Patent US1417093A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
Patent US6442398B1 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6442398B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method and apparatus for reverse link loading estimation
Assignee: Qualcomm Inc
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Filing: 1999-09-30
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Granted: 2002-08-27
•
Expires: 2019-09-30
Abstract
Abstract In one embodiment of method and appartus for determining loading in a communication system, the communication system accumulates a power control commands series and corresponding transmit gain adjustments series between a base station and a designated remote station, under regular operating conditions. After transmissions form the remaining remote stations are interrupted, the communication system repeats the accumulation, and determines the loading according to the accumulated series. Alternatively, the communication system measures power of a test signal injected into base station receiver, under regular operating conditions. After transmissions form the remote stations are interrupted, the communication system repeats the measurement, and determines the loading according to the two measurements. Alternatively, the communication system measures gain of an AGC at the base station's receiver, under regular operating conditions. After transmissions form the remote stations are interrupted, the communication system repeats the measurement, and determines the loading according to the two measurements.
Inventors
- 👤 Roberto Padovani
- 👤 Bruce A. Judson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 08:37
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04W; H04W52/00; H04W52/04; H04W52/30; H04W52/34; H04W52/343; H04W52/18; H04W52/28; H04W52/283; H04W52/52; H04W52/06; H04W52/08; H04W52/22; H04W52/221; H04W52/36
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 63
Claim 1
Independent Claim
122 words
A method of estimating loading in a wireless communication system, comprising the steps of: entering a period of silence during which a designated remote unit continues to transmit; performing closed loop power control on a reverse link signal received from said designated remote unit; accumulating a first series of power control commands to produce a first transmit gain adjustment value; resuming normal operation in which active remote units resume transmission of reverse link signals; performing closed loop power control on said reverse link signal received from said designated remote unit; accumulating a second series of power control commands to produce a second transmit gain adjustment value; and determining a level of loading based upon said first and second transmit gain adjustment values.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
122 words
A method of estimating loading in a wireless communication system, comprising the steps of: entering a period of silence during which a designated remote unit continues to transmit; performing closed loop power control on a reverse link signal received from said designated remote unit; accumulating a first series of power control commands to produce a first transmit gain adjustment value; resuming normal operation in which active remote units resume transmission of reverse link signals; performing closed loop power control on said reverse link signal received from said designated remote unit; accumulating a second series of power control commands to produce a second transmit gain adjustment value; and determining a level of loading based upon said first and second transmit gain adjustment values.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein said period of silence occurs simultaneously among a group of base stations.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein said period of silence follows a silence command transmitted by a base station.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein said period of silence occurs periodically.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein said steps of performing closed loop power control comprise the step of transmitting said first and second series of power control commands to said designated remote unit.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein said steps of performing closed loop power control comprise the step of adjusting a transmission power of said reverse link signal by said designated remote unit.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein said steps of performing closed loop power control comprise the step of transmitting said first and second series of power control commands to said designated remote units.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of using said level of loading in an admission method which admits or denies access to said system.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of using said level of loading in a data rate determination method which controls a data rate at which remote units access said system.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
58 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein said level of loading is proportional to TGA ( t ) - TGA ( 0 ) TGA ( t ) wherein TGA( 0 ) is equal to said first transmit gain adjustment value and wherein TGA(t) is equal to said second transmit gain adjustment value.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein said steps of accumulating are performed by a base station.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein said steps of accumulating are performed by said designated remote unit.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
115 words
An apparatus for load estimation in a wireless communication system, comprising: means for performing closed loop power control on a reverse link signal received from a designated remote unit; means for entering a period of silence during which said designated remote unit continues to transmit; means for accumulating a first series of power control commands to produce a first transmit gain adjustment value; means for resuming normal operation in which active remote units resume transmission of reverse link signals; means for accumulating a second series of power control commands to produce a second transmit gain adjustment value; and means for determining a level of loading based upon said first and second transmit gain adjustment values.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
