a third predetermined period of time if the transmission of data has not resumed.

8. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to automatically transmit substitute data on the carrier wave on expiration of a fourth predetermined period of time.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein one or more of the first and fourth predetermined periods of time are less than or equal to a maximum duration for which unlicensed radio transmitters are permitted to transmit an unmodulated carrier wave continuously in a particular territory.

10. The apparatus of claim 8 or 9, wherein one or more of the second and fourth predetermined periods of time are less than or equal to a maximum duration for which a radio receiver, for a particular territory, is configured to wait to detect a transmitted signal at a particular frequency before automatically retuning to a different frequency.

1 1 . The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to resume transmission of the data on the carrier wave.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 1 , wherein the interruption and resumption of data transmission are performed upon occurrence of an event.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the event causing interruption of data transmission is one or more of the following: instruction from a user of the apparatus, detection of an incoming telephone call , in itiation of an outgoing telephone call , establishment of a telephone call, detection of incoming traffic information, audio and/or visual playback of a received message, audio and/or visual playback of a prerecorded video, activation of an electronic game involving the playback of audio and/or visual data, and activation of a navigation application involving the playback of audio and/or visual data.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the event causing resumption of data transmission is one or more of the following: instruction from the user of the apparatus, rejection of the incoming telephone call, cancellation of the outgoing telephone call, termination of the established telephone call , termination of the incoming traffic information, termination of the audio and/or visual playback of the received message, termination of the audio and/or visual playback of the prerecorded video, termination of the activated electronic game involving the playback of audio and/or visual data, and termination of the activated navigation application involving the playback of audio and/or visual data.

15. The apparatus of any of claims 1 1 to 14, wherein the memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to repeat the interruption and resumption of carrier wave transmission until transmission of the data on the carrier wave has resumed.

16. The apparatus of any of claims 8 to 15, wherein the memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to transmit the substitute data until transmission of the data has resumed.

17. The apparatus of any of claims 8 to 16, wherein the substitute data is transmitted continuously.

18. The apparatus of any of claims 8 to 16, wherein the substitute data is transmitted intermittently with a predetermined duration and a predetermined repetition rate.

19. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the data and substitute data comprises at least one of audio and visual content data.

20. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is configured to transmit Radio Data System data along with the data.

21 . The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the Radio Data System data comprises an updated list of alternative frequencies available for use in transmitting the data.

22. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is one or more of the following: an electronic device, a portable electronic device, a portable telecommunications device, a cognitive radio device, a short range low power transmitter device, and a module for any of the aforementioned devices.

23. A method comprising:

transmitting data via radio transmission on a carrier wave; interrupting transmission of the data while maintaining transmission of the carrier wave;

on expiration of the second predetermined period of time, automatically resuming transmission of the carrier wave.

24. A non-transitory computer-readable memory medium storing a computer program, the computer program comprising computer code configured to perform the method of claim 23.