Source: https://patents.google.com/patent/US20060184962A1/en
Timestamp: 2019-12-15 18:18:33
Document Index: 546861485

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 365', 'application No. 60', 'art 300', 'art 500', 'art 600', 'art 800']

US20060184962A1 - Methods for controlling apparatuses having an emergency alert function - Google Patents
Methods for controlling apparatuses having an emergency alert function Download PDF
US20060184962A1
US20060184962A1 US10/551,086 US55108605A US2006184962A1 US 20060184962 A1 US20060184962 A1 US 20060184962A1 US 55108605 A US55108605 A US 55108605A US 2006184962 A1 US2006184962 A1 US 2006184962A1
US10/551,086
Kendall Scott A
Merrell John D
Lineberry Roger L
Tully Timothy J
Schaffer Bruce W
Johnston Gavin L
Sahasrabudhe Rajeev M
2003-03-31 Priority to US45898403P priority Critical
2004-03-30 Application filed by Kendall Scott A, Merrell John D, Lineberry Roger L, Tully Timothy J, Schaffer Bruce W, Johnston Gavin L, Sahasrabudhe Rajeev M filed Critical Kendall Scott A
2004-03-30 Priority to US10/551,086 priority patent/US20060184962A1/en
2004-03-30 Priority to PCT/US2004/009712 priority patent/WO2004092929A2/en
2005-09-27 Assigned to THOMSON LICENSING S.A. reassignment THOMSON LICENSING S.A. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: SCHAFFER, BRUCE WAYNE, JOHNSTON, GAVIN LEE, KENDALL, SCOTT ALLAN, LINEBERRY, ROGER LEE, SAHASRABUDHE, RAJEEV MADUKAR, TULLY, TIMOTHY JOSEPH, MERRELL, JOHN DOUGLAS
2005-09-27 Assigned to THOMSON LICENSING reassignment THOMSON LICENSING ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: THOMSON LICENSING S.A.
2006-08-17 Publication of US20060184962A1 publication Critical patent/US20060184962A1/en
An apparatus such as a television signal receiver, radio or other device provides an emergency alert function. According to an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a processor operative to detect a first condition wherein signal strength on a selected channel frequency associated with the emergency alert function exceeds a predetermined threshold, and to detect a second condition wherein a broadcast test associated with said emergency alert function is passed. A visual indicator is operative to provide a predetermined output if the first and second conditions are detected.
This application claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. § 365 of International Application PCT/US04/009712, filed Mar. 30, 2004, which was published in accordance with PCT Article 21(2) on Oct. 28, 2004 in English and which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/458,984, filed Mar. 31, 2003.
With apparatuses using technology such as SAME technology, the aforementioned setup process can be confusing for users. In particular, the selection of a channel frequency for receiving emergency alert signals can be especially problematic. For example, certain apparatuses allow a user to manually select one of 7 different NWS channel frequencies. In general, a user will attempt to select the channel frequency that provides the highest signal strength. However, the task of selecting the channel frequency that provides the highest signal strength may introduce the possibility of error since the user is required to discriminate among multiple low-wattage signal strength transmissions. Moreover, a selected channel frequency may not provide all of the information that a user desires. For example, if a user wants to receive alert information for a geographical area which is not covered by the selected channel frequency, then the user will not receive the desired alert information.
Certain apparatuses may use a processing procedure wherein the apparatus interprets test signals. If a test signal is not received, the apparatus may display a warning message (e.g., “Check OP”) for the user. However, this approach is problematic since the causes for the warning message are varied, and may require considerable unaided diagnosis on the part of the user.
Other apparatuses may ask a user for his or her geographical location. Such apparatuses may include memory for storing information regarding all of the transmitters serving all geographical areas. Once the user indicates his or her geographical location, the apparatus uses the stored transmitter information to select the channel frequency that serves the user's area. This approach works well as long as the stored transmitter information is current and up-to-date. However, NOAA is rapidly adding new transmitters, and may also change the channel frequencies used by certain existing transmitters. Since such apparatuses may have no means by which to update their information, they may not select the best channel frequency. Such apparatuses may also allow users to select geographical areas for which alert information may not be provided by the selected channel frequency. This may give users a false belief that they will receive alert information for certain geographical areas.
