JP2006515720A - Apparatus and method for providing a user-selectable alert mode for a television signal receiver - Google Patents

Abstract

The television signal receiver 20 having an emergency alert function provides an alert output according to a user-selectable alert mode corresponding to the type of emergency event. According to an exemplary embodiment, television signal receiver 20 includes a tuner 22 that operates to tune to a frequency that includes an emergency alert signal indicative of the type of emergency event. The processor 27 is operative to enable the alert output in response to an emergency alert signal. The alert output is provided according to a user selectable alert mode corresponding to the type of emergency event.

Description

  The present invention relates to a television signal receiver having a display device or a television signal receiver having no display device, and more particularly, an emergency capable of providing an alert output according to a user-selectable alert mode corresponding to an emergency type. The present invention relates to a television signal receiver having a situation alert function.

    The present invention further relates to a user interface associated with an emergency alert function.

  Severe weather, natural disasters, fires, civil emergencies, war acts, toxic chemical spills, emergencies such as radiation leaks, or other such conditions devastate unconscious individuals there is a possibility. In weather-related emergencies, authorities such as the National Weather Service (NWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) detect severe weather conditions before they are generally known Is possible. Through the use of modern weather detection devices such as Doppler radar and weather satellites, NWS and NOAA can issue early warnings about severe weather conditions that have saved many lives. However, as such warnings are effective, these warnings must be communicated to their intended recipients.

  Certain dedicated radios and scanners can receive emergency alert signals provided by NWS and NOAA. However, such devices tend to be dedicated to this use and generally provide little, if any, functionality to the consumer other than monitoring these signals. Thus, in order to receive pre-warnings about weather-related emergencies, consumers are required to purchase individual and dedicated equipment, which may not be costly for some consumers .

  Another problem with such devices is the inability to provide the consumer with options regarding how the consumer is alerted in special emergency situations. For example, a given device may detect an emergency by receiving SAME (Specific Area Message Encoding) data, which may include emergency, emergency type (eg, tornado, loss of toxic chemicals, Radiation leaks, civil emergencies), specific geographic areas affected by the duration of event alerts. According to such a device, when an emergency occurs, an alert output such as a voice message may be supplied to alert the individual in the emergency. With such a device, the user can select the type of alert output provided in an emergency, and the selected type or mode of alert output is used for each type of emergency. In other words, such a device does not allow the consumer to specify how the consumer is alerted for each emergency situation.

  The use of a common alert mode for each type of emergency as described above can be confusing and even dangerous for consumers. This indicates whether a specific emergency requires immediate action (even if it is a tornado warning) or may be ignored (for example, a thunderstorm warning) This is because it cannot be easily determined from the alert output. In addition, the use of a common alert mode for each type of emergency may generally tend to desensitize consumers towards the alert output. This is because all alert outputs may look similar or the same. As a result, the consumer is more likely to ignore the alert output, which may put the consumer at risk.

  Therefore, there is a need for a device that can receive an emergency alert signal that avoids the problems described above. The present invention addresses these and other problems.

  In an aspect of the present invention, a television signal receiver having an emergency alert function is disclosed. According to an exemplary embodiment, the television signal receiver includes tuning means for tuning to a frequency that includes an emergency alert signal indicating the type of emergency event. The processing means enables an alert output in response to the emergency alert signal, the alert output being provided according to a user selectable alert mode corresponding to the type of emergency event.

  According to another aspect of the invention, a method for controlling a television receiver having an emergency alert function is disclosed. According to an exemplary embodiment, the method tunes to a frequency that includes an emergency alert signal indicating the type of emergency event, and provides an alert output in response to the emergency alert signal. The alert output is provided according to a user-selectable alert mode corresponding to the type of emergency event.

  The foregoing features and advantages of the invention, other features and advantages, and the manner in which they are reached will be more clearly understood, and the invention will be described with reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It will be better understood by reference.

  The illustrations described in this embodiment are for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way.

  With particular reference to the drawing, which is FIG. 1, an exemplary environment 100 suitable for implementing the present invention is shown. In FIG. 1, the environment 100 is a signal transmission means such as a signal transmission source 10, such as a residential unit 15 (ie, 1, 2, 3,... N, where N is any positive integer). Residential means and signal receiving means such as a television signal receiver 20 are provided.

