KR20240020453A - Apparatus and method for automatic controlling radio frequency - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus and method for automatic radio frequency control are disclosed. An automatic radio frequency control device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a GPS receiver for acquiring location information of a vehicle, a broadcast receiver for receiving broadcast signals, a memory storing the frequencies of regional radio channels and broadcast signal strengths for each location, and a GPS receiver. If the location information obtained through is outside the area for the selected frequency of the radio channel received through the broadcasting receiver, a processor is installed to acquire the frequency of the local radio channel according to the location information from memory and automatically change to the acquired frequency. Includes.

Description

Apparatus and method for automatic radio frequency control {APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATIC CONTROLLING RADIO FREQUENCY}

The present invention relates to an automatic radio frequency control device and method, and more specifically, to automatically change the frequency of a radio channel based on location information measured in real time, so that the same broadcast continues even if you move to another area while listening to a radio broadcast. It relates to an automatic radio frequency control device and method that allows listening.

Typically, most vehicles are equipped with a radio device that allows the driver to listen to radio broadcasts while driving the vehicle. These radio receivers capture broadcast signals through an antenna installed outside the vehicle and output the corresponding radio broadcast signals through speakers, allowing the driver of the vehicle to listen to the selected radio broadcast.

However, the radio receiver of these vehicles stably provides radio broadcasts of the channel selected by the driver of the vehicle when the vehicle does not leave a certain area, but when the vehicle travels a long distance and travels between areas with different radio channels, In this case, the radio channel frequencies for each region were different, so in order to receive the same radio broadcast, the driver had to manually re-set the radio channel frequencies that were set differently for each region.

For example, in the case of KBS1 FM broadcasting, the radio broadcasting channel frequency by region is transmitted at 89.1 MHz in the Seoul/Gyeonggi area and 98.5 MHz in the Chungcheong/Daejeon area, so drivers of vehicles moving from the Seoul area to the Chungcheong area In order to listen to the same KBS1 FM broadcast, there was the inconvenience of having to readjust the tuning frequency to 98.5MHz.

Additionally, when driving a vehicle, radio noise is output in places where there are many obstacles, such as tunnels or mountains, and there are areas where radio signals cannot be received. When receiving such radio noise, there is an inconvenience in that the driver must manually switch to Mute or Media Mode.

Additionally, when receiving radio noise, the driver must wait until a normal signal is received, which increases stress due to exposure to radio noise while driving.

Related prior art includes Korean Patent Publication No. 2005-0056569 (June 16, 2005) titled “Vehicle audio device and method having automatic regional radio broadcasting channel frequency switching function.”

The present invention was created to improve the problems described above, and the purpose of one aspect of the present invention is to automatically change the frequency of the radio channel based on location information measured in real time, so that while listening to a radio broadcast, It provides an automatic radio frequency control device and method that allows the user to continue listening to the same broadcast even when moving.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic radio frequency control device and method that can reduce driver stress by preventing radio noise output while driving.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is not limited to the problem(s) mentioned above, and other problem(s) not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

An automatic radio frequency control device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a GPS receiver for obtaining location information of a vehicle, a broadcast receiver for receiving broadcast signals, a memory storing the frequencies of regional radio channels and broadcast signal strengths for each location, and the GPS. If the location information acquired through the receiver is outside the area for the selected frequency of the radio channel received through the broadcast receiver, the frequency of the radio channel in the area according to the location information is acquired from the memory, and the acquired frequency Includes a processor that automatically changes to

The present invention further includes a speaker and a display module, wherein the processor measures the reception sensitivity of the broadcast signal, and when the reception sensitivity is less than the standard sensitivity, outputs notification information through the display module and mutes the signal. When the reception sensitivity of the broadcast signal exceeds the standard sensitivity, the notification information output to the display module is removed, and the sound of the broadcast signal can be output through the speaker.

