KR100762592B1 - Radio Data System Receiver and method for searching Alternate Frequency in the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention allows the use of a blanking-marked alternate frequency (AF) in the process of searching for a frequency in which a reception state of broadcasting the same program in a radio data system (RDS) receiver is good. The data system receiver includes a tuner for receiving a broadcast, a storage unit for storing broadcast program information, a blanking mark frequency manager for managing blank frequency-replaced alternative frequency information, and the received broadcast signal quality when the received broadcast signal quality is lower than or equal to a set reference value. And a control unit for controlling an alternative frequency searching process using the blanking mark-processed alternative frequency information. According to the above configuration, it is possible to reduce the inconvenience that the user of the wireless data system receiver has to wait for a long time by minimizing the SEEK PI process that takes a lot of time in the alternative frequency search process.

RDS Receiver, Alternate Frequency, PI Code, Blanking Mark

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

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

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

6 is a reference diagram illustrating an alternative frequency search method of a wireless data system receiver according to the present invention.

<Explanation of symbols for main parts of the drawings>

110: RDS tuner 120: broadcast signal processing unit

130: output unit 150: key input unit

300: control unit 310: blanking mark frequency management unit

340: storage unit

The present invention relates to a radio data system (RDS) receiver, and more particularly, to an alternative frequency blanking-marked in the process of searching for a frequency in which a reception state of broadcasting the same program is good in the radio data system receiver. The present invention relates to a wireless data system receiver and an alternative frequency search method that can be used.

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 alternative frequencies 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 processing unit 123 for extracting RDS data from the RDS composite signal from the RDS tuner 110 and providing 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, and determines whether the signal quality at the corresponding frequency is equal to or greater than the set reference value. Determine (S220).

As a result of the determination (S220), when the signal quality of the current frequency and the alternative frequency does not exceed the set reference value, that is, as a result of performing the above process for all the alternative frequencies stored in the memory 140, it is received at each alternative frequency. When the signal quality does not exceed the set reference value, a process of newly searching for program identification information PI within the available frequency (SEEK PI) is performed in order to search for a frequency on which the same program is broadcast (S230).

On the other hand, when the determination result (S220), if the signal quality of a particular frequency is more than the set reference value, the PI of the frequency is checked (S240), and it is determined whether the same program (S250).

As a result of the determination (S250), when the PI of the corresponding frequency satisfying the signal quality indicates the same program, the program is received at the corresponding frequency by fixing the channel to the corresponding frequency, releasing the mute state of the output of the radio data system receiver. To be output normally (S260).

On the other hand, when the determination result (S250), the PI of the corresponding frequency that satisfies the signal quality does not represent the same program, and after returning to the previous tuning frequency and performs the blanking mark processing for the frequency (S270).

Since the alternative frequency subjected to the blanking mark processing as described above is excluded in the subsequent alternative frequency search, if the radio data system receiver moves back to the region using the same program at the alternative frequency subjected to the blanking mark processing, Although there is an alternative frequency that satisfies the signal quality, the SEEK PI process is performed.

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))] It takes a long time, but the wireless data system receiver processes the output as mute during the corresponding process due to noise.

In the above process, since the SEEK PI process may be repeated several times, there may be a long period of no sound in the wireless data system receiver. The SEEK PI process over a long time acts as a factor that makes the user feel uncomfortable with the broadcast reception.

Accordingly, the SEEK PI process is preferably not performed in the wireless data system receiver, and a method for enabling the use of an alternative frequency that satisfies the signal quality prior to the SEEK PI process is required.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problem, in which a blanking-marked alternative frequency (Alternate Frequency) is performed so that the SEEK PI process is performed to a minimum in a process of searching for a frequency in which a reception state of broadcasting the same program in a wireless data system receiver is good. It is an object of the present invention to provide a wireless data system receiver capable of providing a wireless data system receiver capable of using AF).

In addition, the present invention relates to a blanking-marked alternative frequency so that a blanking-marked alternative frequency (AF) can be used in a process of searching for a frequency in which a reception state of broadcasting the same program in a wireless data system receiver is good. Another object of the present invention is to provide an alternative frequency search method of a wireless data system receiver in which information is stored and the SEEK PI process can be performed to a minimum by using the information.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a wireless data system receiver includes a tuner for receiving a broadcast, a storage unit for storing broadcast program frequency information, and an alternative frequency information blanked with blanking marks. It characterized in that it comprises a control unit for controlling the process.