  In FIG. 1, the housing means 15 can be a residential field, a business field, and / or, but is not limited to, a specific continent, country, region, region code, postal code, city, country, local government, It represents a location of a residential land and / or other residential locations located within a particular geographic area, such as other definable geographic areas. In the exemplary embodiment, each residential unit 15 is provided with at least one television signal receiver 20 having an emergency alert function. According to the present invention, the emergency alert function allows the television signal receiver 20 to receive an emergency alert signal and provide one or more alert outputs for notifying individuals of the emergency event. Can do. As described after this embodiment, the television signal receiver 20 can also provide one or more alert outputs according to one or more user-selectable alert modes corresponding to the type of emergency event. .

  According to an exemplary embodiment, the signal transmission sources 10 transmit signals including emergency alert signals that may be received by the respective television signal receivers 20. Emergency alert signals may be supplied by authorities such as NWS, or other authorities such as political reality. In response to the emergency alert signal, each television signal receiver 20 may provide one or more alert outputs, thereby notifying individuals of the emergency event. The signal source 10 may be, but is not limited to, terrestrial, cable, satellite, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL), and / or any other type of broadcast and / or multicast means. Such an emergency alert signal may be transmitted to the television signal receiver 20 via simple wired or wireless means.

  Referring to FIG. 2, a block diagram for an exemplary embodiment of the television signal receiver 20 of FIG. 1 is shown. In FIG. 2, the television signal receiver 20 includes signal receiving means such as an element 21 for receiving a signal, channel selection means such as a tuner 22, demodulation means such as a demodulator 23, and audio such as an audio amplifier 24. Amplifying means, audio output means such as a speaker 25, decoding means such as a decoder 26, processing means and storage means such as a processor and memory 27, video processing means such as a video processor 28, and a visual such as a display 29 A typical output means is provided. Some of the elements described above may be implemented using, for example, an integrated circuit (IC). For clarity of explanation, FIG. 2 shows certain conventional elements of a television signal receiver 20 that includes control signals.

  The signal receiving element 21 is operable to receive signals including audio and / or video signals from a signal source such as the signal transmission source 10 in FIG. In an exemplary embodiment, the received audio signal may include a digitally encoded emergency alert signal. The signal receiving element 21 may be implemented as any signal receiving element such as an antenna, input terminal or other element.

  The tuner 22 serves to tune signals including audio and / or video signals. According to an exemplary embodiment, tuner 22 is tunable to an audio signal at at least the following designated NWS frequencies. 162.400 MHz, 162.425 MHz, 162.450 MHz, 162.475 MHz, 162.500 MHz, 162.525 MHz and 162.550 MHz. Other frequencies may be tuned. As previously indicated in the present embodiment, such an audio signal may include a digitally encoded emergency alert signal.

  The demodulator 23 functions to demodulate the signal supplied from the tuner 22. According to an exemplary embodiment, demodulator 23 demodulates an audio signal, thereby demodulating audio content, such as NWS audio messages, alert alert tones, and / or other audio content. Generate an audio signal. The audio amplifier 24 functions to amplify the audio signal output from the demodulator 23 in response to the control signal supplied from the processor 27. The speaker 25 functions to audibly output the amplified audio signal supplied from the audio amplifier 24.

  The decoder 26 serves to decode signals including audio and / or video signals. In the exemplary embodiment, decoder 26 decodes the audio signal provided by demodulator 23, thereby extracting a digitally encoded frequency shift keying (FSK) signal, which FSK signal is Fig. 3 represents an emergency alert signal indicating an emergency event. In an exemplary embodiment, the emergency alert signal includes data comprising SAME data associated with the emergency event. SAME data is affected by emergency events, types of emergency events (eg, tornado, toxic chemical spills, radiation leaks, civil emergencies, etc.) and the expiry date of the emergency A digital code representing information such as the geographical area of SAME data is used by NWS and other authorities to improve the specificity of emergency alerts and to reduce the frequency of false alerts. Other data and information may also be included in the emergency alert signal according to the present invention.

  The processor and memory 27 serves to perform various processing and data storage functions of the television signal receiver 20. According to an exemplary embodiment, the processor 27 receives an emergency alert signal from the decoder 26 and the emergency alert function of the television signal receiver 20 is based on data included in the emergency alert signal. To determine if it will be activated. In this exemplary embodiment, processor 27 compares the data in the emergency alert signal with the user setup data stored in memory 27 to determine if the emergency alert function is activated. As will be described later in this embodiment, the setup process for the emergency alert function of the television signal receiver 20 allows the user to activate the emergency area and the corresponding geographic area, emergency Items such as the type of event of the event (eg, tornado, toxic chemical spill, radiation leaks, civil emergencies, etc.) can be selected.