The present invention described herein provides various techniques for controlling apparatuses having an emergency alert function which address the foregoing and/or other issues.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling an apparatus having an emergency alert function is disclosed. According to an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises steps of detecting a first condition wherein signal strength on a selected channel frequency associated with the emergency alert function exceeds a predetermined threshold, detecting a second condition wherein a broadcast test associated with the emergency alert function is passed, and providing a predetermined output if the first and second conditions are detected.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus having an emergency alert function is disclosed. According to an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises processing means for detecting a first condition wherein signal strength on a selected channel frequency associated with the emergency alert function exceeds a predetermined threshold, and for detecting a second condition wherein a broadcast test associated with the emergency alert function is passed. First output means provide a predetermined output if the first and second conditions are detected.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a television signal receiver having an emergency alert function is disclosed. According to an exemplary embodiment, the television signal receiver comprises a processor operative to detect a first condition wherein signal strength on a selected channel frequency associated with the emergency alert function exceeds a predetermined threshold, and to detect a second condition wherein a broadcast test associated with the emergency alert function is passed. A visual indicator is operative to provide a predetermined output if the first and second conditions are detected.
FIG. 4 is an exemplary display suitable for use when practicing the aspect of the present invention represented in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary steps according to another aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 6 a flowchart illustrating exemplary steps according to still another aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is an exemplary display suitable for use when practicing the aspect of the present invention represented in FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary steps according to yet another aspect of the present invention;
FIGS. 9 to 11 are exemplary displays suitable for use when practicing the aspect of the present invention represented in FIG. 8; and
FIG. 12 is an exemplary display suitable for use when power to the television signal receiver of FIG. 2 is interrupted.
According to an exemplary embodiment, signal transmission source 10 broadcasts signals including audio, video and/or emergency alert signals which may be received by each television signal receiver 20. According to an exemplary embodiment, the emergency alert signals may be provided from an authority such as the NWS, or other authorities such as governmental entities or the like. Signal transmission source 10 may broadcast the emergency alert signals in their original form as provided by the authority, or may append digital data representative of the emergency alert signals to other data, or may modify the emergency alert signals in some manner appropriate for its specific transmission format needs. In response to the emergency alert signals, each television signal receiver 20 may provide one or more alert outputs to thereby notify individuals of the emergency event. Signal transmission source 10 may broadcast signals to television signal receivers 20 via any wired or wireless link such as, but not limited to, terrestrial, cable, satellite, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL), and/or any other type of broadcast and/or multicast means.
Referring to FIG. 2, a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of television signal receiver 20 of FIG. 1 is shown. In FIG. 2, television signal receiver 20 comprises signal receiving means such as signal receiving element 21, tuning means such as tuner 22, demodulation means such as demodulator 23, audio amplification means such as audio amplifier 24, audio output means such as speaker 25, decoding means such as decoder 26, processing means and memory means such as processor and memory 27, video processing means such as video processor 28, and visual output means such as display 29 and indicator 30. Some of the foregoing elements may for example be embodied using integrated circuits (ICs). For clarity of description, conventional elements of television signal receiver 20 such as certain control signals, power signals, and/or other elements may not be shown in FIG. 2.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the emergency alert signals include data comprising SAME data associated with the emergency event. SAME data comprises a digital code representing information such as the specific geographical area affected by the emergency event, the type of emergency event (e.g., tornado watch, radiological hazard warning, civil emergency, etc.), and the duration of the event alert. SAME data is used by the NWS and other authorities to improve the specificity of emergency alerts and to decrease the frequency of false alerts. Other data and information may also be included in the emergency alert signals according to the present invention.
