REVERSE LINK OTHER SECTOR COMMUNICATIONS

CROSS-REFERENCE

|000l J This application claims the benefit of U S Provisional Application Serial

No, 60/756,641 entitled "REVERSE LINK SOFT HANDOFF AND DECODING IN ORTHOGONAL FREQUENCY DIVISION MLl-TlPLE ACCESS COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS." filed on January 5. 2006. The entirety of the above-referenced application is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

ϊ. Field

|0002| The following description relates generally to wireless communications, and, amongst other things, communication between a terminal and a non-serving sector.

It, Background

|GOθ3} Wireless networking systems have become a prevalent means by which a majority of people worldwide has come to communicate. Wireless communication devices have become smaller and more powerful in order to meet consumer needs and to improve portability and convenience Consumers have become dependent upon wireless communication devices such as cellular telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and the like, demanding reliable service, expanded areas of coverage and increased functionality . f0004| Generally, a wireless multiple-access communication system may simultaneously support communication for multiple wireless terminals or user devices. Each terminal communicates with one or more access points via transmissions on the forward and reverse links. The forward link (or downlink) refers to the communication link from the access points to the terminals, and the reverse link (or uplink) refers to the communication link from the terminals to the access points.

|0005} Wireless systems may be multiple-access systems capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing the available system resources (e.g., bandwidth and transmit power). Examples of such multiple-access systems include code

division multiple access (CDMA) systems, time division multiple access (TDMA) systems, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) systems, and orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) systems. Generally, access points assign various resources to individual terminals supported by tlie access point [0006| Typically, each access point supports terminals located within a specific coverage area referred Io as a sector A sector that supports a specific terminal is referred to as the sen ing sector. Other sectors, not supporting the specific, terminal, are referred to as non-serving or neighboring sectors Terminals within a sector can be allocated specific resources to allow simultaneous support of multiple terminals. [0007 ] As wireless systems and terminals have become more prevalent users have come to expect and require reliable connections. Additionally, systems are required to support movement of terminals between sectors due to the portable nature of many terminals (e.g., mobile phones, laptops). Moreover, increasingly complex data is communicated via terminals. Users require rapid transmission of data intensive media (e.g., image and video).

SUMMARY

[0008] The following presents a simplified summary of one or more aspects in order to provide a basic understanding of such aspects This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated aspects, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of ail aspects nor delineate the scope of any or all aspects, Hs sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. [0009} In accordance with one or more aspects and corresponding disclosure thereof, various aspects are described in connection with soft handoff and enhanced performance in a wireless system. In particular, a serving sector can provide assignment information associated with supported terminals to neighboring sectors The assignment information can be provided to sectors within the active set of the supported terminal via backhaul signaling. ^' The sectors can utilize the assignment information to receive and decode terminal transmissions, facilitating soft handoff of terminals. In aspects, the sectors can coordinate to balance load. In particular, the first sector that successfully receives and decodes a terminal transmission can notify other sectors, thereby avoiding dυplicative processing.

[OOlO] In an aspect, a method for facilitating reverse link communication between a terminal and a non-serving sector in a wireless environment that comprises transmitting assignment information to a terminal, and transmitting the assignment information to a neighboring sector. The assignment information includes a resource allocated to the terminal by a serving sector and the neighboring sector processes a reverse link transmission from the terminal based at least in part upon the assignment information.

[O01 1 ] In another aspect, an apparatus that facilitates other sector communication in a wireless environment that comprises a memory that stores a communication and processor that executes instructions for receiving assignment information for a terminal from a serving sector that supports the terminal and processing the communication provided by the terminal based at least in part upon the received assignment information.

[0012] According to yet another aspect, an apparatus that facilitates other sector communication that comprises means for transmitting a resource assignment to a terminal and means for providing resource assignment information to a neighboring sector The neighboring sector processes a reverse link transmission from the terminal based at least in part upon the resource assignment information. [0013] According to another aspect, computer-readable medium basing instructions for sending a resource allocation instruction to a terminal and sending resource allocation information to an access point that uses the resource allocation information to process a data packet transmitted by the terminal [OOl 4] Yet another aspect relates to a processor that executes instructions for receiving resource allocation information associated with a user device from a serving sector, receiving at least one data packet from the user device and processing the at least one data packet as a function of the resource allocation information. [OO15] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the one or more aspects comprise the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative aspects. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles described herein may be employed and the described are intended to include their equivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS,

[0016} FIG. i is a block diagram of a system that facilitates reverse link communication with non-serving sectors in accordance with one or more aspects presented herein. fOOUJ FIG. 2 is an illustration of a wireless communication system in accordance with one or more aspects presented herein |0018j FlG. 3 is an illustration of a wireless communication system in accordance with one or more aspects presented herein

{00I9J FICJ. 4 illustrates a methodology for providing other sectors with assignment information in accordance with one or more aspects presented herein. |øø2ϋ| FIG. 5 illustrates a methodology for processing reverse link

Communications at a non-sers ing sector of a terminal in accordance with one or more aspects presented herein,

{00211 FJ-C 6 illustrates a methodology for coordinating receipt of reverse link transmissions among serving and non-serving sectors in accordance with one or more aspects presented herein.

|0022| FlG. 7 illustrates a methodology for processing reverse link

Communications at a non-serving sector of a terminal in accordance with one or more aspects presented herein.

[0023} FIG. 8 illustrates a methodology for providing other sector communication in accordance with one or more aspects presented herein. |0024J FKi 9 illustrates a methodology for facilitating soft handoff of a terminal in accordance with one or more aspects presented herein.

