MXPA04012985A

MXPA04012985A - Apparatus and method for providing user selectable alert modes for a television signal receiver.

Info

Publication number: MXPA04012985A
Application number: MXPA04012985A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Lee Johnston Gabin
Original assignee: Thomson Licensing Sa
Priority date: 2002-06-27
Filing date: 2003-06-19
Publication date: 2005-05-16
Also published as: KR20050013240A; EP1550305A4; AU2003243692A1; EP1550305A2; CA2490775A1; WO2004004305A3; WO2004004305A2; AU2003243692A8; JP2006515720A

Abstract

A television signal receiver (20) having an emergency alert function provides an alert output in accordance with a user selectable alert mode corresponding to the type of emergency event. According to an exemplary embodiment, the television signal receiver (20) includes a tuner (22) operative to tune a frequency including emergency alert signals indicating a type of emergency event. A processor (27) is operative to enable an alert output responsive to the emergency alert signals, wherein the alert output is provided in accordance with a user selectable alert mode corresponding to the type of emergency event.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD TO PROVIDE ALERT MODE SELECTED BY THE USER FOR A RECEIVER TELEVISION SIGN FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates in general to television signal receivers with or without a display device, and more particularly to television signal receivers having an emergency alert function with capacity among other things, to provide an alert output in accordance with the alert mode selected by the user corresponding to the type of emergency event. The present invention also relates to user interfaces associated with the emergency alert function.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Emergency events such as dangerous weather, natural disasters, fires, civil emergencies, terrorist acts, spills of toxic chemicals, radiation leaks or other conditions can be devastating for unprepared people. With climate-related emergencies, authorities such as the National Weather Service (NWS) and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) usually have the ability to detect hazardous weather conditions before the general public. With the use of climate modem detection devices, such as Doppler radar and climate satellites, the NWS and NOAA have the ability to issue timely warnings about dangerous weather conditions, which has saved many lives. However, for warnings to be effective, they must be communicated to the appropriate receivers- Some specialized radios and scanners have the ability to receive emergency warning signals provided by the NWS and NOAA. However, such devices tend to be dedicated to their use, and usually offer very little functionality, they only monitor these signals. Accordingly, in order to receive a timely warning of weather-related emergencies, consumers are required to purchase a dedicated device separately, which can be very costly for users. Another problem with such devices is that they fail to provide the consumer with options related to how they are alerted in specific situations. For example, some devices detect emergency events by receiving specific area message encoding (SAME) data, which indicates the specific geographic area affected by the emergency event, the type of emergency event (for example, tornado, spills). of toxic chemicals, radiation leakage, civil emergency, etc.) and the expiration time of the event alert. With such devices, when an emergency event occurs, an alert output can be provided as an audio message to warn people of the emergency event. While these devices allow users to select the type of alert issued to provide in emergency events, the selected type or mode of alert output is used for all types of emergency events. In other words, such devices do not allow consumers to distinguish the way they are alerted on an event-by-event basis. The use of a common alert mode for all types of emergency events as described above can be confusing and even dangerous for people, since they can not easily determine if the alert output for the emergency event is one for which immediate action is required (for example, tornado warning) or one that can be ignored (for example, storm sighting). In addition, the use of a common alert mode for all types of emergency events may tend to desensitize people with respect to general warning outputs, since all warning outputs may appear similar to each other. As a result, people will ignore the warning outputs and will therefore be exposed to dangerous conditions. Accordingly, there is a need for a device with the ability to receive emergency warning signals that avoid the above problems. The present invention addresses these and other problems.

