U.S. patent application number 12/020869 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-31 for efficient network hand-off utilizing stored beam-forming information.
Invention is credited to Jeyhan Karaoguz.
Application Number | 20080181180 12/020869 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39522303 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080181180 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Karaoguz; Jeyhan |
July 31, 2008 |
EFFICIENT NETWORK HAND-OFF UTILIZING STORED BEAM-FORMING
INFORMATION
Abstract
A system and method for performing efficient network hand-off
(e.g., of a mobile communication device) utilizing stored
beam-forming information. For example and without limitation,
before determining to perform a particular hand-off, various
aspects may comprise storing beam-forming information associated
with the particular hand-off. Various aspects may also, for
example, comprise determining to perform the particular hand-off.
Various aspects may additionally, for example, comprise (e.g.,
after determining to perform the particular hand-off) accessing the
stored beam-forming information associated with the particular
hand-off to be performed. Various aspects may further, for example,
comprise utilizing the accessed beam-forming information to form a
communication beam to utilize for performing the particular
hand-off.
Inventors: |
Karaoguz; Jeyhan; (Irvine,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCANDREWS HELD & MALLOY, LTD
500 WEST MADISON STREET, SUITE 3400
CHICAGO
IL
60661
US
|
Family ID: |
39522303 |
Appl. No.: |
12/020869 |
Filed: |
January 28, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60887471 |
Jan 31, 2007 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
370/331 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 36/38 20130101;
H04W 16/28 20130101; H04B 7/0408 20130101; H04W 36/08 20130101;
H04W 36/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
370/331 |
International
Class: |
H04Q 7/00 20060101
H04Q007/00 |
Claims
1. In a communication system, a method for performing communication
device hand-off, the method comprising: determining to perform a
particular hand-off; accessing stored beam-forming information
associated with the particular hand-off to be performed; and
utilizing the accessed beam-forming information to form a
communication beam to utilize for performing the particular
hand-off.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising storing beam-forming
information associated with the particular hand-off before
determining to perform the particular hand-off, and wherein
accessing stored beam-forming information associated with the
particular hand-off to be performed comprises accessing the stored
beam-forming information associated with the particular hand-off
after determining to perform the particular hand-off.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein storing beam-forming information
associated with the particular hand-off before determining to
perform the particular hand-off comprises storing beam-forming
information associated with the particular hand-off before
determining that performance of the particular hand-off is
imminent.
4. The method of claim 2, wherein storing beam-forming information
associated with the particular hand-off comprises storing the
beam-forming information at an access point of a communication
network.
5. The method of claim 2, wherein storing beam-forming information
associated with the particular hand-off comprises storing the
beam-forming information in a manner that is accessible by hand-off
location.
6. The method of claim 2, wherein storing beam-forming information
associated with the particular hand-off comprises storing the
beam-forming information in a manner that is accessible by network
identification.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein accessing stored beam-forming
information associated with the particular hand-off to be performed
comprises: determining a location associated with the particular
hand-off to be performed; and utilizing information of the
determined location to access the stored beam-forming information
associated with the particular hand-off to be performed.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein determining a location associated
with the particular hand-off to be performed comprises predicting a
location associated with the particular hand-off to be
performed.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein accessing stored beam-forming
information associated with the particular hand-off to be performed
comprises: identifying a communication network associated with the
particular hand-off to be performed; and utilizing the identity of
the identified communication network to access the stored
beam-forming information associated with the particular hand-off to
be performed.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein utilizing the accessed
beam-forming information to form a communication beam to utilize
for performing the particular hand-off comprises utilizing the
accessed beam-forming information to form a communication beam to
utilize for performing the particular hand-off prior to determining
when to perform the particular hand-off.
11. The method of claim 1, further comprising after utilizing the
accessed beam-forming information to form a communication beam to
utilize for performing the particular hand-off, adapting the stored
beam-forming information associated with the particular
hand-off.
12. The method of claim 1, further comprising after utilizing the
accessed beam-forming information to form a communication beam to
utilize for performing the particular hand-off, switching from a
beam-forming configuration to a Multiple Input Multiple Output
(MIMO) configuration.
13. The method of claim 1, further comprising: utilizing the formed
communication beam to hand off a mobile communication device from a
first communication network to a second communication network
different from the first communication network; prior to performing
the hand-off, providing a communication service to the mobile
communication device with the first communication network; and
after performing the hand-off, continuing to provide the
communication service to the mobile communication device with the
second communication network.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the communication service is a
voice communication service.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the communication service is
one of a plurality of communication services being provided to the
mobile communication device at the time of the hand-off, less than
all of which are associated with the hand-off.
16. The method of claim 1, wherein the particular hand-off concerns
handing off a mobile communication device comprising cellular
telephone capability.
17. The method of claim 1, further comprising utilizing the formed
communication beam to perform the particular hand-off, where the
particular hand-off comprises handing off a mobile communication
device from a first communication network to a second communication
network different from the first communication network.
18. The method of claim 1, further comprising utilizing the formed
communication beam to perform the particular hand-off, where the
particular hand-off comprises handing off a mobile communication
device from a first communication network of a first type to a
second communication network of a second type different from the
first type.
19. A processor for facilitating communication device hand-off, the
processor comprising at least one module that operates to, at
least: determine to perform the particular hand-off; access stored
beam-forming information associated with the particular hand-off to
be performed; and utilize the accessed beam-forming information to
form a communication beam to utilize for performing the particular
hand-off.
20. The processor of claim 19, wherein: the at least one module
operates to store beam-forming information associated with the
particular hand-off before determining to perform the particular
hand-off; and the at least one module operates to access stored
beam-forming information associated with the particular hand-off to
be performed by, at least in part, operating to access the stored
beam-forming information associated with the particular hand-off
after determining to perform the particular hand-off.
21. The processor of claim 20, wherein the at least module operates
to store beam-forming information associated with the particular
hand-off before determining to perform the particular hand-off by,
at least in part, operating to store beam-forming information
associated with the particular hand-off before determining that
performance of the particular hand-off is imminent.
22. The processor of claim 20, wherein the at least one module
operates to store beam-forming information associated with the
particular hand-off by, at least in part, operating to store the
beam-forming information at an access point of a communication
network.
23. The processor of claim 20, wherein the at least one module
operates to store beam-forming information associated with the
particular hand-off by, at least in part, operating to store the
beam-forming information in a manner that is accessible by hand-off
location.
24. The processor of claim 20, wherein the at least one module
operates to store beam-forming information associated with the
particular hand-off by, at least in part, operating to store the
beam-forming information in a manner that is accessible by network
identification.
25. The processor of claim 19, wherein the at least one module
operates to access the stored beam-forming information associated
with the particular hand-off to be performed by, at least in part,
operating to: determine a location associated with the particular
hand-off to be performed; and utilize information of the determined
location to access the stored beam-forming information associated
with the particular hand-off to be performed.
26. The processor of claim 25, wherein the at least one module
operates to determine a location associated with the particular
hand-off to be performed by, at least in part, operating to predict
a location associated with the particular hand-off to be
performed.
27. The processor of claim 19, wherein the at least one module
operates to access the stored beam-forming information associated
with the particular hand-off to be performed by, at least in part,
operating to: identify a communication network associated with the
particular hand-off to be performed; and utilize the identity of
the identified communication network to access the stored
beam-forming information associated with the particular hand-off to
be performed.
28. The processor of claim 19, wherein the at least one module
operates to utilize the accessed beam-forming information to form a
communication beam to utilize for performing the particular
hand-off by, at least in part, operating to utilize the accessed
beam-forming information to form a communication beam to utilize
for performing the particular hand-off prior to determining when to
perform the particular hand-off.
29. The processor of claim 19, wherein after operating to utilize
the accessed beam-forming information to form a communication beam
to utilize for performing the particular hand-off, the at least one
module operates to adapt the stored beam-forming information
associated with the particular hand-off.
30. The processor of claim 19, wherein after operating to utilize
the accessed beam-forming information to form a communication beam
to utilize for performing the particular hand-off, the at least one
module operates to switch from a beam-forming configuration to a
Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) configuration.
31. The processor of claim 19, wherein the at least one module
further operates to, at least: utilize the formed communication
beam to hand off a mobile communication device from a first
communication network to a second communication network different
from the first communication network; prior to performing the
hand-off, provide a communication service to the mobile
communication device with the first communication network; and
after performing the hand-off, continue to provide the
communication service to the mobile communication device with the
second communication network.
32. The processor of claim 31, wherein the communication service is
a voice communication service.
33. The processor of claim 31, wherein the communication service is
one of a plurality of communication services being provided to the
mobile communication device at the time of the hand-off, less than
all of which are associated with the hand-off.
34. The processor of claim 19, wherein the particular hand-off
concerns handing off a mobile communication device comprising
cellular telephone capability.
35. The processor of claim 19, wherein the at least one module
further operates to utilize the formed communication beam to
perform the particular hand-off, where the particular hand-off
comprises handing off a mobile communication device from a first
communication network to a second communication network different
from the first communication network.
36. The processor of claim 19, wherein the at least one module
further operates to utilize the formed communication beam to
perform the particular hand-off, where the particular hand-off
comprises handing off a mobile communication device from a first
communication network of a first type to a second communication
network of a second type different from the first type.
37. The processor of claim 19, wherein the processor comprises
hardware and software.
38. The processor of claim 19, wherein the processor is a baseband
processor.
39. The processor of claim 19 wherein the processor is an
application-specific integrated circuit.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY
REFERENCE
[0001] This patent application is related to and claims priority
from provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/887,471 filed Jan.
31, 2007, and titled "EFFICIENT NETWORK HAND-OFF UTILIZING STORED
BEAM-FORMING INFORMATION", the contents of which are hereby
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
SEQUENCE LISTING
[0003] Not Applicable
MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE
[0004] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In a dynamic network environment, a communication system
(e.g., a portable communication system) may move in and out of
coverage areas associated with a plurality of different
communication networks. Performing network hand-offs presents many
challenges.
[0006] Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and
traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the
art, through comparison of such systems with the present invention
as set forth in the remainder of the present application with
reference to the drawings.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Various aspects of the present invention provide a system
and method for performing efficient network hand-off utilizing
beam-forming information, substantially as shown in and/or
described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set
forth more completely in the claims. These and other advantages,
aspects and novel features of the present invention, as well as
details of illustrative aspects thereof, will be more fully
understood from the following description and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary MIMO
transmitting configuration.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary MIMO receiving
configuration.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary communication
system having a beam-forming configuration.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
communication environment for a mobile communication device.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
communication environment utilizing beam-forming for at least a
portion of communications.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for efficient
network hand-off, utilizing stored beam-forming information, in
accordance with various aspects of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for efficient
network hand-off, associating location information with
beam-forming information, in accordance with various aspects of the
present invention.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for efficient
network hand-off, associating network identification with
beam-forming information, in accordance with various aspects of the
present invention.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a non-limiting exemplary
block diagram of a communication device implementing various
aspects of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The following discussion may illustrate various aspects of
the present invention by referring to communication systems having
Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output ("MIMO") communication capability.
FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate basic MIMO transmitting and receiving
configurations, respectively. Note, however, that the scope of
various aspects of the present invention should not be limited by
particular characteristics of MIMO systems and/or of systems with
both MIMO and beam-forming capability unless explicitly claimed as
such.
[0018] The following discussion will refer to various communication
modules, components or circuits. Such modules, components or
circuits may generally comprise hardware, software or a combination
thereof. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present
invention should not be limited by characteristics of particular
hardware and/or software implementations of a module, component or
circuit unless explicitly claimed as such. For example and without
limitation, various aspects of the present invention may be
implemented by a processor (e.g., a microprocessor, digital signal
processor, baseband processor, microcontroller, etc.) executing
software instructions (e.g., stored in volatile and/or non-volatile
memory). Also for example, various aspects of the present invention
may be implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit
("ASIC").
[0019] The following discussion will also refer to communication
networks and various aspects thereof. For the following discussion,
a communication network is generally the communication
infrastructure through which a mobile communication device ("MCD")
may communicate. For example and without limitation, a
communication network may comprise a cellular communication
network, a wireless metropolitan area network (WMAN), a wireless
local area network (WLAN), a wireless personal area network (WPAN),
etc. A particular communication network may, for example, generally
have a corresponding communication protocol according to which a
communication device (e.g., a MCD) may communicate with the
communication network. Unless so claimed, the scope of various
aspects of the present invention should not be limited by
characteristics of a particular type of communication network.
[0020] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary communication
system 100 having a Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output ("MIMO")
transmitting configuration. The channel encoder 110 receives data.
The data may comprise any of a variety of data types, including but
not limited to, audio data, video data, textual data, graphical
data, pictorial data, numerical data, control data, etc. The
channel encoder 110 may comprise any of a variety of encoder types.
For example and without limitation, the channel encoder 110 may
comprise characteristics of a conventional encoder, error
correction encoder, MIMO encoder, etc.
[0021] The exemplary system 100 may comprise an interleaver 120
that receives the encoded data from the channel encoder 110. The
interleaver 120 may, for example, perform interleaving to spread
errors. The exemplary system 100 may comprise a serial-to-parallel
converter 130 that divides the single data stream out of the
interleaver 120 (or channel encoder 110) into a plurality of (e.g.,
up to N) parallel paths. The outputs of the serial-to-parallel
converter 130 may be coupled to a plurality of transmitters (e.g.,
transmitter 140 through transmitter 150) and respective antennas
for transmission.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary communication
system 200 having an exemplary MIMO receiving configuration. A
plurality of transmitted signals may arrive at the plurality of
(e.g., up to M) antennas and respective receivers (e.g., receiver
210 through receiver 220). The receivers 210-220 may provide the
simultaneously received signals to a MIMO demodulator 230. The MIMO
demodulator 230 may provide a serial stream of information to a
de-interleaver 240 and to a channel decoder 250 to convert the
received signals into output data. As with the exemplary
communication system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1, the data may
comprise characteristics of any of a variety of types of data.
[0023] Note that the exemplary MIMO systems illustrated in FIGS. 1
and 2 are merely illustrative examples of MIMO systems. It should
be noted that a MIMO system may comprise any of a variety of
alternative configurations. Further, it should be noted that many
characteristics of MIMO systems are shared with other multi-antenna
systems (e.g., multi-antenna systems having beam-forming
capability). Additionally, it should be noted that a MIMO
configuration, beam-forming configuration or any multi-antenna
configuration may be configured to utilize any one or more antennas
for communication, either independently or in conjunction with each
other.
[0024] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary communication
system 300 having an exemplary beam-forming configuration. The
channel encoder 310 receives data. The data may comprise any of a
variety of data types, including but not limited to, audio data,
video data, textual data, graphical data, pictorial data, numerical
data, control data, etc. The channel encoder 310 may comprise any
of a variety of encoder types. For example and without limitation,
the channel encoder 310 may comprise characteristics of a
conventional encoder, error correction encoder, etc.
[0025] The exemplary system 300 may comprise a beam former and/or
combiner 320 (e.g., a digital beam-former and/or combiner) that
receives the encoded data from the channel encoder 310. The beam
former/combiner 320 may, for example, form parallel signals (e.g.,
N signals) that, when ultimately transmitted through corresponding
transmitters and antennas, focus transmission energy in a
particular direction (e.g., forming a directed transmission beam).
The outputs of the beam former/combiner 320 may be modulated by a
modulator 330 and communicated to a plurality of transmitters
(e.g., transmitter 340 through transmitter 350) and respective
antennas for transmission. As illustrated by the exemplary antenna
gain pattern 360, the energy of the transmitted plurality of
signals may constructively combine to focus composite transmission
energy in a particular direction.
[0026] Analogously, the energy of a received plurality of signals
may be constructively combined to focus reception energy from a
particular direction (e.g., forming a directed reception beam). For
example and without limitation, the transmitters 340-350 may be
replaced by receivers and/or transceivers, the module 340 may be
replaced with a demodulator, and the channel encoder 310 may be
replaced with a decoder.
[0027] Beam-forming, in particular in real-time, may be an
inefficient process (e.g., utilizing real-time trial and error,
measurement, analysis and adjustment, etc.). For example,
determining beam-forming parameters in real-time, when unnecessary,
may be temporally inefficient and/or inefficient from a processing
bandwidth and/or power consumption perspective. Additionally,
performance may suffer due to latency related to the real-time
beam-forming activities. Since particular hand-offs recur, various
aspects of the present invention may utilize such recurrence to
efficiently manage beam-forming related to such hand-offs.
[0028] As with the exemplary MIMO systems 100, 200 illustrated in
FIGS. 1-2, the exemplary communication system 300 with beam-forming
capability is merely exemplary. For example, a communication system
utilizing beam-forming may be constructed in many alternative
configurations. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the
present invention should not be limited by characteristics of the
exemplary communication system 300 illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0029] Aspects of the exemplary systems 100, 200 and 300
illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 may be combined in a single communication
system. For example and without limitation, a communication system
may comprise both MIMO and beam-forming capability (e.g., combining
various aspects of the exemplary systems 100, 200 and 300.
[0030] The following discussion will, at times, refer to
communication services. For the following discussion, a
communication service generally corresponds to information being
communicated to and/or from a communication device (e.g., an MCD)
through a communication network. A particular communication service
may, for example, correspond to a particular type of information
being communicated to and/or from a communication device through a
communication network. For example and without limitation, a
communication service may correspond to a voice communication
service, a music communication service, a multi-media communication
service, a video communication service, an email communication
service, a data communication service, a world-wide-web browsing
communication service, an instant messaging communication service,
etc. Various non-limiting examples of such communication services
are provided herein. Unless so claimed, the scope of various
aspects of the present invention should not be limited to
characteristics of a particular type of communication service.
[0031] The following discussion may also refer to applications.
Such applications may, for example, comprise software or firmware
instructions that, when executed by a processor, perform various
functions corresponding to communication services. In various
examples, a particular dedicated application may correspond to a
particular communication service (e.g., a music playing application
or a VoIP application). In various other examples, a particular
application may correspond to a plurality of communication services
(e.g., a multi-media application capable of providing audio and/or
video communication services), which may, for example, be selected
by a user.
[0032] As non-limiting examples, a user may utilize a mobile
communication device to provide a two-way voice communication
service through a cellular telecommunication network (e.g.,
cellular telephony or data voice communication), a WLAN (e.g.,
Voice over IP or "VoIP"), a WMAN, a WWAN, a WPAN, etc. Also for
example, a user may utilize a mobile communication device to
provide a music communication service to the user (e.g., through
audio data streaming) through a cellular network, a WLAN, a WMAN, a
WPAN, etc. Further for example, a user may utilize a mobile
communication device to provide a two-way multi-media communication
service to the user through a cellular network, a WLAN, a WMAN, a
WPAN, etc. Also for example, a user may utilize a mobile
communication device to provide a video communication service to
the user (e.g., through video data streaming) through a cellular
network, a WLAN, a WMAN, a WPAN, etc.
[0033] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
communication environment 400 for a mobile communication device.
FIG. 4 illustrates that a user may utilize a mobile communication
device 405 to provide user access to various communication services
through various communication networks.
[0034] The mobile communication device 405, though illustrated with
the form-factor of a cellular telephone, may comprise
characteristics of any of a variety of mobile communication
devices. For example and without limitation, the mobile
communication device 405 may comprise characteristics of a cellular
telephone, portable music player, portable video player, personal
digital assistant, mobile email device, mobile web browsing device,
handheld computer with communication capability, portable
navigation system, mobile Internet gaming device, etc.
[0035] The mobile communication device 405 is illustrated in FIG. 4
with multiple (e.g., three) concurrent or serialized links to
multiple respective communication networks. For example, the mobile
communication device 405 may be capable of communicating with a
Cellular Network 430 via an RF link, a WMAN 420 via an RF link, and
a WLAN 410 via an RF link. Such links may, for example and without
limitation, be maintained utilizing a plurality of communication
stacks in the MCD 405.
[0036] The mobile communication device 405, though illustrated
utilizing RF links to the WLAN 410, WMAN 420 and Cellular Network
430, may utilize communication links through any of a variety of
communication media. For example and without limitation, the mobile
communication device 405 may communicate utilizing wireless RF,
non-tethered optical, tethered optical or wired links.
[0037] Each of the illustrated networks (e.g., the WLAN 410, WMAN
420 and Cellular Network 430) may be communicatively coupled to
various other networks. In the non-limiting exemplary scenario
illustrated in FIG. 4, each of the illustrated networks 410-430 is
communicatively coupled to the Internet 440. For example, in a
non-limiting exemplary scenario where a user is utilizing the
mobile communication device 405 to provide streamed multi-media
information to the user, the mobile communication device 405 may
utilize any of the illustrated networks 410-430 and the Internet
440 to request and receive such streamed multi-media information
from a provider of such information that is communicatively coupled
to the Internet 440.
[0038] FIG. 4 illustrates a non-exclusive set of various
communication service providers. For example and without
limitation, a VoIP service provider 460, instant message service
provider 461, email service provider 462, music service provider
463, video conferencing service provider 464, weather service
provider 465, video and/or movie service provider 466, news service
provider 467, investment information provider 468,
telecommunication provider 469 and location service provider 470
(e.g., GPS) are illustrated communicatively coupled to the Internet
440, other networks and/or the MCD 405. Note that various
communication service providers are not necessarily communicatively
coupled to the Internet 440 and might be communicatively coupled
only to other networks. For example, a music providing service (or
any other communication service) might be communicatively coupled
directly to the Cellular Network 430, WMAN 420 or WLAN 410 for more
direct service. Also note that the exemplary location service
provider 470 is communicatively coupled directly to the MCD 405 via
an RF link.
[0039] FIG. 4 shows a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
communication environment 400 for a mobile communication device
405. Various portions of FIG. 4 may be referred to directly or by
inference in the following discussion. Note that the exemplary
communication environment 400 is merely an exemplary illustration.
Thus, various features of the exemplary communication environment
400 should not be utilized to limit the scope of various aspects of
the present invention unless explicitly claimed.
[0040] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
communication environment 500 utilizing beam-forming for at least a
portion of communications. In the exemplary environment 500, a
first access point AP1 is communicating in a first coverage zone
510 (or area), and a second access point AP2 is communicating in a
second coverage zone 550. The first access point AP1 and the second
access point AP2 may, for example and without limitation, be
associated with different communication networks and/or different
types of communication networks (e.g., telecommunication network,
computer network, satellite communication network, terrestrial
communication network, WLAN, WPAN, WMAN, WWAN, etc.).
[0041] The first access point AP1 is communicating with the first
mobile communication device MCD1 utilizing a first formed beam B1
and with at least one other transceiver associated with a third
hotspot HS3 utilizing at least a second beam B2. The second access
point AP2 is communicating (or may be communicating in the future)
with the first mobile communication device MCD1 utilizing a third
formed beam B3 and with at least one transceiver associated with
the third hotspot utilizing at least a fourth formed beam B4. The
second access point AP2 is also communicating with at least one
transceiver associated with a first hotspot HS1 utilizing at least
a fifth formed beam B5 and with at least one transceiver associated
with a second hotspot HS2 utilizing at least a sixth formed beam
B6.
[0042] Note that though the exemplary communication environment 500
utilizes formed beams B1-B6, in various hand-off scenarios to be
discussed later, various beams may be formed by beam-forming (e.g.,
utilizing formed beams directed between the access point and the
MCD). Various antenna patterns may also, for example, be
directional and static (e.g., static sector beams that may, for
example, be found in cellular systems). Various antenna patterns
may additionally, for example, be omni-directional, etc. In a
non-limiting exemplary scenario, a mobile communication device MCD1
may be handed off from a first access point AP1 that uses
beam-forming to communicate with the MCD to a second access point
AP2 that uses beam-forming to communicate with the MCD. In another
exemplary scenario, a mobile communication device MCD1 may be
handed off from a first access point AP1 that uses an
omni-directional antenna pattern to communicate with the mobile
communication device MCD1 to a second access point AP2 that uses
beam-forming to communicate with the mobile communication device
MCD2. In yet another exemplary scenario, a mobile communication
device MCD1 may be handed off from a first access point AP1 that
uses a static directional antenna pattern (e.g., a pie-shaped
sector pattern) to communicate with the mobile communication device
MCD1 to a second access point AP2 that uses beam-forming to
communicate with the mobile communication device MCD1 initially and
then switches to an omni-directional antenna pattern and/or MIMO
communication as the mobile communication device moves away from
the fringes of the coverage area.
[0043] The exemplary communication environment 500 illustrates
multiple exemplary hand-off scenarios. For example and without
limitation, a hand-off of the first mobile communication device
MCD1 may occur from the first access point AP1 to the second access
point AP2. Also for example, a hand-off of a mobile communication
device (not specifically shown) may occur from the third hotspot
HS3 to either the first access point AP1 or the second access point
AP2. Further for example, a hand-off of a mobile communication
device (not specifically shown) may occur from the second hotspot
HS2 or first hotspot HS1 to the second access point AP2. Any of
such exemplary hand-offs may occur utilizing various aspects of the
present invention, as described herein.
[0044] Turning next to FIG. 6, such figure illustrates a method 600
for efficient network hand-off, utilizing stored beam-forming
information, in accordance with various aspects of the present
invention. The method 600 may, for example and without limitation,
be utilized in association with any of the communication systems
and/or communication environments and scenarios illustrated in
FIGS. 1-5 and discussed previously.
[0045] The exemplary method 600 may begin executing at step 605.
The exemplary method 600 may begin executing in response to any of
a wide variety of causes or conditions. For example and without
limitation, the exemplary method 600 may begin executing in
response to a user or operator command. Also for example, the
exemplary method 600 may begin executing in response to a detected
condition (e.g., a condition detected in a communication
environment). Additionally for example, the exemplary method 600
may begin executing in response to a start-up or reset condition.
Further for example, the exemplary method 600 may begin executing
in response to a communication beginning, occurring and/or ending.
Still further for example, the exemplary method 600 may begin
executing in response to a determination being made that a
particular mobile communication device and/or a user thereof is
associated with a particular type of communication service, quality
of service and/or service plan. Accordingly, the scope of various
aspects of the present invention should not be limited by
characteristics of any particular initiating causes or conditions
unless explicitly claimed.
[0046] The exemplary method 600 may, at step 610, comprise storing
beam-forming information associated with a particular hand-off.
Such storing may, for example, occur prior to a determination being
made to perform the particular hand-off. For example, such storing
may occur prior to a determination being made that the particular
hand-off is imminent, going to occur relatively soon (e.g., during
a present communication, during a particular time window, etc.), or
going to occur in the relatively distant future. Such storing may
also, for example, occur prior to a determination being made that
the particular hand-off is probably going to occur or probably
going to occur to a particular degree or threshold limit.
[0047] Step 610 may, for example, comprise storing the beam-forming
information associated with a particular hand-off in apparatus of a
communication network (e.g., at an access point, network
controller, network database, etc.). In a non-limiting exemplary
scenario, step 610 may comprise storing such beam-forming
information for particularly common hand-off scenarios experienced
by the access point (e.g., hand-offs with particular network access
points, hotspots, mobile communication devices, etc.). Also for
example, step 610 may comprise storing the beam-forming information
at a central repository accessible by a plurality of different
communication networks. Additionally for example, step 610 may
comprise storing the beam-forming information at the mobile
communication device. Then, for example, a mobile communication
device may have beam-forming information stored therein that is
associated with one or more hand-off scenarios commonly experienced
by the mobile communication device. Further for example, step 610
may comprise storing such beam-forming information at the source
and/or destination network for the hand-off. In a non-limiting
exemplary scenario, step 610 may comprise storing such beam-forming
information at a server associated with a particular wireless
hotspot involved in the hand-off. Accordingly, the scope of various
aspects of the present invention should not be limited by
characteristics of a particular storage location for the
beam-forming information, unless explicitly claimed.