  When the emergency alert function of the television signal receiver 20 is activated, the processor 27 outputs one or more control signals that enable various operations. According to an exemplary embodiment, such control signals may enable one or more alert outputs (eg, audible and / or visual), thereby notifying an individual of an emergency event. it can. In accordance with the present invention, such alert output is provided in accordance with a user selectable alert mode corresponding to a particular type of emergency event. Such a control signal may also enable other operations of the television signal receiver 20, such as switching from off / standby mode to on mode.

  Video processor 28 operates to process signals including video signals. According to exemplary embodiments, such video signals may include embedded messages such as NWS text messages and / or other messages that provide details regarding emergency events. Video processor 28 may include a closed caption circuit that enables closed caption display. The display 29 serves to provide a visual display corresponding to the processed signal supplied from the video processor 28. According to an exemplary embodiment, display 29 may provide a visual display that includes the messages described above that provide details regarding emergency events.

  Returning now to FIG. 3, a flowchart 30 illustrating exemplary steps according to the present invention is shown. For purposes of example and explanation, the steps of FIG. 3 will be described with reference to the television signal receiver 20 of FIG. The steps of FIG. 3 are merely exemplary and should not be construed to limit the invention in any way.

  In step 31, a setup process for an emergency alert function of the television signal receiver 20 is executed. In the exemplary embodiment, an input is provided to television signal receiver 20 in response to an on-screen menu displayed via display 29 (eg, using a remote control device not shown). The user executes this setup process. Such an on-screen menu may be part of an electronic program guide (EPG) function of the television signal receiver 20, for example. In the exemplary embodiment, the user may select at least the following items during the setup process at step 31.

  A. Enable / Disable: The user may choose to enable or disable the emergency alert function.

  B. Frequency selection: The user may select a monitoring frequency to be tuned to receive an emergency alert signal. For example, the user may select a frequency such as the following NWS transmission frequency. 162.400 MHz, 162.425 MHz, 162.450 MHz, 162.475 MHz, 162.500 MHz, 162.525 MHz and 162.550 MHz.

  C. Event type: The user may select one or more types of emergency events to activate the emergency alert function. For example, a user may specify that an event such as a civil emergency, a war act, and / or a tornado warning activates an emergency alert function, but an event such as a thunderstorm warning does not. . The user may also select whether the conventional alert audio tone provided by the NWS and / or other alarm mechanisms activates the emergency alert function. According to the present invention, different severities, ie alert levels (eg, statements, warnings, warnings, etc.) may represent different “events”. For example, a thunderstorm warning may be considered a different event than a thunderstorm warning.

  D: Geographic area: The user may select one or more geographic areas of interest. For example, a user may select a particular continent, country, province, state, region code, zip code, city, country, local government, residential parcel, and / or other definable geographic area. is there.

  E. Alert Mode: The user may select one or more alert modes for each type of emergency event that activates the emergency alert function. In an exemplary embodiment, the user may select the visual and / or audible output provided for each type of emergency event that activates the emergency alert function. For example, the user may choose to display a visual message (eg, an NWS text message as a closed caption display) and / or tune the television signal receiver 20 to a particular channel. Also, for example, the user can audibly output warning tones (eg, chimes, sirens, etc.) and / or audibly output audio messages (eg, NWS audio messages), and each desired There is a case where it is selected that the volume of the sound is output audibly. Other types of alert outputs may also be provided in accordance with the present invention.

  The user selection of items C and E at step 31 may be combined with a single user interface, such as the user interface shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 4, another diagram of a television signal receiver 20 including user interfaces 40 and 50 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. In particular, FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary user interface 40 that may be used to select items C and E in step 31, which may be used to control alert output, And another exemplary user interface 50 described later in the present embodiment with reference to FIG. 5 is shown.

  In FIG. 4, the user interface 40 includes an event type 41 (ie, item C), user selectable alert modes 42-44 corresponding to the event type 41 (ie, item E), and an exemplary on-screen message 45. It has a list. In the exemplary embodiment, the user interacts with the user interface 40 (eg, using a remote control device not shown), thereby providing one or more alert modes 42-44 for each of the event types 41. May be selected. The user may switch between the various screens to see different event types 41. The specific event types 41, alert modes 42-44, and the on-screen message 45 illustrated in the user interface 40 of FIG. 4 are for illustration only, and different event types, alert modes, and on-screen messages are shown. Sometimes used in accordance with the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a check mark appears in a row corresponding to a specific event type 41 by the user selection in the alert modes 42 and 43. Similarly, due to user selection in alert mode 44, the term “chime” or “screen” appears in the row corresponding to a particular event type 41. Also, in FIG. 4, if the user does not want a particular event type 41 to activate the emergency alert function of the television signal receiver 20, alert modes 42 and 43 are not selected (ie, no check mark). ), The alert mode 44 is set to “none” (for example, an emergency of child kidnapping). In this way, the user interface 40 allows the user to (1) activate the emergency alert function (ie, item C of step 31) and (2) activate each event that activates the emergency alert function. Both alert modes corresponding to the type (ie, item E in step 31) can be specified. Therefore, the user interface 40 allows the user to specify the alert output supplied by the emergency alert function of the television signal receiver 20 for each event.

