KR100728826B1 - Method, system, network entity, and end-user terminal for controlling a handover of a cellular terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

A method, system, and end user terminal for providing handover between a digital unidirectional data communication domain and a digital bidirectional data communication domain are disclosed. Typical domains are broadcast networks, such as IP over DVB (Digital Video Broadcasting) networks, or broadcast modes, in other examples, IP over DVB-T (Terrestrial DVB) or, in other words, IP Datacast (IPDC), 3G (3rd generation mobile communications). Network), in another example, a UTRAN (UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Node). Embodiments of the present invention utilize an evaluation signaling structure of inter-system handover of a Universal Mobile Telephone System (UMTS) to control handover. The evaluation of the cell extends not only to include digital unidirectional communication domain cells such as IP over DVB cells, but also to use these cells for performing in handover. The fact that one of the networks mainly transmits a single (unidirectional) leads to a deflection handover, in which the downlink data of the bidirectional network is used. The unidirectional communication domain is already in downlink transmission, which coordinates handover with the downlink of the bidirectional domain.

Description

Method, system, network entity, and end-user terminal for controlling a handover of a cellular terminal

The present invention generally relates to handover in a data network system. In particular, the present invention relates to deflection handover.

Recent achievements in the broadcast sector have enabled data transmission over digital broadcast channels. This opens up many new possibilities and creates new demands on such systems and devices because it was not the absolute nature of traditional broadcasting such as FM radio. Cellular mobile phones with FM radio already exist. For example, broadcast is typically one-way communication for a cellular terminal. There are many different ways to convey data information, but their interactions are generally not well established. This problem becomes very inherent when the desired service transmission does not reach the user terminal or when there are more attractive transmission schemes. In particular, mobile phones that perform computer-friendly functions, such as video and multimedia type functions, are increasingly required to perform synchronous transmissions without significant interruptions, even between different alternatives. In particular, difficulties exist when mobile phones move from one cell to another. Thus, there is a need for techniques that provide for the flexible transfer of data information.

At present, a method, system element and end user terminal for providing handover between unidirectional and bidirectional mobile services have been invented.

According to the present invention, there is provided a method, system, network element and end user terminal which generally controls handover of a terminal between a two-way digital communication service and a generally one-way digital communication service.

Pay attention to the available downlink radio signals,

A selection is made among the available downlink radio signals according to a predetermined criterion,

Changing to another available downlink radio signal to perform at least some of the handovers.

In various embodiments, one of the domains is probably generally forwarding (generally one-way downlink mode) and partial handover, where downlink data of the bidirectional network will be applied at handover. Thus, in general, upon handover from a bidirectional domain to a unidirectional digital data communication domain, the handover is partial. For example, services associated with downlinks in common bidirectional domains, such as 3G Universal Mobile Telephone System (UMTS) domains, are moved to common unidirectional domains, such as digital broadcast data communication domains. Further, upon handover from a general unidirectional domain such as a digital broadcast data communication domain to a general bidirectional domain such as a cellular mobile data communication domain, the services of the unidirectional data communication domain are handed over to the downlink of the bidirectional data communication domain.

In still other embodiments, the downlink may mean general unidirectional data signal communication in addition to the downlink of general bidirectional data signal communication.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the invention, reference will be made to the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein the scope of the invention will be apparent from the appended claims.

The invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 illustrates one embodiment of two network systems to which handover is applied, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

2 illustrates an example of handover when an end user terminal moves from a bidirectional cell to a cell supporting unidirectional transmission and the service is handed over and changed to unidirectional based transmission according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 illustrates another embodiment of a handover when an end user terminal moves from a bidirectional network to a network supporting one-way transmission and changes as the service is handed over to one-way transmission, according to an embodiment of the present invention. .

4 illustrates a flowchart of a method for controlling biased handover of a service from a bidirectional domain to a domain providing unidirectional transmission, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of handover when an end user terminal moves from a cell supporting one-way transmission to a two-way cell and the service changes as the service is handed over to two-way downlink transmission.

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of handover when an end user terminal moves from a network supporting unidirectional transmission to a bidirectional network and the service changes as the service is handed over to bidirectional based transmission according to an embodiment of the present invention. .

7 illustrates a flowchart of a method for controlling bias handover from a domain providing unidirectional transmission to a bidirectional domain, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

8 illustrates a diagram for exchanging messages and signals between an EUT, a bidirectional domain, a BNE, and an UNE when performing a handover from a bidirectional domain to a domain supporting unidirectional transmission, according to an embodiment of the present invention. .

9 illustrates a typical example of a static state when a service comes in from a domain in which handover is performed to provide unidirectional transmission.

10 is a diagram for exchanging messages and signals between EUT, UNE, BNE, and UTRAN when performing a handover from a domain supporting unidirectional data transmission to a bidirectional data domain, according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is shown.

FIG. 11 shows a typical example of a static state when a handover is performed so that a service comes from a bidirectional domain.

12 shows an example of a functional block diagram of a service receiving end user terminal (EUT), partially handed over between a unidirectional domain and a bidirectional domain.

In the following description of the various embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof, in which are shown by way of illustration various embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. Structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention and other embodiments may also be utilized.