Processor 27 is also operative to perform various other operations associated with the emergency alert function of television signal receiver 20. According to an exemplary embodiment, processor 27 enables an auto-tune mode which provides a convenient means by which users can select a channel frequency for receiving emergency alert signals. To enable the auto-tune mode, processor 27 outputs one or more control signals which cause tuner 22 to scan a plurality of channel frequencies associated with the emergency alert function. In this manner, processor 27 may identify one or more channel frequencies associated with the emergency alert function which provides the highest signal strength.
Processor 27 is also operative to detect various conditions relating to the emergency alert function. According to an exemplary embodiment, processor 27 is operative to detect: (1) a first condition wherein signal strength on a selected channel frequency associated with the emergency alert function exceeds a predetermined threshold, and (2) a second condition wherein a broadcast test associated with the emergency alert function is passed. According to this exemplary embodiment, processor 27 sets an internal flag Ga equal to one if the first condition is detected, and sets another internal flag Gt equal to one if the second condition is detected. Processor 27 is also operative to detect any user inputs which affect the emergency alert function or its settings. Further details regarding the aforementioned aspects of the present invention will be provided later herein.
Indicator 30 is operative to provide predetermined visual outputs indicating the operating state of the emergency alert function. Indicator 30 may be embodied as a light emitting diode (LED) and/or other element, and may for example be located on a front panel or other readily viewable area of television signal receiver 20. According to an exemplary embodiment, indicator 30 is illuminated (e.g., in green or other color) responsive to a control signal from processor 27 if the first and second conditions associated with the emergency alert function described above are detected (i.e., if flags Ga and Gt are both equal to one). In this manner, indicator 30 provides a visual output for users to indicate that the emergency alert function is in a “ready” (i.e., operative) state.
Referring now to FIG. 3, a flowchart 300 illustrating exemplary steps according to one aspect of the present invention is shown. In particular, FIG. 3 illustrates the general operation of the emergency alert function according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. For purposes of example and explanation, the steps of FIG. 3 will be described with reference to television signal receiver 20 of FIG. 2. The steps of FIG. 3 are merely exemplary, and are not intended to limit the present invention in any manner.
B. Channel frequency—The user may select the channel frequency which is monitored in order to receive emergency alert signals. For example, the user may select a frequency such as one of the following NWS transmission frequencies: 162.400 MHz, 162.425 MHz, 162.450 MHz, 162.475 MHz, 162.500 MHz, 162.525 MHz and 162.550 MHz. According to an exemplary embodiment, a channel frequency may be manually selected by the user, or may be selected using an auto-tune mode which automatically tunes all of the channel frequencies associated with the emergency alert function to thereby identify one or more channel frequencies that provide the highest signal strength. If multiple channels having equally strong signal strength are identified, the lowest numbered channel may for example be selected. If no channel frequency having requisite signal strength to allow proper decoding of SAME data is detected during the auto-tune mode, the currently established channel frequency may be selected by default. According to an exemplary embodiment, the selection of a channel frequency may be facilitated by an on-screen display such as on-screen display 400 shown in FIG. 4.
D. Event Types—The user may select one or more types of emergency events which activate the emergency alert function. For example, the user may designate that events such as civil emergencies, radiological hazard warnings, and/or tornado warnings activate the emergency alert function, but that events such as a thunderstorm watch does not, etc. The user may also select whether the conventional warning audio tone provided by the NWS and/or other alert mechanism activates the emergency alert function. According to the present invention, different severity or alert levels (e.g., advisory, watch, warning, etc.) may represent different “events.” For example, a thunderstorm watch may be considered a different event from a thunderstorm warning.
According to another exemplary embodiment, the alert output(s) provided at step 340 may be based on the severity or alert level of the particular emergency event. For example, emergency events may be classified in one of three different alert level categories, such as statement, watch, and warning. With such a classification scheme, the alert output for an emergency event at a level 1 or statement level may be provided by an unobtrusive notification means such as a blinking LED since it is the least severe type of emergency event. The alert output for an emergency event at a level 2 or watch level may have some type of audio component (e.g., radio message). The alert output for an emergency event at a level 3 or warning level may be provided by a siren or other type of alarm since it is the most severe type of emergency event. Other types of aural and/or visual alert outputs than those expressly described herein may also be provided at step 340 according to the present invention.