  In accordance with the present invention, other menu selections other than those explicitly described in this embodiment may be provided at step 31. Data corresponding to the user selection during the setup process of step 31 is stored in the memory 27 under the control of the processor 27.

  At step 32, the television signal receiver 20 monitors the frequency selected by the user during the setup process of step 31 (ie, item B) for the emergency alert signal. According to an exemplary embodiment, tuner 22 monitors the selected frequency and thereby receives an incoming emergency alert signal. In accordance with the present invention, for example, when the television signal receiver 20 is turned on, turned off, and / or during playback of recorded audio and / or video content. John signal receiver 20 can monitor frequencies during all operating modes and receive emergency alert signals.

  At step 33, a determination is made as to whether the emergency alert function of the television signal receiver 20 has been activated. According to an exemplary embodiment, the processor 27 makes this determination by comparing the data contained in the incoming emergency alert signal with the data stored in the memory 27 from the setup process of step 31. As indicated earlier in the present embodiment, the emergency alert signal may include the type of emergency event (eg, tornado, toxic chemical spill, radiation leak, civil emergency, etc.) and It may include data such as SAME data representing information that includes a specific geographic area affected by an emergency. According to an exemplary embodiment, the processor 27 compares the SAME data with the corresponding data from the setup process of step 31 stored in the memory 27, thereby activating the emergency alert function. Determine whether. Thus, the emergency alert function of the television signal receiver 20 corresponds to the geographic area and / or event type in which the emergency event indicated by the emergency alert signal is indicated by the user in step 31. Only activated when.

  If the determination in step 33 is negative, the process flow returns to step 32 where the tuner 22 continues to monitor the selected frequency. Alternatively, if the determination at step 33 is affirmative, the process flow proceeds to step 34 where the television signal receiver 20 has one or more alert modes selected by the user at step 31. Provide one or more alert outputs according to (ie, item E), thereby notifying individuals of emergency events. As previously indicated in the present embodiment, such alert output may be visual and / or audible in nature. For example, a visual message, such as an NWS text message, may be provided as a closed caption display via display 29 according to user selection during the setup process of step 31. An audio output such as an audio message such as a chime, siren, etc. and / or an NWS audio message, or an audio message such as a message from an all-hazard alert system is selected by the user during the setup process of step 31 May be supplied at step 34 via the speaker 25.

  In the exemplary embodiment, at least one alert output that is not based on a user selection at step 31 may be provided at step 34. For example, the alert output may be provided via an indicator element on the front display panel of the television signal receiver 20 to notify an individual of an emergency event. Further details regarding this type of alert output are provided below with reference to step 35. Other types of audio and / or visual alert outputs other than those explicitly described in this embodiment may be provided at step 34 in accordance with the present invention.

  At step 35, the user may control the alert output using an interface, such as the exemplary user interface 50 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the user interface 50 may be included in the front display panel of the television signal receiver 20. The user interface 50 may be included separately from the front display panel of the television signal receiver 20 and may be supplied to another device such as a remote control device of the television signal receiver 20. Returning now to FIG. 5, a diagram giving further details of the exemplary user interface 50 is provided. As shown in FIG. 5, the user interface 50 comprises indicator means such as indicator elements 51-54 and control means such as control elements 55-57.

  According to an exemplary embodiment, indicator elements 51-54 serve to provide a user with visual information regarding the emergency alert function of television signal receiver 20, such as a light emitting diode (LED). It may be implemented as a device, a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, a crystal display (LQD) device, and / or other visual indicator element. In the exemplary embodiment, indicator elements 51-54 may be used at step 31 to provide an alert output that is not based on a user selection. That is, indicator elements 51-54 are used to provide visual information to the user each time an emergency alert function is activated and may not be completely turned off by the user. Thus, the indicator elements 51 and 54 ensure that at least one alert output is provided to the user when the emergency alert function is activated. For illustration purposes, the user interface 50 of FIG. 5 is shown as having four indicator elements. However, the number of such indicator elements actually used may be a matter of design choice according to the present invention.