In the present invention, when it is impossible to obtain location information through the GPS receiver, the processor predicts the location of the vehicle based on at least one of the location information last acquired through the GPS receiver and the speed and direction of the vehicle. You can.

In the present invention, when it is impossible to obtain location information through the GPS receiver, the processor receives the location of the surrounding vehicle from a surrounding vehicle based on V2X (Vehicle to Everything) communication technology and determines the location of the received surrounding vehicle. It can be predicted based on the location of the vehicle.

In the present invention, the processor measures the broadcasting signal strength of the radio channel, and, when the broadcasting signal strength is less than a preset standard strength, determines that it is outside the area for the tuned frequency of the radio channel, and retrieves location information from the memory. Alternatively, the frequency of the radio channel in the area according to the predicted location may be acquired and automatically changed to the obtained frequency.

The present invention may further include an input module that receives a media mode change command or a mute release command.

The automatic radio frequency control method according to another aspect of the present invention includes the steps of a processor acquiring current location information of a vehicle while outputting a broadcast signal of a first radio channel, wherein the location information of the vehicle is adjusted to the tuned frequency of the first radio channel. When leaving the covered area, the processor acquires the frequency of the first radio channel in the area according to the location information from memory, and the processor automatically changes to the acquired frequency.

In the present invention, in the step of acquiring location information of the vehicle, the processor may acquire location information by periodically acquiring GPS information of the vehicle through a GPS receiver.

In the present invention, in the step of acquiring the location information of the vehicle, if it is impossible to obtain the location information through the GPS receiver, the processor provides at least one of the location information last acquired through the GPS receiver and the speed and direction of the vehicle. Based on this, the location of the vehicle can be predicted.

In the present invention, in the step of acquiring the location information of the vehicle, if it is impossible to obtain the location information through the GPS receiver, the processor receives the location of the surrounding vehicle from the surrounding vehicle based on V2X (Vehicle to Everything) communication technology. Then, the received location of surrounding vehicles can be predicted as the location of the vehicle.

In the present invention, the processor measures the broadcasting signal strength of the radio channel, and if the broadcasting signal strength is less than a preset standard strength, determines that the processor is outside the area for the tuned frequency of the radio channel, and retrieves location information from the memory. Alternatively, the method may further include acquiring the frequency of the radio channel in an area according to the predicted location and automatically changing the frequency to the obtained frequency.

The present invention includes the steps of the processor measuring the reception sensitivity of the broadcast signal, and, when the reception sensitivity is less than the standard sensitivity, performing muting while outputting notification information through a display module, and receiving the broadcast signal. When the sensitivity is greater than the standard sensitivity, the processor may further include removing the notification information output to the display module and outputting the sound of the broadcast signal through a speaker.

The automatic radio frequency control device and method according to an embodiment of the present invention automatically changes the frequency of the radio channel based on location information measured in real time, so that the same broadcast continues even if you move to another area while listening to the radio broadcast. Be able to listen.

The automatic radio frequency control device and method according to an embodiment of the present invention automatically changes the radio frequency appropriate for the changed area even if the listener changes the reception area of the radio broadcast while listening to the radio, so the listener does not have to re-search the radio frequency. Not only can it eliminate the hassle, but it can also eliminate the risk of a vehicle accident due to momentary negligence in looking ahead that can occur when adjusting the radio frequency.

The automatic radio frequency control device and method according to an embodiment of the present invention automatically mutes the radio signal when the reception sensitivity of the radio signal is below the standard sensitivity, and automatically mutes the radio signal when the reception sensitivity of the radio signal is above the standard sensitivity. By outputting, Radio Noise output can be prevented while driving and the driver's stress can be reduced.

Meanwhile, the effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and various effects may be included within the range apparent to those skilled in the art from the contents described below.

Figure 1 is a block diagram for explaining an automatic radio frequency control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is an example diagram for explaining a transmission station reception guidance map according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is an exemplary diagram illustrating notification information notifying automatic muting according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for automatic radio frequency control according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, an automatic radio frequency control device and method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In this process, the thickness of lines or sizes of components shown in the drawing may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of explanation.