B R EVE DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a television signal receiver having an emergency alert function is described. According to an exemplary embodiment, a television signal receiver comprises a tuner means for tuning a frequency that includes emergency alert signals, which indicate the type of emergency event. A processing means allows an alert output that responds to emergency warning signals, where the alert output is provided in accordance with the alert mode selectable by the user, corresponding to the type of emergency event. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a method for controlling a television signal receiver having an emergency alert function. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises the steps of tuning in a frequency that includes emergency warning signals, which indicate the type of emergency event and provide an alert output that responds to emergency warning signals, in where the alert output is provided in accordance with the alert mode selectable by the user, corresponding to the type of emergency event.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention and the manner of achieving them will be apparent and this invention will be better understood with reference to the following description of the embodiments of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein : Figure 1 is an exemplary environment suitable for implementing the present invention. Figure 2 is a block diagram of a television signal receiver in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating the exemplary steps in accordance with the present invention. Figure 4 is another diagram of a television signal receiver that includes user interfaces in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 5 is a diagram showing other exemplary details of one of the user interfaces of Figure 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The examples illustrated herein illustrate the preferred embodiments of the invention, and such examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Figure 1, an appropriate environment 100 for implementing the invention is shown. In Figure 1, the environment 100 comprises a signal transmission means such as a signal transmission source 10, a detention means such as the detention units 15 (ie, 1, 2, 3 ... N where N can be any positive integer), and a signal receiving means like the television signal receivers. In Figure 1, detention units 15 may represent homes, businesses and / or other places of detention located in a particular geographic area, but not limited to a particular continent, country, region, state, zip code, city, county , municipality, sub-division and / or other definable geographic area. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, each of the detention units 15 is equipped with at least one television signal receiver 20 having an emergency alert function. In accordance with the present invention, the emergency alert function allows the television signal receiver 20 to receive emergency warning signals and provide one or more warning outputs to notify people of an emergency event. As will be described later, the television signal receiver 20 also has the ability to provide one or more alert outputs in accordance with one or more user-selectable alert modes corresponding to the type of emergency event. In accordance with an exemplary modality, the signal transmission source 10 transmits signals that include the emergency alert signals that can be received by each television signal receiver 20. Emergency warning signals may be provided from an authority, such as the NWS, or other authorities such as government entities or their peers. In response to emergency warning signals, each television signal receiver 20 can provide one or more warning outputs to notify people of the emergency event. The signal transmission source 10 can transmit such emergency alert signals to the television signal receivers 20 via a wired or wireless link, such as, but not limited to, terrestrial, cable, satellite, fiber optic, subscriber's digital line. (DSL), and / or any other type of transmission and / or transmission medium. With reference to Figure 2, a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a television signal receiver 20 is shown. In Figure 2, the television signal receiver 20 comprises a signal receiving means such as a signal receiving element 21, a tuning means such as a tuner 22, a demodulation means such as a demodulator 23, an audio amplification means like the amplifier 24, an audio output means such as a horn 25, a decoding means such as the decoder 26, a processing means and a memory medium such as the processor and the memory 27, a video processing means such as a processor 28 of video and a visual output means as a display 29. Some of the above elements can be incorporated, for example, with the use of integrated circuits (IC).

For clarity of description, certain conventional elements of the television signal receiver 20 including the control signals may not be shown in Figure 2. The signal receiving element 21 operates to receive signals that include audio and / or video signals from the signal sources, such as a signal transmission source 10 in Figure 1. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the received audio signals may include emergency alert signals encoded in digital form. The signal receiving element 21 can be incorporated as any signal receiving element such as an antenna, an input terminal or other element. The tuner 22 operates to tune signals that include audio and / or video signals. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the tuner 22 has the ability to tune audio signals on at least the following frequencies designated by NWS: 162,400 MHz, 162,425 MHz, 162,450 MHz, 162,475 MHz, 162,500 MHz, 162,525 MHz, 162,550 MHz. Other frequencies can also be tuned. As indicated here before, audio signals may include emergency warning signals encoded in digital form. A demodulator 23 operates to demodulate the signals provided from the tuners 22. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the demodulator 23 demodulates the audio signals to thereby generate demodulated audio signals that represent the audio content as an NWS audio message, an emergency alert tone and / or other audio content. The audio amplifier 24 operates to amplify the audio signals emitted from the demodulator 23 in response to a control signal provided from the processor 27. The horn 25 operates to audibly output the amplified audio signals provided from the amplifier 24 of the amplifier. Audio. A decoder 26 operates to decode the signals that include the audio and / or video signals. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the decoder 26 decodes the audio signals provided from the demodulator 23 to extract the digitally encoded frequency-shifted blocked signals (FSK), which represent the emergency warning signals that indicate an emergency event. In accordance with this exemplary embodiment, the emergency alert signals include data comprising SAME data associated with the emergency event. The SAME data comprises a digital code that represents the information such as the specific geographical area affected by the emergency event, the type of emergency event (for example, tornado, spill of toxic chemicals, radiation leak, civil emergency, etc.). ) and the expiration time of the event alert. SAME data is used by NWS and other authorities to improve the specificity of emergency alerts and to decrease the frequency of false alerts. Other data and information may be included in the emergency warning signals according to the present invention.