[0048] The stored beam-forming information may, for example,
comprise any of a variety of characteristics associated with
forming a directed communication beam. For example and without
limitation, the stored beam-forming information may comprise
respective timing and/or phase information associated with a
plurality of antennas and/or associated transmitters and/or
receivers. Also for example, the stored beam-forming information
may comprise beam direction information. Additionally for example,
the stored beam-forming information may comprise information
associated with latency, time, transmit power, antenna element
identification, transmitter and/or receiver identification, etc.
Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present invention
should not be limited by characteristics of particular beam-forming
information unless explicitly claimed.
[0049] Step 610 may comprise storing the beam-forming information
associated with the particular hand-off in a manner such that the
beam-forming information is accessible in any of a variety of
manners. For example and without limitation, step 610 may comprise
storing the beam-forming information in a manner that is accessible
by hand-off location (e.g., exact location, approximate location,
general area, coverage area, etc.). For example, step 610 may
comprise storing the beam-forming information in a manner that is
accessible by a relatively common hand-off location (e.g., a
location of a particular wireless LAN or hotspot at which hand-offs
are known to commonly occur, a location along a particular
transportation route (e.g., automobile route, train route,
pedestrian route, aircraft route, etc.) at which hand-offs are
known to commonly occur, etc. In such a scenario, the beam-forming
information may comprise information that may be utilized to direct
a communication beam to the particular location.
[0050] Also for example, step 610 may comprise storing the
beam-forming information in a manner that is accessible by network
identification. For example, step 610 may comprise storing the
beam-forming information in a manner that is accessible by the
identification of a particular network (or access point thereof)
involved in a commonly occurring hand-off (e.g., the destination
and/or source network of the hand-off). In a non-limiting exemplary
scenario, step 610 may comprise storing beam-forming information
for forming a communication beam directed at a particular wireless
hotspot with which hand-offs frequently occur. For example, the
exemplary scenario may comprise a wireless MAN and/or
telecommunication network access point commonly involved in
hand-offs with a particular wireless hotspot (e.g., at an office
place, coffee shop, restaurant, club, etc.). In such an exemplary
scenario, step 610 may comprise storing beam-forming information
associated with forming a communication beam directed at the
location of the identified hotspot. Thus, such stored beam-forming
information may be readily accessible by the identification of the
particular hotspot.
[0051] Note that storing such beam-forming information in a manner
accessible by location and/or network identification are merely
examples. Such beam-forming information may be stored in a manner
accessible by any of a variety of information types (e.g.,
accessible by communication network access point identity, mobile
communication device identity, user identity, time, day,
type-of-day, communication service identity, communication service
plan identity, etc.).
[0052] Step 610 may comprise storing the beam-forming information
in a manner accessible by location and/or network identification
information in any of a variety of manners. For example and without
limitation, step 610 may comprise storing the beam-forming
information in a manner that is indexed by location and/or network
identification information (e.g., in a table form, linked list
form, database form, using metadata tags, etc.). In a non-limiting
exemplary scenario, particular beam-forming information that has
been found to result in communication beams that perform
particularly well for hand-offs associated with a particular
location and/or network and/or network access point may be stored
in a manner that associates the particular location and/or network
with the stored beam-forming information. Accordingly, the scope of
various aspects of the present invention should not be limited by
characteristics of any particular implementation of storing the
beam-forming information in a manner accessible by location and/or
network (or access point) identification unless explicitly
claimed.
[0053] The exemplary method 600 may, at step 620, comprise
determining to perform the particular communication hand-off. Step
620 may comprise determining to perform the particular
communication hand-off in any of a variety of manners. For example
and without limitation, step 620 may comprise determining to
perform the particular communication hand-off based, at least in
part, on signal and/or channel quality. Also for example, step 620
may comprise determining to perform the particular communication
hand-off based, at least in part, on a request (e.g., a user
request, operator request, etc.). Further for example, step 620 may
comprise determining to perform the particular communication
hand-off based, at least in part, on a hand-off profile associated
with a particular user, communication network, communication
service, etc. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the
present invention should not be limited by characteristics of any
particular manner of determining to perform a communication
hand-off unless explicitly claimed.
[0054] In a non-limiting exemplary scenario, step 620 may comprise
determining that a mobile communication device is entering and/or
leaving the coverage area associated with a particular wireless
LAN. Step 620 may make such a determination based, at least in
part, on communication channel conditions between the MCD and the
hotspot and/or based, at least in part, on communication channel
conditions between another communication network access point and
the MCD.
[0055] The exemplary method 600 may, at step 630, comprise
accessing the stored beam-forming information (e.g., stored at step
610). For example and without limitation, step 630 may comprise
accessing the stored beam-forming information after determining to
perform a particular hand-off (e.g., as determined at step 620).
For example, such a determination may result in initiation of
hand-off activities. Also for example, step 630 may comprise
accessing the stored beam-forming information after determining
that performing a particular hand-off is imminent (i.e., going to
occur) but before determining a hand-off time. Additionally for
example, step 630 may comprise accessing the stored beam-forming
information after determining that performing a particular hand-off
is probably (e.g., statistically probable, likely, highly likely,
etc.) going to occur but it is not definite that the hand-off is
going to occur.
[0056] Step 630 may comprise accessing the stored beam-forming
information in any of a variety of manners. For example and without
limitation, step 630 may comprise accessing the stored beam-forming
information based, at least in part, on location information,
network and/or access point identity information, communication
device identity, user identity information, time and/or day
information, distance and/or direction information etc.
[0057] In a first non-limiting exemplary scenario, step 630 may
comprise determining a location (e.g., an exact location,
approximate location, general location, locale, region, coverage
area, etc.) associated with the particular hand-off, and accessing
the stored beam-forming information based, at least in part, on
information of the determined location. Such a location may be
determined in any of a variety of manners. For example and without
limitation, step 630 may comprise determining the location by
receiving location information (e.g., at the mobile communication
device and/or a communication network associated with the hand-off)
from a positioning system (e.g., the Global Positioning System
("GPS")). Also for example, step 630 may comprise receiving
positioning information from a communication network (e.g., from a
server associated with a hotspot or a system performing
triangulation). Further for example, step 630 may comprise
retrieving location information from a memory (e.g., from a memory
of the mobile communication device and/or communication network).
Still further for example, step 630 may comprise determining a
location associated with a known network (e.g., WLAN location, WPAN
location, etc.). Also for example, step 630 may comprise
determining a location associated with a particular communication
network access point and/or coverage area (e.g., WMAN access point,
cellular base station, etc.). Additionally for example, step 630
may comprise determining a location based, at least in part, on
information input from a user of a communication device being
handed off and/or an operator of a communication network. In yet
another example, step 630 may comprise predicting a location
associated with a particular hand-off (e.g., based on monitored
behavior, travel patterns, hand-off patterns, interpolation, etc.).
In still another example, step 630 may comprise determining
location information utilizing UltraWideBand ("UWB") techniques.
Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present invention
should not be limited by characteristics of any particular manner
of determining location unless explicitly claimed.