115 words
An apparatus for load estimation in a wireless communication system, comprising: means for performing closed loop power control on a reverse link signal received from a designated remote unit; means for entering a period of silence during which said designated remote unit continues to transmit; means for accumulating a first series of power control commands to produce a first transmit gain adjustment value; means for resuming normal operation in which active remote units resume transmission of reverse link signals; means for accumulating a second series of power control commands to produce a second transmit gain adjustment value; and means for determining a level of loading based upon said first and second transmit gain adjustment values.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein said period of silence occurs simultaneously among a group of base stations.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein said means for performing closed loop power control comprises means for remotely adjusting a transmission power of said reverse link signal.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein said means for performing closed loop power control comprises means for transmitting said first and second series of power control commands to said designated remote units.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 13 , further comprising means responsive to said level of loading for admitting or denying access to said system.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 13 , further comprising means responsive to said level of loading for controlling a data rate at which remote units access said system.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
58 words
The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein said level of loading is proportional to TGA ( t ) - TGA ( 0 ) TGA ( t ) wherein TGA( 0 ) is equal to said first transmit gain adjustment value and wherein TGA(t) is equal to said second transmit gain adjustment value.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein said means for accumulating are incorporated in a base station.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein said means for accumulating are incorporated in said designated remote unit.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
116 words
A base station, comprising: a demodulator receiving a remote test unit signal and producing a demodulated signal; a signal quality determination block receiving said demodulated signal and producing an indication of quality thereof; and a digital signal processor receiving said indication of quality and determining a power control command for said remote test unit, wherein said digital signal processor accumulates a first series of power control commands corresponding to said remote test unit during a period of silence, accumulates a second series of said power control commands corresponding to said remote test unit during a period of normal operation and determines a level of loading based upon said first and second series of power control commands.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
116 words
A base station, comprising: a demodulator receiving a remote test unit signal and producing a demodulated signal; a signal quality determination block receiving said demodulated signal and producing an indication of quality thereof; and a digital signal processor receiving said indication of quality and determining a power control command for said remote test unit, wherein said digital signal processor accumulates a first series of power control commands corresponding to said remote test unit during a period of silence, accumulates a second series of said power control commands corresponding to said remote test unit during a period of normal operation and determines a level of loading based upon said first and second series of power control commands.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
108 words
A method of estimating loading in a wireless communication system, comprising the steps of: (a) injecting, at a base station, a test signal prior to an automatic gain control; (b) entering a period of silence during which all remote units cease transmission; (c) accumulating, at said base station after said automatic gain control, said test signal to produce a first power value; (d) resuming normal operation in which active remote units resume transmission; (e) accumulating, at a base station after said automatic gain control, said test signal to produce a second power value; and (f) determining a level of loading based upon said first and second power values.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
108 words
A method of estimating loading in a wireless communication system, comprising the steps of: (a) injecting, at a base station, a test signal prior to an automatic gain control; (b) entering a period of silence during which all remote units cease transmission; (c) accumulating, at said base station after said automatic gain control, said test signal to produce a first power value; (d) resuming normal operation in which active remote units resume transmission; (e) accumulating, at a base station after said automatic gain control, said test signal to produce a second power value; and (f) determining a level of loading based upon said first and second power values.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 23 , wherein said period of silence follows a silence command transmitted by a base station.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 23 , wherein said period of silence occurs periodically.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 23 further comprising a step of: (a) repeating said steps (e) and (f) several times before resuming said step (b).
