Advisory alert of low signal strength for cell phone user
First Claim
1. In a cellular telephone having a keypad, a method of alerting a user to possible loss of a call due to low signal strength comprising:
- a. measuring incoming signal strength;
b. calculating changes in incoming signal strength;
c. comparing changes in incoming signal strength to a designated percentage;
d. providing an advisory alert to said user that indicates the possible loss of a call due to low signal strength when, during a designated time interval, the incoming signal strength decreased by the designated percentage; and
e. selecting the designated percentage related to a first range of initial signal strength, and selecting an additional designated percentage related to a second range of initial signal strength, said initial signal strength comprising a starting value of the designated time interval.
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Abstract
The invention provides an advisory alert indicating conditions are such that an ongoing telephone call involving a cellular telephone may be dropped due to insufficient signal strength. A decrease in signal strength over time that exceeds a specified percentage decrease provides the primary basis for triggering the advisory alert. This advisory alert warns one or more participants of the call of the possibility of the call ending due to low signal strength. The advisory alert provides for conclusion of the call before the call is lost, and/or lowers the frustration level associated with a call lost for an unknown reason.
In operation, signal strength is assessed during a series of time intervals. Signal strength of consecutive time intervals is compared. If the percentage drop in signal strength exceeds a specified percentage, an advisory alert is effectuated. The criteria that trigger an advisory alert may be non-programmable, or is modifiable in programmable embodiments.
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Citations
8 Claims
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1. In a cellular telephone having a keypad, a method of alerting a user to possible loss of a call due to low signal strength comprising:
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a. measuring incoming signal strength; b. calculating changes in incoming signal strength; c. comparing changes in incoming signal strength to a designated percentage; d. providing an advisory alert to said user that indicates the possible loss of a call due to low signal strength when, during a designated time interval, the incoming signal strength decreased by the designated percentage; and e. selecting the designated percentage related to a first range of initial signal strength, and selecting an additional designated percentage related to a second range of initial signal strength, said initial signal strength comprising a starting value of the designated time interval. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification