U.S. patent application number 14/226082 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-02 for method and apparatus for scheduling request operation of small cell enhancements in a wireless communication system.
This patent application is currently assigned to INNOVATIVE SONIC CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is INNOVATIVE SONIC CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Li-Chih Tseng.
Application Number | 20140293898 14/226082 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50276989 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140293898 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tseng; Li-Chih |
October 2, 2014 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SCHEDULING REQUEST OPERATION OF SMALL CELL
ENHANCEMENTS IN A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
Abstract
Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for scheduling request
operation in a small cell in a wireless communication system. The
method includes having a user equipment (UE) configured with a
first serving cell and a second serving cell. The method further
includes configuring the (UE) with a first scheduling request (SR)
resource on a first physical uplink control channel and a second SR
resource on a second physical uplink control channel. The method
includes selecting, by the UE, the first SR resource to start a SR
procedure in response to a trigger by a buffer status report (BSR),
wherein an availability of the first SR resource is nearer to a
timing of a triggering of the BSR than the availability of the
second SR resource. Also, the method includes sending, by the UE,
scheduling requests with the first SR resource on the first
physical uplink control channel.
Inventors: |
Tseng; Li-Chih; (Taipei
City, TW) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
INNOVATIVE SONIC CORPORATION |
Taipei City |
|
TW |
|
|
Assignee: |
INNOVATIVE SONIC
CORPORATION
Taipei City
TW
|
Family ID: |
50276989 |
Appl. No.: |
14/226082 |
Filed: |
March 26, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61807103 |
Apr 1, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
370/329 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 36/00 20130101;
H04W 72/04 20130101; H04W 76/34 20180201; H04W 24/02 20130101; H04W
24/04 20130101; H04W 36/0069 20180801; H04W 84/045 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
370/329 |
International
Class: |
H04W 72/04 20060101
H04W072/04 |
Claims
1. A method for scheduling request operation of a small cell in a
wireless communication system, the method comprising: having a user
equipment (UE) configured with a first serving cell and a second
serving cell; configuring the UE with a first scheduling request
(SR) resource on a first physical uplink control channel and a
second SR resource on a second physical uplink control channel;
selecting, by the UE, the first SR resource to start a SR procedure
in response to a trigger by a buffer status report (BSR), wherein
an availability to use the first SR resource is nearer to a timing
of a triggering of the BSR than the availability of the second SR
resource; and sending, by the UE, scheduling requests with the
first SR resource on the first physical uplink control channel.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: ignoring, by the UE,
the second SR resource for sending scheduling requests.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first serving cell is a Macro
Cell and the second serving cell is a Small Cell, or wherein the
first serving cell is a Small Cell and the second serving cell is a
Macro Cell.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first serving cell and the
second serving cell are controlled by different schedulers.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first serving cell and the
second serving cell are connected to each other through a non-ideal
backhaul.
6. The method of claim 4, further comprising: starting a prohibit
timer upon sending the first scheduling request; and deciding, by
the UE, whether a SR resource following the first SR resource is
prohibited based on whether the following SR resource and the first
SR resource are associated with the same scheduler.
7. A method for scheduling request operation of a small cell in a
wireless communication system, the method comprising: having a user
equipment (UE) configured with a first serving cell and a second
serving cell; configuring the (UE) with a first scheduling request
(SR) resource on a first physical uplink control channel and a
second SR resource on a second physical uplink control channel;
selecting, by the UE, a first SR resource or the second SR resource
to start a SR procedure in response to a trigger by a buffer status
report (BSR), wherein the UE uses all SR resources to send
scheduling requests; and sending, by the UE, scheduling requests
with the first SR resource and the second SR resource on the first
and the second physical uplink control channels, respectively.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the first and the second SR
resources have independent SR procedures.
9. The method of claim 7, wherein a common SR procedure is used for
the first and second SR resources.
10. The method of claim 7, wherein the first serving cell is a
Macro Cell and the second serving cell is a Small Cell, or wherein
the first serving cell is a Small Cell and the second serving cell
is a Macro Cell.
11. The method of claim 7, wherein the first serving cell and the
second serving cell are controlled by different schedulers.
12. The method of claim 7, wherein the first serving cell and the
second serving cell are connected to each other through a non-ideal
backhaul.
13. The method of claim 11, further comprising: starting a prohibit
timer upon sending the first scheduling request; and deciding, by
the UE, whether a SR resource is prohibited based on whether the
following SR resource and the previously used SR resource are
associated with the same scheduler.
14. A communication device for improving a new carrier type in a
wireless communication system, the communication device comprising:
a control circuit; a processor installed in the control circuit; a
memory installed in the control circuit and operatively coupled to
the processor; wherein the processor is configured to execute a
program code stored in memory to provide small cell enhancement in
a wireless communication system by: having a user equipment (UE)
configured with a first serving cell and a second serving cell;
configuring the (UE) with a first scheduling request (SR) resource
on a first physical uplink control channel and a second SR resource
on a second physical uplink control channel; selecting, by the UE,
the first SR resource to start a SR procedure in response to a
trigger by a buffer status report (BSR), wherein an availability to
use the first SR resource is nearer to a timing of the triggering
of the BSR than the availability of the second SR resource; and
sending, by the UE, scheduling requests with the first SR resource
on the first physical uplink control channel.
15. The communication device of claim 14, wherein the program code
is further configured to ignore, by the UE, the second SR resource
for scheduling requests.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/807,103 filed on Apr. 1,
2013, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD
[0002] This disclosure generally relates to wireless communication
networks, and more particularly, to methods and apparatuses for
small cell enhancement in a wireless communication system.
BACKGROUND
[0003] With the rapid rise in demand for communication of large
amounts of data to and from mobile communication devices,
traditional mobile voice communication networks are evolving into
networks that communicate with Internet Protocol (IP) data packets.
Such IP data packet communication can provide users of mobile
communication devices with voice over IP, multimedia, multicast and
on-demand communication services.
[0004] An exemplary network structure for which standardization is
currently taking place is an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio
Access Network (E-UTRAN). The E-UTRAN system can provide high data
throughput in order to realize the above-noted voice over IP and
multimedia services. The E-UTRAN system's standardization work is
currently being performed by the 3GPP standards organization.
Accordingly, changes to the current body of 3GPP standard are
currently being submitted and considered to evolve and finalize the
3GPP standard.
SUMMARY
[0005] Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for scheduling request
operation of a small cell in a wireless communication system. The
method includes having a user equipment (UE) configured with a
first serving cell and a second serving cell. The method further
includes configuring the (UE) with a first scheduling request (SR)
resource on a first physical uplink control channel and a second SR
resource on a second physical uplink control channel. The method
includes selecting, by the UE, the first SR resource to start a SR
procedure in response to a trigger by a buffer status report (BSR),
wherein an availability of the first SR resource is nearer to a
timing of a triggering of the BSR than the availability of the
second SR resource. Also, the method includes sending, by the UE,
scheduling requests with the first SR resource on the first
physical uplink control channel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 shows a diagram of a wireless communication system
according to one exemplary embodiment.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a transmitter system (also
known as access network) and a receiver system (also known as user
equipment or UE) according to one exemplary embodiment.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a communication
system according to one exemplary embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the program code of
FIG. 3 according to one exemplary embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a diagram of scheduling request (SR) resource
configuration according to one exemplary embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a diagram of scheduling request (SR) resource
configuration according to one exemplary embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a diagram of scheduling request (SR) resource
configuration according to one exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] The exemplary wireless communication systems and devices
described below employ a wireless communication system, supporting
a broadcast service. Wireless communication systems are widely
deployed to provide various types of communication such as voice,
data, and so on. These systems may be based on code division
multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA),
orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), 3GPP LTE
(Long Term Evolution) wireless access, 3GPP LTE-A or LTE-Advanced
(Long Term Evolution Advanced), 3GPP2 UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband),
WiMax, or some other modulation techniques.
[0014] In particular, the exemplary wireless communication systems
devices described below may be designed to support one or more
standards such as the standard offered by a consortium named "3rd
Generation Partnership Project" referred to herein as 3GPP,
including Document Nos. TS36.321 v11.2.0 (2013-03) entitled
"E-UTRA; MAC protocol specification," TR36.392 v12.0.0 (2012-12)
entitled "Scenarios and Requirements for Small Cell Enhancements
for E-UTRA and E-UTRAN," R2-130420 entitled "Protocol architecture
alternatives for dual connectivity," TR 36.913, RP-122033 entitled
"New Study Item Description: Small Cell enhancements for E-UTRA and
E-UTRAN--Higher-layer aspects," and 3GPP R2-130570 entitled "Report
of 3GPP TSG RAN WG2 meeting #72." The standards and documents
listed above are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in
their entirety.
