Audio synthesis of a currently tuned frequency

• US 7,139,710 B1
• Filed: 11/09/2000
• Issued: 11/21/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 11/10/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
• Original Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
• Inventors: Bontrager, Rich
• Primary Examiner(s): Knepper, David D.
• Application Number:
  US09/709,809
• Time in Patent Office: 2,203 Days
• Field of Search: 704/258, 704/260, 704/270, 704/274, 704276-278
• US Class Current: 704/260
• CPC Class Codes: G10L 13/00 Speech synthesis; Text to speech systems

Abstract

A system 10 is provided which is receptive to selective tuning at particular frequencies. The system 10 includes a display device 15, an audio synthesizer 14, and a controller 20. The controller 20 is in communication with the display device 15 and the audio synthesizer 14. The controller 20 communicates with the audio synthesizer 14 when a malfunction is detected with respect to the display device 15. In one embodiment, the audio synthesizer 14 produces an audible announcement of a frequency at which the system 10 is currently tuned.

Claims

1. A system receptive to selective tuning to particular frequencies, said system comprising:

a display device;

an audio synthesizer; and

a controller in communication with said display device and said audio synthesizer, wherein said controller communicates with said audio synthesizer when a malfunction is detected with respect to said display device.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein said controller comprises an electronic processor circuit.

3. A system according to claim 1, wherein said audio synthesizer audibly synthesizes a frequency at which said system is currently tuned.

4. A system according to claim 1, wherein said system comprises a navigation system.

5. A system according to claim 1, wherein said system comprises a communications system.

6. A system according to claim 1, wherein said system comprises a navigation and communications system.

7. An apparatus adapted to be selectively tuned to individual frequencies, said apparatus communicating with an audio synthesizer and a display device, said apparatus comprising:

a processor which;

i) detects a first operating mode;

ii) tunes the apparatus to a predetermined frequency, if the first operating mode is detected, iii) controls the audio synthesizer to generate an audio announcement of a frequency at which the apparatus is currently tuned, if the first operating mode is detected; and

iv) controls the display device to display a frequency at which the apparatus is currently tuned, if the first operating mode is not detected.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said processor programs the audio synthesizer, if the first operating mode is detected.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said processor tunes the radio to a selected frequency.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein after tuning the radio, said processor waits for the frequency to change.

11. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the first operating mode corresponds to a failure of the display device.

12. A method of providing feedback of a first selected setting in a system including a signal receiving device, said method comprising the steps of:

visually presenting the first selected setting during a first mode; and

audibly presenting a second selected setting during a second mode, the second selected setting a default setting that is selected upon failure of a visual display.

13. A method according to claim 12, further comprising the step of determining the termination of the first mode.

14. A method according to claim 12, wherein the first selected setting comprises a frequency.

15. A method of providing information regarding a system, the system adapted to receive signals over a range of frequencies and adapted to tune to individual frequencies within the range, said method comprising the steps of:

tuning the system to a first frequency;

visually displaying the first frequency during a first mode of operation;

audibly announcing the first frequency during a second mode of operation; and

the second mode of operation entered upon the inability to visually display the first frequency.

16. A method according to claim 15, wherein upon entering the second mode of operation, said method further comprises the steps of resetting the system to a predetermined frequency, and audibly announcing the predetermined frequency.

17. A method according to claim 15, further comprising the step of audibly announcing the first frequency during the first mode of operation.

18. A method according to claim 15, wherein said system comprises any one of a navigation system, a communications system and a navigation/communications system.

19. A method according to claim 18, wherein said system is for use in an aircraft.

20. Computer executable code stored on a computer readable medium, the code to provide information regarding a system, the system adapted to receive signals over a range of frequencies and adapted to tune to individual frequencies within the range, said code comprising code to:

tune the system to a first frequency;

visually display the first frequency during a first mode of operation;

audibly announce the first frequency during a second mode of operation; and

the second mode of operation entered upon failure to visually display the first frequency.

21. A system receptive to selective tuning at particular frequencies, said system comprising:

means for displaying;

means for audio synthesizing a frequency signal; and

means for controlling communication with said displaying means and said audio synthesizing means, wherein said control means communicates with said audio synthesizing means when a malfunction is detected with respect to said displaying means.

22. Computer executable software code stored on a computer readable medium, the code for use with an apparatus adapted to be selectively tuned to individual frequencies, the apparatus communicating with an audio synthesizer and a display device, said code comprising code to:

detect a first operating mode;

tune the apparatus to a predetermined frequency, if the first operating mode is detected;

control the audio synthesizer to generate an audio announcement of a frequency at which the apparatus is currently tuned, if the first operating mode is detected; and

control the display device to display a frequency at which the apparatus is currently tuned, if the first operating mode is not detected.