METHOD OF STORING AF DATA FOR AN RDS RECEIVER AND APPARATUS THEREOF

Abstract: Disclosed are a method of storing at a preset memory AF data which are included in RDS data and an RDS receiver for performing the method. The method includes the steps of: a) detecting a type and version code from a group received by the RDS receiver; b) storing one alternative frequency or two included in the group in the preset memory according to a program identification code of the group when the group is of 0A type and version; c) detecting a usage code of the group when the group is of 14A type and version; and d) storing one alternative frequency or two included in the group in the preset memory according to a program identification code in block 4 of the group when a code value of the usage code in one among 4 through 9. Therefore, through the RDS receiver travels from one broadcasting area to any other broadcasting area, a user can pick up a broadcasting program which he wants to hear by only pressing preset memory buttons without re-setting the preset memory.

Description: METHOD OF STORING AF DATA FOR AN RDS RECEIVER AND APPARATUS THEREOF TECHNICAL FIELD This invention is related to a radio data system (hereinafter referred to RDS) receiver, more particularly to a method of storing alternative frequencies (hereinafter referred to as AF's) data for an RDS receiver and an apparatus thereof. BACKGROUND ART The Radio Data System was developed under the auspices of the European Broadcasting Union which published its specification, "Specification of RDS, i.e., European Standard EN 50067, approved by CENELEC on 24 April 1992", for providing additional services to listeners . According to the specification of RDS, the data are broadcast in what are known as groups. A group is a 104- bit message comprising four 26-bit blocks called block 1 to block 4. Within a block 16 bits carry information, and 10 bits are used for error protection. The first block of every group always contains a Program Identification (hereinafter referred to as PI) code. The first four bits of the second block of every group are allocated to a four-bit code which specifies the application of the group. Groups are be referred to as types 0 to 15 according to the binary weighting of the four-bit code. For each type two "versions" be defined. The "version" is specified by the fifth bit (B 0 ) of block 2 as follows: a) B 0 =0 : the PI code is inserted in block 1 only. This is called version A, e.g., 0A, 1A, etc. b) B 0 =l: the PI code is inserted in block 1 and block 3 of all group types. This is called version B, e.g., OB, IB, etc. It was described above that the first bits of the second block of every group are allocated to a five-bit code which specifies the application of the group and its version. In 15 group types, information for alternative frequencies which can allow an RDS receiver to implement an automatic tuning process is transmitted only by type OA and type 14A groups. FIG. 1 is a diagram for showing the format of type OA groups. As shown in FIG. 1, two AF codes are normally transmitted in block 3 of group OA. The 8 -bit codes generally indicate VHF channels at 100kHz intervals. The type OA groups give information on the various transmitters broadcasting the same program in the same or adjacent reception areas, and enable a receiver to reduce the time for switching to another transmitter. FIG. 2 is a diagram for showing the format of type 14A groups. As shown in FIG. 2, two methods exist for the transmission of AF ' s in an enhanced other network (hereinafter referred to as EON) feature. These are Method A (variant 4 of group type 14A) and Mapped Frequency Method (Variants 5 to 9 of group type 14A) . The Method A is coded in precisely the same way as Method A using OA groups. The Mapped Frequency Method provides a means whereby a VHF frequency carrying a cross-referenced service may be correlated to a frequency of the tuned service (as carried in OA groups) . Therefore, when AFs are transmitted from broadcasting stations, the RDS receiver can perform an automatic tuning process thereof by utilizing AFs transmitted from the broadcasting stations. One example of a method of selecting receiving frequency for an RDS receiver which is mounted on a vehicle is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,428,825. According to the method suggested in U.S. Pat. No. 5,428,825, a list of alternative frequencies being transmitted by former broadcasting stations are stored in -a memory, and the receiver chases the same broadcast program based on the stored list of alternative frequencies whenever the vehicle returns to the same boadcasting service area of the network. Further, the stored list of alternative frequencies data relating to frequencies of the received broadcast waves during the operation of chasing the same radio program are also utilized together with the stored list of alternative frequencies transmitted by the broadcasting stations for chasing the same broadcast program. Therefore, the method can allow the RDS receiver to receive the same broadcasting program without failing of chasing the same broadcasting program when the RDS receiver returns to the broadcasting network within which the RDS receiver has received the same broadcast program. However, it has not been suggested in U.S. Pat. No. 5,428,825 how to process alternative frequencies data for an enhanced other network (hereinafter referred to EON) i.e., the RDS data of 14A type. Therefore, there is need for a method of storing alternative frequencies for EON, which can be used to allow an RDS receiver to efficiently receive a broadcasting program which is selected by a listener when a receiving area of the RDS receiver is varied, and an apparatus which can implement the method. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a method which can store alternative frequencies at a preset memory of an RDS receiver efficiently to improve a performance of the RDS receiver. It is another object of the present invention to provide a method of storing alternative frequencies according to each group type of RDS data . It is other object of the preset invention to provide an apparatus which can store alternative frequencies as tuning frequencies in a preset memory to automatically update tuning frequencies in the preset memory. In order to achieve the objects, a method of storing alternative frequencies in a preset memory according to one aspect of the present invention is provided for an RDS receiver. The RDS receiver includes the preset memory which is divided into a plurality of memory spaces, to each of which each of progam identification codes is assigned in order to distinguish the plurality of memory spaces from one another. Each of the plurality of memory spaces stores a plurality of tuning frequencies, each of which is used for an automatic tuning operation of the RDS receiver. The method comprises the steps of: a) detecting a type and version of a group of RDS data received by the RDS receiver; b) storing two alternative frequencies included in the group in one of the plurality of memory spaces according to a program identification code of the group when the group is of OA type and version; c) detecting a usage code of the group when the group is of 14A type and version; and d) storing one alternative frequency or two included in the group in one of the plurality of memory spaces according to a program identification code in block 4 of the group when a code value of the usage code is one among 4 through 9. According to an other aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for storing alternative frequencies for an RDS receiver which can receive an RDS broadcasting signal transmitted by a broadcasting frequency and decode the RDS signal includes: a) a preset memory for storing tuning frequencies, each of which is used for an automatic tuning operation of the RDS receiver, wherein the preset memory is specified into a plurality of memory spaces, each of which stores tuning frequencies and a program identification corresponding to a broadcasting station; b) a plurality of preset buttons for manually storing one tuning frequency or more in each of the memory spaces of the preset memory and for selecting one of the memory spaces - when one of the plurality of preset buttons is pressed; c) an AF memory for storing the alternative frequencies according to a program identi ication code corresponding to the alternative frequency in order to chase a broadcasting program by varying a receiving frequency of the RDS receiver based on the alternative frequencies; and d) a control means for storing the alternative frequencies for a broadcasting program received by the RDS receiver in the AF memory according to the program identification code, and for selecting one of the plurality of memory spaces of the preset memory according to the program identification code in order to store the alternative frequencies as the tuning frequencies in a selected memory space when the RDS signal includes the tuning frequencies. According the present invention, though the RDS receiver moves from one network to any other, the RDS receiver according to the present invention can receive a broadcasting program which he wants to listen only by pressing upon the preset buttons without re-setting the preset memory since tuning frequencies stored in the preset memory are continuously updated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS The foregoing and other objects, aspects and advantages will be better understood from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a diagram for showing the format of type OA groups ; FIG. 2 is a diagram for showing the format of type 14A groups; FIG. 3 is a block diagram for showing an RDS receiver according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a view for illustrating a preset memory depicted in FIG. 3; and FIGs . 5A and 5B are a flowchart for showing an operation of the RDS receiver depicted in FIG. 3. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings . FIG. 3 is a block diagram for showing an RDS receiver according to one embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3, the RDS receiver includes a tuner 102, an FM demodulator 103, a stereo decoder 104, a 57KHz bandpass filter 105, an RDS decoder 106,, an AF memory 107, a preset memory 108 a input part 109, a level detector 110, an A/D converter 111, and a controller 112. The tuner 102 selects any one of broadcast signals inputted through an antenna 101 according to a control signal generated from the controller 112. A central frequency of broadcast signal selected by the tuner 102 is transformed into the intermediate frequency (hereinafter, referred to as IF) , and the intermediated frequency signal is amplified by an IF amplifying stage (not shown in FIG. 3) before outputted to the FM demodulator 103. The FM demodulator 103 demodulates the IF signal thereby to develop a multiplex signal including an RDS signal, and outputs the multiplex signal to the stereo decoder 104 and