In addition, the terms described below are terms defined in consideration of functions in the present invention, and may vary depending on the intention or custom of the user or operator. Therefore, definitions of these terms should be made based on the content throughout this specification.

Additionally, implementations described herein may be implemented as, for example, a method or process, device, software program, data stream, or signal. Although discussed only in the context of a single form of implementation (eg, only as a method), implementations of the features discussed may also be implemented in other forms (eg, devices or programs). The device may be implemented with appropriate hardware, software, firmware, etc. The method may be implemented in a device such as a processor, which generally refers to a processing device that includes a computer, microprocessor, integrated circuit, or programmable logic device. Processors also include communication devices such as computers, cell phones, portable/personal digital assistants (“PDAs”) and other devices that facilitate communication of information between end-users.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining an automatic radio frequency control device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exemplary diagram for explaining a transmitting station reception guidance map according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the present invention. This is an example diagram to explain notification information informing automatic muting according to an embodiment of.

Referring to FIG. 1, the automatic radio frequency control device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a GPS receiver 110, a broadcast receiver 120, a memory 130, an input module 140, and a display module 150. ), a speaker 160, and a processor 170.

The GPS receiver 110 may obtain location information of the vehicle by periodically acquiring GPS information of the current vehicle. The GPS receiver 110 can receive GPS information through a shark antenna.

The broadcast receiver 120 may receive a broadcast signal and output it through the speaker 160. The broadcast receiver 120 receives a broadcast signal corresponding to a radio channel (i.e., program) selected by the user, amplifies the received broadcast signal, and demodulates the amplified broadcast signal to output a signal in the audible frequency range. You can.

The broadcast receiver 120 can receive broadcast signals through a shark antenna.

The memory 130 may store the frequencies of radio channels for each region and the broadcasting signal strength for each location. That is, the memory 130 stores the regional frequency value of each radio channel. In addition, the memory 130 may further store map data (i.e., radio transmitting station reception guide map) in which regions are classified by region according to the radio wave range of the transmitting station that propagates the broadcast signal transmitted from each broadcasting station. For example, the radio transmitting station reception guide map may be as shown in Figure 2, and the signal strength of the radio channel may be displayed on the map.

The memory 130 can provide a database of regional tuning frequencies for each radio channel and store them so that the tuning frequencies of the same radio channel can be identified when moving from region to region. For example, if the radio channel is KBS1 FM, the tuning frequency for each region is 89.1MHz for Seoul/Gyeonggi area and 98.5MHz for Chungcheong/Daejeon area. If you change the tuning frequency based on the same radio channel when moving between regions, the regional tuning frequency is 89.1MHz. Even if you move, you can listen to the same broadcast continuously.

Additionally, the memory 130 is configured to store data related to the operation of the automatic radio frequency control device 100. Here, the memory 130 may use a known storage medium, for example, one or more of known storage media such as ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, RAM, etc. In particular, the memory 130 includes a program that automatically changes the frequency of the radio channel based on real-time measured location information or predicted location, allowing you to continue listening to the same broadcast even if you move to another area while listening to the radio broadcast. (Application or applet) can be stored, and the stored information can be selected by the processor 170 as needed. Additionally, the memory 130 can display various contents, such as various menu screens, using a user interface and/or graphical user interface stored in the memory 130 under the control of the processor 170.

The input module 140 may receive at least one operation command from the user and transmit the input at least one operation command to the processor 170. For example, the input module 140 may receive a media mode change command, a mute release command, etc., and transmit them to the processor 170.

This input module 140 may include at least one physical button, such as an on/off button for operating various functions and a button for changing the setting values of various functions.

Additionally, the input module 140 may include a touch panel integrally provided with the display module 150. At this time, the input module 140 may be activated and displayed in the shape of a button on the display module 150. Additionally, the input module 140 may include a microphone that receives the user's command as a voice input.