  According to an exemplary embodiment, the indicator element 51 indicates green and the emergency alert function of the television signal receiver 20 is active and an emergency alert signal is received. May illuminate. In addition, indicator elements 52-54 may show different colors and may illuminate to provide visual information regarding emergency events. For example, indicator element 52 may be illuminated to indicate a yellow alert and a level of alert that provides a statement or advice. Similarly, indicator element 53 may be orange to indicate a warning level alert, and indicator element 54 may be red to indicate a warning level alert. There is. As previously indicated in this embodiment, these different alert levels may represent different emergency events in accordance with the present invention. Other colors other than those previously described and / or different levels for indicator elements 51-54 than those shown in FIG. 5 may be used in accordance with the present invention.

  According to an exemplary embodiment, indicator elements 51-54 may flash rather than remain lit continuously when an emergency alert function is activated (eg, light and dark). Are flushed 4 times per second at equal intervals). This is because flashing, or blinking light, is generally good for attracting the user's attention. However, a combination of a flash and a continuously illuminated state may be used in accordance with the present invention. For example, if a statement level alert occurs, the indicator element 52 may initially blink to attract the user's attention. This blinking continues for a predetermined period or until the user provides input to the television signal receiver 20, such as input via one of the control elements 55-57. May be. Once the predetermined time has elapsed or the user provides input, the indicator element 52 may be lit continuously. Indicator elements 53 and 54 may operate in a similar manner for each alert level alert and alert level alert. In accordance with the present invention, other techniques for the combination of flashing indicator elements 52-54 and constant illumination may be used.

  Also, according to an exemplary embodiment, control elements 55-57 serve to allow user control of the alert output of television signal receiver 29, eg, keys, buttons, and / or users. May be implemented as another control element that allows the alert output of the television signal receiver 20 to be controlled. For illustrative purposes, the user interface 50 of FIG. 5 is shown as having three control elements. However, the number of such control elements used in the implementation may be a matter of design choice according to the present invention.

  According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the control element 55 operates as a toggle switch and turns on a visual message such as an NWS text message provided as a closed caption display via the display 29. And may be operated by the user to turn off. For example, if a visual message is on display 29, control element 55 may be used to turn the message off. Alternatively, if there is no visual message on the display 29, but the emergency alert function is activated (eg, one of the indicators 52-54 blinks), the control element 55 may May be used to turn it on, which may cause it to be displayed on the display 29. In this way, the control element 55 may be used to turn alert output on and off for a given occurrence of a particular emergency event. Further, when the television signal receiver 20 is in the off / standby mode, the control element 55 may be used to switch the television signal receiver 20 to the on mode and turn on the visual display. .

  According to an exemplary embodiment, control element 56 may operate as a toggle switch in a manner similar to control element 55 described above. In particular, the control element 56 may be operated by the user to turn on and off audio messages, such as NWS audio messages or messages from an all-hazard alert system, supplied via the speaker 25. For example, if an audio message is being delivered via the speaker 25, the control element 56 may be used to turn off the message. Alternatively, if no audio message is provided but the emergency alert function is activated (eg, one of the indicator elements 52-54 blinks), the control element 56 may , Which may cause an audio message to be output through the speaker 25. Thus, the control element 56 may be used to turn alert output on and off for a given occurrence of a particular emergency event. Further, when the television signal receiver 20 is in the off / standby mode, the control element 56 may be used to switch the television signal receiver 20 to the on mode and turn on the audio message.

  According to an exemplary embodiment, the control element 57 may be operated by a user to turn off alarms, such as chimes, sirens, etc., supplied via the speaker 25. For example, if an alarm is activated, the control element 57 may be used to turn off the alarm. According to an exemplary embodiment, control elements 55 and 56 may be used to turn off the alarm. As previously indicated in the present embodiment, there may be three different settings for such alarms: off, chime, or siren (see alert mode 44 of user interface 40 in FIG. 4). . According to an exemplary embodiment, the chime is a gentle but recognizable sound and the siren is a noisy and urgent sound. Such an alarm may start, for example, at a given volume and gradually increase to the maximum volume level determined by the user. Thus, by allowing the user to turn off the alarm using any of the control elements 55-57, the present invention advantageously allows the user to quickly turn off the alarm before the alarm becomes bothersome. Can be.

  As previously indicated in the present embodiment, control elements 55-57 are provided with indicator elements 51-57 to ensure that at least one alert output is provided to the user when the emergency alert function is activated. It is preferably not used to turn off 54 completely. Other labels for control elements 55-57 other than those shown in FIG. 5 may be used in accordance with the present invention. Accordingly, the user interface 50 of FIG. 5 is exemplary only, and other types of indicators, displays and / or control means may be used in accordance with the present invention.

  As shown in this embodiment, the present invention provides, among other things, a television signal receiver having an emergency alert function that can provide an alert output according to a user-selectable alert mode corresponding to the type of emergency event. Is to provide. The present invention may be applicable to various devices that have either a display device or no display device. Accordingly, the phrase “television signal receiver” used in the present embodiment is not limited to a television set, a computer or monitor including a display device, a set top box, a video cassette recorder ( Receive television signals, including systems or devices such as VCR), digital versatile disc (DVD) players, video game boxes, personal video recorders (PVR), computers or other devices that may not include a display device And a system or device that can be processed.

  While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Furthermore, this application is intended to be a technical field to which the present invention pertains and which departs from the disclosure herein as being known or customary practice in the technical field included within the scope of the claims. It is intended to cover.

An exemplary environment suitable for implementing the present invention. 1 is a block diagram of a television signal receiver according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart explaining the exemplary process which concerns on this invention. FIG. 5 is another diagram relating to a television signal receiver including a user interface according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 illustrates further exemplary details regarding one of the user interfaces of FIG. 4.

Claims (21)

A television signal receiver having an emergency alert function,
A tuner operable to tune to a frequency including an emergency alert signal indicating the type of emergency event;
A processor operative to enable an alert output in response to the emergency alert signal;
The alert output is provided in accordance with a user selectable alert mode corresponding to the type of emergency event.
A television signal receiver. Further comprising an interface that operates to allow a user to turn the alert output on and off;
The television signal receiver according to claim 1. The processor is further operative to enable a plurality of alert outputs in response to the emergency alert signal, the plurality of alert outputs being selectable by a plurality of users corresponding to the type of emergency event. Supplied according to various alert modes,
The television signal receiver according to claim 1. At least one of the plurality of alert outputs is a visual output;
The television signal receiver according to claim 3. At least one of the plurality of alert outputs is an audible output;
The television signal receiver according to claim 3. An interface operable to allow a user to turn on and off at least one of the plurality of alert outputs;
The television signal receiver according to claim 3. At least one of the plurality of alert outputs cannot be completely turned off by the user;
The television signal receiver according to claim 6. A television signal receiver having an emergency alert function,
A tuning means for tuning to a frequency that includes an emergency alert signal indicating the type of emergency event;
Processing means for enabling alert output in response to the alert signal of the emergency situation,
The alert output is provided in accordance with a user selectable alert mode corresponding to the type of emergency event.
A television signal receiver. Interface means for allowing the user to turn the alert output on and off;
The television signal receiver according to claim 8. The processing means enables a plurality of alert outputs in response to the emergency alert signal, the plurality of alert outputs being provided according to a plurality of user-selectable alert modes corresponding to the type of emergency event. The
The television signal receiver according to claim 8. At least one of the plurality of alert outputs is a visual output;
The television signal receiver according to claim 10. At least one of the plurality of alert outputs is an audible output;
The television signal receiver according to claim 10. Interface means for allowing a user to turn on and off at least one of the plurality of alert outputs;
The television signal receiver according to claim 10. At least one of the plurality of alert outputs cannot be completely turned off by the user;
The television signal receiver according to claim 13. A method for controlling a television signal receiver having an emergency alert function, comprising:
Tuning to a frequency that includes an emergency alert signal indicating the type of emergency event;
Providing an alert output in response to the emergency alert signal,
The alert output is provided according to a user selectable alert mode corresponding to the type of emergency event.
A method characterized by that. Further comprising enabling the user to turn the alert output on and off;
The method of claim 15. Providing a plurality of alert outputs in response to an emergency alert signal, wherein the plurality of alert outputs are provided according to a plurality of user-selectable alert modes corresponding to the type of emergency event;
The method of claim 15. At least one of the plurality of alert outputs is a visual output;
The method of claim 17. At least one of the plurality of alert outputs is an audible output;
The method of claim 17. Further comprising allowing a user to turn on and off at least one of the plurality of alert outputs;
The method of claim 17. At least one of the plurality of alert outputs cannot be completely turned off by the user;
The method of claim 20.

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