Title of Invention

A METHOD AND AN APPARATUS FOR DIRECTING COMMUNICATION BETWEEN A REMOTE STATION AND A PLURALITY OF SECTORS IN A DATA COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

Abstract A Method and an apparatus for selecting a serving sector in a high rate data (HDR) communication system are disclosed. An exemplary HDR communication system defines a set of data rates, at which a sector of an Access Point may send data packets to an Access Terminal. The sector is selected by the Access Terminal to achieve the highest data throughput while maintaining a targeted packet error rate. The Access Terminal employs various methods to evaluate quality metrics of forward and reverse links from and to different sectors, and uses the quality metrics to select the sector to send data packets to the Access Terminal.
Full Text METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SELECTING A SERVING SECTOR IN A DATA COMMUNICATION
SYSTEM
BACKGROUND
Field
[1001] The present invention relates generally to communication
systems, and more specifically to a method and an apparatus for selecting a serving sector in a data communication system.
Background
[1002] Communication systems have been developed to allow
transmission of information signals from an origination station to a physically distinct destination station. In transmitting informaticn signal from the origination station over a communication channel, the information signal is first converted into a form suitable for efficient transmission over the communication channel. Conversion, or nrradulation, of the infonnation signal involves varying a parameter d a carrier wave in accordance with tfie nfocma&xi signal in such a way that the spectrum of the resulting modulated cam'er is confined within the communication channel bandwidth. At the destination station the original information signal is replicated from the modulated earner wave received over the communication channel. Such a replication is generally achieved by using an inverse of the modulation process employed by the origination station.
[1003] Modulation also facilitates multiple-access, i.e.,
simultaneous transmission and/or reception, of several signals over a common
f
communication channel. Multiple-access communication systems often include a plurality of remote subscriber units requiring intermittent service of relatively short duration rather than continuous access to the common communication chemnel. Several multiple-access techniques are known in the art, such as time division multiple-access (TDMA), frequency division multiple-access (FDMA),

and amplitude modulation multiple-access (AM). Another type of a multiple-access technique is a code division multiple-access (CDMA) spread spectrum system that conforms to the "TlA/EiA/IS-95 Mobile Station-Base Station Compatibility Standard for Dual-Mode Wide-Band Spread Spectrum Cellular System." hereinafter referred to as the IS-95 standard. The use of CDMA techniques in a multiple-access communication system is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,901.307, entitled "SPREAD SPECTRUM MULTIPLE-ACCESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM USING SATELLITE OR TERRESTRIAL REPEATERS; and U.S. Patent No. 5,103.459. entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING WAVEFORMS IN A CDMA CELLULAR TELEPHONE SYSTEM," both assigned to the assignee of the present invention.
[1004] A multiple-access communication system may be a
wireless or wire-line and may carry voice and/or data. An example of a communication system carrying both voice and data is a system in accordance with the 18-95 standard, which specifies transmitting voice and data over the communication channeL A method for transmitting data in code channel frames of fixed size ts described in detail in U.S. Patent No. 5,504,773, entitled -METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE FORIVIATTING OF DATA FOR TRANSMISSION", assigned to the assignee of the present irwention. (n accordance with the IS-95 standard, the data or voice is partitioned into code channel frames that are 20 milliseconds wide with data rates as high as 14.4 Kbps. Adcfitional examples of a communication systems carrying both voice and data comprise communication systems confonming to the "3rd Generation Partnership ProjecT (3GPP), embodied in a set of documents including Document Nos. 3G TS 25.211, 3G TS 25.212, 3G TS 25,213, and 3G TS 25.214 (the W-CDMA standard), or "TR-45.5 Physical Layer Standard for cdma2000 Spread Spectrum Systems" (the IS-2000 standard).
[1005] In a multiple-access communication system,
communications between users are conducted through one or more base stations. A first user on one subscriber station communicates to a second user on a second subscriber station by transmitting data on a reverse link to a base station. The base station receives the data and can route the data to anoti^er

base station. The data is transmitted on a fonward link of the same base station, or the other base station, to the second subscriber station. The fonward link refers to transmission from a base station to a subscriber station and the reverse link refers to transmission from a subscriber station to a base station. Likewise, the communication can be conducted between a first user on one mobile subscriber station and a second user on a landline station. A base station receives the data from the user on a reverse link, and routes the data through a public switched telephone network (PSTN) to the second user. In many communication systems, e.g., IS-95, W-CDMA, IS-2000, the forward link and the reverse link are allocated separate frequencies,
[1006] An example of a data only communication system is a high
data rate (HDR) communication system that conforms to the TlA/ElA/lS-856 industry standard, hereinafter referred to as the IS-856 standard. This HDR system is based on a communication system disclosed in co-pending application serial number 08/963,386, entitled "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR HIGH RATE PACKET DATA TRANSMISSION/ filed 11/3/1997. assigned to the assignee of the present invention. The HDR communication system defines a set of data rates, ranging from 38.4 kbps to 2.4 Mbps, at which an access point (AP) may send data to a subscrS^er staSon (access tenrDinal, AT). Because the AP is analogous to a tDase station, the tenmiriology wTtt> respect to ceils and sectors is the same as with respect to voice systems.
[1007] A significant difference between voice sen/ices and data
services is the fact that ttie former imposes stm^nt and fixed delay requirements. Typicafly, the overall one-way delay of speech frames must be less than 100 ms. In contrast, the data delay can become a variable parameter used to optimize the efficiency of the data communication system. Specifically, more efficient error correcting coding techniques which require significantly larger delays than those that can be tolerated by voice services can be utilized. An exemplary effident coding scheme for data is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No, 08/743,688, entitled "SOFT DECISION OUTPUT DECODER FOR DECODING CONVOLUTIONALLY ENCODED CODEWORDS", filed November 6, 1996, assigned to the assignee of the present invention.

[1008] Another significant difference between voice sen/ices and
data services fs that the former requires a fixed and common grade of service (GOS) for all users. Typically, for digital systems providing voice services, this translates into a fixed and equaf transmission rate for all users and a maximum tolerable value for the error rates of the speech frames. In contrast, for data services, the GOS can be different from user to user and can be a parameter optimized to increase the overall efficiency of the data communication system. The GOS of a data communication system is typically defined as the total delay incurred in the transfer of a predetermined amount of data, hereinafter referred to as a data packet.
[1009] Yet another significant difference between voice sen/ices
and data services is that the former requires a reliable communication link. When a mobile station, communicating with a first base station, moves to the edge of the associated cell or sector, the mobile station initiates a simultaneous communication with a second base station. This simultaneous communication, when the mobile station receives a signal carrying equrvafent infonnnation from two base stations, termed soft hand-off, is a process of establishing a communication Rnk with the second base station wfiile maintaining a communication Jink with the first t^ase station. When the mobile station eventually leaves the ceU or sector assodated with the fust base station, and breaks the communication link with the first base station, it continues the communication on tt^ communkation link estabFished with the second base station. Because the soft hand-off is a "make before break* mechanism, the soft-handoff minimizes the probability of dropped calls. The method and system for providing a communication with a mobile station ttirough more than one base station during the soft hand-off process are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,267.251. entitled "MOBILE ASSISTED SOFT HAND-OFF IN A CDMA CELLUUR TELEPHONE SYSTEM,' assigned to the assignee of tf^e present invention. Softer hand-off is the process whereby the communication occurs over multiple sectors that are serviced by the same base station. The process of softer hand-off is described in detail in co-pending U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08/763.498, entitied "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING HAND-OFF BETWEEN SECTORS OF A COMMON BASE

STATION", filed December 11, 1996, assigned to the assignee of the present invention. Thus, both soft and softer hand-off for voice sen/ices result in redundant transmissions from two or more base stations to improve reliability.
[1010] This additional reliability is not required for data
transmission because the data packets received in error can be retransmitted. For data services, the parameters, which measure the quality and effectiveness of a data communication system, are the transmission delay required to transfer a data packet and the average throughput rate of the system. Transmission delay does not have the same impact in data communication as in voice communjcation. but the transmission delay is an important metric for measuring the quality of the data communication system. The average throughput rate is a measure of the efficiency of the data transmission capability of the communication system. Consequently, the transmit power and resources used to support soft hand-off can be more efficiently used for transmission of additional data. To maximize the throughput, the transmitting sector should be chosen in a way that maximizes the forward link throughput as perceived by the AT.
(1011] There is, therefore, a need In the art for a method and an
apparatus for selecting a sector in a data communication system that maximizes the forward link througfoput as perceived by the AT.
SUm&ARY
[1012] In one aspect of the invention, the adbove-stated needs are
addressed by detemnining at the remote station a quality metric of a forward link for each sector in the remote station's list; determining a quality metric of a reverse link to eadi sector in the remote station's list; and directing communication between the remote station and one sector from the sectors in the remote station's list in accordance vwth said determined quality metric of a fonA/ard link and said determined quality metric of a reverse link. The quality metric of a fonA^ard link for each sector in frie remote station's list may be determined by measuring a signal-to Interference and-noise-ratio of the foiward link. The quality metric of a reverse link to each sector in ttie remote station's

list may be determined by processing at the remote station the forward link from each sector in the remote station's list. The signal processed may be obtained by measuring at each sector the quality metric of the reverse link; processing the quality metric to provide an indicator of the quality metric; and providing the indicator on a forward link. The communication between the remote station and one sector from the sectors in the remote station's list may be directed in accordance with said determined quality metric of a fon^/ard link and said determined quality metric of a reverse link by assigning credits to each sector in the remote station's list except a sector currently serving the remote station in accordance with said determined quality metric of a fonward link and said determined quality metric of the reverse link; and directing communication between the remote station and one sector from the sectors in the remote station's list in accordance with said assigned credits.
[1013] In another aspect of the invention, the above-stated needs
are addressed by determining at the remote station a quality metric of a forward link for each sector in the remote station's list; and directing communication between the remote station and one sector from the sectors in the remote station's list in accordance with said determined quality metric of a forward Snk. The quality metric of a fonward link for each sector in the remote statk>n's list may be detemnined by measuring a signaf-to-interference and-noise-ratk) of the forward link. The communication between the remote station and one sector from the sectors in the remote station's list may be directed in accordance with said determined quality metric of a forward link by assigning credits to each sector in the remote station's fist except a sector currently serving the remote station in accordance with said detemiined quality metric of a forward link and directing communication between the remote station and one sector from the sectors In the remote station's list in accordance with said assigned credits.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[1014] FIG.1 illustrates a conceptual diagram of an HDR
communication system;
[1015] FIG, 2 illustrates an exemplary fonA/ard link waveform;
[1016] FIG. 3 illustrates an Access Point processing of a data
request (DRC) for a Message Based DRC Lock method;
[1017] FIG, 4 illustrates an Initialization phase at an Access
Terminal for the Message Based DRC Lock method;
[1018] FIG. 5 illustrates a Credit Accumulation phase at the
Access Terminal for the Message Based DRC Lock method;
[1019] FIG, 6 illustrates a Decision phase at the Access Terminal
for the Message Based DRC Lock method;
[1020] FIGs. 7 and 8 illustrate the Decision phase for a sector
selection when the DRC of a current serving sector is "in-lock" for the Message Based DRC Lock method.
[1021] RG. 9 illustrates the Decision phase for the sector selection
when the DRC of the current serving sector is '"out-of-lock" for the Message Based DRC Lock method.
[1022] FIG. 10 iilustrates the Credit Accumuiatbn phase at the
Access Terminal for the Message Based DRC Lock method in accordance with another embodiment;
[1023] FIG. 11 illustrates the Decision phase for sector selection
when the DRC from the current serving sector is ^n-lock" for the Message Based DRC Lock method in accordance with another embodiment,
[1024] FIG. 12 illustrates the Credit Accumulation phase at the
Access Temninal for the Message Based DRC Lode method in accordance with yet another emtxxliment;
[1025] RG. 13 illustrates the Access Point processing of the DRC
for a Punctured DRC Lock Bit method;
[1026] RG. 14 illustrates a Demodulation phase for the Punctured
DRC Lock Bit method;

[1027] FIG, 15 illustrates an Accreditation phase for the Punctured
DRC Lock Bit method;
[1028] FIG, 16 illustrates a Certification phase for the Punctured
DRC Lock Bit method; and
[1029] FIG. 17 illustrates a Decision phase for the Punctured DRC
Lock Bit method;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Definitions
[1030] The word "exemplary" is used exclusively herein to mean
"serving as an example, instance, or iiiustration." Any embodiment described herein as. "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
[1031] The term packet is used exclusively herein to mean a group
of bits, including data (payload) and control elements, arranged into a specific
format. The control elements comprise, e.g., a preamble, a quality metric, and
*
others known to one skined in ttie art Quality metric comprises, e.g., a cyclical redundancy check (CRC), a parity biL and others krrawn to one skilled in the art
[1032] Tr\e term access network is used exclusively herein to
mean a collection of access points (AP) and one or more access point controllers. The access network transports data packets between multiple access tenminafs (AT). The access network may be further connected to additional networks outside the access networi [1033] The tem^ base station, referred to herein as an AP in the
case of an HDR communication system, is used exclusively herein to mean the hardware with which subscriber stations communicate. Cell refers to the hardware or a geographic coverage area, depending on the context in which the term is used. A sector is a partition of a cell. Because a sector has the attributes of a cell, the teachings described in terms of cells are readily extended to sectors.

[1034] The term subscriber station, referred to herein as an AT in
the case of an HDR communication system, is used exclusively herein to mean the hardware with which an access network communicates. An AT may be mobile or stationary. An AT may be any data device that communicates through a wireless channel or through a wired channel, for example using fiber optic or coaxial cables. An AT may further be any of a number of types of devices including but not limited to PC card, compact flash, external or internal modem, or wireless or wireline phone. An AT that is in the process of establishing an active traffic channel connection with an AP is said to be in a connection setup state. An AT that has established an active traffic channel connection with an AP is called an active AT. and is said to be in a traffic state,
[1035] The term communication channel/link is used exclusively
herein to mean a single route over which a signal Is transmitted described in terms of modulation characteristics and coding, or a single route within the protocol layers of either the AP or the AT.
[1036] The tenm reverse channel/link is used exclusively herein to
mean a communication channel/link through which the AT sends signals to the AP.
[1037] A fonward channel/link is used exdusively herein to mean a
communication channel/link through wfiich an AP serKJs signals to an AT.
[1038] The tenm soft hand-off is used exdusiveiy herein to mean a
communication between a subscril^er station and two or more sectors, wherein each sector betongs to a d^erent cell. In the context of IS-95 standard, the reverse link communication ts received by both sectors, and the fooA/ard link communication is simultaneously carried on the two or more sectors' fonA/ard links. In the context of the IS-856 standard, data transmission on the foPA/ard link is non-simultaneously carried out t)etween one of the two or more sectors arnl the AT.
[1039] The tenm softer hand-off Is used exclusively herein to mean
a communication between a subscriber station and two or more sectors, wherein each sector belongs to the same cell. In the context of the IS-95 standard, the reverse link communication is received by both sectors, and the forward link communication is simultaneously carried on one of the two or more

sectors' forward links. In the context of the lS-856 standard, data transmission on the fOHA/ard link is non-simultaneously carried out between one of the two or more sectors and the AT.
[1040] The term re-pointing is used exclusively herein to mean a
selection of a sector that is a member of an ATs' active list, wherein the sector is different than a currently selected sector.
[1041] The term soft/softer hand-off delay is used exclusively
herein to indicate the minimum interruption in service that a subscriber station would experience following a handoff to another sector. Soft/Softer handoff delay is determined based on whether the sector, (currently not serving the subscriber station), (non-serving sector) to which the subscriber station is re-pointing is part of the same cell as the current serving sector. If the non-serving sector is in the same cell as the serving sector then the softer handoff delay is used, and if the non-serving sector is in a cell different from the one that the serving sector is part of then the soft-handoff delay is used.
[1042] The term non-homogenous soft/softer hand-off delay is
used exciusively herein to indicate that the soft/softer hand-off delays are sector specific and therefore may not uniform across the sectors of an Access Networie
[1043] The tenn credit is used exclusively herein to mean a
dimensionless attn*bute indicating a quality metric of a reverse link, a quality metric of a fonrt^ard link, or a composite qualrty metric of both forward and reverse finks.
[1044] The temn erasure is used exclusively herein to mean failure
to recognize a message.
[1045] The term outage is used exclusively herein to mean a time
interval during which the likelihood that a subscriber station will receive servk» is reduced.
[1046] The term fixed rate mode is used exclusively herein to
mean that a particular sector transmits a Forward Traffic Channel to the AT at one particular rate.

Description
[1047] FIG.1 illustrates a conceptual diagram of an HDR
communication system capable of performing re-pointing in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, e.g., a communication system in accordance with the IS-856 standard. An AP 100 transmits data to an AT 104 over a fonA^ard link 106(1). and receives data from the AT 104 over a reverse link 108(1). Similarly, an AP 102 transmits data to the AT 104 over a fon/vard link 106(2), and receives data from the AT 104 over a reverse link 108(2). In accordance with one embodiment, data transmission on the fonward link occurs from one AP to one AT at or near the maximum data rate that can be supported by the fonward link and the communication system. Other channels of the forward link, e.g., control channel, may be transmitted from multiple APs to one AT. Reverse link data communication may occur from one AT to one or more APs. The AP 100 and the AP 102 are connected to a controller 110 over backhauls 112(1) and 112(2). The tenn backhaul is used to mean a communication link between a controller and an AP. Although only two ATs and one AP are shown in RG-1, one of ordinary skill In the art recognizes that this is for pedagogical purposes only, arxi the communics^on system can comprise plurality of ATs and AP's.
[1048] Initially, the AT 104 and one of the AFs, e.g., the AP 100,
establish a communication link using a predetermined access procedure. In this connected state, the AT 104 is able to receive data and control messages from the AP 100, arnl is able to transmit data and control messages to the AP 100. The AT 104 continually searches for other APs that could be added to the AT 104 active set The active set comprises a list of the APs capable of communication with the AT 104. When such an AP is found, the AT 104 calculates a quality metric of the AP's fonward link, which in one embodiment comprises a sigr^l-to-interference and-noise ratio (SINR). In one embodiment, the AT 104 searches for other APs and determines the APs SINR in accordance with a pilot signal. Simultaneously, the AT 104 calculates the fonward link quality metric for each AP in frie AT 104 active set. If the fonward link quality metric from a particular AP is above a predetermined add threshold

or below a predetermined drop threshold for a predetermined period of time, the AT 104 reports this information to the AP 100. Subsequent messages from the AP 100 direct the AT 104 to add to or to delete from the AT 104 active set the particular AP.
[1049] The AT 104 selects a sen/ing AP from the active set based
on a set of parameters. The term serving AP refers to an AP that a particular AT selected for data communication or an AP that is communicating data to the particular AT. The set of parameters can comprise present and previous SINR measurements, a bit-error-rate and/or a packet-error-rate, and other parameters known to one skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the serving AP is selected in accordance with the largest SINR measurement. The AT 104 then transmits to the selected AP a 0ata request message (DRC message) on the data request channel (DRC channel). The DRC message can contain the requested data rate or, alternatively, an indication of the quality of the fonA/ard link, e.g.. the measured SINR. the bit-error-rate, or the packet-error-rate- In one embodiment, the AT 104 can direct the transmission of the DRC message to a specific AP by the use of a Walsh code, which uniquely identifies the specific AP. The DRC message symbols are exclusively OR'ed (XOR) with the unique Walsh code. The XOR operation is referred to as Walsh covering of a signaf. Since each AP in the active set of the AT 104 is identified by a unique Walsh code, only the selected AP which performs the identical XOR operation as that performed by the AT 104 with the correct Walsh code can correctly decode the DRC message.
[1050] The data to be transmitted to the AT 104 anive at the
controller 110. In accordance with one embodiment, the controller 110 sends the data to all APs in AT 104 active set over the backhaul 112. In another embodiment the controller 110 first determines, which AP was selected by the AT 104 as the serving AP, and then sends the data to the sen^ng AP. The data are stored in a queue at the AP(s). A paging message is then sent by one or more APs to the AT 104 on respective control channels. The AT 104 demodulates and decodes the signals on one or more control channels to obtain the paging messages.

[1051] At each time time-slot, the AP can schedule data
transmission to any of the ATs that received the paging message. An exemplary method for scheduling transmission is described in U.S. Patent No. 6.229.795, entitled "SYSTEM FOR ALLOCATING RESOURCES IN A COMMUNICATION SYSTEM," assigned to the assignee of the present invention. The AP uses the rate control information received from each AT in the DRC message to efficiently transmit foPA/ard link data at the highest possible rate. In one embodiment, the AP determines the data rate at which to transmit the data to the AT 104 based on the most recent value of the DRC message received from the AT 104. Additionally, the AP uniquely identifies a transmission to the AT 104 by using a spreading code which is unique to that mobile station. In the exemplary embodiment, this spreading code is the long pseudo noise (PN) code, which is defined by the 13-856 standard.
[1052] The AT 104, for which the data packet is intended, receives
the data transmission and decodes the data packet. In one embodiment, each data packet is associated with an kjentifier, e.g. a sequence number, which is used by the AT 104 to detect either missed or duplicate transmissions. In such an event, the AT 104 communicates via the reverse link data chanr^l the sequence numbers of the missing data units. The controller 110. whk:h receives ttie data messages from the AT 104 via the AP communicating with the AT 104, then kxficates to the AP wtiat data units were not received by the AT 104. The AP then schedules a retransmission of such data units.
[1053] Wtien the communication link between the AT 104 and the
AP 100, operating in the variable rate mode, deteriorates betoyN required reliability level, the AT 104 first attempts to detenmine whether communication with another AP in the variable rate mode supporting an acceptable rate data is possible. If the AT 104 ascertains such an AP (e.g., the AP 102), a re-pointing to the AP 102, therefore, to a different communication link occurs, and the data transmissions continue from the AP 102 in the variable rate mode. The above-mentioned deterioration of the communication link can be caused by, e.g., the AT 104 moving from a coverage area of the AP 100 to the coverage area of the AP 102, shadowing, fading, and other reasons known to one skilled in the art. Alternatively, when a communication link between the AT 104 and another AP

(e.g., the AP 102) that may achieve higher throughput rate that the currently used communication link becomes available, a re-pointing to the AP 102, therefore, to a different communication link occurs, and the data transmissions continue from the AP 102 in the variable rate mode. If the AT 104 fails to detect an AP that can operate in the variable rate mode and support an acceptable data rate, the AT 104 transitions into a fixed rate mode.
[1054] In one embodiment, the AT 104 evaluates the
communications links with all candidate APs for both variable rate data and fixed rate data modes, and selects the AP, which yields the highest throughput,
[1055] The AT 104 will switch from the fixed rate mode back to the
variable rate mode if the sector is no longer a member of the AT 104 active set.
[1056] In the exemplary embodiment, the above described the
fixed rate mode and associated methods for transition to and from the fixed mode are similar to those disclosed in detail in U.S, Patent No. 6,205,129, entitled - METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR VARIABLE AND FIXED FORWARD LINK RATE CONTROL IN A MOBILE RADIO COMMUNICATION SYSTEM ", assigned to the assignee of the present invention. Other fixed rate modes and associated methods for transition to and from the fixed mode can also be contemplated and are within the scope of the present invention.
[1057] One skilled in the art recognizes that an AP can comprise
one or more sectors. In the description above, the term AP was used genericaify to allow clear explanation of basic concepts of the HDR communication system. However, one skilled in the art can extend the explained concepts to AP comprising any number of sectors. Consequently, the concept of sector will be used throughout the rest of the document.

Forward Link Structure
[1058] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary forward link waveform 200.
For pedagogical reasons, the wavefomi 200 is modeled after a forward link waveform of the above-mentioned HDR system. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the teaching is applicable to different waveforms. Thus, for example, in one embodiment the wavefomi does not need to contain pilot signal bursts, and the pilot signal can be transmitted on a separate channel, which can be continuous or bursty. The fonn/ard link 200 is defined in terms of frames. A frame is a structure comprising 16 time-slots 202, each time-slot 202 being 2048 chips long, corresponding to a 1.66. ms. time-slot duration, and, consequently, a 26.66. ms. frame duration. Each time-slot 202 is divided into two half-time-slots 202a, 202b, with pilot bursts 204a. 204fa transmitted within each half-time-slot 202a, 202b. In the exemplary embodiment, each pilot burst 204a, 204b is 96 chips long, and is centered at the mid-point of its associated haif-time-siot 202a, 202b. The pilot bursts 204a, 204b comprise a pilot channel signai covered by a Walsh cover with index 0. A forward medium access control channel (MAC) 206 forms two bursts, wtiich are transmitted immediateiy t>efore and nnmediateiy after the pilot burst ^}4 of each hatf-time-slot 202. in the exemplary embodiment, the MAC is composed of up to 64 code channels, which are orthogonally covered by 64-ary Walsh codes. Each code channel is Identified by a MAC index, which has a value between 1 and 64, and identifies a unique 64-ary Walsh cover. A reverse power control channel (RPC) is used to regulate the power of the reverse link signals for each subscriber station. The RPC is assigned to one of the available MACs with MAC index between 5 and 63. The MAC with MAC index 4 is used for a reverse activity channel (RA), whkdi performs flow control on the reverse traffic channel. The fon^ard link traffic channel and control channel payload is sent in the remaining portions 208a of the first half-time-slot 202a and the remaining portions 208b of the second half-time-slot 202b.

