Systems and methods for determining texting locations and network coverage

Abstract

A method for receiving an emergency communication includes receiving a first portion of a first communication. The method also includes receiving a second portion of a second communication. The second communication may be a duplicate of the first communication. The method includes reconstructing the first communication using the first portion and the second portion.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present disclosure relates generally to the field of cellular phone networks; more particularly, to the field of determining texting locations; and, more particularly still, to systems, methods, and software that can be utilized to gather data on physical texting locations and associated network coverage such that said data can be employed to help locate someone who is lost or in distress, among other uses.BACKGROUND[0002]Widespread acceptance and mainstream use of mobile / cellular phones has occurred in most areas of the world between five and twenty years ago. Two decades past, very few networks could be found that had broad coverage across significant geographic areas. However, within fifteen years, many well-populated areas were subsequently blanketed by multiple cellular networks. This is especially true for the more developed countries. For example, in the United States, cellular networks blanket huge swaths of territory with only isolated pockets havin...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent is about a method for receiving and reconstructing communications. It also includes identifying emergency indicators in communications and transmitting them to emergency responders. Additionally, it describes a method for sending and receiving sets of communications, and storing information based on the indications of communication reception. The technical effects of this patent are improved communication reassembly and emergency notification, as well as improved efficiency and reliability in communication transmission.

Problems solved by technology

Nevertheless, it is just these areas that still lack cellular service that pose a potential hazard; for in such places, if a person becomes lost, injured or is otherwise in distress, his or her cell phone ceases to be a reliable link to outside help.

Importantly, such areas can be rugged, wild, and otherwise somewhat dangerous—often the vary traits that draw people to them.

But if there is an emergency and an adventurer suddenly finds himself or herself needing outside assistance, whether the location they are in has cell service or not can become a life-or-death question.

Furthermore, if an adventurer occasionally checks in with another person or even via an automated system, and subsequently becomes lost or otherwise fails to report in, emergency responders will have a good idea of that person's last known location and can dramatically narrow the search area, when such assistance is required.

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