[0025} FIG. 10 illustrates a system that provides for other sector communication in accordance with one or more aspects presented herein.

|0026| FfG. 1 1 illustrates a system that provides for processing reverse link communications at a non-serving sector of a terminal in accordance with one or more aspects presented herein.

|0027j FIG. 12 is an illustration of a wireless communication environment that can be employed in conjunction with the various systems and methods described herein, |002S| FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a system that facilitates other sector communication in accordance with one or more aspects presented herein.

f0029| FIG. M is a more detailed block diagram of a system that facilitates other sector communication in accordance with one or more aspects presented herein. f0030J FIG. ! 5 is a block diagram of a system that facilitates other sector communication in accordance with one or more aspects presented herein fθQSlJ FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a system facilitates soft handoff of a terminal in accordance with one or more aspects presented herein. |0032| FlG. 17 is a block diagram of a system that facilitates other sector communication in accordance with one or more aspects presented hereoπ.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

|0033j Various aspects are now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more aspects, it may be evident, however, that such aspect(s) may be practiced without these specific details In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing one or more aspects.

|0034] As used in this application, the terms "component" "system," and the like arc intended to refer to a computer-related entity, either hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component may be. but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or a computer By way of illustration, both an application running on a communications device and the device can be a component. One or more components may reside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component may be localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or more computers. Also, these components can execute from various computer readable media having various data structures stored thereon. The components may communicate by way of local and/ or remote processes such as in accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., data from one component interacting with another component in a local system, distributed system, and/or across a network such as the Internet with other systems by way of the signal). j0035| Furthermore, various aspects are described herein in connection with a terminal A terminal can also be called a system, a user device, a subscriber unit.

subscriber station, mobile station, mobile device, remote station, access point, base station, remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, terminal, user agent, or user equipment (UE). A terminal can be a cellular telephone, a cordless telephone, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLJ.,) station, a PDA. a handheld device having wireless connection capability, or other processing device connected to a wireless modem.

|0036j Moreover, various aspects or features described herein may be implemented as a method, apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard programming and'or engineering techniques. The term "article of manufacture" as used herein is intended to encompass a computer program accessible from any computer- readable device, carrier, or media. For example, computer readable media can include but are not limited to magnetic storage dev ices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic strips, , ,), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD)... ), smart cards, and flash memory devices {e.g., card, stick, key drive... ). J0O37J Typically, a sector supports multiple terminals. The term "sector" can refer to an access point and/or an area covered by an access point, depending upon context. In particular, sectors provide service to multiple terminals by sharing the available system resources {e.g., bandwidth and transmit power). Sectors assign various resources to individual terminals. Generally, access points assign various resources to individual terminals supported by the access point

|0038J An orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) system utilizes orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (C)FDM). OFDM is a multi-carrier modulation technique that partitions the overall system bandwidth into multiple (N), distinct orthogonal frequency subcarriers. These subcarriers may also be called tones, bins, and frequency channels. For example, the frequency spectrum or band allocated for wireless cellular telephone communication can be split into 30 channels, each of which can cany a voice conversation or, for digital service, digital data. Each channel can be assigned to only one user device or terminal at a time. Each channel is associated with a respective subcaπϊer that may be modulated with data Up to N modulation symbols may be sent on the N total subcarriers in each OFDM symbol period These modulation symbols can be converted to the time-domain with an N- point inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) to generate a transformed symbol that contains N time-domain chips or samples.

[0039] Resources are typically assigned by the serving sector that supports the terminal. Without information regarding resources assigned to a specific terminal, it can be difficult for non-serving sectors tυ decode or even receive transmissions from the terminal However, there are several circumstances in which it is beneficial for non- serving sectors to decode reverse link transmissions by a terminal. For example, if the terminal is mobile, H can move from the coverage area of one sector to the coverage area of a second sector. To avoid disruption of service and provide a smooth transition, neighboring sectors can receive and decode reverse link transmissions prior to handoff from the original serving sector to the new sector. In addition, decoding of transmissions by neighboring sectors can increase system reliability. If the serving sector experiences interference or other problems, a neighboring sector can support the terminal, providing redundancy and mitigating possible errors. [0040] To receive and decode reverse iink transmissions, neighboring sectors can require resource assignment information {e.g., frequency channel or code) In a system with scheduled reverse link (RL) transmission, the serving sector can send an assignment to the target terminal through an over the air message specifying the resources U'.g., frequency, time and code) assigned to the terminal as well as the coding and modulation to be used for the transmission. Terminals utilize the assigned resources for reverse link transmissions.

[0041 ] In certain communication systems, non-serving sectors can receive and decode reverse link transmissions, referred to herein as other sector communication. The prefix of the data transmission often includes the MACiD of a terminal and the packet format that is used, so as to enable decoding at non-serving sectors This information may be in the preamble, the data itself, or communicated as a separate control channel message. This information needs to be detected with high reliability to avoid loss of data In a CDMA system, the information could be included with a preamble which is scrambled with a MAClD specific scrambling sequence. At the receiver, a descrambler is used to detect the user ^' s transmission; then the packet format is detected following which the data demodulation and decoding are attempted. [0042] However, reception and decoding are more complicated in an orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) system In an OFDMA system, different combinations of subcarriers are assigned for each transmission. Because neighboring sectors have no information as to the particular sub-carriers assigned to a terminal, the

neighboring sector ^' s receiver would have to defect a terminal's preamble transmission ov er all possible reverse link channels Once detected, the preamble w ould have to include the terminal ^' s MAClD and packet formal 1» addition, if detection of the preamble is not reliable, the neighboring secioi uili waste resources attempting to receive terminal transmissions over the entire available bandwidth Additionally, trant.tnit.sion efficiency is relatis ely pooi for small packets, such as the pieamble The factors result in inefficient other sector communication in OFDMA systems |0043] With reference now to the drawings. Fig, I illustrates a block diagram of a system 100 that facilitates receipt of link transmissions b\ non-serving sectors System 100 includes a teiminal 102 supported by an access point 104 System 100 can also include a nearby, non-serving access point 106, referred to as a neighbor sector A single serving access point, terminal and neighbor access point are illustrated for siffipϋcit} . However, s>stem KKJ can include multiple access points and terminals System 100 can also include a system controller 108 that couples sen ing access point 102 and neighbor access point 106 and provides coordination and control of access points [ |0044] In system 100, sen ing access point 104 can assign resources to terminal

102 for res erse link transmissions Sen ing access point 104 can also pros ide the assignment information (e.g., frequency, time and code) to one or more neighbor access points 106 For an OFDM A system, sen ing access point 104 can provide subeamer information to system controller 108, which can pass such information on to neighbor access point 106 Neighbor access poim 106 can utilize the provided assignment information to detect transmissions on specified subcarriers and to decode received transmissions from terminal 102