Re-pointing using a ORG Lock Indication - Introduction
[1059] A re-pointing decision is made by the AT 104 in accordance
with a condition of a forward link, a condition of a reverse link, or a condition of both a forward link and a reverse link. As described above, the AT 104 determines a forward link quality metric directly, e.g.. by measuring the fonfl/ard link SINR, The quality metric of a reverse link may comprise a reverse link SINR, a DRC erasure rate, a filtered RPC mean, and other quality metrics known to one skilled in the art.
{1060] As discussed, the AT 104 identifies a sending sector of a
particular AP and transmits a DRC message on a DRC channel on a reverse link. The reverse link carrying the DRC messages between the AT 104 and the sen/ing sector is subject to various factors that change characteristics of the communication channel. In a wireless communications systems these factors comprise, but are not limited to: fading, noise, interference from other terminals, and other factors known to one skilled in the art. The DRC message is protected against the changing characteristics of the communication channel by various methods, e-g., message lengtti selection, encoding, symbol repetition. interieaving, transmission power, and other methods known to one of ordinary skin in the art. However, these methods impose performance penalties, e.g., increased overhead, thus, decreased throughput, increased power consumption, increased peak-to-average power, increased power amplifier backoff, more expensive power aunplifiers, and other penalties known to one skilled in the art Therefore, an engineering compromise tjetween a reliability of message delivery and an amount of overhead must be made. Consequently, even with the protection of information, the conditions of the communication channel can degrade to the point at which the serving sector possibly cannot decode (erases) some of the DRC messages. Therefore, the DRC erasure rate is directly related to the conditions of the reverse link, and the DRC erasure rate is a good quality metric of the reverse link.
[1061] However, the AT 104 can directly determine neither the
reverse link SINR nor the DRC erasure rate. Both the reverse link SINR and the DRC erasure rate may be directly determined by the sectors in the AT 104

active set. The sector(s) then supplies the AT 104 with the determined values of the reverse link SINR or the DRC erasure rate via a feedback loop. In order for a sector to transmit accurate information regarding the reverse link SINR or DRC erasure rate, the sector must use some forward link capacity. In order to minimize the impact on forward link capacity the reverse link SINR or the DRC erasure rate is sent with very low granularity. In one embodiment, the granularity is one bit. Furthermore, a consideration of a feedback loop speed versus a performance of the Reverse Link Traffic Channel performance must be made.
[1062] Therefore, in a Message Based DRC Lock embodiment,
each sector in the AT 104 active set monitors the DRC channel and evaluates an erasure rate of the DRC messages. Each sector then sets a DRC Lock Bit for the AT 104 in accordance with the evaluated erasure rate. In one embodiment, the DRC Lock Bit set to one value, e.g., one ("in-lock"), indicates that the DRC erasure rate is acceptable; the DRC Lock Bit set to a second value, e.g., zero ("out-of-lock^, indicates that the DRC erasure rate is unacceptable. The senang sector then sends the DRC Lock Bit to the AT 104 in a message on a control channel. The control channel for a cooimunica&xi system in accordance with ttie IS-856 standard has a period of 426 ms.
[1063] In a Punctured DRC Lock embodiment, the DRC Lock Bit \s
updated at a rate dsfferent from the control channel period, and purH:tured into an RPC channel one or more times every frame. The term purxitured is used herein to mean sending the DRC Lock Bit instead of a RPC biL
[1064] The AT 104 tfien uses the reverse link quality metric
together with the forward link quality metric to make a re-pointing decision.
Re*pointing with a Message Based DRC Lock

Access Point Processing
[1065] The processing method at the AP in accordance with one
embodiment comprises there phases, in the first phase, mapping a DRC
Erasure and/or a valid DRC to a binary fomn generates a DRC Erasure Bit. In
the second phase, processing the DRC Erasure Bits generates a DRC erasure

rate. In the third phase, sampling the processed DRC erasure rate every control channel period generates a DRC Lock Bit.
[1066] The above-described phases one and two are repeated
every time-slot by every sector in the AT 104 active set, as illustrated in FIG. 3 in accordance with an embodiment. The method starts in step 302. The method continues in step 304.
[1067] In step 304, the AP receives an updated DRC. The method
continues in step 306,
[1068] In step 306, the AP tests the updated DRC. If the DRC was
erased, the method continues in step 308, othenA/ise. the method continues in step 310.
[1069] In step 308, the DRC Erasure Bit is assigned a value of
one. The method continues in step 312.
[1070] In step 310, the DRC Erasure Bit is assigned a value of
zero. The method continues in step 312.
[1071] In step 312, the DRC Erasure Bit is processed to generate
a DRC erasure rate. In one embodiment, the processing comprises filtering by a filter with a pre-determined time constant. In one embodiment, the fitter is realized in a digital domain. The value of the pre-determined time constant may be established in accordafrce with system simulation, by experiment or via other engineering methods known to one of ordinary skills in the art as an optimum in accordance with:
reHabifity of an estimate ensuing from a choice of the time constant, and
latency of an estimate ensuing from the choice of the time constant.
[1072] The method continues in step 314.
[1073] In step 314, the system time is tested to establish the
beginning of a control channel capsule. If the test is positive, the method continues in step 316, otherwise the method returns to step 304,
[1074] Steps 316 through 326 introduce hysteresis rules for
generating the DRC Lock Bit. The hysteresis is introduced to avoid rapid re-pointing when the channel SINR varies rapidly. The hysteresis ailes are as follows:

[1075] If the DRC Lock Bit Is currently set to one, then the filtered
DRC erasure rate must exceed first DRC erasure threshold (DRC_Erasure_Th2) for the DRC Lock Bit to be set to zero; and
[1076] If the DRC Lock Bit is currently set to zero, then the Filtered
DRC Erasure rate has to be below a second pre-determined DRC erasure threshold (DRC_Erasure_Th1) for the DRC Lock to be set to one.
[1077] In one embodiment, the values DRC_Erasure_Th1 and
DRC_Erasure_Th2 are pre-determined in accordance with the communication system simulation, by experiment or other engineering methods known to one of ordinary skills in the art. In another embodiment, the values DRC_Erasure_Th1 and DRC_Erasure_Th2 are changed in accordance with the change of the conditions of the communication link. In either embodiment, the values of DRC_Erasurejrh1 and DRC_Erasure_Th2 are selected to optimize the following requirements to:
minimize the dead-zone (when the DRC Lock Bit is not updated); and
transmit the most current reverse link cfnannel state infomiation to the AT.
[1078] In step 316, tlie cunrent DRC Lock Bit value is compared to
1. If the DRC Lock Bit value equals 1, the mettxxJ continues tn step 320, otherwise, the method continues in step 318-
[1079] In step 318, the DRC erasure rate is compared to the
DRC_Erasure_Th1- If the DRC erasure rate is less than ttie DRC.ErasureJThl, the method continues in step 322, otfien^rise. the method continues in step 324.
[1080] In step 320, the DRC erasure rate is compared to ttie
DRC_Erasurejrh2- If the DRC erasure rate is less than me DRC_Erasure.Th2, the method continues in sep 324, othen^vtse, the method continues in step 326.
[1081] In step 322, the DRC Lock Bit value Is set to 0. The
method continues in step 328.
[1082] In step 324, the DRC Lock Bit value is set to 1, The
method continues in step 328.

[1083] In step 326, the DRC Lock Bit value is set to 0. The
method continues in step 328.
[1084] In step 328, the DRC Lock Bit is set at the appropriate
position of the control channel message. The method returns to step 304.
Access Terminal Processing
[1085] As discussed, in one embodiment, the AT is assumed to be
able to demodulate a control channel from only one sector in the ATs active set. The processing method at the AT in accordance with the embodiment comprises the phases of (i) Initialization, (ii) Credit Accumulation, and (iii) Decision.
Initiaifzation
[1086] During the initialization stage, the AT 104 selects a sector
with the best fonward link quality metric, i.e., the highest SfNR, as the serving sector. The AT 104 sets the DRC for the selected sector "in-lock' and initializes credits for all non-sen/ing sectors to zero.
[1087] In one embodiment, two types of credits are defined -
switching credits and monitoring credits. The credits are described in more details in the Credit Accumulatran paragraph.
[1088] The initialization phase in accordance with one embodiment
is illustrated in RG. 4. The method starts in step 402- The method continues in step 404.
[1089] fn step 404, the AT selects a sector with the best forward
link quality metric as the serving sector, and sets the sector's DRC •*in4ock.' The method continues in step 406,
[1090] In step 406, a variable count is set to one. The method
continues in step 408,
[1091] In step 408, the variable count is tested against an active
set size. If the variable count is greater than the active set size, the method continues in an accumulation phase. othenA/ise, the method continues in step

[1092] In step 410. the inquiry is made whether the sector
designated by the variable count is the current serving sector as selected in step 404. If the test is positive, the method continues in step 414, othenwise. the method continues in step 412.
[1093] In step 412, monitoring credits for a non-serving sector
(CM_NS) and switching credits for a non-serving sector (CS_NS) are set to zero. The method continues in step 414.
[1094] In step 414. the variable count is incremented, and the
method returns to step 408.
Credit Accumulation
[1095] As discussed, two types of credits are defined - switching
credits and monitoring credits in accordance with one embodiment. Switching credits are used to qualify a non-serving sector for re-pointing, if the DRC of the non-serving sector is "in lock" with a pre-determined probability. Thus, CS_NS are incremented if:
[1096] a fooA/ard link SINR of the non-sennng sector (FL_NS) is
greater than a fonward link SINR of the cunrent serving sector (FL.SS) modified by a pre-detemnined value (FL_SINR JTh); and
[1097] a filtered RFC mean for the norvsennng sector (RL„NS) is
below a pre-detemiined threshold (RPC_Th).
[1098] CS_NS are decremented if the above conditions are not
satisfied.
[1099] The pre-detemiined value FL_SINR_Th is selected so that
re-pointing to another sector results in em increase in forward link SINR and, consequently, in an increase in an average requested data rate-
[1100] The pre-determined threshold RPCJTh is chosen so ttiat
the AP's DRC is "in-lock" with a probability PJL when the filtered RFC mean is below the RPCJTh. The relationship between the probability PIL and the threshold is determined in accordance with simulations, laboratory tests, field trails, and other engineering methods. The RPCJTh is chosen to be conservative to minimize the cost associated with re-pointing the DRC to a sector with the DRC "out-of-lock". If the AT did re-point to a sector with the

DRC "out-of-lock" not only would the AT experience degraded throughput, but also a higher outage probability. The method can afford to select the RPC_Th conservatively because the monitoring credits are used to re-point to sectors with filtered RFC mean greater than the threshold but with DRC "in-lock". In one embodiment, the RPC„Th is chosen such that there is a less than 1% probability that the DRC is "out-of-lock" when the filtered RPC Mean is below the RPC„Th for any given channel conditions.
[1101] In one embodiment, the minimum value for the credits (both
switching and monitoring) is zero and the maximum for the credits is equal to a soft hand-off delay or a softer handoff delay. The delay used is determined based on whether or not the non-serving sector is in the same cell as the serving sector. If the non-serving sector is in the same cell as the serving sector then the softer handoff delay is used, and if the non-serving sector is in a cell different from the one that the sen/ing sector is part of then the soft-handoff delay is used.
[1102] It is possible that a filtered RPC mean for the non-serving
sector is above RPC_Th, and the DRC is "in-Iock" for the non-serving sector. Considering the rules for incrementing the switching credits, the switching credits will not be incremented, although a forward link SINR of the non-sen/ing sector is greater than a forward link SINR of the current serving sector by FL_SINR_Th. Consequently, a throughput of the system is not optimized. In such a scenario, the AT uses the monitoring credits to determine whether to monitor control channels of a non-serving sector to determine whether the DRC Lock for the non-sen/ing sector is "in-lock^. Therefore, the monitoring credits for a non-serving sector (CM.NS) are incremented if:
[1103] the fonward link SINR of tine non-serving sector (FL^NS) is
greater than the forward link SINR of the current serving sector (FL_SS) by a FL.SINR JTh; and
[1104] the filtered RPC mean for the non-sen/ing sector (RL„NS)
is above the RPC_Th; and
[1105] the filtered RPC mean for the current sen/ing sector
(RL^SS) is below the RPC.Th