[0015] FIG. 1 shows a multiple access wireless communication system
according to one embodiment of the invention. An access network 100
(AN) includes multiple antenna groups, one including 104 and 106,
another including 108 and 110, and an additional including 112 and
114. In FIG. 1, only two antennas are shown for each antenna group,
however, more or fewer antennas may be utilized for each antenna
group. Access terminal 116 (AT) is in communication with antennas
112 and 114, where antennas 112 and 114 transmit information to
access terminal 116 over forward link 120 and receive information
from access terminal 116 over reverse link 118. Access terminal
(AT) 122 is in communication with antennas 106 and 108, where
antennas 106 and 108 transmit information to access terminal (AT)
122 over forward link 126 and receive information from access
terminal (AT) 122 over reverse link 124. In a FDD system,
communication links 118, 120, 124 and 126 may use different
frequency for communication. For example, forward link 120 may use
a different frequency then that used by reverse link 118.
[0016] Each group of antennas and/or the area in which they are
designed to communicate is often referred to as a sector of the
access network. In the embodiment, antenna groups each are designed
to communicate to access terminals in a sector of the areas covered
by access network 100.
[0017] In communication over forward links 120 and 126, the
transmitting antennas of access network 100 may utilize beamforming
in order to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of forward links for
the different access terminals 116 and 122. Also, an access network
using beamforming to transmit to access terminals scattered
randomly through its coverage causes less interference to access
terminals in neighboring cells than an access network transmitting
through a single antenna to all its access terminals.
[0018] An access network (AN) may be a fixed station or base
station used for communicating with the terminals and may also be
referred to as an access point, a Node B, a base station, an
enhanced base station, an eNB, or some other terminology. An access
terminal (AT) may also be called user equipment (UE), a wireless
communication device, terminal, access terminal or some other
terminology.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of an embodiment of a
transmitter system 210 (also known as the access network) and a
receiver system 250 (also known as access terminal (AT) or user
equipment (UE)) in a MIMO system 200. At the transmitter system
210, traffic data for a number of data streams is provided from a
data source 212 to a transmit (TX) data processor 214.
[0020] In one embodiment, each data stream is transmitted over a
respective transmit antenna. TX data processor 214 formats, codes,
and interleaves the traffic data for each data stream based on a
particular coding scheme selected for that data stream to provide
coded data.
[0021] The coded data for each data stream may be multiplexed with
pilot data using OFDM techniques. The pilot data is typically a
known data pattern that is processed in a known manner and may be
used at the receiver system to estimate the channel response. The
multiplexed pilot and coded data for each data stream is then
modulated (i.e., symbol mapped) based on a particular modulation
scheme (e.g., BPSK, QPSK, M-PSK, or M-QAM) selected for that data
stream to provide modulation symbols. The data rate, coding, and
modulation for each data stream may be determined by instructions
performed by processor 230.
[0022] The modulation symbols for all data streams are then
provided to a TX MIMO processor 220, which may further process the
modulation symbols (e.g., for OFDM). TX MIMO processor 220 then
provides N.sub.T modulation symbol streams to N.sub.T transmitters
(TMTR) 222a through 222t. In certain embodiments, TX MIMO processor
220 applies beamforming weights to the symbols of the data streams
and to the antenna from which the symbol is being transmitted.
[0023] Each transmitter 222 receives and processes a respective
symbol stream to provide one or more analog signals, and further
conditions (e.g., amplifies, filters, and upconverts) the analog
signals to provide a modulated signal suitable for transmission
over the MIMO channel. N.sub.T modulated signals from transmitters
222a through 222t are then transmitted from N.sub.T antennas 224a
through 224t, respectively.
[0024] At receiver system 250, the transmitted modulated signals
are received by N.sub.R antennas 252a through 252r and the received
signal from each antenna 252 is provided to a respective receiver
(RCVR) 254a through 254r. Each receiver 254 conditions (e.g.,
filters, amplifies, and downconverts) a respective received signal,
digitizes the conditioned signal to provide samples, and further
processes the samples to provide a corresponding "received" symbol
stream.