[0045 ] Communication among access points can also be effectuated using a wireless channel dedicated to sharing of assignment information (e.g., a rcvcisc link rate indicator (RRl)) However, such a channel requires bandwidth allocated solely to this purpose To maximize bandwidth that can be used for transmission of data, backhaul signaling can be utilized for transmission of assignment information. As used herein, backhaul signaling refers to transmissions via any suitable wired communication (e.g., Tl lines), as opposed to over the air transmissions

[0046] Assignment information can be passed to neighbor access points that appear within the active set of the terminal, referred to herein as active terminals or

sectors Terminals typically maintain a list of access points from which a relatively strong signal is received, referred to as the active set of the terminal Therefore, access points in the active set arc most likely to be capable of receiving transmissions from the terminal hi general, access points within the active set are proximate to the serving access point Consequently, during handoff, when a mobile terminal and moves between access points, the terminal is most likely to move from the serving sector into an the sector of an access point in the actι\ e set As a result, it can be particularly beneficial for access points in the active set to decode packets or transmissions received from the terminal. If terminals are able to make a connection with another access point prior to breaking off communication with the old serving access point, disruption of service is minimized. Providing assignment information to access points in the active set allows such access points to receive and decode packets prior to handoff.. System 100 can be utilized in a variety of multiple access systems, including, but not limited to, an OFDMA system, an interleaved frequency division multiple access (IFDMA) system and a localized frequency division multiple access (LFDMA) system. [0047] System 100 can utilize can utilize acknowledgement signals to reduce possible errors and minimize packet loss. As illustrated in Fig. i , serving access point 104 can send an acknowledgement (ACK } to terminal upon receiving and decoding a transmission. Upon receipt of the acknowledgement, terminal can provide additional transmissions or packets. Similarly, serving access point 104 can send a negative acknowledgement (NAK) to terminal 102 to indicate error. Terminal 102 can retransmit packets in response to a NAK if no acknowledgement is received, terminal can repeat the transmission to ensure that data is not lost

[0048] A series of acknowledgements or notifications can also be used to optimize processing of reverse link transmissions. The first access point to successfully complete decoding of a transmission can send an acknowledgement to other access points. The acknowledgement can include the decoded data and can be provided via backhaui signaling. Once the serving access point is aware that the transmission has been decoded, whether by decoding the packets or receipt of an acknowledgement, serving access point can transmit an acknowledgement to the terminal and can also notify neighboring access points, causing such access points to cease processing of the transmission. Therefore, transmission is decoded by the first access point that has sufficient bandwidth to process the transmission. Any further processing can be

terminated after a successful decoding to reduce redundant processing and wasted computations.

[0049] Acknowledgements and notifications can be used to effectuate load balancing among a set of access points The serving access point and neighboring access points can be coordinated to ensure that the transmission is decoded in the least possible time For example, when a serving access point is processing a large volume of packets from multiple terminals, a neighboring access point that supports fewer terminals and can decode a particular transmission more rapidly than the serving access point. The access point that decodes the transmission can provide a simple notification to the serving access point or the decoded data Using the neighboring access point with the available resources to process the transmission can optimize performance |005ϋj Distribution of transmission processing can also reduce errors and packet loss, Whϋe the serving access point is most likely to receive a strong signal from terminal, under certain conditions, one of the neighboring access points can receive a better signal. For example, signals can be affected by certain atmospheric conditions, geographic features as well as movement of the terminal. Any of these can cause a down fade at the serving access point, at the same time as a neighboring access point experiences an up fade. When serving access point is unable to successfully decode the transmission, a neighboring access point may be able to process the transmission. [0051 ϊ Access points can also transmit an acknowledgement or signal at the beginning of transmission packet processing to indicate to other sectors that the transmission is being processed and avoid redundant decoding of the transmission. Once an access point commences processing, it can signal other access points, including the serving access point. Access points receiving this signal can retain the transmission for possible later use, but will not begin processing the transmission. If the processing access point is unable to complete processing (e.g., due to error), the processing access point can send a second signal indicating that decoding was unsuccessful Any other access point can then proceed with decoding the transmission. The next access point that begins processing the transmission can also transmit a signal to other access points, to avoid dυplicative processing of the transmission. This process can continue until the transmission is successfully decoded and the terminal and other access points receive an acknowledgement to that effect.

H

[0052] The serving access point can control communication of acknowledgements (e.g., ACK. and NAK) of successful decoding of a transmission to terminals. For example, as described above, the serving access point can receive acknowledgements from neighboring access points and then transmit an acknowledgment to the terminal. Alternatively, neighboring access points can provide acknowledgements directly to the terminals in genera!, if the neighboring access point is able to receive the reverse link transmission form the terminal, terminal is capable of receiving an acknowledgement from the neighboring access point. [0053] In aspects, assignment information can be sent through backhau! from the serving access point to al! access points in the active set (e.g. that have allocated resources to a particular use) In particular, assignment information can be sent through the backhaul before the assignment is sent over the air to the terminal . Alternatively, assignment information can be sent through the backhau! at the same time assignment information is sent over the air to terminal. Systems can have varying delays in transmission of messages via backhaul, referred to as backhaul delay If the backhaul delay is small, such that the assignment information is received at neighboring sectors before the terminal finishes the first transmission, then the neighboring access points can decode the terminal ^' s data at first transmission

[0054] If the backhaul delay is large, the neighboring access points may not be able to start decoding until after additional transmissions have been received. In this case, decoding by neighboring access points can still be valuable if data is provided over multiple transmissions The received signal can be buffered for multiple frame or packet durations to allow for receipt of assignment information. In particular, the frame duration times the number of buffered frames can be greater than the backhaul delay from all neighboring access points. Based on the backhau! assignment message, the most recent packet is decoded.