[0058] Location information may comprise characteristics of any of
a variety of types of location information. For example and without
limitation, the location information may comprise information of
geographical coordinates (e.g., based on any of a number of
geographical location systems), street addresses, landmarks,
building identity and/or location, business identity and/or
location, entertainment venue identity, intersections,
transportation hub identity, etc. Note that such location
information may also, for example, comprise location information
corresponding to network location (e.g., hand-off source network
and/or hand-off recipient network) and mobile communication device
location. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present
invention should not be limited by characteristics of any
particular type of location information unless explicitly
claimed.
[0059] As mentioned previously, step 630 may comprise utilizing
location information to access the stored beam-forming information.
For example and without limitation, step 630 may comprise utilizing
location information as an index (or one of a plurality of indices)
to access particular stored beam-forming information. Also for
example, step 630 may comprise utilizing location information as a
database search criterion to search for particular stored
beam-forming information. Further for example, step 630 may
comprise utilizing location information as general search criteria
for beam-forming information. Accordingly, the scope of various
aspects of the present invention should not be limited by
characteristics of any particular manner of utilizing location
information to access beam-forming information, unless explicitly
claimed.
[0060] In another non-limiting exemplary scenario, step 630 may
comprise identifying a communication network (e.g., by name, by
network address (e.g., IP address), by arbitrary tag, etc.)
associated with the particular hand-off, and accessing the stored
beam-forming information based, at least in part, on information of
the network identity. Network identity may be determined in any of
a variety of manners. For example and without limitation, step 630
may comprise determining network identity through direct
communication with the network and/or through communication with a
communication network associated with the network. Also for
example, step 630 may comprise determining network identity through
communication with a mobile communication device (e.g., the mobile
communication device to be handed off to or from the network).
Further for example, step 630 may comprise utilizing determined
location information to ascertain network identity. Also for
example, step 630 may comprise determining network identity based,
at least in part, on transmissions from the network (e.g., beacons,
typical data messages, control messages, synchronization signals,
etc.). Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present
invention should not be limited by characteristics of any
particular manner of determining network identity.
[0061] As mentioned previously, step 630 may comprise utilizing
network identity to access the stored beam-forming information. For
example and without limitation, step 630 may comprise utilizing
network identity information as an index (or one of a plurality of
indices) to access particular stored beam-forming information. Also
for example, step 630 may comprise utilizing network identity
information as a database search criterion to search for particular
stored beam-forming information. Further for example, step 630 may
comprise utilizing network identity information as general search
criteria for beam-forming information. Accordingly, the scope of
various aspects of the present invention should not be limited by
characteristics of any particular manner of utilizing network
identity information to access beam-forming information, unless
explicitly claimed.
[0062] In another non-limiting exemplary scenario, step 630 may
comprise identifying an access point of a communication network
(e.g., by name, by address (e.g., IP address), by arbitrary tag,
etc.) associated with the particular hand-off, and accessing the
stored beam-forming information based, at least in part, on
information of the access point identity. Note that hand-offs may
be performed between access points of a same communication network
and/or between access points of different respective networks.
[0063] Access point identity may be determined in any of a variety
of manners. For example and without limitation, step 630 may
comprise determining access point identity through direction
communication with the access point and/or through communication
with a network controller or other apparatus of a communication
network associated with the access point. Also for example, step
630 may comprise determining access point identity through
communication with a mobile communication device (e.g., the mobile
communication device to be handed off to or from the access point).
Further for example, step 630 may comprise utilizing determined
location information to ascertain access point identity. Also for
example, step 630 may comprise determining access point identity
based, at least in part, on transmissions from the access point
(e.g., beacons, typical data messages, control messages,
synchronization signals, etc.) or other access points associated
therewith. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present
invention should not be limited by characteristics of any
particular manner of determining access point identity.
[0064] As mentioned previously, step 630 may comprise utilizing
access point identity to access the stored beam-forming
information. For example and without limitation, step 630 may
comprise utilizing access point identity information as an index
(or one of a plurality of indices) to access particular stored
beam-forming information. Also for example, step 630 may comprise
utilizing access point identity information as a database search
criterion to search for particular stored beam-forming information.
Further for example, step 630 may comprise utilizing access point
identity information as general search criteria for beam-forming
information. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the
present invention should not be limited by characteristics of any
particular manner of utilizing access point identity information to
access beam-forming information, unless explicitly claimed.
[0065] The previous examples present the determination and/or
utilization of location, network identity and access point identity
to access stored beam-forming information. Note that such examples
are non-limiting illustrations and many other manners of accessing
the stored beam-forming information, some of which were presented
above, are contemplated. Additionally, any combination of the
various manners is contemplated. For example and without
limitation, any combination of location, network identity, access
point identity, mobile communication device identity, user
identity, time information, day information, service type, service
availability, service plan provisions, etc., may be utilized to
access stored beam-forming information.
[0066] The exemplary method 600 may, at step 640, comprise
utilizing the accessed beam-forming information (e.g., accessed at
step 630) to form a communication beam to utilize for performing
the particular hand-off. For example and without limitation, step
640 may comprise utilizing the accessed beam-forming information to
form a communication beam prior to determining when to perform the
particular hand-off. Also for example, step 640 may comprise
utilizing the accessed beam-forming information to form a
communication beam prior to triggering the particular hand-off. In
another example, step 640 may comprise utilizing the accessed
beam-forming information to form a communication beam prior to
determining when the particular hand-off is imminent (e.g., based
on a degree of likelihood, for example, statistically based degree
of likelihood).
[0067] Note that step 640 may comprise utilizing the formed
communication beam to perform a hand-off (e.g., of a mobile
communication device) in any of a variety of manners. For example
and without limitation, step 640 may comprise forming the
communication beam and utilizing the formed communication beam at
the source network (or access point) of the hand-off and/or the
recipient network (or access point). For example, not all networks
involved in the hand-off need utilize beam forming. Also for
example, as discussed previously with regard to FIG. 5, a hand-off
may be performed between access points of a same communication
network, between different communication networks of the same type
and/or between different types of communication networks.
[0068] The exemplary method 600 may, at step 695 comprise
performing continued processing. Such continued processing may
comprise performing any of a variety of communication activities,
non-limiting examples of which are provided below.
[0069] For example and without limitation, step 695 may comprise
adapting the stored beam-forming information. In a non-limiting
exemplary scenario, the communication system(s) implementing the
exemplary method 600 may determine that the accessed (e.g., at step
630) stored (e.g., at step 610) beam-forming information should be
modified. Such a determination may, for example, be based on
changing communication environment, etc. In such a scenario, step
695 may comprise determining adjustments to make to the accessed
beam-forming information and/or determining new beam-forming
information. Such adapted beam-forming information may then be
stored (e.g., in a manner similar to that discussed previously with
regard to step 610).
[0070] Also for example, step 695 may comprise switching from
communicating with a handed-off mobile communication device using
beam-forming to communicating with the handed-off mobile
communication device utilizing single antenna communication,
Single-Input-Single-Output ("SISO") communication, MIMO
communication, Multiple-Input-Single-Output ("MISO") communication,
etc. As discussed previously, a communication device (e.g., an
access point and/or mobile communication device) may comprise
various characteristics of the exemplary systems 100, 200 and 300
illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. Thus, such systems may switch between
various forms of communicating utilizing one or more antennas
and/or associated transceivers.