In this way, the user can input user commands such as a media mode change command or a mute release command through a button or voice.

The display module 150 can display operation information of the automatic radio frequency control device 100 and display input information input through the memory 130. For example, the display module 150 may display input information of an automatic channel change command and automatic channel change performance information when performing a radio function. Additionally, the display module 150 can display information about the mode being performed. For example, the display module 150 can display the mode being performed, such as radio mode, audio mode, call mode, DMB mode, and navigation mode.

This display module 150 may be a flat display panel such as LCD, PDP, or OLED provided in a vehicle, or may be a display device of a vehicle terminal.

The speaker 160 can output the sound of a radio (broadcast signal) as sound.

The speaker 160 can output audio signals such as music or radio selected by the user as sound.

If the location information acquired through the GPS receiver 110 is outside the area for the tuned frequency of the radio channel received through the broadcast receiver 120, the processor 170 selects a local radio according to the location information from the memory 130. You can acquire the frequency of the channel and automatically change it to the acquired frequency. In this way, the processor 170 compares the location information transmitted in real time from the GPS receiver 110 with the frequency of the regional radio channel stored in the memory 130 and then automatically changes it to the frequency value of the region (area) to which the location information belongs. The broadcasting receiver 120 can be controlled to receive a radio signal (broadcast signal) according to the frequency value of the region (area) to which it belongs.

Meanwhile, the vehicle may be located in a place where GPS signals are not received, such as in a tunnel. In this case, the processor 170 must be able to predict the current location of the vehicle. Accordingly, when it is impossible to obtain location information through the GPS receiver 110, the processor 170 determines the location of the vehicle based on at least one of the location information last acquired through the GPS receiver 110 and the speed and direction of the vehicle. can be predicted. If the predicted location is outside the area for the tuned frequency of the radio channel received through the broadcast receiver 120, the processor 170 obtains the frequency of the radio channel in the area according to the predicted location from the memory 130, It can be automatically changed to the acquired frequency.

In addition, if the vehicle is located in a place where GPS signals are not received, the processor 170 may receive the location of the surrounding vehicle from the surrounding vehicle based on V2X communication technology, and predict the received location of the surrounding vehicle as the vehicle's location. . Here, V2X (Vehicle to Everything) communication technology is a technology that equips cars with communication functions to connect with external entities including road infrastructure (V2I) and pedestrians (V2P) as well as vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication. It can support automatic control and safe driving of passenger cars by automatically recognizing driving conditions and road environments and providing them to the driver.

In addition, the processor 170 automatically changes the frequency value for each region (region) stored in the memory 130 according to the strength of the broadcast signal (radio signal) transmitted in real time, and radio signal according to the frequency value of the changed region (region) The broadcast receiver 120 can be controlled to receive a broadcast signal). That is, the processor 170 measures the radio signal strength of the radio channel received through the broadcast receiver 120, and if the measured radio signal strength is below the preset standard strength, it is considered to be outside the area for the tuned frequency of the radio channel. By making a decision, the frequency of a local radio channel according to the location information or predicted location can be obtained from the memory 130 and automatically changed to the obtained frequency.

Meanwhile, the vehicle may be located in an area where radio noise is output and radio signals cannot be received, such as tunnels or mountains. In this case, the processor 170 can predict the radio signal strength based on location-specific radio signal strength information and the current location of the vehicle. That is, the processor 170 can predict the broadcasting signal strength of a radio channel based on the location information (or predicted location) acquired through the GPS receiver 110 and the broadcasting signal strength for each location stored in the memory 130. If the predicted broadcasting signal strength is less than the preset standard strength, the processor 170 determines that the radio channel is outside the area for the tuned frequency, and the radio in the area according to the location information (or predicted location) is retrieved from the memory 130. You can acquire the frequency of the channel and automatically change it to the acquired frequency.

