User Equipment with Wireless Coverage Tracking Capability

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a user equipment having wireless coverage tracking capabilities. A communication network may include a user equipment that communicates with external equipment. The user equipment may include an antenna, a measurement circuit, a control circuit, and a display. As the user equipment moves through a geographical area, the antenna may receive downlink signals. The measurement circuit may collect wireless performance metric data based on the received signals. The control circuit may determine whether the collected wireless performance metric data exceeds a threshold for a predetermined period of time. When the collected wireless performance metric data exceeds the threshold for the predetermined period of time, the control circuit may store the corresponding geographical location of the user equipment at each location in the geographical area. In response to a trigger condition, the control circuit may control the output device to generate an output to at least one of the geographical locations stored for the user identification of the user equipment.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 945,133, filed Jul. 31, 2020, and U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 930,988, filed Jul. 16, 2020, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention generally relates to wireless communication, including wireless communication between a user equipment and an external communication equipment. Background Art

[0003] Communication systems are used to transmit wireless data using radio frequency signals transmitted between a user equipment and an external communication equipment. The user equipment is operated by a user. When carrying the user equipment and when the user equipment performs wireless communication with the external communication equipment, the user generally moves through a given geographical area.

[0004] However, the external communication equipment generally provides better wireless coverage at some locations within the geographical area than at other locations. In fact, the external communication equipment generally cannot provide any wireless coverage at certain locations within the geographical area. When the user moves to a location with insufficient wireless coverage within the geographical area, the user will not be able to communicate with the external communication equipment. If the user urgently needs to communicate with the external communication equipment, such as during an emergency, the user will need to move to a location within the geographical area where there is satisfactory wireless coverage. This may be difficult to achieve within a reasonable amount of time, especially in rural geographical areas.

[0005] Therefore, it is advantageous to be able to provide a user equipment with improved wireless communication capabilities. Summary of the Invention

[0006] A communication network may include a user equipment that performs wireless communication with an external communication equipment. The user equipment may include a wireless transmitter, a wireless receiver, an antenna, a measurement circuit, a control circuit, and an output device. When the user equipment moves through a geographical area, the antenna may receive a radio frequency downlink signal transmitted by the external communication equipment. The measurement circuit may collect wireless performance metric data from the radio frequency signals received by the antenna when the user equipment moves through the geographical area. The control circuit may determine whether the collected wireless performance metric data exceeds a threshold for a predetermined period of time. When the collected wireless performance metric data exceeds the threshold for the predetermined period of time, the control circuit may store the corresponding geographical location of the user equipment at each location within the geographical area. In response to a trigger condition, the control circuit may control the output device to generate an output to at least one of the geographical locations stored for the user identification of the user equipment.

[0007] The triggering condition can be a user input and / or an application call made by an application running on the control circuit. The output device can be a display. The control circuit can control the display to generate a visual indicator associated with the stored geographical location. For example, the display can show a map identifying the stored geographical location, can show directions from the current location of the user equipment to the stored geographical location, etc. In this way, the user equipment can notify the user of the previous location of the user equipment within the coverage area of the external communication equipment. Then, the user can move to those locations without blindly searching the coverage area after the user equipment has left the coverage area.

[0008] If desired, the transmitter can transmit reverse datagrams at a relatively low duty cycle, or can forego transmitting reverse datagrams until the collected wireless performance metric data exceeds a threshold for a predetermined period of time. Once the collected wireless performance metric data exceeds the threshold for a predetermined period of time, the transmitter can transmit a burst of reverse datagrams at a relatively high duty cycle. This can be used to save power in the user equipment, but at the same time the probability of performing satisfactory communication with the external communication equipment is relatively low. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary communication system including a user equipment that performs wireless communication with an external wireless communication equipment according to some embodiments.

[0010] Figure 2 is an illustration of an exemplary geographical area through which a user equipment can move when performing wireless communication with an external wireless communication equipment according to some embodiments.

[0011] Figure 3 is a graph of exemplary wireless performance metric data (Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) values) as a function of time collected by a user equipment as the user equipment moves through a geographical area according to some embodiments.

[0012] Figure 4 is a flowchart of exemplary steps that a user equipment can perform to continue performing wireless communication even though the user equipment has moved outside the coverage area of an external wireless communication equipment according to some embodiments.

[0013] Figure 5 is a flowchart of exemplary steps that can be performed by a user equipment to transmit a burst of reverse datagrams as the user equipment moves through a geographical area according to some embodiments.

[0014] Figure 6An illustration of an exemplary graphical user interface that can be generated by a user device according to some embodiments to identify for a user a previous location at which the user device was able to perform satisfactory wireless communication with an external wireless communication device.

[0015] Figure 7 An illustration of an exemplary map that can be displayed on a graphical user interface to identify for a user a location at which a user device can perform satisfactory wireless communication with an external wireless communication device. Detailed Description

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an exemplary communication system 10 (sometimes referred to herein as communication network 10) for transmitting wireless data between communication terminals. As Figure 1 shown, communication system 10 can include network nodes (e.g., communication terminals), such as user equipment (UE) 12 and external communication equipment 46. User equipment 12 and external communication equipment 46 can communicate with each other using a wireless communication link. If desired, user equipment 12 can communicate wirelessly with external communication equipment 46 without passing the communication through any other intermediate network nodes in communication system 10 (e.g., user equipment 12 can communicate directly wirelessly with external communication equipment 46).

[0017] Communication system 10 can form part of a larger communication network that includes network nodes coupled to external communication equipment 46 via wired and / or wireless links. The larger communication network can include one or more wired communication links (e.g., communication links formed using cables such as Ethernet cables, radio frequency cables such as coaxial cables or other transmission lines, fiber optic or other optical cables, etc.), one or more wireless communication links (e.g., short-range wireless communication links operating within a range of inches, feet, or dozens of feet, medium-range wireless communication links operating within a range of hundreds of feet, thousands of feet, miles, or dozens of miles, and / or long-range wireless communication links operating within a range of hundreds or thousands of miles, etc.), communication gateways, wireless access points, base stations, switches, routers, servers, modems, repeaters, telephone lines, network cards, line cards, ports, user equipment (e.g., computing devices, mobile devices, etc.), etc. The larger communication network can include communication (network) nodes or terminals (e.g., some or all of those in a mesh network, relay network, ring network, local area network, wireless local area network, personal area network, cloud network, star network, tree network, or a network of communication nodes having other network topologies) coupled together using these components or other components, the Internet, combinations thereof, etc. User equipment 12 can send data to other nodes or terminals in the larger communication network via external communication equipment 46 and / or can receive data from other nodes or terminals (e.g., external communication equipment 46 can act as an interface between user equipment 12 and the rest of the larger communication network). If desired, the communication network can be operated by a corresponding network operator.

[0018] The user equipment 12 can be a portable electronic device (such as a cellular phone, a portable media player, a wearable electronic device (e.g., a wristwatch, a pendant, glasses, or other head-mounted device, etc.), a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a game controller, a remote control, an electronic navigation device), other larger electronic devices (such as a desktop computer, a television, a set-top box, a home entertainment system, a server, or a computer monitor), or can include electronic equipment integrated into a larger system (such as a self-service machine, a building, a satellite, or a vehicle). The external communication equipment 46 can also be a portable electronic device (such as a cellular phone, a portable media player, a wearable electronic device (e.g., a wristwatch, a pendant, glasses, or other head-mounted device, etc.), a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a game controller, a remote control, an electronic navigation device), other larger electronic devices (such as a desktop computer, a television, a set-top box, a home entertainment system, a server, or a computer monitor), can include electronic equipment integrated into a larger system (such as a self-service machine, a building, a satellite, or a vehicle), can be a wireless base station, an access point, a relay station, or a gateway, and can include two or more of these, etc. The information transmitted between the user equipment 12 and the external communication equipment 46 can include any desired information (e.g., message data, voice data, application data, image data, video data, email data, web page data, authentication data such as a two-factor authentication code, real-time chat data, cloud service data, sensor data, etc.).

[0019] As Figure 1 shown, the user equipment 12 can include a control circuit 16, an input / output device 22, and a wireless circuit 26. The user equipment 12 can include a communication bus and / or other data and control paths (not shown) that couple the control circuit 16 to the input / output device 22 and the wireless circuit 26. The control circuit 16 can include a storage device such as a storage circuit 20. The storage circuit 20 can include volatile memory (e.g., static or dynamic random access memory), non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory or other electrically programmable read-only memory), a hard disk drive storage device, etc. The storage circuit 20 can also be integrated within the user equipment 12 and / or can include removable storage media. The control circuit 16 can also include a processing circuit 18. The processing circuit 18 can control the operation of the user equipment 12. The processing circuit 18 can include one or more application-specific integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, baseband processor integrated circuits, central processing units, digital signal processors, etc.

[0020] The control circuit 16 can be used to run software on the user equipment 12, such as operating system functions, software applications, etc. For example, the storage circuit 20 can store computer code or other software instructions executed by the processing circuit 18. The computer code can be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a storage device such as the storage circuit 20). The control circuit 16 can also be used to implement wireless communication protocols (e.g., wireless communication protocols associated with different radio access technologies, which are used to wirelessly transmit data on a wireless communication link such as a wireless communication link with the external communication equipment 46).

