Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
268 words
A method for broadcasting a digitally coded stream of data containing information about one or a plurality of radio programs or other data, wherein the stream of data is distributed to a plurality of RF carriers, comprising the steps of (a) employing a frequency band already occupied by FM services to transmit the plurality of RF carriers, with each FM service maintaining a sufficient frequency spacing from the other FM services broadcast at the same location, and being sufficiently separated at a smaller frequency spacing from other local FM services transmitting at closely adjacent locations; (b) transmitting the plurality of RF carriers modulated with the stream of data either in the frequency gap between two adjacent FM services at the same location, or in the unoccupied frequency ranges on both sides of an FM service, thereby leaving out the rated frequency occupation of said FM service; and (c) selecting the overall amplitude level of the plurality of RF carriers, compared to the level of an RF carrier of an adjacent FM service or the FM service in the middle, to be sufficiently low relative to a signal to noise ratio sufficient for the FM reception of the FM service or services, and sufficiently high to provide noise immunity against the other local FM services that fall into the frequency range or frequency gap intended for the transmission of the plurality of RF carriers; and (d) providing the stream of data modulating the RF carriers with a greater error protection to provide sufficient noise immunity against the adjacent FM service or services or the FM service in the middle.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
268 words
A method for broadcasting a digitally coded stream of data containing information about one or a plurality of radio programs or other data, wherein the stream of data is distributed to a plurality of RF carriers, comprising the steps of (a) employing a frequency band already occupied by FM services to transmit the plurality of RF carriers, with each FM service maintaining a sufficient frequency spacing from the other FM services broadcast at the same location, and being sufficiently separated at a smaller frequency spacing from other local FM services transmitting at closely adjacent locations; (b) transmitting the plurality of RF carriers modulated with the stream of data either in the frequency gap between two adjacent FM services at the same location, or in the unoccupied frequency ranges on both sides of an FM service, thereby leaving out the rated frequency occupation of said FM service; and (c) selecting the overall amplitude level of the plurality of RF carriers, compared to the level of an RF carrier of an adjacent FM service or the FM service in the middle, to be sufficiently low relative to a signal to noise ratio sufficient for the FM reception of the FM service or services, and sufficiently high to provide noise immunity against the other local FM services that fall into the frequency range or frequency gap intended for the transmission of the plurality of RF carriers; and (d) providing the stream of data modulating the RF carriers with a greater error protection to provide sufficient noise immunity against the adjacent FM service or services or the FM service in the middle.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the data stream transmitted on the RF carriers which are interfered with to a greater extent by the FM service or services than the remaining portions of the data stream are provided with increased error protection.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
49 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting power of the RF carrier of the adjacent FM service or of the FM service in the middle is controlled as a function of its frequency deviation so that, if the frequency deviation is great, the transmitting power is reduced.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
60 words
A method of receiving a data stream transmitted according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of RF carriers is transmitted on both sides of an FM service, and wherein a notch filter is employed to filter out the plurality of RF carriers, with a stop band of said notch filter corresponding to the frequency position of the respective FM service.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
73 words
A method of receiving a data stream transmitted according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of RF carriers is transmitted in the frequency gap between two adjacent FM services, and wherein a bandpass filter is employed to filter out the plurality of RF carriers, with a passband of said bandpass filter being narrower than the frequency gap, and at least as wide as the frequency range occupied by the plurality of RF carriers.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
50 words
A method according to claim 4, wherein existing noise components in the FM service or services are substantially suppressed in the data stream with the aid of an equalization algorithm when said data stream is processed, after evaluation of the FM signal or signals of the FM service or services.