[0055] In some aspects, this multiple hypothesis decoding may utilized, such that the first hypothesis assumes only one sub-packet has been transmitted; if decoding of the single sub-packet is unsuccessful, it is assumed that two sub-packets have been transmitted, and so on. This process is repeated until successful the transmissions are decoded or until all buffered frames have been used for decoding If any of the decoding attempts is successful, an acknowledgement (ACK) can be send to the terminal and/or the serving sector, A negative acknowledgement (NAK) need not be transmitted

[ 00556 ] Referring now to Fig. 2, a wireless communication system 200 in accordance with various aspects presented herein is illustrated System 200 can comprise one or moie access points 202 that receive, transmit, repeat, eh ., wireless communication signals to each other and or to one or more terminals 204 Each access point or base station 202 can comprise multiple transmitter chains and receiver chains, e.g., one tbf each tiansrnii and jteceive antenna, each of which can in turn compose a plurality of components associated with signal transmission and reception {e.g., processors, modulators, multiplexers, demodulators, demuly plexors, antennas, eh:) Perminals 204 can be, for example, cellular phones, smart phones, laptops, handheld communication devices, handheld computing devices, satellite radios, global positioning s\ stems, PDAs, and/ or am other suitable device for communicating over wireless system 200 In addition, each terminal 204 can comprise one or more transmitter chains and a receiver chains, such as used for a multiple input multiple output (MlVlO) system Bach transmitter and receiver chain can comprise a plurality of components associated with signal transmission and reception {e.g. , processors, modulators, multiplexers, demodulators, demultiplexers, antennas, as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art

[0057] As illustrated in Fig. 2, each access point 202 provides communication coverage for a particular geographic area 206 The term "cell ^"1 can refer to an access point and/or its co\ erage area, depending on context To improλ e system capacity, an access point coverage area can be partitioned into multiple smaller areas (e.g., three smaller aieas 208A, 208B and 208C) F.ach smallei aiea is sen ed fa) a iespecthe faase transcek er subsystem (BTS) The term "sector ^" can refer to a B TS and 'Or its co\ erage area depending upon context Por a sectori/ed cell, the base transceiver subs\ stem for all sectors of the cell is t>picall> co-located within the access point for the cell fø05&| Terminals 204 are typically dispersed throughout system 200 Each terminal 204 ma\ be fixed or mobile Each terminal 204 may communicate with one or more access points 202 on the forward and reverse links at any moment |0059j For a centralized architecture, a system controller 2 ! 0 couples access points 202 and provides coordination and control of access points 202 tor a distributed architecture, access points 202 may communicate with one another as needed Communication between access points v)a system controller 210 or the like can be referred to as backhaul signaling

fOOόOJ The techniques described herein may be used for a system 200 with sectorized cells as well as a system with irn- sectorized cells For clarity, the following description is for a system with sectorized cells. The term "access point ^" is used genetically for a fixed station that serves a sector as well as a fixed station that serves a cell. The terms "terminal" and "user" are used interchangeably, and the terras "sector" and "access point" are also used interchangeably A serving access point/sector is an access point/ sector with which a terminal communicates. A neighbor access point/sector is an access point/sector with which a terminal is not in communication. {006! j Referring now to Fig, 3, a multiple access wireless communication system 300 according to one or more aspects is illustrated. A 3 -sector access point 302 includes multiple antenna groups, one including antennas 304 and 306, another including antennas 308 and 310, and a third including antennas 312 and 314 According to the figure, only two antennas are shown for each antenna group, however, more or fewer antennas may be utilized for each antenna group. Terminal 316 is in communication with antennas 312 and 3 14. where antennas 312 and 314 transmit information to termina! 316 forward link 320 and receive information from terminal 316 over reverse Sink 318. Terminal 322 is in communication with antennas 304 and 306, where antennas 304 and 306 transmit information to terminal 322 over forward link 326 and receive information from terminal 322 over reverse Sink 324. [0062} Each group of antennas and/or the area in which they are designated to communicate may be referred to as a sector of access point 302. In one or more aspects, antenna groups each are designed to communicate to terminals in a sector or the areas covered by access point 302. Each access point can provide coverage for a plurality of sectors

|0063 j Wireless communication systems can include one or more access points

302 in contact with one or more terminals 316, 322. The coverage areas of the access points can overlap Consequently, terminals can he located within the coverage area of multiple access points

[0064} Typically, when a terminal is within the coverage area provided by multiple access points, an access point and serving sector is selected based upon the signal strength of the pilot or signal transmission from the access point to the terminal The signal strength can be measured in terms of the radio frequency (RF) path loss, where the path loss is the power loss that occurs when radio waves move through space

along a specific path. In order to determine the path loss, all access points within the network can transmit signals at a predetermined power The terminal can then measure the power of each of the received signals to determine the access point with the strongest signal strength Alternatively, the signals can be transmitted at an undetermined power and the transmit power can be encoded in the signal or in another channel. The terminal can then compare the difference between the transmitted and received powers to determine the access point with the strongest signal strength The terminal can maintain a iist or set of access points with relatively strong signal strength, referred to as the active set.

[0065] Referring to Figs. 4-7, methodologies for facilitating reverse link communications to non-serving sectors W hi Ie, for purposes of sirøpl icity of explanation, the methodologies are shown and described as a series of acts, it is to be understood and appreciated that the methodologies are not limited by the order of acts, as some acts may, in accordance with one or more aspects, occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts from that shown and described herein For example, those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that a methodology could alternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states or events, such as in a state diagram Moreover, not all illustrated acts may be utilized to implement a methodology in accordance with one or more aspects.

[0066] Referring now to Fig. 4, a methodology 400 for providing neighboring sectors with assignment information is illustrated. At reference numeral 402, a terminal can be scheduled for transmission on the reverse link and resources can be assigned to the terminal. Resources can include time, frequency and/or a code for TDMA, OFDMA and CDMA system, respectively. At reference numeral 404, assignment information specifying resources allocated to the terminal can be provided to the terminal. The terminal can utilize the assigned resources for reverse link transmissions. [0067] The assignment information can be provided to other access points at reference numeral 406 Assignment information can be provided for selected terminals. For example, certain terminals can be identified for soft handoff based upon terminal behavior, such as terminal movement or signal strength. During "soft handofT a connection is made with a new serving sector prior to breaking the connection with the prior serving sector. Soft handoff typically provides for a smooth transition with minimal disruption of service. Terminals identified for soft handoff can be selected and

their assignment information can be provided to other sectors Assignment information can be sent to other access point via backhaul signaling

|0O68J In particular, assignment information can be pro\ idcd tυ access points within the active set of the terminal Terminals can provide activ e set information to a serving sector Selected access points, such as access points that are to participate in soft handoff, can be sent assignment information The assignment information allow s non-serving access points to receive and decode information from the terminal I he information is particularly useful for an OFDλlλ system, where other access points would to detect the transmission over all possible reverse link channels in the absence of infoimation iegarding channel assigned to the terminal [0069} At reference numeral 408, a reverse link transmission using the assigned resources is received from a terminal The transmission can be received at a serving sector and/or at other access points Hie transmission can be decoded at the serving sector in accordance with the assignment information at 410 The transmissions can also be decoded at neighboring sectors based upon assignment information received from the serving sector At reference numeral 4! 2, a determination can be made as to whether the transmission was decoded correctly For example, error checking can be performed to detect errors If the transmission was not decoded correctly at the serving sector, the process ends In aspects, a negative acknowledgement (NAK) can be transmitted to the terminal to trigger retransmission

[0070J If the transmission was correctly decoded, an acknowledgement (ACK) can be generated at jeference numeral 414 \i reference numeral 416, the acknow ledgement is transmitted to the terminal Once the acknowledgement is received, the terminal can generate additional reverse link transmissions λt reference numeral 41 S, an acknow ledgement is transmi tted to other access points withi n the acti \ e set The acknowledgement can be transmitted via backhau! signaling The other access points can terminate processing of the transmission upon receipt of the acknowledgement

[007 ϊ } fuming now to Fig, 5, a methodology 500 for processing reverse Sink communications at a non-serving sector is illustrated At reference numeral 502, a non- serving sector can leceive assignment information for a teimina! The information can be received over a dedicated channel (<'.£., RRI) Alternatively, the assignment information can be received via backhaul signaling The non-sen ing sector can receive

assignment information for terminals that includes the non-serving sector within their active set and/or terminals that have been identified for soft-handoff. |O072| At reference numeral 504, a sector can receive a reverse link transmission from a terminal that is not supported by the sector The sector can utilize the assignment information (e.g., frequency) to detect the transmission. For example, in an OFDMA system, each terminal can be assigned a subcarrier. Information regarding subcarrier assignments can be included within the assignment information provided to the non-serving sector. Consequently, the non-serving sector can monitor the assigned subcarrier for transmissions from the terminal.

|0073| The sector can utilize assignment information to decode a received transmission at reference numeral 50t> At reference numeral 5OS, a determination is made as to whether the transmission was correctly decoded. If no, at reference numeral 510 it is determined whether an acknowledgment has been received indicating that the transmission was decoded at another sector. If an acknowledgment was received, the sector can terminate processing at reference numeral 512 If no acknowledgement is received, mere as been an error in decoding and the process terminates. |0074| If the transmission has been correctly decoded at the non-serving sector, an acknowledgement can be generated at reference numeral 514 At reference numeral 516, the acknowledgement can be transmitted to the terminal. Upon receipt of the acknowledgement, the terminal can continue transmit additional packets At reference numeral 518, an acknowledgement can be sent to other access points notifying them of successful decoding of the transmission. The acknowledgement can be sent over the air or via backhau! signaling. Other access points can include the sen ing sector as well as any sectors within the active set of the terminal

|00?5j Acknowledgement of successful decoding of the transmission can be provided directly to the terminal or through the serving sector. Since the non-serving sector was able to receive the transmission, it is likely that the non-serving sector can successfully transmit an acknowledgement to the terminal. Alternatively, the non- serving sector can send an acknowledgement to the serving sector, which in turn can send an acknowledgement or notification to the terminal.

|0076| Fig. 6 illustrates a methodology 600 for coordinating receipt of reverse link transmissions among serving and non-serving sectors. At reference numeral 602, a terminal can be scheduled for transmission on the reverse link and resources can be

assigned to the terminal. Resources can include time, frequency and/or a code. At reference numeral 604. assignment information specifying resources allocated to the terminal can be provided to the terminal The terminal can utilize the assigned resources for reverse link transmissions

[OO77] The assignment information for selected terminals can also be provided to other access points at reference numeral 606, In particular, assignment information can be prov ided to access points within the activ e set of the selected terminal or access points that are to participate in soft handoff for the terminal. TSie assignment information allows non-serving access points to decode information from the terminal. As discussed above, assignment information can be particularly important in an OFDMA system, where assignment information can include sυbcarrier information used to detect transmissions.

[0078] At reference numeral 60S, a reverse link transmission using the assigned resources is received from a terminal. The transmission can be received at a serving sector and/or at other access points The transmission can be decoded at the serving sector in accordance with the assignment information at 610. The transmissions can also be decoded at neighboring sectors At reference numeral 612, a determination can be made as to whether the transmission was decoded correctly, either at the serving sector or at one υf the neighboring sectors. If the transmission was not decoded correctly at the serving sector or the neighboring sectors, the process ends. A negative acknowledgement can be sent to the terminal and the transmission from the terminal can be resent

[0079] If the transmission was correctly decoded, a determination can be made as to whether an acknowledgement was received from a neighboring sector at 614. If no. the transmission w as decoded by the serving sector and an acknowledgement can be generated at reference numeral 616. At reference numeral 618, an acknowledgement is transmitted to the terminal. Once the acknowledgement is received, the terminal can generate additional reverse link transmissions Af reference numeral 620, an acknowledgement is transmitted to other access points. The acknowledgement can be transmitted viu backhaul signaling or over the air. Other access points can terminate processing of the transmission upon receipt of the acknowledgement. [OOSO] If the transmission was decoded by another sector, the serving sector can terminate decoding of the transmission at reference numeral 622, At reference numeral.