[0021] The input / output device 22 is used to provide input to the user equipment 12 and provide output from the user equipment (e.g., provide output to the end user of the user equipment 12 and / or provide input from the end user of the user equipment 12). For example, the input / output device 22 can include one or more displays, such as the display 24. The display 24 can be a touch-sensitive display, a force-sensitive display, both a touch-sensitive and a force-sensitive display, or a display without touch or force sensor capabilities. The display 24 can be a liquid crystal display, a light-emitting diode display, an organic light-emitting diode display, etc. The input / output device 22 can include other components, such as sensors (e.g., optical sensors, proximity sensors, range sensors, image sensors, audio sensors such as microphones, force sensors, moisture sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, fingerprint sensors, pressure sensors, touch sensors, ultrasonic sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, compasses, etc.), status indicators, speakers, vibrators, keyboards, touch pads, buttons, joysticks, etc.

[0022] The radio circuit 26 may include one or more radio frequency transceivers 28 and one or more antennas 30 for wireless communication with the external communication equipment 46. The transceiver 28 may include one or more transmitters and / or one or more receivers. The antenna 30 may include any desired type of antenna, such as a patch antenna, a dipole antenna, a monopole antenna, an inverted-F antenna, a planar inverted-F antenna, a slot antenna, a helical antenna, a waveguide radiator, a combination of these antennas, and / or other types of antennas. If desired, the antenna 30 may include one or more phased antenna arrays (e.g., an array of antenna elements sometimes referred to as a phased array antenna, where the antenna elements have individually controlled phases and magnitudes that are selected to manipulate the corresponding signal beams in a specific direction across each of the antenna elements via constructive and destructive interfaces). The transceiver 28 may be used to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals using the antenna 30. Each transceiver 28 may be formed by a respective integrated circuit or may share one or more integrated circuits. The transceiver 28 may include mixer circuits, analog-to-digital converter circuits, digital-to-analog transceiver circuits, amplifier circuits, and / or any other desired components for transmitting and / or receiving radio frequency signals. The radio circuit 26 may also include baseband processor circuits, transmission line structures, filter circuits, switching circuits, and / or any other desired circuits for transmitting and / or receiving radio frequency signals using the antenna 30.

[0023] If desired, each transceiver 28 may process radio frequency signals using different respective radio access technologies and / or communication frequency bands. For example, a first transceiver 28 may process wireless local area network communication, a second transceiver 28 may process cellular telephone communication, a third transceiver 28 may process satellite-based communication (e.g., the third transceiver may include a receiver for receiving satellite navigation signals such as Global Positioning System (GPS) signals or for transmitting other satellite-based signals), etc. Generally, the transceiver 28 may be configured to cover (process) any suitable communication frequency band of interest. As used herein, the term "transmit radio frequency signals" means to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals. The antenna 30 may transmit radio frequency signals by radiating the radio frequency signals into free space. The antenna 30 may additionally or alternatively receive radio frequency signals from free space. The transmission and reception of radio frequency signals by the antenna 30 each involve the excitation or resonance of the antenna current on the antenna resonant elements in the antenna by radio frequency signals within the operating communication band of the antenna.

[0024] As Figure 1As shown, the antenna 30 can transmit radio frequency signals 40 (e.g., for one or more corresponding wireless communication links) to and from the external communication equipment 46. The radio frequency signals 40 transmitted from the user equipment 12 (e.g., in the uplink direction 42) to the external communication equipment 46 are sometimes referred to as uplink signals in this text. The radio frequency signals 40 transmitted from the external communication equipment 46 (e.g., in the downlink direction 44) to the user equipment 12 are sometimes referred to as downlink signals in this text. The radio frequency signals 40 can transmit wireless data (e.g., data organized into datagrams, packets, symbols, messages, etc. according to one or more corresponding communication protocols). The wireless data transmitted by the radio frequency signals 40 in the downlink direction 44 is sometimes referred to as downlink data. The wireless data transmitted by the radio frequency signals 40 in the uplink direction 42 is sometimes referred to as uplink data in this text. The radio frequency signals 40 can be used to perform unidirectional communication (e.g., communication where wireless data is only transmitted in the uplink direction 42 or the downlink direction 44) and / or bidirectional communication (e.g., communication where wireless data is transmitted between the user equipment 12 and the external communication equipment 46 in both the uplink direction 42 and the downlink direction 44).

[0025] The external communication equipment 46 can include one or more transceivers 36 that transmit radio frequency signals 40 in the downlink direction 44 using one or more antennas 38 and / or receive radio frequency signals in the uplink direction 42 using one or more antennas 38. The antennas 38 can include any desired type of antenna, such as patch antennas, dipole antennas, monopole antennas, inverted-F antennas, planar inverted-F antennas, slot antennas, helical antennas, waveguide radiators, combinations of these antennas, and / or other types of antennas, etc. If desired, the antennas 38 can include one or more phased antenna arrays. Each of the transceivers 36 can be formed by a corresponding integrated circuit or can share one or more integrated circuits. The transceivers 36 can include mixer circuits, analog-to-digital converter circuits, digital-to-analog transceiver circuits, amplifier circuits, and / or any other desired components for transmitting and / or receiving radio frequency signals 40. The external communication equipment 46 can also include baseband processor circuits, transmission line structures, filter circuits, switching circuits, and / or any other desired circuits for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals using the antennas 38.

[0026] The external communication equipment 46 can include control circuitry such as a controller 34. The controller 34 can include processing circuitry and storage circuitry similar to that described above in connection with the control circuitry 16 of the user equipment 12. The controller 34 can also communicate with other parts of the communication system 10 or other nodes or terminals of a larger communication network that includes the communication system 10 (e.g., other user equipment, servers, the Internet, etc.) (e.g., using a wired and / or wireless network interface at the external communication equipment 46. For clarity, in Figure 1(not shown in the figure). The external communication device 46 can receive downlink data from other parts of a larger communication network and transmit it to the user equipment 12 using a radio frequency signal 40 (e.g., in the downlink direction 44). Similarly, the external communication device 46 can forward uplink data received from the user equipment 12 to other parts of the larger communication network (e.g., to other user equipment, servers, etc.). In this way, the external communication device 46 can act as an interface between the user equipment 12 and the rest of the larger communication network including the communication system 10.

[0027] The radio frequency signal 40 can be transmitted by the user equipment 12 and the external communication device 46 (e.g., by the transceivers 28 and 36 and the antennas 30 and 38) in any desired communication band. The control circuit 16 can control the transceiver 28, and the controller 34 can control the transceiver 36 to format the wireless data in the radio frequency signal 40 according to a communication protocol corresponding to the communication band used to transmit the radio frequency signal 40. For example, the communication band used to transmit the radio frequency signal 40 can include a wireless local area network (WLAN) communication band (e.g., (IEEE 802.11) or other WLAN communication bands, such as the 2.4 GHz WLAN band (e.g., between 2400 MHz and 2480 MHz) and the 5 GHz WLAN band (e.g., between 5180 MHz and 5825 MHz)), a wireless personal area network (WPAN) communication band such as the 2.4 GHz band, a 4G LTE band (e.g., a cellular low band between about 600 MHz and 960 MHz, a cellular low-medium band between about 1400 MHz and 1550 MHz, a cellular medium band between about 1565 MHz and 1610 MHz, a cellular high band between about 2300 MHz and 2700 MHz, a cellular super high band between about 3400 MHz and 3800 MHz, etc.), a GSM band, a UMTS band, a 5G band (e.g., a 5G band below 10 GHz and / or a 5G band with a frequency greater than 10 GHz, such as between about 24 GHz and 31 GHz, between about 37 GHz and 40 GHz, and / or a frequency between about 60 GHz and 70 GHz), a satellite navigation and / or communication band, a super high frequency (UHF) band between about 300 MHz and 3 GHz, an L band between about 1 GHz and 2 GHz, an S band between about 2 GHz and 4 GHz, a C band between about 4 GHz and 8 GHz, an X band between about 8 GHz and 12 GHz, a K u band between about 12 GHz and 18 GHz, a K band between about 18 GHz and 26.5 GHz, a K aa frequency band, the V-band between approximately 40 GHz and 75 GHz, the W-band between approximately 75 GHz and 110 GHz, the IEEE 802.15.4 ultra-wideband communication frequency band between approximately 5 GHz and approximately 8.5 GHz, and / or any other desired communication frequency band. The communication frequency band may sometimes be referred to herein as a frequency band or simply as a "band" and may span a corresponding frequency range.

[0028] As Figure 1 shown, the user equipment 12 may include a housing such as housing 14. The housing 14 (sometimes referred to as a case) may be formed of plastic, glass, sapphire, ceramic, fiber composite material, metal (such as stainless steel, aluminum, alloy, etc.), other suitable materials, or a combination of these materials. In some cases, components of the housing 14 may be formed of a dielectric or other low conductivity material (such as glass, ceramic, plastic, sapphire, etc.). In other cases, the housing 14 or at least some of the structures making up the housing 14 may be formed of metal elements. The housing 14 may include, for example, opposite first and second faces and a peripheral housing structure that extends around a substantially rectangular perimeter of the user equipment 12 and extends from the first face to the second face. The display 24 may be mounted to the peripheral housing structure at the first face (e.g., the display 24 may form some or all of the first face). The housing 14 may include a housing wall (e.g., a rear housing wall) that forms the second face of the user equipment 12. This is merely illustrative, and generally speaking, the user equipment 14 may have other form factors.

[0029] In practice, the antenna 38 on the external communication equipment 46 may exhibit a corresponding coverage area (e.g., a limited coverage area determined by the structure and arrangement of the antenna 38 and the wireless transmission power generated by the wireless communication device 46). Within the coverage area, the antenna 38 may be able to transmit radio frequency signals at a satisfactory radio frequency performance level. However, outside the coverage area, the antenna 38 may not be able to transmit radio frequency signals or may transmit radio frequency signals at an unsatisfactory radio frequency performance level.