The tuner is characterized in that the RDS tuner.

Preferably, the blanking mark frequency management unit for managing the blanking-marked alternative frequency information is characterized in that it is further provided.

The blanking mark frequency management unit may be configured by allocating a predetermined area of the memory space of the storage unit, or may be configured as a separate memory device.

An alternative frequency search method of a wireless data system receiver for achieving another object of the present invention is characterized by searching for an alternative frequency using a blanking mark frequency.

The method for searching for an alternative frequency using the blanking mark frequency includes: searching for a blanking mark frequency to store blanking mark frequency information, and controlling an alternative frequency search process using the stored blanking mark frequency information. It is configured by.

The storing of the blanking mark frequency information may include detecting a signal quality of a broadcast signal received for each frequency, and if a frequency at which the detected signal quality is equal to or greater than a set reference value is found, PI at the corresponding frequency is determined. Determining whether the same program is indicated, and if the PI at the corresponding frequency is not the same program, blanking the corresponding frequency and storing the blanking-processed frequency information. It is done.

The 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 the storing of the blanking mark-processed frequency information, the frequency information may be temporarily stored in the control unit or may be stored in a storage space of the storage unit.

The controlling of the alternative frequency searching process using the stored blanking mark frequency information may include determining whether there is a blanking mark-treated alternative frequency when there is no frequency among the stored alternative frequencies that satisfies a predetermined reference value. Determining whether there is a good frequency of a signal state received for the blanking mark-treated alternative frequency when there is an alternative frequency blanking-marked, and if there is a frequency having a good signal state, PI at the corresponding frequency Is equal to, and if the result of the check is the same, if the PI is characterized in that it comprises a step comprising serving.

The method may further include performing SEEK PI when there is no alternative frequency with blanking marks.

The method may further include performing SEEK PI by determining whether the signal state has a good frequency and when the signal state does not have a good frequency.

If the PI is not the same as the check result, characterized in that further comprising the step of performing the SEEK PI.

According to the alternative frequency search method of the wireless data system receiver and the wireless data system receiver according to the present invention configured as described above, by storing the blanking mark frequency information, and performing the alternative frequency search process using the stored blanking mark frequency information By minimizing the time-consuming SEEK PI process, the user of the data system receiver can reduce the inconvenience of waiting for a long time for the frequency search process in which a program satisfying the signal quality is broadcast.

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.

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

Referring to FIG. 3, the wireless data system receiver according to the present invention includes a key input unit 150 for inputting a user command, an RDS tuner 110 for receiving a wireless data broadcast, and a signal output from the RDS tuner. A broadcast signal processing unit 120 for processing the output signal to be matched with the output unit 130, and a blanking mark frequency management unit 310 for managing the alternative frequency information with blanking marks; Control each component of the wireless data system receiver according to the input user command, and control the alternative frequency search process (SEEK PI) by using the blanking-marked alternative frequency information when the received broadcast signal quality is lower than or equal to a set reference value. It is configured to include a control unit 300.

The key input unit 150 is a device for a user to input a control command for operating the RDS receiver and a channel for broadcasting a desired program. The key input unit 150 includes a plurality of key buttons provided on the front board of the RDS receiver or a remote controller. It may be configured as a wireless input unit.

The RDS tuner 110 detects an RDS composite signal broadcast in a channel selected according to a control signal of the control unit 300 according to a user's broadcast channel selection signal input through the key input unit 150, and executes a broadcast signal processing unit ( 120).

The broadcast signal processor 120 demodulates the RDS complex signal of the RDS tuner 110 to output an audio signal, and an amplifier 122 to amplify the output signal of the demodulator 121. And an RDS data processor 123 extracting RDS data from the RDS complex signal output from the RDS tuner 110 and providing the RDS data to the controller 300.

The output unit 130 controls the speaker 131 for outputting an audio signal output from the amplifier 122 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 300.

The storage unit 340 includes a flash memory 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 blanking mark frequency management unit 310 checks the PI of the broadcast program with respect to a frequency at which the received broadcast signal quality satisfies the set reference value. Save it. The blanking mark frequency management unit 310 may be configured by allocating a predetermined area of the memory space of the storage unit 340 or may be configured as a separate memory device.

The controller 300 controls each component of the wireless data system receiver according to a user command input through the key input unit 150. In detail, the controller 300 detects an output level of the demodulator 121 or an output level of the RDS data processor 123 so that the output of the wireless data system receiver falls below a predetermined level, that is, the reception level. When the broadcast signal quality becomes less than or equal to the set reference value, the alternative frequency search process SEEK PI is controlled by using the alternative frequency information blanked.

The operation and alternative frequency searching method of the wireless data system receiver according to the present invention configured as described above will be described.

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

In the alternative frequency search method of the wireless data system receiver according to the present invention, when the blanking mark frequency is searched, the blanking mark frequency information is stored, and the alternative frequency search process is controlled using the stored blanking mark frequency information.

Referring to FIG. 4, when switching to an alternative frequency (AF) is required in a wireless data system receiver, an alternative frequency search for satisfying signal quality is performed for switching to an alternative frequency (S410).

When an alternative frequency is found in which the signal quality received in the alternative frequency search step S410 is satisfied, the PI code at the corresponding frequency is checked to determine whether the same program is broadcasted (S420).

As a result of the determination, when the code parts representing the program information in the PI code at the corresponding frequency are identical to represent the same program, the program broadcasted at the corresponding frequency is serviced (S430).

However, as a result of the determination, when the PI code at the corresponding frequency does not indicate the same program, blanking processing is performed on the corresponding frequency and the blanking-processed frequency information is stored (S440).

In this case, in the storing of the blanking-marked frequency information, the frequency information may be stored in a storage space of a storage unit or temporarily stored in a control unit.

In the subsequent process, when it is necessary to perform SEEK PI, after performing the alternative frequency search using the stored blanking mark frequency information before performing SEEK PI, it is determined whether to perform SEEK PI (S450).

The above process will be described in more detail.

5 is a flowchart illustrating an alternative frequency search method of a wireless data system receiver according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a reference diagram for explaining an alternative frequency search method of a wireless data system receiver according to the present invention. .

First, the step of storing the blanking mark frequency information will be described.

Switching to the alternative frequency (AF) such as the program code (PI code) of the broadcasting frequency (current frequency: MF) of the program currently being received by the wireless data system receiver is changed, or the reception quality is significantly degraded during broadcasting. In this case, the control unit 300, in order to receive the same program as the program broadcasted at the set current frequency in an optimal state, the current frequency MF from the time point T1 and the alternative frequency stored in the storage unit 340 (AF 1). To AF 5), the quality of each frequency of the signal broadcasted is checked as in ① of FIG. 6A (S411).

To this end, the control unit 300 reads the alternative frequencies AF 1 to AF 5 stored in the storage unit 340, and then tunes the RDS tuner 110 to the current frequencies MF and the respective alternative frequencies. The tuner 110 tunes a broadcast signal detected at each frequency and outputs the tuned signal to the broadcast signal processor 120.

The controller 300 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 120.

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. 5C, it is preferable to mute the output of the radio data system receiver.

When the check of the signal quality received through the current frequency and the substitute frequency stored in the storage unit 340 is finished (T1 to T2 time point), it is determined whether a frequency that satisfies the set signal quality exists (S412).

As a result of the determination (S412), when there is an alternative frequency that satisfies the set signal quality, the controller 300 checks the PI of the frequency (S413).

Subsequently, the controller 300 determines whether the PI represents the same program (S420).

As a result of the determination (S420), when the PI indicates the same program, the control unit 300 controls the RDS tuner S110 to fix a channel at a corresponding frequency to service a program broadcast through the corresponding frequency (S430). .

However, when the determination result (S420), the PI is not the same program, the frequency of the RDD tuner 110 is tuned to the previous frequency, and the corresponding frequency is blanked mark processing (S441), the blanking mark process Frequency information is stored in the blanking mark frequency management unit 310 (S442).

According to the above process, if the blanking mark frequency stored in the blanking mark frequency management unit 310 does not find a broadcast having good signal quality with respect to the alternative frequency stored in the storage unit 340, will the SEEK PI process be performed? Used to determine

Hereinafter, an operation (S450) of controlling an alternative frequency search process using the stored blanking mark frequency information will be described.

On the other hand, as a result of determining whether a frequency that satisfies the set signal quality (S412), as shown in Figure 6 (b), when there is no alternative frequency satisfying the signal quality set up to the time point T2, the control unit 300 Determines whether to perform a program identification code search (SEEK PI) at the time T2 to search for a new channel on which the program is broadcast.