[1106] CM_NS are decremented if the above conditions are not
satisfied.
[1107] The credits, initialized to zero in the Initialization phase are
accumulated during the Credit Accumulation phase. The credit accumulation phase in accordance with one embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 5. In step 502, a variable count is set to one. The method continues in step 504.
[1108] In step 504, the variable count is tested against an active
set size. If the variable count is greater than the active set size, the method continues in decision phase, othenA^ise, the method continues in step 506.
[1109] In step 506, the inquiry is made whether a sector
designated by the variable count is the current serving sector. If the test is positive, the method continues in step 518. othenwise, the method continues in step 508.
[1110] In step 508. a fonward link SINR of a sector designated by
the variable count is compared against fonward link SINR of the cunrent sen/ing sector modified by the FL_SIMR«Th. If the fonward link SINR of the sector designated by the variable count is greater than the forward link SIIMR of the cun^ent serving sector modified by the FL_SlNR_Th, the method continues in step 510. otherwise, the method continues in st^ 51Z
[1111] In step 510, a reverse fink Stered RPC mean of ttie sector
designated by the variable count s compared against the RPCJTh. If the reverse link filtered RPC mean of the sector designated by the variable count is greater than the RPCJTh, the method continues in step 511 otherwise, the method continues in step 516.
[1112] In step 511, a reverse link fittered RPC mean for the cunrent
serving sector is compared against the RPCJTh. If the reverse link filtered RPC mean for the cunrent senang sector is greater than ttie RPCJTh, the method continues in step 512 otherwise, the method continues in step 514.
[1113] In step 512, values of CS.NS and CM_NS identified by the
variable count are decremented by one, and set to the maximum of 0 and the decremented value. The mettiod continues in step 518.
[1114] In step 514, the values of CS^NS and CM.NS identified by
the variable count are incremented by one, and set to the minimum of the soft

(or softer) hand-off delay (NS_S_Th) and the incremented value. The method continues in step 518,
[1115] In step 516, the value of CS.NS identified by the variable
count is incremented by one, and set to the minimum of the soft (or softer) hand-off delay (NS„S.Th) and the decremented value. The method continues in step 518.
[1116] In step 518, the variable count is incremented by one and
the method returns to step 504.
Decision
[1117] In one embodiment, the re-pointing decision rules depend
on the DRC Lock Bit of the current serving sector. Consequently, referring to FIG. 6. in step 602. a DRC Lock Bit of the current serving sector is tested. If the DRC Lock Bit of the current serving sector is "out-of-lock." the method continues in step 604, othen^/ise. the method continues in step 606.
[1118] In step 604, the ""out-of-lock" server selection method is
initialized. The method is described in detail with reference to FIG, 9. The method returns to the credit accumulation phase-
[1119] In step 606, the "in-Iock^ server selection method is
initialized. The method is described in detail with reference to RGs, 7 and 8. The method returns to the credit accumulation phase.
"In-Lock" Server Selection
[1120] If the DRC Lock Bit from the current serving sector is "in-
lock", the decision to re-point to a non-sen/ing sector is made if the non-serving sector provides higher FL.SINR and an "in-lock* DRC Lock Bit To carry out the decision, the AT first ascertains if any of the non-serving sectors has switching credits greater than a threshold determined by ttie soft/softer delay. (This, threshold is the same for both the switching and monitoring credits.) If at least one of the non-serving sectors has switching credits greater than the threshold, the AT re-points its DRC to the sector with the highest switching credits. In one embodiment, if two or more non-serving sectors have equal switching credits, the sector with the highest quality reverse link is selected.

The quality of the reverse link is determined in accordance with the filtered RPC mean. Lower filtered RPC mean indicates a better quality of the reverse link. In another embodiment, if two or more non-sen/ing sectors have equal switching credits, the sector with the highest quality forward link is selected.
[1121] If none of the non-serving sectors has sufficient switching
credits to mandate re-pointing, the AT ascertains how many of the non-serving sectors have monitoring credits greater than the threshold. If at least one of the non-serving sectors has monitoring credits greater than the threshold, the AT monitors the control channel from those non-serving sectors during the next control channel cycle. In one embodiment, if two or more non-serving sectors have equal switching credits, a sector with the highest quality reverse link is selected for the monitoring. The quality of the reverse link is determined in accordance with the filtered RPC mean. In another embodiment, if two or more non-sen/ing sectors have equal switching credits, a sector with the highest quality fonA/ard link is selected for the monitoring. If the DRC for the monitored sector is "in-lock," the AT re-points to the nrK3nitored sector. Following the re-pointing the AT resets air the switching and monitoring credits.
[1122] If none of the non-serving sectors has either sufficient
switching credits or monitoring credits, the AT continues pointing its DRC to the current serving Access Point
[1123] The decision phase ki accordance with one emtxxliment is
illustrated in RGs. 7 and 8. In accordance with RG. 7, a non-serving sector is made a candidate for re-pointing if the non-serving sectof's switching credits are equal to the soft (or softer) hand-off delay (NS_SJTh) for the non-sen/ing sector. A non-serving sector is made a candidate for a control channel monitoring if the non-serving sector's monitoring credits are equal to the soft (or softer) hand-off delay (NS^SJTh) for ttie non-serving sector and the filtered RPC mean of the non-serving sector is above RPCJTh. This ensures that the AT is in reliable communication with the cunrent serving sector when it attempts to demodulate the synchronous control channel from a non-serving sector. These two requirements ensure friat the DRC from the non-serving sector is "in-lock^ with a probability PIL.

[1124] Furthermore, in one embodiment, a data packet may span
two control channel cycles and, consequently, the data transmission from the current serving sector may collide with the control channel transmission from the sector to be monitored. Consequently, the AT further determines whether there is a potential for a collision between the data on the control channel to be monitored and the data form the current sen/ing sector, if the AT determines that the data transmission from the current serving sector for would collide with the transmission of the control channel from the non serving sector to be monitored, then the AT does not monitor the control channel from the non-serving sector. Otherwise, the AT would monitor the control channel from the non-serving sector.
[1125] In step 702, a variable count is set to one. The method
continues in step 704.
[1126] In step 704. the variable count is tested against an active
set size. If the variable count is greater than the active set size, the method continues in server selection of FIG. 8. otherwise, (he method coctinues in step 706.
[1127] In step 706. an inquiry is made whether a sector designated
by the variable count is the current serving sector. If the test is positive, the method continues in step 724, otherwise, the method continues in step 708.
[1128] In step 708, a value of the variable CS^NS identified by the
variable count is compared against the soft (or softer) harxl-off delay {NS_S JTh) for the non-serving sector. If the value of the variable CS_NS is not equal to the NS^SJTh, the method continues in step 710; othen^rise, the method continues in step 712.
[1129] In step 710, a value of the variable Cand_S identified by the
variable count is set to 0. The metinod continues in step 714.
[1130J In step 712, a value of the variable CandJS identified by the
variable count is set to 1. The method continues in step 714.
[1131] In step 714. a value of the variable CM^NS identified by the
variable count is compared against the soft (or softer) hand-off delay {NS_S_Th) for the non-sending sector. If the value of the variable CS_NS is not

equal to the NS_S_Th for the non-serving sector, the method continues in step 716; othenA/ise. the method continues in step 720,
[1132] In step 716, the filtered RPC mean of the of the current
serving sector (RPC.CS) identified by the variable count is compared against an RPC threshold (RPC^Th), If the RPC^CS is less than the RPC_Th/the method continues in step 718; otheoA/ise, the method continues in step 720.
[1133] In step 718. the AT determines whether the data on the
control channel to be monitored and the data form the current serving sector collide. If the AT detennines that the data transmission from the current serving sector for would collide with the transmission of the control channel from the non sen/ing sector to be monitored, ttien the method continues in step 720. Otherwise, Ahe method continues in step 722.
[1134] In step 720, a value of the variable Cand_M identified by
the variable count is set to 0. The method continues in step 724.
[1135] In step 722, a value of the variable Cand_M identified by
the variable count is set to 1, The mettiod continues in step 724.
[1136] In step 724, the variable count is incremented, and the
method returns to step 704.
[1137] Referring to FIG. 8, the "in-lock^ selection from FIG. 7
continues. In accordance with RG. 8, the AT ascertains which sectors are candidates for re-pointing and/or monitoring, ar^l carries out the re-pointing decision.
[1138] in step 802, where a variable count is set to one. The
method continues in step 804, in v^ich Qie variable count is tested against an active set size. If the variable count is greater than the active set size, the method continues in step 814, othenA^ise, the method continues in step 806.
[1139] In step 806, an inquiry is made whether the sector
designated by the variable count is the current serving sector. If the test is positive, the method continues in step 812, otherwise, the method continues in step 808.
[1140] In step 808, a variable Cand_S identified by the variable
count is compared to one. If the variable Cand_S identified by the variable

count is equal to one, the method continues in step 810, othemse the method continues in step 812,
[1141] In step 810, a variable CS_NS„count is incremented by
one. The method continues in step 812.
[1142] In step 812, the variable count is incremented, and the
method returns to step 804.
[1143] In step 814, the value of the variable CS_NS_count is
ascertained. If the value of the variable CS_NS_count is equal to 1, the method continues in step 816. If the value of the variable CS_NS_count is greater that 1, the method continues in step 818. OthenA/ise, the method continues in step 822.
[1144] In step 816, the AT re-points the DRC to the candidate
sector identified by the variable count The method continues in step 820.
[1145] In step 818, the AT re-points the DRC to the candidate
sector identified by the variable count that has the highest quality reverse link in accordance with the sector's reverse link's filtered RPC mean. The method continues in step 820.
[1146] In step 820. the variables CS„NS and the variables CM_NS
are set to zero. The method returns to the credit accumulation phase.
[1147] In step 822, a variable count is set to one. The method
continues in step 824.
[1148] In step 824, the variable count is tested against an active
set size. If the variable count is greater than the active set size, the method continues in step 834. otherwise, the method continues in step 826.
[1149] In step 826. an inquiry is made whether the sector
designated by the variable count is the cun-ent serving sector. If the test is positive, the method continues in step 832, otherwise, the mettiod continues in step 828-
[1150] In step 828, a variable Cand_M identified by the variable
count is compared to one. If the variable Cand_M identified by the variable count is equal to one, the method continues in step 830, othenA/ise the method continues in step 832.

[1151] In step 830, a variable CM_NS_count is incremented. The
method continues in step 832.
[1152] In step 832, the variable count is incremented, and the
method returns to step 824,
[1153] In step 834, the value of the variable CM_NS_count is
ascertained. If the value of the variable CM„NS_count is equal to 1, the method continues in step 836. If the value of the variable CM.NS.count is greater that 1, the method continues in step 838, If the value of the variable CM_NS_count is equal to 0, the method continues in step 840.
[1154] In step 836, the AT monitors the DRC from the candidate
sector identified by the variable count. The method continues in step 842.
[1155] In step 838, the AT monitors the DRC from the candidate
sector identified by the variable count that has the highest quality reverse link in accordance with the AP's reverse link's filtered RFC mean. The method continues in step 842.
[1156] In step 840. the AT makes the decision not to re-point to a
different sector. The method returns to credit accumulation.
[1157] In step 842, the DRC from the candidate sector is
evaluated. If the DRC value is "in lock* the method continues in step 844; othen^se, the method returns to aedit accumulation.
[1158] In step 844. the AT re-points the DRC to the candidate
sector. The metiiod continues in step 846.
[1159] In step 846, the variables CS.NS and the variables CM_NS
are set to zero. The method retoims to credit accumulation.

"Out-of-Lock" Server Selection
[1160] If the DRC from the current serving sector is "out-of-lock,"
the decision to re-point to a non-serving sector is made if the non-serving sector provides higher FL^SINR and better quality reverse link, as determined by the switching credits. To carry out the decision, the AT first ascertains those non-sen/ing sectors that have switching credits greater than zero. If at least one of the non-serving sectors has switching credits greater than zero, the AT re-points the DRC to the sector with the highest switching credits. In one embodiment, if two or more non-sen/ing sectors have equal switching credits, a sector with the highest quality reverse link is selected. The quality of the reverse link is determined in accordance with the reverse link's filtered RPC mean. In another embodiment, if two or more non-serving sectors have equal switching credits, a sector with the highest quality fonA^ard link is selected.
[1161] If none of the non-serving sectors has switching credits
greater than zero, the AT ascertains those non-serving sectors that have monitoring credits greater than zero. If at least one of the non-serving sectors has monitoring credits greater than zero, the AT monitors the sector with the highest monitoring credits. In one embodiment, if two or more non-serving sectors have equal monitoring credits, the sector with the highest quality reverse link is selected for the monitoring. The quality of the reverse link is detemiined in accordance with the filtered RPC mean. In another embodiment, if two or more non-serving sectors have equal monitoring credits, the sector with the highest quality forward link is selected for the monitoring. If the DRC for the monitored sector is "in-lock," the AT re-points to the monitored sector. On re-pointing the DRC the AT resets ail the switching and re-pointing credits.
[1162] If none of the non-serving sectors has either sufficient
switching credits or monitoring credits, the AT continues pointing its DRC to the current sen/ing sector.
[1163] The "out-of-lock" sector selection in accordance with one
embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 9. In step 902, a variable CM_NS_count is set to zero. The method continues in step 904.
[1164] In step 904, the variable count is set to one. The method
continues in step 906.

[1165] in step 906, the variable count is lesiea agamsi an active
set size. If the variable count is greater than the active set size, the method continues in step 916, otherwise, the method continues in step 908,
[1166] In step 908. an inquiry is made whether the sector
designated by the variable count is the current serving sector. If the test is positive, the method continues in step 914. othenwise, the method continues in step 910-
[1167] In step 910, a variable CS.NS identified by the variable
count is compared to zero. If the variable CS_NS identified by the variable count is equal to zero, the method continues in step 912, otherwise the method continues in step 914.
[1168] In step 912. a variable CS^NS.count is incremented. The
method continues in step 914.
[1169] In step 914, the variable count is incremented, and the
method returns to step 906.
[1170] In step 916, the value of the variable CS_NS_count is
ascertained. If me value of the variable CS.NS^count is equal to 1, the metfiod continues in step 918. If the value of the variable CS.NS.cx)unt is greater that 1, the method continues in step 920. Othenwise, the mettrod cont^ues in step 922.
[1171] In step 918, the AT re-points the DRC to the candidate
sector identified by the variable count. The method continues in step 944.
[11721 '" step 920, the AT re^wints the DRC to the candidate
sector identified by the variable count that has the highest quality reverse link in accordance witii the AP's reverse link's filtered RPC mean. The method continues in step 944.
[1173] In step 922, a variable CM_NS_count is set to zero. The
method continues in step 924.
[1174] In step 924, a variable count is set to one. The method
continues in step 926.
[1175] In step 926, the variable count is tested against an active
set size. If the variable count is greater than the active set size, the method continues in step 936, otherwise, the method continues in step 928.

[1176] In step 928, an inquiry is made whether the sector
designated by the variable count is the current sen/ing sector, if the test is positive, the method continues in step 934. othen^/ise, the method continues in step 930-
[1177] In step 930, a variable CM_NS identified by the variable
count is compared to zero. If the variable CM_NS identified by the variable count is equal to zero, the method continues in step 934, otherwise the method continues in step 932.
[1178] In step 932. a variable CM_NS_count is incremented. The
method continues in step 934,
[1179] In step 934, the variable count is incremented, and the
method returns to step 924.
[1180] In step 936. the value of the variable CM_NS_count is
ascertained. If the value of the variable CM_NS_count is equal to 1. the method continues in step 938. If the value of the variable CM_NS_count is greater that 1. the method continues en step 940. If the value of the variable CM_NS_count is equal to 0, the method continues in step 942.
[1181] In step 938. the AT re-points the DRC to the candidate
sector identified by the variable count. The method continues in step 944.
[1182] In step 940. the AT re-points the DRC to the candidate
sector identified fay the variable count that has the highest quality reverse link in accordance with the AP's reverse link's filtered RPC mean. The method continues in step 944.
[1183] In step 942, the AT makes the decision not to re-point to a
different sector. The metiiod returns to credit accumulation.
Access Terminal Processing
[1184] In another embodiment, the AT is assumed to be able to
demodulate a control channel from each sector in the ATs active set. The processing method at the AT in accordance with the embodiment comprises the phases of (i) Initialization, (ii) Credit Accumulation, and (iii) Decision,

[1185] During the initialization stage, the AT 104 selects the AP
with the best fonward link quality metric, i.e., the highest SINR. The AT 104 sets the DRC "in-lock." for the selected AP. The AT 104 then initializes credits for all non-serving sector s to zero.
[1186] Because the AT is able to demodulate a control channel
from each sector in the ATs active set. thus determine the DRC Lock Bit value, there is no need for monitoring credits and only switching credits are defined. The switching credits are described in more details in the Credit Accumulation paragraph. Consequently, the initialization phase in accordance with the embodiment is carried out according to FIG. 4 and accompanying text, except for step 412. In step 412. only the switching credits for a non-serving sector (CS^NS) are set to zero.
Credit Accumulation
[1187] As discussed, only switching credits are required in
accordance with the embodiment. Switching credits are used to qualify the non-serving sector for re-pointing, if the DRC of the non-serving sector is '*in lock". Consequently. CS_NS are incremented if:
[1188] a fooA/ard Rnk SINR of the non-serving sector (FL_NS) is
greater than a fonward link SINR of the current servmg sector by a pre-detennined value (FL.SINR JTh); and
[1189] a DRC Lock Bit of the non-serving sector is "in-lock."
[1190] The pre-determined value FL.SINR.Th is selected so that
re-potnting to a new sector result in an increase k\ fonfvard link SINR and, consequently, in an increase in an average requested data rate. CS.NS are decremented if the above conditions are not satisfied.
[1191] In one embodiment, the switching credits minimum value is
zero and the maximum value Is equal to a soft hand-off delay if re-pointing to the particular sector would constitute a soft hand-off, or a softer handoff delay if re-pointing to the particular AP would constitute a softer hand-off.
[1192] The credits, initialized to zero in the Initialization phase are
accumulated during the Credit Accumulation phase. The credit accumulation

phase in accordance with one embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 10. in step 1002, a variable count is set to one. The method continues in step 1004.
[1193] In step 1004, the variable count is tested against an active
set size. If the variable count is greater than the active set size, the method continues in decision phase, othenA/ise, the method continues in step 1006,
[1194] In step 1006, the inquiry is made whether the sector
designated by the variable count is the current serving sector. If the test is positive, the method continues in step 1016, othenwise. the method continues in step 1008.
[1195] In step 1008. a fonA/ard link SINR of the sector designated
by the variable count is compared against fonA/ard link SINR of the current serving sector modified by the FL.SINR.Th. If the fonA^ard link SINR of the sector designated by the variable count is greater than the forward link SINR of the current sen/ing sector modified by the FL_SINR_Th. the method continues in step 1010, othenwise, the method continues in step 1012-
[1196] In step 1010. a DRC Lock Bit of the sector designated by
the variable count is compared against one. If the DRC Lock Bit of the sector designated by the variable count is equal to one. the method continues in step 1014, otherwise, the method continues in step 1012.
[1197] In step 1012. the value of CS_NS identified by the variable
count are decremented by one, and set to the maximum of 0 and the decremented value. The method continues in step 1016.
[1198] In step 1014, the value of CS^NS klentified by the variable
count are incremented by one, and set to the minimum of the soft (or softer) hand-off delay and the incremented value. The method continues in step 1016.
[1199] In step 1016, the variable count is incremented by one and
the method returns to step 1004.
Decision
[1200] In accordance with the embodiment, the re-pointing
decision rules depend on the DRC Lock State of the current serving sector. Consequently, the decision phase in accordance with the embodiment is carried out according to FIG. 6 and accompanying text.

"In-Lock" AP Selection
[1201] If the DRC from the current serving sector is "in-lock", the
decision to re-point to a non-serving sector is made if the non-serving sector provides higher FL^StNR and an "in-iock" DRC. To carry out the decision, the AT first ascertains if any of the non-serving sectors has switching credits greater than a threshold determined by the soft/softer delay. If at least one of the non-serving sectors has switching credits greater than the threshold, the AT re-points its DRC to the AP with the highest switching credits. In one embodiment, if two or more non-sen/ing sectors have equal switching credits, a sector with the highest quality reverse link is selected. The quality of the reverse link is detennined in accordance with the filtered RFC mean. In another embodiment, if two or more non-serving sectors have equal switching credits, a sector with the highest quality fooA^ard link is selected.
(1202] To avoid limiting the re-pointing rate to a control channel
inten/al (256 time-time-slots for IS-856), a non-sen/ing sector is further made a candidate for re-pointing between control channel intervals according to the foik>wing rules:
[1203] the number of time-slots since the last control channel (CC)
exceeds a threshold Nc; and
(1204] ttie filtered RPC mean for the fKXvsennng sector (RL.NS)
is less than the RPC.TTi,
[1205] The RPCJTb is chosen such that the DRC for the non-
serving sector is •in-k)ck' witfi a probability Pa. if the filtered RPC mean is below RPC_Th- In one embodiment, the Nc is equal to 64.
[1206] If none of the non-serving sectors has sufficient switching
credits, frje AT continues pointing its DRC to the current sennng sector. On re-pointing the DRC the AT resets all the svwtching credits.
[1207] The candidate determination in accordance with the
embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 11. In step 1102, a variable count is set to one. The method continues in step 1104.
[1208] In step 1104, the variable count is tested against an active
set size. If the variable count is greater than the active set size, the method

continues in sen/er selection as described below, otheoA/ise, the method continues in step 1106.
[1209] In step 1106, an inquiry is made whether the sector
designated by the variable count is the current serving sector. If the test is positive, the method continues in step 1118, othen^/ise, the method continues in step 1108.
[1210] In step 1108, a value of the variable CS_NS identified by
the variable count is compared against the soft (or softer) hand-off delay {NS_S_Th) for the non-serving sector. If the value of the variable CS_NS is not equal to the NS„S_Th for the non-serving sector, the method continues in step 1110; otherwise, the method continues in step 1112.
[1211] In step 1110, a value of the variable identifying the number
of time-slots since the last control channel (CC) is compared against the Nc- If the CC is greater than the N^ the method continues in step 1114; othenwise, the method continues in step 1116.
[1212] In step 1112, a value of the variable Cand_S identified by
the variable count is set to zero. The method continues in step 1118.
[1213] In step 1114, a futered RPC mean of the non-sennng sector
(RL_NS) identified by the variable count is compared against an RPC threshold (RPC.Th). If the RL^NS Is greater than the RPC_Th, the method continues in step 1112; othenwise. the method continues in step 1116.
[1214] In step 1116, a vaiue of the variable Cand.S identified by
the variable count is set to one. The method continues in step 1118-
[1215] In step 1118, the variable count is incremented, and the
method returns to step 1104.
[1216] In accordance with the decision rules, the AT ascertains
which sectors are candidates for re-pointing, and cam'es out the re-pointing decision. The decision phase in accordance with the embodiment is earned out according to RG. 9 and accompanying text, with the following modifications. Because the embodiment does not use the monitoring credits, steps 922 through 946 are deleted. Consequently, in step 914, if the value of the variable CS_NS_count is equal to zero, the method continues pointing to the current serving Access Point, and then returns to the Credit Accumulation phase.

"Out-of-Lock" AP Selection
[1217] If the DRC from the current serving sector is 'out-of-lock"
the decision to re-point to a non-serving sector is made if the non-serving sector provides higher FL_SINR and better quality reverse link, as determined by the switching credits. To carry out the decision, the AT first ascertains those non-serving sectors that have switching credits greater than zero. If at least one of the non-sen/ing sectors has switching credits greater than zero, the AT re-points its DRC to the sector with the highest switching credits. In one embodiment, if two or more non-serving sectors have equal switching credits, a sector with the highest quality reverse link is selected. The quality of the reverse link is determined in accordance with the reverse link's filtered RPC mean. In another embodiment, if two ore more non-serving sectors have equal switching credits, a sector with the highest quality fonward link is selected.
[1218] If none of the non-serving sectors has sufficient switching
credits, the AT continues pointing its DRC to the current serving Acxess Point.
[1219] Tne decision phase in accordance with the embodiment is
earned out according to RG. 9 and accompanying text, with the following modincations. Because the embodiment does not use the monitoring credits, steps 922 through 946 are deleted. Consequently, in step 914, if the value of the variable CS^NSjcount is equal to zero, the method continues pointing to the current serving Access Point, and then returns to the Credit Accumulation phase.
Further Extension
[1220] One skilled in the art recognizes that the concepts
explained in the two above-described embodiments can be utilized to devise a hybrid method. In which the AT woukj be able to demodulate a control channel
«
from at least two sector in the ATs active set A modification to a Credit Accumulation phase as required In one embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 12. All other phases do not require any modifications.
[1221] in step 1210, the sectors control channels of which are to
be demodulated are determined. In one embodiment, the determination is

carried out in accordance to the sector's filtered fonA^ard (ink S(NR. Sectors are sorted based on their filtered fonward link SINR. Then the AT selects the nunr^ber of sectors it is able to demodulate as the sectors with the highest SlNR.
[1222] In step 1212. a variable count is set to one. The method
continues in step 1214.
[1223] In step 1214, the variable count is tested against an active
set size. If the variable count is greater than the active set size, the method continues in decision phase, otherwise, the method continues in step 1216.
[1224] In step 1216, the inquiry is made whether a sector
designated by the variable count is the current serving sector. If the test is positive, the method continues in step 1236, othenwise. the method continues in step 1218,
[1225] In step 1218. a fonward link SINR of a sector designated by
the variable count is compared against fomard link SINR of the current sen/ing sector modified by the FL_SINR_Th. If the fonward link SINR of the sector designated by the variable count is greater than the forward link SINR of the current serving sector modified by the FL_SINR_Th, the method continues in step 1222, othenvise. the method continues in step 1220.
[1226] In step 1220, a test whether a sector identified by the
variable count was selected for demodulating is perfonmed- If the test is negative, the method continues in step 1228, otherwise the method continues in step 1234.
[1227] In step 1222, a test whether a sector identified by the
variable count was selected for demodulating is performed. If the test is negative, the method continues in step 1224, otherwise the method continues in step 1226.
[1228] In step 1224, a reverse link filtered RPC mean of the sector
designated by the variable count is compared against the RPC_Th- If the reverse link filtered RPC mean of the sector designated by the variable count is greater than the RPC_Th, the method continues in step 1225 otherwise, the method continues in step 1232.
[1229] In step 1225, a reverse link filtered RPC mean for the
current serving sector is compared against the RPC_Th, If the reverse link

filtered RPC mean for the current serving sector is greater than the RPC_Th, the method continues in step 1228 othenwise, the method continues in step 1230.
[1230] In step 1226, a DRC Loclc of the sector identified by the
variable count is compared to one. If the DRC Lock of the sector identified by the variable count is equal to one, the method continues in step 1232, othenwise the method continues in step 1234,
[1231] In step 1228, values of CS^NS and CM.NS identified by
the variable count are decremented by one, and set to the maximum of 0 and the decremented value. The method continues in step 1236.
[1232] In step 1230. the values of CS^NS and CM^NS identified
by the variable count are incremented by one, and set to the minimum of the soft (or softer) hand-off delay (NS_S_Th) and the incremented value. The method continues in step 1236,
[1233] In step 1232, the value of CM^NS identified by the variable
count is incremented by one, and set to the minimum of the soft (or softer) hand-off delay (NS.S«Th) and the decremented value. The method continues in step 1236.
[1234] In step 1234, the value of CS.NS identified by the variable
count is decremented by one. arKJ set to the maximum of 0 and the decremented value. The method continues in step 1236.
[1235] In step 1236, the variable count is incremented by one and
the method returns to step 1214.
Re-pointing using a Punctured DRC Lock
[1236] Depending on an implementation of a communication
system, a performance of the re-pointing mettiod using a DRC Lock for indication of a reverse link condition may suffer due to the delay in the feedback loop. The update rate of the feedback loop may be too slow in handling sudden changes in reverse link quality. Such performance detriment may result in outages, which may be intolerable in certain application, e.g., real-time applications.

[1237] Therefore, in other embodiment, the DRC Lock Bit is
updated at a higher rate and punctured into an RPC channel one or more times every frame. The term punctured is used herein to mean sending the DRC Lock Bit instead of a RPC bit. The DRC Lock Bit is sent by all the AP's in the AT 104 active set. In one embodiment, a transmission of the DRC Lock Bit to each AT is staggered; i.e. referenced off a frame offset assigned to the AT. This allows for allocating additional power to the RPC channel during the transmission of the DRC Lock Bit in order to provide an additional margin to reduce the DRC Lock Bit errors at the AT; therefore, preventing an erroneous handoffs and possible loss in fooA^ard link throughput. The AT 104 uses the DRC Lock Bit information to select the serving AP.
Access Point Processing
[1238] The method in accordance with one embodiment is
illustrated in RG. 13, The method starts in step 1302. The method continues in step 1304.
[1239] In step 1304, the AP receives an updated DRC. The
method continues in step 1306.
[1240] In step 1306, the AP tests the received DRC. If the DRC
was erased, the metiiod continues in step 1308, otherwise, the method continues in step 1310,
[1241] In step 1308, the DRC erasure is assigned a value of 1.
Tne method continues in step 1312.
[1242] In step 1310, the DRC erasure is assigned a value of 0.
The method continues in step 1312.
[1243] In step 1312, the DRC Erasure Bit is processed to generate
a DRC erasure rate. In one embodiment, the processing comprises filtering by
a filter wth a pre-detennined time constant In one embodiment, the filter is
realized in a digital domain. The value of the pre-determined time constant is
established in accordance with system simulation, by experiment or other
engineering methods known to one of ordinary skills in the art as an optimum in
accordance with:
[1244] reliability of an estimate ensuing from a choice of the-time
constant, and

[1245] latency of an estimate ensuing from a choice of the time
constant.
[1246] In one embodiment, pre-determined time constant is 64
time-slots. The method continues in step 1314.
[1247] In step 1314. the system time is tested to establish whether
the DRC Lock Bit is to be punctured into the RPC sub channel In one
embodiment, illustrated in step 1314, the DRC Lock Bit is punctured into the
RPC sub channel each eighth (mod 8) time instance. Because the aim of
selecting the time instance is to achieve a pre determined bit error rate, one of
ordinary skills in the art recognizes that other time instances can be selected.
The values of the time instance is selected to optimize the following
requirements;
[1248] Minimize the degradation of the reverse link resulting form
loss of RPC bits due to puncturing; and
[1249] Providing the DRC Lock Bit at optimal spacing.
[1250] If the test is positive, the method continues in step 1330,
othenA/ise the method continues in step 1316,
[1251] In step 1316, the syst^n time is tested to establish whether
the ORG Lock Bit is to be updated- The time instarxre for the update is selected to ensure refiat}ie delivery of the DRC Lock Bit In one embodiment, iftustrated in step 1316, the DRC. Lock Bit is updated every sixty-fourth (mod 64) time instance. If the test is positive, the metfiod continues in step 1318, otherwise the method returns to step 1304.
[1252] Steps 1318 through 1328, introduce hysteresis rules for
generating the DRC Lock Bit The hysteresis is introduced to avoid rapid re-pointing when the channel SINR varies rapidly. The hysteresis rules are as follows:
[1253] If the DRC Lock Bit is cunrently set to one, then the filtereci
DRC erasure rate must exceed first DRC erasure threshold {DRC_Erasure_Th2) for the DRC Lock Bit to be set to zero; and
[X 254] If the DRC Lock Bit is currently set to zero, then the Filterec
DRC Erasure rate has to be below a second pre-determined DRC erasure threshold (DRC_Erasure_Th1) for the DRC Lock to be set to one.

f1255J In one embodiment, the values DRC_Erasure_Th1 and
DRC„Erasure„Th2 are pre-determined in accordance with the communication
system simulation, by experiment or other engineering methods known to one of
ordinary skills in the art. In another embodiment, the values DRC_Erasure„Th1
and DRC_Erasure_Th2 are changed in accordance with the change of the
conditions of the communication link. In either embodiment, the values of
DRC_Erasure__Th1 and DRC_Erasure_Th2 are selected to optimize the
following requirements:
[1256] Minimize the dead-zone (when the DRC Lock Bit is not
updated); and
(1257] transmit the most current reverse fink channel state
information to the AT.
[1258] In step 1318, the DRC Lock Bit value is compared to 1. If
the DRC Lock Bit value equals 1, the method continues in step 1322, othen/vise, the method continues in step 1320.
[1259] In step 1320, the DRC erasure rate is compared to the
DRC_Erasure_Th1. U the DRC erasure rate ss greater than the DRG_Erasurejrh1, the method continues in step 1324, othenA/ise, the method continues in step 1326,
[1260] In step 1322, the DRC erasure rate is compared to the
DRC_Erasure_Th2. If the DRC erasure rate is less than the DRC_Erasure_Th2, the method continues in sep 1326, otfienA^ise, the method continues in step 1328.
[1261] In step 1324, the DRC Lock Bit value is set to 0. The
method continues in step 1330.
[1262] In step 1326. the DRC Lock Bit value is set to 1. The
method continues in step 1330.
[1263] In step 1328, the DRC Lock Bit value is set to 0. The
method continues in step 1330.
[1264] In step 1330, the DRC Lock Bit is punctured into the RFC
channel in accordance with the timing signal obtained in step 1314. The method returns to step 1304,
Access Terminal Processing

[1265] The AT 104 receives and demodulates the RPC channel
from all APs in the AT 104 active set. Consequently, the AT 104 recovers the DRC Lock Bits punctured into the RPC channel for every AP in the AT 104 active set. Furthermore, as discussed, the punctured DRC Lock Bits are updated with a higher frequency than the Message Based DRC Lock Bits, Consequently, in a Demodulation phase, the AT 104 can combine the energy of received DRC Lock Bits during one update interval, and comparing the combined DRC Lock Bits energy against a DRC Lock Bit threshold. If the combined DRC Lock Bit energy is greater than the DRC Lock Bit threshold, the AT 104 declares the DRC Lock Bit from the particular AP "in-lock". In the Decision phase, the AT 104 uses the DRC Lock Bit value to make a re-pointing decision.
Demodulation Phase
[1266] The Demodulation phase in accordance with one
embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 14. The method starts in step 1402, and continues in step 1404.
[1267] In step 1404, the system time is tested to establish whether
the DRC Lock Bit was updated. In one emtDodiment, illustrated in step 1404, tf>e DRC Lock Bit is updated every sixty-fourth (rrxxj 64) time instance. This time instarKe con^sponds to the update rate at the AP. If the test is positive, the method continues in step 1410. othenAflse the method returns to step 1406.
[1268] In step 1406, the system time is tested to establish whether
the DRC Lock Bit was punctured into the RPC sub channel. In one embodiment, illustrated in step 1404, the DRC Lock Bit is punctured into the RPC sub channel each eighth (mod 8) time instance. This time instance conresponds to the puncture rate at the AP. If the test is positive, the method contirujes tn step 1408, othenvise the method returns to step 1404.
[1269] In step 1408, the punctured DRC Lock Bit is recovered from
the RPC channel and the energy of the DRC Lock Bit is combined with the energy of DRC Lock Bits from the same update interval. The method retums to step 1406.

[1270] In step 1410, the combined DRC Lock Bit energy is tested
against a DRC Lock Bit threshold (DRC_LB_TH). If the test is positive, the method continues in step 1412, otherwise the method returns to step 1414.
[1271] In step 1412. the DRC Lock Bit value is set to 1. The
method continues in step 1416.
[1272] In step 1414, the DRC Lock Bit value is set to 0. The
method continues in step 1416.
[1273] In step 1416, the variable containing the combined DRC
Lock Bit energy is set to zero for the next update.
Decision Phase
[1274] The AT uses the DRC Lock Bit value obtainer in the
Demodulation phase to make a decision with respect to a re-pointing. In one embodiment, the decision phase comprises (i) Accreditation phase, (ii) Certification phase, and (iii) Decision phase. The respective phases are described below.
Accreditation Phase
[1275] In the accreditation phase, the forward link SINR of the
non-serving sectors (FL_NS) are compared to the forward link SINR of the current serving sector modified by a pre-detemnined hysteresis margin {FL_HYST). If the fonArand link SINR of the non-sen/ing sector is greater than the forward link SINR of the serving sector modified by a pre-detemiined hysteresis margin, then the temporary credits {TEMP.CREDIT) associated with that non-serving sector are incremented; otherwise, the temporary credits associated with that non- serving sector are decremented.
[1276] The Accreditation phase in accordance with one
embodiment is illustrated in RG. 15. The method starts in step 1502. The method continues in step 1504.
[1277] In step 1504, a variable count is set to zero. The method
continues in step 1506.
[1278] In step 1506, the variable count is tested against an active
set size. If the variable count is greater than the active set size, the method

continues in the Certification phase, othenwise, the method continues in step 1508.
*
[1279] In step 1508. an inquiry is made whether the fonA/ard link
SINR of the sector designated by the variable count is greater than the fooA/ard link SINR of the current sen/ing sector modified by a pre-determined hysteresis margin. If the test is positive, the method continues in step 1512. othenwise, the method continues in step 1510-
[1280] In step 1510, the temporary credits for the sector identified
by the variable count are decreased by one- The method continues in step 1514.
[1281] In step 1512. the temporary credits for the sector identified
by the variable count are increased by one. The method continues in step 1514.
[1282] In step 1514, the variable count is increased by one. The
method retums to step 1506.
Certification Phase
[1283] In the certification phase, the credits of the sectors are
certified. The temn certificatjon as used herein means a dedsion, which sectors* credits (CREDITS) will t>e increased t?y the temporary credits accumulated by the sector during the accreditation phase. In one embodiment, the certification decision is made in accordance with tiie following rules:
If the DRC Lock Bit of the current serving sector is "in-lock", and if the DRC Lock Bit on a non-serving sector is "in-lock," then the credits of the non-serving sector are incremented by the DRC Lock Interval. The tenn DRC Lock interveil as used herein means a numtser of time-slots over which the DRC Lock Indication has been sent;
If the DRC Lock Bit of the current serving sector is "out-of-lock^, and if the DRC Lock Bit on a non-sen/ing sector is "in-lock" then the credits of the non-serving sector are - Incremented by the number of accumulated temporary credits;
nthArwL
[1284] The Certification phase in accordance with one
embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 16- The method starts in step 1602, in which a variable count is set to zero. The method continues in step 1604.
[1285] In step 1604, the variable count is tested against an active
set size. If the variable count is greater than the active set size, the method continues in the Decision phase, otherwise, the method continues in step 1606,
[1286] In step 1606, the DRC^LOCK of the sen/ing sector is
compared to 1. If the DROPLOCK is equal to 1, the method continues in step 1610; otheoA/ise, the method continues in step 1608.
[1287] In step 1608, the DRC^LOCK of the non-serving sector
identified by the variable count is compared to 1, If the DRC_LOCK is equal to 1. the method continues in step 1612; othen/vise, the method continues in step 1610.
[1288] In step 1612, the credits of the non-sen/ing sector identified
by the variable count is set to the value of temporary credits.
[1289] In step 1614, the credits of the non-sen/ing sector identified
by the variable count is set to 0.
[1290] In step 1610, the DROPLOCK of the non-serving sector
identified by the variable count is compared to 1. If the DRC_LOCK is equal to 1, the f7>ethod continues in step 1616; otherwise, the method continues in step 1614.
[1291] In step 1616, the credits of the non-serving sector identified
by the variable count is set to the value of DRC Lock Update Inten/al.
[1292] In step 1618. the variable count is increased by one. The
method returns to step 1606.
Decision Phase
[1293] In the decision phase, the AT makes a re-pointing decision
in accordance with the certified credits. In one embodiment, the AT determines the non-sen/ing sectors the certified credits of which is greater than or equal to the soft/softer hand-off delay of the sector. The AT then re-points to the one of the determined sectors that has the highest credits. If multiple sectors have

equal credits then the AT repoints the DRC to the sector with the best forward link.
[1294] The Decision phase in accordance with one embodiment is
illustrated in FIG. 17. The method starts in step 1702, in which a variable count is set to zero. The method continues in step 1704.
[1295] In step 1704, the variable count is tested against an active
set size. If the variable count is greater than the active set size, the method continues in step 1716, othenwise. the method continues in step 1706.
[1296] In step 1706. the temporary credits of the sector identified
by the variable count is compared to the soft (or softer) hand-off delay for the non-sen/ing sector (NS.S.Th) identified by the variable count. If the credits are less that the soft (or softer) hand-off delay for the non-serving sector (NS_S_Th) identified by the variable count, the method continues In step 1710; othenwise, the method continues in step 1712.
[1297] In step 1710, the re-pointing flag is set to zero. The method
continues in step 1714.
[1298] In step 1712, the re-pointing flag is set to one. The method
continues in step 1714.
[1299] In step 1714, the variable count is incremented. The
method retums to step 1704.
[1300] In step 1716, the sectors with a re-pointing flag set to 1 are
sorted in accordance to the sectors' accumulated credits. The method continues in step 1718.
[1301] In step 1718, a test is made whether two or more sectors
have equal value of the accumulated credits. If the test is positive, the method continues in step 1720. otherwise the method continues in step 1722.
[1302] In step 1720, the AT re-points to the sector with the
greatest value of a foiward link SINR. The method continues in step 1724.
[1303] In step 1722, the AT re-points to the sector with the
greatest value of the accumulated credit. The method continues in step 1724.
[1304] in step 1724, the accumulated credits of all sectors are
initialized to zero. The method retums to tiie Demodulation phase.

Re-pointing Using Only Forward Link
[1305] In all previously descrfbed embodiments, the re-pointing
decision was made by the AT 104 in accordance with a condition of both a foHA/ard and a reverse links. As discussed, the AT 104 can also make the re-pointing decision in accordance with a condition of a forward link or a condition on a reverse link. In accordance with another embodiment, the AT 104 makes the re-poinling decision in accordance with a condition of a forward link only. Because no feedback from a sector to an AT is provided, ail processing is carried out at the AT,
Access Terminal Processing
[1306] The processing method at the AT in accordance with the
embodiment comprises the phases of (i) Initialization, (») Credit Accumulation, and (iii) Decision, as described in reference to paragraph 1.2, and associated RGs, modified as follows.
Initsarizatjon
[1307] During the initialization stage, the AT 104 selects a sector
with the best fonvard link quality metric, i.e., the highest SJNR as the sennng sector. TnB AT 104 sets the DRC for the selected sector ^in-lock" and initializes credits for all non-sennng sectors to zero.
[1308] In one embodiment, only one type of credits - switching
credits - are defined. Consequently, FIG- 4, and the accompanying text only the switching credits are initialized to zero )n step 412-
Credit Accumulation
[1309] The switching credits are used to qualify a non-sennng
sector for re-pointing. The switching credits (CS_NS) are incremented if a forward link SJNR of the non-serving sector (FL_NS) is greater than a forward link SINR of the current sending sector (FL.SS) modified by a pre-detenrtined value (FL_SINR_Th). The CS^NS are decremented if the above condition is not satisfied.

[1310] The pre-determined value FL_SINR_Th is selected so that
re-pointing to another sector results in an increase in forward link SINR and, consequently, in an increase in an average requested data rate.
[1311] In one ennbodiment, the minimum value for the credits is
zero and the maximum for the credits is equal to a soft hand-off delay or a softer handoff delay. The delay used is determined based on whether or not the non-serving sector is in the same ceil as the serving sector. If the non-serving sector is in the same cell as the serving sector then the softer handoff delay is used, and if the non-serving sector is in a cell different from the one that the serving sector is part of then the soft-handoff delay is used.
[1312] The credits, initialized to zero in the Initialization phase are
« accumulated during the Credit Accumulation phase. Consequently, referring to
FIG. 5, and the accompanying text, steps 510, 511, and 514 are deleted.
Furthermore, step 508 is modified as follows;
[1313] In step 508, a fooNard link SINR of a sector designated by
the variable count is compared against fonward link SINR of the current serving
sector modified by the FL_SINR_Th. If the fonward link SINR of the sector
designated by the variable count is greater than the forward fink SINR of the
current serving sector modified by the FL_SINR_Th, the method continues in
step 516, otherwise, the method continues in step 512.
Oecision
[1314] Because no feedback information about the reverse link is
presented to the AT, the sector selection is carried out in accordance with the switching credits,
[1315] To carry out the decision, the AT first ascertains if any of
the non-serving sectors has switching credits greater than a threshold detennined by the soft/softer delay (NS.SJTh) for the non-serving sector. (This, threshold is the same for both the switching and monitoring credits.) If at least one of the non-serving sectors has switching credits greater than the threshold, the AT re-points its DRC to the sector with the highest switching credits. If two or more non-sen^ng sectors have equal switching credits, the sector with the highest cunrent quality fooNard link is selected.

[1316] If none of the non-serving sectors has sufficient switching
credits to mandate re-pointing, the AT continues pointing its DRC to the current serving Access Point.
[1317] The decision phase in accordance with one embodiment is
illustrated in reference to FIGs. 7 and 8, and accompanying text In reference with FIG. 7. steps 714 through 722 are deleted. Steps 710 and 712 are modified as follows:
[1318] In step 710, a value of the variable Cand_S identified by the
variable count is set to 0. The method continues in step 724.
[1319] In step 712, a value of the variable Cand^S identified by the
variable count is set to 1. The method continues in step 724.
[13201 Referring to FIG. 8. the sector selection from FIG. 7
continues. In reference with FIG. 8. steps 822 through 838, and 842 through 846 are deleted. Steps 814, 818, and 820 are modified as follows:
[1321] In step 814. the value of the variable CS_NS_count is
ascertained. If the value of the variable CS_NS_count is equal to 1, the method continues in step 816. If the value of the variable CS_NS_count is greater that 1, the method continues in step 818. Otherwise, the method continues in step 840.
[1322] In step 818. the AT re-points the DRC to the candidate
sector identified by the variable count that has the highest quality forward link. The method continues in step 820.
[1323] In step 820. the variable CS_NS is set to zero. The method
returns to the credit accumulation phase.
[1324] Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that although
the various embodiments were described in terms of flowcharts and methods, such was done for pedagogical purposes only. The methods can be performed by an apparatus, which in one embodiment comprises a processor interfaced with a transmitter and a receiver or other appropriate blocks at the AT and/or AP.

[1325] Those of skill in the art would understand that information
and signals may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.
[1326] Those of skill would further appreciate that the various
illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present invention.
[1327] The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits
described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an appTication specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logk:, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perfomi the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[1328] The steps of a method or algorithm described in connection
with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. A software module 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 such the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in a user tennninal. In the alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in a user terminal.
[1329] The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is
provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other emtMxfiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shovm herein but is to be accorded the widest scope cor\sistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.
[1330] A portion of tfie disclosure of this patent document contains
material, which is subject to copyright protection. The copyrigtit owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of tfie patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but othenwise resen/es all copyright rights whatsoever.
[1331] WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:



WE CLAIMS
1 A method for directing communication between a remote
station and a plurality of sectors in a data communication system, the
remote station including a list of eligible sectors, the method comprising:
determining at the remote station a quality metric of a fonward link for each sector in the remote station's list;
determining a quality metric of a reverse link to each sector in the remote station's list; and
directing communication between the remote station and one sector from the sectors in the remote station's list in accordance with said determined quality metric of a fonward link and said determined quality metric of a reverse link.
2 The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said data
communication system comprises:
a wireless data communication system.
3. The method as daimed in daim 1, wherein said determining at
the renKDte station a qualfty metric of a fon/vard fink for each sector in the
remote station's list comprises:
measuring a signal-to-noise-and-interference-ratio of the forward link.
4. The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein said measuring
a signal-to-noise-and-interference-ratio of the fonward link
comprises:
measuring a signal-to-noise-and-interference-ratio of a pilot signal on the fonward link.

5 The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein said measuring
a signal-to-noise-and-interference-ratio of a pilot signal on the forward
link comprises:
measuring a signal-to-noise-and-interference-ratio of a non-continuous pilot signal on the fonward link.
6 The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
determining a quality metric of a reverse link to each sector in the remote
station's list comprises:
processing at the remote station the forward link from each sector in the remote station's list.
7 The method as claimed in claim 6. wherein said processing
at the remote station a fonA/ard link from each sector in the remote
station*s list comprises:
combining energy at specific positions of the fonward link; and determining the quality metric in accordance with said combined energy.
8 Tne method as claimed in claim 7, wherein said combining
energy at specific positions of the fonward link comprises:
combining energy at specific . periodic positions of the forward link.
9 The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein said combining
energy at specific positions of the fooA^ard link comprises:
combining energy at specific positions of the fonward link, said specific positions being different for at least two of the sectors.
10 The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein said processing
at the remote station the forward link from each sector in the remote
station's list comprises:

ascertaining a first signal value at a position in a first cfiannet of the iorv/ard link for at least one sector In the remote station's list;
detennining the quality metric in accordance with said ascertained first signal value for the at least one sector in the remote station's list;
ascertaining a second signal value at a position in a second channel of the forward link for remaining sectors in the remote station's list; and
determining a second quality metric in accordance with said ascertained second signal value for the remaining sectors in the remote station's list.
11 The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein said
detennining a quality metric to a reverse link for each sector in the
remote station's list further comprises:
measuring at each sector the quality metric of the reverse link; processing the quality metric to provide an indicator of the quality metric; and
providing the Indicator on a forward link.
12 The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein said providing
the indicator on a forward link comprises:
puncturing the indicator into specific positions of the fonA^ard link.
13 The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein said providing
the indicator into a fonward link comprises:
inserting the Indicator into a specific position of the forward link.
14 The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein said directing
communication between the remote station and one sector from the
sectors in the remote station's list in accordance with said determined
quality metric of a fonward link and said determined quality metric of a
reverse link comprises:

assigning credits to each sector in the remote station's list except a sector currently serving the remote station in accordance with said determined quality metric of a fon/vard link and said determined quality metric of the reverse link; and
directing communication between the remote station and one sector from the sectors in the remote station's list in accordance with said assigned credits.
15 The method as claimed in claim 14. wherein said directing communication between the remote station and one sector from the sectors in the remote station's list in accordance with said assigned credits comprises:
detennining sectors with said assigned credits greater than a first threshold; and
directing communication to a sector from said determined sectors with the highest of said assigned credits.
15 The method as claimed in daim 15, further comprising: directing communication to a sector from said determined sectors with the highest fonA^ard link quality metric when at least two of said determined sectors have equal highest assigned credits.
17 The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein said directing communication between the remote station and one sector from the sectors in the remote station's list in accordance with said determined quality metric of a fonA/ard link and said determined quality metric of a reverse link comprises:
assigning credits to each sector in the r'emote station's list except the sector currently sen/ing the remote station in accordance with said determined quality metric of a fonward link, said determined quality metric of the reverse link, and said determined second quality metric of the reverse link; and

directing communication between the remote station and one sector from the sectors in the remote station's list in accordance with said assigned credits.
18 The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein said assigning
credits to each sector in the remote station's list except the sector
currently serving the remote station in accordance with said determined
quality metric of a fonward link, said determined quality metric of the
reverse link, and said detenmined second quality metric of the reverse
link comprises:
decreasing credits of a sector if:
said detemnined second quality metric of the reverse link for the sector and said detemnined second quality metric of the reverse link for a sector currently serving the remote station are greater than a second threshold; and
decreasing a first type of credits of a sector if:
said determined quality metric of the reverse link for the sector is insufficient; or '±
said quality metric of a fonvard link of the sector is less than the quality metric of the forward link of the sector currently serving the remote station; arxj
said first quality metric of the reverse link for a sector was not determined.
19 The method as claimed In claim 18, wherein said
decreasing a first type of credits comprises:
decreasing switching credits of the sector.
20 The method as claimed in claim 18, further comprising:
increasing the first type of credits of a sector if:
the sector's quality metric of a forward link is greater than the quality metric of the fonward link of the sector cun-ently serving the remote station; and

the sector's determined second quality metric of the reverse link is less than the second threshold; or if:
the sector's quality metric of a forward link is greater than the quality metric of the forward link of the sector currently sen/ing the remote station; and
the sector's determined quality metric of the reverse (ink is sufficient; and
increasing a second type of credits of a sector if:
the sector's quality metric of a forward link is greater than the quality metric of the fonA/ard link of the sector currently serving the remote station;
said detenrtined second quality metric of the reverse link of the sector's quality metric of a reverse link is greater than the second threshold; and
said determined second quality metric of the reverse link of the sector currently serving the remote station is less than the second threshold.
21 The method as claimed in claim 18, wherein said increasing
a second type of credits comprises:
increasing monitoring creclts of the sector.
22 The method as claimed In claim 17, wherein said directing
communication between the remote station and one sector from the
sectors in the remote station's list in accordance with said assigned
credits comprises:
directing communication to a sector with the highest assigned first type of credits, when said determined quality metric of a reverse link for a sector cun'ently serving the remote station is insufficient
23 The method as claimed in claim 22, further comprising:

directing communication to a sector with the highest reverse link quality metric when at (east two sectors have equal highest assigned first type of credits.
24 The method as claimed in claim 22, further comprising:
directing communication to a sector with the highest forward link
quality metric when at least two sectors have equal highest assigned first type of credits.
25 The method as claimed in claim 22, further comprising:
directing communication to a sector with the highest assigned
second type of credits, when all sectors have assigned first type of credits equal to zero.
26 The method as claimed in claim 25, further comprising:
directing communication to a sector with the highest reverse link
quality metric when at least two sectors have equal highest assigned second type of credits.
27 The mettrod as claimed in claim 25, further comprising:
directing communication to a sector with the highest forward link
quality metric when at least two sectors have equal highest assigned second type of credits.
28 The metfiod as claimed in claim 17, wherein said directing
communication between the remote station and one sector from the
sectors in the remote station's list in accordance with said assigned
credits comprises:
determining sectors with said assigned first type of credits greater than a third threshold; and
directing communication to a determined sector with the highest assigned first type of credits, when said detennlned quality metric of a reverse link for a sector cun-ently serving the remote station is sufficient.

29 The method as claimed in claim 28, further comprising:
directing communication to a determined sector with the highest
reverse link quality metric when at least two determined sectors have equal highest assigned first type of credits.
30 The method as claimed in claim 28, further comprising:
directing communication to a determined sector with the highest
forward link quality metric when at least two detemiined sectors have equal highest assigned first type of credits.
31 The method as claimed in claim 28, further comprising:
determining sectors with said assigned second type of credits
above a fourth threshold; and
directing communication to said determined sector with the highest assigned second type of credits when none of the sectors has first type of credits above the third threshold.
32 The method as claimed in daim 31, further comprising:
directing communication to a determined sector with the highest
reverse link quality metric when at least two determined sectors have equad highest assigned second type of credits.
33 The method as claimed in claim 31. furttier comprising:
directing communication to a determined sector with the highest
forward link quality metric when at least two detemiined sectors have equal highest assigned second type of credits.
34 A method for directing communication between a remote
station and a plurality of sectors in a data communication system, the
remote station having a list of sectors eligible for communication, the
method comprising:
detennining at the remote station a quality metric of a fon/vard link for each sector in the remote station's list; and

directing communication between the remote station and one sector from the sectors in the remote station's list in accordance with said determined quality metric of a fooA^ard link.
35 The method as claimed in claim 34, wherein said data
communication system comprises:
a wireless data communication system,
36 The method as claimed in claim 34, wherein said
determining at the remote station a quality metric of a forward link for
each sector in the remote station's list comprises:
measuring a signal-to-noise-and-interference-ratio of the fonward link-
37 The method as claimed in claim 36, wherein said
measuring a signal-to-noise-and-interference-ratio of the fonvard link
comprises:
measuring a signal-to-noise-and-interference-ratio of a pilot signal on the fon^ard fink.
38 The method as claimed in daim 37, wherein said
measuring a signal-to-noise-and-interference-ratio of a pilot signal on the
fonvard link comprises:
measuring a signal-to-noise-and-interference-ratio of a non-continuous pilot signal on the forward link.
39 The method as claimed in claim 34, wherein said directing
communication between the remote station and one sector from the
sectors in ttie remote station's list in accordance with said detennined
quality metric of a fonA^ard link comprises:
assigning credits to each sector in the remote station's list except a sector cunrently sen/ing the remote station in accordance with said determined quality metric of a fon/vard link; and

directing communication between the remote station and one sector from the sectors in the remote station's list in accordance with said assigned credits.
40 The method as claimed in claim 39. wherein said assigning
credits to each sector in the remote station's list except a sector currently
serving the remote station in accordance with said determined quality
metric of a forward link comprises:
increasing credits of a sector if the sector's quality metric of a forward link is greater than said quality metric of the fooA/ard link of the sector currently serving the remote station modified by a pre-determined value.
41 The method as claimed in claim 39, wherein said assigning
credits to each sector in the remote station's list except a sector currently
serving the remote station in accordance with said determined quality
metric of a forjvard link comprises:
decreasing credits of a sector if the sector's quality metric of a forward link is less ttian the quality metric of the forward link of the sector currently serving the remote station modified by a pre-determined value.
42 The method as claimed in claim 39, wherein said directing
communication between the remote station and one sector from the
sectors in the remote station's list in accordance with said assigned
credits comprises:
determining sectors with assigned credits greater than a threshold; and
directing communication to a determined sector with the highest assigned credits.
43 The method as claimed in claim 42, further comprising:

directing communication to a determined sector wttti ttie highest current fonvard link quality metric when at least two determined sectors have equal highest assigned credits.
44 The method as claimed in claim 14. wherein said assigning credits to each sector in the remote station's list except a sector currently sen/ing the remote station in accordance with said determined quality metric of a forward link and said determined quality metric of the reverse link comprises:
Increasing temporary credits of a sector if the sector's quality metric of a foPA/ard link is greater than said quality metric of the forward link of the sector currently serving the remote station modified by a pre-detemiined value;
decreasing temporary credits of a sector if the sector's quality metric of a tonward link is less than the quality metric of the forward link of the sector currently serving the remote station modified by a predetermined value;
assigning credits equal to saki temporary credits to a sector if:
said determined quality metric of a reverse link of a sector cunrently serving the sector is insufficient; and
said determined quality metric of a reverse fink of the sector is
sufficient; and
assigning credits equal to a value of the sector if:
said determined quality metric of a reverse link of a sector
cun-ently sen^ng the sector is sufficient; and
said detemiined quality metric of a reverse link of the sector is
sufficient; and
assigning credits equal to zero to the sector othenwise.
45. The method as claimed in claim 44. wherein said assigning
credits equal to a value of the sector comprises: assigning credits equal to an update inten^al of said detemrtining the quality metric In accordance with said combined energy.

46. A method for directing communication, substantially as hereinabove described and illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.


Documents:

2051-chenp-2003 complete specification as granted.pdf

2051-chenp-2003 abstract.pdf

2051-chenp-2003 claims granted.pdf

2051-chenp-2003 form 2.pdf

2051-chenp-2003-claims.pdf

2051-chenp-2003-correspondnece-others.pdf

2051-chenp-2003-correspondnece-po.pdf

2051-chenp-2003-description(complete).pdf

2051-chenp-2003-drawings.pdf

2051-chenp-2003-form 1.pdf

2051-chenp-2003-form 18.pdf

2051-chenp-2003-form 3.pdf

2051-chenp-2003-form 5.pdf

2051-chenp-2003-pct.pdf


Patent Number 234414
Indian Patent Application Number 2051/CHENP/2003
PG Journal Number 29/2009
Publication Date 17-Jul-2009
Grant Date 27-May-2009
Date of Filing 24-Dec-2003
Name of Patentee QUALCOMM INCORPORATED
Applicant Address 5775 Morehouse Drive, San Diego, CAlifornia 92121-1714,
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 VIJAYAN, Rajiv 9604 Babauta Road, San Diego, CALIFORNIA 92129,
2 SINDHUSHAYANA, Nagabhushana 7794 Roan Road, San Diego, CALIFORNIA 92129,
3 BLACK, Peter, J 2961 First Avenue, San Diego, CALIFORNIA 92103,
4 ATTAR, Rashid, A 8520 Costa Verde Boulevard, #3112 San Diego, CALIFORNIA 92122,
5 PADOVANI, Roberto 13593 Penfield Point, San Diego, CALIFORNIA 92130,
6 WU, Qiang 10189 Camino Ruiz #115, San Diego, CALIFORNIA 92126,
7 ESTEVES, Eduardo, A., S 12147 Corte Vicenza, San Diego, CALIFORNIA 92128,
PCT International Classification Number H04Q 7/38
PCT International Application Number PCT/US2002/020160
PCT International Filing date 2002-06-25
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 09/892,378 2001-06-26 U.S.A.