Abstract:
The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for utilizing unused portions of an allocated frequency spectrum in a wireless communications system that broadcasts content to wireless stations. A first wireless station may communicate with a second wireless station on an idle broadcast channel while keeping the resulting interference level below an acceptable maximum limit at the other wireless stations. Using interference level information that are measured at the wireless stations, the wireless station can negotiate with the other wireless station on an establishment channel for subsequent communications on one or more broadcast channels. The wireless station may receive broadcast content on a time slice that corresponds to a broadcast channel and that is further processed by the wireless station. Otherwise, the wireless station can utilize the corresponding time to measure an interference level for the corresponding channel or to transmit or receive data to/from another wireless station.
Abstract:
According to the present invention there is provided a method of analysis of the audience for channels selectable by a channel selector device for presentation on a presentation device, the channel selector device providing data indicating which channels are selected and the lengths of time for which selected channels remain selected. The data relating to the lengths of time for which channels remain selected is subject to a capping procedure, whereby the indicated length of time for which a channel remains selected is reduced to a capped maximum permitted length of time if the indicated length of time exceeds the maximum permitted length, to provide capped data. The capped data is employed to select, in dependence upon the indication of the channel selected and length of time for which the channel is selected, an array of probabilities of individuals' exposure (PIVs) to the presentation of the channel on a presentation device, for individuals of different demographies, whereby the data provided by the channel selector device can be resolved into data estimating the likelihood of individuals of different demographies participating in the audience.
Abstract:
An approach is provided for minimizing co-channel interference in a communication system (100) is disclosed. A header (401) of a first frame is scrambled based on a first unique word (411, 413). A header (401) of a second frame is scrambled based on a second unique word (411, 413). The first frame including the corresponding scrambled header (401) and the second frame including the corresponding scrambled header (401) are transmitted, respectively, over adjacent co-channels of the communication system (100). Each of the frames further includes a payload (403) and a pilot block (405). The payload (403) and the pilot black (405) of the first frame are scrambled based on a first scrambling sequence. The payload (403) and the pilot black (405) of the second frame are scrambled based on a second scrambling sequence. The above arrangement is particularly suited to a digital satellite broadcast and interactive system (100).
Abstract:
A method (200, 400) and an apparatus (500) in a wireless communication system for communicating contents of a broadcast message are provided. A wireless portable communication device (104) receives an emergency status indicator associated with the broadcast message from a base station (102). Upon determining the broadcast message is an emergency message, the contents of the broadcast message are immediately communicated.
Abstract:
A portable electronic device such as a mobile station (22) has a broadcast radio receiver (60) and an internal storage (50) for storing media files (74, 76, 78, 80). When a received broadcast radio signal exceeds a quality parameter, that signal is sent to a speaker (56). Otherwise, the device (22) enters a virtual radio mode and plays the stored media files in an order that is not determined by the user of the device. The order is determined by an instruction stored in the internal storage (50), and switching to the virtual mode is based on a quality of the received broadcast radio signal. Media files may include entertainment music or video files, traffic and weather, DJ commentary, and advertisements. Various media files may be updated on different frequency intervals so that the content remains current, and to better commercialize the invention. Users may add personal media files and may select a genre or source for certain other media files.
Abstract:
A bridge (26) is provided for connecting multiple satellite receivers (36, 38) to multiple accessories (24A, 24B) in a video distribution system (20) such as a direct broadcast satellite system (DBS). The bridge (26) is designed for interposition between multiple satellite receivers (set top boxes or STBs) and controllable accessories (e.g. LNBs or multi-switches) of the video distribution system (20). The bridge (26) provides controlled communication between STBs and controllable accessories using, for example, customized vendor extensions to the DiSEqC communication protocol. The bridge (26) includes a communication protocol transceiver (27) for each STB port, a communication protocol transmitter (27) for each controllable accessory port, a mailbox for each STB port, a mailbox for the bridge, and a controller, processor, processing means or processing logic controlling or regulating video distribution system communication.
Abstract:
An acoustic channel is used for fault diagnosis, repair, and upgrades. Remote diagnosis uses self-test data encoded into sound waves. Repair data and upgrades are also encoded and transmitted as sound waves.
Abstract:
A first switching circuit (21) outputs a first radio signal representing a plurality of time-division multiplexed programs and a second radio signal other than the first radio signal, one at a time according to a switching signal. A voltage control oscillator (27) outputs a local signal at a frequency suitable for whichever signal outputted. Using the local signal generated, a frequency converter (24) frequency converts the first and second radio signals to first and second baseband signals, respectively. Via a second switching circuit (31), a first baseband unit (40) and a second baseband unit (50) are supplied with the first and second baseband signals, respectively, and demodulate them to first and second data signals. A switching unit (60) supplies the switching signal indicating periods during which the first radio signal represents a user-selected program, to a tuner unit (20) where the first and second radio signals are processed by time-sharing.
Abstract:
A real-time music information retrieval system and methods for providing desired music information via text message to radio or television stations listeners through wireless communication devices. Listeners could retrieve information for the song that is currently being played at the radio and television station, or the songs that have previously been played. A system and method is provided to automatically send an alert message the radio and television station listeners of upcoming music broadcasting events.