[0071] Further for example, step 695 (or a portion of step 640) may
comprise handing off one or more communication services being
provided to the communication device handed off. In a non-limiting
exemplary scenario, prior to performing a hand-off, the source
communication network may be providing a communication service to
the mobile communication device (and/or a user thereof). In the
exemplary scenario, the formed communication beam may be utilized
to hand off the mobile communication device from the source
communication network to a destination communication network.
Continuing the exemplary scenario, the destination communication
network may then continue providing the communication service to
the mobile communication device. Many non-limiting examples of such
a communication service were provided previously. Note that in such
an exemplary scenario, the communication service may be one of a
plurality of communication services presently being provided to the
mobile communication device by respective communication networks.
All or only a portion of such communication services might be
handed off.
[0072] In general, FIG. 6 illustrates a method 600 for efficient
network hand-off, utilizing stored beam-forming information. The
following discussion of FIGS. 7 and 8 will provide non-limiting
examples of other aspects that may be implemented independently of
various steps of the exemplary method 600 illustrated in FIG. 6
and/or in conjunction with various steps of the exemplary method
600 illustrated in FIG. 6.
[0073] Turning next to FIG. 7, such figure is a flow diagram
illustrating a method 700 for efficient network hand-off,
associating location information with beam-forming information, in
accordance with various aspects of the present invention. The
exemplary method 700 may, for example and without limitation, share
any or all characteristics with the exemplary method 600
illustrated in FIG. 6 and discussed previously. Additionally, the
exemplary method 700 may be implemented by a communication system
sharing any or all characteristics with the exemplary communication
systems 100, 200 and 300 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and discussed
previously. Further, the exemplary method 700 may be implemented in
a communication environment sharing any or all characteristics with
the exemplary environments 400 and 500 illustrated in FIGS. 4-5 and
discussed previously.
[0074] The exemplary method 700 may begin executing at step 705.
The exemplary method 700 may begin executing in response to any of
a wide variety of causes or conditions. For example and without
limitation, the exemplary method 700 may begin executing in
response to a user or operator command. Also for example, the
exemplary method 700 may begin executing in response to a detected
condition (e.g., a condition detected in a communication
environment). Additionally for example, the exemplary method 700
may begin executing in response to a start-up or reset condition.
Further for example, the exemplary method 700 may begin executing
in response to a communication beginning, occurring and/or ending.
Still further for example, the exemplary method 700 may begin
executing in response to a determination being made that a
particular mobile communication device and/or a user thereof is
associated with a particular type of communication service, quality
of service and/or service plan. Additionally, the exemplary method
700 may begin executing in response to a determination that a
hand-off is imminent, likely, probably, highly likely, etc.
Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present invention
should not be limited by characteristics of any particular
initiating causes or conditions unless explicitly claimed.
[0075] The exemplary method 700 may, at step 710, comprise
determining to perform a hand-off. Step 710 may, for example and
without limitation, share any or all characteristics with step 620
of the exemplary method 600 illustrated in FIG. 6 and discussed
previously.
[0076] The exemplary method 700 may, at step 720, comprise
determining a location of (or associated with) a hand-off target
(e.g., a mobile communication device to be handed off). Step 720
may comprise determining the location of the hand-off target in any
of a variety of manners. For example and without limitation, step
720 may share any or all characteristics with step 630 of the
exemplary method 600 illustrated in FIG. 6 and discussed
previously.
[0077] In a first non-limiting exemplary scenario, step 720 may
comprise determining a location (e.g., an exact location,
approximate location, general location, locale, region, coverage
area, etc.) associated with the particular hand-off (e.g., a
location of a mobile communication device being handed off). Such a
location may be determined in any of a variety of manners. For
example and without limitation, step 720 may comprise determining
the location by receiving location information (e.g., at the mobile
communication device being handed off and/or a communication
network associated with the hand-off) from a positioning system
(e.g., the Global Positioning System). Also for example, step 720
may comprise receiving positioning information from a communication
network (e.g., from a server associated with a hotspot or a system
performing triangulation). Further for example, step 720 may
comprise retrieving location information from a memory (e.g., from
a memory of the mobile communication device being handed off and/or
a memory of (or accessible by) communication network). Still
further for example, step 720 may comprise determining a location
associated with a known network (e.g., WLAN location, WPAN
location, etc. that may be in communication with the mobile
communication device before being handed off or that will be in
communication with the mobile communication device after being
handed off). Also for example, step 720 may comprise determining a
location associated with a particular communication network access
point and/or coverage area (e.g., WMAN access point, cellular base
station, etc. that is in communication with the mobile
communication device before being handed off or that will be in
communication with the mobile communication device after hand-off).
Additionally for example, step 720 may comprise determining a
location based, at least in part, on information input from a user
of a mobile communication device being handed off and/or an
operator of a communication network. In yet another example, step
720 may comprise predicting (e.g., interpolating) a location of a
mobile communication device associated with a particular hand-off
(e.g., based on monitored behavior, travel patterns, hand-off
patterns, etc.). Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the
present invention should not be limited by characteristics of any
particular manner of determining location unless explicitly
claimed.
[0078] As discussed previously, location information associated
with the determined location may comprise characteristics of any of
a variety of types of location information. For example and without
limitation, the location information may comprise information of
geographical coordinates (e.g., based on any of a number of
geographical location systems), street addresses, landmarks,
building identity and/or location, business identity and/or
location, entertainment venue identity, intersections,
transportation hub identity, etc. Note that such location
information may also, for example, comprise location information
corresponding to network location (e.g., hand-off source network
and/or hand-off recipient network) and/or mobile communication
device location. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the
present invention should not be limited by characteristics of any
particular type of location information unless explicitly
claimed.
[0079] The exemplary method 700 may, at step 730, comprise
determining beam-forming parameters associated with the hand-off
location (e.g., as determined at step 720). Step 730 may comprise
determining the beam-forming parameters in any of a variety of
manners. For example and without limitation, step 730 may comprise
accessing stored beam-forming parameters associated with the
determined location. Non-limiting examples of such access were
discussed previously with regard to step 630 of the exemplary
method 600 illustrated in FIG. 6.
[0080] Also for example, step 730 may comprise calculating the
beam-forming parameters as a function of the determined location
(e.g., as a function of a beam direction associated with the
determined location). For example, step 730 may comprise
determining timing and/or phase relationships corresponding to
various antennas and/or transmitters and/or receivers for directing
a beam of a particular shape to the determined location. Also for
example, step 730 may comprise determining beam-forming parameters
as a combination of accessed stored beam-forming information and
calculated adjustments to such accessed stored information.
Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present invention
should not be limited by characteristics of any particular manner
of determining beam-forming parameters associated with a determined
location unless explicitly claimed.
[0081] The exemplary method 700 may, at step 740, comprise
utilizing determined beam-forming parameters (e.g., as determined
at step 730) to form a communication beam (e.g., a transmission
and/or reception beam) to utilize in performing the hand-off. Step
740 may, for example and without limitation, share any or all
characteristics with step 640 of the exemplary method 600
illustrated in FIG. 6 and discussed previously.
[0082] The exemplary method 700 may, at step 795, comprise
continuing to perform additional communication activities. For
example and without limitation, step 795 may share any or all
characteristics with step 695 of the exemplary method 600
illustrated in FIG. 6 and discussed previously.
[0083] Turning next to FIG. 8, such figure is a flow diagram
illustrating a method 800 for efficient network hand-off,
associating network identification with beam-forming information,
in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. The
exemplary method 800 may, for example and without limitation, share
any or all characteristics with the exemplary methods 600 and 700
illustrated in FIGS. 6-7 and discussed previously. Additionally,
the exemplary method 800 may be implemented by a communication
system sharing any or all characteristics with the exemplary
communication systems 100, 200 and 300 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and
discussed previously. Further, the exemplary method 800 may be
implemented in a communication environment sharing any or all
characteristics with the exemplary environments 400 and 500
illustrated in FIGS. 4-5 and discussed previously.
[0084] The exemplary method 800 may begin executing at step 805.
The exemplary method 800 may begin executing in response to any of
a wide variety of causes or conditions. For example and without
limitation, step 805 may share any or all characteristics with
steps 605 and 705 of the exemplary methods 600 and 700 illustrated
in FIGS. 6-7 and discussed previously.
[0085] The exemplary method 800 may, at step 810, comprise
determining to perform a hand-off. Step 810 may, for example and
without limitation, share any or all characteristics with steps 620
and 710 of the exemplary methods 600 and 700 illustrated in FIGS.
6-7 and discussed previously.
[0086] The exemplary method 800 may, at step 820, comprise
identifying one or more communication networks (or access points)
associated with the hand-off (e.g., a communication network
sourcing and/or receiving a mobile communication device hand-off).
Step 820 may comprise determining the location of the hand-off
target in any of a variety of manners. For example and without
limitation, step 820 may share any or all characteristics with step
630 of the exemplary method 600 illustrated in FIG. 6 and discussed
previously.
[0087] For example and without limitation, step 820 may comprise
determining network identity through direct communication with the
network and/or through communication with a communication network
associated with the network. Also for example, step 820 may
comprise determining network identity through communication with a
mobile communication device (e.g., the mobile communication device
to be handed off to or from the network). Further for example, step
820 may comprise utilizing determined location information to
ascertain network identity. Also for example, step 820 may comprise
determining network identity based, at least in part, on
transmissions from the network (e.g., beacons, typical data
messages, control messages, synchronization signals, etc.).
Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present invention
should not be limited by characteristics of any particular manner
of determining network identity.
[0088] The exemplary method 800 may, at step 830, comprise
determining beam-forming parameters associated with one or more
identified communication networks (e.g., identified at step 820).
Step 830 may, for example and without limitation, share any or all
characteristics with steps 620 and 730 illustrated in FIGS. 6-7 and
discussed previously.
[0089] Step 830 may comprise determining the beam-forming
parameters in any of a variety of manners. For example and without
limitation, step 830 may comprise accessing stored beam-forming
parameters associated with the identified communication network(s).
Non-limiting examples of such access were discussed previously with
regard to step 630 of the exemplary method 600 illustrated in FIG.
6.
[0090] Also for example, step 830 may comprise calculating the
beam-forming parameters as a function of the identified
communication network(s) (e.g., as a function of a beam direction
associated with the identified communication network(s)). For
example, step 830 may comprise determining timing and/or phase
relationships corresponding to various antennas and/or transmitters
and/or receivers for directing a beam of a particular shape to the
identified communication network(s). Also for example, step 830 may
comprise determining beam-forming parameters as a combination of
accessed stored beam-forming information and calculated adjustments
to such accessed stored information. Accordingly, the scope of
various aspects of the present invention should not be limited by
characteristics of any particular manner of determining
beam-forming parameters associated with one or more identified
communication networks unless explicitly claimed.
[0091] The exemplary method 800 may, at step 840, comprise
utilizing determined beam-forming parameters (e.g., as determined
at step 830) to form a communication beam (e.g., a transmission
and/or reception beam) to utilize in performing the hand-off. Step
840 may, for example and without limitation, share any or all
characteristics with steps 640 and 740 of the exemplary methods 600
and 700 illustrated in FIGS. 6-7 and discussed previously.
[0092] The exemplary method 800 may, at step 895, comprise
continuing to perform additional communication activities. For
example and without limitation, step 895 may share any or all
characteristics with step 695 of the exemplary method 600
illustrated in FIG. 6 and discussed previously.
[0093] Turning next to FIG. 9, such figure is a diagram
illustrating a non-limiting exemplary block diagram of a
communication device 900 that operates to perform efficient network
hand-off utilizing beam forming in accordance with various aspects
of the present invention. The communication device 900 may, for
example, be a mobile communication device, a network access point
or base station, a network controller or other network
infrastructure component or subsystem, an integrated circuit, an
insertible communication module, etc. The communication device 900
may, for example, share any or all characteristics with the
exemplary communication systems 100, 200 and 300 illustrated in
FIGS. 1-3 and discussed previously. Also for example, the
communication device 900 may share characteristics with the mobile
communication devices 405 and MCD1 illustrated in FIGS. 4-5 and
discussed previously. Additionally for example, the communication
device 900 (or components or modules thereof) may share any or all
functional characteristics with the exemplary methods 600, 700 and
800 illustrated in FIGS. 6-8 and discussed previously. Note that
the exemplary communication device 900 may perform various aspects
of the present invention in hardware and/or software.
[0094] The exemplary communication device 900 may comprise a
wireless 905 and/or wired 906 front end, which may operate to
communicate through any of a wide variety of communication media.
The exemplary communication device 900 may also comprise a variety
of communication interface modules 910, which may operate to
communicate with any of a wide variety of communication networks
utilizing any of a wide variety of communication protocols, some of
which are specified in the illustration at item 910.
[0095] The exemplary communication device 900 may also comprise a
variety of signal processing modules (e.g., hardware and/or
software modules) that operate to perform a variety of signal
processing functions, non-limiting examples of which were provided
previously in the discussion of FIGS. 6-8. Additionally, the
exemplary communication device 900 may comprise a processor 960
(e.g., a baseband processor, general microprocessor, digital signal
processor, etc.) that operates to execution software or firmware
instructions (e.g., applications and/or subroutines) stored in a
memory 950 (on-board the processor 960 or separate from the
processor 960). Such a processor 960 may thus perform any of the
functionality discussed previously.
[0096] The exemplary communication device 900 may further comprise
any of a variety of user interface modules 940. Such user interface
modules 940 may operate to assist with providing communication
services to a user and/or to communicate general input and output
information with a user of the communication device 900.
[0097] In summary, various aspects of the present invention provide
a system and method for performing efficient network hand-off
utilizing beam-forming information. While the invention has been
described with reference to certain aspects and embodiments, it
will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes
may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing
from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications
may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the
teachings of the invention without departing from its scope.
Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the
particular embodiment disclosed, but that the invention will
include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended
claims.
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