624, in some aspects, the serving sector can obtain decoded data along with the acknowledgement. Additionally, the serving sector can send an acknowledgement to the terminal at reference numeral 626 Alternatively, the sector that decoded the transmission can send an acknowledgement to the terminal. fθOSlJ Referring now to Fig. 7, a methodology 700 for processing reverse link communications at a non-serving sector and compensating for backhaul delay is illustrated. At reference numeral 702, a sector can receive a reverse link transmission from a terminal not supported by the sector. The transmission data packets can be stored or maintained by the non-serving sector at reference numeral 704. At reference numeral 706, a determination is made as to whether the sector has received assignment information for the terminal that would allow the non-serving sector to decode the transmission. Assignment information can be received after the terminal has sent one or more reverse link transmissions due to backhaul signaling delay, [f the assignment information has not yet been received, the process can return to reference numeral 702, where additional transmission can be received

|0082 j If assignment information has been received, the non-serving sector can attempt to decode transmission based upon the assignment information at reference numeral 708 Hie sector can assume that only one sub-packet has been transmitted. At reference numeral 710, a determination can be made as to whether decoding was successful. If yes. an acknowledgement can be transmitted to the terminal and/or the serving sector at reference numeral 712, and the process terminates. If no, at 714, a determination can be made as to whether all buffered data from the terminal has been evaluated. If yes. the transmission cannot be decoded and the process terminates If no, not all the data has been utilized. At reference numeral 7 !(>. the number of sub-packets can be incremented and the process returns to reference numeral 708, where an attempt is made to decode using the incremented number of sub-packets. For example, the second attempt can assume that two sub-packets have been transmitted. f00S3| Turning now to Fig, 8, a methodology 800 for other sector communication is illustrated, At reference numeral 802, a terminal receives assignment information from a serving access point. The assignment information can be used by the terminal for reverse link transmissions. The terminal can process (e.#., encode and symbol map) input data in accordance with at least one communication parameter within the assignment information to generate output data at reference numeral 804.

The output data can be used to generate a transmission using the parameters) sent on a set of subbands indicated in the assignment information at reference numeral 806 At reference numeral St)8, the transmission can be sent \ιa the reverse link The tiansmission can be receh ed by the serving sector as well as additional proximate sectors, such as sectors within the active set of the terminal [0084] Aftei transmission, the terminal can wait foi an acknowledgement of successful receipt and decoding of the transmission At reference numeral 810. a determination can be made as to whether the transmission was successful Success may he determined based upon receipt of an acknowledgement (A€KHϊooi the sen ing sector or a neighboring secioi If the transmission was successful, the terminal can continue with additional transmissions If no acknowledgement is received, the terminal can assume that transmission was not successful based upon lack of acknowledgement within a predetermined time period. Alternatively, terminal can receive a negative acknowledgement (NAK) indicating failure to receive and decode the transmission at the serving sceioi If the transmission was not successfully received and decoded, the terrømal can resend the transmission at reference numeral 808 |0085| Turning now to Fig, 9, a methodology ^c >00 for pro\ iding for handoff is illustrated Handoff can be facilitated since the sector that will support the terminal has likely already received and possibly decoded transmissions from the terminal Consequently, the possibilit) of interruption of sen ice is minimized At reference numeral ^r >ø2, one or more terminals can be identified for soft handoff. For instance, a serving seetoi can detemiine thai a terminal supposed the sen ing seetoi h transit! on ing into another sector I he serving sector can transmit an instruction to the terminal directing handoff to a neighbor sector at reference numeral 004 I he neighbor sector can be one of the sectors within the active set maintained by the terminal Such neighbor sector would already have assignment information foi the terminal and would he able to receive and decode one or more transmissions while the terminal is still supported by the sen ing sector

[0086} At reference numeral 006. the serving sector can receive channel qualit} indicators) (CQi) and/or pilot transmissions from the access terminal The serving sector can decode the CQl and/or pilot transmissions at ieferencc numeral 90S At reference numeral 910, a determination can be made as to whether the new serving sector is properly identified If yes, the process terminates with handoff of the terminal

If no, the process can return to reference numeral 904 and the original serving sector can provide another handoff instruction to the terminal.

|0087| It will be appreciated that inferences can be made regarding transmission power, formats, frequencies, cfc. As used herein, the term to 'infer ^" or "inference" refers generally to the process of reasoning about or inferring states of the system, environment, and/or user from a set of observations as captured via events and/or data Inference can be employed to identify a specific context or action, or can generate a probability distribution over states, for example. The inference can be probabiiistic-lhat is, the computation of a probability distribution over states of interest based on a consideration of data and events. Inference can also refer to techniques employed for composing higher-level events from a set of events and/or data Such inference results in the construction of new events or actions from a set of observed events and/or stored event data, whether or not the events are correlated in close temporal proximity, and whether the events and data come from one or several event and data sources. J0088J According to an example, one or more methods presented above can include making inferences regarding identifying terminals for soft handoff Inferences can also be made identifying neighboring access points and the like. |00S9] Fig, 10 is an illustration of a terminal or user device 1000 that provides for other sector communication in a wireless communication environment in accordance with one or more aspects set forth herein Terminal 1 (XJO comprises a receiver 1 (XJ2 that receives a signal for instance one or more receive antennas, and performs typical actions (e.g., filters, amplifies, downconverts. t?ft\) the received signal and digitizes the conditioned signal to obtain samples. A demodulator 1004 can demodulate the samples and provide received pilot symbols to a processor 1006.

|0090 j Processor 1006 can be a processor dedicated to analyzing information received by receiver component 1002 and/or generating information for transmission by a transmitter 1014. Processor 1006 can be a processor that controls one or more components of terminal 1000, and/or a processor that analyzes information received by receiver 1002, generates information for transmission by a transmitter 1014, and controls one or more components of terminal 1000 Processor 1006 can utilize any of the methodologies described herein, including those described with respect to Figs. 4-9 10091] In addition, terminal 1000 can include a transmission control component