the 57KHz bandpass filter 105, respectively. The stereo decoder 104 generates left and right audio signals by decoding the multiplex signal and outputs the left and right audio signals to a low frequency amplifier (not shown in FIG. 3) of driving speakers (not shown in FIG. 3) with the left and right audio signals. On the other hand, the 57KHz bandpass filter 105 filters the multiplex signal inputted from the FM demodulator 103, and outputs the RDS signal to the RDS decoder 106 . The RDS decoder 106 decodes the RDS signal thereby to develop RDS data and outputs the RDS data to the controller 112. The AF memory 108 stores a plurality of alternative frequencies. The plurality of alternative frequencies is stored in the AF memory 108 with being related to a PI code thereof . FIG. 4 shows a view for illustrating a preset memory depicted in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the preset memory 108 stores a plurality of tuning frequencies which are used for tuning to each broadcasting station. The preset memory 108 is specified into a plurality of memory spaces, to each of which PI codes is allocated. Each of the plurality of memory spaces is divided into two memory areas, each of which can store a maximum of 12 tuning frequencies . One of two memory areas, which will be referred to as TN memory area, stores tuning frequencies for this network (hereinafter, referred to as TN tuning frequencies) , each of which makes it possible to allow the RDS receiver to receive the same broadcast program at the same broadcasting network. The other of the two memory areas, which will be referred to as ON memory area, is used to store tuning frequencies for other broadcast networks (hereinafter, referred to as ON tuning frequencies) . Each ON frequency allows the RDS receiver to receive the same broadcasting program at any other broadcasting networks. The input part 109 includes a band selection button 1091 and first through sixth preset buttons Ml through M6 in order to select a broadcasting station (or a broadcasting program) . The band selection button 1091 selects one of three FM modes (FM1, FM2 , and FM3) which are divided according to frequencies of FM broadcasting signals. And, 6 memory spaces of the preset memory 108 are assigned to each of the three FM modes, such that when one of the three FM modes is selected, 6 memory spaces among all 18 memory spaces of the preset memory 108 are selected. Further, the first through sixth preset buttons Ml through M6 correspond to each of the 6 memory spaces which are selected by the band selection button 1091. Therefore, the user can select one of 18 memory spaces with the band selection button 1091 and the first through sixth preset buttons Ml through M6. The level detector 110 outputs a field detection signal, a direct current level of which is varied according to a receiving level of a broadcasting signal based on IF signal outputted from the tuner 102. The A/D converter 111 converts the direct current level of the field detection signal into a digital signal, and outputs the digital signal to the controller 112. The controller 112 substantially controls all the parts of the RDS receiver. The controller 112 processes the RDS data based on a program stored in a program memory thereof according to instructions inputted from an exterior. When one of the preset buttons Ml through M6 is pressed after one among FM1 through FM3 is selected by the band selection button 109, one memory space of the preset memory 108 is selected. The controller 112 reads tuning frequencies out from the selected memory space of the preset memory 108, and controls the tuner 102 according to each of the tuning frequencies thereby to make the tuner 102 in turn receive broadcasting signals according to each of the tuning frequencies . At this time, the controller 112 compares with one another receiving signals which are received by the tuner 102 according to the tuning frequency in order to select one of the tuning frequencies which can allow the tuner 102 to receive of the selected broadcasting program with the greatest receiving level than by any other tuning frequencies . Further, as illustrated above, when the receiving broadcast signal includes RDS signal, the RDS signal is detected by the 57KHz bandpass filter 105. The RDS signal passed through the 57KHz bandpass filter 105 is decoded by the RDS decoder 106, and provided to the controller 112. When the RDS data is inputted to the controller 112, the controller first determines the application of RDS data based on the type code and version code included in each groups of the RDS data, and processes the RDS data according to the application. When the RDS data includes alternative frequencies, the controller 112 stores the alternative frequencies at the AF memory 107 and the preset memory 108 according to a PI code thereof . The processor 112 detects the type and version codes included in each group of the RDS data in order to determine whether each group of the RDS data includes the alternative frequencies. When RDS data consists of 0A type groups, the controller 112 makes a list of alternative frequencies according to PI code and stores the list of the alternative frequencies at the AF memory 107 together with the PI code. And then, the controller 112 discriminates whether the PI code is identified with any PI code which is stored in each memory space of the preset memory 108. When the PI code is stored in the preset memory 108, the controller 112 stores the alternative frequencies in the TN memory area under the PI. To the contrary, when the PI code is not stored in the preset memory 108, the controller 112 assigns the PI code to any one of the memory spaces of the preset memory 108 and stores the alternative frequencies in the TN memory area of the assigned memory space under the PI code. Further, when the RDS data includes a 14A type group, the controller 112 discriminates whether the 14 type group includes one alternative frequency or two with a usage code thereof. When the 14A type group includes one alternative frequency or two, the controller 112 stores the one alternative frequency or two included in the 14A type group in the AF memory 107 together with the PI code in the block 4 of the 14A type group. And then, the controller 112 discriminates whether the PI code is identified with any PI code stored in the preset memory 108. When the PI code is stored in the preset memory 108, the controller 112 stores the one alternative frequency or two in the ON memory area of the memory space in which the PI code is stored. To the contrary, when there is no memory space of the preset memory 108 storing the PI code, the controller 108 updates the PI code in the preset memory 108 and stores the one alternative frequency or two in the ON memory area under the PI code. The operation of the RDS receiver according to the present invention will be illustrated in detail with reference to accompanying drawings. When a user selects one of FM 1 through 3 with the band selection button 1091 and turns on by pressing one among the first preset button through the sixth Ml through M6, the controller 112 reads tuning frequencies out from a memory space corresponding to the selected band and preset button, and controls the tuner 102 according to the tuning frequencies thereby to receive broadcasting signals. Each level of the broadcasting signals which are received by the tuning frequencies is detected by the level detector 110, and is outputted into the controller 112 after being converted into the digital signal by the A/D converter 111. And then, the controller 112 controls the tuner 102 to receive a broadcasting signal of the greatest level more than any other based on each level of the broadcasting signals. The broadcasting signal is inputted to the FM demodulator 103. The FM demodulator 103 demodulates the broadcasting signal thereby to generate a multiplex signal, and outputs the multiplex signal to the stereo decoder 104 and the 57KHz bandpass filter 105, respectively. The stereo decoder decodes the- multiplex signal thereby to generate left and right audio signals, and provides the left and right audio signals to the low frequency amplifier (not shown in FIG. 3) which drives speakers of the RDS receiver with the left and right audio signals, thereby outputting the left and right audio signals to an exterior. At the same time, as illustrated above, when the broadcasting signal includes an RDS signal, the RDS signal included in the multiplex signal is detected by the 57KHz bandpass filter 105 and inputted to the RDS decoder 106. The RDS decoder 106 decodes the RDS signal thereby to generate RDS data, and outputs the RDS data to the controller 112. And, the controller 112 discriminates the application of the RDS data, and processes the RDS data according to the application of the RDS data. The operation of storing alternative frequencies in the AF memory 107 and the preset memory 108 according to the present invention will be illustrated below with reference to FIGs. 5A and 5B. FIG. 5A and 5B are a flowchart for showing an operation of the RDS receiver depicted in FIG. 3. When the RDS data is outputted from the RDS decoder 106 to the controller 112, the controller 112 first detects type and version codes of each group which is included in the RDS data thereby to determine each application of the groups (ST1). After detecting each of the type and version codes of the groups in step 1, the controller 112 discriminates whether each type and version of the groups is 0A(ST2) . When all the type and versions of the groups are 0A, the controller 112 makes a list of alternative frequencies, and stores the list of alternative frequencies and PI code of the groups in the AF memory 107 (ST3, ST4) . The controller 112 discriminates whether the PI code is stored in the preset memory 108 (ST5) . When the PI code is stored in the preset memory 108, the controller 112 stores the list of alternative frequencies in a TN memory area of the memory space in which the PI code is stored (ST6) . To the contrary, when the PI code is not stored in the preset memory, the controller 112 discriminates whether the preset memory 108 has an empty memory space in which no PI code is stored (ST7) . When the preset memory 108 has the empty memory space, the controller 112 assigns the PI code to the empty memory space of the preset memory 108, and stores the list of alternative frequencies as tuning frequencies under the PI code(ST8) . When the preset memory 108 is filled with PI codes, the controller 112 detects a PI code which is not updated recently from the preset memory 108. And, after replacing the PI code not used with the new PI code, the controller 112 stores the list of alternative frequencies as the tuning frequencies under the PI code in the memory space in which the PI code is stored (ST9) . In step 2, when the RDS data includes a group which is not 0A type, the controller 112 determines whether the group is 14A type(STlO) . When the type and version of the group is 14A, the controller 112 reads a usage code out from the group, and determines whether a code value of the usage code of the group is one among 4 through 9(ST11, ST12) . When the code value is one among 4 through 9, the controller 112 stores one alternative frequency (ON) or two in the AF memory 107 together with a PI code (ON) which is assigned to block 4 of the group (ST13) . By step 14, the controller 112 discriminates whether the PI code (ON) is stored in the preset memory 108(ST14) . When the PI code (ON) is stored in the preset memory 108, the controller 112 stores the one alternative frequency or two in an ON memory area of the memory space in which the PI code is stored (ST15) . To the contrary, when the PI cod (ON) is not stored in the preset memory 108, the controller 112 discriminates whether the preset memory 108 has an empty memory space in which no PI code is stored (ST16) . When the preset memory 108 has any empty memory space, the controller 112 assigns the PI code (ON) to the empty memory space of the preset memory 108, and stores the one alternative frequency or two as one tuning frequency or two under the PI code(ST17) . When the preset memory 108 is filled with PI codes, the controller 112 detects a PI code which is not updated recently from the preset memory 108. And, after replacing the PI code not used with the new PI code (ON), the controller 112 stores one alternative frequency or two as the one tuning frequency or two under the PI code (ON) in the memory space in which the PI code is stored (ST18) . The RDS receiver can store alternative frequencies as tuning frequencies in the preset memory according to PI codes of the alternative frequencies. Therefore, though the RDS receiver moves from one network to any other, the RDS receiver according to the present invention can receive a broadcasting program which he want to listen only by pressing upon the preset buttons without re-setting the preset memory since tuning frequencies stored in the preset memory are continuously updated. While the invention has been described in terms of preferred two embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A method of storing alternative frequencies in a preset memory of an RDS receiver, the preset memory which is divided into a plurality of memory spaces, to each of which each of progam identification codes is assigned in order to distinguish the plurality of memory spaces from one another, each of the plurality of memory spaces which stores a plurality of tuning frequencies, each of which is used for an automatic tuning operation of the RDS receiver, the method comprising the steps of: a) detecting a type and version of a group of RDS data received by the RDS receiver; b) storing two alternative frequencies included in the group in one of the plurality of memory spaces according to a program identification code of the group when the group is of OA type and version; c) detecting a usage code of the group when the group is of 14A type and version; and d) storing one alternative frequency or two included in the group in one of the plurality of memory spaces according to a program identification code in block 4 of the group when a code value of the usage code is one among 4 through 9. 2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said step b) includes the steps of: b-1) searching the preset memory for the same program identification code as that of the group when the group is of OA type and version; and b-2) storing the two alternative frequencies in one of the plurality of memory spaces in which the same program identification code as that of the group is stored, such that the plurality of tuning frequencies of the preset memory are updated. 3. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said step d) includes the steps of: d-1) determining whether the same program identification code as the program identification code in block 4 of the group is stored in the preset memory; d-2) storing the one alternative frequency or two of the group in one of the plurality of memory spaces to which the same program identification code as the program identification code in block 4 of the group is assigned when the same program identification code as that of the program identification in block 4 of the group is stored in the preset memory; d-3) assigning the program identification code in block 4 of the group to one of the plurality of memory spaces from which a program identification code is absent when the program identification code is absent from the preset memory; and d-4) storing the one alternative frequency or two in the one of the plurality of memory spaces to which the program identification code in block 4 of the group is assigned by step d-3) . 