Referring now to FIG. 5, a flowchart 500 illustrating exemplary steps according to another aspect of the present invention is shown. In particular, FIG. 5 relates to an aspect of the present invention in which certain internal flags of processor 27 are set responsive to detecting a user action to set the channel frequency for receiving emergency alert signals (i.e., item B of step 310). For purposes of example and explanation, the steps of FIG. 5 will also be described with reference to television signal receiver 20 of FIG. 2. The steps of FIG. 5 are merely exemplary, and are not intended to limit the present invention in any manner.
At step 510, processor 27 monitors the emergency alert settings established at step 310 of FIG. 3 for any inputs by a user. At step 520, processor 27 determines whether a channel search is initiated. According to an exemplary embodiment, a channel search may be initiated through the previously described auto-tune mode which causes television signal receiver 20 to automatically tune all of the channel frequencies associated with the emergency alert function to thereby identify one or more channel frequencies that provide the highest signal strength.
If the determination at step 520 is positive, process flow advances to step 530 where processor 27 sets a flag C equal to zero, sets flag Gt equal to one, and also sets a variable t equal to zero. As will be described later herein, flag C relates to a Case C failure of the emergency alert function, and variable t is a time variable. As previously indicated herein, flag Gt relates to a broadcast test associated with the emergency alert function. From step 530, process flow loops back to step 510 where the emergency alert settings of television signal receiver 20 continue to be monitored for any inputs by a user. Alternatively, if the determination at step 520 is negative, process flow advances to step 540 where processor 27 determines whether the currently set channel frequency is manually changed by a user. If the determination at step 540 is positive, process flow advances to step 530 where processor 27 sets flag C equal to zero, sets flag Gt equal to one, and also sets variable t equal to zero. From step 530, process flow loops back to step 510. If the determination at step 540 is negative, process flow simply loops back to step 510.
Referring to FIG. 6, a flowchart 600 illustrating exemplary steps according to still another aspect of the present invention is shown. In particular, FIG. 6 relates to an aspect of the present invention that monitors the signal strength on the selected channel frequency for receiving emergency alert signals, and informs users when signal strength problems occur. For purposes of example and explanation, the steps of FIG. 6 will also be described with reference to television signal receiver 20 of FIG. 2. The steps of FIG. 6 are merely exemplary, and are not intended to limit the present invention in any manner.
At step 610, processor 27 determines whether a weak signal on the channel frequency selected for receiving emergency alert signals is detected. According to an exemplary embodiment, the determination at step 610 is positive if the signal strength on the channel frequency selected for receiving emergency alert signals fails to exceed a predetermined threshold sufficient to enable proper decoding of SAME data for a predetermined time period (e.g., 2 seconds or more). In practice, both the predetermined threshold and the predetermined time period used at step 610 may be a matter of design choice. If the determination at step 610 is negative, process flow advances to step 620 where processor 27 sets a flag Ga equal to one. Accordingly, flag Ga equals one as long as the signal strength on the channel frequency selected for receiving emergency alert signals exceeds the predetermined threshold sufficient to enable proper decoding of SAME data. According to an exemplary embodiment, indicator 30 is illuminated to indicate a “ready” (i.e., operative) state of the emergency alert function only if flags Ga and Gt both equal one. From step 620, process flow loops back to step 610.
Alternatively, if the determination at step 610 is positive, process flow advances to step 630 where processor 27 sets flag Ga equal to zero. Next, at step 640, processor 27 determines whether flag C is equal to one. If the determination at step 640 is positive, process flow loops back to step 610. Alternatively, if the determination at step 640 is negative, process flow advances to step 650 where processor 27 determines that a Case C failure exists. According to an exemplary embodiment, a Case C failure exists when the signal strength on the channel frequency selected for receiving emergency alert signals fails to exceed the predetermined threshold for a predetermined time period.
When a Case C failure exists at step 650, processor 27 outputs one or more control signals to enable an output message for the user. FIG. 7 shows an example of an output message 700 which may be displayed via display 29 in the event of a Case C failure at step 650. As shown in FIG. 7, exemplary output message 700 indicates one or more corrective actions to be taken by the user, such as connecting an external antenna to television signal receiver 20 to improve signal reception, and/or performing a channel search using the auto-tune mode to identify the channel frequency for receiving emergency alert signals having the highest signal strength.
At step 660, processor 27 determines whether a user has pressed an OK key (e.g., on a remote control device) responsive to the Case C failure at step 650. If the determination at step 660 is negative, process flow advances to step 670 where processor 27 sets flag C equal to one. From step 670, process flow loops back to step 610. Alternatively, if the determination at step 660 is positive, process flow advances to step 680 where a channel search is performed using the auto-tune mode to thereby identify the channel frequency for receiving emergency alert signals having the highest signal strength. The identified channel frequency having the highest signal strength may then be monitored for emergency alert signals. From step 680, process flow loops back to step 610.
Referring to FIG. 8, a flowchart 800 illustrating exemplary steps according to yet another aspect of the present invention is shown. In particular, FIG. 8 relates to a broadcast test associated with the emergency alert function. As part of this broadcast test, the present invention determines whether a predetermined broadcast test signal is received in a timely manner, and if so received, whether this test signal includes data corresponding to the geographical area(s) selected by the user (i.e., item C of step 310). Users are also informed regarding causes and corrective actions for problems associated with this broadcast test. For purposes of example and explanation, the steps of FIG. 8 will also be described with reference to television signal receiver 20 of FIG. 2. The steps of FIG. 8 are merely exemplary, and are not intended to limit the present invention in any manner.
At step 805, processor 27 determines whether the predetermined broadcast test signal is received. According to an exemplary embodiment, the test signal of step 805 may be part of a required weekly test (RWT) which broadcasts SAME data on a weekly basis with a list of all of the location codes (e.g. FIPS codes) that a particular transmitter serves. If the determination at step 805 is positive, process flow advances to step 810 where processor 27 sets flag Gt equal to one, and also sets variable t equal to zero. As previously indicated herein, indicator 30 is illuminated to indicate a “ready” (i.e., operative) state of the emergency alert function only if flags Ga and Gt both equal one.
At step 815, processor 27 determines whether the received test signal includes data corresponding to a first geographical area selected for item C of step 310. According to an exemplary embodiment, this first geographical area may represent the geographical area where television signal receiver 20 is physically located. If the determination at step 815 is negative, process flow advances to step 820 where processor 27 sets flag Gt equal to zero. Next, at step 825, processor 27 determines that a Case A failure exists. According to an exemplary embodiment, a Case A failure exists when the received test signal does not include data corresponding to a first geographical area selected for item C of step 310.
When a Case A failure exists at step 825, processor 27 outputs one or more control signals to enable an output message for the user. FIG. 9 shows an example of an output message 900 which may be displayed via display 29 in the event of a Case A failure at step 825. As indicated in FIG. 9, exemplary output message 900 informs users that indicator 30 (i.e., the “ready” light) is not illuminated, and that the currently selected channel frequency for receiving emergency alert signals does not provide alert information for the first geographical area (i.e., my area). Output message 900 also indicates one or more corrective actions to be taken by the user, such as tuning television signal receiver 20 to another channel frequency for receiving emergency alert signals. From step 825, process flow loops back to step 805.