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 23 , wherein said level of loading is proportional to P a - P n P a wherein P n is equal to said first power value and wherein P a is equal to said second power value.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 23 , further comprising a step of: (a) using said level of loading in an admission method which admits or denies access to said system.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 23 , further comprising a step of using said level of loading in a data rate determination method which controls a data rate at which remote units access said system.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
117 words
An apparatus for load estimation in a wireless communication system, comprising: (a) means for injecting, at a base station, a test signal prior to an automatic gain control; (b) means for entering a period of silence during which all remote units cease transmission; (c) means for accumulating, at said base station after said automatic gain control, said test signal to produce a first power value; (d) means for resuming normal operation in which active remote units resume transmission; (e) means for accumulating, at said base station after said automatic gain control, said test signal to produce a second power value; and (f) means for determining a level of loading based upon said first and second power values.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
117 words
An apparatus for load estimation in a wireless communication system, comprising: (a) means for injecting, at a base station, a test signal prior to an automatic gain control; (b) means for entering a period of silence during which all remote units cease transmission; (c) means for accumulating, at said base station after said automatic gain control, said test signal to produce a first power value; (d) means for resuming normal operation in which active remote units resume transmission; (e) means for accumulating, at said base station after said automatic gain control, said test signal to produce a second power value; and (f) means for determining a level of loading based upon said first and second power values.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 30 , wherein said means for entering period of silence act in a response to a silence command transmitted by a base station.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 30 , wherein said means for entering period of silence act periodically.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 30 further comprising: (a) means for invoking repeated use of said means (e) and (f) several times before invoking said means (b).
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus of claim 30 , wherein said level of loading is proportional to P a - P n P a wherein P n is equal to said first power value and wherein P a is equal to said second power value.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 30 , further comprising: (a) means for using said level of loading in an admission method which admits or denies access to said system.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 30 , further comprising: (a) means for using said level of loading in a data rate determination method which controls a data rate at which remote units access said system.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
156 words
A base station, comprising: (a) a receiver, configured to receive signals from remote units; (b) a transmitter, configured to transmit signals to said remote units; (c) a test signal generator, communicatively coupled to a coupler for injecting a test signal to said receiver prior to an automatic gain control; (d) a power level determination device, communicatively coupled to said automatic gain control; and (e) a processor, communicatively coupled to said power level determination device and said transmitter, said processor having been configured to: (i) provide a signal to said transmitter, said signal indicating a period of silence, and a period of normal operation; (ii) accept from said power level determination device a first power level determined during said period of silence; (iii) accept from said power level determination device a second power level determined during said period of normal operation; and (iv) determine a level of loading loading based upon said first and second power values.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
156 words
A base station, comprising: (a) a receiver, configured to receive signals from remote units; (b) a transmitter, configured to transmit signals to said remote units; (c) a test signal generator, communicatively coupled to a coupler for injecting a test signal to said receiver prior to an automatic gain control; (d) a power level determination device, communicatively coupled to said automatic gain control; and (e) a processor, communicatively coupled to said power level determination device and said transmitter, said processor having been configured to: (i) provide a signal to said transmitter, said signal indicating a period of silence, and a period of normal operation; (ii) accept from said power level determination device a first power level determined during said period of silence; (iii) accept from said power level determination device a second power level determined during said period of normal operation; and (iv) determine a level of loading loading based upon said first and second power values.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
92 words
A remote station, comprising (a) a receiver, configured to receive signals from base stations; (b) a transmitter, configured to transmit signals to said base stations; (c) a processor communicatively coupled to said receiver and said transmitter, said processor having been configured to: (i) determine whether a signal provided by said receiver contain a command to enter a period of silence; (ii) instruct said transmitter to cease transmission for said period of silence upon detection of said command; and (iii) instruct said transmitter to resume transmission upon expiration of said period of silence.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
92 words
A remote station, comprising (a) a receiver, configured to receive signals from base stations; (b) a transmitter, configured to transmit signals to said base stations; (c) a processor communicatively coupled to said receiver and said transmitter, said processor having been configured to: (i) determine whether a signal provided by said receiver contain a command to enter a period of silence; (ii) instruct said transmitter to cease transmission for said period of silence upon detection of said command; and (iii) instruct said transmitter to resume transmission upon expiration of said period of silence.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
83 words
A method of estimating loading in a wireless communication system, comprising the steps of: (a) entering a period of silence during which all remote units cease transmission; (b) evaluating, at a base station, a first gain setting of an automatic gain control; (c) resuming normal operation in which active remote units resume transmission; (d) evaluating, at said base station, a second gain setting of said automatic gain control; and (e) determining a level of loading based upon said first and second gain settings.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
83 words
A method of estimating loading in a wireless communication system, comprising the steps of: (a) entering a period of silence during which all remote units cease transmission; (b) evaluating, at a base station, a first gain setting of an automatic gain control; (c) resuming normal operation in which active remote units resume transmission; (d) evaluating, at said base station, a second gain setting of said automatic gain control; and (e) determining a level of loading based upon said first and second gain settings.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 39 , wherein said period of silence follows a silence command transmitted by said base station.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 39 , wherein said period of silence occurs periodically.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 39 further comprising a step of: (b) repeating said steps (d) and (e) several times before resuming said step (a).
