Patent ID: 7369861
Filing Date: 2008-05-06
Classification: G01S,H04W

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: storing in a first mobile terminal, and making available for sharing with other mobile terminals in response to a broadcast request, two types of cell coverage information, the cell coverage information including a first type containing point location and signal strength data for a location of the first mobile terminal, and a second type containing a coverage bitmap for a geographic region, said bitmap identifying signal strength ranges using a bit depth of at least two bits per point; transmitting a request for cell coverage information from a first mobile terminal to a plurality of other mobile terminals, wherein the request comprises an identification of one of said types of cell coverage information and one of a geographic location and a cell identifier; and receiving a first response to the request at said first mobile terminal, wherein the response comprises a cell coverage map matching said one of said types and identifying signal strengths at a plurality of positions in two dimensions within the identified geographic location or cell.