KR100736497B1 - Radio data system receiver and method for searching alternate frequency in the same - Google Patents

Abstract

An RDS(Radio Data System) receiver and a method for searching an alternate frequency are provided to reduce user inconvenience of waiting for a long time due to frequent execution of a SEEK PI(Program Identification) process. An RDS tuner(510) receives a broadcast. A storage unit(540) stores broadcast program frequency information. When the received broadcast signal is lower than a pre-set reference value, a controller(500) controls execution of a SEEK PI process according to a PI code information of the current frequency. The storage unit(540) stores a list of the current frequency and an alternate frequency of the radio data broadcast program.

Description

Radio Data System Receiver and method for searching Alternate Frequency in the same}

1 is a view for explaining a wireless data system receiver according to the prior art

2 is a flowchart illustrating an alternative frequency search method in a wireless data system receiver according to the prior art.

3 is a diagram showing the structure of a PI code

4 is a diagram illustrating code-specific information of a second nibble code of a PI code;

5 is a view for explaining the basic configuration of a wireless data system receiver according to the present invention;

6 illustrates an embodiment of a wireless data system receiver in accordance with the present invention.

7 illustrates another embodiment of a wireless data system receiver according to the present invention.

8 is a flowchart illustrating a concept of an alternative frequency search method of a wireless data system receiver according to the present invention.

9 is a reference diagram for explaining an alternative frequency searching method of a wireless data system receiver according to the present invention.

10 is a flowchart illustrating an alternative frequency search method of a wireless data system receiver according to an embodiment of the present invention.

11 is a flowchart illustrating an alternative frequency search method of a wireless data system receiver according to another embodiment of the present invention.

12 is a diagram for explaining the structure of an alternate frequency list.

FIG. 13 is a view for explaining a process of setting an alternative frequency list completion flag referred for implementation of an alternative frequency search method of a wireless data system receiver according to the present invention; FIG.

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

500: control unit 501, 504: microcomputer

502: signal quality detection unit 503: SEEK PI determination unit

510: RDS tuner 520: broadcast signal processing unit

530: output unit 540: storage means

541 memory

The present invention relates to a wireless data system receiver, and more particularly, to efficiently perform an alternative frequency searching process of broadcasting the same program using information included in a program identification (PI) code. An alternative frequency search apparatus and method in a wireless data system receiver.

Radio Data System (RDS) receivers have specific conditions, such as signal quality, such as signal strength, multi-path, and ultra-sonic noise conditions. The present frequency (Main Frequency: MF), which is the broadcast program frequency currently being received, and the Alternate Frequency (AF) that broadcasts the same program are both checked to convert to the frequency showing the most optimal quality.

On the other hand, even when the wireless data system receiver checks all the signals broadcast at the current frequency and the alternative frequency in the list stored in the memory in order to search for the frequency showing the optimum quality, the frequency with the same program code cannot be found. Occurs.

This occurs when the wireless data system receiver turns on the receiver using a MF and an AF in a previously stored list in a particular area adjacent to a very long tunnel or in an area such as a border area.

In such a case, the wireless data system receiver searches the entire frequency band and then checks a program identification (PI) code for a frequency that satisfies a specific condition (SEEK PI) to find a frequency broadcasting the same program. This is the general way.

1 is a view for explaining a wireless data system receiver according to the prior art, Figure 2 is a flow chart for explaining an alternative frequency search method in a wireless data system receiver according to the prior art.

Referring to FIG. 1, a wireless data system (RDS) receiver according to the prior art includes a key input unit 150 for selecting an operation of an RDS receiver by key manipulation, and an RDS receiver according to a key selection of the key input unit 150. Signal processing for the microcomputer 100 for controlling the operation of each unit, the RDS tuner 110 for tuning the RDS broadcasting station under the control of the microcomputer 100, and the output of the RDS tuner 110 with a signal suitable for an output unit. The data related to broadcast program information and data necessary for the operation of the RDS receiver and the output unit 130 for outputting the broadcast signal processor 120 and the output of the broadcast signal processor 120 so as to be recognized by a user. It is configured to include a memory 140 for storing.

More specifically, the key input unit 150 is a device for inputting a control command for the user to select the channel on which the operation of the RDS receiver and the desired program is broadcasted, and includes a plurality of key buttons provided on the front board of the RDS receiver. It is composed.