4. A method of storing alternative frequencies for an RDS receiver, the RDS receiver including a preset memory for storing tuning frequencies and an AF memory for storing one alternative frequency or more in order to chase a broadcasting program by varying a receiving frequency of the RDS receiver based on the one alternative frequency or more, wherein each of the tuning frequencies is used for an automatic tuning operation of the RDS receiver, the method comprising the steps of: a) detecting a type and version of a group of RDS data received by the RDS receiver; b) storing two alternative frequencies included in the group in the AF memory according to a program identification code of the group when the type and version of the group is OA; c) discriminating whether the program identification code of the OA type group is identified with any program identification code stored in the preset memory; d) storing the two alternative frequencies of the OA type group in the present memory according to the program identification code of the OA type group when the same program identification code as that of the OA type group is stored in the preset memory; e) assigning the program identification code to the preset memory when the same program identification code as that of the OA type group is absent from the preset memory, and storing the two alternative frequencies of the OA type group in the present memory according to the program identification code of the OA type group; f) detecting a usage code of the group when the type and version of the group is 14A; g) discriminating whether a code value of the usage code is one among 4 through 9; h) storing one alternative frequency or two included in the 14A group in the AF memory according to a program identification code in block 4 of the 14A group when the code value of the usage code is one among 4 through 9; i) discriminating whether the program identification code in the block 4 of the 14A group is identified with any program identification code stored in the preset memory; j ) storing the one alternative frequency or two of the 14A type group in the present memory according to the program identification code in the block 4 of the 14A group when the same program identification code as that of the 14A type group is stored in the preset memory; and k) assigning the program identification code in the block 4 of the 14A type group to the preset memory when the same program identification code as that of the block 4 of the 14A type group is absent from the preset memory, and storing the one alternative frequency or two of the 14A type group in the present memory according to the program identification code in the block 4 of the 14A type group . 5. A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein said preset memory is divided into a plurality of memory spaces, to each of which each of progam identification codes is assigned in order to distinguish the plurality of memory spaces from one another, wherein each of the plurality of memory spaces stores a plurality of tuning frequencies, each of which is used for an automatic tuning operation of the RDS receiver, wherein said step d) includes the steps of: d-1) searching the preset memory for the same program identification code as that of the OA type group when the group is of OA type and version; and d-2) storing the two alternative frequencies in one of the plurality of memory spaces in which the same program identification code as that of the OA type group is stored, such that the tuning frequencies of the preset memory are updated. 6. A method as claimed in claim 5, wherein said step j ) includes the steps of : j-1) searching the preset memory for the same program identification code as that of block 4 of the 14A type group when the same program identification code as that of block 4 of the 14A type group is assigned in the preset memory; and j-2) storing the one alternative frequency or two in one of the plurality of memory spaces in which the same program identification code as that of block 4 of the 14A type group is stored, such that the tuning frequencies of the preset memory are updated. 7. A method as claimed in claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of memory spaces is divided into a first memory area for storing the alternative frequencies of OA type group and a second memory area for storing the alternative frequencies of 14A type group. 8. An apparatus for storing alternative frequencies for an RDS receiver, the RDS receiver which can receive an RDS broadcasting signal transmitted by a broadcasting frequency and decode the RDS signal, the apparatus comprising: a) a preset memory for storing tuning frequencies, each of which is used for an automatic tuning operation of the RDS receiver, wherein the preset memory is divided into a plurality of memory spaces, each of which at least one tuning frequency is stored in and each of program identification codes which corresponds to each of broadcasting stations is assigned to; b) a plurality of preset buttons for manually storing one tuning frequency or more in each of the plurality of memory spaces of the preset memory and for selecting one of the memory spaces when one of the plurality of preset buttons is pressed; c) an AF memory for storing alternative frequencies according to a program identification code of the alternative frequency in order to chase a broadcasting program by varying a tuning frequency of the RDS receiver based on the alternative frequencies; and d) a conrol means for storing the alternative frequencies received by the RDS receiver in the AF memory according to the program identification code of the alternative frequencies, and for seleting one of the plurality of memory spaces of the preset memory according to the program identification code in order to store the alternative frequencies as the tuning frequencies in a selected memory space when the RDS signal includes the alternative frequencies. 9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein said control means detects type and version codes of each group which is included in the RDS signal in order to discriminate whether the RDS signal includes the alternative frequencies. 10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein said control means stores the alternative frequencies as the tuning frequencies in the preset memory according to a program identification code in a block 4 of a group when the group is of 14A type. 11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein said control means detects a usage code in order to discriminate whether the RDS signal includes the alternative frequencies when type and version codes of a group are 14A. 12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of memory spaces of the preset memory is divided into a first memory area and a second memory area, wherein the first memory area stores the alternative frequencies when the group is OA type, and the second memory area stores the alternative frequencies when the group is 14A. 13. An apparatus for storing alternative frequencies for an RDS receiver, the RDS receiver including a preset memory for storing tuning frequencies, each of which is used for an automatic tuning operation of the RDS receiver according to program identification codes, and an AF memory for storing the alternative frequencies in order to chase a broadcasting program by varying a receiving frequency of the RDS receiver based on the alternative frequencies, the apparatus comprising: first means for detecting a type and version of a group of RDS data received by the RDS receiver; second means for storing two alternative frequencies included in the group in the AF memory according to a program identification code of the group when the type and version of the group is OA; third means for discriminating whether the program identification code of the OA type group is identified with any program identification code stored in the preset memory; fourth means for storing the two alternative frequencies of the OA type group in the present memory according to the program identification code of the OA type group when the same program identification code as that of the OA type group is stored in the preset memory; fifth means for assigning the program identification code to the preset memory when the same program identification code as that of the OA type group is absent from the preset memory, and storing the two alternative frequencies of the OA type group in the present memory according to the program identification code of the OA type group; sixth means for detecting a usage code of the group when the type and version of the group is 14A; seventh means for discriminating whether a code value of the usage code is one among 4 through 9; eighth means for storing one alternative frequency or two included in the 14A group in the AF memory according to a program identification code in block 4 of the 14A group when the code value of the usage code is one among 4 through 9; ninth means for discriminating whether the program identification code in the block 4 of the 14A group is identified with any program identification code stored in the preset memory; tenth means for storing the one alternative frequency or two of the 14A type group in the present memory according to the program identification code in the block 4 of the 14A group when the same program identification code as that of the 14A type group is stored in the preset memory; and eleventh means for assigning the program identification code in the block 4 of the 14A type group to the preset memory when the same program identification code as that of the block 4 of the 14A type group is absent from the preset memory, and storing the one alternative frequency or two of the 14A type group in the present memory according to the program identification code in the block 4 of the 14A type group. 14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein said preset memory is divided into a plurality of memory spaces, to each of which each of progam identification codes is assigned in order to distinguish the plurality of memory spaces from one another, wherein each of the plurality of memory spaces stores a plurality of tuning frequencies, each of which is used for an automatic tuning operation of the RDS receiver, wherein said fourth means includes means for searching the preset memory for the same program identification code as that of the OA type group when the group is of OA type and version; and means for storing the two alternative frequencies in one of the plurality of memory spaces in which the same program identification code as that of the OA type group is stored, such that the tuning frequencies of the preset memory are updated. 15. A method as claimed in claim 14, wherein said tenth means includes means for searching the preset memory for the same program identification code as that of block 4 of the 14A type group when the same program identification code as that of block 4 of the 14A type group is assigned in the preset memory; and means for storing the one alternative frequency or two in one of the plurality of memory spaces in which the same program identification code as that of block 4 of the 14A type group is stored, such that the tuning frequencies of the preset memory are updated. 16. An apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein each of the memory spaces of the preset memory is divided into a first memory area and a second memory area, wherein the first memory area stores the alternative frequencies when the group is OA type, and the second memory area stores the alternative frequencies when the group is 14A.

Inventors: PARK HUNG-KYU, PARK, HUNG-KYU
Applicants: DAEWOO ELECTRONICS CO LTD, DAEWOO ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
Application year: 1998
Main classification: H04H1
IPC codes: H04B1, H04H20