Method and system for directing a wireless user to a location for improved communication

• US 20050070302A1
• Filed: 09/30/2003
• Published: 03/31/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 09/30/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Lenovo PC International Limited (Lenovo Group Ltd.)
• Original Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Inventors: Raghavachari, Mukund
• Granted Patent: US 8,095,146 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/456.100
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/02 Services making use of location information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/029 Location-based management or tracking services
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/16 Discovering, processing access restriction or access information

Abstract

An information handling system for improving reception comprises logic for determining a target location for improved communication for a wireless telecommunication unit based in part on information representing a recent position of the wireless telecommunication unit, wherein the target location is more likely to result in better reception of wireless signals from a wireless access point. The system also includes a transceiver for receiving and transmitting signals to other users of the network. Optionally, the transceiver can be configured for receiving information representing the most recent position of the wireless unit and for transmitting directions to the wireless unit, the directions including information on how to get to the target location.

Claims

1. An information handling system for providing directions to a wireless unit for improving reception, comprising:

logic for determining a target location for improved communication for the wireless unit based in part on information representing a recent position of the wireless unit, wherein the target location is more likely to result in better reception and transmission of wireless signals to and from a wireless access point.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a database for storing information relating to locations and related data on wireless reception quality.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a global positioning system.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the logic for determining an improved location comprises a mapping device for defining the improved location.

5. The system of claim 2 wherein the database is dynamically updateable based on reception strength input received from a plurality of wireless units.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the logic for determining a target location comprises an application specific integrated circuit.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein the logic for determining a target location comprises software for execution by a processor.

8. The system of claim 1 further comprising an input/output interface for presenting the user with information on the target location.

9. The system of claim 1 further comprising a transceiver for receiving information representing the recent position of the wireless unit and for transmitting directions to the wireless unit, the directions including information directing a user of the wireless unit to the improved target location.

10. In a wireless network comprising access points and wireless clients, a method for directing a wireless client to a target location for improved communication, comprising:

determining where the wireless client was most recently located;

determining whether there exists a target location for improved communication between the wireless client and the access point; and

providing information representing the target location and navigation directions to the target location.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the step of determining where the wireless client was most recently located further comprises

receiving a global positioning system signal.

12. The method of claim 10 wherein the step of sending information to the wireless client further comprises at least one step from among the steps of:

providing a map illustrating a route to the target location;

providing a text message comprising navigation instructions to the target location;

providing an audio message comprising navigation instructions to the target location; and

providing a video message comprising navigation instructions to the target location.

13. The method of claim 10 further comprising

using a database comprising a history of communication quality at various locations.

14. The method of claim 13 further comprising updating the database dynamically as new data on communication quality are determined.

15. The method of claim 10 wherein the step of providing information comprises providing information relating to target locations within a destination area provided by the wireless client.

16. The method of claim 10 wherein the information provided to the wireless client is based on data relating to the wireless client'"'"'s most recent location, direction and velocity.

17. The method of claim 10 wherein the step of determining the wireless client'"'"'s most recent location comprises using triangulation.

18. A computer readable medium comprising instructions for:

determining where a wireless client in a wireless network was most recently located; and

determining whether there exists a target location for improved communication between the wireless client and the network; and

providing directions to the target location when it is determined that there exists a target location for improved communication.

19. The computer readable medium of claim 18 further comprising instructions for

receiving a global positioning system signal.

20. The computer readable medium of claim 19 wherein the instructions for providing information further comprise at least one instruction from among the instructions:

providing a map illustrating a route to the target location;

providing a text message comprising navigation instructions to the target location;

providing an audio message comprising navigation instructions to the target location; and

providing a video message comprising navigation instructions to the target location.

21. The computer readable medium of claim 18 further comprising

using information on the most recent location, direction, and velocity of the wireless client to project the target location for the wireless client where improved communication is likely.

22. A wireless telecommunication unit comprising:

processor logic for determining a target location for the wireless telecommunication unit based in part on information representing a recent location of the wireless unit, wherein the target location is more likely to result in better reception of wireless signals from a wireless access point; and

a transceiver for receiving and transmitting wireless signals.

23. The wireless telecommunication unit of claim 22 further comprising a global positioning system.

24. The wireless telecommunication unit of claim 22 wherein the processor logic comprises a programmable processor and program instructions.

25. The wireless telecommunication unit of claim 22 wherein the processor logic comprises an application-specific integrated circuit.

26. A database storing information relating to locations and related data on wireless reception quality at the locations.