In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements. 1 shows an embodiment of two network systems to which deflection handover can be applied. The example of FIG. 1 shows an End User Terminal (EUT) 1 that can operate under both network systems. Other networks or systems may also exist or be used depending on the terminal specification and available networks. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, a general bidirectional system, such as a UTRAN system, includes a general bidirectional network entity (BNE) 4, such as a radio network controller (RNC). A typical task of the BNE is to at least partially control and evaluate the intersystem handover procedure. In some various embodiments, each radio base station (s) (BS) 2 having coverage, which is viewed as areas of hexagon respectively, has a radio standby interface between the EUT 10 and the BS 2. It is connected with the BNE (4) to provide. There may be several BSs but only three are shown for clarity. A data channel may be established between the BNE and the EUT, and the EUT 1 may obtain IP data based services through the BS 2 and the BNE 4 such as the RNC. For example, the EUT 10 may receive data-based services at least partially over the downlink. In addition, there may be control and evaluation operations, such as signals, between the BNE 4, BS 2, and the EUT 10. Preferably, the partial handover procedure may be evaluated and controlled, at least in part, by using actions between them, and the like. The BNE may also have a means for data communication with a backbone network. For example, a service obtained by the EUT 1 via the BNE 4 may be transmitted from its backbone network to the BNE 4. The system of FIG. 1 that generally supports unidirectional transmission, such as a DVB system, has a network entity (UNE) 3 that supports general unidirectional transmission, such as a headend (HE) in some examples. In some various embodiments, the system is subjected to IP over DVB-T. The BNE 4 includes a protocol converter 10 for communicating with the UNE 3 via a link 11. Alternatively, the link 11 may extend further through the backbone network to the digital broadband network and to the UNE 3. Preferably, the link 11 can carry control and evaluation data information relating to a deflection handover between the BNE 4 and the UNE 3. The link 11 may also carry the data service, for example when the data service is not present in the network system to which the service is handed over. The UNE 3 of a network that supports unidirectional transmission, such as a DVB network, also includes a protocol converter 10 for adapting data communication with the BNE 4. In contrast, the system of FIG. 1 may be transformed within, for example, communication between the central networks between the systems. The EUT 1 may receive a data service transmitted from the UNE 3, for example by IP over DVB-T. UNE 3 includes an antenna for transmitting / broadcasting data for setting up a broadcast cell, and it should be understood that the physical size of FIG. 1 may not match. 1 is merely to illustrate the function, operation and structures of the system.

Further referring to the example of FIG. 1, an embodiment of the handover procedure takes place from a general bidirectional domain towards a domain providing a general unidirectional transmission. One example of an embodiment of the handover procedure occurs from the UTRAN domain towards the IPDC domain. A typical example of an embodiment of the handover procedure also takes place towards a general bidirectional data domain in a domain that provides unidirectional data transmission. Such an example of an embodiment of the handover procedure takes place from the IPDC domain to the UTRAN domain.

Some embodiments of the present invention basically apply two handover scenarios. These scenarios are not limited to the examples given herein, but may vary. More specific examples of such handovers will be given below.

Embodiments are generally given regarding handover from a bidirectional domain to a domain that generally supports unidirectional transmission.

2 illustrates a handover when an end user terminal moves from a bidirectional cell, such as a UTRAN cell, to a cell supporting unidirectional transmission, such as an IPDC cell, and then switches to a one-way based transmission. Thus, an example of biased handover from the cellular mobile data communication domain to the broadband data communication domain is given. Approximate physical cell regions or domains are shown in FIG. 2 as unidirectional cell UC and bidirectional cell BC. The cells UC and BC are adjacent to each other and overlap. This aids in the combination of hybrid systems through cooperative partial partial system handover between cells of different systems.

The example of FIG. 3 illustrates further embodiments for handover scenarios from a bidirectional domain such as UTRAN to a domain that supports unidirectional transmission such as IPDC. Bidirectional networks, such as UTRAN networks, include many bidirectional cells (BCs). BCs may be located in the same application areas unlike unidirectional cells BC such as IPDC cells. Thus, these cells may overlap for the same reason that they may operate in different radio frequency bands or use different coding or time division or the like. The example of FIG. 3 allows biased handover between the bidirectional and unidirectional domains to occur in the same coverage area. Thus, this provides a more attractive handover criterion than just the reason for geographical coverage. For example, it is economical that data transmission will be cheaper in other systems than in the system currently being applied.

The example of FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of a method for controlling bias handover from a general bidirectional domain such as UTRAN to a unidirectional domain such as IPDC. In this example, the EUT is under the coverage of a bidirectional cell (BC), such as a UTRAN cell, for example within the transmission range of the BNE of the UTRAN. The EUT is preferably within the scope of the UTRAN network, which includes many cells. The EUT performs a measurement on neighboring or duplicate cells supporting unidirectional transmission (UC), such as a DVB-T cell (step 400). This assessment may relate to downlink radio signals in one or both of the bidirectional domain and the unidirectional domain. Preferably, the evaluation can be performed at any time because the radio interfaces are different in DVB-T and UTRAN or the like. In another advantageous embodiment, this evaluation may be performed during compressed frames in UTRA FDD (Frequency Division Duplex) mode to save the computational power of the terminal. Based on the evaluation performed, the EUT may generate an evaluation report for neighboring or overlapping unidirectional cells (UCs), such as broadcast cells, for the deflection handover procedure.

