MXPA06007970A - Method and apparatus optimizing receipt of call/broadcast paging messages by self-powered wireless communications devices - Google Patents

Abstract

A wireless communications network (120) responds to each incoming call placed to a wireless communications device (134) by transmitting a call-paging message (418) within a corresponding partition of a digital radio frame of prescribed format. Responsive to each occurrence of a broadcast event (404), the network transmits (414) a repeating broadcast-paging message announcing the availability of broadcast content from the network. The broadcast-paging message is transmitted multiple times within each digital radio frame. Another sequence (500) describes WCD operation in this network. Responsive to wakeup (502) from sleep, the WCD detects (509) received signal quality. The WCD also receives (510) scheduled network transmission of a call-paging message and a number of instances (at least one) of a repeating network transmitted broadcast-paging message that occurs multiple times for each scheduled transmission of the call-paging message. This number varies inversely with the detected signal quality.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS TO OPTIMIZE THE RECEPTION OF MESSAGES FROM LOCATION OF ISSUANCE / CALL THROUGH DEVICES OF SELF-POWERED WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to wireless communication networks, wireless communication devices participate in said networks, and in the operation of the previous equipment. More particularly, the invention relates to a new technique for base stations to transmit send / call location messages to wireless communication devices and, consequently, a more efficient technique for said devices to receive broadcast / call location messages.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Mobile phone designers face a variety of different engineering challenges. One of the most disconcerting problems is the need to use batteries to power the transceiver, loudspeaker, microphone, screen and other electronic circuits of the phone. A battery can only provide a finite amount of energy until it runs out, at which point, the phone stops working. Of course, most cell phone batteries are rechargeable, but this requires access to a power source. Aware of this vulnerability, mobile phone designers have designed their products with several low-energy states. In the absence of any incoming or outgoing call, or during prolonged periods of inactivity in a data call, a mobile telephone is usually in an "inactive" state. Occasionally, some telephone models enter a "sleepy" state where the telephone selectively disables such circuitry or its transceiver, central processor, and some other hardware. At this point, the phone consumes little energy. At periodic intervals that are pre-set by the network, the phone wakes up for a brief moment, mainly to receive call location messages (if any) from the base stations that are alerting the incoming call telephone, and additionally for other reasons such as the search for pilot signals from nearby base stations, etc. When the mobile phone can not communicate with any base station for a certain period of time, the phone enters a state of "deep sleep", during which the telephone seeks service at very infrequent intervals and, in the meantime, switches off to an even greater degree. The previous operating states contribute significantly to conserving battery power. And, in some aspects, this state of the art is completely satisfactory. However, engineers at Qualcomm Corporation (QUALCOMM) are continually looking for new ways to reduce the power consumption of mobile phones QUALCOMM engineers are also concerned about the incorporation of new mobile phone features without sacrificing previous achievements for reduce the energy consumption of mobile phones In this respect, an area of possible focus refers to the future delivery by network of content of emission to proposed mobile phones, those that belong to the industry expect that the actual delivery of Issuing to mobile phones will be preceded by broadcast location messages, advising mobile phone users that broadcast programs are available, therefore, to receive this aggregate location message, latent mobile phones will have to extend their wake-up sequences exist, or worse, get involved in a sequence of additional awakening. In any case, mobile phones will have to consume additional energy to receive the aggregate emission location message. As explained above, engineers typically seek to minimize the power consumption of the mobile phone. Therefore, some problems arise because of the future need for mobile phones to receive additional broadcast location messages, in addition to existing call location messages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A wireless communications network responds to each incoming call placed to a wireless communication device by transmitting a call location message within a corresponding division of a prescribed digital radio frame. In response to each occurrence of a broadcast event, the network transmits a repetitive broadcast location message announcing the availability of broadcast content from the network. The broadcast location message is transmitted multiple times within each digital radio frame. Another sequence describes the WCD operation in this network. In response to the awakening of the sleeping state, the WCD detects the quality of the received signal. The WCD also receives scheduled network transmission of a call location message and a number of cases (at least one) of a broadcast location message transmitted by repeating network that occurs multiple times for each scheduled transmission of the location message of call. This number varies inversely with the signal quality detected.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure A is a block diagram of certain hardware equipment of a wireless communications network. Figure IB is a block diagram of the hardware components and interconnections of a wireless communications device. Figure 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary digital data processing machine. Figure 3 is a plan view of an exemplary signal carrying means. Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating a network sequence for transmitting call location and broadcast location messages. Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an optimized power sequence for a wireless communications device to receive call location and broadcast location messages. Figure 6 is a signal diagram illustrating some exemplary location messages.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The nature, objects and advantages of the invention will be more apparent to those skilled in the art after consideration of the following detailed description in relation to the appended figures.

Hardware components and interconnections Introduction The present description uses a wireless communication network with several base stations and WCD, among other components. Base stations transmit call location messages that notify the WCD of incoming voice / data calls. The base stations also transmit broadcast location messages that notify the WCD of broadcast programs that are available for the WCD to download, that is, over-order broadcast content. Base stations transmit broadcast / call location messages in a manner (discussed below) to facilitate energy efficient reception by WCDs. In a related manner, the WCDs are programmed to use these functions to receive the broadcast / call location messages while consuming a minimum amount of electrical power. Additional details are provided below regarding the design and general operation of this system, as well as its various components.

Wireless communications network Figure 1A illustrates a highly simplified model of an exemplary wireless communications network 120. In one embodiment, the network 120 can be implemented as an IS-95 type network of the Telecommunications Industries Association (TIA). This type of network, for example, is useful for WCDs to receive and place voice calls as well as to send / receive emails, surf the Internet, and exchange other digital data. The network 120 includes several WCD 134, which comprise cordless phones compatible with CDMA in this particular illustration. WCDs can also be referred to as mobile stations, access terminals, subscriber stations, user equipment (UE) and other names. WCD 114s receive service from several base stations 130, which exchange voice and / or packet data content with WCD 134. Telephone calls and other voice communications are made through the exchange of data between WCD 134 and base stations 130 through radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic signal channels. The base stations can also exchange other types of information with the WCD 134, such as call location messages, origin messages, log messages, pilot signal reports, and other digital data. In addition, the digital content is addressed by exchanging data in Internet Protocol (IP) packet between the WCD 134 and the base stations 130 to transmit to the Internet 121 or another packet data network. The packet data applications can run directly on the WCD 134, or they can run on a separate computer device that uses the WCD 134 as a wireless modem. Some or all of the base stations 130 can be executed using hardware, such as that employed by conventional base stations in commercial use today. Each base station 130 is coupled to a base station controller (BSC) 126, which conducts two-way information flow between the base stations 130 and the various network facilities 124 (described below). The BSC 126 performs several functions that allow the establishment of the mobile communication, 5 including the orchestration of the transfer of the WCD 134 between base stations. The BSCs may also include a packet control function (PCF) module for exchanging IP data packets with the base stations 130. Each BSC 126 may be executed using such hardware. as that used by conventional wireless networks in commercial use today, for example. For use in the processing of voice calls and other related data, network facilities 124 may include components such as a data center. mobile switching (MSC), mobile telephone switching office (MTSO), etc. An MSC component, for example, transmits voice stream information between the BSC 126 and the public switched telephone network (PSTN) 125. An MSC also operates to provide mobility control, . call processing; and call routing functionality. For use in the processing of digital data unrelated to voice calls, network facilities 124 may include components such as one or more local and external agents. In this context, the network facilities 124 exchange IP data between the BSC 126 and one or more local agents 122 through one or more links 123, such as the wired or wireless line links TI or T3, fiber optic connections, Ethernet, or other Internet Protocol (IP) connections. The local agent 122, in turn, is coupled to the Internet 121.

Wireless communication device Figure IB illustrates the construction of an exemplary WCD 134 showing the structure of a wireless telephone 100. Telephone 100 includes an antenna 106, a transceiver 104, a loudspeaker 108, a user interface 110, a microphone 114, an energy source 112, a timer 115, and a storage 117, together with any other conventional circuitry that could vary depending on the application. A manager 102, which may comprise an instruction execution processor or digital logic circuitry (as discussed below), serves to manage the operation of the other components as well as signal routing between these components. The power source 112 comprises an electric battery, a solar energy source, a biological energy source, a hand crank or another portable power supply. The timer 115 may comprise a hardware timer, a software timer, or other appropriate timer. An example of efficient energy of the timer 115 is a hardware timer such as circuitry that provides a hardware interrupt signal to the manager 102. Alternatively, software, wired programming, or other timer constructions may be used. The storage 117 may comprise a hardware construction (such as volatile or non-volatile circuit memory, magnetic storage, etc.) or software construction (such as a register, byte, address or other storage unit). Although a mobile wireless phone is illustrated 100, a WCD can be mobile or stationary. In addition, a WCD may comprise any data device that communicates through a wireless channel or through a wired channel, for example, through the use of optical fiber or coaxial cables. In addition to (or instead of) cordless and wired telephones, a WCD can be configured to run other devices, including but not limited to, PC card, compact flash memory, external or internal modem, etc.

Exemplary digital data processing apparatus Various constructs can be used to execute the data processing entities of Figures 1A-1B. An example is a digital data processing apparatus, as exemplified by means of the apparatus 200 of FIG. 2. The apparatus 200 includes a processor 202, such as a microprocessor, personal computer, workstation, controller, microcontroller, machine of state, or another processing machine, coupled to storage 204. In the present example, storage 204 includes fast access storage 206, as well as non-volatile storage 208. Quick access storage 206 may comprise access memory Random ("RAM"), and can be used to store the programming instructions executed by the processor 202. The non-volatile storage 208 may comprise, for example, battery backup RAM, EEPROM, instant PROM memory, one or more magnetic data storage disks such as a "hard drive", a tape drive, or any other convenient storage device. The apparatus 200 also includes an input / output 210, such as a line, link, cable, electromagnetic link, channel, interface, or other means for the processor 202 to exchange data with other hardware external to the apparatus 200. In spite of the In the above specified description, those skilled in the art (who have the benefit of this description) will recognize that the apparatus discussed above can be executed in a different construction machine, without departing from the scope of the invention. As a specific example, one of the components 206, 208 can be deleted; in addition, the storage 204, 206 and / or 208 may be provided on board the processor 202, or may even be provided outside the apparatus 200.

Logic Circuitry In contrast to the digital data processing apparatus discussed above, a different embodiment of the invention uses logic circuitry in place of computer-executed instructions to execute some or all of the various processing entities, such as those mentioned above. Depending on the particular requirements of the application in the areas of speed, expense, tool costs, and the like, this logic can be executed by constructing a specific application integrated circuit (ASIC) having thousands of tiny integrated transistors. Said ASIC can be executed with CMOS, TTL, VLSI, or other convenient construction. Other alternatives include a digital signal processing chip (DSP), discrete circuitry (such as resistors, capacitors, diodes, inductors, and transistors), programmable field matrix gate (FPGA), programmable logic array (PLA), programmable logic device (PLD), and the like.

Operation Having described various structural features, several operational aspects of the present description will now be described.

Signal Carrier Media Whenever any functionality of the present description is executed using one or more program sequences executed by machine, said sequences may be incorporated in various forms of signal carrying means. In the context of Figure 2, said signal carrying means may comprise, for example, storage 204 or other signal carrying means, such as a removable data storage product 300 (Figure 3), directly or indirectly accessible by a processor 202. Whether contained in the storage 206, the means 300, or some other part, the instructions may be stored in a variety of machine readable data storage means. Some examples include direct access storage (for example, a conventional "hard drive", a redundant array of inexpensive disks ("RAID"), or another direct access storage device ("DASD")), access storage in series, such as a magnetic or optical tape, electronic non-volatile memory (for example, ROM, EPROM, instant PROM, or EEPROM), battery backup RAM, optical storage (for example, CD-ROM, WORM, DVD, digital optical tape), "punched" paper cards, or other convenient signal carrying means, including analog or digital transmission media and communication and analogue links and wireless communications. In an illustrative embodiment of the invention, the machine-readable instructions may comprise software object code, compiled from a language such as assembly language, C, etc.

Logic circuitry In contrast to the signal carrying means discussed above, part or all of the functionality of the present description can be executed using logic circuitry, instead of using a processor to execute the instructions. Therefore, said logic circuitry is configured to perform the operations necessary to carry out some or all aspects of the method of this description. The logic circuitry can be executed using many different types of circuitry, as discussed below.

Introduction to operational details As mentioned above, an operational aspect of the present description involves new techniques for network transmission of location messages to WCD (Figure 4). A different but interrelated technique refers to a more efficient energy sequence for WCDs to receive location messages (Figure 5).

Terminology - explanation of signal diagram To better understand Figures 4-5, a signal diagram 600 is first explained (Figure 6). More broadly, and as described in more detail below, the WCDMA 3GPP standard (version 99) dictates that each base station sends call location messages to its various WCDs during a carefully timed interval, which can last from 80 milliseconds to 5.12 seconds. This interval, here called a "location interval", is illustrated at 602 with respect to a representative base station ("subject"). "Call location", as used in the present invention, refers to program segments for incoming voice (or data) calls, as well as to program segments to indicate a data activity initiated by imminent network after a prolonged period of data inactivity when the WCD is "connected" to a wireless packet data network. The location data is transed in the form of multiple "radio frames". Digital communication frames are known in CDMA and other relevant disciplines, and many of those examples of such frames are analyzed in numerous US patents assigned to QUALCOMM. In an example of the present disclosure, each radio frame occupies ten milliseconds. The location interval 602 includes radio frames 604, 605 and other 607 (which are not to scale). The other radio frames 607 of the range 602 are not shown in the interest of a concise explanation. Each radio frame is further divided into segments here called "divisions". For example, several divisions 610 of the radio frame 604 are shown. Each different division 610 is reserved for the subject base station to transa call location message to a different group of one or more corresponding WCDs, which are assigned to that particular division. Reference 616 shows a call location message associated with division 650 and its WCDs. In one example, the call location messages are binary, wherein a binary value indicates that one or more WCDs assigned to that call location message are being located, and the other binary value indicates that none is being located. Instead of a binary zero, for example, a null value or no signal can be substituted. The network trans detailed information about each incoming call in a separate overload message or channel. This information is available for WCD to have more information about incoming calls, and even to resolve which WCD is receiving the call if multiple WCDs are assigned to the same division. As shown by the present disclosure, the location interval 602 contains a maximum of one call location message for each different WCD. In other words, each WCD can only receive its call location message in an assigned division of the divisions 610. However, for each WCD call location message, there are multiple instances of a repeat broadcast location message. As contemplated by means of a more detailed example, multiple instances of the broadcast location message may occur within each radio frame. In the illustrated example, reference 618 shows a repetition emission location message that occurs multiple times in the radio frame 604; however, in the radio frame 604 there is only one occurrence of each call location message of the WCD (such as 616, for the WCD of division 650). In the illustrated example, the emission location message 618 occurs in the divisions 651, 652 and 653. The relationship illustrated between the broadcast / call location messages ensures that the time period between each location message of the call call (such as 616) and the closest broadcast location message (618) can not exceed a predetermined maximum time length. This novel feature is used to help WCDs conserve energy, as discussed in more detail below. In the illustrated example, the broadcast location message 618 belongs to a set of broadcast programs or services. Optionally, another broadcast location message 619 may be provided, belonging to a different set of broadcast programs. For example, one broadcast location message may represent CNN and MSNBC programs, while another broadcast location message represents ESPN broadcast content. Cases of the broadcast location message 619 occur in the divisions 654, 655 and 656 of the radio frame 604. As shown, the broadcast location messages 618, 619 are interleaved. With respect to the broadcast location message 618, the illustrated relationship between the call location message 616 and the minimum broadcast location messages 619 ensures that the time between the call location message and the broadcast location message closest can not exceed the maximum predetermined time duration.

Operation - transmission of emission / call location message network Figure 4 shows some network operations 400 related to the present description. Without any intended limitation, operations 400 are illustrated in the specific context of the hardware of Figures 1A-1B. As illustrated, operations 400 are performed independently by each base station 130. The following description refers to operations 400 as performed by a representative base station ("subject"). However, without departing from the scope of the present invention, some tasks in the sequence 400 can actually be carried out by means of hierarchically superior components of the network 120, where the results are passed to the base stations in the form of status updates or commands. This can centralize some actions, avoiding the need to duplicate the same steps in all base stations. In step 402, the subject base station 130 determines whether a pertinent incoming voice / data call is occurring. The incoming call is relevant if addressed to a WCD that (1) is in communication with that base station, (2) resides in the coverage area of the base station, (3) has designated the base station as "primary" ", or (4) has another specified relationship with the base station. An example of step 402 comprises an "extractor", wherein the base station questions other components of the network 120 to determine if there is any incoming call for the WCDs that are relevant to the base station. In another example, step 402 is a "push-button", wherein the base station receives a notification whenever there are incoming calls for the relevant WCDs. Step 402 is repeated continuously, periodically or according to another appropriate program, as shown in 402a. Accordingly, step 402 may be performed in parallel with the subsequent step 404 and so on. In step 404, the subject base station 130 determines whether a "broadcast event" has occurred. A broadcast event comprises a network address assigned to notify the WCDs of a particular broadcast program.