The processor and the memory 27 operate to perform various data processing and storage functions of the television signal receiver 20. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the processor 27 receives the emergency alert signals from the decoder 26 and determines whether the emergency alert function of the television signal receiver 20 is activated based on the data included in the signal signals. emergency alert. In accordance with this exemplary embodiment, the processor 27 compares the data in the emergency alert signals so that the user adjusts the data stored in the memory 27 to determine whether the emergency alert function is activated. As will be described later, the adjustment process for the emergency alert function of the television signal receiver 20 allows the user to select the items such as applicable geographic areas., and types of emergency events (eg, tornado, spill of toxic chemicals, radiation leakage, civil emergency, etc.) that activate the emergency alert function. When the emergency alert function of the television signal receiver 20 is activated, the processor 27 outputs one or more control signals that enable different functions. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, such control signals enable one or more alert outputs (eg, audible and / or visual), to notify people of an emergency event. In accordance with the present invention, the alert outputs are provided in accordance with the user-selectable alert modes corresponding to the particular type of emergency event. Such control signals also activate other operations of the television signal receiver 20, such as causing switching from the off / standby mode to the power up mode.

The video processor 28 operates to process signals that include video signals. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, video signals may include embedded messages such as NWS text message and / or other messages that provide details regarding emergency events. The video processor 28 may include subtitle circuitry that activates the subtitle displays. The display 29 operates to provide visual displays corresponding to the processed signals provided from the video processor 28. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the display 29 can provide visual displays that include the aforementioned messages that provide details regarding the emergency events. Referring now to Figure 3, a flow diagram 30 is illustrated illustrating the exemplary steps in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. For purposes of example and explanation, the steps of Figure 3 will be described with reference to the television signal receiver 20 of Figure 2. The steps of Figure 3 are merely exemplary and are not intended to limit the present invention in any way. sense.

