System and method for edge of coverage detection in a wireless communication device
First Claim
1. In a wireless telephone communication system having more than one service provider system, a method to enhance performance of a mobile phone, comprising:
- when the mobile phone that is communicating with a first service provider system is in an idle mode, monitoring a first performance level and a second performance level;
if the first performance level falls below a first threshold and the second performance level falls below a second threshold, starting a timer;
if, while the timer is running, either the first or second performance levels exceed their respective thresholds, resetting the timer and continue monitoring the first and second performance levels; and
if the timer exceeds a predetermined duration, switching the mobile telephone from the first service provider system to a second service provider system.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method to enhance performance of a dual-mode or dual-band mobile phone includes, after the phone has initially connected to a CDMA wireless network, monitoring a level of total power received by the phone. This power level is compared to a preset threshold level. If the power level remains below the threshold level for over two seconds, the dual-mode or dual-band phone switches to an AMPS or other network retrieved from the preferred roaming list that is stored in the phone. If the power level is above the threshold, the phone moves into the idle state. Once in the idle state, both the pilot strength and Received Signal Strength Indication are monitored. If both of these levels are below respective thresholds for over eight seconds, the phone switches to another network stored in the preferred roaming list. If the mobile phone is not a dual-mode or dual-band phone, the mobile phone can perform similar measurements and switch between service provider systems compatible with the mobile phone.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. In a wireless telephone communication system having more than one service provider system, a method to enhance performance of a mobile phone, comprising:
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when the mobile phone that is communicating with a first service provider system is in an idle mode, monitoring a first performance level and a second performance level;
if the first performance level falls below a first threshold and the second performance level falls below a second threshold, starting a timer;
if, while the timer is running, either the first or second performance levels exceed their respective thresholds, resetting the timer and continue monitoring the first and second performance levels; and
if the timer exceeds a predetermined duration, switching the mobile telephone from the first service provider system to a second service provider system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
retrieving a frequency from a list of alternate service provider systems;
disconnecting the mobile phone from the first service provider system; and
connecting the mobile phone to the second service provider system operating at the frequency retrieved from the list of alternate service provider systems.
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7. The method of claim 6 wherein the list of alternate service provider systems is stored within the mobile phone.
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8. A wireless telephone comprising:
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a signal detector structured to receive and measure a first performance level of communication signals after the telephone has connected to a first service provider system;
a signal comparator structured to compare the first performance level with a first threshold level;
a timer that begins when the first performance level is below the first threshold level and expires a preselected time period after it begins;
a system determinator structured to determine a second service provider system for the wireless telephone to connect to when the timer expires;
a second signal detector structured to receive and measure a second performance level of communication signals; and
a second signal comparator structured to compare the second performance level with a second threshold level;
wherein the timer begins when both the first performance level is below the first threshold level and when the second performance level is below the second threshold level. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification