Mobile Radio Retuning via Location-Based Database Search
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile or transportable radio communication devices face challenges in identifying and tuning into fixed location radio communication facilities as they move, due to propagation limitations and the need to manually input repeater station frequencies and protocols, leading to disrupted radio broadcasts and communication issues.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device equipped with an antenna, database of radio communication parameters, location determining component, and computer component that automatically retunes to the closest available fixed location radio facility by searching the database when signal strength falls below a threshold, using GPS or inertial guidance, and can connect to satellite broadcasts for expanded program selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual tuning of radio frequencies is used, then the device can communicate with fixed location radio facilities, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming when moving between locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-stores operating data for multiple repeater stations and broadcast facilities in a database. Before the user needs to communicate or receive broadcasts in a new location, the microprocessor automatically queries the database using GPS coordinates to retrieve relevant frequency and protocol information, eliminating the need for manual tuning and location search.
Solution Approach 2:
The microprocessor autonomously performs the tuning and configuration functions by automatically querying the database with current location data, selecting appropriate repeater stations or broadcast facilities, and configuring the radio parameters without requiring user intervention. The system serves itself by maintaining continuous monitoring of signal strength and automatically switching stations when needed.
2Reliability
If the device uses fixed frequency tuning, then it can maintain stable communication, but it cannot adapt when moving beyond propagation range of current station
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operating frequency and selected repeater station or broadcast facility based on the user's current location and signal strength conditions. The microprocessor continuously monitors signal quality and automatically retunes to alternative pre-stored frequencies or stations when the current signal falls below acceptable thresholds, maintaining reliable communication while adapting to changing environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring the strength and quality of received radio signals. When the signal from the current repeater station or broadcast facility deteriorates below a threshold, the microprocessor receives this feedback and automatically queries the database for alternative stations, then switches to a different frequency or station that provides better signal quality, ensuring maintained communication reliability.
3Extent of automation
If the database contains comprehensive radio communication parameters, then the device can automatically retune to closest facility, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microprocessor performs multiple functions using the same database and processing architecture: it determines GPS location, queries for repeater station data, queries for broadcast facility data, monitors signal strength, selects appropriate stations, and configures radio parameters. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a single integrated unit, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive automation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a standardized database structure that stores replicated information about multiple repeater stations and broadcast facilities, each with their own frequency, location, and protocol parameters. This copying approach allows the same processing logic to be applied universally across different station types and locations, simplifying the automation algorithm while maintaining the ability to handle diverse radio communication scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for automatically retuning a specific broadcast program for a mobile or transportable device includes instructing the mobile or transportable device to stay on a specific broadcast program; monitoring a radio signal of the specific broadcast program broadcast from a first fixed location radio communication facility, when the radio signal is weaker than a threshold value, the mobile or transportable device searches a database thereof to find radio communication parameters of a second fixed location radio communication facility that broadcasts the same program as the specific broadcast program and locates most closely to the current location of the mobile or transportable device; and operably retuning the mobile or transportable device in the specific broadcast program broadcast from the first fixed location radio communication facility to the second fixed location radio communication facility according to the radio communication parameters of the second fixed location radio communication facility.