Method and system for providing route alternatives while using a cell phone

A method and system in accordance with the present invention integrates information from cell phone coverage maps with a user's GPS system, thereby making possible the suggestion of alternative routes based on coverage strength and chances of dropping calls in different geographical areas. The method and system in accordance with the present invention can also generate warnings if a user is approaching an area of low or nonexistent coverage, so that the user can take action, such as utilizing a different route or telling the party on the line that the connection may be dropped or disconnected.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to cell phones and more specifically to a system and method for providing alternate route information for a user of a cell phone.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cell phones are utilized in vehicles in a variety of ways. A driver who experiences a dropped cell phone call finds it frustrating. Besides being inconvenient, having a cell phone call dropped may disrupt an important personal or business communication. In the case of a truck driver delivering a security-sensitive load, for example, unexpectedly losing a cell phone connection could lead to increased security risks. In another example, a dropped call might cause a truck driver to miss changes in delivery instructions, thereby losing valuable time and incurring additional fuel costs.

Conventional systems do not anticipate dropped calls, especially in areas where cell phone coverage can be sparse. What is needed is a method and system for anticipating when cell phone coverage may be lost, and for being offered the choice of alternative routes in order to maintain the highest possible level of cell phone coverage. The present invention meets such a need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A method and system in accordance with the present invention integrates information from cell phone coverage maps with a user's GPS system, thereby making possible the suggestion of alternative routes based on coverage strength and chances of dropping calls in different geographical areas.

The method and system in accordance with the present invention can also generate warnings if a user is approaching an area of low or nonexistent coverage, so that the user can take action, such as utilizing a different route or telling the party on the line that the connection may be dropped or disconnected.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Most cell phone providers offer coverage maps which detail coverage strength by geographic area. The method and system in accordance with the present invention integrates information from cell phone coverage maps with a user's GPS system, thereby making possible the suggestion of alternative routes based on coverage strength and chances of dropping calls in different geographical areas.

The method and system in accordance with the present invention can also generate warnings if a user is approaching an area of low or nonexistent coverage, so that the user can take action, such as utilizing a different route or telling the party on the line that the connection may be dropped or disconnected.

FIG. 1is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of a vehicle100in accordance with the present invention. The vehicle could be any of a car, truck, SUV, van, tank, boat or the like that might use a cell phone technology. The vehicle100includes a cell coverage area mechanism102and GPS system104in accordance with the present invention which receives and incorporates cell phone coverage data with the GPS data. The one or more sources of cell phone coverage information could include, for example, data stored within a cell phone or data received from an exterior source such as a receiver. The cell phone coverage data could be retrieved via WiFi, or other wireless systems.

The vehicle100could be located within a vehicle such as a car or truck, or could be handheld. The vehicle100receives location information and coverage information.

FIG. 2shows a second embodiment in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, the vehicle100connects with a wireless network202and receives instant data from other cell phones204a-nvia the wireless network. Cell phones204a-nare located at destinations further along the user's chosen route, thereby providing constantly updated cell phone coverage data.

FIG. 3shows a diagram of a map generated by a vehicle100′ when utilizing a system and method in accordance with the present invention. The information displayed shows the user a geographic area302where there is a 0.5% chance of a dropped call, and another geographic area304where there is a 20% chance of a dropped call. Accordingly, a user can redirect his/her route based on the coverage information.

FIG. 4is a flow chart showing the process in accordance with the present invention. First, the user activates a GPS system, which includes cell phone coverage area data, via step402. The cell phone coverage area could be streaming into the GPS device on a continuous basis or it could be downloaded periodically.

Then the user defines the route of travel, providing beginning and destination locations based upon the cell phone coverage, via step404. Thereafter, an alert is provided based on whether the user is approaching or within an area of low coverage, via step406. The user can also define (1) the percentage of dropped calls required to trigger an alert, (2) the method of alert, which may include sounds in addition to screen display, and (3) the size and scale of geographic coverage to be included, which will determine how far in advance alerts will be issued.

When an alert is displayed on the GPS system indicating that the user is approaching a poor quality or nonexistent level of coverage, the user may request the GPS system to recalculate the route, in order to redirect the user to an area where coverage is better, or the user may be shown alternative routes which will allow the user to maintain the highest possible quality of cell phone coverage. In addition, the system would allow for a user to specify roaming to receive coverage and incur the costs of such roaming.

Advantages

Utilizing a method and system in accordance with the present invention, users can plan trips so that they are not put in a precarious situation of traveling in an isolated area (e.g., such as a desert) without a cellular connection. Furthermore, they can take evasive actions/alternate routes as proposed by a GPS system so that they do not drop an important call.

For a trucker who is utilizing a truck in conjunction with a business, the software/hardware in accordance with the present invention could be especially advantageous. If a trucker is carrying high-risk security materials, they would want to be able to know if and when cell phone coverage is low or nonexistent, so that they might make route changes in order to be in constant communication regarding their high-risk load. Similarly, a trucker might need the capability of being informed if delivery destinations are changed, delayed or otherwise modified, possibly saving hours of driving and eliminating unanticipated fuel costs.