[0025] An RX data processor 260 then receives and processes the
N.sub.R received symbol streams from N.sub.R receivers 254 based on
a particular receiver processing technique to provide N.sub.T
"detected" symbol streams. The RX data processor 260 then
demodulates, deinterleaves, and decodes each detected symbol stream
to recover the traffic data for the data stream. The processing by
RX data processor 260 is complementary to that performed by TX MIMO
processor 220 and TX data processor 214 at transmitter system
210.
[0026] A processor 270 periodically determines which pre-coding
matrix to use (discussed below). Processor 270 formulates a reverse
link message comprising a matrix index portion and a rank value
portion.
[0027] The reverse link message may comprise various types of
information regarding the communication link and/or the received
data stream. The reverse link message is then processed by a TX
data processor 238, which also receives traffic data for a number
of data streams from a data source 236, modulated by a modulator
280, conditioned by transmitters 254a through 254r, and transmitted
back to transmitter system 210.
[0028] At transmitter system 210, the modulated signals from
receiver system 250 are received by antennas 224, conditioned by
receivers 222, demodulated by a demodulator 240, and processed by a
RX data processor 242 to extract the reserve link message
transmitted by the receiver system 250. Processor 230 then
determines which pre-coding matrix to use for determining the
beamforming weights then processes the extracted message.
[0029] Turning to FIG. 3, this figure shows an alternative
simplified functional block diagram of a communication device
according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 3,
the communication device 300 in a wireless communication system can
be utilized for realizing the UEs (or ATs) 116 and 122 in FIG. 1,
and the wireless communications system is preferably the LTE
system. The communication device 300 may include an input device
302, an output device 304, a control circuit 306, a central
processing unit (CPU) 308, a memory 310, a program code 312, and a
transceiver 314. The control circuit 306 executes the program code
312 in the memory 310 through the CPU 308, thereby controlling an
operation of the communications device 300. The communications
device 300 can receive signals input by a user through the input
device 302, such as a keyboard or keypad, and can output images and
sounds through the output device 304, such as a monitor or
speakers. The transceiver 314 is used to receive and transmit
wireless signals, delivering received signals to the control
circuit 306, and outputting signals generated by the control
circuit 306 wirelessly.
[0030] FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram of the program code 312
shown in FIG. 3 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
In this embodiment, the program code 312 includes an application
layer 400, a Layer 3 portion 402, and a Layer 2 portion 404, and is
coupled to a Layer 1 portion 406. The Layer 3 portion 402 generally
performs radio resource control. The Layer 2 portion 404 generally
performs link control. The Layer 1 portion 406 generally performs
physical connections.
[0031] For LTE or LTE-A systems, the Layer 2 portion may include a
Radio Link Control (RLC) layer and a Medium Access Control (MAC)
layer. The Layer 3 portion may include a Radio Resource Control
(RRC) layer.
[0032] In 3GPP TS36.321 v11.2.0, Scheduling Request (SR) operation
with different Physical Uplink Control Channel resource is
discussed as follows:
[0033] 3GPP TR36.392 v12.0.0 discloses the following:
[0034] 3GPP RP-122033 discloses the following:
[0035] In 3GPP TS36.300 discusses Carrier Aggregation (CA) as
follows:
[0036] 3GPP TS36.331 discloses the following about CA:
[0037] 3GPP R2-130420 discusses protocol architecture alternatives
for dual connectivity. Alternative U3 is a centralized PDCP
termination and Alternative U4 is a distributed protocol
termination for user plane. The pros and cons of these two
alternatives are quoted below:
[0038] 3GPP R2-130570 discusses scenarios and benefits of dual
connectivity. It also addresses several protocol architecture
alternatives for dual connectivity.
[0039] When UE is configured with both a Macro Cell and Small Cell,
a PUCCH resource may be also needed for Small Cell due to uplink
acknowledgement for DL data. However, PUCCH resource is typically
configured for Macro Cell/PCell, it may be possible to configure
PUCCH resources for scheduling requests on a Small Cell. Due to
potential issues of non-ideal backhaul between the Macro Cell and
the Small Cell, resource scheduling probably should be done in
Small Cell itself.
[0040] Since some specific service and Control-plane data can be
handled on Macro Cell and User-plane data can be handled on Small
Cell, it may be possible that some service/data can be served
simultaneously by both Macro and Small Cells.
