Method for storing broadcast transmission frequency data in a memory of a broadcast receiver

State of the art

0001The invention relates to a method for storing Information of broadcasting frequencies in a data memory of a Radio receiver, particularly a car radio, after the genus of the main claim.

0002According to the "Specifications of the radio data system RDS for VHF / FM sound broadcasting "of the European Broadcasting Union March 1984, broadcasting radio frequencies from radio stations Besides the actual radio programs and digital Data such as program chain identifiers (PI) broadcast that indicate what program via a received transmission frequency is broadcast. In addition, as part of the Radio Data System So-called alternative frequency (AF) lists transmit the information about alternative transmission frequencies included, transmitted via the same program is how. a currently received transmission frequency by virtue of this information is a radio receiver in the Location offset, in itself deteriorating reception, this is especially in radio receivers with variable location, So, for example, car radios important optionally simultaneous evaluation of the program identification automatically equal to an alternative transmission frequency Program content switch with better reception characteristics.

0003There are broadcast receiver has been proposed, which Memory for storing transmitted through the Radio Data System Information about alternative frequencies and the Alternative frequencies associated program chain identifiers feature. For example, in DE 196 26 253. A method for storing the data of a received carrier frequency a radio transmitter in a data memory of a Broadcast receiver described, the in which from the received transmission frequency transmitted program identification the broadcast area identifier, also referred to as regional identification, indicating the distribution of the program, separated and the remaining major part of the program identification, then the separated regional identification, and finally the received transmission frequency each between after ascending Values ​​ordered data stored in other carrier frequencies are written into the data memory. Moreover, each stored in the data memory transmit frequency assigned a their reception quality indicating identifier.

0004A equipped with such a data memory for transmission frequencies Radio receiver is thus able, for example, in case of receiving a deterioration received transmission frequency with recourse to the data in the memory stored information even if currently z. B. in consequence of receiving degradation no data signal can be received quickly to an alternative frequency toggle same program content, where such is available.

0005Finally, from the mentioned RDS specification, such as from the RDS-TMC specification ENV 12313-1, GEN TC 278 in November 1996 known that by means of specially provided for this purpose Group types - the Radio Data System may transfer various types of information different types of groups provided - as part of the so-called traffic message chanal (TMC) digitally encoded traffic information such as Traffic reports are transmitted after their implemented decoding in the radio receiver into synthetic speech and reproduced at the request of the operator.

0006Due to the fact that TMC data within the RDS signal comparatively rare, namely at a repetition rate are transmitted in the order of seconds, is designed to search for an alternative transmission frequency, are transmitted via the TMC data, and the above addition, still has the same program identification as the currently received transmission frequency within a channel scan as time consuming and therefore unacceptable for the user, as with during the search period no transmission frequency satisfactory reception properties available to be received stands.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

0007The inventive method having the features of The main claim enables the formation of a radio receiver for receiving, for example, by means of the Radio Data System transmitted digitally coded traffic information such that appropriate by storing and Identification of alternative frequencies on which TMC data are transmitted, for example in the event of deteriorating Receipt of a currently received transmission frequency based on the stored data quickly after TMC standard information transmitted alternative frequency is available, so that a time-consuming alternative frequency search can be omitted. Moreover, allows assignment the identifier to the regional identifier for the case that all under the regional identifier or the program identification stored transmission frequencies TMC data for a predetermined transfer standard, a particularly space-saving Marking the TMC information transmitted Alternative frequencies.

0008A marking of individual transmission frequencies is therefore only necessary if over different transmission frequencies TMC data under the same program identification or TMC data according to a predetermined standard by a different standard are transferred.

0009According to a development of the inventive method it is provided, to identify further information emitting radio frequencies by means of radio data system transmitted so-called location tablenumber (LTN) to be used, indicating to what standard TMC information encoded or transmitted. In this way can maintain the identification of the transmission frequencies even be when connected to receive predetermined standard modified for TMC messages, for example, by the user , since due to the stored LTN to change the Standards checking the alternative frequencies on Accordance with the new prescribed standard anytime is possible. Thus are to change the default Standards for transmitting further information immediately selected transmission frequencies, if at all available, for Available.

0010Another development of the method, wherein the the transmission frequencies assigned identifiers from the location tablenumber derived and example only 1 bit for identifying whether or not more information be transferred to a predetermined standard, allows a further reduction in memory requirements in the labeling of transmission frequencies.

