Method and Apparatus for Identifying Unused RF Channels

Abstract

A wireless connection apparatus which scans radio frequency bands for local quiet unused, vacant, or unassigned frequencies which the apparatus can use, on a temporary basis, to establish a link for communicating between a portable multimedia device and a nearby RBDS/RDS configured receiver or source. The apparatus does not interfere with or utilize frequencies actively in use by an assigned user.

1 . An apparatus for connecting a portable multimedia device to a receiver for data play-back, comprising:
 first coupling means for coupling the apparatus to a portable multimedia device;   scanner means for scanning radio frequencies for a quiet carrier frequency and, upon detection of a quiet carrier frequency, indicating the detected quiet carrier frequency; mid   transmitter means for transmitting data to be carried over the detected quiet carrier frequency from the portable multimedia device to the receiver and   said apparatus being connected with a source of electric power selected from the group consisting of a vehicle power receptacle, a battery, a battery pack, a generator, and a commercial electric outlet.   
   
   
       2 . An apparatus as in  claim 1  wherein the scanned radio frequencies are in the FM bandwidth. 
   
   
       3 . An apparatus as in  claim 1  wherein the first coupling means is selected from the group consisting of a wireless connection and a hardwire connection. 
   
   
       4 . (canceled) 
   
   
       5 . An apparatus as in  claim 1 , wherein the portable multimedia device has an internal power supply, further having means for recharging the portable multimedia device power supply. 
   
   
       6 . An apparatus as in  claim 1  further having means for conveying data from a source to the portable multimedia device. 
   
   
       7 . An apparatus as in  claim 6  further including power means for powering the portable multimedia device and means for recharging the portable multimedia device power supply. 
   
   
       8 . An apparatus as in  claim 7  wherein the radio frequency scanner monitors the selected quiet frequency for the presence of a signal or excessive noise and automatically switches to another quiet frequency upon detection of said signal or noise. 
   
   
       9 . An apparatus for connecting a portable multimedia device to a receiver for data play-back, comprising:
 a connection between the portable multimedia device and a radio frequency scanner for detecting a quiet radio carrier frequency and for automatically wirelessly coupling the portable multimedia device to the receiver upon detection of a quiet carrier frequency;   data transfer means for conveying data from the portable multimedia device to the receiver;   power means for providing power to the apparatus and the portable multimedia device and   means for conveying data from a source to the portable multimedia device.   
   
   
       10 . An apparatus as in  claim 9  wherein the connection between the apparatus and the portable multimedia device is a hardwire connection and
 wherein the hardwire connection further comprises a physical connector selected from at least one of the group consisting of an electrical plug, an electrical socket, a cradle, a holder, and a docking station.   
   
   
       11 . (canceled) 
   
   
       12 . An apparatus as in  claim 9  wherein the power means is selected from the group consisting of a vehicle power outlet, a battery, a battery pack, a generator, and a utility outlet. 
   
   
       13 . An apparatus as in  claim 12  further having means for recharging the portable multimedia device power supply from the power means; and
 wherein the connection between the portable multimedia device and the radio frequency scanner is a hardwire connection having a physical connector selected from at least one of the group consisting of an electrical plug, an electrical socket, a cradle, a holder, and a docking station.   
   
   
       14 . A apparatus as in  claim 9  wherein the radio frequency scanner monitors the selected quiet carrier frequency for the presence of a signal or excessive noise and automatically switches to another quiet carrier frequency upon detection of said signal or noise. 
   
   
       15 . A method for transmitting data play-back from a portable multimedia device to a receiver comprising the steps of:
 scanning a radio frequency band for a quiet frequency;   identifying a detected quiet frequency;   setting the receiver to the indicated quiet carrier frequency;   wirelessly transmitting data from the portable multimedia device to the receiver and   providing at least one powering means selected from the group of means for recharging the portable multimedia device power supply and for providing operating power for the portable multimedia device.   
   
   
       16 . A method as in  claim 15  wherein connecting the portable multimedia device to the scanning means is by providing a hardwire connection
 wherein the hardwire connection has a physical connector selected from at least one of the group consisting of an electrical plug, an electrical socket, a cradle, a holder, and a docking station.   
   
   
       17 . A method as in  claim 15  wherein scanning radio frequencies includes scanning the FM radio frequency band. 
   
   
       18 . A method as in  claim 15  further providing data transmitting means for transmitting digital data from a source to the portable multimedia device. 
   
   
       19 . (canceled) 
   
   
       20 . A method as in  claim 15  wherein the scanning means continues to monitor the quiet frequency for a signal or noise and upon detection of said signal or noise automatically switches the wireless connection to another quiet frequency.