In addition, the processor 170 measures the reception sensitivity of the broadcast signal, and when the reception sensitivity is less than the standard sensitivity, the processor 170 can output notification information through the display module 150 and perform mute. At this time, the processor 170 can measure reception sensitivity by detecting the noise level of the audio output of the broadcast signal. When the reception sensitivity of the broadcast signal exceeds the standard sensitivity, the processor 170 may remove the notification information output to the display module 150 and output the sound of the broadcast signal through the speaker 160.

For example, if the reception sensitivity is less than the standard sensitivity, the processor 170 may output notification information such as “Radio reception sensitivity is weak and automatic mute is in operation for a certain period of time” as shown in FIG. 3.

In this way, when the reception sensitivity of the radio signal is less than the standard sensitivity, the sound is automatically muted, and when the reception sensitivity of the radio signal is above the standard sensitivity, the radio signal is automatically output, preventing radio noise output while driving. This can reduce driver stress.

The processor 170 can control a plurality of hardware or software components connected to the processor 170 by running an operating system or application, and can perform various data processing and calculations. The processor 170 may be implemented as a system on chip (SoC). The processor 170 may load and process instructions or data received from at least one of the other components into the memory 130 and store various data in the memory 130 .

The automatic radio frequency control device 100 configured as described above changes the frequency value stored in the memory 130 according to the location information of the vehicle or the strength of the broadcast signal even if the reception area of the radio broadcast the listener listens to changes while listening to the radio broadcast. Since the broadcast receiver 120 automatically changes to receive the radio frequency appropriate for the region, the listener can continue to listen to the same broadcast even if he or she moves to another region while listening to the radio broadcast.

In addition, the automatic radio frequency control device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention automatically changes the radio frequency appropriate for the changed area even if the listener changes the reception area of the radio broadcast while listening to the radio, so the listener has to re-search the radio frequency. Not only can this inconvenience be eliminated, but it can also eliminate the risk of a vehicle accident due to momentary negligence in looking ahead, which can occur when adjusting the radio frequency.

Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for automatic radio frequency control according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, while outputting a broadcast signal of the first radio channel (S402), the processor 170 obtains the current location information of the vehicle (S404). At this time, the processor 170 may periodically acquire GPS information of the current vehicle through the GPS receiver 110 to obtain location information. If it is impossible to obtain location information through the GPS receiver 110, the processor 170 determines the location of the vehicle based on at least one of the location information last acquired through the GPS receiver 110 and the speed and direction of the vehicle. can be predicted.

When step S404 is performed, the processor 170 determines whether the vehicle's location information is outside the area covered by the tuning frequency of the first radio channel (S406).

As a result of the determination in step S406, if the vehicle's location information is outside the area covered by the tuned frequency of the first radio channel, the processor 170 obtains the frequency of the first radio channel in the area according to the location information from the memory 130. and automatically changes to the acquired frequency (S410).

As described above, the automatic radio frequency control device and method according to an embodiment of the present invention automatically changes the frequency of the radio channel based on location information measured in real time, even if you move to another area while listening to the radio broadcast. Allows you to listen to the same broadcast over and over again.

The automatic radio frequency control device and method according to an embodiment of the present invention automatically changes the radio frequency appropriate for the changed area even if the listener changes the reception area of the radio broadcast while listening to the radio, so the listener does not have to re-search the radio frequency. Not only can it eliminate the hassle, but it can also eliminate the risk of a vehicle accident due to momentary negligence in looking ahead that can occur when adjusting the radio frequency.

The automatic radio frequency control device and method according to an embodiment of the present invention automatically mutes the radio signal when the reception sensitivity of the radio signal is below the standard sensitivity, and automatically mutes the radio signal when the reception sensitivity of the radio signal is above the standard sensitivity. By outputting, Radio Noise can be prevented while driving and the driver's stress can be reduced.

The present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, but these are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and other equivalent embodiments are possible therefrom. You will understand.

Therefore, the true technical protection scope of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the patent claims below.

100: Radio frequency automatic control device
110: GPS receiver
120: broadcast receiver
130: memory
140: input module
150: display module
160: speaker
170: processor

Claims (12)

A GPS receiver that acquires location information of the vehicle;
A broadcast receiver that receives broadcast signals;
A memory storing the frequencies of radio channels for each region and the broadcasting signal strength for each location; and
When the location information acquired through the GPS receiver is outside the area for the selected frequency of the radio channel received through the broadcast receiver, the frequency of the radio channel in the area according to the location information is obtained from the memory, and the acquisition Processor that automatically changes to the selected frequency
A radio frequency automatic control device comprising a.
According to paragraph 1,
speaker; and
It further includes a display module,
The processor,
Measures the reception sensitivity of the broadcast signal, and if the reception sensitivity is less than the standard sensitivity, performs muting while outputting notification information through the display module,
An automatic radio frequency control device, characterized in that when the reception sensitivity of the broadcast signal exceeds the standard sensitivity, the notification information output to the display module is removed and the sound of the broadcast signal is output through the speaker.
According to paragraph 1,
The processor,
When it is impossible to obtain location information through the GPS receiver, the radio frequency is characterized in that predicting the location of the vehicle based on at least one of the location information last acquired through the GPS receiver and the speed and direction of the vehicle. Automatic control device.
According to paragraph 1,
The processor,
If it is impossible to obtain location information through the GPS receiver, the location of the surrounding vehicle is received from the surrounding vehicle based on V2X (Vehicle to Everything) communication technology, and the received location of the surrounding vehicle is predicted as the location of the vehicle. Radio frequency automatic control device, characterized in that.
According to paragraph 1,
The processor,
The broadcasting signal strength of the radio channel is measured, and if the broadcasting signal strength is less than a preset standard strength, it is determined that the area for the tuned frequency of the radio channel is outside the area, and the area according to the location information or predicted location is retrieved from the memory. An automatic radio frequency control device characterized in that it acquires the frequency of the radio channel and automatically changes to the acquired frequency.
According to paragraph 1,
A radio frequency automatic control device further comprising an input module that receives a media mode change command or a mute release command.
Obtaining, by the processor, location information of the current vehicle while outputting a broadcast signal of a first radio channel;
When the location information of the vehicle is outside the area covered by the tuned frequency of the first radio channel, the processor acquiring the frequency of the first radio channel in the area according to the location information from the memory; and
Automatically changing the processor to the obtained frequency
A radio frequency automatic control method comprising.
In clause 7,
In the step of acquiring location information of the vehicle,
The automatic radio frequency control method characterized in that the processor acquires location information by periodically acquiring GPS information of the vehicle through a GPS receiver.
According to clause 8,
In the step of acquiring location information of the vehicle,
When it is impossible to obtain location information through the GPS receiver, the processor predicts the location of the vehicle based on at least one of the location information last acquired through the GPS receiver and the speed and direction of the vehicle. Frequency automatic control method.
According to clause 8,
In the step of acquiring location information of the vehicle,
If it is impossible to obtain location information through the GPS receiver, the processor receives the location of the surrounding vehicle from the surrounding vehicle based on V2X (Vehicle to Everything) communication technology, and matches the received location of the surrounding vehicle to the location of the vehicle. A radio frequency automatic control method characterized by predicting.
In clause 7,
The processor measures the broadcasting signal strength of the radio channel, and, if the broadcasting signal strength is less than a preset standard strength, determines that it is outside the area for the tuned frequency of the radio channel, and retrieves location information or predictions from the memory. An automatic radio frequency control method further comprising acquiring the frequency of the radio channel in an area according to location and automatically changing the frequency to the acquired frequency.
In clause 7,
The processor measures reception sensitivity of the broadcast signal, and when the reception sensitivity is less than a standard sensitivity, performing mute while outputting notification information through a display module; and
When the reception sensitivity of the broadcast signal exceeds the standard sensitivity, the processor removes the notification information output to the display module and outputs the sound of the broadcast signal through a speaker. Frequency automatic control method.