The evaluation report is sent to the BNE such as the RNC (step 401). This evaluation report preferably contains information about the UTRA and IPDC handover procedure environment for the physical location of the EUT within the hybrid network and forwards this information to the RNC. The BNE receives the assessment report (step 402). The delivery is preferably via the UTRAN BS. The BNE processes the data content of the report to determine the need for bias handover (step 403). Processing is performed as to whether or not the threshold for initiating the deflection handover process has been exceeded (step 404). If such a need is insufficient, i.e., if the connection remains stable within the application bidirectional domain, such as UTRAN, and no other cause for biased handover occurs, the process returns to step 400. It should be noted that the evaluation of the EUT continues with the evaluation report processing. Thus a typical start could be replaced by executing 1) a processor providing evaluation data by the EUT and 2) a process of processing the evaluation data by the BNE, respectively. When the threshold of deflection handover is reached, the BNE makes a deflection handover decision (step 405).

Referring to FIG. 4, the BNE makes an attempt to conserve capacity from a general unidirectional domain, such as an IPDC. This preservation is related only to the downlink data communication capacity of DVB-T cells or DVB-T networks, since these are mainly unilateral means of transmission. For example, data communication over link 11 takes place between BNE and UNE for information exchange on service transmission resources. It is checked whether the preservation attempt was successful (step 407). Preferably, the BNE controls step 407 to maintain full centralized management for bias handover. If there is anything missing, the process goes back to step 406 where it attempts to preserve again. When it is detected that there are enough resources in a unidirectional domain, such as an IPDC, those resources are conserved by the BNE from the unidirectional domain. The BNE sends an inter-system handover command message to the unidirectional system (step 408). The message preferably includes a piggybacked Partial IPDC Handover Command. It contains the information needed to establish and proceed with the connection to a bidirectional cell or network. At this point, a predetermined protocol, such as the IPDC RR protocol of the EUT, performs control (step 409). The protocol causes the EUT to send a message, such as an IPDC Handover Access Message, to the UNE (step 410). This is preferably transmitted over the return channel of an IPDC system such as UTRAN. It is checked whether the deflection handover procedure can be considered completed (step 411). BNE like RNC maintains hierarchy by controlling processes based on secondary unidirectional networks. If the procedure is found to be faulty, the process may return flexibly to continue performing the above, or the steps may be called one by one. If the biased handover procedure is deemed successful, the UNE starts to release the downlink resource from the bidirectional domain (step 412). The bidirectional domain releases the radio connection associated with the handover service (step 413). It is desirable for the UTRAN to release the downlink of the connection associated with the handed over service. It may be maintained as an option, for example when there is a need for the uplink of the bidirectional domain to continue stably. Service delivery to the EUT is handed over to the UNE (step 414). Unidirectional transmissions, such as IPDC transmissions, may continue to broadcast services that have been delivered to the EUT over the downlink of the bidirectional domain.

In some embodiments, other extra services such as voice or data may continue normally in the UTRAN. This procedure focuses on partial handover to one dedicated service only when deemed necessary.

Since the downlink of a general bidirectional transmission (eg UTRAN transmission) is handed over to a general unidirectional transmission (eg IPDC), this handover can be considered a biased handover. Thus, in bias handover on certain scenarios, it is noted that a service delivered on the downlink of the UTRAN may move to an IPDC transmission, where the IPDC is primarily intended for delivery of services to the EUT.

A general advantage of handover from the cellular mobile data communication domain to the broadband data communication domain will be in the data transmission / service delivery of cheaper and more efficient broadband systems. The service may also continue to be within user contact of the EUT. For example, the coverage of cellular mobile data communications may weaken or even disappear, and the broadband data communications domain may continue to ensure that coverage. Typically, the broadband data communication domain provides larger cells than the cellular mobile data communication to the EUT.

Embodiments of service handover are generally provided from a domain that supports unidirectional transmission (eg, IPDC) to a general bidirectional domain (eg, UTRAN).

The example of FIG. 5 illustrates handover when the EUT moves from a typical unidirectional cell to a typical bidirectional cell and the service is handed over and transmitted in bidirectional based downlink transmission. Thus, an example of biased handover from the broadband data communication domain to the cellular mobile data communication domain is given. Rough physical regions or domains are shown as cells UC and BC in FIG. 5. The cells UC and BC are neighboring and overlapping. This helps to harmonize hybrid systems by collaborating on partial intersystem handovers between cells of different systems.

The example of FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of a handover from a domain supporting general unidirectional transmission to a general bidirectional domain. The bidirectional network includes many bidirectional cells (BCs). For example, a UTRAN network includes many UTRAN cells. BCs may be located in the same application area unlike unidirectional cells (UCs). Thus, the cells can overlap each other because they operate in different radio frequencies and can apply different coding or time division. The example of FIG. 6 allows biased handover between a general bidirectional domain such as UTRAN and a general unidirectional domain such as IPDC to occur in the same coverage area. Thus, this provides for attractive handover criteria other than the reason for geographical coverage. For example, it is economical that data transmission may be cheaper in other systems than in current systems.