0011Furthermore, it is of advantage, the content of the data memory by temporarily checking the transmission frequencies on whether than they actually further information after the predetermined Standard are transferred to date to hold, so that in case of a receiving frequency change on a stored alternative frequency, for example in a row deteriorating reception conditions reliably thereof can be assumed that over the selected alternative frequency transmitted actually more information will. Thus, in case of a changeover of the transmission frequency to an alternative frequency at this time a disturbing because time-consuming examination omitted.

0012A development of the invention, in which all of a PI main part available transmission frequencies in a separate stored list and marked with respect to their TMC Relevance be, simply allows the use broadcast frequencies related regional programs the same Program chain as alternative frequencies for eg a receiving quality-related switching of a current on an alternative transmission frequency.

drawings

0013Embodiments of the invention are in the drawings shown and explained in detail below.<sl><li>1 shows schematically the structure of the according to the above designated mentioned RDS specification in the first as Block A Block of each RDS group transmitted program identification (PI),</li><li>Figure 2 schematically shows the structure of a first variant of the Group type 3a in which to locate TMC information host broadcasting transmission frequencies required information be transmitted,</li><li>Figure 3 shows the structure of a first variant of the group type 8a for transmitting the actual TMC traffic information,</li><li>4 shows a radio receiver for carrying out the invention process and</li><li>Figure 5 an example of the content of a data memory of a Radio receiver for carrying out the invention according to Process.</li></sl>

Description of an embodiment

00141 shows schematically the structure of a single group 10 of the radio data signal, which is composed of a series ranking a plurality of groups of different types, using various types of groups for transmission various types of information are provided, composed. Each group of the RDS signal is in this case of four so-called blocks 11, 12, 13 and 14, also called blocks A are referred to D of 16 bits together. Each block it includes an information section 15, in which the actually contains information to be transmitted, and 10-bit section 16, of which a from Data content of the information word 15 calculated control word and a superimposed thereon Offset Word to identify the number of blocks composed.

0015According to the above-mentioned specification of the Radio Data System contains the first block (block A) of each group the radio data signal a sogannte program chain identification (Program Identification) 20, via which the transmission frequency on the transmitted program is uniquely identifiable. The program identification 20 is in this case of a country code 21, indicating the country in which the program is broadcast, a station area ID 22, as Regional identifier called that of about the dissemination indicating transmission frequency broadcast program and a program reference number 23, also referred to as a program identifier that encrypted and the reference to the radio program manufactures, together. An example of such a program identification For example, the value for D382 Program NDR2 the Norddeutscher Rundfunk, where D is the country code 21 corresponds in the present case for the Federal Republic of Germany is, the number 3, the regional identifier 22 represents and in the above case a Supra Regional Distribution, ie the broadcasting of the program displays in large parts of the country and the last two Paragraphs 8 and 2 of the transmitter reference numeral 23 correspond to the the present case, the second program of the North German Radio called. In connection with the present Invention is the part of the program identification 20, the results by omitting the regional identifier 22, and thus only from the country code 21 and the program identifier 23 is, as a main part of the program identification designated.

0016Figure 2 schematically shows the information part 30 of the block C a first variant of the type of group 3a of the aforementioned RDS-TMC specification. This includes, inter alia, a the first two bits comprehensive variant code 31, which in The case of the first variant has the value 00, then the 6 Bit comprehensive location tablenumber (LTN) 32 that indicates standard according to which the means of the Radio Data System over the broadcast transmission frequency transmitted traffic information encoded, continue an alternative frequency indicator (AFI) 33, also referred to as AFI-bit, indicating whether the according to the RDS-specification in the Group 0A transmitted lists of alternative frequencies to the currently received transmission frequency that the same program content and thus the same as the program identification have currently received transmission frequency, and further information in the form of TMC traffic information for a transmitted predetermined standard. Here, the bit is set to AFI the value 1 if the transferred in the group 0A Transmission frequencies for TMC are valid, that is, when all transmission frequencies of the transmitted in group 0A AF list the additional information after the predetermined Standard are transmitted. In contrast to the case AFI = 0 information about the alternative transmission frequencies over which Additional information carried by the prescribed standard are, from external sources, such as from Tuning information from the second variant of RDS group 8A are obtained. Finally, the information part contains the block 10 of the group 3a in its first variant yet the last four bits of 35 to 38 so-called comprehensive message geographical scope (MGS) 34, similar to the regional identifier the program identification 20 dissemination and the importance of on the transmission frequency by means of TMC system broadcast traffic information for different Regions indicates.

