MXPA98009135A - Circuits and method for control of communications for a group of mobile transcepting units, commonly in movimie - Google Patents

Abstract

Control circuits (42) and an associated method (220), for a multi-user wireless communication system (10), such as a cellular communication system, wherein in a group of mobile transceiver units (28) are placed to travel on the whole. Circuits (42) are placed to travel together with the group of mobile transceiver units (28) and to generate control requests common to control operation of the entire group of mobile transceiver units (28). When incorporated into a cellular communication system (10), a common transfer request is generated for the entire group of mobile transceiver units (28), avoiding the need for each transceiver unit to independently generate a transfer request. If a mobile transceiver is operable according to an air interface standard other than a fixed-site transceiver with which communications are to be made, a coverter transforms the communication signals, so that communication signals can communicate between ell

Description

CIRCUITS ¥ METHOD FOR CONTROL OF COMMUNICATIONS FOR A GROUP OF MOBILE TRANSCEIVER UNITS, CWiPMHE --- CS MPV-BH-BMTQ - ^ CREDITED EFFICIENCIES AFFILIENCE AFI The present request refers to a continuation-in-part of the request 4e US patent Serial No. 08 / 642,583, filed May 3, 1996. TECHNICAL FIELD PE LA -LHVKHCJ.ÓH The present invention relates generally to multi-user wireless communications systems such as a cellular communication system, which has transceiver units mobile and an infrastructure network. More particularly, the present invention relates to circuits and an associated method, to facilitate communication between a group of mobile transceiver units placed to move together such as a train or bus, and the network infrastructure. Common control requests can be made for a whole group of the mobile transceiver units, when the transceiver units are placed to move in sets as a group. Charge problems that would otherwise occur if the transceiver units concurrently make independent control requests are avoided, for example, in a cellular communication system, a plurality of users concurrently operating cellular telephones in a mass transit device, such as a train or bus, can overload the cellular system if independent control requests are made concurrently. The circuits placed to move in conjunction with the mass transit device make common control requests to all cell phones, avoid overload of the cellular system. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The use of wireless communication systems of multiple users, to communicate by telephone has achieved wide popularity in recent years. Because the physical line connection is not required to make telephone communications, communication via a wireless communication system is possible at a site to which the formation of the physical line connection would be impractical or impossible. Cellular communication systems that have networks are exemplary of multiple user wireless communications systems. Cellular communication networks, for example, have been installed in significant portions of the world. Large numbers of subscribers of these cellular networks are able to communicate by telephone when they are located in areas covered by these cellular networks. Telephone communication, both voice and data, allows these networks. In a cellular communication system, fixed-site transceivers, referred base stations, are installed across a geographic region. Mobile Transceivers, ie "cell phones" or "subscriber units", placed anywhere throughout the geographic area in which the base stations are installed, can communicate with at least one of the base stations. As a mobile transceiver travels through the geographic area, communication by the mobile unit is transferred, or "passed on" to successive of the base stations. Continuous communication is possible through the mobile unit, without apparent interruption for the user since the communication is transferred between successive base stations. In some conventional cellular systems, transfers are first initiated by a subscriber unit. The subscriber unit detects control signals generated in selected control channels by the base stations. Comparisons are made in the subscriber unit between the control signals received from various base stations. If the communication between the subscriber unit and the cellular network through a first of the base stations is in process and the subscriber unit determines that better communication can be made between the network by another of the base stations, the subscriber unit transmits a request that the continuous communication be transferred to the other base station. Control circuits, such as a mobile switching center of the cellular network infrastructure, typically control the times at which a transfer between two base stations is allowed. In response to the request transmitted by the subscriber unit, the control circuits of the cellular network approve the transfer, if such transfer is possible. If the transfer is approved, channels on the other base station are allocated for communication with the subscriber unit, and instructions are sent to the subscriber unit, instructing the subscriber unit to re-tune or reset to the assigned channels . Communications by the subscriber unit subsequently continue with the cellular network through a successive base station. In this way, continuous communication is allowed without apparent interruption to the user of the subscriber unit. Improvements in communications technologies have increased the convenience and economics of using a cellular communications system. A concomitant increased number of users of cellular communication systems increasingly uses cellular communication systems to communicate through wireless communication systems that similarly have exhibited increased usage. And the use of even other types of wireless communications systems are anticipated in the future. Users, for example, use cellular systems when they are located in motor vehicles. Since many subscriber units are of sizes and weights that can be transported by a user, the subscriber units can be transported by a user and communication can be made at any time. For example, the user can communicate through the cellular system when it is placed in a mass transit device. When a single user, or only a very small number of users, communicate according to the cellular system while they are located in the mass transit vehicle, the additional burden to the cellular system is not significant. That is, when only one or a small number of users communicate through the cellular system when traveling together in the mass transit vehicle, only one or a small number of concurrent transfer requests are made to the cellular network infrastructure to as the mass transit vehicle in which the user is located, travels through a geographical area. However, when significant numbers of users located in the mass transit vehicle use in the cellular system, sometimes load problems occur. These loading problems can occur due to the fact that the users located in the mass transit vehicle are all placed close to each other, to travel, along with the mass transit vehicle route, in the same direction, at the same speed, and at the same speed. Same time. Although each cell phone is operable independently, all cell phones receive the same or similar control signals from the base stations. And even when each of the cell phones is independently operable to determine when a transfer request is made, due to the common location and movement of cell phones, each of the cell phones substantially concurrently requests for transfer to the cell phone. network of cellular systems. These concurrent requests can result in load problems that could result, for example, in accidental terminations of communications.