The RDS tuner 110 detects and outputs an RDS composite signal broadcast in a channel selected according to a control signal of the microcomputer 120 according to a user's broadcast channel selection signal input through the key input unit 150.

The broadcast signal processor 120 demodulates the RDS complex signal output from the RDS tuner 110 to output an audio signal, and amplifies the output signal of the demodulator 121 to output audio. And an RDS data processor 123 which extracts RDS data from the RDS complex signal from the RDS tuner 110 and provides the RDS data to the microcomputer 100.

The output unit 130 may include a speaker 131 for outputting an audio signal output from the amplifier 112 as an audible sound wave, and character information corresponding to the RDS data output from the RDS data processor 123. The display unit 132 displays under the control of 100.

The memory 140 includes a flash memory capable of reading / writing data related to broadcast program information such as program data and substitute frequency information required for the operation of the RDS receiver.

The alternative frequency search method according to the prior art in the RDS receiver according to the prior art having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

During operation of the RDS receiver, the microcomputer 100 analyzes a signal level output from the broadcast signal processor 120 with respect to a signal of a program broadcast at a current frequency MF so that the broadcast signal quality of the current frequency is lower than or equal to a set reference value. If it is, a process for searching for an alternative frequency (AF) in which a signal of good quality is received is performed (S210).

In detail, first, the microcomputer 100 reads an alternative frequency stored in the memory 140. The microcomputer 100 reading the alternative frequency mutes the output of the RDS receiver while tuning the RDS tuner 110 to the read alternative frequency.

The RDS tuner 110 tunes a signal detected at a corresponding alternative frequency and outputs the tuned signal to the broadcast signal processor 120.

The microcomputer 100 analyzes the output level to check the quality of the signal received in the corresponding alternative frequency channel output from the broadcast signal processor 120, so that the signal quality at the corresponding frequency is equal to or greater than the set reference value. It is determined (S220).

As a result of the determination (S220), when the signal quality at a specific frequency is equal to or greater than the set reference value, the channel of the RDS receiver is fixed by setting the corresponding alternative frequency AF as the current frequency MF, and the mute state of the output of the RDS receiver By canceling the program to be received at the corresponding frequency is normally output (S230).

On the other hand, when the determination result (S220), the signal quality received at the alternative frequency does not exceed the set reference value, that is, the result of performing the process for all the alternative frequencies stored in the memory 140 is received at each alternative frequency If the signal quality does not exceed the set reference value, the entire frequency band is searched to find a frequency broadcasting the same program, and then a PI (Program Identification) code is checked for a frequency satisfying a specific condition. Process (SEEK PI process) is performed (S240).

In addition, even during a process of normally outputting a program received at a current frequency due to a good signal quality, the controller 100 determines whether the signal quality of a broadcast that is received at any time is satisfied (S250). The process (S210 to S240) is repeated.

On the other hand, the SEEK PI process is about 8 seconds maximum ((one frequency band (100khz) tuning: 8 msec) X (confirmation of PI code including the chattering: 300 msec) X (steps for the entire frequency band: step 204))] In this case, the RDS receiver mutes the output during the process due to noise.

Since the SEEK PI process may be repeated several times in succession until a broadcast frequency satisfying the signal quality is found, a mute state in which no sound is heard in the RDS receiver repeatedly appears for a long time and a user waits. This will be longer. This causes the user to feel uncomfortable in using the RDS receiver.

Therefore, it is necessary to minimize the SEEK PI process as much as possible in the RDS receiver, and it is required to perform the SEEK PI process only when it is necessary.

The present invention is to solve the above problems, the SEEK PI process is performed only when it is necessary to perform the SEEK PI process in the alternative frequency search of the radio data system receiver so that no sound is heard in the radio data system receiver. It is an object of the present invention to provide a wireless data system receiver in which a mute state repeatedly appears for a long time and a user waits a long time, thereby preventing user inconvenience and increasing user convenience.

The present invention allows the wireless data system receiver to determine whether to perform the SEEK PI process according to the second nibble code information included in the program identification code given for the program identification in the alternative frequency search of the wireless data system receiver. Another object of the present invention is to provide an alternative frequency search method of a wireless data system receiver, which can prevent the user from being muted for a long time and increase user convenience.

