CELLULAR HANDHELD DEVICE WITH FM RADIO DATA SYSTEM RECEIVER

• US 20090264149A1
• Filed: 06/16/2008
• Published: 10/22/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 04/21/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Inventors: PALSAPURE, Parag, JERGER, Mark D., MILLER, Jason, SPRIGG, Stephen A.
• Granted Patent: US 8,571,501 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/552.100
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/34 using an out-of-band subcarrier signal
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 2201/13 radio data system/radio broadcast data system [RDS/RBDS]
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 2201/30 characterised by the use of a return channel, e.g. for collecting users' opinions, for returning broadcast space/time information or for requesting data
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/13 Arrangements for device control affected by the broadcast information
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/82 the transmission system being the Internet

Abstract

A handheld device includes an FM receiver to receive FM radio signals and a processor that is configured to monitor Radio Data System (RDS) data within FM radio broadcasts and to activate an application when a particular RDS data pattern is received. Methods for recognizing and using the RDS data to activate or initiate applications on the handheld device enable a wide range of uses and new services. A server may provide data to the handheld device in response to queries which are based on or include part of the RDS data. Operating in conjunction with FM radio broadcasters, the handheld device and the server provide a data communication system that can deliver useful services and additional entertainment options for users.

Claims

1. A handheld device, comprising:

an FM receiver circuit; and

a processor coupled to the FM receiver, wherein the processor is configured with software to;

receive RDS data;

to recognize a particular information contained within an RDS data packet; and

perform an operation based upon information contained within the RDS data packet containing the recognized particular information.

2. The handheld device of claim 1, further comprising a memory coupled to the processor, wherein the processor is further configured to store at least a portion of the RDS data packet in the memory.

3. The handheld device of claim 1, wherein the performed operation comprises activating a dormant application.

4. The handheld device of claim 2, wherein the performed operation comprises notifying an active application that at least a portion of the RDS data packet is stored in memory.

5. The handheld device of claim 1, further comprising a display coupled to the processor, wherein the performed operation comprises generating an image presented on the display.

6. The handheld device of claim 1, further comprising:

a memory coupled to the processor; and

a display coupled to the processor, wherein the performed operation comprises activating an application that recalls data stored in the memory and generating an image presented on the display.

7. The handheld device of claim 1, further comprising a display coupled to the processor, wherein the performed operation comprises tuning the FM receiver to a particular FM radio station.

8. The handheld device of claim 1, further comprising a wireless network transceiver coupled to the processor, wherein the processor is further configured with software to initiate a data call via the wireless network transceiver.

9. The handheld device of claim 1, further comprising a wireless network transceiver coupled to the processor, wherein the processor is further configured with software to initiate a telephone call via the wireless network transceiver.

10. The handheld device of claim 1, further comprising a wireless network transceiver coupled to the processor, wherein the processor is further configured with software to:

transmit a query to a media server via the wireless network transceiver including at least a portion of the information contained within the RDS data; and

receive data from the media server in response to the query.

11. The handheld device of claim 1, further comprising:

a wireless network transceiver coupled to the processor; and

a display coupled to the processor,

wherein the processor is further configured with software to;

transmit a query to a media server via the wireless network transceiver including at least a portion of the information contained within the RDS data;

receive data from the media server in response to the query; and

generate an image presented on the display based upon the received data.

12. The handheld device of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured with software to monitor all receivable FM radio broadcasts for RDS data.

13. The handheld device of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured with software to:

select an FM frequency band;

count RDS data packets received;

monitor RDS data transmitted within the selected FM frequency band so long as the count of RDS data packets is less than a predetermined value; and

select another FM frequency band when the count of RDS data packets received equals the predetermined value.

14. The handheld device of claim 1, further comprising a wired data communication circuit coupled to the processor, wherein the FM receiver circuit is positioned within a separate FM receiver device that is coupled to the processor by the wired data communication circuit.

15. The handheld device of claim 1, further comprising a short range wireless data communication circuit coupled to the processor, wherein the FM receiver circuit is positioned within a separate FM receiver device that is coupled to the processor by the short range wireless data communication circuit.