Cellular communication systems have been constructed in accordance with different cellular standards. The various different cell rules in general are incompatible with each other. That is, a cellular telephone operating in accordance with a cellular standard is typically not usable in a cellular communication system operable in accordance with a different cellular standard. Some cell phones sometimes referred to as dual mode phones, have been built to allow their operation in two different communication systems, these systems are built according to two different cellular standards. However, the number of different cellular norms according to which a cellular communication system can be constructed, prevents as a practical matter, the possibility that a portable cellular telephone can be constructed to allow its operation in all types of cellular communication system. A cell phone placed in a mass transit vehicle can be transported by the mass transit vehicle outside the geographical area covered by the cellular communication system in which it is operable and to a geographic area encompassed by a cellular communications system within which the Cell phone is incompatible. If communications are continuous when the cell phone passes beyond the coverage area of the cellular communications system where the cell phone is operable, communications are terminated. Communications are terminated even when communications would otherwise be possible if the cellular telephone was operable in accordance with the cellular standard of the cellular communication system in which the area of coverage of the telephone travels. When a plurality of cellular telephones is commonly transported in a mass transit vehicle, numerous continuous communications can be abruptly terminated as the mass transit vehicle transports cell phones out of the geographic area encompassed by the cellular communication system and into the geographic area covered. by another cellular communication system. It would therefore be advantageous a way by which loading problems are reduced which result when a plurality of users placed to travel together at similar speeds for similar periods of time. It would therefore also be advantageous a way by which to allow continuous operation of a cellular telephone as the cellular telephone is transported from a geographical area encompassed by a type of cellular communication system and towards another type of cellular communication system. In light of this background information relating to multi-user communication systems, such as a cellular communication system, significant improvements of the present invention have arisen. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention advantageously provides a way by which to avoid charging problems in a multiple user communications system, which results when a plurality of mobile transceiver units are placed together to travel at substantially similar speeds for periods of time substantially similar. By avoiding these loading problems, an interruption or termination of unwanted communication in continuous communications is less likely to occur. Common control requests can be made for a whole group of the mobile transceiver units when the mobile transceiver units are placed to move in sets as a group. These common control requests are made in lieu of independent control requests generated by each of the mobile transceiver units. The number of control requests can be significantly reduced, and loading problems that would otherwise occur if the transceiver units will concurrently make independent control requests are avoided. In a modality, the present invention is operative in conjunction with a cellular communication system. A plurality of users, placed to travel together, for example in a mass transit device, can communicate concurrently using mobile subscriber units through the cellular system without causing charging problems to the cellular network network infrastructure. When, for example, the mass transit device passes between cells defined by the network infrastructure, a transfer request is generated requesting the change of the mobile subscriber units used by the users. In response to the common request of all subscriber units, transfers are made from all subscriber units. The generation of independent transfer requests by each of the subscriber units is not required and the load problems associated with the large numbers of subscriber units that concurrently request transfers are avoided.

A control element, such as a mobile switching center, of the cellular network receives the indications of the common control request and, in response to this, causes the generation and transmission of signals to retune cell phones to effect the transfer to the other base station. When the mass transit vehicle is constituted by a train or other vehicle traveling on a standard or otherwise fixed path, the base stations to which the continuous communications are to be transferred can be determined fairly simply. Because the vehicle travels on a standard trajectory, once the vehicle direction is determined, successive of the base stations to which the continuous communications will have to be transferred can be easily evaluated. Individuals of the base stations placed in proximity to successive portions of the standard path to be taken by the mass transit vehicle are known. The required processing of the cellular network control element can also be reduced since the successive selection of the base stations to which the continuous communications are transferred, does not need to be determined but rather is predeterminable.

In another aspect of the present invention, communication circuits, and an associated method, are provided for controlling communications between at least one transceiver unit operable in accordance with a select air interface standard and wireless communication network infrastructure which has at least a first fixed site transceiver unit of first system, operable according to a first air interface standard and at least one second second site transceiver unit, operable according to a second air interface standard. Each mobile transceiver unit is positioned to move together at a substantially similar speed over a substantially similar period of time. A local transceiver is placed to move along with the mobile transceiver unit at least. The local transceiver transmits and receives signals from local transceivers with the mobile transceiver unit at least. A macro-system transceiver is placed to move along with the mobile transceiver unit at least. The macro system transceiver transmits and receives macro system transceiver signals with a select one of the fixed site transceiver unit of the first system and the second system fixed site transceiver unit. A converter is coupled to the local transceiver and the macro system transceiver. The converter selectively converts the local transceiver signals and macro system transceiver signals such that local transceiver signals communicated by the local transceiver to the mobile terminal at least communicate in accordance with the selected air interface standard and the transceiver signals of the macro system, are communicated by the macrosystem transceiver according to a fixed site transceiver unit of the first system and the fixed site transceiver unit of the second system is a respective one of the first interface standard and the second standard of transceiver. interphase In these and other aspects therefore, communication circuits and an associated method, control communications between a group of mobile transceiver units and a wireless communications network infrastructure. The infrastructure has at least a first fixed site transceiver unit and a second fixed site transceiver unit. Each of the subscriber units is positioned to move together at substantially similar speeds for substantially similar periods of time. A receiver is placed to move along with the group of mobile transceiver units. The receiver is tunable to receive control signals generated by infrastructure, transmitted by at least the first and second fixed-site transceiver signals. A determiner is coupled to receive indications of the control signals generated by infrastructure Obtained by the receiver. The determiner establishes between which of at least the first and second fixed site transceiver units are better able to effect communications with the group of transceiver units. Signs of request for fixed site assignment are generated in response to them. A transmitter is placed to move along with the group of mobile transceiver units and is coupled to receive the fixed site assignment request signals, generated by the determiner. The transmitter sends the fixed site assignment request signals to the wireless communications network infrastructure, to request assignment of a particular of at least first and second fixed site transceivers, to which to effect communications between the group of transceiver units mobile and wireless communications network infrastructure. A more complete appreciation of the present invention and its scope can be obtained from the accompanying drawings which are briefly summarized below, the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention and the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF LPS DIBÜJPS Figure 1 illustrates a schematic partial functional block diagram of a communication system in which an embodiment of the present invention is operative. Figure 2 illustrates a functional diagram of the communication circuits of one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 illustrates a representation of an exemplary cell structure of a cellular communication system and a transport path that extends through the geographic area defined by the cells of the cellular system. Figure 4 illustrates a logical flow diagram showing the method of operation of the circuits shown in Figure 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 illustrates a logical flow diagram showing the method of operation of network control circuits during operation of an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 illustrates a partial functional block diagram of a communication system in which another embodiment of the present invention is operative.