1008 that analyzes received input, including acknowledgements of successful

transmissions. Acknowledgements (ACK) can be received from the serving sector and/or a neighboring sector. Acknowledgements can indicate that a previous transmission has been successfully received and decoded by one of the access points. If no acknowledgement is received, or if a negative acknowledgement (NAK) is received, the transmission can be resent. Transmission control component 1008 can be incorporated into the processor 1006. U is to be appreciated thai transmission control component 1008 can include transmission control code that performs analysis in connection with determining receipt of acknowledgement. [0092 ] Terminal 1000 can additionally comprise memory SOiO that is operatively coupled to processor 1006 and that can store information related to transmissions, an active set of sectors, methods for controlling transmissions, lookup tables comprising information related thereto, and any other suitable information related to transmissions and active set sectors as described herein. It will be appreciated that the data store (e.g., memories) components described herein can be either volatile memory or nonvolatile memory, or can include both volatile and nonvolatile memory. By way of illustration, and not limitation, nonvolatile memory can include read only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM). electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM) ₅ or flash memory Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAKl), which acts as external cache memory By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available in many forms such as synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM) The memory 1010 of the subject systems and methods is intended to comprise, without being limited to. these and any other suitable types of memory. Processor 1006 is connected to a symbol modulator 1012 and transmitter 1014 that transmits the modulated signal. [0093] Fig. U is an illustration of a system UOO that facilitates other sector communication in a communication environment in accordance with various aspects. System 1 100 comprises an access point 1102 with a receiver 1 110 that receives signal(s) from one or more terminals 1104 through one or more receive antennas 1 106, and transmits to the one or more terminals 1 104 through a plurality of transmit antennas 1 108. Terminals 1 104 can include those terminals supported by the access point 1 102, as well as terminals 1 104 supported by neighboring sectors. In one or more aspects.

receive antennas 1 106 and transmit antennas 1 108 can be implemented using a single set of antennas. Receiver I H O can receive information from receive antennas 1106 and is operativcly associated with a demodulator 11 12 that demodulates received information. Receiver 1 1 10 can be, for example, a Rake receiver {e.g.. a technique that individually processes multi-path signal components using a plurality of baseband correlators, ). an MMSE-based receiver, or some other suitable receiver for separating out terminals assigned thereto, as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art. According to various aspects, multiple receivers can be employed {e.g., one per receive antenna), and such receivers can communicate with each other to provide improved estimates of user data. Demodulated symbols are analyzed by a processor 1 1 14 that is similar to the processor described above with regard to Fig. 10, and is coupled to a memory 1116 that stores information related to terminals, assigned resources associated with terminals and the like. Receiver output for each antenna can be jointly processed by receiver 1 1 10 anchor processor 1 114. A modulator 1 1 18 can multiplex the signal for transmission by a transmitter 1 120 through transmit antennas 1 1OS to terminals 1 104 [0094 j Access point 1 102 further comprises a terminal communication component 1 122, which can be a processor distinct from, or integral to, processor 1 1 14. Terminal communication component S 122 can obtain resource assignment information for terminals supported by neighboring sectors. In addition, terminal communication component 1122 can provide assignment information to neighboring sectors for terminals supported by access point 1 102. Assignment information can be provided via backhaul signaling.

{00951 Based upon information regarding assigned resources, terminal communication component 1 122 can direct detection of transmissions from terminals supported by neighboring sectors, as well as decoding of received transmissions. Memory 1 116 can maintain packets received from terminals prior to receipt of the assignment information necessary for decoding of packets. Terminal communication component 1 122 can also control transmission and receipt of acknowledgments indicating successful reception and decoding of transmissions. It is to be appreciated that terminal communication component 1 122 can include transmission analysis code that performs utility based control in connection with assigning resources, identifying terminals for soft handoff, decoding transmissions and the like. The terminal analysis code can utilize artificial intelligence based methods in connection with performing

inference and/or probabilistic determinations and/or statistical-based determinations in connection with optimizing terminal performance.

|0096J Fig, 12 shows an exemplary vvirciess communication system 1200. The wireless communication system 1000 depicts one terminal and two access points for sake of brevity. However, it is to be appreciated that the system can include one or more access point and/or more than one terminal, wherein additional access points and/or terminals can be substantially similar or different from the exemplary access points and terminal described below. In addition, it is to be appreciated that the access points and/or the terminal can employ the systems (Figs. 1-3, 10 and 1 1) and/or methods (Figs. 4-9) described herein.

[0097} Fig. 12 shows a block diagram of a terminal 1204, a serving access point

I202X point that supports terminal 1024 and a neighbor access point I202Y in multiple-access multi-carrier communication system 1200. At access point I 202X, a transmit (TX) data processor 1214 receives traffic data (i.e., information bits) from a data source 1212 and signaling and other information from a controller 1220 and a scheduler 1230. For example, scheduler 1230 may provide assignments of carriers for the terminals. Additionally, a memory 1222 can maintain information regarding current or previous assignments. TX data processor 1214 encodes and modulates the received data using multi-carrier modulation (e.g., OFDM) to provide modulated data (e.g., C)FDM symbols). A transmitter unit (TMTR) 1216 then processes the modulated data to generate a downlink modulated signal that is then transmitted from an antenna 12 ! 8, fø098J Prior to transmission of assignment information to terminal 1204, scheduler can provide assignment information to access point I2G2Y. The assignment information can be provided via backhau! signaling (e.g.. a Tl line) 1210. Alternatively, assignment information can be provided to access point 1202Y after transmission to terminal 1204.