[0030] When the user equipment 12 is located within the coverage area of the antenna 38, the user equipment 12 can perform wireless communication with the external communication equipment 46 at a satisfactory radio frequency performance level (e.g., with a satisfactory wireless link or signal quality). If the user equipment 12 moves outside the coverage area, the radio circuit 26 may not be able to perform wireless communication with the external communication equipment 46, or may not be able to perform wireless communication with a satisfactory wireless link quality. This can prevent the user equipment 12 from being able to communicate with the rest of the larger communication network via the external communication equipment 46. This can be particularly detrimental in situations where the user of the user equipment 12 experiences an emergency or for other reasons needs to communicate with other nodes of the larger communication network (e.g., communicate using voice calls, video calls, text messages, email messages, application data, etc.) but the user equipment 12 has moved outside the coverage area of the external communication equipment 46.

[0031] To mitigate these risks, the user equipment 12 can track and record the wireless coverage provided by the external communication equipment 46 over time. For example, the radio circuit 26 can include sensor circuitry, such as the measurement circuit 32. The measurement circuit 32 can collect wireless performance metric data associated with the radio frequency signal 40 transmitted by the external communication equipment 46 (e.g., in the downlink direction 44). The wireless performance metric data can include, for example, received power level values, receiver sensitivity values, frame error rate values, bit error rate (BER) values, block error rate (BLER) values, other error rate values, received signal strength indicator (RSSI) values, adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR) or other spectral measurement values, error vector magnitude (EVM) values, received signal code power (RSCP) information, reference signal received power (RSRP) information, signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) values, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) values, Ec / IO data, Ec / No data, and / or other data collected from the downlink signal transmitted by the external communication equipment 46. If desired, the collected wireless performance metric data can additionally or alternatively include information about whether a response (acknowledgment) corresponding to a request from the user equipment 12 has been received at the external communication equipment 46, information about whether the network access procedure has been successful, information about the number of retransmissions being requested between the user equipment 12 and the external communication equipment 46, information about whether a signaling message has been lost, information about whether a paging signal has been successfully received, and / or any other information reflecting the wireless link or signal quality of the radio frequency signal 40.

[0032] To track and record the wireless coverage provided by the external communication device 46 over time, the measurement circuit 32 may also record the geographical location where the user equipment 12 collects each wireless performance metric data value. The measurement circuit 32 may identify the geographical location of the user equipment 12 based on, for example, satellite navigation signals received by the antenna 30 and the transceiver 28 (e.g., Global Positioning System (GPS) signals and / or Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS)). If desired, the measurement circuit 32 may additionally or alternatively use other sensor data, such as accelerometer data, orientation sensor data, gyroscope data, compass data, image sensor data, spatial ranging data (e.g., radio frequency spatial ranging data collected using the antenna 30 at a frequency such as greater than 10 GHz), angle of arrival data and range data collected using the antenna 30 according to the IEEE 802.15.4 ultra-wideband communication protocol, received signal strength data, and / or any other desired sensor data to identify the geographical location of the user equipment 12. In this way, the user equipment 12 can know the geographical locations where the user equipment 12 was previously able to perform radio frequency communication with the external communication device 46 with satisfactory wireless link quality. Similarly, the user equipment 12 can know the geographical locations where the user equipment 12 was unable to perform satisfactory radio frequency communication with the external communication device 46.

[0033] Figure 2 is an illustration of an exemplary geographical area through which the user equipment 12 may move while communicating with the external communication device 46. As Figure 2 shown, the user equipment 12 may initially be located at position 54 within the geographical area 50 (sometimes referred to herein as the geographical region 50). The external communication device 46 may be located elsewhere within the geographical area 50 (e.g., inside or on a building such as building 68, outdoors, on a cellular tower, in another user's hand or pocket, in a moving vehicle, etc.), may overlap with the geographical area 50 (e.g., above), or may be located outside the geographical area 50 (e.g., in an adjacent geographical area, above an adjacent geographical area, or within or above a geographical area not adjacent to the geographical area 50). The geographical area 50 may include land, water, a combination of land and water, urban areas, rural areas, suburban areas, cities, rural and / or suburban area combinations, etc.

[0034] At position 54, the user equipment 12 may transmit or attempt to transmit with the external communication device 46 ( Figure 1) Radio frequency signal 40. Over time, the measurement circuitry 32 on the user equipment 12 may continuously or periodically collect wireless performance metric data associated with the radio frequency signal 40. The user equipment 12 may identify the location within the geographical area 50 where the user equipment 12 collects the wireless performance metric data. Over time, the user of the user equipment 12 and thus the user equipment 12 may move along a path 62 to a location 56 within the geographical area 50. The location 56 may be identified by geographical coordinates such as a latitude value LAT1 and a longitude value LON1 (e.g., the location 56 may be at the coordinates (LAT1, LON1) on the Earth). When the user equipment 12 is at the location 56, the user equipment 12 may identify that the user equipment 12 is at the coordinates (LAT1, LON1). Using latitude and longitude values to identify the location of the user equipment 12 is merely illustrative, and generally, any desired location coordinate system may be used to identify the geographical location of the user equipment 12.

[0035] Then, the user and thus the user equipment 12 may move along a path 64 to a location 58. The user equipment 12 may identify that the user equipment 12 has a latitude value LAT2 and a longitude value LON2 at the location 58 (e.g., the location 58 may be at the coordinates (LAT2, LON2) on the Earth). Then, the user and thus the user equipment 12 may move along a path 66 to a location 60. The paths 62, 64, and 66 may jointly describe the path of the user equipment 12 traveling from the location 54 to the location 60 within the geographical area 50. Merely as some examples, the paths 62, 64, and 66 may extend along roads, highways, paths, trails, footpaths, waterways, air routes, undeveloped areas without paths, lanes or roads, interior corridors (e.g., the geographical area 50 is not necessarily limited to the outdoors) and / or any other desired paths within the geographical area 50, etc.

[0036] When the user equipment moves from the location 54 to the location 60, the user equipment 12 may continue to transmit or attempt to transmit the radio frequency signal 40 with the external communication equipment 46. The user equipment 12 may continuously or periodically collect wireless performance metric data and corresponding location information at the locations 54, 56, 58, and 60 and along the paths 62, 64, and 66. Figure 3 is a graph of exemplary wireless performance metric data that may be collected by the measurement circuitry 32 when the user equipment 12 traverses the geographical area 50 from Figure 2 the location 54 to the location 60.

[0037] As Figure 3 shown, the curve 70 plots the RSSI values over time that may be collected by the measurement circuitry 32 when the user equipment 12 moves from Figure 2 the location 54 to the location 60 through the geographical area 50. Figure 3The examples are illustrative only, and generally speaking, the curve 70 can plot any desired wireless performance metric data. The curve 70 can have other shapes.

[0038] As shown by the curve 70, at time T0, the user equipment 12 can collect the RSSI value from the downlink signal transmitted by the external communication equipment 46. The RSSI value collected at time T0 is less than the threshold RSSI value TH. The threshold RSSI value TH can be determined by industry, regulatory, or manufacturer standards, can be predetermined during the calibration, design, manufacture, and / or testing of the user equipment 12, etc. The threshold RSSI value TH can, for example, define the minimum RSSI value necessary for the user equipment 12 to be able to decode the wireless data within the downlink signal transmitted by the external communication equipment 46. Since the RSSI value collected at time T0 is less than the threshold RSSI value TH, the user equipment 12 may not be able to decode the wireless data in the downlink signal. Therefore, the user equipment 12 can identify that there is an unsatisfactory or insufficient wireless link quality between the user equipment 12 and the external communication equipment 46 at the location 54.

[0039] Between time T0 and T2, the user equipment 12 travels along Figure 2 path 62 to location 56 (for example, the user equipment 12 can be located at location 56 in the geographical area 50 between time T2 and subsequent time T3). Between time T0 and T1, the RSSI value collected by the user equipment 12 is less than the threshold RSSI value TH. At time T1, the RSSI value collected by the user equipment 12 exceeds the threshold RSSI value TH for a time period Z. Although the RSSI value measured at time T1 exceeds the threshold RSSI value TH, the time period Z may still be too short for the user equipment 12 to decode the wireless data in the downlink signal transmitted by the external communication equipment 46. Therefore, the user equipment 12 can identify that there is an unsatisfactory or insufficient wireless link quality between the user equipment 12 and the external communication equipment 46 at the location where the user equipment 12 is located at time T1.

[0040] However, between time T2 and T3, the user equipment 12 can collect RSSI values that exceed the threshold RSSI value TH for a time period Y that is greater than the duration Z. The duration Y can be long enough for the user equipment 12 to be able to properly decode the wireless data in the downlink signal transmitted by the external communication equipment 46. Therefore, the user equipment 12 can identify that there is a satisfactory wireless link quality between the user equipment 12 and the external communication equipment 46 at the location where the user equipment 12 is located between time T2 and T3 (for example, at Figure 2 location 56, which has a latitude value LAT1 and a longitude value LON1). The user equipment 12 can store in the storage circuit 20 ( Figure 1) The position 56 (e.g., coordinates (LAT1, LON1)) is recorded in as the position where the user equipment 12 can perform satisfactory wireless communication with the external communication equipment 46 (e.g., the position where there is satisfactory wireless link quality between the user equipment 12 and the external communication equipment 46).

