RADIO SCANNER FOR SPORTING EVENTS

Abstract

A scanner for monitoring signals at one or more frequencies having a processor for performing various functionalities of the scanner in accordance with a set of instructions including a menu of selectable menu items; a display for displaying the menu items; and at least one variable selector operatively coupled to the processor for selecting menu items. The scanner also includes a receiver for receiving serial data regarding an event from a local transmitter.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 2 are respective front and rear views of a radio scanner in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a control circuit for the radio scanner according to the invention.

FIG. 4 is a general illustration of a display screen for selecting various menu items facilitating use of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a spread sheet showing data for storage in the scanner of the invention.

Claims

1. A scanner for monitoring signals at one or more frequencies comprising: a processor for performing various functionalities of the scanner in accordance with a set of instructions including a menu of selectable menu items;a display for displaying the menu items; andat least one variable selector operatively coupled to the processor for selecting menu items.

2. The scanner of claim 1 further including a volume equalizer for producing an audible output at a selectable volume level regardless of the volume level of a received signal.

3. The scanner of claim 1 further comprising a memory for the processor and a scan list stored in the memory, said scan list including data identifying various frequencies as being associated with a source of the signals transmitted at the corresponding frequency.

4. The scanner of claim 1 further including a selector for enabling the scanner to toggle between any two most recently selected frequencies.

5. The scanner of claim 1 further including a selectable Main menu for selecting among a plurality of main menu options including Series; Scan List; Priority; Preferences and Program options.

6. The scanner of claim 1 wherein the series options comprise selectable menu items for multiple series representing racing events.

7. The scanner of claim 5 wherein the Scan list comprises a list of car and associated driver options participating in a racing event.

8. The scanner of claim 5 wherein Priority option comprises a plurality of selectable driver scanning selections having a scanning rate higher than remaining driver selections.

9. The scanner of claim 5 wherein the Preferences include a plurality of selections including Light; Squelch; Priority Scan; and Scan Delay control options.

10. The scanner of claim 9 wherein the Light option is for selecting or deselecting an option for lighting the display.

11. The scanner of claim 9 wherein the Squelch option is for selecting a squelch level of the scanner.

12. The scanner of claim 9 wherein the Priority Scan comprises a selector for enabling and disabling the Priority option.

13. The scanner of claim 9 wherein the Scan Delay comprises a selectable time delay between scanning times.

14. The scanner of claim 5 wherein the Program option includes programming options including Airwave; Keypad; RXCable; TXCable; Series; and Delete All options.

15. The scanner of claim 15 wherein the Airwave option comprises a selection for allowing the scanner to be programmed over a radio frequency.

16. The scanner of claim 15 wherein the RXCable option comprises a selection for allowing the scanner to be programmed over a cable link.

17. The scanner of claim 15 wherein the TXCable option comprises a selection for allowing the scanner to be transmit data over a cable link.

18. The scanner of claim 15 wherein the Series option comprises a an alternative selection option for allowing the scanner scan channels.

19. The scanner of claim 15 wherein the Delete All option comprises a selection for allowing the scanner to delete data.

20. The scanner of claim 15 including a key pad for programming the scanner and wherein the Key Pad option comprises a selection for allowing the scanner to be programmed over said key pad.

21. The scanner of claim 15 wherein the Scanning option comprises a selection for allowing the scanner to scan frequencies within a band.

22. The scanner of claim 15 wherein the at least one variable selector is operative to perform select; deselect; done; cancel; transmit; back; functions.

23. The scanner of claim 22 wherein the at least one variable selector has associated therewith a function as displayed on the display.

24. The scanner of claim 23 wherein the display for the at least one variable selector varies in accordance with available options.

25. The scanner of claim 1 further including a radio receiver for receiving at least one of a plurality of available channels in a selected band of frequencies.

26. The scanner of claim 1 further including a radio receiver for receiving data regarding an event on a current basis over a radio link.

27. The scanner of claim 1 further including a memory for storing data, said data being associated and updateable in connection with a sporting event to be monitored, said data being received and stored by the scanner in response to a control signal.

28. The scanner of claim 1 further including a volume equalizer for producing an audible output at a selectable volume level regardless of the volume level of a received signal.

29. A method for operating a scanner for monitoring signals at one or more frequencies comprising: performing various functionalities of the scanner in accordance with a set of instructions for a processor including a menu of selectable menu items for addressing processor functions;displaying the menu items; andassigning at least one variable selector for selecting menu items.

30. The method claim 29 further comprising storing in a memory for the processor a scan list stored in the memory, said scan list including data identifying various frequencies as being associated with a source of the signals transmitted at the corresponding frequency.

31. The scanner of claim 30 further including selecting a plurality of frequencies to monitor, and enabling the scanner to toggle between any two most recently selected frequencies.

32. The scanner of claim 29 further including assigning a function to a variable selector from among a plurality of menu options.

33. The scanner of claim 32 further comprising assigning a function to the variable selector by displaying a function on the display adjacent the variable selector, which displayed function defines the function when such function is displayed.