For example, a broadcast event occurs when new broadcast content becomes available, for example, the arrival of a news story, interesting sports moments, or video music. A broadcast event may also occur when the network authorizes a second, third or other repeated notification of certain broadcast content. In an "extraction" example, step 404 comprises the active question of the base station with respect to other components in the network 120 to determine if the WCDs should be initially notified (or re-notified) about some broadcast program. In a "push" example, step 404 is a passive operation of the base station that receives notification messages whenever the network announces, programs, or otherwise sets an issue event. Step 404 is repeated continuously, periodically or according to another appropriate program, as shown in 404a. Accordingly, step 404 may be performed in parallel with subsequent steps 406 and so on. Step 408 begins a new location interval. More broadly, and as described in greater detail below, each base station sends call location messages to its WCDs during a location interval. Under the WCDMA 3GPP (version 99) standard, the location interval can last from 80 milliseconds to 5.12 seconds. Because CDMA communications occur in the radio frame format, the location interval actually occupies a number of radio frames. Each radio frame, in one example, lasts ten milliseconds. Accordingly, step 408 illustrates the start of this location interval. Depending on the way the network is run, different WCDs can be assigned completely different location intervals. For example, WCDs that need access to low-latency network-initiated services can be assigned a short location interval, while WCDs receiving voice calls can be assigned much longer location intervals. As discussed above in conjunction with Figure 6, each radio frame is divided into multiple segments, referred to in the present invention as "divisions". As an example, an illustrative system can use 144 divisions per radio frame. Each division can carry a call location message, which applies to one or multiple WCDs according to what was previously accommodated by the network, carrier, etc. Therefore, each WCD is assigned a specific division of a specific radio frame during which it receives its call location message, if any.

In addition to the call location operations that were discussed above, the base station transmits a repeat broadcast location message during the location interval. Multiple instances of the same broadcast location message are repeated during the location interval to ensure reception by all WCDs, regardless of their assigned radio frame. Furthermore, as explained below, the broadcast location message is repeated multiple times within each radio frame, to minimize the time between the split where a call location message of the WCD occurs and the location message of preceding or subsequent emission. Furthermore, as discussed above, there may be different broadcast location messages that belong to different sets of broadcast content, although the present example is limited to a repeat broadcast location message to facilitate explanation. Step 414 begins the repeated transmission of the broadcast location message. As discussed below, the base station transmits identical cases of the broadcast location message through the location interval. Emission location messages and call location messages, in one example, can be transmitted in the same frequency band using different channelization codes. In one example, the broadcast location message comprises a bit or other abbreviated signal which specifically indicates to the WCDs, within range, if broadcast content is available, with additional information available in a separately transmitted message. For example, a broadcast location bit of one means that new broadcast content is available, while a broadcast location bit of zero means that there is no new broadcast content. As an example, the broadcast location message may be transmitted two, three or many times more per radio frame to minimize the time between that broadcast location message and the various call location messages occurring therein. radio plot. In other words, this limits the length of time between any particular call location message and the closest broadcast location message (which precedes or follows the call location message) to a predetermined maximum. For example, if the broadcast location message is transmitted twice during each 10 millisecond radio frame, this ensures that the time between any call location message and the closest broadcast location message can not exceed 2.5 milliseconds. This time can be further reduced by repeating the broadcast location message three, four or more times per radio frame. In addition, in theory, the broadcast location message may be transmitted during each division; however, message separation provides other broadcast location messages (related to different broadcast content) with an equal opportunity to locate the WCDs of the base station during the intervention spaces. In a simplified example, where there are two different emission location messages, the network emits one in the radio frame divisions 5, 10, 15, 20, etc. The other one is broadcast in the radio frame divisions 6, 11, 16, 21, etc. Also, in theory, the base station can limit the transmission of broadcast location messages to those divisions that are assigned to the WCDs that have an interest in that particular broadcast content. However, depending on the architecture of the network, the configuration and the broadcast subscription arrangement, the network may not have knowledge of individual WCD broadcast subscriptions. In addition, two WCDs that share the same division could not be easily satisfied if they subscribe to different issue packages. At any speed, ensuring the temporal proximity between the broadcast location messages and the call location messages, helps the WCDs to save energy by quickly resuming their sleeping state in the case of broadcast localization messages and broadcast messages. call location are negative. After step 414, step 416 deals with a first radio frame of the current interval. Here, the base station transmits call location messages for all WCDs assigned to that radio frame (step 418). Each call location message occurs in a different division of the subject radio frame. In the illustrated example, the call location messages comprise a bit or other abbreviated signal which specifically indicates to the WCDs, within the range, that there is broadcast content available to them, where additional information is available in a message transmitted separately . For example, a call location bit of one means that an incoming call is occurring for some or all of the WCDs assigned to the current radio frame, while a call location bit of zero means no calls are occurring. incoming for the WCDs assigned to this frame.

Next, step 420 asks whether the base station has completed all the radio frames for the current location interval. If not, step 422 advances to the next radio frame, and the base station then transmits call location messages for the WCDs assigned to that radio frame (step 418). When all the radio frames have been completed (step 420), the base station finishes transmitting the call location messages for the current interval. Accordingly, the base station also stops transmitting the broadcast location message (step 424), and ends the current interval. Later a new interval begins when step 424 returns to step 408, which occurs in a prescribed program. For greater reliability of the broadcast location message, the base station may optionally retransmit the broadcast location message, not only over multiple radio frames, but over multiple location intervals.