[0041] If a UE is configured with more than one SR resource on
PUCCH (which might be on the same Cell or different Cells),
specific methods and/or coordination for the SR resources may be
used to improve the efficiency of requesting UL resources of Macro
or Small Cells.
[0042] In the following embodiments, a resource scheduler may be
defined as resource allocator, Macro Cell/eNB, Small Cell/eNB, eNB,
PCell or SCell. Macro Cell/eNB and Small Cell/eNB may be located in
different geographical locations.
[0043] Since more than one SR resource is configured (on PUCCH)
when a SR is triggered by BSR procedure, a user equipment (UE)
would choose the nearest/upcoming configured (i.e., valid) SR
resource to start a SR procedure. The UE would limit itself to the
chosen SR resource and the UE may skip the other available SR
resources. As shown in FIG. 5, SR1 and SR2 are two configured SR
resources and SR1 is the nearest resource after BSR is triggered.
The SR1 resource is chosen and the UE would send scheduling
requests continuously with SR1 and skip SR2 resources.
[0044] In another method as shown in FIG. 6, the UE would use or
attempt to use all valid SR resources. In one method, the UE could
maintain independent SR procedures, for example, one SR procedure
per Macro Cell (group) or Small Cell (group). In another method, a
single SR procedure may be used for all valid Macro Cell or Small
Cells.
[0045] According to one embodiment in which independent SR
procedures are adopted per cell or cell group, all SR procedures
would be considered complete upon a completion of any SR
procedures. If one SR procedure fails (e.g., fails to achieve the
SR maximum transmission times) while other SR procedures are still
ongoing/pending, the Random Access (RA) procedure associated with
the failed SR procedure would not be triggered because there are
still chances on other SR resources. Accordingly, it is not urgent
to trigger RACH procedure for requesting UL resources. However, the
action of clearing any configured downlink assignments and uplink
grants and/or notifying RRC to release PUCCH/SRS could be done
(optionally, partially or completely).
[0046] In one embodiment, performing a RACH procedure could be
considered after all SR procedures have failed. The RACH procedures
may be performed on specific Macro and/or Small Cells.
Alternatively, the RACH procedures may be performed on all Cells
relevant to all the SR procedures.
[0047] If a common SR procedure is adopted, most actions would be
similar to what is disclosed in 3GPP TS 36.321 V11.2.0. However,
3gPP TS 36.321 V11.2.0 does not contemplate how and/when to perform
a RACH procedure.
[0048] In yet another method, SR resources may be configured
(partially or completely) at the same time. In this method, the UE
could choose a specific SR resource on a Macro or Small Cell or,
alternatively, randomly select a SR resource as illustrate in FIG.
7. In FIG. 7, SR resource 1 and SR resource 2 may be configured on
the different schedulers/Cells. In some instances, the locations of
SR resource 1 and SR resource 2 are partially overlapping, which
may result in SR1 and SR2 being sent at the same time from SR
resource 1 and SR resource 2, respectively. As shown in FIG. 7, the
UE may only choose to use SR resource 1 in the first scenario or
only use SR resource 2 in the second scenario. In the third
scenario shown in FIG. 7, the UE may decide to use both SR
resources and prioritize SR resource 1 over SR resource 2 or vice
versa (when they are configured at the same time). This rule can be
configured by network or determined by UE itself. This method can
be combined with the methods described above. When considering the
possibility of simultaneously transmission on more than one PUCCH,
the UE may depend on this restriction to determine which way to
proceed. Taking the third case of FIG. 7 as an example, if the UE
is able to use SR resource 1 and 2 at the same time, the UE may be
able to send SR1 and SR2 at the same time. If UE is unable to use
both SR resources 1 and 2 at the same time, the UE may choose
either resource by according to a network configuration or by a UE
decision.
[0049] Considering a scenario having a SR prohibit timer in one SR
procedure with one SR resource in which a common SR procedure is
adopted, the UE would need to differentiate/decide whether the SR
resource is prohibited. In one embodiment, the UE would make this
determination based on whether the scheduler (e.g., Macro or Small
Cell) used the same SR resource (i.e., the previous and following
SR resources are used for the same scheduler). If the SRs are sent
to the same scheduler, then the following SR resource would be
prohibited by a running prohibit timer.
[0050] As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the examples
and descriptions disclose herein may be applied to more than two
configured resources.
[0051] Referring back to FIGS. 3 and 4, the device 300 includes a
program code 312 stored in memory 310. In one embodiment, the CPU
308 could execute program code 312 to execute one or more of the
following: (i) to configure a user equipment (UE) with a first
serving cell and a second serving cell; (ii) to configure the UE
with at least a first and a second scheduling request (SR) resource
on a physical uplink control channel; (iii) to select the first SR
resource to start a SR procedure in response to a trigger by a
buffer status report (BSR), wherein the first SR resource is nearer
to the BSR than the second SR resource; and (iv) to send scheduling
requests with the first SR resource.
[0052] In addition, the CPU 308 can execute the program code 312 to
perform all of the above-described actions and steps or others
described herein.
[0053] Various aspects of the disclosure have been described above.
It should be apparent that the teachings herein may be embodied in
a wide variety of forms and that any specific structure, function,
or both being disclosed herein is merely representative. Based on
the teachings herein one skilled in the art should appreciate that
an aspect disclosed herein may be implemented independently of any
other aspects and that two or more of these aspects may be combined
in various ways. For example, an apparatus may be implemented or a
method may be practiced using any number of the aspects set forth
herein. In addition, such an apparatus may be implemented or such a
method may be practiced using other structure, functionality, or
structure and functionality in addition to or other than one or
more of the aspects set forth herein. As an example of some of the
above concepts, in some aspects concurrent channels may be
established based on pulse repetition frequencies. In some aspects
concurrent channels may be established based on pulse position or
offsets. In some aspects concurrent channels may be established
based on time hopping sequences. In some aspects concurrent
channels may be established based on pulse repetition frequencies,
pulse positions or offsets, and time hopping sequences.
[0054] Those of skill in the art would understand that information
and signals may be represented using any of a variety of different
technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions,
commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may
be referenced throughout the above description may be represented
by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or
particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination
thereof.
[0055] Those of skill would further appreciate that the various
illustrative logical blocks, modules, processors, means, circuits,
and algorithm steps described in connection with the aspects
disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware (e.g., a
digital implementation, an analog implementation, or a combination
of the two, which may be designed using source coding or some other
technique), various forms of program or design code incorporating
instructions (which may be referred to herein, for convenience, as
"software" or a "software module"), or combinations of both. To
clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and
software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules,
circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of
their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as
hardware or software depends upon the particular application and
design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans
may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each
particular application, but such implementation decisions should
not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the
present disclosure.
[0056] In addition, the various illustrative logical blocks,
modules, and circuits described in connection with the aspects
disclosed herein may be implemented within or performed by an
integrated circuit ("IC"), an access terminal, or an access point.
The IC may comprise a general purpose processor, a digital signal
processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC),
a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic
device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware
components, electrical components, optical components, mechanical
components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the
functions described herein, and may execute codes or instructions
that reside within the IC, outside of the IC, or both. A general
purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative,
the processor may be any conventional processor, controller,
microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be
implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a
combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of
microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a
DSP core, or any other such configuration.
[0057] It is understood that any specific order or hierarchy of
steps in any disclosed process is an example of a sample approach.
Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific
order or hierarchy of steps in the processes may be rearranged
while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure. The
accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in
a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific
order or hierarchy presented.
[0058] The steps of a method or algorithm described in connection
with the aspects disclosed herein may be embodied directly in
hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a
combination of the two. A software module (e.g., including
executable instructions and related data) and other data may reside
in a data memory such as RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory,
EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, a hard disk, a removable
disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of computer-readable storage
medium known in the art. A sample storage medium may be coupled to
a machine such as, for example, a computer/processor (which may be
referred to herein, for convenience, as a "processor") such the
processor can read information (e.g., code) from and write
information to the storage medium. A sample storage medium may be
integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium may
reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in user equipment. In the
alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as
discrete components in user equipment. Moreover, in some aspects
any suitable computer-program product may comprise a
computer-readable medium comprising codes relating to one or more
of the aspects of the disclosure. In some aspects a computer
program product may comprise packaging materials.
[0059] While the invention has been described in connection with
various aspects, it will be understood that the invention is
capable of further modifications. This application is intended to
cover any variations, uses or adaptation of the invention
following, in general, the principles of the invention, and
including such departures from the present disclosure as come
within the known and customary practice within the art to which the
invention pertains.
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