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 23 , wherein said level of loading is proportional G a - G n G a wherein G n is equal to said first gain setting and wherein G a is equal to said second gain setting.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 39 , further comprising a step of: (b) using said level of loading in an admission method which admits or denies access to said system.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 39 , further comprising a step of using said level of loading in a data rate determination method which controls a data rate at which remote units access said system.
Claim 54
Independent Claim
90 words
An apparatus for load estimation in a wireless communication system, comprising: (a) means for entering a period of silence during which all remote units cease transmission; (b) means for evaluating, at a base station, a first gain setting of an automatic gain control; (c) means for resuming normal operation in which active remote units resume transmission; (d) means for evaluating, at said base station, a first gain setting of said automatic gain control; and (e) means for determining a level of loading based upon said first and second gain settings.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
90 words
An apparatus for load estimation in a wireless communication system, comprising: (a) means for entering a period of silence during which all remote units cease transmission; (b) means for evaluating, at a base station, a first gain setting of an automatic gain control; (c) means for resuming normal operation in which active remote units resume transmission; (d) means for evaluating, at said base station, a first gain setting of said automatic gain control; and (e) means for determining a level of loading based upon said first and second gain settings.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 46 , wherein said means for entering period of silence act in a response to a silence command transmitted by a base station.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 46 , wherein said means for entering period of silence act periodically.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 46 further comprising: (b) means for invoking repeated use of said means (d) and (f) several times before invoking said means (a).
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus of claim 46 , wherein said level of loading is proportional to G a - G n G a wherein G n is equal to said first gain setting and wherein G a is equal to said second gain setting.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 46 , further comprising: (b) means for using said level of loading in an admission method which admits or denies access to said system.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 46 , further comprising: (b) means for using said level of loading in a data rate determination method which controls a data rate at which remote units access said system.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
125 words
A base station, comprising: (a) a receiver, configured to receive signals from remote units; (b) a transmitter, configured to transmit signals to said remote units; (c) an automatic gain control acting on a signal provided by said receiver; and (d) a processor, communicatively coupled to said automatic gain control and said transmitter, said processor having been configured to: (i) provide signals to said transmitter, said signals indicating a period of silence, and a period of normal operation; (ii) evaluate during said period of silence, a first gain setting of said automatic gain control; (iii) evaluate during said period of normal operation, a second gain setting of said automatic gain control; and (iv) determine a level of loading based upon said first and second gain settings.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
125 words
A base station, comprising: (a) a receiver, configured to receive signals from remote units; (b) a transmitter, configured to transmit signals to said remote units; (c) an automatic gain control acting on a signal provided by said receiver; and (d) a processor, communicatively coupled to said automatic gain control and said transmitter, said processor having been configured to: (i) provide signals to said transmitter, said signals indicating a period of silence, and a period of normal operation; (ii) evaluate during said period of silence, a first gain setting of said automatic gain control; (iii) evaluate during said period of normal operation, a second gain setting of said automatic gain control; and (iv) determine a level of loading based upon said first and second gain settings.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2005-08-26 | 2006-02-25 | 2006-08-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-08-26 | 2010-02-25 | 2010-08-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-08-26 | 2014-02-25 | 2014-08-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |