PUGEL MICHAEL ANTHONY (US)
| WO2004045211A1 | 2004-05-27 |
| US3975583A | 1976-08-17 |
CLAIMS
1. An apparatus (100) for providing an emergency alert function, comprising: first means (10) for receiving an emergency alert signal indicating an emergency, event; and second means (40) for determining an originator of said emergency alert signal and processing said emergency alert signal according to a first scheme if said originator is a first originator.
2. The apparatus (100) of claim 1 , wherein said first originator is a cable system.
3. The apparatus (100) of claim 1 , wherein said second means (40) processes said emergency alert signal according to said first scheme by causing said first means (10) to tune to a channel defined by said first originator and enabling an alert output defined by said first originator.
4. The apparatus (100) of claim 1 , wherein said second means (40) processes said emergency alert signal according to a second scheme if said originator is not said first originator.
5. The apparatus (100) of claim 4, wherein said second means (40) processes said emergency alert signal according to said second scheme by enabling an alert output if said emergency event corresponds to a geographical area selected by a user.
6. The apparatus (100) of claim 5, wherein said alert output is not defined by said first originator.
7. The apparatus (100) of claim 4, wherein said second means (40) processes said emergency alert signal according to said second scheme by enabling an alert output if said emergency event corresponds to an event type selected by a user.
8. The apparatus (100) of claim 7, wherein said alert output is not defined by said first originator.
9. A method (200) for providing an emergency alert function, comprising steps of: receiving an emergency alert signal indicating an emergency event (220); determining an originator of said emergency alert signal (230); and processing said emergency alert signal according to a first scheme if said originator is a first originator (240).
10. The method (200) of claim 9, wherein said first originator is a cable system.
11. The method (200) of claim 9, wherein said step of processing said emergency alert signal according to said first scheme (240) includes: tuning to a channel defined by said first originator; and enabling an alert output defined by said first originator.
12. The method (200) of claim 9, further comprising a step of processing said emergency alert signal according to a second scheme if said originator is not said first originator (290).
13. The method (200) of claim 12, wherein said step of processing said emergency alert signal according to said second scheme (290) includes enabling an alert output if said emergency event corresponds to a geographical area selected by a user.
14. The method (200) of claim 13, wherein said alert output is not defined by said first originator.
15. The method (200) of claim 12, wherein said step of processing said emergency alert signal according to said second scheme (290) includes enabling an alert output if said emergency event corresponds to an event type selected by a user.
16. The method (200) of claim 15, wherein said alert output is not defined by said first originator.
17. A television signal receiver (100), comprising: a tuner (10) operative to tune an emergency alert signal indicating an emergency event; and a processor (40) operative to determine an originator of said emergency alert signal and to process said emergency alert signal according to a first scheme if said originator is a first originator.
18. The television signal receiver (100) of claim 17, wherein said first originator is a cable system.
19. The television signal receiver (100) of claim 17, wherein said processor (40) processes said emergency alert signal according to said first scheme by causing said tuner (10) to tune to a channel defined by said first originator and enabling an alert output defined by said first originator.
20. The television signal receiver (100) of claim 17, wherein said processor (40) processes said emergency alert signal according to a second scheme if said originator is not said first originator.
21. The television signal receiver (100) of claim 20, wherein said processor (40) processes said emergency alert signal according to said second scheme by enabling an alert output if said emergency event corresponds to a geographical area selected by a user.
22. Thejelevision signal receiver (100) of claim 21 , wherein said alert output is not defined by said first originator.
23. The television signal receiver (100) of claim 20, wherein said processor
(40) processes said emergency alert signal according to said second scheme by enabling an alert output if said emergency event corresponds to an event type selected by a user.
24. The television signal receiver (100) of claim 23, wherein said alert output is not defined by said first originator. |
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR INTERFACING DIFFERENT EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEMS
The present invention generally relates to apparatuses such as television signal receivers having an emergency alert function, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method for providing an emergency alert function that interfaces different types of emergency alert systems.
Emergency events such as severe weather, natural disasters, fires, civil emergencies, war acts, toxic chemical spills, radiation leaks, or other such conditions can be devastating to unprepared individuals. To increase individuals' preparedness for such events, certain apparatuses including television signal receivers may be capable of receiving emergency alert signals provided by sources such as the National Weather Service, and provide an emergency alert system using Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) technology. Apparatuses using SAME technology typically require a user to perform a setup process for the emergency alert system by selecting items including one or more geographical locations of interest, and/or one or more types of emergency events which activate the emergency alert system. Once the setup process is complete, the emergency alert system may be activated when incoming emergency alert signals including SAME data indicate the occurrence of an emergency event which corresponds to the geographical location(s) and/or types of emergency event selected by the user during the setup process. When the emergency alert system is activated, an alert output such as an audio and/or visual message may be provided to alert individuals of the emergency event. In addition to emergency alert systems using SAME technology, other types of emergency alert systems may exist. For example, the cable television system may employ its own emergency alert system. In general, the emergency alert system used by the cable television system may provide a convenient way to provide emergency-related information to users. However, it may not provide the level of functionality associated with systems using SAME technology. For example, the emergency alert system used by the cable television system may not allow users to select certain geographical areas of interest for which they want to receive emergency-related information, as described above. As a result, it may be desirable to combine, or interface, two different types of emergency alert systems. Heretofore,
the concept of interfacing different emergency alert systems has not been adequately addressed.
Accordingly, there is a need for an apparatus and method for providing an emergency alert function that interfaces different types of emergency alert systems, such as emergency alert systems using SAME technology and the emergency alert system used by the cable television system. The present invention addresses these and/or other issues.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for providing an emergency alert function is disclosed. According to an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises first means for receiving an emergency alert signal indicating an emergency event, and second means for determining an originator of the emergency alert signal. The second means processes the emergency alert signal according to a first scheme if the originator is a first originator.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method for providing an emergency alert function is disclosed. According to an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises steps of receiving an emergency alert signal indicating an emergency event, determining an originator of the emergency alert signal, and processing the emergency alert signal according to a first scheme if the originator is a first originator. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a television signal receiver is disclosed. According to an exemplary embodiment, the television signal receiver comprises a tuner operative to tune an emergency alert signal indicating an emergency event, and a processor operative to determine an originator of the emergency alert signal. The processor processes the emergency alert signal according to a first scheme if the originator is a first originator.
The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an apparatus having an emergency alert function according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary steps for providing an emergency alert function according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
The exemplifications set out herein illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.
Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1 , a block diagram of an apparatus 100 having an emergency alert function according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. According to an exemplary, embodiment, apparatus 100 is embodied as a television signal receiver capable of receiving signals broadcast from one or more signal sources including a cable television system. As will be described later herein, apparatus 100 is capable of interfacing two different emergency alert systems, including an emergency alert system using SAME technology and an emergency alert system used by the cable television system. Apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 comprises tuning means such as tuner 10, demodulation means such as demodulator 20, interface means such as point-of- deployment (POD) interface 30, and processing means and memory means such as processor and memory 40. The foregoing elements of FIG. 1 may be embodied using one or more integrated circuits (ICs). Certain conventional elements associated with apparatus 100 such as certain control signals, power signals and/or other conventional elements such as a display device and audio output device are not shown in FIG. 1 so as not to obfuscate the inventive principles of the present invention.
Tuner 10 is operative to tune channels that provide signals including audio, video and/or emergency alert signals. According to an exemplary embodiment, tuner 10 is capable of tuning channels provided by the cable television system, including an out-of-band (OOB) channel. This OOB channel, which is also known as a Forward Data Channel (FDC), may include digitally encoded emergency alert signals that provide details regarding emergency events. The OOB channel may also provide other information such as conditional access key information, channel guide information, software upgrades, etc. As indicated in FIG. 1 , tuner 10 may also provide signals for other processing, such as audio and/or video processing. Demodulator 20 is operative to demodulate signals provided from tuner 10, and may demodulate signals in analog and/or digital transmission formats. According to an exemplary embodiment, demodulator 20 demodulates emergency alert signals provided from tuner 10 to produce demodulated emergency alert signals.
POD interface 30 is operative to perform a conditional access function of apparatus 100. According to an exemplary embodiment, POD interface 30 is operative to establish a data path with the rest of apparatus 100 in order to allow data transfer.
Processor and memory 40 are operative to perform various processing and data storage functions of_ apparatus 100. According to an exemplary embodiment, processor 40 performs various processing steps that control an emergency alert function of apparatus 100. According to this exemplary embodiment, memory 40 stores data including user setup data for the emergency alert function of apparatus 100 which may be read and processed by processor 40. Further details regarding the functionality of processor and memory 40 will be provided later herein.
Referring now to FIG. 2, a flowchart 200 illustrating exemplary steps for providing an emergency alert function according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. For purposes of example and explanation, the steps of FIG. 2 will be described with reference to apparatus 100 of FIG. 1. The steps of FIG. 2 are generally performed under the control of processor 40. The steps of FlG. 2 are exemplary only, and are not intended to limit the present invention in any manner.
At step 210, a setup process for the emergency alert function of apparatus 100 is performed. According to an exemplary embodiment, a user performs this setup process by providing inputs to apparatus 100 (e.g., using a remote control device not shown in FIGS.) responsive to on-screen menus. According to an exemplary embodiment, the user may select at least the following items during the setup process at step 210: A. Geographical Locations - The user may select one or more geographical locations of interest for purposes of being notified of emergency events. For example, the user may select a particular continent, country, region, state, area code, zip code, city, county, municipality, subdivision, and/or other definable geographical location. According to an exemplary embodiment, such geographical location(s) may be represented by location codes, such as Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) location codes.
B. Event Types - The user may select one or more types of emergency events of interest for which he/she wants to be notified. For example, the user may select events such as civil emergencies, radiological hazard warnings, and/or tornado watches and warnings for which he/she wants to be notified. Conversely, the user may choose not to select other types of events, such as a thunderstorm watch, etc., if he/she does not necessarily want to be notified about these types of events. 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. C. Alert Outputs - The user may select one or more alert outputs to be provided when a received emergency alert signal indicates an emergency event that corresponds to any geographical location(s) selected by the user under item A above and (2) any event type(s) selected by the user under item B above, and such alert output(s) may be aural and/or visual in nature. For example, the user may select to tune apparatus 100 to a specific channel when a received emergency alert signal indicates an emergency event that corresponds to a user selected geographical location and event type. The user may also request under item C to receive an available audio-only channel and/or available alert text whenever a received emergency alert signal originates from a source other than the cable television system (i.e., regardless of whether the emergency alert signal indicates an emergency event that does not correspond to a user selected geographical location and event type). Further details regarding requests for an available audio-only channel and/or alert text will be provided later herein.
According to the present invention, other menu selections may also be provided at step 210. Data corresponding to the user's selections during the setup process of step 210 is stored in memory 40.
At step 220, apparatus 100 monitors a channel via tuner 10 to thereby receive an emergency alert signal indicating an emergency event. According to an exemplary embodiment, the received emergency alert signal may be included in an OOB channel (a.k.a., FDC) provided by the cable television system. According to this exemplary embodiment, the received emergency alert signal includes a plurality of data fields in the format defined by the Society of Cable Television Engineers (SCTE) standard 18 2002, which is generally known in the art. Apparatus 100 is
preferably capable of monitoring a channel and receiving emergency alert signals during all modes of operation, including for example when apparatus 100 is turned on, turned off, and/or during playback of recorded audio and/or video content.
At step 230, apparatus 100 determines whether the cable system is the originator of the received emergency alert signal. According to an exemplary embodiment, the emergency alert signal received at step 220 includes an ^EAS_originator_code" . field indicating the entity that originally initiated activation of the emergency alert system. The "EAS_originator_code" field is defined by 47 CFR FCC Part 11 and is deemed to represent the originator of the emergency alert signal. According to an exemplary embodiment, the "EAS_originator_code" field may represent one of the following originators: Emergency Action Notification Network (EAN), Primary Entry Point System (PEP), National Weather Service (WXR), Civil Authorities (CIV), or Broadcast Station or Cable System (EAS). Accordingly, at step 230, processor 40 examines the "EAS_originator_code" field of the received emergency alert signal to determine whether EAS is the originator.
If the determination at step 230 is positive, process flow advances to step 240 where apparatus 100 processes the emergency alert signal as a cable message. According to an exemplary embodiment, processor 40 processes the emergency alert signal as a cable message in accordance with a first scheme at step 230 by causing tuner 10 to tune to a channel defined by the cable television system. This channel may for example be represented by the "details_OOB_source_ID," "details_major_channel_number" and/or "details_minor_channel_number" fields of the received emergency alert signal. By tuning to this channel, processor 40 then enables one or more alert outputs (i.e., aural and/or visual) that provide details regarding the emergency event indicated by the emergency alert signal. According to an exemplary embodiment, the content of any alert output provided at step 240 is defined by the cable television system. That is, the cable television system is the author of these alert outputs. For example, alert outputs such as a scrolling text message and/or an audio message whose content is defined by the cable television system may be provided at step 240. It is also noted that the processing at step 240 may not be dependent on any user settings made during the setup process of step 210. Accordingly, processor 40 may not take into account at step 240 any
geographical location(s) and/or event type(s) selected by the user under items A and B of step 210.
If the determination at step 230 is negative, process flow advances to step 250 where apparatus 100 determines whether an audio channel is both available and requested by the user. According to an exemplary embodiment, processor 40 determines whether an audio channel is available at step 250 by examining an "audio_OOB_source_ID" field of the received emergency alert signal. This data field indicates whether an audio-only channel that provides audio related to the emergency event is available. As previously indicated herein, the user may request to receive audio information from this audio channel under item C of the setup process of step 210. Accordingly, processor 40 examines user setup data stored in memory 40 at step 250 to thereby determine whether the audio channel is requested by the user.
If the determination at step 250 is positive, process flow advances to step 260 where apparatus 100 provides the audio channel for output. According to an exemplary embodiment, processor 40 causes tuner 10 to tune the audio-only channel specified by the "audio_OOB_source_ID" field of the received emergency alert signal at step 260. The content provided by the audio-only channel at step 260 may be normally defined by the originator of the emergency alert signal. Accordingly, if the cable television system is not the originator of the emergency alert signal, the content provided by the audio-only channel at step 260 may not be defined (i.e., authored) by the cable television system.
From step 260, and if the determination at step 250 is negative, process flow advances to step 270 where apparatus 100 determines whether alert text is both available and requested by the user. According to an exemplary embodiment, processor 40 determines whether alert text is available at step 270 by examining an "alert_text_length" field of the received emergency alert signal. This data field indicates whether alert text representing a textual description of the emergency event is included in the received emergency alert signal. As previously indicated herein, the user may request to receive alert text under item C of the setup process of step 210. Accordingly, processor 40 examines user setup data stored in memory 40 at step 270 to thereby determine whether the alert text is requested by the user.
If the determination at step 270 is positive, process flow advances to step 280 where apparatus 100 provides alert text for output. According to an exemplary embodiment, processor 40 processes an "alert_text()" field of the received emergency alert signal to thereby provide a textual description of the emergency event for output at step 280. The content of the alert text provided at step 280 may be normally defined by the originator of the emergency alert signal. Accordingly, if the cable tejevision system is not the originator of the emergency alert signal, the content of the alert text provided at step 280 may not be defined (i.e., authored) by the cable television system. From step 280, and if the determination at step 270 is negative, process flow advances to step 290 where apparatus 100 processes the emergency alert signal according to a second scheme using other user settings. According to an exemplary embodiment, processor 40 processes the emergency alert signal at step 290 by comparing data included in the emergency alert signal to user setup data stored in memory 40 under items A and B of step 210. According to this exemplary embodiment, processor 40 compares a "county_code" field and an "EAS_event_code" field of the received emergency alert signal to user setup data stored in memory 40 under items A and B of step 210 to thereby determine whether one or more alert outputs (i.e., aural and/or visual) should be enabled and provided. The data included in the aforementioned "county_code" and "EAS_event_code" fields of the received emergency alert signal is substantially similar to SAME data, as previously described herein. In this manner, processor 40 enables one or more alert outputs as a result of the processing at step 290 if the emergency event indicated by the received emergency alert signal corresponds to: (1) any geographical location(s) selected by the user under item A of step 210 and (2) any event type(s) selected by the user under item B of step 210. If processor 40 enables one or more alert outputs as a result of the processing at step 290, such output(s) are provided in accordance with user selections under item . C of step 210. According to an exemplary embodiment, any alert output provided as a result of the processing at step 290 overrides any outputs provided at steps 260 and/or 280 described above to the extent such outputs would conflict. For example, if the user has selected under item C of step 210 to tune to a specific channel if a received emergency alert signal indicates an emergency event that corresponds to a user selected geographical location and
event type, and this specific channel is different from the available and requested audio-only channel of step 260, apparatus 100 will tune to the specific channel instead of the audio-only channel at step 290. However, apparatus 100 will provide all requested alert outputs at steps 260, 280 and 290 to the extent they do not conflict. It is also noted that the content of any alert output provided as a result of the processing at step 290 is not defined (i.e., authored) by the cable television system, but may normally be defined by the originator of the emergency alert signal.
As described herein, the present invention provides an emergency alert function that interfaces different types of emergency alert systems. The present invention may be applicable to various apparatuses, either with or without an integrated display device. Accordingly, the phrase "television signal receiver" as used herein may refer to systems or apparatuses including, but not limited to, television sets, computers or monitors that include an integrated display device, and systems or apparatuses such as set-top boxes, video cassette recorders (VCRs), digital versatile disk (DVD) players, video game boxes, personal video recorders (PVRs), computers or other apparatuses that may not include an integrated display device.
While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.