Operation - wireless communications device Figure 5 shows the WCD 500 operations related to receiving call location message and broadcast location messages. Without any intended limitation, operations 500 are illustrated in the specific context of the hardware of Figures IA, IB and 4. As illustrated, operations 500 are executed independently by each WCD. The following description refers to operations 500 as performed by a representative WCD ("subject"). In step 502, the WCD awakens from its dormant state. This implies that the manager 102 leaves a reduced energy state in response to a regularly scheduled hardware interrupt triggered by the timer 115, which is programmed according to step 520 (below). Specifically, the timer 115 initiates awakening early enough so that the WCD can receive its call location message in the assigned radio division and frame. In step 504, the WCD performs various wake-up overload tasks involved in the preparation of its different RF, analog and digital subsystems to receive the call location message. Other wake-up overload tasks can also be performed, such as loading, loading programs into memory, configuring hardware, etc. The details of entering / leaving the sleeping state are explained in a variety of patent applications issued and pending assigned to Qualcomm. In step 506, the manager 102 waits for the next call location message or broadcast location message. Depending on the exact moment when the WCD leaves its sleep state (which can be planned specifically, as discussed below), the first location message to be received may be the call location message or one of the repeated emission location messages. In any case, the manager 102 receives this message in step 508. In the example where there are different broadcast location messages for different broadcasting services, receiving the step 506 of the broadcast location message involves receiving the location message of the relevant issue of the WCD subscription package. In step 509, the manager 102 evaluates the signal "metric" of one or more prescribed signals of the network. This is used to determine how many times to listen to the broadcast location message during the 506-510 sequence. For example, if the broadcast location message was received once but the intensity / quality of the signal is poor, step 509 may decide to receive another instance of the message. In an example of step 509, the measurement of the signal metric may comprise that the manager 102 establishes communication with the transceiver 104 to measure the unprocessed energy arriving in the RF band over which the WCD communicates. As a different example, step 509 can be executed by the manager 102 by measuring the raw energy of the common pilot signal emission by one or more base stations in communication with the WCD. As yet another example, the manager 102 can calculate the signal-to-noise ratio of the common pilot signal. As yet another example, the manager 102 can calculate the signal-to-noise ratio of the location message itself. In the signal, the metrics of step 509 use a common pilot signal as the sample signal, this step can be executed at a different time, such as before step 506. The labeling of the signal metrics as "poor" or "good" "may involve comparing the signal metric with a predetermined threshold, using a moving average, reviewing specific historical data for the subject WCD, or any other useful technique. In step 510, the manager determines whether the latter should wait to receive another location message. This is determined by the number of times that step 506 has been carried out, together with the results of step 509, which was analyzed previously. Optionally, the signal metrics of the pre-awakening state (as performed by step 518) may be considered in addition to, or in place of the signal metrics of step 509. As an example of step 510, if the first performance from step 506, in the current wake state, obtained the call location message, then step 510 will dictate the repetition of step 506 to obtain the broadcast location message, or vice versa. Also, even if both the call location signals and the emission location signals have been received, in step 510 the manager 102 may decide whether to receive another case or more cases of the broadcast location message in poor reception conditions. signal (as measured during step 509, for example). In a different example, if the conditions of signal reception were poor during the pre-awakening state, the manager 102 could have programmed (520, discussed below) an awakening with sufficient time in advance to monitor a location message of broadcast, the call location message, then another broadcast location message. After receiving the first broadcast location message (in step 506), if the manager 102 determines (step 509) that the signal reception conditions have improved to the point where the reception of a single call location message is sufficient. In this embodiment, step 510 concludes that the manager 102 does not have to stay awake after receiving the call location message to monitor the second case of the broadcast location message. When the manager does not need to obtain any additional location messages, step 510 proceeds to step 512. In step 512, manager 102 branches off either (1) to step 514, if step 506 revealed call program segments and / or emission applicable to the subject WCD, or (2) to step 518, if step 506 did not reveal any program segment for this WCD. In the case of step 514, manager 102 remains awake and performs other tasks 516 as required to process or respond to recent pages. Specifically, in the case of call location, the manager 102 obtains additional information about the incoming call, the call answers, etc. In the case of broadcast location, the manager 102 contacts the network equipment (or reviews other message content independently transmitted by the network) to obtain a description of the advertised broadcast content, downloading the content itself automatically (according to a configuration). by default or user input previously specified) or manually (by means of a user keyboard or voice instructions), etc. In contrast to the above description, if the WCD does not receive call and / or location program segments in step 506, the manager 102 prepares the resumption of the sleeping state. In step 518, the manager 102 evaluates the signal metrics to determine the number of times the broadcast location message will be heard (in step 506) before the next call location message occurs. The measurement of the signal metric in step 518 can be performed in different ways, as discussed above in the context of step 509. After step 518, manager 102 plans the next awake state (step 520). Specifically, the manager 102 schedules, sets, or otherwise configures the timer 115 to activate the manager 102 at the appropriate wake-up time. This uses information including (1) signal metrics, (2) the allocated call location time of the WCD (eg, division), which is broadcasted by the network in an appropriate overload channel, set by the network or carrier when the WCD is activated, or otherwise, established in accordance with known procedures, and (3) the broadcast location message program, which may also be available through similar means. As an example, under conditions of good signal metrics (as measured in step 518), the manager 102 may schedule wake-up so that the WCD completes step 504 at the last possible moment allowing still the reception of the location message of call and the closest or previous next localization message (in time). This is possible in cases where the WCD is aware of the transmission program of the broadcast location messages, either through the built-in programming of the WCD, the reception of overload transmissions from the network, the programming of the WCD that occurs during activation with the present carrier, etc. In conditions of poor signal metrics (as measured in step 518), the manager 102 may program steps 502/506 so that the WCD necessarily completes step 504 in time to receive the broadcast location message prior to the call location signal. This, of course, would be followed by the receipt of the same call location message and then the next broadcast location message. In this way, the WCD obtains two broadcast location messages and the unique call location message in minimum time. If the signal metrics are especially deficient, the manager 102 may choose the meeting of the broadcast location message two, three or even more times before the next call location message, using the most efficient combination of location message divisions. of previous and subsequent call.

Labeling of signal metrics as "poor" or "good" may involve comparing signal metrics with a predetermined threshold, using a moving average, reviewing specific historical data for the subject WCD, or any other useful technique . The above planning is performed by the manager 102 by programming the timer 115 to wake up at the appropriate time, and / or by writing machine-readable instructions to the storage 117. Such instructions may include software, address settings, indicators or any other suitable indication for subsequent recovery and use by manager 102 during the next performance of step 506. After step 520, manager 102 directs the appropriate components of the WCD, including itself if applicable, to enter the sleep state of reduced energy (step 522).

Other Moods Those skilled in the art understand that information and signals can be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that can be referenced throughout the above description, can be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, fields or magnetic particles, fields or optical particles, or any combination thereof. Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that the various illustrative logic blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments shown herein, may be executed as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this hardware and software exchange capability, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits and steps have been described above in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is executed as hardware or software depends on the particular application and the design restrictions imposed on the entire system. Those skilled in the art can execute the described functionality in various ways for each particular application, but such execution decisions should not be interpreted as a cause for departing from the scope of the present invention. The various illustrative logic blocks, modules and circuits described in relation to the embodiments described in the present invention can be executed or realized with a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a specific application integrated circuit (ASIC) , a programmable field gate layout (FPGA) signal or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described in the present invention. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any processor, controller, microcontroller, or conventional state machine. A processor may also be executed as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a central DSP, or any other configuration. The steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments described in the present invention can be incorporated directly into hardware, into a software module executed by a processor, or into a combination of the two. A software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor so that the processor can read the information from, and write information in the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium can be an integral part of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. In addition, the foregoing description of the embodiments described is provided to enable those skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these modalities will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the modalities shown herein but will be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features described herein. The word "exemplary" here is used to say "I serve as an example, case or illustration." Any modality described here as "exemplary" will not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other modalities.

Claims (53)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the present invention, it is considered as a novelty and, therefore, the content of the following is claimed as a priority: CLAIMS

1. - A method for operating a wireless communications device, comprising operations: sensitive to the awakening of a sleep state of reduced energy, performing operations comprising: detecting the signal quality of one or more prescribed signals received by the wireless communication device, which receives signals including (1) the scheduled network transmission of a call location message and (2) a first number of at least one case of a broadcast location message transmitted by a repeating network that occurs multiple times for each scheduled transmission of the call location message, wherein the first number varies inversely with the detected signal quality; wherein the content of the call location message indicates whether the network has received an incoming call to the device, and the broadcast location message content indicates whether the network has announced availability of on-demand broadcast content.

2. - The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the operations further comprise: before re-entering the sleep state, calculate a following wake-up time to minimize a total time of reception of the call location message and a second number of at least one case of the broadcast location message, and configure the wireless device to wake up in the next calculated wake time.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that: the operations further comprise that the wireless device obtains information that includes: a network transmission time of the next call location message, and a program for the transmission of the network of the repeat emission location message; The performance of the calculation operation uses data that includes the information obtained.

4. - The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the operation of calculating the next wake-up time comprises: planning a reception order of the call location message and the emission location messages to minimize the total time .

5. - The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the operation of calculating the next wake-up time comprises: if the second number is greater than one, plan the next wake-up time to receive at least one location message of broadcast before the next call location message.

6. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the operation of calculating the next wake-up time further comprises: re-detecting the signal quality of one or more prescribed signals received by the wireless communication device; where the second number varies inversely with the quality of the re-detected signal.

7. - The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the second number varies inversely with the detected signal quality.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the operations further comprise: planning the first number with respect to a next awakening, and storing a machine-readable representation of the first number for future recovery and use by the device. wireless communications sensitive to the next awakening.

9. - The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the operation of receiving signals comprises: evaluating the signal quality by a predetermined criterion; establish the first number according to the results of the evaluation.

10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the operations further comprise: that the wireless communications device re-enter the sleeping state substantially almost immediately after receipt of the call location message and the first number of cases of the broadcast location message. 11.- A method to operate a wireless communications device, comprising operations: sensitive to the awakening of a sleep state of reduced energy, performing operations comprising: receiving a call location message transmitted by network, receiving at least one case of a broadcast location message transmitted by a network of repetition that occurs multiple times for each case of the call location message; before re-entering the sleep state, establish a next wake-up time to minimize a total time of reception of the call location message and at least one case of the broadcast location message. 12. A method for operating a wireless communication device, comprising operations: sensitive to the awakening of a sleep state of reduced energy, performing operations comprising: receiving a call location message transmitted by network and a case of a message of transmitting location transmitted by a repeating network that occurs multiple times for each case of the call location message, evaluating the signal metrics of one or more prescribed signals received on the wireless communication device, and receiving as many additional instances of the message of location of emission as dictated by the results of the evaluation of signal metrics. 13.- At least one means of signal carrying that tangibly incorporates a program of machine-readable instructions executable by a digital data processor to perform operations and thus manage a wireless communications device, the operations comprise: sensitive to awakening of a reduced energy sleep state, performing operations comprising: detecting the signal quality of one or more prescribed signals received by the wireless communication device, which receives signals including (1) the programmed network transmission of a message of location of call and (2) a first number of at least one case of a broadcast location message transmitted by a repeating network that occurs multiple times for each scheduled transmission of the call location message, wherein the first number varies inversely with the signal quality detected; wherein the content of the call location message indicates whether the network has received an incoming call to the device, and the broadcast location message content indicates whether the network has announced availability of on-demand broadcast content. 14. The medium according to claim 13, characterized in that the operations further comprise: before reentering the sleeping state, calculating a following wake-up time to reduce to a minimum a total time of reception of the call location message and a second number of at least one case of the broadcast location message, and configuring the wireless communication device to wake up at the next calculated wake time. 15. The means according to claim 14, characterized in that: the operations further comprise that the wireless device obtains information that includes: a network transmission time of the next call location message, and a program for the transmission of the network of the repeat emission location message; The performance of the calculation operation uses data that includes the information obtained. 16. The medium according to claim 14, characterized in that the operation of calculating the next wake-up time comprises: planning a reception order of the call location message and the emission location messages to minimize the total time . 17. The medium according to claim 14, characterized in that the operation of calculating the next wake-up time comprises: if the second number is greater than one, plan the next wake-up time to receive at least one location message of broadcast before the next call location message. 18. The medium according to claim 14, characterized in that the operation of calculating the next wake-up time further comprises: re-detecting the signal quality of one or more prescribed signals received by the wireless communications device; where the second number varies inversely with the quality of the re-detected signal. 19. The medium according to claim 14, characterized in that the second number varies inversely with the detected signal quality. 20. The medium according to claim 13, characterized in that the operations further comprise: planning the first number with respect to a subsequent awakening, and storing a machine-readable representation of the first number for future recovery and use by the device. wireless communications sensitive to the next awakening. 21. The medium according to claim 13, characterized in that the operation of receiving signals comprises: evaluating the signal quality by a predetermined criterion; establish the first number according to the results of the evaluation. 22. The means according to claim 13, characterized in that the operations further comprise: that the wireless communications device re-enters the sleeping state substantially almost immediately after receipt of the call location message and the first number of cases of the broadcast location message. 23.- At least one signal carrier means that tangibly incorporates a program of machine-readable instructions executable by a digital data processor to perform operations and thus manage a wireless communications device, operations comprise: sensitive to awakening of a sleep state of reduced energy, performing operations comprising: receiving a call location message transmitted by network, receiving at least one case of a broadcast location message transmitted by a repeat network occurring multiple times for each case of the call location message; before re-entering the sleep state, establish a next wake-up time to minimize a total time of reception of the call location message and at least one case of the broadcast location message. 24.- At least one means of carrying a signal that tangibly incorporates a program of machine-readable instructions executable by a digital data processor to perform operations and thus manage a wireless communications device, operations include: sensitive to awakening of a sleep state of reduced energy, performing operations comprising: receiving a call location message transmitted by network and a case of a broadcast location message transmitted by a repeat network occurring multiple times for each case of the location message of calling, evaluating the signal metrics of one or more prescribed signals received in the wireless communication device, and receiving as many additional instances of the broadcast location message as dictated by the results of the evaluation of signal metrics. 25.- Circuitry that includes multiple interconnected electrically conductive elements configured to perform operations and thus manage a wireless communications device, the operations include: sensitive to the awakening of a sleep state of reduced energy, performing operations that include: detecting the signal quality of one or more prescribed signals received by the wireless communication device, which receives signals including (1) the scheduled network transmission of a call location message and (2) a first number of at least one case of a location message of transmission transmitted by a repeating network that occurs multiple times for each scheduled transmission of the call location message, wherein the first number varies inversely with the detected signal quality; wherein the content of the call location message indicates whether the network has received an incoming call to the device, and the broadcast location message content indicates whether the network has announced availability of on-demand broadcast content. 26.- The circuitry according to claim 25, characterized in that the operations further comprise: before returning to the sleeping state, calculate a following wake-up time to reduce to a minimum a total time of reception of the call location message and a second number of at least one case of the broadcast location message, and configuring the wireless communication device to wake up at the next calculated wake time. 27. The circuitry according to claim 26, characterized in that: the operations further comprise that the wireless device obtains information that includes: a network transmission time of the following call location message, and a program for the transmission of the network of the repeat emission location message; The performance of the calculation operation uses data that includes the information obtained. 28. The circuitry according to claim 26, characterized in that the operation of calculating the next wake-up time comprises: planning a reception order of the call location message and the emission location messages to minimize the total time . 29. The circuitry according to claim 26, characterized in that the operation of calculating the next wake-up time comprises: if the second number is greater than one, plan the next wake-up time to receive at least one location message of broadcast before the next call location message. 30. The circuitry according to claim 26, characterized in that the operation of calculating the next wake-up time further comprises: re-detecting the signal quality of one or more prescribed signals received by the wireless communications device; where the second number varies inversely with the quality of the re-detected signal. 31. The circuitry according to claim 26, characterized in that the second number varies inversely with the signal quality detected. 32. - The circuitry according to claim 25, characterized in that the operations further comprise: planning the first number with respect to a next awakening, and storing a machine-readable representation of the first number for future recovery and use by the device. wireless communications sensitive to the next awakening. 33. The circuitry according to claim 25, characterized in that the operation of receiving signals comprises: evaluating the signal quality by a predetermined criterion; establish the first number according to the results of the evaluation. The circuitry according to claim 25, characterized in that the operations further comprise: that the wireless communications device re-enters the sleeping state substantially almost immediately after receiving the call location message and the first number of cases of the broadcast location message. 35.- Circuitry that includes multiple interconnected electrically conductive elements configured to perform operations and thus manage a wireless communications device, the operations include: sensitive to the awakening of a sleep state of reduced energy, performing operations that include: receiving a message of location of network-transmitted call, receiving at least one case of a broadcast location message transmitted by a repeat network that occurs multiple times for each case of the call location message; before re-entering the sleep state, establish a next wake-up time to minimize a total time of reception of the call location message and at least one case of the broadcast location message. 36.- Circuitry that includes multiple interconnected electrically conductive elements configured to perform operations and thus manage a wireless communications device, the operations include: sensitive to the awakening of a sleep state of reduced energy, performing operations that include: receiving a message of location of network-transmitted call and a case of a broadcast location message transmitted by a repeating network that occurs multiple times for each case of the call location message, evaluating the signal metrics of one or more prescribed signals received in the call device. wireless communications, and receive as many additional instances of the broadcast location message as dictated by the results of the evaluation of signal metrics. 37.- A wireless communication device, comprising: a transceiver; a speaker; a microphone; a user interface; a manager, coupled to the transceiver, loudspeaker, microphone, and user interface, and programmed to perform operations comprising: sensitive to the awakening of a sleep state of reduced energy, performing operations comprising: detecting the signal quality of one or more signals prescribed received by the wireless communication device, which receives signals including (1) the scheduled network transmission of a call location message and (2) a first number of at least one case of a broadcast location message transmitted by a repetition network that occurs multiple times for each scheduled transmission of the call location message, wherein the first number varies inversely with the detected signal quality; wherein the content of the call location message indicates whether the network has received an incoming call to the device, and the broadcast location message content indicates whether the network has announced availability of on-demand broadcast content. 38.- A wireless communications device, comprising: a transceiver; a speaker; a microphone; a user interface; a manager, coupled to the transceiver, loudspeaker, microphone, and user interface, and programmed to execute operations comprising: sensitive to the awakening of a sleep state of reduced energy, performing operations comprising: receiving a call location message transmitted by network , receiving at least one case of a broadcast location message transmitted by a repeating network that occurs multiple times for each case of the call location message; before re-entering the sleep state, establish a next wake-up time to minimize a total time of reception of the call location message and at least one case of the broadcast location message. 39.- A wireless communication device, comprising: a transceiver; a speaker; a microphone; a user interface; a manager, coupled to the transceiver, loudspeaker, microphone, and user interface, and programmed to execute operations comprising: sensitive to the awakening of a sleep state of reduced energy, performing operations comprising: receiving a call location message transmitted by network and a case of a broadcast location message transmitted by a repeating network that occurs multiple times for each case of the call location message, evaluating the signal metrics of one or more prescribed signals received on the wireless communication device, and receive as many additional cases of the broadcast location message as dictated by the results of the evaluation of signal metrics. 40.- A wireless communication device, comprising: means for transception; loudspeaker means for producing an audible signal from an electrical signal; microphone means for producing an electrical signal from an audible signal; user interface means for exchanging information with an operator; manager means for performing operations comprising: sensitive to the awakening of a sleep state of reduced energy, performing operations comprising: detecting the signal quality of one or more prescribed signals received by the wireless communication device, which receives signals including (1) ) the scheduled network transmission of a call location message and (2) a first number of at least one case of a broadcast location message transmitted by a repeating network that occurs multiple times for each scheduled transmission of the call message. call location, where the first number varies inversely with the signal quality detected; wherein the content of the call location message indicates whether the network has received an incoming call to the device, and the broadcast location message content indicates whether the network has announced availability of on-demand broadcast content. 41.- A wireless communications device, comprising: means for transception; loudspeaker means for producing an audible signal from an electrical signal; microphone means for producing an electrical signal from an audible signal; user interface means for exchanging information with an operator; manager means for performing operations comprising: sensitive to the awakening of a sleep state of reduced energy, performing operations comprising: receiving a call location message transmitted by network, receiving at least one case of a broadcast location message transmitted by a repeating network that occurs multiple times for each case of the call location message; before re-entering the sleep state, establish a next wake-up time to minimize a total time of reception of the call location message and at least one case of the broadcast location message. 42.- A wireless communications device, comprising: means for transception; loudspeaker means for producing an audible signal from an electrical signal; microphone means for producing an electrical signal from an audible signal; user interface means for exchanging information with an operator; manager means for performing operations comprising: sensitive to the awakening of a sleep state of reduced energy, performing operations comprising: receiving a call location message transmitted by network and a case of a broadcast location message transmitted by a network of repetition that occurs multiple times for each case of the call location message, evaluate the signal metrics of one or more prescribed signals received in the wireless communication device, and receive as many additional instances of the broadcast location message as the results dictate of the evaluation of signal metrics. 43.- A method for communicating location messages to wireless communication devices of a wireless communication network, wherein the network responds to each incoming call placed to a wireless communication device by transmitting a call location message within a corresponding division of a digital radio frame of prescribed format, the method comprises the operations of: sensitive to each occurrence of a specified broadcast event, transmitting a repeat broadcast location message announcing the availability of broadcast content from the network , wherein the broadcast location message is transmitted multiple times within each digital radio frame. The method according to claim 43, characterized in that: the transmission operation comprises: sensitive to each occurrence of a first emission event associated with the first set of one or more emission programs, transmitting a first location message repetition broadcasting announcing the availability of broadcast content related to the first set of broadcast programs, wherein the broadcast location message is transmitted multiple times within each digital radio frame; the operations further comprise: responsive to each occurrence of a second broadcast event associated with the second set of one or more broadcast programs, transmitting a second broadcast broadcast location message announcing the availability of broadcast content related to the second set of broadcast programs, wherein the broadcast location message is transmitted multiple times within each digital radio frame. 45. The method according to claim 43, characterized in that: the emission location message comprises a binary signal that indicates whether or not the emission content is available from the network. 46. The method according to claim 43, characterized in that a type of emission event comprises the reception of the base station of instructions assigned by network to notify the wireless communication devices with respect to one or more programs of particular emission. 47. The method according to claim 43, characterized in that a type of broadcast event comprises that the base station when questioning the network is aware that one or more unannounced broadcast programs are available from the network. 48. The method according to claim 43, characterized in that a type of broadcast event comprises that the base station, upon questioning the network, is aware that the network has designated one or more broadcast programs previously announced to be returned to announce. 49.- At least one signal carrying means that tangibly incorporates a program of machine-readable instructions executable by a digital data processor to perform operations for communicating location messages to wireless communications devices of a wireless communication network, wherein the network responds to each incoming call placed to a wireless communication device by transmitting a call location message within a corresponding division of a digital radio frame of prescribed format, the method comprising the operations of: at each occurrence of a broadcast event, transmitting a repeat broadcast location message announcing the availability of broadcast content from the network, wherein the broadcast location message is transmitted multiple times within each digital radio frame. 50.- Circuitry that includes multiple interconnected electrically conductive elements configured to perform operations to communicate location messages to wireless communication devices of a wireless communication network, wherein the network responds to each incoming call placed to a wireless communication device by means of the transmitting a call location message within a corresponding division of a digital radio frame of prescribed format, the method comprises the operations of: responsive to each occurrence of a broadcast event, transmitting a repeat broadcast location message announcing the availability of broadcast content from the network, wherein the broadcast location message is transmitted multiple times within each digital radio frame. 51.- A base station apparatus for use in a wireless communications network that responds to each incoming call placed to a wireless communication device by transmitting a call location message within a corresponding division of a digital radio frame of prescribed format, the base station comprises: one or more antennas; a transceiver; a digital data processor programmed to communicate location messages to wireless communication devices by executing operations comprising: sensitive to each occurrence of a broadcast event, transmitting a repeat broadcast location message announcing the availability of broadcast content from the network, wherein the broadcast location message is transmitted multiple times within each digital radio frame. 52. A base station apparatus for use in a wireless communications network that responds to each incoming call placed to a wireless communication device by transmitting a call location message within a corresponding division of a digital radio frame of prescribed format, the base station comprises: antenna means for transmitting signals between conductive means and aerial means; means for transception; digital data processor means for communicating location messages to wireless communication devices by executing operations comprising: responsive to each occurrence of a broadcast event, transmitting a repeat broadcast location message announcing the availability of broadcast content from the network, wherein the broadcast location message is transmitted multiple times within each digital radio frame. 53. - A wireless communications network that responds to each incoming call placed to a wireless communication device by transmitting a call location message within a corresponding division of a digital radio frame of prescribed format, the network comprising: multiple base stations; wireless communications network equipment shared by multiple base stations; wherein at least one of the base stations and network facilities is programmed to communicate location messages to wireless communication devices by executing operations comprising: sensitive to each occurrence of a broadcast event, transmitting a location message of repetition broadcast announcing the availability of broadcast content from the network, wherein the broadcast location message is transmitted multiple times within each digital radio frame.