0017In Figure 3 is finally schematic structure of a single, after the TMC system transmitted traffic information, which is substantially the data contents of the blocks C and D a first variant, the group 8a of the radio data signal comprises shown. The traffic information 40 consists this case composed of a first part 41, the place of the Event featuring. The location code 41 here includes the complete data portion of the block D Group 3a. furthermore contains the traffic message 40 a comprehensive 10-bit part 42, in which the reportable event, for example a jam or slow-moving traffic, is specified. In a Part 43 of the traffic message 49 which includes an additional 4 bits, the extension of the event is described. After all is still a direction bit 44 is provided that, in compound with the location code 41 the precise location of the event allows.

0018In a radio receiver for receiving by RDS-TMC system transmitted traffic information is now provided this to decrypt in a suitable manner, in synthetic convert language and thus for a Users naturally made traffic information on its Desire to play acoustically.

0019Such a radio receiver for receiving after the RDS-TMC system transmitted Verkehrssinformationen and acoustic Play the same by the invention also A method for storing data of broadcasting frequencies is implemented, is shown in FIG. 4

0020The present at a receiving antenna 2 of the radio receiver 1 Broadcast signal of a reception unit 3 is fed, via the receiving and demodulation of the Received signal required means such as a mixer for separating a desired carrier frequency from the other present at the receiving antenna 2 carrier frequencies and to down-mix them into an intermediate frequency signal, an IF stage for amplifying the intermediate- Signal, a demodulator for recovery of the carrier frequency modulated signal and a program and data Circuit for evaluating the reception quality of the means of the contains mixer selected transmission frequency. The on output the receiving unit 3 can be tapped stereo multiplex signal (MPX) is a first input of a Contact Switch 4 is supplied, the output of a playback unit 5, which are used to reproduce the supplied stereo multiplex signal necessary resources, such as a stereo decoder, Low frequency amplifier and speakers, supplied. Furthermore, the output of the receiving section 3 is the input of an RDS decoder 6 for demodulation and analysis of 57 kHz contained in the stereo multiplex signal Subcarrier modulated RDS signal connected. A first Output of the RDS decoder 6 is connected to a circuit unit 7 for evaluation of the on the received by means of the RDS-TMC system Transmission frequency transmitted further information and implementing them together in synthetic speech. The output of the circuit unit 7 to which the now Form of synthetic language present traffic information pending, a second contact of the switch 4 is guided to- and thus for control of the switch 4 of the reproducing unit 5 fed for acoustic reproduction. Of the second output of the RDS decoder 6, at the Abstimmhilfsinformationen, such as the program identification, lists alternative frequencies 3a within the group transmitted location tablenumber and the AFI bit removable are, a controller 8 of the radio receiver 1 is supplied. Similarly, the controller 8 is the output signal of the evaluative reception quality of a received transmission frequency Circuit supplied. In addition, the controller 8 is connected to a Operating unit 10 and a data memory 9 for storing data of broadcasting frequencies in conjunction.

0021The operation of the radio receiver shown in Figure 4 1 for implementing the method according to the invention is now in connection with the example illustrated in Figure 5 Memory contents of the data memory 9 of the radio receiver 1 described.

0022In the operation example, a station selection button the control unit 10 determines the control unit 8 of the radio receiver 1, the tuner and the mixer of the Receiving unit 3 for receiving a transmission frequency. The on the received transmission frequency transmitted broadcast program, the in the removable at the output of the receiving unit 3 MPX-signal is included, the via the switch 4 Reproducing unit fed 5 and through the speakers Reproducing unit 5 reproduced acoustically. In the case, that transmit RDS signals on the received transmission frequency be, they are demodulated in the RDS and the Dekodor Controller 8 and, if it transmitted even after the TMC signal include traffic information, the circuit unit 7, respectively. The via the RDS / TMC signal received, as shown in Figure 3, the digitally coded traffic information are evaluated in the circuit unit 7 and converted into synthetic speech. Pressing one corresponding traffic Playback button on the control unit 10 8 the controller controls the switch to 4, whereupon the output of the circuit unit 7 to the reproducing unit 5 is connected, so that the switching unit 7 questions available in acoustic form present Traffic information on the playback unit 5 are reproduced.

0023In the controller 8 which, inter alia, from the RDS signal to the Data of the currently received received broadcast frequency obtained and optionally further evaluated transmission frequencies, and thus the data in the memory 9 of the radio receiver stored data from broadcasting frequencies updated and supplemented if necessary. Thus, after setting a new reception frequency of the tuner or the Mixing stage of the receiving section 3 via the controller 8 via the the newly set transmission frequency transmitted radio data signal demodulated in the RDS decoder 6 and to further Evaluation of the controller 8 is supplied. There is the program chain identification 20 the regional identifier 22 separated, the remaining main part of the PI code 21, 23 with the already stored in ascending order of values ​​in the data memory 9 PI code main parts 21, 23 compared with successful Comparing regional identifier 22 with the already within of the PI codes associated data blocks in ascending Values ​​stored ordered regional identifications 22 compared If successful this comparison the received carrier frequency even with the inside of the regional identifier assigned frequency blocks after ascending values ordered stored carrier frequencies compared, in If successful, the comparison the supposedly new transmission frequency discarded because they already stored in the data memory is and in the absence of success of the comparison, the carrier frequency or the regional identification or the main part of the PI code stored in the location corresponding to the value of the carrier frequency or the regional identification or the main part of the PI code equivalent. In the absence of an empty space on by the value of the reception frequency or the regional identifier or the main part of the PI code predetermined location in the data memory 9, the previously stored data in Direction empty memory locations moved and, if such are not present, where appropriate, other data deleted.

0024This procedure is in the following example with the Broadcast receiver newly set transmission frequency 75 clarifies will. In data storage 9 are currently the PI main parts 61 and 62, under the PI-principal part 61, the regional identifications 65 and 66, under the PI-principal part 62, the regional identifier 67, under the regional identifier 65, the transmission frequencies 71 and 72, under the regional identifier 66, the transmission frequencies 73 and 74 and under the regional identifier 67, Transmission frequencies 76 and 77 stored. After setting the new transmission frequency 75 at the receiving part 3 are at the output of RDS decoder 6 by means of the Radio Data System via the Transmission frequency 75 transmitted RDS data removable. In the Controller 8 is now the regional identifier 32 from the transmission frequency 75 associated PI code 61, 66 removed, the remaining main part 61 of the PI code in the data memory then with the 9 stored main parts 61, 62 compared. by virtue of the match is found the main part of PI codes 61 of the newly received transmission frequency 75 with the already stored in the data storage main body 61 is then the leached from the PI code regional identifier 66 the under the main part 61 already stored in the data memory Regional identifications 65 and 66 are compared. Due to the Conformity of regional identification of the broadcasting frequency with the data already stored in the datastore regional identifier 66 then the newly received transmission frequency 75 even with those stored under the PI code 61, 66 Transmitter frequencies 73 and 74 are compared. Because a match the transmission frequencies is detected, the new transmission frequency 75 can assume on the basis of their height Location in the data memory, in this case behind the Transmission frequencies 73 and 74 stored.

0025Further, due to the means of the radio data signal determined transmitted information whether at the new in the data memory stored broadcast frequency to a transmit frequency These, on the digitally coded traffic information are transmitted by the RDS-TMC standard and whether this information according to a predetermined standard be transmitted. If this is the case, then the new in Memory 9 stored transmission frequency 75 with a corresponding ID provided. In the event that all transmission frequencies, under the same program identification 61, 66 as the newly saved transmission frequency are stored 75, the further information in the form of traffic information are transmitted by the RDS-TMC standard, to these further Information on all broadcast frequencies under the same Program identification codes for the same standard are, the further identifier 82 to identify is the assigned TMC transmission frequency of the program identification 61, 66 and in this case, immediately behind the corresponding Regional identification 66 stored in memory. For the Case that, as in the example with reference to the transmitter frequencies 71 and illustrated 72, through various same program identification 61, 65 assigned broadcasting frequencies no further or further information according to specified by the standard different standards are transferred, only the under the program identification or regional identification 61, 65 stored transmission frequency 42, on which more information be transferred to the predetermined standard, the more assigned identifier.

0026Alternatively, it may in the latter case, however, provided be, not only TMC information after the predetermined Standard transmitting radio frequencies to identify, but each transmission frequency assigned to such a mark, indicating whether or not further information be transferred to the prescribed standard.

0027In the present embodiment, it is provided, that the further identifier of the means of the Radio Data System on the received transmission frequency transmitted location tablenumber (LTN) corresponding. This allows for a Maintaining stored in the data storage rate data even if the predetermined standard for transmitting changed further information, for example by the user becomes.

0028So for example it is conceivable that different in the future Service provider TMC traffic information to transferred to different standards. In this case, it is conceivable that the reception of TMC messages after allows acquisition of an access authorization at the service provider becomes. So it would be conceivable, for example, that after Purchase of a smart card, the selection of a TMC standards, and thus not be the reception of TMC messages allows on or over a broadcast receiver becomes.

0029However, it is also conceivable that, for example, TMC messages in different countries according to different standards be transmitted. Especially in this case, it is of Interest quickly as possible to change from a first in a second receiving area rate data available to have that a quick change to a TMC transmitter frequency allow, so that here the storage of full LTN as a further indicator of the change in Standards enables a quick statement about whether via the broadcast frequency indicated by them after the TMC prescribed standard is transmitted.

0030In a further embodiment of the invention Method, it is provided that instead of the location table number as an identifier stored in the data storage transmission frequencies means a derived from the lacation tablenumber Identification will be marked. In the simplest case these derived from a single identifier Bite exist, indicating whether or not the data transmission frequency more information to the specified standard be transmitted

0031Further, the controller 8 of the radio receiver 1 for comes Carrying out the process the task to that stored in the data memory 9 of broadcasting frequencies to check at regular intervals and optionally update. Thus, it is, in one embodiment of the novel process provided, that when the information about whether an over the Program identification transmission frequencies assigned more Information is transmitted to the predetermined standard, within a predetermined time period in the above the received transmission frequency transmitted information does not is detected, the program identification and / or Transmission frequencies assigned further identifier is deleted, there are then considered no longer reliable thereof be that using the designated transmission frequencies formerly actually still TMC after the predetermined standard transfer becomes. Likewise, it is provided that for the case that the means of the RDS signal of the broadcasting frequency transmitted location tablenumber also changes the appropriate entries are matched in the data store.

0032In the present embodiment it is provided that the information as to whether transmission frequency on a received more information is transmitted from the in Group 3a of the radio data signal transmitted AFI bit derived will. Thus, the broadcast receiver is used to perform of the inventive method, when all the channels with a specific program identification more information in the form of TMC messages with the same database send the information AFI = 1 allows for the determination alternative transmission frequencies over which the same program and also TMC messages according to the same standard be transferred from the means of the radio data signal broadcast list of alternative frequencies (group 0A) to use. Further, in the case AFI = 1 is possible, the location tablenumber or derived from their identifier directly a complete program identification, that is, in the present case, a regional identifier in the data store associate. For the case where AFI = 0 and therefore not all Station with a specific PI TMC with the same database Send shall be communicated with the information AFI = 0 the device, that the data transmitted via the radio data signal AF list for TMC alternative frequencies is not valid. In this Case must valid alternative frequencies, for example, the transferred in the group 8a in the second variant Tuning Information. Furthermore must at AFI = 0 is the information whether a transmission frequency of more information be transferred to the predetermined standard, each affected alternative frequency are assigned. There since entering the LTN with each alternative frequency memory intensive would, in the present, in this case Embodiment, each alternative frequency as TMC alternative frequency comes into question, each associated with only 1 bit.

0033In a further embodiment of the invention Method, it is envisaged that a list of at least the under the main part of the program identification of the currently applied received frequency available regional identifications is, in those regional identifications are marked, via their associated transmission frequencies further information be transferred to the prescribed standard. In the present Embodiment, it is provided that to the list of below the main part of the program identification the currently received transmission frequency available regional identifications a data word is applied, which as many binary Set includes, as included in the list regional identifications are, and that the regional identifications via whose assigned Transmission frequencies further information after the predetermined Standard are transferred, by setting bits in the data word, the number of the position of the regional identifier in the list corresponds to be labeled.

0034Based on the information stored in the data memory and / or an additional example, in a memory a broadcast receiver stored list of sub- the main part of the program identification of the currently received Transmission frequency available regional identifications is the Broadcast radio receiver 1 for carrying out the invention Procedure deteriorating now able, in itself Reception operations of the currently received broadcast frequency, the control of the evaluation circuit in the receiver part is notified 3, automatically alternative to a Transmission frequency that better specifications has, on the same program and moreover transmitted TMC data to the same level of switching. In an alternate designated as "Reg-Off" Operating state in which in selecting an alternative frequency from the data memory, the regional identification of the PI is not taken into account, are the invention Broadcasting receiver to switch to an alternative frequency also under the same main part of the program identification stored transmission frequencies as alternative transmission frequencies available, that is, there are also those transmission frequencies approved, on the not the identical program, but a regional related program that only in its regional identification of the originally received Program is different.