The example of FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of a method for controlling bias handover from a domain supporting general unidirectional communication such as IPDC to a domain supporting general bidirectional communication such as UTRAN. Referring to this example, the EUT is under the coverage of a general unidirectional transmission (UC) typical of a wideband cell, such as an IPDC cell. Accordingly, the EUT may be within the scope of the transmission of UNE such as IPDC. The EUT is preferably under the coverage of an IPDC network containing many broadcast cells. The EUT performs an evaluation of neighboring or duplicated cell (s) providing general bidirectional transmission (step 700). In various embodiments, this assessment can be related to the downlink radio signals of the UTRAN. This evaluation can be performed flexibly because the radio interfaces of the unidirectional domains such as IPDC and the bidirectional domains of the UTRAN are different, and systems do not effectively intervene with each other. Based on the evaluation performed, the EUT may generate an evaluation report for neighboring or duplicated bidirectional cell (s) for the deflection handover procedure.

The evaluation report is passed from the EUT to the HE (step 701). The EUT reports the assessment to the UNE. This is preferably transmitted via the return channel of DVB-T such as UTRAN. More preferably, the assessment report includes information about the environment of the UTRAN and IPDC handover procedures with respect to the physical location of the EUT in the hybrid network and passes this information to the UNE. For example, signal strengths may be included in the information in data communication between the EUT and UNE and / or UTRAN. The UNE receives the evaluation report (step 702). It is desirable that an evaluation report be delivered via UTRAN. The UNE processes the data content of the report to determine the need for bias handover (step 703). It is processed whether the threshold for starting the deflection handover process has been crossed (step 704). When there is not enough necessity (eg, when the connection remains stable and / or there is no other reason for biased handover to occur during the application of the IPDC-based service being applied), the process returns to step 700. The evaluation of the EUT data reception is preferably a procedure that continues with the evaluation report procedure. Thus, a typical start could be replaced by executing two procedures, one for providing the evaluation data by the EUT and one for processing the evaluation data by the UNE / BNE, respectively. If the threshold of deflection handover has been reached, the UNE makes a deflection handover decision (step 705).

Referring to FIG. 7, after receiving an evaluation report from the EUT in the IPDC mode, which includes a UTRAN evaluation and an IPDC evaluation, and then making a handover decision, the HE starts resource conservation from the UTRAN RNC (step 706). ). HE makes an attempt to preserve capacity from the UTRAN. This preservation is related only to the downlink data communication capacity of the UTRAN cell or the UTRAN network because the IPDC mainly performs one-way service delivery. For example, data communication over link 11 takes place to exchange information about service transmission resources between the RNC and the HE. It is checked whether the preservation attempt is successful (step 707). It is desirable for the HE to control step 707 to maintain complete centralized management of the deflection handover. If there is a fault, the process goes back to step 706 which attempts to preserve again. When it is detected that there are enough resources in the bidirectional domain, these resources are reserved by the UNE from the bidirectional domain. The UNE sends a message, such as an Inter-System Handover Command message, to a bidirectional system, such as a UTRAN system (step 708). This message involves piggyback UMTS handover from the IPDC command message to the UTRAN. This contains the information needed to establish and proceed with the connection to the UTRAN cell or network. The EUT completes the handover procedure with the handover for the UTRAN complete message sent to the BNE (step 709). It is checked whether the deflection handover procedure can be considered complete (step 710). UNE maintains a hierarchy for controlling processes based on secondary BNEs and EUTs. If a defect is seen here, the process can flexibly return to perform the tasks or invoke each one. If the biased handover procedure is deemed successful, the BNE initiates resource release from the general one-way domain (step 711). The one-way domain releases the radio connection associated with the handover service (step 712). It is desirable for the IPDC to release the broadcast connection associated with the handed over service. Service delivery to the EUT is handed over to the BNE (step 713). Bi-directional domains, such as the UTRAN, may continue to transmit services that have been sent to the EUT via broadband transmission in general unidirectional domains.

Examples of some handover procedures may be applied for service handover to a UTRAN in a non-UTRAN system such as IPDC. Thus, another example of intersystem handover from the broadband data communication domain to the cellular mobile data communication domain is provided. In another embodiment of the GSM case, a dual (dual) or multiple mode EUT receives UTRAN neighbor cell parameters for GSM system information messages. This is not so important in the UTRAN example, since it is not necessary because there is a connection over the UTRAN that is still in operation.

Also, an embodiment of handover may be referred to as biased handover when made in a manner related to a service transmitted on the downlink of general unidirectional transmission and general bidirectional transmission. Therefore, this handover may be referred to as a deflection handover since the service transmitted through the partial unidirectional broadband transmission is handed over to the downlink data transmission of the bidirectional transmission.

In general, the advantage of handover from the broadband data communication domain to the cellular mobile data communication domain is that the service may still be within reach of the EUT user. For example, the coverage of broadband data communications may be weak or nearly extinct, while the cellular mobile data communications domain may continue to support coverage and available connections. In general, this kind of scenario allows IPDC-based services to be followed without interruption by end users anywhere in the hybrid system. Another advantage is that in some embodiments, handover decision to a general bidirectional domain, if QoS or C / I is not good enough to provide a general unidirectional transmission in the cell, and there is room in the bidirectional domain to deliver the service. This can be done. In such a case, the service may be switched / handed over to the downlink of a general bidirectional domain, such as the downlink of UTRAN.

The example of FIG. 8 illustrates the appearance of exchanging messages and signals between an EUT, a bidirectional domain such as UTRAN, and a UNE such as IPDC HE when performing handover from the bidirectional domain to the unidirectional domain. Thus, another example of deflection handover from the cellular mobile data communication domain to the broadband data communication domain is provided. Signaling communication with respect to the scenario implemented for the bias handover procedure may begin with signaling an assessment report. The EUT sends evaluation report signal (s) to the bidirectional domain. It is preferred that the UTRAN RNC receive its evaluation report from the EUT. Evaluation report signaling uses wireless cellular data mobile data communications. For example, a BNE in UTRAN initiates a resource conservation process for handover and the BNE sends a resource conservation signal. The resource conservation signal is preferably transmitted to the UNE (eg IPDC BS), and in some cases via the MSC of the cellular mobile network. The UNE acknowledges the preservation request by sending an acknowledgment signal to the bidirectional network, which is preferably UTRAN via the MSC. Data communication between the bidirectional network and the UNE may occur via the link 11 of FIG. 1. The UNE may send a negative acknowledgment if the IPDC does not have enough resources to send a service. When the bidirectional network receives an acknowledgment, the bidirectional domain recognizes that the unidirectional domain has sufficient data transmission resources available for handover so that services delivered over the bidirectional network are broadcast, such as via IPDC. The bidirectional network sends a handover command to the EUT. The handover command is preferably related to only one service and its service downlink in the bidirectional network. It should be noted that the IPDC that broadcasts can in principle provide one-way service transmission. In addition, despite the handover, all other traffic can continue on the bidirectional network. The EUT terminates the handover procedure for the downlink and certain services.

The example of FIG. 9 shows the static state when the service comes out of the IPDC after the handover. Note that some other traffic may continue on the UTRAN even though the handover has been performed. Service transfer to the EUT is from the IPDC, preferably via any available HE.

The example of FIG. 10 shows a diagram of message and signal exchange between EUT, UNE, and bidirectional domains when performing service handover from unidirectional domain to bidirectional domain. Thus, another example of intersystem handover from the broadband data communication domain to the cellular mobile data communication domain is given. Signal exchange with respect to the deflection handover procedure carried out may commence with signaling the evaluation report. EUT sends evaluation report signal (s) to UNE. It is desirable for the signal connection between the EUT and the bidirectional domain to continue to be functional in principle. The EUT sends the signal to the UNE, for example via the UTRAN return channel. The UNE receives the report signal and urges resource conservation for biased handover from the bidirectional domain. The UNE preferably sends its resource conservation signal to the bidirectional domain via the MSC. It is preferred that the UTRAN RNC receive the signal. The bidirectional domain checks for available resources. The bidirectional network sends an acknowledgment if there are enough resources available for bias handover. The confirmation signal is preferably sent through the MSC. If there is not enough resources in the UTRAN for service transmission, the UTRAN may signal a denial of acknowledgment. The UNE receives the acknowledgment signal and receives acknowledgment to proceed with the handover. UNE sends a handover command to the EUT. The handover command causes the EUT to initiate a move to another system, such as the UTRAN. This handover command is preferably broadcast wirelessly to the EUT via DVB-T transmission. The EUT completes the handover for the downlink and certain services. Deflection handover allows to completely shake off the UNE (such as IPDC BS) when deemed necessary.

The example of FIG. 11 illustrates a static state when a service comes in from the downlink of a bidirectional network such as 3G after a handover. It should be noted that although handover has been performed, some other traffic may proceed on the bidirectional network. Thus, there may be some data exchange between the EUT and the bidirectional network. Service delivery to the EUT is preferably from the UTRAN via any available cell. It is desirable that the UNE be completely excluded, thereby saving some transmission resources.

The example of FIG. 12 illustrates a functional block diagram of an end user terminal (EUT) receiving a biased handover service between a bidirectional domain and a unidirectional domain. The EUT of FIG. 12 may be used for one / all of the above example (s). The EUT includes a processing unit CPU, a wideband receiver part, also called a multi-carrier signal receiver part or an IP over DVB-T receiver part, capable of receiving multi-carrier wideband signals such as DVB-T signals, and a user interface (UI). ). The wideband receiver part and the UI are connected to the CPU. The UI has a display and a keyboard that allow the user to use the receiver. The UI also includes a microphone and a speaker for receiving and reproducing the audio signal. The UI may include a speech recognition device (not shown). The EUT also includes a cellular mobile transceiver connected to the CPU. The CPU includes a microprocessor (not shown), memory, and possibly software SW (not shown). SW may be stored in memory. The microprocessor is based on SW, receiving services through a cellular mobile transceiver or broadband receiver, sending and receiving handover related signals / messages, processing handover acknowledgments, generating evaluation reports, evaluating signal connections between the EUT and UTRAN, and evaluating IPDC to EUT. Control receiver operation such as signal connection evaluation. These operations have been described in the examples of FIGS. 1-11. For example, hardware (not shown) may be used for receiving a service via a cellular mobile transceiver or a broadband receiver, handover related signal / message transmission means, handover acknowledgment processing means, evaluation report generation means, signal connection between the EUT and the bidirectional domain. Means for evaluating signal connection from the unidirectional domain to the EUT. The EUT is preferably a wireless terminal capable of receiving wireless multi-carrier signal transmissions (generally broadcast) in the digital broadband communication domain, and also receiving downlink wireless t-signal transmissions in the cellular mobile communication domain. The EUT may wirelessly transmit signals to the cellular mobile communication domain.

With continued reference to FIG. 12, alternative middleware or software configurations may also be applied (not shown). The EUT can be a hand-held device that a user can conveniently carry or manage. The EUT may be a cellular mobile phone that includes a wideband receiver part for receiving DVB-T wideband transmissions. EUT will be able to interoperate with UNE via UTRAN based on cellular mobile. In addition, the mobile phone may preferably receive UTRAN based services over the downlink of the cell.

Some embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system, network element, and end user terminal for providing handover between a general unidirectional service transmitted by a digital broadband data communication domain and a general bidirectional service by a cellular mobile data communication domain. do. Preferably, the digital broadband data communication domain is a broadcast network such as Internet Protocol (IP) over Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB), in another example IP over DVB-T (Terrestrial DVB) or IP Datacast (IPDC) network. The downlink of 3G may also be unidirectional broadband communication in some embodiments. The cellular mobile data communication network is preferably a 3G (3rd generation mobile communication) network, in another example UTRAN. The digital broadband network may be another unidirectional cellular network capable of broadcasting broadband digital data information or services provided to the terminal in one direction. Preferred embodiments use the evaluation signaling architecture of UMTS intersystem handover to control handover. The evaluation of the cell not only includes certain digital broadband communication domain cells, such as IP over DVB cells, but also extends to use these cells to perform handover. The fact that one of the networks mainly transmits in a single (direction) results in a biased handover in which downlink data of the bidirectional network is used during handover. Thus, when handing over from the general bidirectional domain to the digital unidirectional data communication domain, the handover is biased. Services associated with downlinks in common bidirectional domains, such as the 3G Universal Mobile Telephone System (UMTS) domain, for example, will be moved to common unidirectional domains, such as digital broadband data communication domains. In addition, when handing over from a general unidirectional domain such as a digital broadband data communication domain to a general bidirectional domain such as a cellular mobile data communication domain, the services of the unidirectional data communication domain are handed over to the downlink of the bidirectional data communication domain.

The digital unidirectional data communication domain will provide a high bandwidth wideband transmission channel, where transmission is usually broadcast, multicast or unicast. High bandwidth transport channels may provide a variety of services to users of such systems. IP data for the DVB network is applied to support the available data transfer principles. It is desirable to apply IP data for terrestrial digital video broadcast (DVB-T) networks. This can also be called an IPDC. Thus, as used herein, the transmission of an IPDC may mean broadcast, multicast, or unicast, and the data may include, but is not necessarily limited to, data encoded in the IP protocol. The network of a DVB-T system includes cells that participate in a handover procedure together with cells of another system. The use of a digital broadband data communication domain as a cooperative system enhances the advantages of the present invention, such as economics. For example, since DVB-T provides an efficient and inexpensive way to supply data, embodiments of the present invention benefit from this by modifying the broadband domain within the scope of the UMTS domain. The digital broadband communication domain preferably transmits a wireless multi-carrier signal suitable for DVB-T or the like. It should be appreciated that the broadcast mode of 3G and / or GPRS may also function and operate as a unidirectional broadband data communication domain.

Thus, IP datacast (IPDC) may be used in various embodiments of the present invention. IPDC refers to unidirectional data communication for digital broadcast networks. This can be technically implemented, for example, by sending IP for the DVB-T radio technology scheme. In addition, IPDC may be implemented through various various radio technologies such as DVB-T, DVB-S, DVB-X, DAB, ISDB-T, ATSC, DRM, FM, and the like. In addition to digital broadcast technologies, it should be understood that IPDC can also be implemented using broadcast mode in 3G and / or GPRS. Thus, IPDC is not limited to broadcast examples such as DVB, but can also be associated with other available broadband or broadcast networks that can basically communicate unidirectional data. The downlink may be related to unidirectional data signal transmission.

Bi-directional domains, such as cellular mobile data communications, on the other hand, provide a two-way data communication channel with sometimes, but not always limited, rates for transmitting data. IP data has been applicable in the cellular mobile domain, and UTRAN is preferably applied to embodiments of the present invention. As an example of UTRAN, a WCDMA network provides a solution available. The characteristic of such systems is that they comprise cells and are based on cells. Thus, the basic structure of the handover procedure is set up in such a system. Embodiments of the present invention utilize the evaluation signal structure of the system, such as intersystem handover of the Universal Mobile Telephone System (UMTS), to control handover between broadband domain networks. When the cellular mobile data communication domain is a fully bidirectional or two-way communication system and the broadband domain has the power to functionally focus on delivering data in one direction to the end user terminal (EUT), the downlink of cellular mobile data communication It is advantageous to focus on data communication. Thus, this can be called a deflection handover because, with respect to the handover service, it is related to the downlink for data communication of cellular mobile data communication, like the downlink of UMTS. For evaluation and command purposes, two-way data communication can be advantageously used to control and communicate handover procedures with the cellular mobile data communication domain. The cellular mobile data communication domain preferably transmits wireless signals. A typical bidirectional network may have a bidirectional network element (BNE).

Embodiments of the present invention provide native network level signaling that enables application-independent handovers to and from cellular mobile data domains, such as 3G or UMTS networks, to and from digital broadband networks such as IPDC networks. It is preferable to use.

In general, hybrid network systems include at least two different network systems, and it is very important that they work together to get more benefits of the hybrid solution. Examples of hybrid network systems may be digital broadband networks such as DVB-T networks with IPDC features and 3G networks such as WCDMA-based UTRAN.

In some embodiments of a hybrid network system, the channel system model may be based on the following examples. In the channel system model, two channels may be established between the service provider and the user, such as between a broadcast channel and an interaction channel.

Broadcast channel: A unidirectional broadband broadcast channel that includes video, audio, and data referenced in some embodiments. This broadcast channel can be set up for users from a service provider. This will include a forward interaction path. The broadcast channel is also called the downstream channel.

Interaction Channel: In some examples a two-way interaction channel is established between the service provider and the user for interaction purposes. It can be generated by:

Return Interaction Path (Return Channel): This may be a channel from the user to the service provider. This can be used to ask a service provider or answer a question. It may also be a narrower band channel. Sometimes called a return channel.

Forward Interaction Path: This may be a channel from the service provider to the user. This may be used by the service provider to provide some kind of information to the user and for any communication required to provide the interactive service. This can be contained in a broadcast channel. This channel may not be necessary in some simple configurations that utilize broadcast channels to carry data to the user. The forward interaction path may actually be downstream traffic when no interaction is necessarily required or used in some embodiments: for example, some UTRAN downlink data services.

Some embodiments of the present invention utilize a unidirectional cell (UC), which may also be called a digital broadband cell or broadcast cell. In some examples, a broadcast cell may be a geographic area covered by a DVB-T signal by one or more transmitters, each emitting at least one unique transport stream on a given frequency. Sometimes a unique transport stream on only one frequency is used in a unidirectional cell (UC). The broadcast cell may further include repeaters. Two neighboring broadcast cells may perform interaction (interoperation) with each other. The cell_id (cell ID) used to uniquely identify the cell may be unique within each original_network_id (original network ID). The broadcast cell may include subcells having different operating frequencies. Preferably, the broadcast cell includes a transport stream (TS) that transmits one or more services to the receiver. It should also be noted that a cell, which is a basic bidirectional cell operating in broadcast mode, can provide transmission corresponding to a unidirectional cell.

Some embodiments of the present invention use a headend HE. Headend (HE) devices provide a means to broadcast a transport stream within a broadcast cell. EH, the headend can also deliver the TS in other broadcasting environments such as cable and satellite. Typically, the operator of the broadcast network runs the headend. Alternatively, the headend may be called a broadcast base station (BS) or an IPDC BS. The UNE may be a networking element of a general unidirectional network.

Some embodiments of the present invention use handover. In some other representations, handover may also be called handoff. Both expressions may be used within the scope of the present invention and related matters. At the intersection of two systems, such as hybrid systems or UTRAN and IPDC networks, the proper principle is that these systems work in concert by biased handover between them. A crossover system based handover is used, where the handover is from a mobile cellular system using for example WCDMA to a broadband cellular system using for example DVB-T, or vice versa. The handover is biased because downlink data is primarily used in handover in connection with a general bidirectional based data communication network. Thus, for example, upon handover from UTRAN to IPDC, the handover is biased. Services related to the downlink of UTRAN are moved to the IPDC network. Further, upon handover from the general unidirectional data communication domain to the general bidirectional data communication domain, the services of the unidirectional domain are handed over to the downlink of the bidirectional domain. This is due to the characteristic of transmission-oriented (unidirectional) historical use of digital unidirectional networks.

In other various embodiments, handover may naturally be applied in the case of intra-system (inter-system) and inter-system (inter-system) handover to / from GSM / GSM EDGE / GPRS networks. Thus, in such cases, typical handover processes do not necessarily occur in DVB or the like, but the networks identified above may be used. Perhaps the new or current handover service domain is unidirectional and the rest are bidirectional.

In yet other embodiments, intra system handover and the like may be used. For example, in this case, the MSC may communicate with a Radio network system of UMTS (RNS-A) and a base station system of GSM (BSS-B). Perhaps this is the case when the actual system does not need to be changed, but the service can still be handed over between the normal unidirectional transmission mode and the normal bidirectional transmission mode. The downlink may be handed over to an equivalent unit other than BS or HE.

In yet other embodiments, an intersystem handover type may be used. For example, this simultaneously changes traffic from MSC-A to MSC-B. As in the embodiments of intra handover from UMTS to IPDC (and vice versa), it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that similar procedures of bias handover may be performed during the intersystem handover procedure. something to do.

Although the above description includes several specific details, these are merely provided to illustrate the present invention and should not be used as limiting the scope of the present invention. Thus, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made in the apparatus, system, and processes of the present invention without departing from its scope and concept.

Claims (28)

A method for controlling a partial handover of a terminal between a general digital two-way communication service and a general digital one-way communication service, Noting available downlink radio signals; Making a selection between the available downlink radio signals according to a predetermined criterion; And Changing to another available downlink radio signal to perform the deflection handover. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the changing step comprises receiving a partial handover command. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the terminal is operable to transmit a report on the result of the attention to a network element that determines the handover after paying attention to the downlink radio signal. The method of claim 1, wherein Performing a service handover from the digital broadband data communication domain to the cellular mobile data communication domain, or vice versa. The method of claim 1, wherein Selecting the downlink radio signal using a measurement signaling structure of an intersystem (system-to-system) handover of UMTS for handover between the services. The method according to claim 1, wherein the handover relates to a predetermined service leaving any other service transmitted through networks of the services that the terminal can continue to use. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the handover process in the method is adapted to use native network level signaling for application-independent handover between the services. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the services belong to domains having a hybrid network system comprising at least two functionally different network systems. The method of claim 1, wherein And continuing from the current downlink communication received in the first cell area to receiving the one-way communication service in the other cell area. The method of claim 1, wherein the general digital one-way communication service belongs to a domain having DVB-T cells introducing a DVB-T network. The method of claim 1, wherein the general digital one-way communication service comprises wireless multi-carrier signal transmission. The method of claim 1, wherein the services belong to a domain including cells of wireless cellular networks, and the terminal is configured to communicate wirelessly with the domains. delete delete delete A computer-readable recording medium storing a computer program for performing the method of claim 1. delete A method of performing deflection handover of a service from a cellular mobile data communication domain to a digital broadband data communication domain, the method comprising: Evaluating downlink radio signals of the domains received at the terminal; Sending an evaluation report of the received downlink radio signals to the cellular mobile data communication domain; Conserving resources in the digital wideband data communication domain through communication between the cellular data communication domain and the digital wideband data communication domain; Sending a deflection handover command from the cellular mobile data communication domain to the terminal; And Transmitting a confirmation signal from the terminal to the digital broadband data communication domain to move the service delivered through the cellular mobile data communication domain to the digital broadband data communication domain. How to perform a handover. The method of claim 18, Performing communication in a manner in which the cellular mobile data communication domain requests resources to the digital broadband data communication domain; And And obtaining authorization for resources in the digital broadband data communication domain available in the cellular data communication domain. A method for performing deflection handover of a service from a digital broadband data communication domain to a cellular mobile data communication domain, the method comprising: Evaluating downlink radio signals of the domains received at the terminal; Sending an evaluation report for the received downlink radio signals to the digital broadband data communication domain; Conserving resources of the downlink of the cellular mobile data communication domain via communication between the digital broadband data communication domain and the cellular mobile data communication domain; Sending a deflection handover command from the digital broadband data communication domain to the terminal; And And sending a confirmation signal from the terminal to the cellular mobile data communication domain to move a service transmitted through the digital broadband data communication domain to a downlink of the cellular mobile data communication domain. How to perform a service handover. The method of claim 20, Communicating in a manner that the digital broadband data communication domain requests resources of the cellular mobile communication domain, and obtaining an acknowledgment of the available resources of the cellular mobile communication domain in the digital broadband data communication domain. Service handover method, characterized in that it comprises a. A system for controlling a deflection handover of a terminal between a general digital bidirectional communication service and a general digital unidirectional communication service, Means for paying attention to available downlink radio signals; Means for making a selection between the available downlink radio signals according to a predetermined criterion; Means for changing to another downlink radio signal available for performing said deflection handover. A user terminal for receiving deflection handover between a general digital two-way communication service and a general digital one-way communication service, A receiver for evaluating available downlink radio signals; And A transmitter for transmitting the evaluation contents, The receiver further receives a deflection handover command to change to another available downlink radio signal, The transmitter further sends an acknowledgment to perform the deflection handover. A network entity that controls deflection handover of services between a general digital bidirectional communication domain and a general digital unidirectional communication domain, Means for receiving an assessment of available downlink radio signals; Means for making a selection among the available downlink radio signals according to a predetermined criterion; And Means for changing to another downlink radio signal available for performing said deflection handover. The method of claim 1, The uplink may be maintained when the deflection handover is performed. The method of claim 1, Wherein the deflection handover is related only to downlink wireless communication. The method of claim 26, And said biased handover relates only to downlink wireless communication of a general bidirectional communication service and a general unidirectional communication service. The method of claim 1, Wherein the biasing handover is configured to relate to a service between the general unidirectional transmission and the downlink of the general bidirectional transmission.

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