Methods and apparatus for operating mobile nodes in multiple states
First Claim
1. A method of operating a mobile node capable of operating in a plurality of states of operation, comprising the steps of:
- monitoring, during a first state of operation, a first control channel to detect control signals in segments of the first control channel intended for said mobile node, and to detect a period of reduced control signaling to said mobile node on said first control channel; and
in response to detecting a period of reduced control signal signaling to said mobile node on said first control channel, transitioning from said first state of operation to a second state of operation, wherein transitioning from said first state of operation to the second state of operation includes ceasing to monitor said first control channel; and
while in said second state of operation;
monitoring a second control channel to detect control signals in segments of the second control channel intended for said mobile node, and to detect a period of reduced control signaling to said mobile node on said second control channel; and
in response to detecting a period of reduced control signal signaling to said mobile node on said second control channel, transitioning from said second state of operation to a third state of operation.
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Abstract
The use of multiple states of mobile communication device operation to allow a single base station to support a relatively large number of mobile nodes is described. Various states require different amounts of communications resources, e.g., bandwidth and/or control signaling. Different numbers of control channels are monitored during different states of operation. A mobile node monitors during a first state of operation, e.g., the on-state, a first control channel to detect control signals in segments of the first control channel intended for the mobile node, detects a period of reduced control signaling to said mobile node on said first control channel, and then, in response to detecting a period of reduced control signal signaling to the mobile node, transitions from said first state to a second state of operation. During the second state of operation fewer control channels are monitored and the first control channel is not monitored.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method of operating a mobile node capable of operating in a plurality of states of operation, comprising the steps of:
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monitoring, during a first state of operation, a first control channel to detect control signals in segments of the first control channel intended for said mobile node, and to detect a period of reduced control signaling to said mobile node on said first control channel; and
in response to detecting a period of reduced control signal signaling to said mobile node on said first control channel, transitioning from said first state of operation to a second state of operation, wherein transitioning from said first state of operation to the second state of operation includes ceasing to monitor said first control channel; and
while in said second state of operation;
monitoring a second control channel to detect control signals in segments of the second control channel intended for said mobile node, and to detect a period of reduced control signaling to said mobile node on said second control channel; and
in response to detecting a period of reduced control signal signaling to said mobile node on said second control channel, transitioning from said second state of operation to a third state of operation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. The method of claim wherein the only segments of said third control channel which are monitored during said third state of operation are third control channel segments dedicated to said mobile node.
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14. A mobile communications device capable of operating in a plurality of states of operation, comprising:
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means for monitoring, during a first state of operation, a first control channel to detect control signals in segments of the first control channel intended for said mobile node, and to detect a period of reduced control signaling to said mobile node on said first control channel;
means for transitioning from said first state of operation to a second state of operation in response to detecting a period of reduced control signal signaling to said mobile node on said first control channel, wherein transitioning from said first state of operation to the second state of operation includes ceasing to monitor said first control channel; and
means for monitoring, during a second state of operation, a second control channel to detect control signals in segments of the second control channel intended for said mobile node, and to detect a period of reduced control signaling to said mobile node on said second control channel; and
means for transitioning from said second state of operation to a third state of operation in response to detecting a period of reduced control signal signaling to said mobile node on said second control channel. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17)
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18. A communications system comprising:
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a plurality of mobile nodes, each of the plurality of mobile nodes being capable of operating in one of a plurality of states;
a base station for transmitting signals to said plurality of mobile nodes, over first and second control channels; and
where at least one of said plurality of mobile nodes includes;
i) means for monitoring, during a first state of operation, a first control channel to detect control signals in segments of the first control channel intended for said mobile node, and to detect a period of reduced control signaling to said mobile node on said first control channel;
ii) means for transitioning from said first state of operation to a second state of operation in response to detecting a period of reduced control signal signaling to said mobile node on said first control channel, wherein transitioning from said first state of operation to the second state of operation includes ceasing to monitor said first control channel;
iii) means for monitoring, during a second state of operations, a second control channel to detect control signals in segments of the second control channel intended for said mobile node, and to detect a period of reduced control signaling to said mobile node on said second control channel; and
iv) means for transitioning from said second state of operation to a third state of operation in response to detecting a period of reduced control signal signaling to said mobile node on said second control channel.
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Specification