Using auxiliary information to direct users of wireless devices to safety in response to emergency alert system alerts

#This application is related to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/965,109, filed on Dec. 27, 2007, and entitled “EMERGENCY EXIT ROUTING USING WIRELESS DEVICES DURING EMERGENCY SITUATIONS”, and to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/966,143, filed on Dec. 28, 2007, and entitled “PROMPTING AND DIRECTING USERS TO SAFETY DURING EMERGENCY SITUATIONS”; the collective entire disclosure of the above-identified applications being hereby incorporated by reference.

#The present invention generally relates to the field of emergency alert system alert transmissions and wireless communication systems, and more particularly relates to augmenting broadcast emergency alert system alert transmissions with auxiliary information that directs a user of a wireless device toward safety.

#Emergency alert systems (EAS) are used to communicate vital information to the public during emergency situations. This information is generally conveyed to the public via televisions or public addressing systems.

#The accompanying figures where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.

#FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a wireless communication system and an emergency alert system, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating wireless communication system coverage areas divided into sectors for the example of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

#As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention.

#The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms including and/or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term coupled, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.

#The term “wireless device” is intended to broadly cover many different types of devices that can wirelessly receive signals, and in most cases can wirelessly transmit signals, and may also operate in a wireless communication system. For example, and not for any limitation, a wireless device can include any one or a combination of the following: a two-way radio, a cellular telephone, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a two-way pager, a wireless messaging device, a laptop/computer, automotive gateway, residential gateway, and any type of wireless communication device.