In step 31, the adjustment process for the emergency alerting function of the television signal receiver 20 is carried out. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the user performs this adjustment process by providing the inputs to the television signal receiver 20 (for example, with the use of a remote control device, not shown), which responds to a on-screen menu displayed through the display 29. This on-screen menu may, for example, be part of an electronic program guide (EPG) function of the television signal receiver 20. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the user may select at least one of the following items during the adjustment process of step 31. A. Habilitation / Disabling - The user may select whether to activate or deactivate the emergency alert function. B. Frequency selection - The user can select the monitoring frequency to tune in order to receive the emergency alert signals. For example, the user may select a frequency as one of the following NWS frequencies: 162.400 MHz, 162.425 MHz, 162.450 MHz, 162.475 MHz, 162.500 MHz, 162.525 MHz, and 162.550 MHz. C, Event types The user can select one or more types of emergency events that activate the emergency alert function. For example, the user may designate that events such as civil emergencies, terrorist acts and / or tornado alarms activate the emergency alert function, but events such as thunderstorm alerts do not activate the function. The user can also select whether a conventional alert audio tone provided by the NWS and / or other alert mechanism will activate the emergency alert function. In accordance with the present invention, there are different levels of severity (eg, declaration, sighting, warning) that may represent different "events". For example, a thunderstorm sighting may be considered different than a thunderstorm warning. D. Geographical areas The user can select one or more geographic areas of interest. For example, the user may select a continent, country, region, state, area, zip code, city, county, municipality, subdivision, and / or other definable geographic area. E. Alert modes The user can select one or more alert modes for each type of emergency event that activate the emergency alert function. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the user may select audible and / or visual outputs to be provided for each type of emergency event that activates the emergency event function. For example, the user may select to display a visual message (e.g., a text message as a display of subtitles) and / or tune the television signal receiver 20 to a specific channel. Also for example, the user may select to audibly emit an alert tone (e.g., chirp, siren, etc.) and / or an audio message (e.g., MWS audio message) and the desired volume of each . Other types of warning output may be provided in accordance with the present invention. The user selections of items C and E in step 31 can be combined in a single user interface, such as the user interface 40 shown in Figure 4. With reference to Figure 4, another diagram of the receiver is shown. 20 of television signal including user interfaces 40 and 50 in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. In particular, Figure 4 illustrates the exemplary user interface 40 that can be used to select items C and E of step 31 and also shows another exemplary user interface 50 that can be used to control the alert outputs and will be further described. late here with reference to Figure 4. In Figure 4, the user interface 40 comprises a list of event types 41 (ie, item C), user selectable alert modes 42 through 44 event types 41 (ie, article E), and an exemplary message 45 on the screen. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the user may interact with a user interface 40 (e.g., with the use of a remote control device not shown) and thus select one or more modes 42 through 44 of alert for each type 41 of event. The user can also navigate back and forth between several screens to see different event types 41. The particular event types 41, alert modes 42 to 44 and on-screen message 45 displayed on the user interface 40 of Figure 4 are only examples and different types of events, alert modes and on-screen messages can be used. in accordance with the present invention. As indicated in Figure 4, the user selection of the warning modes 42 and 43 causes a revision mark to appear in the row corresponding to the particular event type 41. Similarly, the user selection of the alert mode 44 causes the term "CHIRRIDO" or "SIRENA" to appear in the row corresponding to the type 41 of the particular event. Also in Figure 4, when the user does not want a particular event type 41 to activate the emergency alert function of the television signal receiver 20, then the warning modes 42 and 43 can not be selected (ie, not revision marks appear) and warning mode 44 is set to "NONE" (for example, child abuse emergency). In this way, the user interface 40 allows users to designate both: (1) event types that activate the emergency alert function (ie, article C of step 31) and (2) corresponding alert modes for each type of event that triggers the emergency alert function (ie, article E of step 31). In accordance with user interface 40, it allows users to designate warning outputs provided by the emergency alert function of the television signal receiver 20 on an event-by-event basis. In accordance with the present invention, other menu selections may also be provided by step 31 in accordance with the present invention. The data corresponding to the user selections during the adjustment process of step 31 is stored in the memory 27 under the control of the processor 27. In step 32, the television signal receiver 20 monitors the frequency selected by the user during the adjustment process of step 31 (ie, article B) for emergency warning signals. In accordance with an exemplary modality, the tuner 22 monitors the selected frequency and thus receives the incoming emergency alert signals. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the television signal receiver 20 has the ability to monitor the frequency and receive the emergency alert signals during all modes of operation, including for example, when the signal receiver 20 TV is on, off and / or during playback of recorded audio and / or video content. In step 33, a determination is made as to whether the emergency alert function of the television signal receiver 20 is activated. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the processor 27 makes this determination by comparing the data included in the incoming emergency alert signals with the data stored in the memory 27 from the adjustment process of step 31. As indicated above, the signals Emergency alerts may include SAME data that represents information that includes the type of emergency event (eg, tornado, toxic chemical spills, radioactive leak, civil emergency, etc.) and the specific geographic area affected by the event of emergency. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the processor 27 compares this SAME data with the corresponding data from the adjustment process of step 31 (ie, items C and D) stored in memory 27 to determine whether the emergency alert function it's activated. In this way, the emergency alert function of the television signal receiver 20 is activated only when the emergency event indicated by the emergency alert signals correspond to the geographical area and the type of event designated by the user in e! step 31. When the determination in step 33 is negative, the process returns to step 32 where the tuner 22 continues to monitor the selected frequency. Alternatively, when the determination of step 33 is positive, the process proceeds to step 34, wherein the television signal receiver 20 provides one or more alert outputs in accordance with one or more alert modes selected by the user in step 31 (that is, article E, in order to notify the population about the emergency event.) As indicated above, such warning outputs can be visual and / or audible, for example, a visual message such as a text message NWS may be provided as a display of subtitles on the display 29 in accordance with the user's selections during the adjustment process of step 31. The audible outputs, such as a chirp, siren and / or its like and / or a message of audio as an NWS audio message or a message from the all-hazard alert system may also be provided in step 34 through the speaker 25 in accordance with the user's selections during the adjustment processor. Step 31. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, at least one alert output that is not based on the user selection of step 31 may also be provided in step 34. For example, an alert output may be provided through the indicating elements in a front display panel of the television signal receiver 20 to notify the persons of the emergency event. Other details regarding the type of alert output will be described below with reference to step 35. Other types of audible and / or visual alert outputs described here in step 34 may also be provided in accordance with the present invention. In step 35, the user can control the alert outputs with the use of an interface, such as the interface 50 of the exemplary user of Figure 4. As indicated in Figure 4, the user interface 50 may be included in the user interface. front display panel of the television signal receiver 20. The user interface 50 may be included separately from the front display panel of the television signal receiver 20 and for example, can be provided in another device as a remote control device of the television signal receiver 20.

Referring now to Figure 5, a diagram is shown that provides further details of the interface 50 of the exemplary user. As indicated in Figure 5, the user interface 50 comprises a display means such as the indicator elements 51 to 54 and a control means such as the control elements 55 to 57. According to an exemplary embodiment, the elements 51 to 54 indicators operate to provide users with visual information with respect to the emergency alert function of the television signal receiver 20 and can be incorporated, for example, as emitting diode elements of light (LED), liquid crystal display elements (LCD), liquid quartz display elements (LQD) and / or other visual indicator elements. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, elements 51 to 54 indicators may be used to provide an alert output that is not based on the user selection of step 31. That is, elements 51 to 54 indicators may be provided to provide users visual information every time the emergency alert function is activated, and can not be completely turned off by users. In this way, elements 51 to 54 indicators assure users to be provided with at least one warning output when the emergency alert function is activated. For exemplary purposes, the user interface 50 of Figure 5 is shown with four indicator elements. However, the number of indicator elements used in practice may be a design issue in accordance with the present invention. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the indicator element 51 may be green and illuminated when the emergency alert function of the television signal receiver 20 operates and the emergency alert signals are received. Elements 52 to 54 may have different colors and may be illuminated to provide visual information with respect to emergency events. For example, the indicator element 52 may have a yellow color and may be illuminated to indicate a warning level statement or alert. Similarly, the indicator element 53 may be orange and illuminated to indicate an alert at the sighting level and the indicator element 54 may be red and illuminated to indicate an alert at the alert level. As indicated above, the different alert levels may represent different emergency events in accordance with the present invention. Other colors can be used as described and / or different labels for the elements 51 to 54 indicators to those shown in Figure 5, in accordance with the present invention. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, items 52 to 54 indicators may flash (eg, 4 flashes per second with equal intervals of light and dark) when the emergency alert function is activated, rather than remain illuminated, since the flash or the flashing lights are generally better to get the user's attention. However, a combination of permanent and flickering illumination in accordance with the present invention can also be used. For example, when a declaration-level alert occurs, the indicator element 52 may initially flash to get the user's attention. This blinking may continue for a predetermined period of time or until the user provides an input to the television signal receiver 20 as an input through one of the control elements 55 to 57. Once the predetermined time period elapses or the user provides an entry, the indicator element 52 may remain illuminated. Indicator elements 53 and 54 can operate in a similar way for sight level alerts or warning level alerts, respectively. Other techniques may be used to combine the permanent and flickering illumination of elements 52 to 54 in accordance with the present invention. Also in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the control elements 55 to 57 operate to enable the user to control the alert outputs of the television signal receiver 20 and may be incorporated, for example, as keys, buttons and / or other control elements that they allow the user to control the alert outputs of the television signal receiver 20. For exemplary purposes, the user interface 50 of Figure 5 is shown with three control elements. However, the number of such control elements used in practice may be a design issue in accordance with the present invention. In accordance with the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 5, the control element 55 operates as a toggle switch control and the user can manipulate it to turn a visual message on and off as an NWS text message provided as a display of subtitles to through the display 29. For example, when there is a visual message in the display 29, the control element 55 can be used to turn off the message. Alternatively, when there is no visual message in the display 29, but the emergency alert function is activated (for example, one of the elements 52 to 54 indicators is flashing), then the control element 55 can be used to turn on the visual message and thus cause it to be displayed in the display 29. In this way, the control element 55 can be used to turn the warning output off and on for a particular event of a particular emergency event. Further, when the television signal receiver 20 is in the off / standby mode, the control element 55 can be used to switch the television signal receiver 20 in the on mode and turn on the visual display. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the control element 56 can also operate as a rocker switch in a manner similar to the control element 55 described above. In particular, the control element 56 can be manipulated by the user to turn on and off an audio message such as an NWS audio message or a message from an all-hazard warning system provided by the speaker 25. For example, when provides an audio message through the speaker 25, the control element 56 can be used to turn off the message. Alternatively, when no audio message is provided, but the emergency alert function is activated, (for example, one of the elements 52 to 54 indicators is flashing), then the control element 56 can be used to turn on the audio message and thus cause it to be emitted through the speaker 25. In this way, the control element 56 can be used to turn on and off an alert output for a particular event of a particular emergency event. Further, when the television signal receiver 20 is in the off / standby mode, the control element 56 can be used to switch the television signal receiver 20 to the on mode and thus turn on the audio message. According to an exemplary embodiment, the control element 57 can be manipulated by the user to switch off an alarm such as a squeak, siren or its like provided by the horn 25. For example, when an alarm is activated, the control element 57 It can be used to turn off the alarm. In accordance with the exemplary embodiment, the control elements 55 and 56 can be used to turn off the alarm. As indicated above, there may be three different settings for such an alarm: off, chirp or siren (consult mode 44 of the user interface 40 of Figure 4). In accordance with an exemplary modality, the chirping is a soft but recognizable sound, while the siren is a loud and urgent sound. Such alarm can for example, start at a certain volume level and gradually increase to a maximum volume level set by the user. Accordingly, by allowing the user to turn off the alarm with the use of any of the control elements 55 through 57, the present invention advantageously allows users to turn off the alarm before it becomes annoying. As mentioned before, it is preferred that control elements 55 to 57 not be used to completely turn off elements 51 to 54 indicators to ensure that users are provided with at least one alert output when the alert function is activated of emergency. Other labels may be used for control elements 55 to 57 different from those shown in Figure 5, in accordance with the present invention. Accordingly, the user interface 50 of Figure 5 is only an example and other types of indicators, displays and / or control means may be used in accordance with the present invention. As described herein, the present invention provides a television signal receiver having an emergency alert function with the capability, among other things to provide an emergency output in accordance with a user-selectable alert mode by the user corresponding to the type of emergency event. The present invention can be applied with several apparatuses, with or without deployment device. Accordingly, the phrase "television signal receiver" as used herein may refer to, but is not limited to, television sets, computers or monitors that includes a display device, and systems or apparatus such as transcoders, recorders, video cartridges (VCRs), digital versatile disc players (DVDs), video game boxes, personal video recorders (PVRs), computers, or other devices that may not include a display device. While the invention has been described as having a preferred design, the present invention can also be modified within the spirit and scope of the description. Therefore, this application is intended to cover any variation, use or adaptation of the invention with the use of its general principles. Also, this application is intended to encompass such sections of the present invention that fall within the customary practice within the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A television signal receiver (20) having an emergency alert function, characterized in that it comprises: a tuner (22) operating to tune to a frequency that includes emergency alert signals indicating the type of emergency event; and a processor (27) that operates to enable an alert output that responds to emergency alert signals, where the alert output is provided in accordance with a user-selectable alert mode corresponding to the type of emergency event . 2. The television signal receiver (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises an interface (50) that operates to allow the user to turn on and off the alert output. The television signal receiver (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the processor (27) also operates to enable a plurality of alert outputs responding to emergency warning signals, and the plurality of outputs Alerts are provided in accordance with a plurality of alert modes selected by the user corresponding to the type of emergency event. 4. The television signal receiver (20) according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one of the plurality of outputs is a visual output. 5. The television signal receiver (20) according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one of the plurality of alert outputs is an audible output. The television signal receiver (20) according to claim 3, characterized in that it further comprises an interface (50) that operates to allow the user to turn on and off at least one of the plurality of alert outputs. The television signal receiver (20) according to claim 6, characterized in that at least one of the plurality of alert outputs can not be completely turned off by the user. 8. A television signal receiver (20) having an emergency alert function, characterized in that it comprises: a tuning means (22) for tuning a frequency that includes emergency warning signals indicating the type of emergency event; and a processing means (27) for enabling the alert output that responds to the emergency alert signals, wherein the alert output is provided in accordance with a user selectable alert mode corresponding to the type of emergency event . 9. The television signal receiver (20) according to claim 8, characterized in that it further comprises an interface means (50) to allow the user to turn on and off an alert output. The television signal receiver (20) according to claim 8, characterized in that the processing means (27) enables a plurality of alert outputs responding to emergency warning signals, and the plurality of outputs of alert are provided in accordance with a plurality of alert modes selected by the user corresponding to the type of emergency event. The television signal receiver (20) according to claim 10, characterized in that at least one of the plurality of the alert outputs is a visual output. The television signal receiver (20) according to claim 10, characterized in that at least one of the plurality of the alert outputs is an audible output. 13. The television signal receiver (20) according to claim 10, characterized in that it further comprises an interface means (50) that allow the user to turn off and turn on at least one of the plurality of alert outputs. The television signal receiver (20) according to claim 13, characterized in that at least one of the plurality of alert outputs can not be completely turned off by the user. 15. A method (30) for controlling a television signal receiver (20) having an emergency alert function, characterized in that it comprises: tuning a frequency that includes emergency alert signals indicating a type of emergency event (32); and providing an alert output responsive to emergency warning signals, wherein the alert output is provided in accordance with the user selectable alert mode corresponding to the type of emergency event (34). 16. The method (30) according to claim 15, characterized in that it further comprises allowing a user to switch off and on (35) an alert output. 17. The method (30) according to claim 15, characterized in that it further comprises providing a plurality of alert outputs responsive to emergency warning signals, and the plurality of alert outputs are provided in accordance with a plurality of Alert modes selectable by the user corresponding to the type of emergency event (34). 18. The method (30) according to claim 17, characterized in that at least one of the plurality of alert outputs is a visual output. The method (30) according to claim 17, characterized in that one of the plurality of alert outputs is an audible output. 20. The method (30) according to claim 17, characterized in that it further comprises allowing the user to turn off and on (35) at least one of the plurality of alert outputs. The method (30) according to claim 20, characterized in that at least one of the plurality of alert outputs can not be completely turned off by the user.