Method for determining the frequency of a radio signal and monitoring communications with a radio receiver
First Claim
1. A method of determining radio frequencies with active signals in the ambient electromagnetic environment and received through an antenna, the method comprising:
- a) receiving a dominant radio frequency signal through an antenna;
b) counting amplitude transitions of the dominant radio frequency signal during a primary sampling period and calculating the frequency of the dominant radio frequency signal from the amplitude transitions counted during the primary sampling period, as an active non-established radio frequency;
c) tuning a radio receiver to at least one established frequency that is stored in a data base of established frequencies, and testing for a signal on the established frequency to which the radio receiver is tuned, to identify an active established radio frequency; and
repeating a), b), and c) to identify a plurality of active non-established radio frequencies and active established radio frequencies.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus provide for monitoring radio frequency signals and, in conjunction with the monitoring, determining frequency of a received dominant radio frequency signal. Zero amplitude transitions of the signal are counted in primary and secondary sampling periods to determine frequency and frequency stability. The method and apparatus can be used to tune to radio frequency signals having frequencies in a list of frequencies to be monitored and detecting signals in the radio frequency spectrum on other frequencies. The monitoring and scanning may occur simultaneously, sequentially, or in any order or sequence. The frequencies of dominant signals received are determined and added to the list for monitoring. The receiver may be tuned to a frequency determined immediately upon determination of the frequency determined, after storage of the frequency determined, only after a signal on the currently monitored frequency terminates, or upon other conditions. A user of the apparatus can build a list of frequencies to be monitored automatically without sophisticated knowledge or equipment.
71 Citations
17 Claims
-
1. A method of determining radio frequencies with active signals in the ambient electromagnetic environment and received through an antenna, the method comprising:
-
a) receiving a dominant radio frequency signal through an antenna; b) counting amplitude transitions of the dominant radio frequency signal during a primary sampling period and calculating the frequency of the dominant radio frequency signal from the amplitude transitions counted during the primary sampling period, as an active non-established radio frequency; c) tuning a radio receiver to at least one established frequency that is stored in a data base of established frequencies, and testing for a signal on the established frequency to which the radio receiver is tuned, to identify an active established radio frequency; and repeating a), b), and c) to identify a plurality of active non-established radio frequencies and active established radio frequencies. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
-
Specification