Figure 7 illustrates a representation of exemplary cell structures of two cellular communication systems and a transport path that extends through the geographic area defined by the cellular communication systems. Figure 8 illustrates a logical flow diagram showing the method of operation of another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 illustrates a functional blog diagram of the communication system shown in Figure 6. Figure 10 illustrates a functional blog diagram of a portion of the communication system shown in Figure 9. Figure 11 illustrates a functional blog diagram of the communications system shown in Figure 9. n?.? rptprt ??? ? RGATTA? A Turning first to Figure 1, a communication system shown generally at 10 is illustrated, wherein one embodiment of the present invention is operative. The communication system 10 is shown here as a cellular communication system; likewise, other types of wireless communication systems can be illustrated.

Two base stations 12 and 14 of the fixed network infrastructure of the cellular communications system are shown in the Figure. Each of the base stations 12 and 14 define cells of the cellular communication system in conventional manner. Each of the base stations 12 and 14 includes operational transceiver circuits for transmitting and receiving radio frequency communication signals. Only two base stations of the fixed network infrastructure of the cellular communications system are illustrated in the Figure for simplicity purposes. In a current cellular communications system, of course the fixed network infrastructure typically is formed of a large number of spaced base stations, each defining one or more cells. The base stations 12 and 14 are coupled, here shown in the manner of lines 16 and 18, respectively to a mobile switching center 22. The mobile switching center 22 is operative among other things, to control the operation of the base stations 12. and 14. The switching center 22 is further coupled to a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 24 via the lines 26 in conventional manner. The communications system 10 is further shown to include a plurality of units of mobile subscriber units 28, each of which is positioned to move in conjunction with the movement of a mass transit device, here a train 32, the units of mobile subscribers 28, for example, can be transported by users on the train 32, to allow users of the subscriber units to communicate by means of the cellular communication system when the train 32 travels on a route defined by the tracks 34 on which Place the train. As the train 32 travels on the tracks 34, the mobile subscriber units 28 pass between cells defined by the base stations 12 and 14. Since all the subscriber units 28 are positioned to travel in conjunction with the train 32 travel, all the Subscriber units 28 travel in the same direction, at the same speed, during the same period of time. As previously mentioned, due to this common movement, the subscriber units, although acting independently, generate transfer requests substantially at the same times. Due to the common location of the subscriber units 28 in the train 32, the transceiver units 28 typically all communicate with the same base station, such as the base station 12 of the fixed network infrastructure, when the train 32 in the which subscriber units are placed, is located within the cell defined by this base station. As train 32 travels on tracks 34, such that train 32 travels beyond the cell defined by base station 12 and to the cell defined by base station 14, all transceiver units 28 are transported out of the cell defined by the base station 12 and to the cell defined by the base station 14. In conventional operationEach subscriber unit 28 independently determines that communications between this subscriber unit and the fixed network infrastructure of the cellular system must be transferred from the base station 12 to the base station 14. Transfer requests are generated for each of the units of the subscriber unit. subscriber 28, substantially concurrently due to the common location of these subscriber units. When the fixed network infrastructure of the cellular system receives a large number of transfer requests substantially at the same time, it can result in overload of the fixed network infrastructure. When it is overloaded, the bad operation of the system may result, for example in the accidental termination of the communication of some of the subscriber units.

The circuits 42 of one embodiment of the present invention are placed to travel along with the route of the train 32 on which the subscriber units 28 are located. The circuits 42 generate a common transfer request which requests the communications transfers for all the subscriber units 28 placed on the train 32 to be transported. Since a common transfer request makes transfers from all subscriber units 28 if the common transfer request is generated and the transfer is effected in a timely manner, the transfer requests are not generated independently by each of the subscriber units. And there is no overload of the fixed network infrastructure of the cellular system. The circuits 42 in the mode shown in Figure, include a receiver 44 for the generated control signals, for example on the control channels defined in the cellular system. The receiver 44 is more sensitive to the portions forming the receiver circuits of the subscriber units 28. Due to this higher sensitivity, the control signals generated by the base stations are first detected by the receiver 44 and the operations in response thereto can be previously answered by the circuits 42. If the transfers of the subscriber units 28 are made in response to the common transfer request before operation of the individual receiving circuits of the subscriber units, the individual subscriber units will not separately generate requests for transfer. The receiver 44 of the circuits 42 is coupled to a determiner 46 which also forms a portion of the circuits 42. The determiner 46 is operative in response to the signals that are received by the receiver 44 to determine whether a transfer request will be generated. common. The determiner is coupled to the receiver 44 via lines 45 to receive indications of the signals received by the receiver 44. When the determiner 46 establishes that a transfer will be made from one base station to another base station of the fixed network infrastructure, the determiner causes a transmitter 52 to also form a portion of the circuits 42, transmits a common transfer request to be sent to the fixed network infrastructure of the cellular system. The transmitter 52 is coupled to the determiner 46 by the lines 54, to receive indications of the times established by the determiner in which a transfer will have to be requested.