[0041] The duration Y can be, for example, a pre-determined minimum duration (time period) during which the measured RSSI value needs to continuously exceed the threshold RSSI value TH so that the user equipment 12 can satisfactorily decode the wireless data in the downlink signal transmitted by the external communication equipment 46. The duration Y can be determined by industry, regulatory or manufacturer standards, and can be pre-determined during calibration, design, manufacture and / or testing of the user equipment 12, etc. For example, the duration Y can be 5 seconds, 4 seconds, between 4 seconds and 6 seconds, 3 seconds, between 3 seconds and 6 seconds, at least 3 seconds, at least 2 seconds, at least 4 seconds, at least 5 seconds, at least 6 seconds, between 1 second and 10 seconds, etc.

[0042] Between times T3 and T4, the user and thus the user equipment 12 moves along path 64 to position 58 in geographical area 50 (e.g., the user equipment 12 can be located at position 58 in geographical area 50 between times T4 and a subsequent time T5). Between times T3 and T4, the RSSI values collected by the user equipment 12 are less than the threshold RSSI value TH. However, between times T4 and T5, the user equipment 12 can collect RSSI values that exceed the threshold RSSI value TH for a time period greater than the duration Y (e.g., the minimum time period associated with satisfactorily decoding the wireless data transmitted by the external communication equipment 46). Thus, the user equipment 12 can identify that there is satisfactory wireless link quality between the user equipment 12 and the external communication equipment 46 at the position where the user equipment 12 is located between times T4 and T5 (e.g., at Figure 2 position 58, which has a latitude value LAT2 and a longitude value LON2). The user equipment 12 can record the position 58 (e.g., coordinates (LAT2, LON2)) in the storage circuit 20 ( Figure 1 ) as the position where the user equipment 12 can perform satisfactory wireless communication with the external communication equipment 46 (e.g., the position where there is satisfactory wireless link quality between the user equipment 12 and the external communication equipment 46).

[0043] Between times T5 and T6, the user and thus the user equipment 12 moves along path 66 to location 60 within geographical region 50 (e.g., the user equipment 12 may be at location 60 within geographical region 50 at time T6). Between times T5 and T6 and at time T6, the RSSI values collected by the user equipment 12 are less than a threshold RSSI value TH. Thus, when the user equipment is at location 60, the user equipment 12 may not be able to perform wireless communication with the external communication equipment 46.

[0044] However, when the user equipment 12 is at location 60, the user of the user equipment 12 may need to be able to communicate with the external communication equipment 46 and / or the rest of the larger communication network. For example, an emergency may occur at location 60 and the user may need to contact relevant agencies urgently (e.g., medical services, rescue services, law enforcement agencies, etc.). However, the poor signal quality at location 60 may prevent the user from successfully contacting relevant agencies at location 60. In user equipment without wireless coverage tracking capabilities, the user equipment will not know where to go to obtain satisfactory wireless coverage from the external communication equipment 46. Then, the user will have no choice but to waste a large amount of time needlessly by physically roaming through geographical region 50 until a suitable wireless coverage is found for the user equipment to contact relevant agencies.

[0045] However, the user equipment 12 knows the previous locations where the user equipment 12 had satisfactory wireless coverage (e.g., at Figure 2 locations 56 and 58). Thus, the user equipment 12 can provide an output to the user of the user equipment 12 that guides the user (e.g., using the user equipment) to move to one of the previous locations where the user equipment 12 had satisfactory wireless coverage from the external communication equipment 46. For example, the display 24 ( Figure 1 ) can be used to display a map or directions from the user's current location (e.g., location 60) to one or both of locations 56 and 58 within geographical region 50. This can allow the user to find the location closest to location 60 where the user equipment 12 previously had satisfactory wireless coverage, thus allowing the user to return to those locations where the user equipment will most likely be able to communicate with the external communication equipment again with satisfactory wireless link quality. This will allow the user to quickly return to one of these locations (e.g., locations 56 and 58) to contact relevant agencies within a minimum amount of time, without the need to randomly roam geographical region 50 and without the user having to actively monitor and remember the location where the user equipment last had satisfactory wireless coverage.

[0046] The use of the wireless coverage tracking ability of the user equipment 12 is not limited to emergency situations. For example, a user of the user equipment 12 may simply desire to make a phone call or a video call at location 60. Similarly, when the user is located at location 60, an application running on the user equipment 12 may require a high-speed Internet connection. In these cases, the wireless coverage at location 60 may not be sufficient to meet the needs of the user or the application running on the user equipment 12. When at location 60, the user may provide user input, or the application may generate a call to control the user equipment 12 to identify locations 56 and 58 to the user, thereby allowing the user to return to location 58 or 56 to communicate with the external communication equipment 46 with a satisfactory wireless link quality.

[0047] In some examples, the user equipment 12 may store all previous locations where the user equipment 12 previously had sufficient wireless coverage from the external communication equipment 46. In other examples, the user equipment 12 may store only some of the locations where the user equipment 12 previously had sufficient wireless coverage. Storing only a subset of these locations may minimize the storage amount required on the user equipment 12. For example, the user equipment 12 may store a predetermined number of the most recent locations where the user equipment 12 had satisfactory wireless coverage. As another example, the user equipment 12 may store all locations where the user equipment 12 had satisfactory wireless coverage within a moving time window X (e.g., a time window of a fixed duration immediately preceding any given moment). The duration of the time window X may be determined by industry, regulatory, or manufacturer standards, may be predetermined during calibration, design, manufacture, and / or testing of the user equipment 12, etc. The time window X may be, for example, 30 minutes, 45 minutes, 1 hour, 20 minutes, between 20 minutes and 40 minutes, between 10 minutes and 1 hour, greater than 1 hour, greater than 20 minutes, less than 1 hour, less than 45 minutes, etc. If needed, when no location had satisfactory wireless coverage during the time window X immediately preceding a given moment, the user equipment 12 may retain one or more previous locations where the user equipment 12 had satisfactory wireless coverage (e.g., not delete these locations from memory). This can ensure that the user equipment will still be able to guide the user to a location with satisfactory coverage even if more than the time window X has passed since such a location was discovered.

[0048] Figure 4 is a flowchart of exemplary steps that may be performed by the user equipment 12 to ensure that the user equipment can communicate with the external communication equipment 46 even when the user equipment has moved outside the coverage area of the external communication equipment. At step 80, the user equipment 12 may begin receiving a radio frequency signal 40 from the external communication equipment 46 in one or more communication bands.

[0049] At step 82, measurement circuitry 32 may collect wireless performance metric data from a downlink signal transmitted by external communication equipment 46 (e.g., user equipment 12 may begin collecting RSSI values to generate Figure 3 curve 70). User equipment 12 may collect corresponding location data indicating the location where user equipment 12 collects the wireless performance metric data. For example, measurement circuitry 32 may identify the longitude and latitude coordinates of user equipment 12 for each RSSI value. The process may automatically advance from step 80 to step 82 in response to user input at user equipment 12 and / or in response to an application call of control circuitry 16. For example, a user may press a button via display 24 or otherwise provide user input to instruct user equipment 12 to begin collecting wireless performance metric data.

[0050] At optional step 84, user equipment 12 may collect supplementary sensor data. As an example, the supplementary sensor data may include sensor data indicating whether user equipment 12 is located inside a vehicle such as an automobile. For example, if wireless circuitry 26 has been connected to a vehicle Bluetooth speaker system, if an accelerometer on user equipment 12 indicates that user equipment 12 is traveling at a speed faster than a predetermined speed, if user equipment 12 has interfaced with a vehicle operating system, etc., then user equipment 12 may identify that user equipment 12 is located inside an automobile. Additionally or alternatively, the supplementary sensor data may include information indicating whether user equipment 12 is located in a user's pocket or backpack or in the user's hand (e.g., ambient light sensor data, proximity sensor data, orientation sensor data, grip sensor data associated with display 24, impedance sensor data, etc.). If desired, the supplementary sensor data may be used for subsequent processing of the wireless performance metric data collected by measurement circuitry 32.

[0051] At step 86, control circuitry 16 may determine whether the collected wireless performance metric data exceeds a wireless performance metric data threshold for at least a continuous predetermined time period. For example, control circuitry 16 may determine whether a threshold RSSI value TH within the collected RSSI values is exceeded for at least a continuous duration Y ( Figure 3 ). If desired, control circuitry 16 may optionally determine whether the threshold has been exceeded for the predetermined time period based at least in part on the supplementary sensor data collected during processing step 84. For example, control circuitry 16 may adjust or fine-tune the wireless performance metric data threshold (e.g., threshold RSSI value TH), the predetermined time period (e.g., duration Y), and / or time window X based on the supplementary sensor data. If desired, control circuitry 16 may disable performance metric data recording based on the supplementary sensor data.

[0052] If the collected wireless performance metric data does not exceed the wireless performance metric data threshold (e.g., forFigure 3 The RSSI values collected between times T0 and T2) for at least a predetermined period of time, the process may loop back to step 82 via path 88, and as the user equipment 12 moves over time, the user equipment 12 may continue to collect wireless performance metric data (and corresponding location data). If the collected wireless performance metric data exceeds the wireless performance metric data threshold (e.g., for the Figure 3 RSSI value) for at least a predetermined period of time, the process may proceed to step 92 via path 90.

[0053] At step 92, the user equipment 12 may record in the storage circuit 20 ( Figure 1 ) the location data corresponding to the wireless performance metric data that has exceeded the wireless performance metric data threshold for at least a predetermined period of time. For example, the user equipment 12 may record (store) the latitude value LAT1 and the longitude value LON1 of location 56 in the storage circuit 20 at or after time T3 of Figure 3 . This may allow the user equipment 12 to track location 56 where the user equipment 12 has satisfactory wireless coverage from the external communication equipment 46.

[0054] In the absence of a suitable trigger condition, the process may loop back to step 82 via path 100, and as the user equipment 12 moves over time, the user equipment 12 may continue to collect wireless performance metric data (and corresponding location data). If the control circuit 16 detects a trigger condition, the process may proceed to step 96 via path 94 instead of looping back to step 82. For example, the trigger condition may be a user input provided to the user equipment 12 indicating that the user desires to find a location with satisfactory wireless coverage. The user input may be provided via the display 24 (e.g., a button displayed by a graphical user interface at the display 24) or via a dedicated button on the user equipment 12 (e.g., a physical button that is not part of the display 24). The user may provide such user input when the user needs to be able to communicate with the external communication equipment 46 or other parts of a larger communication network but the user is in a location with unsatisfactory wireless coverage from the external communication equipment 46. For example, when the user is at Figure 2 location 60 and the user has an emergency and needs to contact a relevant agency, the user needs to make a voice or video call, the user needs to use an application that requires high-speed data transmission from the Internet, etc., the user may provide the user input. This is merely illustrative, and if desired, the trigger condition may be satisfied without user input. For example, an application running on the user equipment 12 may autonomously issue an application call to instruct the control circuit 16 to proceed to step 96, the application may autonomously request an Internet connection with a data rate greater than that which the wireless coverage at location 60 can provide, and so on.

[0055] At step 96, user equipment 12 may take appropriate actions in response to the detected trigger condition (e.g., user equipment 12 may notify the user and / or an application running on user equipment 12 of one or more previous locations where user equipment 12 had satisfactory wireless coverage). For example, user equipment 12 may display a visual indicator, such as a map (e.g., a visual map in a graphical user interface generated by a navigation or mapping application running on control circuit 16 on display 24). The map may show one or more (e.g., all) of the locations recorded during processing step 92, may display (e.g., on display 24, on the map displayed on display 24) guidance for guiding the user from their current location to one or more (e.g., all) of the locations recorded during processing step 92, may initiate an auditory, visual, and / or tactile reminder to the user, may provide voice or audio guidance for guiding the user from their current location to one or more (e.g., all) of the locations recorded during processing step 92, etc. This may allow the user to return to a previous location with satisfactory wireless coverage, such that the user may communicate with external communication equipment 46 (e.g., with satisfactory wireless link quality) without having to randomly roam geographical area 50 until satisfactory wireless coverage is found.

[0056] If desired, user equipment 12 may share the locations recorded during processing step 92 with other user equipment (e.g., via a local wireless link such as Bluetooth or a wireless local area network link, via external communication equipment 46 and / or the remainder of the larger communication network when user equipment 12 has moved to a location with satisfactory wireless coverage, etc.). For example, in a situation where other user equipment is always located within geographical area 50 and needs to find an area with satisfactory wireless coverage (e.g., in an emergency), this may allow other user equipment to learn of locations with satisfactory wireless coverage.

[0057] At optional step 98, user equipment 12 may periodically delete the location data recorded during processing step 92. For example, user equipment 12 may delete location data stored earlier than a mobile time window X, after a predetermined period of time, etc. If desired, if no location data was stored during time window X during processing step 92, user equipment 12 may retain the stored location data that is earlier than time window X. The process may then loop back to step 82 via paths 102 and 100. As user equipment 12 moves over time, user equipment 12 may then continue to collect wireless performance metric data (and corresponding location data).

[0058] Figure 4 The steps are merely illustrative. If desired, Figure 4The steps may be performed in other orders and / or Figure 4 Two or more of the steps may be performed simultaneously. If desired, the user equipment 12 may forgo identifying its location until a predetermined wireless performance metric data threshold has been exceeded (e.g., for power savings, the user equipment 12 does not need to identify its location until processing step 92) for a predetermined period of time.

[0059] If desired, the user equipment 12 may adjust the transmission of reverse data packets based on the collected wireless performance metric data. Figure 5 is a flowchart of exemplary steps that may be performed by the user equipment 12 when adjusting the transmission of reverse data packets based on the collected wireless performance metric data. As Figure 4 an alternative or addition to the steps of Figure 5 the steps of Figure 4 may also be performed Figure 5 In the case of performing the steps of Figure 5 the steps of Figure 4 may be performed before, after, and / or simultaneously with the steps of

[0060] At step 110, the user equipment 12 may begin receiving downlink signals transmitted by the external communication equipment 46 in one or more communication bands.

[0061] At step 112, the measurement circuit 32 on the user equipment 12 may collect wireless performance metric data from the downlink signals transmitted by the external communication equipment 46 (e.g., the user equipment 12 may begin collecting RSSI values to generate Figure 3 curve 70 of

[0062] At step 114, the control circuit 16 may determine whether the collected wireless performance metric data has exceeded the wireless performance metric data threshold for at least a continuous predetermined period of time. For example, the control circuit 16 may determine whether the collected RSSI values exceed the threshold RSSI value TH for at least a period of time Z ( Figure 3 ). If desired, the period of time Z may be shorter than the duration Y associated with successfully decoding the received downlink data. The period of time Z may be determined by industry, regulatory, or manufacturer standards, may be predetermined during calibration, design, manufacturing, and / or testing of the user equipment 12, etc. For example, the period of time Z may be 2 seconds, 1 second, less than 2 seconds, less than 3 seconds, less than 4 seconds, less than 1 second, or any other desired period of time less than or equal to the duration Y.

[0063] If the collected wireless performance metric data does not exceed the wireless performance metric data threshold for at least a continuous predetermined period of time (e.g., if the collected RSSI value does not exceed the threshold RSSI value TH for at least a period of time Z), the process may proceed to step 118 via path 116.

[0064] At step 118, the transceiver 28 on the user equipment 12 may forego transmitting a reverse datagram to the external communication equipment 46, or may transmit the reverse datagram at a relatively low duty cycle DRX (e.g., with a relatively long period between transmissions of each reverse datagram). A datagram is the smallest transmission unit in digital communication over a packet-switched network and is typically a few bytes in size (e.g., smaller than a data packet). A reverse datagram is a datagram transmitted by the user equipment 12 to the external communication equipment 46.

[0065] In Figure 3 the example, the user equipment 12 may forego reverse datagram transmission, or may transmit reverse datagrams at a relatively low duty cycle DRX between time periods T0 and T1, between time periods T1 and T2, between time periods T3 and T4, and after time period T5 (e.g., because curve 70 does not exceed the threshold RSSI value TH for duration Z during these time periods). Considering that the probability of the external communication equipment 46 successfully receiving a reverse datagram during these time periods is relatively low, foregoing or slowing down the transmission of reverse datagrams in this way may help save power and battery level in the user equipment 12. The process may then loop back to step 112 via path 120.

[0066] If the collected wireless performance metric data exceeds the wireless performance metric data threshold for at least a continuous predetermined period of time (e.g., if the collected RSSI value exceeds the threshold RSSI value TH for at least a period of time Z), the process may proceed to step 124 via path 122. At step 124, the transceiver 28 on the user equipment 12 may transmit a burst of reverse datagrams to the external communication equipment 46. The burst of reverse datagrams may involve transmitting the reverse datagrams at a relatively high duty cycle DRX (e.g., with a relatively short period between transmissions of each reverse datagram).

[0067] In Figure 3 the example, the user equipment 12 may transmit a burst of reverse datagrams at time T1, between times T2 and T3, and between times T4 and T5 (e.g., because curve 70 exceeds the threshold RSSI value TH for duration Z at these times). The burst of reverse datagrams may, for example, include those that would otherwise be transmitted during time periods when the user equipment 12 has unsatisfactory wireless coverage (e.g., during Figure 3Datagrams sent between times T0 and T1, between times T1 and T2, between times T3 and T4, and after time T5). Since the user equipment 12 has satisfactory wireless coverage when the collected RSSI value exceeds the threshold RSSI value TH for at least a predetermined period Z, during these periods, the probability that the external communication equipment 46 will successfully receive each reverse datagram of the burst is relatively high. Thus, when the user equipment 12 traverses the geographical area 50, the user equipment 12 can conserve power and battery. The process can then loop back via path 126 to step 112. If desired, two or more of the steps in Figure 5 can be performed simultaneously.

[0068] Figure 6 illustrates an example of a graphical user interface that can be displayed on the display 24 during Figure 4 processing step 96. As Figure 6 shown, a graphical user interface (GUI) such as graphical user interface 130 can be displayed on the display 24 (e.g., by software such as a navigation or mapping application running on the control circuit 16). In Figure 6 the example, after the user and the user equipment 12 have traveled to location 60 via locations 54, 56, and 58 and via paths 62, 64, and 66, the graphical user interface 130 displays a map of the geographical area 50 ( Figure 2 )(e.g., while also collecting wireless performance metric data, such as the RSSI value given by Figure 3 curve 70).