Referring back to step 815, if the determination is positive, process flow advances to step 830 where processor 27 determines whether the received test signal includes data corresponding to one or more other geographical areas selected for item C of step 310. According to an exemplary embodiment, these other geographical areas may represent areas that are nearby the first geographical area. If the determination at step 830 is negative, process flow advances to step 835 where processor 27 removes the one or more other geographical areas from the user setup data stored in memory 27. Next, at step 840, processor 27 determines that a Case B failure exists. According to an exemplary embodiment, a Case B failure exists when the received test signal includes data corresponding to the first geographical area, but does not include data corresponding to the one or more other geographical areas selected for item C of step 310.
When a Case B failure exists at step 840, processor 27 outputs one or more control signals to enable an output message for the user. FIG. 10 shows an example of an output message 1000 which may be displayed via display 29 in the event of a Case B failure at step 840. As indicated in FIG. 10, exemplary output message 1000 informs users that the currently selected channel frequency for receiving emergency alert signals does not provide alert information for the one or more other geographical areas (i.e., nearby 1, 2, or 3 locations), and that these areas have been removed from the user setup data stored in memory 27. Output message 1000 also enables a user to see the remaining geographical areas by pressing a predetermined key (e.g., OK key on remote control device). From step 840, process flow loops back to step 805.
Referring back to step 805, if the determination is negative, process flow advances to step 845 where processor 27 increments variable t by one. Next, at step 850, processor 27 determines whether the value of variable t is greater than its predetermined limit. According to an exemplary embodiment, the predetermined limit for variable t may be selected to correspond to a time period that is equal to one week, or slightly more than one week. For example, variable t may be selected to correspond to a time period that is equal to 9¼ days, or 222 hours. Other time periods may also be used. If the determination at step 850 is negative, process flow loops back to step 805. Alternatively, if the determination at step 850 is positive, process flow advances to step 855 where processor 27 sets flag Gt equal to zero, and also sets variable t equal to zero. Next, at step 860, processor 27 determines that a Case D failure exists. According to an exemplary embodiment, a Case D failure exists when the broadcast test signal is not received in a timely manner.
When a Case D failure exists at step 860, processor 27 outputs one or more control signals to enable an output message for the user. FIG. 11 shows an example of an output message 1100 which may be displayed via display 29 in the event of a Case D failure at step 860. As indicated in FIG. 11, exemplary output message 1100 informs users that indicator 30 (i.e., the “ready” light) is not illuminated, and that the broadcast test signal was not received. Output message 1100 also indicates one or more corrective actions to be taken by the user, such as connecting an external antenna to television signal receiver 20 to improve signal reception, and/or performing a channel search using the auto-tune mode to identify the channel frequency for receiving emergency alert signals having the highest signal strength. From step 860, process flow loops back to step 805.
It should also be appreciated that the principles of the present invention reflected herein may be combined in any suitable manner. For example, any of the aspects of the present invention represented in the flowcharts of FIGS. 3, 5, 6 and 8 may be combined according to design choice. Moreover, other types of output messages may also be provided according to the present invention to enhance the performance of the emergency alert function. For example, an output message such as exemplary output message 1200 of FIG. 12 may be displayed via display 29 to indicate that power to television signal receiver 20 has been interrupted. As indicated in FIG. 12, exemplary output message 1200 informs users of the power interruption and indicates one or more actions to be taken by the user related to the emergency alert function.
1. A method for controlling an apparatus having an emergency alert function, comprising steps of:
detecting a first condition wherein signal strength on a selected channel associated with said emergency alert function exceeds a threshold;
detecting a second condition wherein a broadcast test associated with said emergency alert function is passed, said broadcast test including detecting reception of a test signal that is broadcast on a scheduled periodic basis; and
providing an output if said first and second conditions are detected.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein said broadcast test includes determining whether said test signal includes a user selected location code associated with said emergency alert function.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein said test signal is broadcast on a weekly basis.
tuning a plurality of channels associated with said emergency alert function; and
identifying one of said channels having higher signal strength relative to said other channels as said selected channel.