In addition, the present invention is to determine whether to perform the SEEK PI process according to the specific code information included in the program identification code given for the program identification with the completion flag of the alternative frequency list in the alternative frequency search of the radio data system receiver It is another object of the present invention to provide a wireless data system receiver and an alternative frequency search method that can increase the user convenience by preventing the wireless data system receiver from being muted for a long time.

The wireless data system receiver according to the present invention for achieving the object of the present invention, the tuner for receiving the broadcast, the storage means for storing the broadcast program frequency information and the current when the received broadcast signal is less than the set reference value And a controller for controlling whether or not to perform the SEEK PI process according to frequency program identification (PI) code information.

The storage means is characterized in that for storing the current frequency and the alternative frequency list of the wireless data broadcast program.

Preferably, the storage means is configured to store information on an alternative frequency list completion flag.

Preferably, the storage means is characterized in that for storing the PI code information of the broadcast program.

The controller may determine whether to perform the SEEK PI process according to the second nibble code type of the PI code.

Preferably, the control unit controls to perform a SEEK PI process when the second nibble code of the PI code is an international or national code.

Preferably, the control unit controls to search for the stored alternative frequency again when the second nibble code of the PI code is not an international or national code.

Preferably, when the alternative frequency list is completed, the controller determines whether to perform the SEEK PI process according to the second nibble code type of the PI code.

Preferably, the control unit controls to perform the SEEK PI process when the alternative frequency list is not completed.

The control unit may include a signal quality detection unit for determining and outputting a received signal quality and a microcomputer for controlling an alternative frequency search process by determining PI code information of a current frequency according to the output of the signal quality detection unit.

Preferably, the control unit, the signal quality detection unit for determining and outputting the received signal quality, the SEEK PI determination unit for determining whether to perform the SEEK PI process according to the output of the signal quality detection unit, and the replacement according to the output of the SEEK PI determination unit It is characterized by consisting of a microcomputer to control the frequency search process.

The SEEK PI determiner may use second nibble code information of a program identification (PI) code of a current frequency to determine whether to perform a SEEK PI process.

The SEEK PI determiner may use replacement frequency list completion flag information together with second nibble code information of a program identification (PI) code of a current frequency to determine whether to perform the SEEK PI process.

In addition, an alternative frequency search method of a wireless data system receiver for achieving the another object of the present invention comprises the steps of: detecting the signal quality of the received broadcast signal; And controlling the SEEK PI process according to the program identification (PI) code information of the current frequency when the detected signal quality becomes less than or equal to a set reference value.

On the other hand, alternative frequency search method of the wireless data system receiver for achieving the another object of the present invention, detecting the signal quality of the received broadcast signal; And controlling the SEEK PI process according to the replacement frequency list completion flag and the program identification (PI) code information of the current frequency when the detected signal quality becomes less than or equal to the set reference value.

The controlling of the SEEK PI process according to the alternative frequency list completion flag and the program identification (PI) code information of the current frequency includes: a completion flag determination step of determining whether the alternative frequency list is completed; And when the list is completed, controlling the SEEK PI process according to program identification (PI) code information of the current frequency.

The signal quality is characterized by the signal to noise ratio of the received signal or the bit error rate of the received signal.

Preferably, the PI code information of the current frequency is characterized in that the second nibble code of the PI code of the current frequency.

The controlling of the SEEK PI process according to the PI code information of the current frequency may include detecting a second nibble code among the PI codes of the current frequency and depending on whether the detected second nibble code corresponds to an international or national code. And controlling the SEEK PI process.

The controlling of the SEEK PI process may include performing a SEEK PI process when the detected second nibble code corresponds to an international or national code, and wherein the detected second nibble code does not correspond to an international or national code. In this case, a process of searching for a frequency having a good reception quality with respect to the alternative frequency stored in the memory may be performed.

When the alternative flag list is not completed as a result of the completion flag determination, the SEEK PI process is performed.

According to the alternative frequency searching method of the wireless data system receiver and the wireless data system receiver according to the present invention configured as described above, if the received signal quality is less than the set reference value SEEK PI process according to the program identification code information of the current frequency By selectively controlling the performance of the SEEK PI process, which reduces the time required for the SEEK PI process, the user of the wireless data system receiver can reduce the inconvenience.

Hereinafter, a wireless data system receiver and an alternative frequency search method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the wireless data system receiver according to the present invention, if the received signal quality is less than or equal to a set reference value as a result of signal search for a current frequency and an alternative frequency for broadcasting a program selected by a user, the receiver of the wireless data system immediately before performing the SEEK PI process is performed at the current frequency. First, it is determined whether the SEEK PI process needs to be performed using the PI code information, and then the operation can be performed only when the SEEK PI process needs to be performed.

To this end, the present invention uses program identification code (PI code) information to determine whether the SEEK PI operation needs to be performed.

In wireless data broadcasting, a PI code composed of 16 bits is used for each program to be broadcast, as a program to be broadcast by another program and another broadcasting station, and as identification information. The PI code includes a code for distinguishing a country and a region to which the same program is transmitted and a code for distinguishing the program itself.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a PI code, and FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating code-specific information of a second nibble code among PI codes.

Referring to FIG. 3, the PI code is composed of a total of 16 bits, the highest 4 bits (first nibble) of the total 16 bits indicate information about the country to which the broadcasting station belongs, and the next 4 bits (second nibble) where the broadcast is transmitted. Represents program type information about a local range, and the lower eight bits (third and fourth nibbles) indicate a reference number about the program itself.

Referring to FIG. 4, the second nibble indicating program type information on a region range through which broadcasts are transmitted includes L (Local), I (International), N (National), S (Supra-regional), and R1 to R12 ( Represents information classified as Regional).

The L (Local) represents a local program that is broadcast through only one transmitter during a time when the program is broadcast.

The I (International) indicates a program in which the same program is broadcast in another country.

The N (National) represents a program in which the same program is broadcast in all regions within a country.

The supra-regional (S) represents a program that is broadcasted over a wide area within a country.

The R1 to R12 (Regional) represent programs broadcast only in one region through one or more frequencies.

Therefore, by using the information included in the second nibble code, it is possible to know whether or not there is a possibility that the same program is broadcasted around, so that the SEEK PI process can be performed only when there is a possibility that the same program is broadcasted around. do.

5 is a view for explaining the basic configuration of a wireless data system receiver according to the present invention, Figure 6 is a view showing an embodiment of a wireless data system receiver according to the present invention, Figure 7 is a wireless data according to the present invention Another embodiment of a system receiver is shown.

Referring to FIG. 5, a radio data system (RDS) receiver according to the present invention includes a key input unit 150 for inputting a user command, an RDS tuner 510 for receiving a radio data broadcast, and an RDS tuner. The components are controlled according to the broadcast signal processor 520 for processing and outputting the output signal to the output unit 530, the storage unit 540 for storing the wireless data broadcast program information, and the input user command. In addition, when the received broadcast signal quality is less than the set reference value comprises a control unit 500 for controlling the alternative frequency search process according to the program identification (PI) code information of the current frequency.

In the wireless data system receiver according to the present invention configured as described above, when the signal quality of the broadcast program received at the current frequency (MF) is less than the set reference value, a signal of good quality is received. In order to switch to the alternate frequency, the quality of the received signal is checked for each of the current frequency and the alternate frequency stored in the storage means 540.

The controller 500 sequentially tunes the RDS tuner 510 with respect to each of the alternative frequencies, and tunes a signal broadcast at each frequency of the RDS tuner 510 and outputs the tuned signal to the broadcast signal processor 520.

The broadcast signal processor 520 processes the RDS composite signal output from the RDS tuner 510 and outputs an audio signal and RDS data to the output unit 530 and the controller 500.

The controller 500 determines the quality of the broadcast signal received from the signal output from the broadcast signal processor 520 to set the quality of the received broadcast signal for each of the current frequency and the substitute frequency stored in the storage means 540. When the reference value is less than the reference value, the alternative frequency search process using the second nibble code information of the program identification (PI) code of the current frequency or the alternative frequency list completion flag information together with the second nibble code information of the PI code To control.

The wireless data system receiver according to the present invention configured as described above may be implemented in various forms, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, according to the detailed configuration of each component.

Referring to FIG. 6, in the wireless data system receiver according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the key input unit 150 may include a plurality of key buttons provided on the RDS receiver front board or a wireless input unit by a remote controller. In this case, the user inputs a control command for selecting a channel on which an RDS receiver operates and a desired program is broadcasted.

The RDS tuner 510 detects an RDS composite signal broadcasted at a frequency of a channel selected according to a control signal of the control unit 500 according to a user's broadcast channel selection signal input through the key input unit 150, and executes a broadcast signal processing unit ( 520).

The broadcast signal processor 520 demodulates the RDS complex signal of the RDS tuner 510 to output an audio signal, an amplifier 522 to amplify the output signal of the demodulator, and the RDS tuner. And an RDS data processor 523 which extracts RDS data from the RDS composite signal output from 510 and provides the RDS data to the controller 220.

The output unit 530 may include a speaker 531 for outputting an audio signal output from the amplifier 522 as an audible sound wave, and character information corresponding to RDS data output from the RDS data processor 523. And a display unit 532 for displaying under control of 500.

The storage means 540 includes a flash memory 541 capable of reading / writing data, and stores data related to broadcast program information such as program data and substitute frequency information necessary for the operation of the RDS receiver. In addition, the storage means 540 is the alternative frequency list completion flag set by the control unit 500 when the alternative frequency information for broadcasting the same program as the broadcast program received at the current frequency matches the alternative frequency information stored in the memory Save the information.

The controller 500 detects an output level of the demodulator 521 or an output of the RDS data processor 523 to determine and output a received signal quality, and the signal quality detector 502. It consists of a microcomputer 501 that controls the alternative frequency search process by determining the PI code information of the current frequency according to the output of the), and determines whether to perform the SEEK PI process when the received signal quality of the RDS receiver falls below a certain level Controls the alternative frequency search process of the RDS receiver. The microcomputer 501 uses second nibble code information of a program identification (PI) code of the current frequency stored in the memory 541, or uses alternative frequency list completion flag information together with second nibble code information of the PI code. By controlling the SEEK PI process in the alternative frequency search process.

In the wireless data system receiver according to an embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, when the signal quality of the received broadcast signal output from the signal level detector 502 does not satisfy a setting value, the microcomputer 501 When the program identification information (PI code) of the current channel is detected from the RDS data output from the RDS data processor 523 or the data stored in the memory 541, the second nibble code of the PI code is not an international or national code. Control to perform SEEK PI process.

On the other hand, referring to Figure 7, the wireless data system receiver according to another embodiment of the present invention, compared to the embodiment shown in Figure 6, it shows that the configuration of the control unit 500 can be different.

That is, the controller 500 detects an output level of the demodulator 521 or an output of the RDS data processor 523 to determine and output a received signal quality, and the signal quality detector. According to the output of 502, the SEEK PI process is performed using the second nibble code information of the program identification (PI) code of the current frequency or using the alternative frequency list completion flag information together with the second nibble code information of the PI code. SEEK PI determination unit 503 for determining whether or not, and the microcomputer 504 for controlling the alternative frequency search process according to the output of the SEEK PI determination unit 503.

At this time, the SEEK PI determination unit 503 uses the second nibble code information of the program identification (PI) code of the current frequency or the second nibble code information of the PI code to determine whether to perform the SEEK PI process And alternate frequency list completion flag information.

In the wireless data system receiver according to another embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, when the signal quality of the received broadcast signal output from the signal quality detection unit 502 does not satisfy a setting value, the SEEK PI determination unit 503 SEEK process using the second nibble code information of the program identification (PI) code of the current frequency stored in the memory 541, or using the alternative frequency list completion flag information with the second nibble code information of the PI code It determines whether to perform and outputs the result to the microcomputer 504.

The microcomputer 504 controls an alternative frequency search process including whether to perform the SEEK PI process according to the output of the SEEK PI determiner 503.

Hereinafter, an operation of the radio data system receiver according to the present invention and the alternative frequency searching method in the radio data system receiver according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11.

8 is a flowchart illustrating a concept of an alternative frequency search method of a wireless data system receiver according to the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a reference diagram for explaining an alternative frequency search method of a wireless data system receiver according to the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, first, when a wireless data system receiver starts initial startup according to power on, or when a user sets through a user key input unit 150 the broadcast frequency of a program currently being received ( Current frequency: MF) When the program identification code (PI Code) is changed, or when switching to an alternative frequency (AF), such as a significant decrease in reception quality during broadcast reception is necessary, the control unit 500 broadcasts at the current frequency In order to receive a program in an optimal state, the quality of a signal broadcast through the current frequencies MF and the alternative frequencies AF 1 to AF 5 stored in the memory 541, as shown in ① of FIG. Check out from the time T1 (S810).

To this end, the microcomputer 500 reads the alternative frequencies stored in the memory 541, and then tunes the RDS tuner 510 to the current frequency MF and the respective alternative frequencies, and the RDS tuner 510 performs the respective frequencies. The broadcast signal detected by the tuner is tuned and output to the broadcast signal processor 520.

The microcomputer 500 checks the signal quality by analyzing the output level of the signal received in the corresponding alternative frequency channel output from the broadcast signal processor 520.

The received signal quality may be determined according to whether the signal-to-noise ratio of the received signal or the bit error rate of the received signal is greater than or equal to a set reference value.

In this case, in order to prevent noise in the signal search process for the alternative frequencies AF 1 to AF 5, as shown in FIG. 9C, it is preferable to mute the output of the RDS receiver.

When the check of the signal quality received through the current frequency and the substitute frequency stored in the memory 541 ends, it is determined whether a frequency that satisfies the set signal quality exists (S820).

As a result of the determination (S820), if there is a frequency that satisfies the set signal quality, the control unit 500 controls the RDS tuner (S10) to fix the channel to the frequency to service programs broadcast through the frequency. (S830).

However, when there is no alternative frequency that satisfies the signal quality set as shown in FIG. 9B as a result of the determination (S820), the control unit 500, unlike the method according to the related art, does not have a corresponding program. In order to search for a broadcast channel, immediately before performing a SEEK PI process for searching for a frequency on which the same program is broadcast, it is determined whether it is necessary to perform a SEEK PI process as shown in ② of FIG. S840).

When it is determined that the determination result (S840), it is necessary to perform the SEEK PI process, the control unit 500 controls the operation of the RDS receiver, as in ③ of Fig. 9 (a), within the possible frequency range The SEEK PI process is performed (S840).

In addition, if it is determined in step S840 that it is not necessary to perform the SEEK PI process, the control unit 500 does not perform the SEEK PI process, and as shown in ④ of FIG. The operation of the RDS receiver is controlled to normally search for the MF and the alternative frequencies AF 1 to AF 5 stored in the memory 541 (S810).

On the other hand, determining whether it is necessary to perform the SEEK PI process before performing the SEEK PI process (S840) may be performed in various ways according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the determining of whether to perform the SEEK PI process (S840), second nibble code information may be selectively used among the alternative frequency AF completion flag or the PI code information of the current frequency MF, and the alternative frequency completion flag. And the second nibble code information among the PI code information of the current frequency MF.

First, a method of using second nibble code information among PI code information of the current frequency MF in order to determine whether it is necessary to perform a SEEK PI process in the RDS receiver and perform alternative frequency search will be described.

In the present invention, the reason for using the second nibble code information among the PI code information of the current frequency MF to determine whether to perform the SEEK PI process is whether the same program may be broadcast in a region around the radio data system receiver. It can be determined as the second nibble code information as described above.

10 is a flowchart illustrating a method of searching for an alternative frequency of a wireless data system receiver according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In describing an embodiment of the present invention, the same parts as those described above will be omitted, and different parts will be described.

Referring to FIG. 10, the control unit 500 detects PI code information of a current frequency to determine whether to perform a SEEK PI process, analyzes second nibble code information among PI code information, and the second nibble code information is international. Or, it is determined whether it corresponds to the national code "1" or "2" (S842).

As a result of the determination (S842), if the second nibble code is an international or national code, it controls to perform a SEEK PI process (S850).

However, when the determination result (S842), the second nibble code is not an international or national code, instead of performing the SEEK PI process, the control unit 500 replaces the current frequency (MF) and the alternative frequency (stored in the memory 541). Checking the quality of the signal broadcast through the AF 1 to AF 5) to perform again (S810).

In the above description, an alternative frequency search method of the wireless data system receiver according to the present invention has been described as an example of using code information located in a second nibble of a PI code representing local information on which a wireless data broadcast program is broadcast.

On the other hand, if the previously received alternative frequency (AF) list and the newly received alternative frequency (AF) list do not match in the region where the RDS receiver is located, there is a possibility that a new alternative frequency may exist in the DS receiver surrounding situation. The receiver does not need to perform the SEEK PI process to search for the alternative frequency regardless of the code information located in the second nibble of the PI code.

Accordingly, in the alternative frequency search method of the wireless data system receiver according to another embodiment of the present invention, an alternative frequency set when the previously received alternative frequency list and the newly received alternative frequency list match. The process of determining whether the completion flag is set may be further performed.

A method of additionally using an alternative frequency completion flag in order to determine whether it is necessary to perform a SEEK PI process as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13.

11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for searching for an alternative frequency of a wireless data system receiver according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a structure of an alternative frequency list, and FIG. 13 is a radio according to the present invention. A diagram illustrating a process of setting an alternative frequency list completion flag referred to in the alternative frequency search method of the data system receiver.

In describing other embodiments of the present invention, the same parts as those described above will be omitted, and different parts will be described.

Referring to FIG. 11, the controller 500 determines whether an alternative frequency completion flag is set and stored in the memory 541 in order to determine whether it is necessary to perform a SEEK PI process (S841).

The alternative frequency completion flag stored in the memory 541 is determined by comparing the structure of the newly received alternative frequency list with the previously received alternative frequency list.

Referring to FIG. 12, the structure of an alternative frequency (AF) list stored in the memory 541 includes one first group containing total AF number and tuning frequency information in the list and two pieces of AF information. It consists of a plurality of second groups (AF method A, AF method B).

A process of determining whether the AF list stored in the memory 541 is completed using the structure of the alternative frequency (AF) list as described above is shown in the flowchart of FIG. 13.

Referring to FIG. 13, in order to determine whether an AF list is completed and to set an alternative frequency (AF) completion flag, first, a newly received alternative frequency list and a previously stored alternative frequency AF are compared to each other. It is determined whether AF is received by the total number of AFs (S841A).

As a result of the determination (S841A), when AF is received by the total number of AFs in the list, the received AF list is compared with the previously received AF list (S841B).

In the mutual comparison step of the AF list, the total number of AFs and the tuning frequency included in the AF list are compared.

In the comparison result (S841B), if the total number of AFs included in the AF list and the tuning frequency coincide with each other, it is determined that the AF list is completed and the AF list completion flag is set and stored in the memory 541 to determine whether the AF list is completed. The determination process is terminated (S841C).

However, if the AF is not received as many as the total number of AFs in the determination result (S841A) or if it does not match the AF list received before the comparison result (S841B), it is determined that the AF list is not completed and the AF list completion flag is set. The process of determining whether the AF list is completed is terminated without setting (S841C).

The control unit 500 uses the alternate frequency (AF) list completion flag stored in the memory 541 to determine whether to perform the SEEK PI process according to the above process.

As a result of the control unit 500 determining whether the alternative frequency completion flag is set (S841), and when the alternative frequency completion flag is not set, there is a possibility that an alternative frequency for broadcasting the same program may exist. The controller 500 controls the radio data system receiver to perform the SEEK PI operation in order to search for an alternative frequency for broadcasting.

However, when the alternative frequency completion flag is set (S841), the control unit 500 detects PI code information of the current frequency to determine whether to perform the SEEK PI process, and makes a second nibble of the PI code information. The code information is analyzed to determine whether the second nibble code information corresponds to an international or national code ("1" or "2") (S842).

As a result of the determination (S842), if the second nibble code is an international or national code, it controls to perform a SEEK PI process (S850).

However, when the determination result (S842), the second nibble code is not an international or national code, instead of performing the SEEK PI process, the control unit 500 replaces the current frequency (MF) and the alternative frequency (stored in the memory 541). Checking the quality of the signal broadcast through the AF 1 to AF 5) to perform again (S810).

In the above, the alternative frequency search method in the wireless data system receiver and the wireless data system receiver according to the present invention has been described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and many variations are possible by those skilled in the art within the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, changes and modifications are included in the present invention without departing from the spirit of the invention, such facts will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

According to the present invention, when the received signal quality is less than or equal to the set reference value, by controlling to perform the SEEK PI process selectively according to the program identification code information of the current frequency by reducing the case where the time-consuming SEEK PI process is performed As a result, the frequent SEEK PI process can reduce the inconvenience of users waiting for a long time.

Claims (22)

A tuner for receiving a broadcast; Storage means for storing broadcast program frequency information; And And a controller configured to control whether to perform a SEEK PI process according to program identification (PI) code information of a current frequency when the received broadcast signal is less than or equal to a set reference value. The radio data system receiver as claimed in claim 1, wherein the storage means stores a current frequency and a substitute frequency list of the radio data broadcast program. 2. The radio data system receiver as claimed in claim 1, wherein the storage means stores information of an alternative frequency list completion flag. The radio data system receiver as claimed in claim 1, wherein the storage means stores PI code information of a broadcast program. The radio data system receiver of claim 1, wherein the controller determines whether to perform a SEEK PI process according to a second nibble code type of the PI code. The radio data system receiver of claim 1, wherein the controller controls to perform a SEEK PI process when the second nibble code of the PI code is an international or national code. The wireless data system receiver of claim 1, wherein the controller controls to search for the stored alternative frequency again when the second nibble code of the PI code is not an international or national code. The wireless data system receiver of claim 1, wherein the controller determines whether to perform the SEEK PI process according to the second nibble code type of the PI code when the alternative frequency list is completed. The radio data system receiver of claim 1, wherein the controller controls to perform a SEEK PI process when an alternative frequency list is not completed. The method of claim 1, wherein the control unit, A signal quality detector which determines and outputs a received signal quality; And a microcomputer for controlling an alternative frequency search process by determining PI code information of a current frequency according to the output of the signal quality detection unit. The method of claim 1, wherein the control unit, A signal quality detector which determines and outputs a received signal quality; A SEEK PI determiner configured to determine whether to perform a SEEK PI process according to the output of the signal quality detector; And a microcomputer for controlling an alternative frequency searching process according to the output of the SEEK PI determining unit. 12. The radio data system receiver of claim 10 or 11, wherein the signal quality detector determines signal quality according to a signal-to-noise ratio of a received signal or a bit error rate of a received signal. The receiver of claim 11, wherein the SEEK PI determiner uses second nibble code information of a program identification (PI) code of a current frequency to determine whether to perform a SEEK PI process. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the SEEK PI determiner, to determine whether to perform the SEEK PI process, the alternative frequency list completion flag information along with the second nibble code information of the program identification (PI) code of the current frequency, characterized in that Wireless data system receiver. Detecting signal quality of the received broadcast signal; And controlling the SEEK PI process according to the program identification (PI) code information of the current frequency when the detected signal quality becomes less than or equal to a set reference value. Way. Detecting signal quality of the received broadcast signal; And controlling the SEEK PI process according to the replacement frequency list completion flag and the program identification (PI) code information of the current frequency when the detected signal quality becomes less than or equal to a set reference value. Alternative frequency search method of system receiver. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein controlling the SEEK PI process according to the alternative frequency list completion flag and program identification (PI) code information of the current frequency comprises: A completion flag determination step of determining whether the alternative frequency list is completed; And controlling a SEEK PI process according to program identification (PI) code information of a current frequency when the alternative frequency list is completed as a result of the completion flag determination. . 17. The method of claim 15 or 16, wherein the signal quality is determined according to the signal to noise ratio of the received signal or the bit error rate of the received signal. 17. The method of claim 15 or 16, wherein the PI code information of the current frequency is a second nibble code of the PI code of the current frequency. The method of claim 15 or 17, wherein controlling the SEEK PI process according to the PI code information of the current frequency, Detecting a second nibble code of a PI code of a current frequency; And controlling a SEEK PI process according to whether the detected second nibble code corresponds to an international or national code. The method of claim 20, wherein the controlling of the SEEK PI process comprises: If the detected second nibble code corresponds to an international or national code, the SEEK PI process is performed. If the detected second nibble code does not correspond to an international or national code, a received frequency is received for an alternative frequency stored in a memory. A method of searching for an alternative frequency of a wireless data system receiver, characterized by performing a process of searching for a frequency of good quality. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the SEEK PI process is performed when the alternative flag list is not completed as a result of the completion flag determination.

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