[0069] The graphical user interface 130 can identify the current location 60 of the user equipment 12 via a graphical indicator (icon) 136. The graphical user interface 130 can identify one or both of the recorded locations 56 and 58 where the user equipment 12 has satisfactory wireless coverage from the external communication equipment 46. For example, the graphical user interface 130 can display a first icon 132 identifying location 56 and a second icon 134 identifying location 58 on the map. If desired, the graphical user interface 130 can also display the latitude and longitude coordinates of locations 56 and 58. Icons 132 and 134 can be pin icons, stars, circles, moving icons, or any other desired visual indicator for identifying locations 56 and 58 to the user. In another suitable arrangement, the graphical user interface 130 can identify only the location closest to the current location 60 of the user equipment 12 (e.g., the graphical user interface 130 can display only the icon 134 for location 58). In this example, if the user travels to location 58 and still does not have satisfactory wireless coverage, the graphical user interface 130 can display the icon 132 for location 56.

[0070] If desired, the graphical user interface 130 may display one or more text-based messages 138. The text-based messages 138 may include reminders or prompts for the user to select (e.g., by pressing on the display 24 or via other user input devices) to open a navigation or mapping application, such that the user may subsequently use the application to navigate to locations 56 and / or 58. Additionally or alternatively, the text-based messages 138 may include directions (e.g., turn-by-turn directions) presented on the display 24 that direct the user to locations 58 and / or 56. If desired, these directions may overlap with a graphical map of the geographical region 50 (e.g., as Figure 6 shown). Additionally or alternatively, the text-based messages 138 may include an indicator that the user equipment is in an emergency mode or in an operating mode where the user equipment is attempting to direct the user to a location with satisfactory wireless coverage. These examples are merely illustrative, and generally, any desired text-based message may be included in the text-based messages 138, or the text-based messages 138 may be omitted.

[0071] Additionally or alternatively, the graphical user interface 130 may display other visual indicators 140. The other visual indicators 140 may include buttons, status indicators, icons, lines, arrows (e.g., arrows that actively and dynamically point the user to locations 58 and / or location 56 when the user views the display 24), graphical routes or paths, images, videos, or any other desired visual content displayed on the display 24. The other visual indicators 140 may be static and / or animated. Figure 6 The examples are merely illustrative. Any desired visual indicator may be used to assist the user in returning to locations 58 and / or 56. As an addition to or an alternative to the visual indicator, other feedback (e.g., auditory feedback, tactile feedback, etc.) may be provided.

[0072] Figure 7 is an illustration of an exemplary map that may be displayed in the graphical user interface 130 to notify the user of locations with satisfactory wireless coverage. As Figure 7 shown, the graphical user interface 130 may display a geographical map 150. The graphical user interface 130 may identify the current location 60 of the user equipment 12 via a graphical indicator (icon) 136 on the map 150.

[0073] The map 150 may display paths such as paths 152 and 154 (e.g., paths 152 and 154 may be displayed as Figure 6Other visual indicators 140). Paths 152 and 154 may correspond to roads, streets, freeways, highways, walking paths, sidewalks, trails, and / or any other desired paths that a user may traverse while carrying user equipment 12. For example, path 152 may be a city street, and path 154 may be a highway that passes through the geographical area where user equipment 12 is located.

[0074] User equipment 12 may not have satisfactory wireless coverage at location 60. Map 150 may be used to identify one or more locations where the user has satisfactory wireless coverage. For example, graphical user interface 130 may display an icon 134 of location 58 where user equipment 12 previously had satisfactory wireless coverage. Map 150 may be used to display a route from the user's current location (e.g., current location 60) to location 58. For example, map 150 may display a route indicator 156 (e.g., a graphical line, arrow, combination of line and arrow, etc.) that identifies a path from current location 60 to location 58 on map 150. Route indicator 156 may be restricted, for example, to paths 152 and / or 154 on map 150 (e.g., such that the route indicator identifies the driving direction from current location 60 to location 58 on a street and / or highway in the geographical area).

[0075] If desired, map 150 may display graphical indicators of different wireless coverage levels provided at different parts of map 150 (e.g., using Figure 6 other visual indicators 140). For example, map 150 may display a heat map or other graphical indicator that identifies areas of map 150 with different wireless coverage levels. When user equipment 12 traverses the geographical area (e.g., at Figure 4 processing step 82), user equipment 12 may determine the different wireless coverage levels identified by the heat map, and / or when other user equipment traverses the geographical area, the other user equipment may collect the different wireless coverage levels identified by the heat map (e.g., the heat map may be a crowdsourced heat map that identifies the wireless coverage provided by external communication equipment 46). For example, the heat map may be restricted to paths 152 and / or 154 on map 150 (e.g., the heat map may overlap with paths 152 and / or 154 on graphical user interface 130 and not exist in other parts of the map, such as the area between paths 152 and / or 154).

[0076] As Figure 7As shown in the example of, for parts of map 150 without satisfactory wireless coverage, the graphical user interface 130 may display paths 152 and 154 without any shading. For areas of map 150 with a first wireless coverage level, the graphical user interface 130 may overlay a cross-hatched fill pattern 160 on paths 152 and / or 154 within those areas. For areas of map 150 with a second wireless coverage level greater than the first wireless coverage level (e.g., areas with satisfactory wireless coverage), the graphical user interface 130 may overlay a double cross-hatched fill pattern 158 on paths 152 and / or 154 within those areas. This may identify certain locations on the map that the user can travel to in order to obtain improved wireless coverage (e.g., locations such as location 58). The user may use map 150 and the overlaid heatmap to navigate the user to a specific path 152 and / or 154 with satisfactory wireless coverage (e.g., areas on path 152 and / or 154 with the cross-hatched fill pattern 160 or the double cross-hatched fill pattern 158), and / or the graphical user interface 130 may display a route indicator 156 to show the route on path 152 and / or 154: from the current location 60 to a location within the cross-hatched fill pattern 160 or the double cross-hatched fill pattern 158 on path 152 and / or 154 (e.g., to the nearest point within the cross-hatched fill pattern 160 or the double cross-hatched fill pattern 158 on path 152 and / or 154, etc.).

[0077] In Figure 7 the example of, the heatmap of wireless coverage includes only three granularity levels (e.g., areas without cross-hatched fill, areas with the cross-hatched fill pattern 160, and areas with the double cross-hatched fill pattern 158). This is merely illustrative. The heatmap may graphically identify any desired number of discrete and / or continuous wireless coverage levels provided by the external communication equipment 46. For example, the heatmap may use a color spectrum to identify parts of paths 152 and / or 154 with any desired number of different wireless coverage levels (e.g., green areas may correspond to locations with relatively high wireless coverage, while red areas may correspond to locations with relatively low wireless coverage, and colors between green and red on the color spectrum may be used to identify medium wireless coverage levels). The graphical user interface 130 may display both the icon 134 and the heatmap, may display only the icon 134 without the heatmap, or may display only the heatmap without the icon 134. The heatmap may be displayed, for example, as a graphical layer overlaying paths 152 and / or 154 (e.g., while other parts of map 150 are masked or omitted from the displayed heatmap). The user may provide user input to turn the heatmap on or off, select the type of graphical indicator to be displayed on map 150, etc. Figure 7 The example of is merely illustrative.

[0078] The above example can be applied to the communication between the user equipment 12 and the external communication equipment 46 in any desired communication band. Consider a more specific example where the user equipment 12 and the external communication equipment 46 perform cellular phone communication (e.g., transmitting Figure 1 the radio frequency signal 40 in a cellular phone communication band such as the 4G LTE communication band). In this example, the user equipment 12 can use the method described herein when the user equipment 12 has entered an area where there is no cellular phone service provided by the external communication equipment 46.

[0079] For example, when the user equipment 12 is located at the location 60 ( Figure 2 and Figure 6 ), the wireless performance metric data collected by the user equipment 12 may indicate that the user equipment 12 is located at a location without cellular phone service (e.g., when the user is located at the location 60, the RSRP value collected by the user equipment 12 at the location 60 may be less than -130 dBm for each consecutive duration Y). The collection of such wireless performance metric data itself can form a trigger condition that autonomously triggers the user equipment 12 to identify one or more of the previous locations where there is satisfactory wireless coverage (e.g., such that the processing can proceed along Figure 4 the path 94). Alternatively, the user equipment 12 can wait for the user to provide user input to be used as a trigger condition. The location with satisfactory wireless coverage can be, for example, a location where the collected RSRP value exceeds a threshold TH of -90 dBm for a consecutive duration Y (e.g., Figure 2 the locations 56 or 58). Then, the user equipment can identify these locations to the user (e.g., using Figure 6 the graphical user interface 130, at Figure 4 the processing step 96, etc.). For example, the user equipment can guide the user from its current location (e.g., location 60) to the identified locations (e.g., locations 56 and / or 58) in a map or navigation application running on the user equipment 12 using a route, distance, and / or time. This example described in connection with cellular phone (e.g., 4G LTE) communication is merely illustrative, and in general, similar operations can be performed even when transmitting the radio frequency signal 40 between the user equipment 12 and the external communication equipment 46 using other communication bands and / or radio access technologies (e.g., the location 60 can be a location without wireless coverage in any desired communication band, while the locations 56 and 58 are locations with wireless coverage in that communication band).

[0080] For another example, the user equipment 12 and the external communication equipment 46 may perform cellular phone communication in a 5G communication band such as a 5G frequency range 2 (FR2) communication band (e.g., a band including frequencies between 24.25 GHz and 52.6 GHz). In this example, the user equipment 12 may be running software applications that require relatively high download speeds or relatively low latency (e.g., multiplayer or streaming game applications that require a low-latency Internet connection, high-definition video streaming applications that require high download speeds to minimize buffering times, etc.).

[0081] The user equipment 12 may be located at a position where the external communication equipment 46 does not have any 5G FR2 coverage from the external communication equipment 46 (e.g., at position 60 of Figure 2 and Figure 6 ). Since 5G FR2 communication is typically limited to line-of-sight paths, these situations may occur, for example, when a building or other obstacle is located between the external communication equipment 46 and the user equipment 12 (e.g., position 60 may be around a corner of a city street with 5G FR2 coverage provided by the external communication equipment 46). Although the user equipment 12 may have other wireless coverage at this position (e.g., 3G coverage, 4G LTE coverage, etc.), the existing wireless coverage at this position may not be sufficient to support the high download speeds or low latency required by the applications running on the user equipment 12. The application may initiate a trigger signal indicating a need for a relatively high download speed, and / or the user may provide an appropriate user input, which can be used as a trigger condition for the user equipment 12 to identify positions 56 and / or 58 ( Figure 2 and Figure 6 ). Positions 56 and 58 may be, for example, positions where the external communication equipment 46 provides 5G FR2 coverage (e.g., with a satisfactory link quality). For example, if position 60 ( Figure 6 ) is a position along the street without 5G FR2 coverage (e.g., because a building is located between position 60 and the external communication equipment 46), then positions 56 and 58 may be positions along the street that do have 5G FR2 coverage (e.g., a street with a line-of-sight path to the external communication equipment 46).

[0082] Then, the user equipment may identify these positions to the user (e.g., using the graphical user interface 130 of Figure 6 , at Figure 4During processing step 96, etc. For example, the user equipment can use routes, distances, and / or time to guide the user from their current location (e.g., location 60) to an identified location (e.g., locations 56 and / or 58) in a map or navigation application running on the user equipment 12. This example described in conjunction with 5G FR2 coverage is merely illustrative, and generally speaking, similar operations can be performed to identify locations with wireless coverage in any desired communication band supported by any desired radio access technology.

[0083] Consider another example where the user equipment 12 and the external communication equipment 46 perform wireless local area network communication in communication bands such as the 2.4 GHz WLAN band and / or the 5 GHz WLAN band. In this example, the user and the user equipment 12 can travel outside the user's home country, where the user equipment also does not have access to a cellular roaming network. To connect to a larger communication network (e.g., the Internet), the user can search for non-exclusive Wi-Fi networks, such as those provided in coffee shops, shopping malls, airports, or other public places.

[0084] However, the user equipment 12 can record the locations with available non-exclusive Wi-Fi networks as the user equipment traverses the geographical area 50 (e.g., the user equipment 12 can record the locations with non-exclusive Wi-Fi networks during Figure 4 the processing steps), rather than requiring the user to actively search for non-exclusive Wi-Fi networks. For example, Figure 2 and Figure 6 locations 56 and 58 can be locations with available non-exclusive Wi-Fi networks. Then, at a later time when the user desires to access a larger communication network but is in a location where no non-exclusive Wi-Fi network is available (e.g., at location 60 in Figure 2 and Figure 6 ), the user can provide a user input that serves as a trigger condition to trigger the user equipment 12 to identify locations 56 and / or 58 where non-exclusive Wi-Fi networks were previously discovered. In another suitable arrangement, an application running on the user equipment 12 can initiate an application call that serves as a trigger condition, or the application can prompt the user by asking them if they want to display the previously discovered locations with non-exclusive Wi-Fi networks.

[0085] Then, the user equipment can identify these locations to the user (e.g., using the Figure 6 graphical user interface 130 in Figure 4When processing step 96, etc.). For example, the user equipment can use routes, distances, and / or time to guide the user from their current location (e.g., location 60) to an identified location (e.g., locations 56 and / or 58) in a map or navigation application running on the user equipment 12. This can allow the user to quickly return to a location where a non-exclusive Wi-Fi network was previously available for the user equipment 12. This example described in connection with the availability of non-exclusive Wi-Fi networks is illustrative only, and generally, similar operations can be performed to identify locations with network availability in any desired communication band supported by any desired radio access technology.

[0086] In another suitable arrangement, similar operations can be performed to record and identify the locations of exclusive Wi-Fi networks for the user. Exclusive Wi-Fi networks are available in public places and are provided to subscribers by a specific network service provider when the paying subscriber is away from their home network. In this case, as the user traverses the geographical area 50, the user can provide user input to identify a specific Wi-Fi network to be tracked and recorded (e.g., the user can instruct the user equipment 12 to only record the locations of exclusive Wi-Fi networks provided by the network service provider subscribed to by the user). For example, locations 56 and 58 can be the locations of exclusive Wi-Fi networks provided by the network service provider subscribed to by the user. This example described in connection with the availability of exclusive Wi-Fi networks is illustrative only, and generally, similar operations can be performed to identify locations with network availability in any desired communication band for subscribers of a specific network service provider.

[0087] In yet another suitable arrangement, the user equipment 12 and the external communication equipment 46 can perform cellular phone communication that suffers from a large amount of interference at certain locations. For example, such interference can cause a decrease in the collected RSRQ value and an increase in the collected BLER value. In this example, location 60 can be a location with excessive such interference, while locations 56 and 58 are locations without interference. Then, the user equipment can identify these locations to the user (e.g., using Figure 6 the graphical user interface 130, at Figure 4 processing step 96, etc.). For example, the user equipment can use routes, distances, and / or time to guide the user from their current location (e.g., location 60) to an identified location (e.g., locations 56 and / or 58) in a map or navigation application running on the user equipment 12. This can allow the user to quickly return to a location without excessive signal interference and that was previously available for the user equipment 12. This example described in connection with cellular phone communication is illustrative only, and generally, similar operations can be performed to identify locations that provide sufficiently low signal interference (e.g., interference below a threshold) in any desired communication band supported by any desired radio access technology.

[0088] The methods and operations described above Figures 1 to 6 may be performed by components of the user equipment 12 using software, firmware, and / or hardware (e.g., dedicated circuitry or hardware). The software code for performing these operations may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a tangible computer-readable storage medium) that is stored on or elsewhere in one or more of the components of the communication system 10 (e.g., Figure 1 the storage circuitry 20). This software code may sometimes be referred to as software, data, instructions, program instructions, or code. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may include a drive, non-volatile memory such as non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), removable flash drives or other removable media, other types of random access memory, and the like. The software stored on the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be executed by processing circuitry (e.g., Figure 1 the processing circuitry 18) in one or more of the components of the communication system 10. The processing circuitry may include a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit having processing circuitry, or other processing circuitry.

[0089] As described above, one aspect of the present technology is to collect and use data obtained from various sources as the user equipment moves through a geographical area to improve the wireless performance of the user equipment. The present disclosure anticipates that, in some instances, such collected data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a particular person (e.g., the user of the user equipment 12). Such personal information data may include demographic data, location-based data, sensor-based data, phone numbers, email addresses, twitter IDs, home addresses, data or records related to the user's health or fitness level (e.g., vital sign measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information.

[0090] The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data in the technology of the present invention can be used to benefit the user. For example, the personal information data can be used to direct the user to a location with satisfactory wireless coverage, provide location-based data to other user equipment for directing to a location with satisfactory wireless coverage, display content on a display, and / or perform other desired wireless communication operations. Thus, the use of such personal information data enables the user to perform satisfactory wireless communication as the corresponding user equipment traverses the geographical area. In addition, the present disclosure also anticipates other uses of the personal information data that are beneficial to the user. For example, health and fitness data can be used to provide insights into the user's overall health condition, or can be used as positive feedback for individuals using technology to pursue health goals.

[0091] The present disclosure contemplates that entities responsible for collecting, analyzing, disclosing, transmitting, storing, or otherwise using such personal information data will comply with established privacy policies and / or privacy practices. Specifically, such entities should implement and adhere to privacy policies and practices that are recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or government requirements for maintaining the privacy and security of personal information data. Users should have easy access to such policies and they should be updated as the collection and / or use of data changes. Personal information from users should be collected for legitimate and reasonable uses of the entity and not shared or sold outside of those legitimate uses. In addition, such collection / sharing should occur with the informed consent of the user. Further, such entities should consider taking any necessary steps to safeguard and secure access to such personal information data and to ensure that others with access to the personal information data comply with their privacy policies and procedures. Additionally, such entities may subject themselves to third-party assessments to demonstrate their compliance with widely accepted privacy policies and practices. Further, policies and practices should be adjusted to account for the specific types of personal information data being collected and / or accessed and to applicable laws and standards including the specific considerations of the jurisdiction. For example, in the United States, the collection or obtaining of certain health data may be governed by federal and / or state laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); while health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Thus, different privacy practices should be maintained for different types of personal data in each country.

[0092] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which users selectively block the use or access of personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware elements and / or software elements may be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, with respect to location-based data, sensor data, and their use in performing wireless communication operations, the technology may be configured to allow users to select "opt-in" or "opt-out" of participating in the collection of personal information data during or at any time after registering for the service. In another example, the user may choose not to perform these operations that collect personal information data. In another example, the user may choose to limit the length of time these operations are performed. In addition to providing "opt-in" and "opt-out" options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notices related to the access or use of personal information. For example, the user may be notified when an application is downloaded that their personal information data will be accessed and then reminded again just before the personal information data is accessed by the application.

[0093] In addition, the purpose of the present disclosure is to manage and process personal information data to minimize the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Once the data is no longer needed, the risk can be minimized by restricting data collection and deleting the data. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health-related applications, data de-identification can be used to protect the privacy of users. De-identification can be facilitated by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of the data stored (e.g., collecting location data at the city level rather than at the address level), controlling how the data is stored (e.g., aggregating data among users), and / or other methods as appropriate.

[0094] Thus, while the present disclosure broadly covers the use of personal information data to implement one or more of the various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also anticipates that various embodiments can also be implemented without accessing such personal information data. That is, the various embodiments of the inventive technology will not be unable to function properly due to the lack of all or a part of such personal information data. For example, the user equipment 12 can perform satisfactory wireless communication operations when traversing a geographical area based on non-personal information data or an absolute minimum amount of personal information (such as the content requested by the device associated with the user, other non-personal information obtainable from the display system, or publicly available information).

[0095] According to one embodiment, there is provided an electronic device configured to perform wireless communication with an external communication device, the electronic device including: a display; an antenna configured to receive a downlink signal from the external communication device; a measurement circuit configured to generate wireless performance metric data based on the downlink signal received by the antenna; and a control circuit configured to determine that the wireless performance metric data exceeds a threshold for a predetermined period of time, store a corresponding geographical location identifier in response to determining that the wireless performance metric data exceeds the threshold for the predetermined period of time, and use the display to present a visual indicator associated with the stored geographical location identifier.

[0096] According to another embodiment, the stored geographical location identifier represents the geographical location of the electronic device at which the measurement circuit generates wireless performance metric data that exceeds the threshold for a predetermined period of time.

[0097] According to another embodiment, the predetermined period of time is at least 4 seconds.

[0098] According to another embodiment, the wireless performance metric data includes one or more received signal strength indicator (RSSI) values.

[0099] According to another embodiment, the control circuit is configured to control the display to present the visual indicator in response to receiving an input at the user interface of the electronic device.

[0100] According to another embodiment, the input includes touch screen input received by a display.

[0101] According to another embodiment, the visual indicator includes a map that includes display elements associated with the stored geographical location identifiers.

[0102] According to another embodiment, the visual indicator includes a text-based message that identifies one or more directions from the current location of the electronic device to a location associated with the stored geographical location identifier.

[0103] According to another embodiment, the control circuit is configured to control the display to present the visual indicator in response to an application call made by an application running on the control circuit.

[0104] According to another embodiment, the control circuit is configured to delete the stored geographical location identifier after a predetermined movement time window.

[0105] According to another embodiment, the control circuit is configured to retain the stored geographical location identifier when the wireless performance metric data fails to exceed a threshold for a predetermined period of time during a predetermined movement time window.

[0106] According to another embodiment, the measurement circuit is further configured to generate sensor data, and the control circuit is configured to adjust the predetermined period of time based on the generated sensor data.

[0107] According to one embodiment, a method of operating a user equipment to wirelessly communicate with an external communication equipment when the user equipment moves through a geographical area is provided, where the user equipment includes a control circuit, an antenna, an output device, and a measurement circuit, and the method includes: receiving, by the antenna, a radio frequency signal transmitted by the external communication equipment; generating, by the measurement circuit, a wireless performance metric value based on the radio frequency signal received by the antenna when the user equipment moves through the geographical area; determining, by the control circuit, whether the wireless performance metric value exceeds a threshold for a period of time; when the wireless performance metric value exceeds the threshold for a period of time, storing, by the control circuit, the corresponding geographical location of the user equipment at a location in the geographical area; and controlling, in response to a trigger condition, the output device to produce an output identifying the stored geographical location.

[0108] According to another embodiment, the method includes using the control circuit to delete at least one stored geographical location stored earlier than a period associated with the movement time window.

[0109] According to another embodiment, the user equipment includes a transmitter coupled to an antenna, and the method includes: when a wireless performance metric fails to exceed a threshold for a period of time, using a control circuit to control the transmitter to transmit reverse datagrams at a first duty cycle; and in response to determining that the wireless performance metric exceeds the threshold for a period of time, using the control circuit to control the transmitter to transmit a burst of reverse datagrams at a second duty cycle greater than the first duty cycle.

[0110] According to another embodiment, the trigger condition includes a user input or an application call.

[0111] According to another embodiment, the output device includes a display, and controlling the output device to generate an output includes using the display to display at least one of the stored geographical locations on a map.

[0112] According to one embodiment, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs configured to be executed by at least one processor of user equipment having a measurement circuit, a wireless transmitter, and a wireless receiver, the one or more programs including instructions for performing the following operations: using the measurement circuit to generate wireless performance metric data based on radio frequency signals received by the wireless receiver; determining whether the generated wireless performance metric data exceeds a threshold for a predetermined period of time; and in response to determining that the generated wireless performance metric data exceeds the threshold for a predetermined period of time, using the wireless transmitter to transmit a burst of reverse datagrams.

[0113] According to another embodiment, the one or more programs further include instructions for performing the following operation: in response to determining that the generated wireless performance metric data fails to exceed the threshold for an additional predetermined period of time, using the wireless transmitter to transmit reverse datagrams at a duty cycle lower than the duty cycle for transmitting the burst of reverse datagrams.

[0114] According to another embodiment, the one or more programs further include instructions for performing the following operation: in response to determining that the generated wireless performance metric data fails to exceed the threshold for an additional predetermined period of time, refrain from using the wireless transmitter to transmit reverse datagrams.

[0115] The foregoing is merely exemplary and various modifications may be made to the described embodiments. The foregoing embodiments may be implemented independently or in any combination.

Claims

1. An electronic device configured to perform wireless communication with external communication equipment, the electronic device comprising: A display; An antenna configured to receive a downlink signal from the external communication equipment; An accelerometer configured to generate accelerometer data; A measurement circuit configured to generate wireless performance metric data from the downlink signal received by the antenna; And A control circuit configured to: Determine that the wireless performance metric data exceeds a threshold for a pre-determined period of time, In response to determining that the wireless performance metric data exceeds the threshold for the pre-determined period of time, store a corresponding geographical location identifier, Adjust the pre-determined period of time based on the generated accelerometer data, and Use the display to present a visual indicator associated with the stored geographical location identifier.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the stored geographical location identifier represents the geographical location of the electronic device, wherein at the geographical location of the electronic device, the measurement circuit generates the wireless performance metric data that exceeds the threshold for the pre-determined period of time.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the pre-determined period of time is at least 4 seconds.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the wireless performance metric data includes one or more received signal strength indicator (RSSI) values.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the control circuit is configured to: in response to receiving an input at a user interface of the electronic device, control the display to present the visual indicator.

6. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein the input includes a touch screen input received by the display.

7. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the visual indicator includes a map, the map including a display element associated with the stored geographical location identifier.

8. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the visual indicator includes a text-based message, the text-based message identifying one or more directions from the current location of the electronic device to the location associated with the stored geographical location identifier.

9. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the control circuit is configured to: delete the stored geographical location identifier after a pre-determined movement time window.

10. A method of operating a user equipment to perform wireless communication with external communication equipment as the user equipment moves through a geographical area, wherein the user equipment includes a control circuit, an antenna, an output device, an accelerometer, and a measurement circuit, the method comprising: Receiving, by the antenna, a radio frequency signal transmitted by the external communication equipment; Generating, by the measurement circuit, a wireless performance metric value from the radio frequency signal received by the antenna as the user equipment moves through the geographical area; Generating, by the accelerometer, accelerometer data; Using the control circuit, determine whether the wireless performance metric exceeds a threshold for a period of time; Using the control circuit, when the wireless performance metric exceeds the threshold for the period of time, store the corresponding geographical location of the user equipment at a location within the geographical region; Using the control circuit, adjust a predetermined period of time based on the generated accelerometer data; And Using the control circuit, in response to a trigger condition, control the output device to generate an output identifying the stored geographical location.

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: Using the control circuit, delete at least one stored geographical location stored prior to a period of time associated with a moving time window.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein the user equipment includes a transmitter coupled to the antenna, and the method further comprises: Using the control circuit, when the wireless performance metric fails to exceed the threshold for the period of time, control the transmitter to transmit a reverse datagram at a first duty cycle; And Using the control circuit, in response to determining that the wireless performance metric exceeds the threshold for the period of time, control the transmitter to transmit a burst of reverse datagrams at a second duty cycle greater than the first duty cycle.

13. The method according to claim 10, wherein the trigger condition includes a user input or an application call.

14. The method according to claim 10, wherein the output device includes a display, and wherein controlling the output device to generate the output includes: Using the display to display at least one of the stored geographical locations on a map.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs configured to be executed by at least one processor of a user equipment, the user equipment having a measurement circuit, a wireless transmitter, an ambient light sensor, and a wireless receiver, the one or more programs including instructions for: Using the measurement circuit, generate wireless performance metric data from a radio frequency signal received by the wireless receiver; Using the ambient light sensor to generate ambient light sensor data; Determine whether the generated wireless performance metric data exceeds a threshold for a predetermined period of time; Adjust the predetermined period of time based on the ambient light sensor data; And In response to determining that the generated wireless performance metric data exceeds the threshold for the predetermined period of time, transmit a burst of reverse datagrams using the wireless transmitter.

16. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 15, wherein the one or more programs further include instructions for: In response to determining that the generated wireless performance metric data fails to exceed the threshold for another predetermined period of time, transmit a reverse datagram using the wireless transmitter at a duty cycle lower than the duty cycle for transmitting the burst of reverse datagrams.

17. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 15, wherein the one or more programs further include instructions for: In response to determining that the generated wireless performance metric data fails to exceed the threshold for another predetermined period of time, refrain from transmitting reverse datagrams using the wireless transmitter.

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