J00991 At terminal 1204, the transmitted and modulated signal is received by an antenna 1252 and provided to a receiver unit (RCVR) 1254. Receiver unit 1254 processes and digitizes the received signal to provide samples. A received (RX) data processor 1256 then demodulates and decodes the samples to provide decoded data, which may include recovered traffic data, messages, signaling, and so on. The traffic data may be provided to a data sink 1258, and the carrier assignment information for the terminal 1204 is provided to a controller 1260,

[OOlOO] Controller i 260 directs data transmission on the uplink using the specific carriers that have been assigned to terminal 1204 and indicated in the received carrier assignment A memory ! 2d2 can maintain information regarding assigned resources (e.g., t τeqυeπc> , time and/or code) and other related information [00l01] For terminal 1204. a TX data processor 1274 receives traffic data from a data sous ee 1272 and signaling and otnei information ftom controller 1260 The various t>pes of data are coded and modulated by TX data processor 1274 using the assigned carriers and further processed by a transmitter unit 1276 to generate an uplink modulated signal that is then transmitted from antenna S 252 [00102] At access points 1202X and 1202Y, the transmitted and modulated signals from terminal 1204 are received b\ antenna 1218. processed by a receiver unit 1232, and demodulated and decoded b\ an KX data processor 1234 Transmitted signals can be decoded based upon assignment information generated by serving access point 1202X and provided to neighbor access point 1202 Y In addition, access points 1202X and 1202 Y can generate an acknowledgement (ACK) that can be provided to the other access point { 1202X or 1202Y) and or to terminal 1204 I he decoded signals can be provided to a data sink 1236 Receiver unit 1232 may estimate the received signal quality ie.g , the received signal-to-noise ratio (SMi)) for each terminal and provide this information to controller 1220 RX data processor 1234 provides the recovered feedback information for each terminal to controller 1220 and scheduler 1230 [00103] Scheduler 1230 uses the feedback information to perform a number of functions such as ( 1) selecting a set of terminals fot data transmission on the leveise link and (2) assigning carriers to the selected terminals The carrier assignments for the scheduled terminals are then transmitted on the forward link to these terminals [00104] The techniques described herein means

For example, these techniques may be implemented in hardware, softuaie, oi a combination thereof For a hardware implementation, the processing units (e g „ controllers 1220 and 1260, TX and RX processors 1214 and 1234, and so on) for these techniques may be implemented within one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices ( DSPDs), programmable logic devices {PI Ds) ₅ field piograrnmable gate arrays (FPGAs). processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described herein, or a combination thereof

[OOlO5] For a software implementation, the techniques described herein may be implemented with modules {e.g., procedures, functions, and so on) that perform the functions described herein The software codes may be stored in memory units and executed by processors The memory unit may be implemented within the processor or external to the processor, in which case it can be communicatively coupled to the processor via various means as is known in the art,

[00106] Referring now to Fig. 13, a system 1300 that facilitates other sector communication is illustrated. System 1300 can include a module 1302 for transmitting resource assignment to a terminal. System 1300 can utilize orthogonal frequency division multiplexing to support multiple terminals. In particular, the resource assignment can allocate a channel to a particular terminal, which will utilize the allocated channel for reverse link transmissions.

[OOIO7] System 1300 can also include a module 1304 for providing resource assignment information (e.g., the channel allocated to the terminal) to a neighboring sector. The neighboring sector can utilize the resource assignment information to detect, receive and decode reverse link transmission from the terminal. Processing of reverse Sink transmissions by neighboring sectors facilitates soft handoff of the terminal and allows for load balancing.

[00108] Turning now to Fig. 14, a more detailed block diagram of a system 1400 that facilitates other sector communication is illustrated System 1400 can include a module 1402 for scheduling terminals ) and assigning resources. Module 1402 can be responsible for managing channels or subcaπiers assigned to terminals within a sector Module 1404 can transmit an assignment signal to terminals, allocating resources System 1400 can also include a module 1406 for sending the assignment information to other access points. In particular, assignment information can be provided to access points that are included within the active set of the terminal. [00t09] System 1400 can include a module 1408 for receiving a reverse link transmission from the terminal and a module 1410 for decoding the reverse link transmission based upon the assigned resources for the terminal A module 1412 for generating an acknowledgement signal (ACK) can create an ACK when the reverse Sink transmission is successfully decoded System 1400 can include a module 1414 for sending the ACK to the terminal as well as a module 1416 for sending an ACK to other access points that may be processing the reverse Sink transmission.

fOOllOI Referring now to Fig. 15, a block diagram of a system i 500 that facilitates other sector communication is illustrated System 1500 can include a module 1502 for rcceix ing assignment information for a terminal supported by a neighboring sector and a module 1504 for receiving a icverse link transmission from the terminal λ module 1506 can decode the reverse link transmission based upon the received assignment information

|00111 J System 1500 can be capable of coordinating transmission processing with the neighboring sector Accordingly, system 1500 can πiclude a mυduie 150S foi generating an acknowledgment (ACK) indicating successful decoding of the transmission, a module 1 510 for sending the ACK to the terminal and a module 1512 for sending the ACK to the neighboring sector and am other access points that may be processing the transmission In addition, system 1500 can receive an ACK from another access point indicating successful decoding. According!} , system 1500 can include a module 1514 for terminating processing of the transmission upon receipt of an λCK

|00112| Turomg now to Fig. 16, a system 1600 that facilitates soft handoff of a terminal is illustrated System 1600 can include a module 1602 for identifying one or more terminals for handoff and a module 1604 for transmitting a handoff instruction to the identified terminal oi terminals Terminals can be identified based upon signal, location of the terminal or am other factors

|00U3] System 1600 can include a module 1606 for receiving a channel quality indicatoi (C^Qϊ) oi pilot signal Horn the terminal In addition, system 1600 can include a module 1608 for decoding CQl or pilots received from a terminal and determining if the terminal has identified the new sen mg sector If the serving sector is not correctly identified the handoff instruction can be retransmitted. føθl 14] Referring now to Fig. 17. a system 1700 thai provides for load distribution is illustrated System 1700 can include a module 1702 for receix ing a resource assignment from a serving access point and a module 1704 for generating output data for re\ erse link transmission based upon resources assigned Resource assignment can include resources such as time, frequency and/or code fOOI 15] System 1 700 can also include a module 1706 for sending the re\ erse link transmission The reverse link transmission can be recei\ ed at the serving access point as well as any neighboring access points After transmission system 1700 can wait for

an acknowledgement System 1700 can include a module 1708 for receiving an acknowledgement indicating that the reverse link transmission was successfully receix cά The acknowledgement can be receh cd ftom a reiving sector or a neighboring sector If no acknowledgement is received module 1706 can retransmit the reverse link transmission

[001 16] What has been described above includes examples of one or more aspects It is. of course, not possible to describe even conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the aforementioned aspects, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and aspects aie possible Accordingly, the described aspects are intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims Furthermore, to the extent that the term "includes ^" is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising" as "comprising" is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim