Self-diagnostic test for apparatus having an emergency alert function

• US 20060123444A1
• Filed: 02/02/2004
• Published: 06/08/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 02/03/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Thomson Licensing (Vantiva SA)
• Original Assignee: Thomson Licensing (Vantiva SA)
• Inventors: Merrell, John D, Schaffer, Bruce Wayne
• Application Number:
  US10/543,940
• Publication Number:
  US 20060123444A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 725/33
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 25/085 using central distribution transmission lines
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 27/008 with transmission via TV or radio broadcast
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 17/04 for receivers
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 17/045 Self-contained testing apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/478 Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification, shopping application

Abstract

An apparatus such as a television signal receiver, radio or other device is capable of performing a self-diagnostic test for an emergency alert function. According to an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a memory operative to store test data associated with the emergency alert function. A decoder is operative to decode the test data to generate test signals. A processor is operative to process the test signals to detect an operating state of the emergency alert function.

Claims

1. An apparatus having an emergency alert function, comprising:

memory means for storing test data associated with said emergency alert function;

decoding means for decoding said test data to generate test signals; and

processing means for processing said test signals to detect an operating state of said emergency alert function.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising output means for providing an output responsive to said processing means detecting said operating state.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein:

said operating state includes an operating error; and

said output indicates a corrective action.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said test signals indicate a geographical area.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said geographical area is represented by a FIPS code.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said test signals indicate an emergency event.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprised of providing an output responsive to said detection of said operating state.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein:

said operating state includes an operating error; and

said output indicates a corrective action.

7. A method for performing a self-diagnostic test for an emergency alert function of an apparatus, comprising:

retrieving test data associated with said emergency alert function from a memory within said apparatus;

decoding said test data to generate test signals; and

processing said test signals to detect an operating state of said emergency alert function.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein said test signals indicate a geographical area.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein said geographical area is represented by a FIPS code.

12. The method of claim 7, wherein said test signals indicate an emergency event.

13. A television signal receiver having an emergency alert function, comprising:

a memory operative to store test data associated with said emergency alert function;

a decoder operative to decode said test data to generate test signals; and

a processor operative to process said test signals to detect an operating state of said emergency alert function.

14. The television signal receiver of claim 13, further comprising an output device operative to provide an output responsive to said processor detecting said operating state.

15. The television signal receiver of claim 14, wherein:

said operating state includes an operating error; and

said output indicates a corrective action.

16. The television signal receiver of claim 13, wherein said test signals indicate a geographical area.

17. The television signal receiver of claim 16, wherein said geographical area is represented by a FIPS code.

18. The television signal receiver of claim 13, wherein said test signals indicate an emergency event.