The common transfer request generated by the transmitter 52 and received in the fixed network infrastructure is applied to the mobile switching center 22. Decisions are made in the mobile switching center 22 as to whether a transfer will be made in response to the request for such transfer. The receiver 44 of the circuits 42 is further operative to scan the communication channels such as voice channels, in which the communication signals between the subscriber units 28 and the fixed network infrastructure of the cellular system are transmitted. Indications of the channels in which continuous or in-process communications between the subscriber units 28 and the fixed network infrastructure are also transmitted by the transmitter 52 of the circuits 42 to the fixed network infrastructure. These indications are also provided to the mobile switching center 22. When a decision is made to transfer communications from one base station to another base station of the fixed network infrastructure of the cellular system, the mobile switching center allocates the channels to which the Subscriber units 28 are re-tuned to, informs the selected base station of the transfer and causes control signals to be transmitted to the individual subscriber units of the subscriber units to cause retuning of the subscriber units to the newly assigned channels. The circuits 42 in this manner are operative to initiate the transfers of all the subscriber units 28 placed to travel in conjunction with the travel of the train 32., to generate a common transfer request. When the fixed network infrastructure of the cellular system detects the transmission of the common transfer request, the control signals are transmitted to the individual ones of the subscriber units 28 to retune the subscriber units, in order to effect the transfers of the Subscriber units. Because no transfer requests are generated by each of the subscriber units 28, but rather a common transfer request is generated by the circuits 42, it is unlikely that the overload of the entire fixed network infrastructure of the system will occur. cell phone. The circuits 42 are again illustrated in Figure 2. The circuits 42 are again shown to include a receiver 44, a determiner 46 and a transmitter 52. In the illustration of Figure 2, the determiner 46 is shown to include a comparator. signal quality 58 coupled via a line 45A to the receiver 44. The signal quality comparator 58 is operative to compare the signal qualities of the control signals transmitted by the base stations of the fixed network infrastructure. In one embodiment, the signal strengths are compared by the comparator in another embodiment, bit error rates of the received signals are compared by the comparator. The receiver 44 is also coupled to a channel selector / controller 62 via a line 4 B. The selector / controller 62 chooses the channels in which the receiver 44 is tuned. By appropriate selection of the channels to which the receiver is tuned 44, the signals applied to the signal quality comparator 58 via line 45A, allow the signal quality comparator to compare signals generated by the selected base stations in selected control channels. Results of the comparisons performed by the comparator 58 are applied via line 64 to the channel controller / selector. The channel selector / controller determines whether the generation of a common transfer request is allowed, in response to the values of the signals generated by the signal quality comparator. If a common transfer request is to be generated, the controller / selector generates signals on line 54 to cause the transmitter 52 to send the common transfer request back to the fixed network infrastructure. The selector / controller 62 is further operative to tune the receiver 44 to channels in which communication signals can be transmitted between the subscriber units, such as the subscriber units 28 shown in Figure 1, and the fixed network infrastructure of the cellular system. Indications of the signals received by the receiver 44 when tuning these channels are provided by the selector / controller 62 via line 45C. The selector / controller 62 is also operative in response to provide indications of which of the channels on which the communication signals are to be transmitted also on line 54 to the transmitter 52. The transmitter 52 sends signals representative of specifications back to the fixed network infrastructure. While the circuits 42 may be used in conjunction with almost any mobile platform structure in which the subscriber units may be located, when the circuits 42 are mounted on a train or other type of device traveling on a fixed or standard route, simplify the determinations as to which of the base stations the communications in process will have to be transferred. Figure 3 illustrates a plurality of the cells defined by the communication system 10, shown in Figure 1. The cells defined by the base stations 12 and 14, respectively, are indicated in the Figure. And, the rails 34 on which the train 32 travels are also indicated in the Figure. Because tracks 34 define a standard route of travel of train 32 from which the train does not deviate, once the position and direction of the train run 32 is determined, when a transfer request is generated by the circuits 42 placed to travel together with the train, the base station to which the communications in process will have to be transferred, is pre-determinable. That is, the mobile switching center 22, like other control circuits of the network infrastructure, does not require determining the base station to which the communications in process will have to be transferred. On the other hand, a memory storage device in the mobile switching center 22 can store data indicative of where the transfer will take place in the base stations. The channel assignment of the pre-selected station to allow in-process communication is provided to the selected base station and the subscriber units where communications in process are going to be transferred. Figure 4 illustrates a method generally shown at 78, showing the method of operation of the circuits 42, illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, of one embodiment of the present invention. The circuits 42 are operative to generate signals representative of the communication channels used by the subscriber units 28 (shown in Figure 1) of the communications in process, with the fixed network infrastructure and to transmit common transfer requests to the infrastructure of fixed network. First, and as indicated by blog 82, the receiver of the circuits is tuned to the communication channels in which communications between the subscriber units and the fixed network infrastructure can be generated. Determinations are made as to which of the channels are used by the subscriber units in communications in process. Then and as indicated by blog 84, data indicative of which of the communication channels are used by the various subscriber units, are transmitted to the fixed network infrastructure. The data is transmitted to the fixed network infrastructure of the cellular system by the transmitter of the circuits 42. Next and as indicated by the blog 86, the receiver of the circuits 42 is tuned to the control channels to receive control signals of the base station, generated by the selected base stations of the cellular system. Signal qualities of the received signals are compared, as indicated by blog 88. In response to the comparisons, a determination is made as indicated by decision block 92, as to whether communications in process are to be transferred. Otherwise, the non-branching is taken to blog 36 and the control signals continue to be verified. However, if a determination is made that communications are to be transferred in process, the branch itself is taken to the blog 94 and the transmitter of the circuits 42 sends a transfer request to the fixed network infrastructure requesting that all the units of Subscriber is transferred to another base station. Figure 5 illustrates a method generally shown at 98, representative of the exemplary operation of the circuits of a mobile switching center, such as the mobile switching center 22 shown in the preceding Figures or other control circuits of a communication system cell in response to signals transmitted to the network by the circuits 42. First, and after entry as indicated by the starting blog 102, a determination is first made as to whether the communication channel indications in process have been received in the fixed network infrastructure. If this is not the case, the branches are taken and the verification by reception of these indications continues. If, on the other hand, these indications are received in the cellular system infrastructure, the branch, if, is taken from block 104 to blog 106 and this data is stored by the mobile switching center. Subsequently and as indicated by the decision block 108, a determination is made as to whether a transfer request generated by the circuits 42 has been received. If not, the branch is not carried out and the verification is continued. If, on the contrary, if a request is received for common transfer of all the subscriber units, the branch itself is taken to decision blog 112 and a determination is made as to whether the subscriber units are placed to move on a standard path. or another fixed. If not, the branch is not carried to block 114, where a determination is made as to which base station the communication in progress will have to be transferred. Subsequently, a determination is made as indicated by the decision block 116 of whether the selected base station is available. Otherwise, the branch is not taken to block 118 and the request for a transfer is denied if the base station is available, the branch itself is taken to block 122 and channels to which the subscriber unit will have to be retuned to carry out a transfer, the channels are assigned. Then, as indicated by block 124, the selected base station is informed of the channel assignment and the channel assignment is transmitted to the individual subscriber units as indicated by block 126. If the determination made in the block of decision 122 indicates that the subscriber units are positioned to move on a standard path, the branch if taken to decision block 132, where a determination is made whether the direction of movement of the subscriber unit on the standard path, is has determined. If not, the branch is not taken to block 114; otherwise, the branch itself is taken to the decision block 134 where a determination is made whether the predetermined base station stored in the mobile switching center is available. Otherwise, the branch is not loaded from the decision blog 134 and the request for transfer is denied. However, if the predetermined base station is available, the blocks 122, 124 and 126 are taken to the branch yes, as described above. In this way, a transfer request generated in the circuits 42 can be made for all the subscriber units placed to travel together with the circuits 42. A transfer request common to all the subscriber units placed to travel together with the circuits 42, initiates the transfer affectation of all the subscriber units. Transfer requests do not require generation by individuals of the subscriber units to make a transfer. Because the common transfer request is generated, loading problems that might otherwise occur if the subscriber units concurrently make independent transfer requests are avoided. Accidental termination or interruption resulting from overload of the cellular system structure is less likely to occur and users of the cellular communication system are able to communicate through the cellular system, while being located to travel together in for example a device of mass transfer. Turning now to Figure 6, there is illustrated a communication system, generally shown at 150, wherein another embodiment of the present invention is operative. The communication system 150 here is formed of two separate cellular communications systems, that is, the system is formed of a first part and a second part. The first part is a cellular communications system built in accordance with a first air interface standard. And the second part is a cellular communications system built according to a second air interface standard. Other types of wireless communication systems can be illustrated similarly. A base station 152 of the wireless network infrastructure of a first cellular communication system and a base station 154 forming a portion of the wireless network infrastructures of a second cellular communication system are illustrated in the Figure.