To this end, the controller 300 determines whether there is blanking mark frequency information in the blanking mark frequency management unit 310 (S451).

As a result of the determination (S451), when information on the blanking mark frequency is not stored in the blanking mark frequency management unit 310, a new program identification code search (SEEK PI) process is performed (S460).

However, when the information on the blanking mark frequency is stored in the blanking mark frequency management unit 310 as a result of the determination (S451), after reading the stored blanking mark frequency, the signal broadcasted through the blanking mark frequency is received and received. The state is analyzed (2 in FIG. 6) (S452).

Subsequently, it is checked whether the signal reception state at the blanking mark frequency satisfies the set signal quality to further determine whether a blanking mark frequency having a good signal state exists (S453).

As a result of the determination (S453), when there is a blanking mark frequency that satisfies the set signal quality of the signal reception state, the PI of the program broadcasted at the corresponding blanking mark frequency is checked according to step 3 in FIG. (S454).

Subsequently, the controller 300 determines whether the PI represents the same program (S455).

As a result of the determination (S455), when the PI indicates the same program, the controller 300 controls the RDS tuner S110 to fix a channel at a corresponding frequency to service a program broadcast through the corresponding frequency (S430). .

However, when the determination result (S455), if the PI is not the same program, the program identification code search while changing the frequency of the RDS tuner 110 in the available frequency band according to step ④ of Figure 6 (a) (SEEK PI) is performed (S460).

In the above, the alternative frequency searching method of 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, by storing the frequency information processed by the blanking mark in the wireless data system receiver and determining whether to perform the EEK PI process by using it, the user of the wireless data system receiver is minimized by minimizing the time-consuming SEEK PI process. Has the effect of reducing the inconvenience of waiting for a long time in the alternative frequency search process.

Claims (15)

A tuner for receiving a broadcast; A storage unit for blanking and processing a predetermined frequency determined by using at least the broadcast signal for each program frequency of the received broadcast; And And a control unit for controlling an alternative frequency search process using the blanked mark processed frequency information. The radio data system receiver of claim 1, further comprising a blanking mark frequency manager configured to manage blanking-marked alternative frequency information. 2. The radio data system receiver of claim 1, wherein the tuner is an RDS tuner. The method of claim 2, wherein the blanking mark frequency management unit, And a predetermined area of the memory space of the storage unit is allocated. The method of claim 2, wherein the blanking mark frequency management unit, Wireless data system receiver, characterized in that consisting of a separate memory element. delete Searching for the blanking mark frequency and storing the retrieved blanking mark frequency information; And controlling an alternative frequency searching process by using the stored blanking mark frequency information. The method of claim 7, wherein storing the blanking mark frequency information, Detecting a signal quality of a broadcast signal received for each frequency; Determining whether a PI at the frequency indicates the same program when a frequency at which the detected signal quality is equal to or greater than a set reference value is found; If the PI at the corresponding frequency is not the same program as a result of the determination, blanking the corresponding frequency and storing the blanked mark-processed frequency information; an alternative frequency of the wireless data system receiver, comprising: Navigation method. The method of claim 8, wherein the signal quality is determined according to whether a signal-to-noise ratio of a received signal or a bit error rate of a received signal is equal to or greater than a set reference value. . The method of claim 8, wherein the storing of the blanking mark processed frequency information comprises: And the frequency information is temporarily stored in the control unit. The method of claim 8, wherein the storing of the blanking mark processed frequency information comprises: And the frequency information is stored in a storage space of a storage unit. The method of claim 7, wherein the controlling of the alternative frequency searching process using the stored blanking mark frequency information comprises: Determining whether there is a blanking-marked substitute frequency when there is no frequency among the stored substitute frequencies that satisfies a predetermined reference value or more; Judging whether the received signal state has a good frequency for the blanking-marked replacement frequency when the blanking-marked replacement frequency is found as a result of the determination; Checking whether the PI at the corresponding frequency is the same when there is a frequency in which the signal state is good; And And if the PI is the same, serving the frequency according to the check result. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising performing a SEEK PI when there is no alternative frequency blanked by the determination result. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: determining whether there is a frequency in which the signal state is good and performing SEEK PI when there is no frequency in the good signal state. The method of claim 12, further comprising performing a SEEK PI when the check result PI is not the same.

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