16. A method for performing an operation on a handheld device in response to Radio Data System (RDS) data, comprising:

receiving RDS data via an FM receiver;

recognizing a particular information contained within an RDS data packet; and

performing an operation based upon information contained within the RDS data packet containing the recognized particular information.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising storing at least a portion of the RDS data packet in the memory.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein performing an operation comprises activating a dormant application.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein performing an operation comprises notifying an active application that at least a portion of the RDS data packet is stored in memory.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein performing an operation comprises generating an image presented on a display.

21. The method of claim 16, further wherein performing an operation comprises:

activating an application that recalls data stored in the memory; and

generating an image presented on the display.

22. The method of claim 16, wherein performing an operation comprises tuning the FM receiver to a particular FM radio station.

23. The method of claim 16, wherein performing an operation comprises initiating a wireless data call.

24. The method of claim 16, wherein performing an operation comprises initiating a wireless telephone call.

25. The method of claim 16, wherein performing an operation comprises:

transmitting a wireless query to a media server including at least a portion of the information contained within the RDS data; and

receiving data from the media server in response to the query.

26. The method of claim 16, wherein performing an operation comprises:

transmitting a wireless query to a media server including at least a portion of the information contained within the RDS data;

receiving data from the media server in response to the query; and

generating an image presented on a display based upon the received data.

27. The method of claim 16, further comprising monitoring all receivable FM radio broadcasts for RDS data.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein performing an operation comprises tuning the FM receiver to a particular FM radio station and recording at least a portion of a broadcast.

29. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

selecting an FM frequency band;

counting RDS data packets received;

monitoring RDS data transmitted within the selected FM frequency band so long as the count of RDS data packets is less than a predetermined value; and

selecting another FM frequency band when the count of RDS data packets received equals the predetermined value.

30. The method of claim 16, wherein receiving RDS data via an FM receiver comprises receiving RDS data from an FM receiver circuit positioned within a separate FM receiver device via a wired data communication circuit.

31. The method of claim 16, wherein receiving RDS data via an FM receiver comprises receiving RDS data from an FM receiver circuit positioned within a separate FM receiver via a short range wireless data communication circuit.

32. A handheld device, comprising:

means for receiving RDS data via an FM receiver;

means for recognizing particular information contained within an RDS data packet; and

means for performing an operation based upon information contained within the RDS data packet containing the recognized particular information.

33. The handheld device of claim 32, further comprising means for storing at least a portion of the RDS data packet in the memory.

34. The handheld device of claim 32, wherein the means for performing an operation comprises means for activating a dormant application.

35. The handheld device of claim 33, wherein the means for performing an operation comprises means for notifying an active application that at least a portion of the RDS data packet is stored in memory.

36. The handheld device of claim 32, wherein the means for performing an operation comprises means for generating an image presented on a display.

37. The handheld device of claim 32, further wherein the means for performing an operation comprises:

means for activating an application that recalls data stored in the memory; and

means for generating an image presented on a display.

38. The handheld device of claim 32, wherein the means for performing an operation comprises means for tuning the FM receiver to a particular FM radio station.

39. The handheld device of claim 32, wherein the means for performing an operation comprises means for initiating a wireless data call.

40. The handheld device of claim 32, wherein the means for performing an operation comprises means for initiating a wireless telephone call.

41. The handheld device of claim 32, wherein the means for performing an operation comprises:

means for transmitting a wireless query to a media server including at least a portion of the information contained within the RDS data; and

means for receiving data from the media server in response to the query.

42. The handheld device of claim 32, wherein the means for performing an operation comprises:

means for transmitting a wireless query to a media server including at least a portion of the information contained within the RDS data;

means for receiving data from the media server in response to the query; and

means for generating an image presented on a display based upon the received data.

43. The handheld device of claim 32, further comprising means for monitoring all receivable FM radio broadcasts for RDS data.

44. The handheld device of claim 32, further comprising:

means for selecting an FM frequency band;

means for counting RDS data packets received;

means for monitoring RDS data transmitted within the FM frequency band so long as the count of RDS data packets is less than a predetermined value; and

means for selecting another FM frequency band when the count of RDS data packets received equals the predetermined value.

45. The handheld device of claim 32, wherein the means for receiving RDS data via an FM receiver comprises an FM receiver circuit positioned within a separate FM receiver device and a short range wired data communication circuit.

46. The handheld device of claim 32, wherein the means for receiving RDS data via an FM receiver comprises an FM receiver circuit positioned within a separate FM receiver and a short range wireless data communication circuit.

47. The handheld device of claim 32, wherein the means for performing an operation comprises means tuning the FM receiver to a particular FM radio station and recording at least a portion of a broadcast.

48. A processor readable storage medium having stored thereon processor-executable software instructions configured to cause a processor of a handheld device to execute steps comprising:

receiving RDS data via an FM receiver;

recognizing particular information contained within an RDS data packet; and

performing an operation based upon information contained within the RDS data packet containing the recognized particular information.

49. The processor readable storage medium of claim 48, wherein the stored software instructions are configured to cause the processor to execute further steps comprising storing at least a portion of the RDS data packet in the memory.

50. The processor readable storage medium of claim 48, wherein performing an operation comprises activating a dormant application.

51. The processor readable storage medium of claim 48, wherein performing an operation comprises notifying an active application that at least a portion of the RDS data packet is stored in memory.

52. The processor readable storage medium of claim 48, wherein performing an operation comprises generating an image presented on a display.

53. The processor readable storage medium of claim 48, wherein performing an operation comprises:

activating an application that recalls data stored in the memory; and

generating an image presented on a display.

54. The processor readable storage medium of claim 48, wherein performing an operation comprises tuning the FM receiver to a particular FM radio station.

55. The processor readable storage medium of claim 48, wherein performing an operation comprises initiating a wireless data call.

56. The processor readable storage medium of claim 48, wherein performing an operation comprises initiating a wireless telephone call.

57. The processor readable storage medium of claim 48, wherein performing an operation comprises:

transmitting a wireless query to a media server including at least a portion of the information contained within the RDS data; and

receiving data from the media server in response to the query.

58. The processor readable storage medium of claim 48, wherein performing an operation comprises:

transmitting a wireless query to a media server including at least a portion of the information contained within the RDS data;

receiving data from the media server in response to the query; and

generating an image presented on a display based upon the received data.

59. The processor readable storage medium of claim 48, wherein the stored software instructions are configured to cause the processor to execute further steps comprising monitoring all receivable FM radio broadcasts for RDS data.

60. The processor readable storage medium of claim 48, wherein the stored software instructions are configured to cause the processor to execute further steps comprising:

selecting an FM frequency band;

counting RDS data packets received;

monitoring RDS data transmitted within the FM a frequency band so long as the count of RDS data packets is less than a predetermined value; and

selecting another FM a frequency band when the count of RDS data packets received equals the predetermined value.

61. The processor readable storage medium of claim 48, wherein the stored software instructions are configured to cause the processor to receive RDS data from an FM receiver circuit positioned within a separate FM receiver device via a wired data communication circuit.

62. The processor readable storage medium of claim 48, wherein the stored software instructions are configured to cause the processor to received RDS data from an FM receiver circuit positioned within a separate FM receiver via a short range wireless data communication circuit.

63. The processor readable storage medium of claim 48, wherein performing an operation comprises tuning the FM receiver to a particular FM radio station and recording at least a portion of a broadcast.

64. A server, comprising:

a processor configured to send and receive messages via the Internet; and

a data storage medium coupled to the processor,

wherein the data storage medium has stored thereon data files comprising information suitable for transmission to handheld devices, and the processor is configured with software to perform steps comprising;

receiving a query from a handheld device including information derived from a Radio Data System (RDS) data packet;

interpreting the information included in the query to identify a data file stored on the data storage medium;

retrieving the identified data file from the data storage medium;

formatting information within the retrieved data files for transmission to the handheld device; and

transmitting the formatted information to the handheld device via the Internet.

65. The server according to claim 65, wherein the processor is further configured with software to perform steps comprising accessing a broadcaster'"'"'s server to obtain information relevant to the query received from the handheld device.

66. The server according to claim 65, wherein the information included in the query is a portion of an RDS data packet, and the processor is further configured with software to perform steps comprising using the portion of an RDS data packet included in the query to identify a data file stored on the data storage medium.

67. The server according to claim 65, wherein the information included in the query is a portion of an RDS data packet, and the processor is further configured with software to perform steps comprising comparing the portion of an RDS data packet included in the query to a table of values stored in memory of the processor to identify data files stored on the data storage medium.

68. The server according to claim 65, wherein the information included in the query is a portion of an RDS data packet, and the processor is further configured with software to perform steps comprising:

accessing a broadcaster'"'"'s server;

providing to the broadcaster'"'"'s server the portion of an RDS data packet included in the query from the handheld device; and

receiving from the broadcaster'"'"'s server information relevant to the query received from the handheld device.

69. The server according to claim 65, wherein the processor is further configured with software to perform steps comprising:

accessing a broadcaster'"'"'s server;

receiving from the broadcaster'"'"'s server information regarding a future broadcast topic; and

retrieving a data file from the data storage medium that is relevant to the future broadcast topic in anticipation of a future query from the handheld device.

70. The server according to claim 65, wherein the data file includes an image suitable for display on the handheld device.

71. The server according to claim 65, wherein the data file includes a video clip suitable for display on the handheld device.

72. The server according to claim 65, wherein the data file includes an advertisement suitable for display on the handheld device.

73. The server according to claim 65, wherein the data file includes information which when displayed on the handheld device enables a user to purchase an item.

74. A server executable method for communicating with a handheld device, comprising:

receiving a query from the handheld device including information derived from a Radio Data System (RDS) data packet;

interpreting the information included in the query to identify a data file stored on a data storage medium;

retrieving the identified data file from the data storage medium;

formatting information within the retrieved data files for transmission to the handheld device; and

transmitting the formatted information to the handheld device via the Internet.

75. The server readable storage medium according to claim 74, further comprising accessing a broadcaster'"'"'s server to obtain information relevant to the query received from the handheld device.

76. The server executable method according to claim 74, wherein the information included in the query is a portion of an RDS data packet, further comprising using the portion of an RDS data packet included in the query to identify a data file stored on the data storage medium.

77. The server executable method according to claim 74, wherein the information included in the query is a portion of an RDS data packet, further comprising comparing the portion of an RDS data packet included in the query to a table of values stored in memory of the processor to identify data files stored on the data storage medium.

78. The server executable method according to claim 74, wherein the information included in the query is a portion of an RDS data packet, further comprising:

accessing a broadcaster'"'"'s server;

providing to the broadcaster'"'"'s server the portion of an RDS data packet included in the query from the handheld device; and

receiving from the broadcaster'"'"'s server information relevant to the query received from the handheld device.

79. The server executable method according to claim 74, further steps comprising:

accessing a broadcaster'"'"'s server;

receiving from the broadcaster'"'"'s server information regarding a future broadcast topic; and

retrieving a data file from the data storage medium that is relevant to the future broadcast topic in anticipation of a future query from the handheld device.

80. The server executable method according to claim 74, wherein the data file includes an image suitable for display on the handheld device.

81. The server executable method according to claim 74, wherein the data file includes a video clip suitable for display on the handheld device.

82. The server executable method according to claim 74, wherein the data file includes lyrics data.

83. The server executable method according to claim 74, wherein the data file includes an advertisement suitable for display on the handheld device.

84. The server executable method according to claim 74, wherein the data file includes information which when displayed on the handheld device enables a user to purchase an item.

85. A server, comprising:

means for receiving a query from the handheld device including information derived from a Radio Data System (RDS) data packet;

means for interpreting the information included in the query to identify a data file stored on a data storage medium;

means for retrieving the identified data file from the data storage medium;

means for formatting information within the retrieved data files for transmission to the handheld device; and

means for transmitting the formatted information to the handheld device via the Internet.

86. The server according to claim 85, further comprising means for accessing a broadcaster'"'"'s server to obtain information relevant to the query received from the handheld device.

87. The server according to claim 85, wherein the information included in the query is a portion of an RDS data packet, further comprising means for using the portion of an RDS data packet included in the query to identify a data file stored on the data storage medium.

88. The server according to claim 85, wherein the information included in the query is a portion of an RDS data packet, further means for comprising comparing the portion of an RDS data packet included in the query to a table of values stored in memory of the processor to identify data files stored on the data storage medium.