While not illustrated, the first and second cellular communication systems include other base stations similar to the base stations 152 and 154, respectively. Each of the base stations 152 and 154 define cells of their respective cellular communications systems in conventional manner. Each of the base stations 152 and 154 includes operational transceiver circuits for transmitting and receiving communications signals formed in accordance with the respective air interface standards of the cellular communication systems. The base station 152 is coupled via line 156 to an MSC (mobile switching center) 158 of the first cellular communication system. The MSC 158 is operable in a conventional manner, inter alia, to control the operation of the base stations, such as the base station 152 to which the MSC 158 is coupled. The MSC 158 is also coupled to a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) 170, pointed on the lines 162, also in conventional manner. The base station 154 is coupled, here shown by line 164 to an MSC (mobile switching center) 166 of the second cellular communication system. While not illustrated separately, the MSC 166 is also coupled to other base stations similar to the base station 154. The MSC 166 is operable, among other things, to control the operation of these base stations. The MSC 166 is further coupled to the PSTN 160 via the lines 168, again in conventional manner. And, the MSCs 158 and 166 of the two different cellular communication systems are functionally coupled to each other, indicated by line 170. The communications system 150 is further shown to include a plurality of mobile subscriber units 168, each of which is placed to be mobile in conjunction with movements of the mass transit device, aguí a train 182. The mobile subscriber units 178, for example can be transported by their users on the train 182 to allow users of the units of subscriber are communicated by one of the communication systems, as the train 182 travels on a route defined by the rails 184 on which the train is placed. As train 182 travels over rails 184, mobile subscriber units 178 travel outside of the geographic area encompassed by the base station 152 of the first cellular communication system and into the geographic area encompassed by the base station 154 of the second cellular communications system . Since the subscriber units 168 are all arranged to travel along with the train travel 182, all the subscriber units 178 travel in the same direction, at the same speed, during the same time period. As previously mentioned, a cellular subscriber unit operable in accordance with the air interface standard of a cellular communications system is typically not operable in accordance with the air interface standard of another cellular communications system A. A unit of cellular subscriber 178 operable in accordance with the air interface standard of the cellular communications system of which the base station 152 forms a portion, typically will not be able to communicate as a base station, such as the base station 154 of the second system. cellular communications. If all of the subscriber units 178 are of similar constructions, all communications in process between these subscriber units 178 and the base station 152, are terminated when the train 182 travels beyond the geographic area encompassed by the cellular communication system of which the base station 152 forms a portion. The circuits 192 of one embodiment of the present invention are positioned to travel along with the train path 182 in which the subscriber units 178 are placed. The circuits 192 allow communication of the subscriber units 178 with the base stations, such as the base stations 152 and 154 of the two cellular communication systems, even when the subscriber units 178 are not independently operable to communicate in accordance with the air interface standards of both of the two communication systems.

The circuits 192 are shown to include an acrosystem transceiver 194, operable to transmit and receive uplink and macro system downlink signals to the base stations, such as the base stations 152 and 154 of the two separate cellular communications systems. The circuits 192 further include a local transceiver 196 operable to transmit and receive local uplink and downlink signals, with the cellular subscriber units 178. The local transceiver is operable in accordance with the same air interface standard (s) according to which the subscriber units 178 are operable. The circuits 192 further include a converter 198, coupled to both the macrosystem transceiver 194 and the local transceiver 96. The converter 198 is operable to selectively convert characteristics of signals provided to it. by the macrosystem transceiver 194 and the local transceiver 196. That is, the converter 198 is operable to convert signals that are provided in ways that meet the appropriate air interface standards according to which intended destinations of these are operable. signs For example, in exemplary operation of the system 150, downlink signals generated and transmitted by the base station 152 are formed in accordance with a first air interface standard. And, the cellular subscriber units 178 are operable in accordance with the first air interface standard. Because the downlink signal is transmitted to the transceiver 194 is formed in accordance with the air interface standard and according to which the units 178 are also operable, the converter 198 does not require converting downlink signals but rather it simply sends the signals to the transceiver 196. The local transceiver 196 generates local downlink signals that are communicated to the appropriate subscriber units 178. Similarly, the uplink signals generated by the subscriber units 178, do not require processing by the converter 198. In contrast, the macrosystem transceiver 194 sends these signals to the base station 152. The downlink signals generated by the base station 154 are formed in accordance with a second cellular air interface standard. When the train 182 is placed within the geographic area encompassed by the cellular communications system of which the base station 154 forms a portion, the downlink signal is generated by the base station 154 and transmits to the transceiver 194, it must be converted by the converter 198 in forms according to the first air interface standard. Once converted, the local transceiver 196 sends the local downlink signals according to the first air interface standard. Analogously, the local uplink signal generated by the subscriber units 178 is formed in accordance with the first air interface standard. These signals are processed by the converter 198 to a form to allow its transmission by the macrosystem transceiver 194 according to the second air interface standard. In this manner, bidirectional communication is allowed between the subscriber units 178 and the base station 154. More generally, the subscriber units 178 may be operable according to different air interface standards. And, the converter 198 is operable to selectively convert the signals generated by select ones of the subscriber units 138 and not the signals generated by others of the subscriber units. In contrast, the downlink signals generated by the base stations 152 and 154 are selectively converted, depending on which of the subscriber units 178 of the downlink signals are to be communicated. The circuits 192 further include a determiner 202, here coupled to the macro system transceiver 194, the local transceiver 196 and the converter 198. The determiner 202 is operable, partly in analogous ways to the determiner 46 shown in the previous Figures. The determiner 202 is operable to establish when a common transfer request for the subscriber units 178 will be requested, either between successive base stations of one of the cellular communication systems or between the cellular communication systems. The determinations in exemplary mode are also made in response to for example indications of signal strength levels of the control signals generated by the respective base stations. Details of the operation of the determiner 202 are analogous to those described with respect to the determiner 46 and should not be described in detail again. In the exemplary embodiment, the determiner 202 is also operable to establish the signal types of the signals received from the subscriber units 178 and the base stations 152 and 154. That is, the determiner specifies the air interface standards in accordance with which local uplink signals and macro system downlink signals are formed. The determinations made by the determiner 202 are provided by the converter 198.