5. The method of claim 4, further comprised of using said selected channel to receive emergency alert signals capable of activating said emergency alert function.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprised of:
providing a first output message if said first condition is not detected; and
providing a second output message if said second condition is not detected.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein said first and second output messages each indicates a corrective action.
8. An apparatus having an emergency alert function, comprising:
processing means for detecting a first condition wherein signal strength on a selected channel associated with said emergency alert function exceeds a threshold, and for detecting a second condition wherein a broadcast test associated with said emergency alert function is passed, said broadcast test including detecting reception of a test signal that is broadcast on a scheduled periodic basis; and
first output means for providing an output if said first and second conditions are detected.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said broadcast test includes determining whether said test signal includes a user selected location code associated with said emergency alert function.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said test signal is broadcast on a weekly basis.
tuning means for tuning a plurality of channels associated with said emergency alert function; and
wherein one of said channels having higher signal strength relative to said other channels is identified as said selected channel.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said tuning means tunes said selected channel to receive emergency alert signals capable of activating said emergency alert function.
13. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising second output means for providing a first output message if said first condition is not detected, and for providing a second output message if said second condition is not detected.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said first and second output messages each indicates a corrective action.
a processor operative to detect a first condition wherein signal strength on a selected channel associated with said emergency alert function exceeds a threshold, and to detect a second condition wherein a broadcast test associated with said emergency alert function is passed, said broadcast test including detecting reception of a test signal that is broadcast on a scheduled periodic basis; and
a visual indicator operative to provide an output if said first and second conditions are detected.
16. The television signal receiver of claim 15, wherein said broadcast test includes determining whether said test signal includes a user selected location code associated with said emergency alert function.
17. The television signal receiver of claim 16, wherein said test signal is broadcast on a weekly basis.
18. The television signal receiver of claim 15, further comprising:
a tuner operative to tune a plurality of channels associated with said emergency alert function; and
19. The television signal receiver of claim 18, wherein said tuner tunes said selected channel to receive emergency alert signals capable of activating said emergency alert function.
20. The television signal receiver of claim 15, further comprising a display operative to provide a first output message if said first condition is not detected, and a second output message if said second condition is not detected.
21. The television signal receiver of claim 20, wherein said first and second output messages each indicates a corrective action.
US10/551,086 2003-03-31 2004-03-30 Methods for controlling apparatuses having an emergency alert function Abandoned US20060184962A1 (en)
US45898403P true 2003-03-31 2003-03-31
US10/551,086 US20060184962A1 (en) 2003-03-31 2004-03-30 Methods for controlling apparatuses having an emergency alert function
PCT/US2004/009712 WO2004092929A2 (en) 2003-03-31 2004-03-30 Methods for controlling apparatuses having an emergency alert function
US20060184962A1 true US20060184962A1 (en) 2006-08-17
ID=33299658
US10/551,086 Abandoned US20060184962A1 (en) 2003-03-31 2004-03-30 Methods for controlling apparatuses having an emergency alert function
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JP (1) JP2007525057A (en)
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CA (1) CA2520999A1 (en)
MX (1) MXPA05010592A (en)
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WO (1) WO2004092929A2 (en)
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2004-03-30 CA CA002520999A patent/CA2520999A1/en not_active Abandoned
2004-03-30 KR KR1020057018184A patent/KR20050121699A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
2004-03-30 MX MXPA05010592A patent/MXPA05010592A/en unknown
2004-03-30 EP EP04759061A patent/EP1609309A4/en not_active Withdrawn
2004-03-30 JP JP2006509476A patent/JP2007525057A/en active Pending
2004-03-30 WO PCT/US2004/009712 patent/WO2004092929A2/en active Search and Examination
2004-03-30 US US10/551,086 patent/US20060184962A1/en not_active Abandoned
2004-03-30 CN CN 200480008554 patent/CN100534163C/en not_active IP Right Cessation
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JP2007525057A (en) 2007-08-30
WO2004092929A3 (en) 2005-06-30
MY146944A (en) 2012-10-15
CA2520999A1 (en) 2004-10-28
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