Method for detecting whether an apparatus having an emergency alert function has been relocated
View Patent ↗An apparatus such as a television signal receiver includes an emergency alert function which, when activated, provides an alert output to notify users of an emergency event. According to an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a tuner operative to tune signals including emergency alert signals capable of activating the emergency alert function. A processor is operative to detect a condition indicating relocation of the apparatus after a power interruption to the apparatus, and to enable a predetermined output associated with the emergency alert function responsive to detecting the condition.
1. A method for controlling an apparatus having an emergency alert function, comprising:
detecting a power interruption to said apparatus;
determining an estimate of the duration of said detected power interruption;
comparing said estimate of the duration of said detected power interruption to a predetermined threshold; and
responsive to a determination that said estimate of the duration of said detected power interruption exceeded said predetermined threshold, enabling a user to provide updated information comprising location information associated with the emergency alert function responsive to detecting said power interruption.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein said updated information comprising location information includes a FIPS location code.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein said updated information includes a type of emergency event.
4. An apparatus having an emergency alert function, comprising:
tuning means for tuning signals including emergency alert signals capable of activating said emergency alert function; and
processing means for:
detecting a power interruption to said apparatus;
determining an estimate of the duration of said detected power interruption;
comparing said estimate of the duration of said detected power interruption to a predetermined threshold; and
responsive to a determination that said estimate of the duration of said detected power interruption exceeded said predetermined threshold, enabling a user to provide updated information comprising location information associated with the emergency alert function responsive to detecting said power interruption.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein said updated information comprising location information includes a FIPS location code.
6. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein said updated information includes a type of emergency event.
7. A television signal receiver having an emergency alert function, comprising:
a tuner operative to tune signals including emergency alert signals capable of activating said emergency alert function; and
a processor operative to:
detect a power interruption to said television signal receiver;
determine an estimate of the duration of said detected power interruption;
compare said estimate of the duration of said detected power interruption to a predetermined threshold; and
enable a user to provide updated information comprising location information associated with the emergency alert function responsive to detecting said power interruption responsive to a determination that said estimate of the duration of said detected power interruption exceeded said predetermined threshold.
8. The television signal receiver of claim 7 , wherein said updated information comprising location information includes a FIPS location code.
9. The television signal receiver of claim 7 , wherein said updated information includes a type of emergency event.