Figure 7 illustrates a plurality of cells defined by base stations 152 and base stations 154 of the first and second cellular communications systems. Cells defined by base stations 152 are designated by reference numerals 152A, 152B, and 152C in the Figure. And cells defined by the base stations 154 are indicated by the reference numbers 154A, 154B, 154C in the Figure. The rails 184 on which train 182 travels are also indicated in the Figure. As illustrated, the rails extend between the cells of the first cellular communication system and the cells of the second cellular communication system. When the train 182 is placed in a geographic area encompassed by the cells 152A-C of the first cellular communication system, the uplink signals generated by the macro system transceiver 194 are of characteristics that meet the requirements of the interface standards of air according to which the first cellular communication system is operable. And when the train 182 is placed within the geographical area encompassed by the cells 154A-C of the second cellular communication system, the uplink signals generated by the macro system transceiver 194, are of characteristics that meet the requirements of the standard of air interface according to which the second cellular communication system is constructed. The converter 198 is selectively operable to convert the characteristics of the signals that are provided to the macro system transceiver 194 and the local transceiver 196, such that the communication signals sent to the base stations and the cellular subscriber units are all features that allow communication signals, communicate to these destinations that are formed in accordance with the appropriate air interface standards. Figure 8 illustrates a method, generally shown at 220, of one embodiment of the present invention. The method is operable to effect communications of the communication signals transmitted between a mobile terminal and a base station. The mobile terminal and the base station are not necessarily built according to the same air interface standards. After login, indicated by the starting or starting blog 222, a determination is made in the decision blog 224, as to whether the mobile terminal has initiated communications. Otherwise, the branching is not carried to the decision blog 226 where a determination is made as to whether a fixed site transceiver has initiated communications. Otherwise, the branch is taken again not to decision block 224. If, on the contrary, the mobile terminal has initiated communications, the branch itself is taken from decision block 224 to block 228, where a determination of the air interface standards according to which the mobile terminal and the fixed site transceiver between which communications will be made. Subsequently and as indicated by decision block 232, a determination is made without the air interface standard according to which the mobile terminal is operable and the air interface standard according to which the transceiver of Fixed site If so, the branch is taken to block 234 where the communication signals are passed between the mobile terminal and the fixed site transceiver. However, if it is determined that the air interface standards in the decision block 232 do not correspond, the branch is taken not to the block 236, where the conversions of the communications signals are made in such a way that the destination stations , both of the mobile terminal and the fixed site transceiver, are capable of receiving the signals transmitted to them. Subsequently, a determination is made in decision block 238 of whether a transfer to another system is requested. In that case, the ramification is taken back if to blog 228. Otherwise, the ramification is not returned to the decision blog 232. If the branch is taken from decision blog 226 to block 242, decisions of agreement are made with which of the air interface standards the mobile terminal and the fixed site transceiver are operable. Subsequently and as indicated by decision block 244, a determination is made as to whether the air interface standards of the mobile terminal and the fixed site transceiver correspond. If so, the branch is taken to block 246 and the communication signals are passed as communications that can be made between the mobile terminal and the fixed site transceiver without converting the signals. If, on the other hand, the air interface standards are determined not to correspond, the branch is not carried to block 248 where the communications signals are converted, such that the destination devices are capable of receiving the communications signals. that are transmitted to them. Subsequently, and as indicated by decision blog 252, a determination is made as to whether a transfer to another system is requested. If so, the branch itself is taken to blog 242. Otherwise, the ramification is not carried to blog 244. In this way, a mobile terminal constructed to be operable according to an air interface standard, is capable of communicate with a base station built to be operable according to another non-compatible air interface. Figure 9 illustrates portions of the communications system 150 previously shown in Figure 6. The manner in which a subscriber unit 178, placed on the train 182 to travel as a whole, registers itself in its HLR (location record). domestic) allows a call to be terminated at the subscriber unit 178 addressed to it. While the following description of the exemplary embodiment will be with respect to the implementation of the circuits 192 in the train 182, it will be understood that these circuits may similarly be placed elsewhere, such as in an aircraft, for example. Aguí, the circuits 192 are illustrated to include a mobile radio base station 294 and a mobile switch 296 coupled together by lines 298. The mobile radio base station 294 includes the functionality of the local transceiver 196 (shown in Figure 6) . Mobile switch 296 includes the functionality of macro system transceiver 194 (also shown in Figure 6). The functionality of the converter 196 (shown in Figure 6) is distributed between the mobile radio base station 294 and the mobile switch 296, while in the exemplary embodiment, the functionality of the determiner 202 (also shown in Figure 6) is incorporated. in the mobile switch 296. The mobile radio base station 294 defines a single cell in the train 182 and is operable to transmit and receive communication signals with the subscriber units operable in accordance with a select number of air interface standards. In the exemplary embodiment, the cell defined by the base station 294 provides a select number of non-overlapping channels for each of the air interface standards according to which the base station 294 is operable. And as a separate control channel it is defined for each of the air interface standards according to which the base station is operable. In an embodiment in which the circuits 192 are plane mounted, a single cell is defined on the plane by the base station 294. The subscriber units may in such mode, be coupled by a coaxial connector to the base station 294. When the subscriber unit 178 is energized, the subscriber unit is tuned to a control channel that recognizes, in a conventional manner and initiates, also in a conventional manner, the update of the location of the Subscriber unit. The mobile radio base station 294 recognizes the location update initiated by the subscriber unit and sends to the location information of the mobile switch 296 using the protocol dictated by the air interface standard according to which the subscriber unit is operable . Associated with the mobile switch 296 is a VLR (visited location register) 302. The VLR 302 forms a database containing information regarding the subscriber units issued in the area encompassed by the mobile switch 296, here the cell defined by the mobile radio base station 294 in the train 182. The VLR 302 is updated with the location update of the subscriber unit 178. The mobile switch 296 also transmits a signal to the fixed site base station 306, representative of the update of the location of the subscriber unit 178. The base station 306 illustrated in Figure 9 corresponds to one of the base stations 155 shown in Figure 6. And in turn, a ground-based switch, aguí the switch 308 is provided with a location update of the subscriber unit. The ground-based switch 308 shown in Figure 9 corresponds to one of the MSCs 158 and 166 shown in Figure 6. The ground-based switch 308 further has a VLR (visited location register) 312 associated therewith. The location update of the subscriber unit 178 is further stored in the VLR 312. A protocol indication, i.e., the air interface standard according to which the subscriber unit 178 is operable is also stored in the VLR. 312. The ground-based switch 308 further releases a location update for the subscriber unit 178, using the protocol of the air interface standard of the network according to which the subscriber unit 178 is operable. To do so, switch 308 directs a signal to a HLR (service or home area location register) 314 associated with subscriber unit 178, using the number of subscriber unit 178 as a global title. In another embodiment, the VLR 302 includes a map that allows mapping of the subscriber number to the subscriber unit 178, or type of protocol for signaling address information. And once mapped, the signal goes to the HLR. The HLR 314 is coupled to the VLR 312 of the ground-based switch 308 in a conventional manner to receive the location update of the location of the subscriber unit 178. The address of the ground-based switch 308-VLR 312 is stored in the HLR 314. The subscriber unit 178 is further authenticated, in a conventional manner, in the HLR 314, and returns information relating to the subscriber unit 178 to the VLR 312. This information is stored in the VLR 312. This information is also provided to the ground-based switch 308 which transmits the information to the mobile mobile switch 296 and the associated VLR 302. This information, as appropriate, is also stored in the HLR 302. Service and communications features of which subscriber to the subscriber unit 178 are subsequently available to the subscriber unit. The functionality of the converter 198 (shown in Figure 6) and distributed between the mobile radio base station 294 and the mobile switch 296, are provided by the protocol stacks for all types of air interface protocol according to which the subscriber unit placed in the train 182 may be operable. And, switch 296 and ground-based switch 308 includes protocol stacks for all types of inter-system protocols, for example IS-41, GSM, MAP, etc. , according to which wireless signals can be generated.

