Apparatus and Method for Providing an Emergency Alert Function with Adjustable Volume Control

• US 20090224880A1
• Filed: 09/09/2005
• Published: 09/10/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 09/09/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Thomson Licensing (Vantiva SA)
• Original Assignee: Thomson Licensing (Vantiva SA)
• Inventors: Smith, Margaret P., Johnson, Lisa P.
• Application Number:
  US11/991,705
• Publication Number:
  US 20090224880A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/7.500
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 27/008 with transmission via TV or radio broadcast

Abstract

An apparatus (20) such as a television signal receiver provides an emergency alert function that enables users to better control the volume level of aural alert outputs. According to an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus (20) includes a tuner (22) operative to tune a channel including a signal indicating an emergency event. A processor (27) is operatively coupled to the tuner (22) and enables an aural output if the signal activates the emergency alert function. The aural output exhibits a user selected volume corresponding to a parameter associated with the emergency alert function.

Claims

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

tuning means for tuning a channel including a signal indicating an emergency event;

enabling means for enabling a user to select a parameter from a plurality of parameters, wherein each said parameter provides a different basis for volume control of aural outputs related to said emergency alert function; and

said enabling means enabling an aural output if said signal activates said emergency alert function, wherein said aural output exhibits a volume corresponding to said selected parameter.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said signal activates said emergency alert function if said emergency event corresponds to a user selected geographical area and a user selected event type.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said processing means further enables said user to perform a volume setting process for said selected parameter and said aural output exhibits a volume selected during said volume setting process.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said parameters include:

a time of day said emergency alert function is activated;

a day of the week said emergency alert function is activated; and

a type of said emergency event that activates said emergency alert function.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said emergency event represents one of:

an advisory level;

a watch level; and

a warning level.

6. A method for controlling an apparatus having an emergency alert function, comprising:

enabling a user to select a parameter from a plurality of parameters, wherein each said parameter provides a different basis for volume control of aural outputs related to said emergency alert function;

tuning a channel including a signal indicating an emergency event; and

enabling an aural output if said signal activates said emergency alert function, wherein said aural output exhibits a volume corresponding to said selected parameter.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein said signal activates said emergency alert function if said emergency event corresponds to a user selected geographical area and a user selected event type.

8. The method of claim 6, further comprised of enabling said user to perform a volume setting process for said selected parameter, and wherein said aural output exhibits a volume selected during said volume setting process.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein said parameters include:

a time of day said emergency alert function is activated;

a day of the week said emergency alert function is activated; and

a type of said emergency event that activates said emergency alert function.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein said emergency event represents one of:

an advisory level;

a watch level; and

a warning level.

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

a tuner operative to tune a channel including a signal indicating an emergency event;

a processor operatively coupled to said tuner for enabling a user to select a parameter from a plurality of parameters, wherein each said parameter provides a different basis for volume control of aural outputs related to said emergency alert function; and

said processor enabling an aural output if said signal activates said emergency alert function, wherein said aural output exhibits a volume corresponding to said selected parameter.

12. The television signal receiver of claim 11, wherein said signal activates said emergency alert function if said emergency event corresponds to a user selected geographical area and a user selected event type.

13. The television signal receiver of claim 11, wherein said processor further enables said user to perform a volume setting process for said selected parameter and said aural output exhibits a volume selected during said volume setting process.

14. The television signal receiver of claim 11, wherein said parameters include:

a time of day said emergency alert function is activated;

a day of the week said emergency alert function is activated; and

a type of said emergency event that activates said emergency alert function.

15. The television signal receiver of claim 14, wherein said emergency event represents one of:

an advisory level;

a watch level; and

a warning level.