89. The server according to claim 85, wherein the information included in the query is a portion of an RDS data packet, further comprising:

means for accessing a broadcaster'"'"'s server;

means for providing to the broadcaster'"'"'s server the portion of an RDS data packet included in the query from the handheld device; and

means for receiving from the broadcaster'"'"'s server information relevant to the query received from the handheld device.

90. The server according to claim 85, further comprising:

means for accessing a broadcaster'"'"'s server;

means for receiving from the broadcaster'"'"'s server information regarding a future broadcast topic; and

means for retrieving a data file from the data storage medium that is relevant to the future broadcast topic in anticipation of a future query from the handheld device.

91. The server according to claim 85, wherein the data file includes an image suitable for display on the handheld device.

92. The server according to claim 85, wherein the data file includes a video clip suitable for display on the handheld device.

93. The server according to claim 85, wherein the data file includes an advertisement suitable for display on the handheld device.

94. The server according to claim 85, wherein the data file includes information which when displayed on the handheld device enables a user to purchase an item.

95. A server readable storage medium having stored thereon processor executable software instructions configured to cause a server processor to execute steps comprising:

receiving a query from the handheld device including information derived from a Radio Data System (RDS) data packet;

interpreting the information included in the query to identify a data file stored on a data storage medium;

retrieving the identified data file from the data storage medium;

formatting information within the retrieved data files for transmission to the handheld device; and

transmitting the formatted information to the handheld device via the Internet.

96. The server readable storage medium according to claim 95, wherein the stored software instructions are configured to cause a server processor to execute further steps comprising accessing a broadcaster'"'"'s server to obtain information relevant to the query received from the handheld device.

97. The server readable storage medium according to claim 95, wherein the information included in the query is a portion of an RDS data packet, and wherein the stored software instructions are configured to cause a server processor to execute further steps comprising using the portion of an RDS data packet included in the query to identify a data file stored on the data storage medium.

98. The server readable storage medium according to claim 95, wherein the information included in the query is a portion of an RDS data packet, and wherein the stored software instructions are configured to cause a server processor to execute further steps comprising comparing the portion of an RDS data packet included in the query to a table of values stored in memory of the processor to identify data files stored on the data storage medium.

99. The server readable storage medium according to claim 95, wherein the information included in the query is a portion of an RDS data packet, and wherein the stored software instructions are configured to cause a server processor to execute further steps comprising:

accessing a broadcaster'"'"'s server;

providing to the broadcaster'"'"'s server the portion of an RDS data packet included in the query from the handheld device; and

receiving from the broadcaster'"'"'s server information relevant to the query received from the handheld device.

100. The server readable storage medium according to claim 95, wherein the stored software instructions are configured to cause a server processor to execute further steps comprising:

accessing a broadcaster'"'"'s server;

receiving from the broadcaster'"'"'s server information regarding a future broadcast topic; and

retrieving a data file from the data storage medium that is relevant to the future broadcast topic in anticipation of a future query from the handheld device.

101. A communication system, comprising:

an FM radio station configured to broadcast Radio Data System (RDS) data packets;

a media server including a processor and a storage medium; and

a handheld device including

a wireless network transceiver,

an FM receiver configured to receive RDS data packets,

a display

a processor coupled to the wireless network transceiver, the FM receiver and the display, wherein the processor is configured to receive RDS data packets from the FM receiver, monitor the received RDS data packets and transmit a query via the wireless network transceiver to the media server in response to receiving a selected RDS data packet, the query including information derived from the selected RDS data packet,

wherein;

the media server data storage medium has stored thereon data files comprising information suitable for transmission to handheld devices;

the media server processor is configured with software to perform steps comprising

receiving the query from the handheld device including the information derived from the RDS data packet,

interpreting the information included in the query to identify a data file stored on the data storage medium,

retrieving the identified data file from the data storage medium,

formatting information within the retrieved data files for transmission to the handheld device, and

transmitting the formatted information to the handheld device via the Internet; and

the handheld device processor is further configured to receive the transmitted formatted information and present at least a portion of the transmitted formatted information on the display.

102. The system of claim 101, further comprising a broadcaster'"'"'s server configured to provide information to the media server via the Internet.