Mobile Navigation for Returning to Wireless Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile communication devices often lose wireless communication service in areas without network coverage, causing users to be unaware of their location and delaying the realization of the service loss, especially for drivers who may struggle to navigate back to an area with available service.
Innovation Solution
A method and system implemented in mobile devices that detect loss of communication signals, generate signal loss location data, and use stored navigation data to provide users with navigation routes back to areas with accessible cellular or WiFi service, either automatically or upon user request, using a combination of GPS, map modules, and communication modules to display maps and directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mobile communication devices are used in areas without network coverage, then the device can operate independently, but the user loses communication service and cannot navigate back to service areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting signal loss and generating navigation routes back to service areas before the user is completely stranded. The device proactively monitors communication signal strength and automatically prepares return navigation instructions, rather than waiting for the user to realize service is lost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring communication signal availability and using this information to trigger navigation assistance. When signal loss is detected, the system provides feedback to the user through visual and audio alerts, and automatically generates return routes based on the signal loss detection.
2Reliability
If the user is driving and loses communication service, then the device can continue to function, but the user may not realize the service loss for an extended period
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides immediate feedback to the user when communication service is lost through visual icons and audio alerts. This continuous feedback mechanism ensures the user is promptly notified of service loss, eliminating delays in awareness that occur when users are distracted by driving.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting signal loss and generating return navigation routes without requiring user intervention. The device monitors its own communication status and autonomously provides navigation assistance, reducing the time between service loss and user awareness.
3Productivity
If navigation instructions are provided to return to service areas, then users can efficiently navigate back, but the system requires additional processing and data storage
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality by integrating communication signal monitoring and navigation route generation into a unified system. The same GPS and mapping resources used for standard navigation are leveraged to generate return-to-service routes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated hardware or software components.
Solution Approach 2:
The navigation system serves itself by using its existing capabilities to solve the signal loss problem. The device's built-in GPS, map data, and route calculation functions are repurposed to generate return navigation instructions, avoiding the need for additional external systems or complex specialized components.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, a communication device and a computer program product for navigating to a location with communications to a wireless network. The method includes detecting, via a processor of a communication device, a loss of a first communication signal from a wireless network and receiving signal loss location data corresponding to a first location where the first communication signal from the wireless network was lost. The method further includes retrieving, from a memory of the communication device, first navigation data corresponding to a first route between a starting location and an end location. The method further includes generating and presenting, on an output device of the communication device, second navigation data based on the first navigation data and the signal loss location data. The second navigation data corresponds to a second route between a current location and the first location where communications to the wireless network are available.