Figure 9 further illustrates a GMSC (gate mobile switching center) 318 and a call originator 322 from which a call is generated that will be terminated at the subscriber unit 178. The call originator 322 is coupled to the GMSC 318 at conventional way.

A call request is generated by the call originator 322 and sent to the GMSC 318. The GMSC 318 directs the interrogation to the HLR 314 of the terminating subscriber unit 178. Once updated, the HLR 314 directs the interrogation to the VLR 312. The VLR 312, in turn, returns an addressing number by which the call can be routed to the subscriber unit 178. FIG. 10 illustrates the logical system argument of the mobile radio base station 294. The local transceiver 196 transmits and receives the local transceiver signals with the subscriber units 178. The local transceiver is coupled to the converter 198, shown here to include a processor 342 through which a plurality of software stacks 344 and 346 are executable. Signaling stacks 348 are formed, which are provided to the switch 296. Figure 11 illustrates the logical argument of the mobile switch 296. Again, the functionality of the converter portion 198 is formed. Again, a plurality of protocol stacks, the protocol stacks 354 and 356 forming signal stacks 358 are formed. Signals generated by a subscriber unit 178 are converted by the software stacks resident in the base station 294 and the switch 296 and sent to the ground based switch 308, as previously described. The foregoing description is of preferred examples for implementing the invention, and the scope of the invention will not necessarily be limited by this description. The scope of the present invention is defined by the following claims.

Claims (14)

1. RE-tV-l-NP -. CAC -. QHES 1.- Communications circuits to control communications between at least one mobile transceiver unit operable in accordance with a selected air interface standard and a communications network infrastructure wireless, which has at least one fixed-system transceiver unit of the first system, operable according to a first air interface standard and at least one second-site fixed-site transceiver unit operable in accordance with a second interface standard of air, each of at least one mobile transceiver unit, positioned to move together at a substantially similar rate over a substantially similar period of time, the communications circuits are classified by: a local transceiver positioned to move in conjunction with the less a mobile transceiver unit, the mobile transceiver transmits and receives local transception signals, with at least one transceiver unit m vile, a macro-system transceiver positioned to move in conjunction with the mobile transceiver unit as a minimum, the macro system transceiver to transmit and receive macro system transceiver signals with a select from the fixed-site transceiver unit to the first system and the fixed-site transceiver unit to the second system, and a converter coupled to the local transceiver and to the macro-seven transceiver, the converter selectively converts the local transmission or reception signals and the macrosystem trans- Such that the local transmission and reception signals communicated by the local transceiver at least to a mobile terminal are communicated in accordance with the selected air interface standard and the macro transmission and reception signals sent by the macrosystem transceiver to a respective one of the first-place fixed-site transceiver unit and the unit of t The fixed-site transceiver of the second system is a respective one of the first interface standard and the second interface standard.
2. 2. The communication circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that the local transmission and reception signals comprise local uplink signals communicated by the mobile transceiver unit at least to the local transceiver and local downlink signals communicated by the local transceiver, at least the mobile transceiver at least to the mobile transceiver unit as a minimum and wherein the converter processes the local uplink signals formed in accordance with the selected air interface standard, in formed macrosystem transmission and reception signals according to the first air interface standard when communications are to be made between at least one mobile terminal and the first-seven fixed-site transceiver unit or the wireless communications network infra-structure and the selected air interface standard is different from the first air interface standard.
3. 3. The communications circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that the local transmission and reception signals comprise local uplink signals, communicated by the mobile transceiver unit at least to the local transceiver and the local downlink signals communicated. by the local transceiver to the mobile transceiver unit as a minimum and wherein the converter processes the local uplink signals formed according to the selected air interface standard into macro system transmission and reception signals, formed according to the second Air interface standard when communications between at least the mobile terminal and the fixed site transceiver unit of the second system of the communication network infrastructure and the selected air interface standard is different from the second interface standard of air.
4. 4. The communications circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that the acrometeme transmission and reception signals comprise macrosystem uplink signals communicated by the macrosystem transceiver to the first-site fixed-site transceiver unit and macrosystem downlink signals communicated by the first-site fixed-site transceiver. system to the roacrosystem transceiver and wherein the converter converts the uplink macrosystem signals formed in accordance with the first air interface standard, into local transmit and receive signals formed in accordance with the selected air interface standard when they will perform communications between the first-site fixed-site traneceptor unit of the wireless communication network infrastructure and the selected air-interface standard is different from the first air-interface standard.
5. 5. The communication circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that the signals of transmission and reception of macrosietema comprise macro-uplink signals of macro-seven communicated by the macrosystem transceiver to the fixed-site transceiver unit of second seventh and seventh. The downlink linkage of the macro system communicated by the fixed site transceiver unit of the second system to the macro system transceiver and wherein the converter processes the downlink signals of the macrosystem formed according to the second air interface standard in signals of local transmission and reception formed in accordance with the selected air interface standard when communications between the fixed-site transceiver of the second system and the mobile terminal unit shall be made at least and the selected air interface standard be different from the first air interface standard.
6. 6. The communication circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that the wireless communication network infrastructure also communicates control signals generated by infrastructure to the local transceiver, the local transceiver is tunable to receive control signals generated by infrastructure that they are transmitted to it, and wherein the communication circuit further comprises: a coupled determiner for receiving indications of the control signals generated by infrastructure, which are received by the local transceiver, the determiner will specify between which of the transceiver's fixed-site unit. At least the first seven-unit fixed-site transceiver unit will be better able to effect communications with at least one mobile terminal unit and generate a fixed-site assignment request in response thereto.
7. 7. - The communication circuit according to claim 6, characterized in that the macro system transceiver is also coupled to receive the fixed site assignment request signals generated by the determiner and to transmit the fixed site assignment request signals to the wireless communications network infrastructure requesting assignment of at least one of the first-tier fixed-site traneceptor unit and the second-system fixed-unit unit that will perform communications between at least one mobile terminal unit and the network infrastructure infra-structure. wireless communications.
8. 8. The communication circuit according to claim 6, characterized in that the determiner is positioned to move along with at least one mobile transceiver unit.
9. 9. The communication circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one mobile terminal unit comprises a plurality of mobile terminal units, each operable for a selected air standard, and wherein the converter processes the transmission signals. and local reception, each formed of a selected air interface standard, communicated by the plurality of mobile terminals in signals of transmission and reception of macrosystem, all signals of transmission and reception of macrosietema of one of the first standard of interface and The second interface standard.
10. 10. The communication circuit according to claim 9, characterized in that the plurality of mobile terminal units comprises a first mobile terminal unit that is operable according to a first selected air interface standard and at least one second mobile terminal unit operable in accordance with a second selected air interface standard, and wherein the converter processes the local transmission and reception signals generated by the first and at least two mobile terminal units respectively in the signal of tranemission and reception of the macrosystem , all signals of transmission and reception of macrosystem of one of the first interface standard and the second interface standard.
11. 11. The communication circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that each of at least one mobile transceiver unit comprises a cellular subscriber unit, wherein at least one transceiver unit of first fixed site and at least one The second site fixed-site transceiver unit comprises fixed-site base stations of a first cellular network and a second cellular network, respectively, and wherein the local transceiver, the macro-seven transceiver and the converter as a whole, form a mobile base station placed to move in conjunction with the movement of the cellular mobile subscriber unit at a minimum.
12. 12. The communication circuit according to claim 11, characterized in that the at least one cellular subscriber unit comprises a plurality of cellular subscriber units, each of the plurality of cellular subscriber units being placed on a mobile platform structure. to move together, and where the mobile base station is placed on the mobile platform structure, also to move in conjunction with it.
13. 13. A method for controlling communications between at least one mobile transceiver unit operable in accordance with a selected air interface standard and wireless communication network infrastructure, having at least one fixed site transceiver unit to the first operable system of According to a first air interface standard and at least one second site fixed-site transceiver unit, operable according to a second air interface standard, at least each mobile transceiver unit is set to move together at a substantially high speed. similar over a period of time substantially similar, the method is characterized by comprising the step of: tracing and receiving local signals with at least one of the mobile terminal and a local transceiver placed to move in conjunction with the mobile transceiver as a minimum, transmitting and receiving macrosystem signals with a select the fixed-site transceiver unit of the first system and the second-system fixed-trait-receiver unit and a macro-system traneceptor positioned to move in conjunction with at least one mobile transceiver unit; and selectively convert the local transmission and reception signals and the signals of transmission and reception of the macro system, so that the local transmission and reception signals communicated by the local transceiver to the mobile terminal at least, are communicated in accordance with standards of selected air interface and the macrosystem signal transmission and reception signals communicated by the macrosystem transceiver to a respective one of the first-order fixed-satellite transceiver unit and the fixed-element transceiver unit of the second system is a respective one of the first standard of interface and the second interface standard.
14. 14. The method according to claim 13, characterized by comprising the additional step of determining between which of the first-site fixed-site transceiver unit and the fixed-site second site transceiver unit in the wireless communications network infrastructure and at least one mobile transceiver unit, are more capable of making communications.