FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to transmitting both circuit- switched data and packet-switched data in a time division multiplex environment.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Variations of Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) systems, such as General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and Enhanced Data Rates for Global/ GSM Evolution (EDGE), allow transmission of both circuit- switched data and packet-switched data in different timeslots of a single block. When a mobile station supports the use of multiple timeslots, it needs to belong to a "multislot class" in order to properly communicate with GSM system infrastructure. The Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has defined Dual Transfer Mode (DTM) in 3GPP TS 43.055, which supports multislot classes up to class 11 in its latest version V6.8.0. Additional multislot classes for non-DTM capable mobile stations (up to multislot class 45) are defined in 3GPP TS 45.002 Annex B, reproduced in prior art FIG. 14. [0003] Various schemes, such as "dynamic allocation," "extended dynamic allocation," and "special extended dynamic allocation" have been proposed to support DTM multislot classes. However, it would be beneficial to modify existing DTM protocols to support multislot classes greater than 11 so that the additional multislot classes in 3GPP TS 45.002 Annex B can be extended and applied to DTM capable mobile stations. The various aspects, features and advantages of the disclosure will become more fully apparent to those having

ordinary skill in the art upon careful consideration of the following Drawings and accompanying Detailed Description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] FIG. 1 shows an example of an ongoing multislot class 12 dual transfer mode (DTM) transfer allowing a downlink circuit-switched timeslot, an uplink circuit-switched timeslot, and three uplink packet-switched timeslots in accordance with a first preferred embodiment. [0005] FIG. 2 shows an example of an ongoing multislot class 12 dual transfer mode (DTM) transfer allowing a downlink circuit-switched timeslot, an uplink circuit-switched timeslot, and two uplink packet-switched timeslots in accordance with a second preferred embodiment. [0006] FIG. 3 shows an example of an ongoing multislot class 12 dual transfer mode (DTM) transfer allowing a downlink circuit-switched timeslot, an uplink circuit-switched timeslot, and one uplink packet-switched timeslot in accordance with a third preferred embodiment. [0007] FIG. 4 shows an example of an ongoing multislot class 34 dual transfer mode (DTM) transfer allowing a downlink circuit-switched timeslot, an uplink circuit-switched timeslot, and four uplink packet-switched timeslots in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment. [0008] FIG. 5 shows an example of an ongoing multislot class 34 dual transfer mode (DTM) transfer allowing a downlink circuit-switched timeslot, an uplink circuit-switched timeslot, and three uplink packet-switched timeslots in accordance with a fifth preferred embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 6 shows an example of an ongoing multislot class 34 dual transfer mode (DTM) transfer allowing a downlink circuit-switched timeslot, an uplink circuit-switched timeslot, and two uplink packet-switched timeslots in accordance with a sixth preferred embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 7 shows an example of an ongoing multislot class 34 dual transfer mode (DTM) transfer allowing a downlink circuit-switched timeslot, an uplink circuit-switched timeslot, and one uplink packet-switched timeslot in accordance with a seventh preferred embodiment. [0011] FIG. 8 shows an example of an ongoing multislot class 33 or 34 DTM transfer allowing a downlink circuit-switched timeslot, an uplink circuit-switched timeslot, three uplink packet-switched timeslots, and one downlink packet-switched timeslot in accordance with an eighth preferred embodiment. [0012] FIG. 9 shows an example of an ongoing multislot class 33 or 34 DTM transfer allowing a downlink circuit-switched timeslot, an uplink circuit-switched timeslot, two uplink packet-switched timeslots and one downlink packet-switched timeslot in accordance with a ninth preferred embodiment. [0013] FIG. 10 shows an example of an ongoing multislot class 33 or 34 DTM transfer allowing a downlink circuit-switched timeslot, an uplink circuit-switched timeslot, one uplink packet-switched timeslot, and one downlink packet-switched timeslot in accordance with a tenth preferred embodiment. [0014] FIG. 11 shows an example of an ongoing multislot class 33 or 34 DTM transfer allowing a downlink circuit-switched timeslot, an uplink circuit-switched timeslot, no uplink packet-switched timeslots, and one downlink packet-switched timeslot in accordance with an eleventh preferred embodiment. [0015] FIG. 12 shows an exemplary simplified block diagram of a mobile station capable of implementing the DTM transfers shown in FIGs. 1-11. [0016] FIG. 13 shows an exemplary flowchart for implementing the DTM transfers shown in FIGs. 1-11 in the mobile station shown in FIG. 12.

[0017] FIG. 14 is a prior art chart showing the forty-five multislot classes currently in 3GPP TS 45.002 Annex B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] A method for uplink resource allocation in dual transfer mode in a mobile station includes receiving an uplink state flag (USF) during a circuit switched downlink timeslot, decoding a number N of packet-switched timeslots available during a next uplink period, switching to transfer mode, and transmitting on N packet-switched timeslots in the next uplink period. By incorporating a USF into a circuit-switched timeslot, only one downlink timeslot is required (e.g., a combined circuit-switched and USF timeslot) as opposed to requiring two timeslots (e.g., a circuit-switched timeslot and a timeslot for the USF). The uplink state flag can be implemented as a training sequence for a circuit-switched timeslot in accordance with 3GPP TS 45.002 section 5.2.3. If the number N is less than the maximum allowable packet- switched timeslots available during the next uplink period, the mobile station "listens" on the first free timeslot of the next downlink period (which immediately follows the circuit-switched timeslot of the next downlink period) before switching to transfer mode and transmitting on the latter N available packet-switched timeslots.

[0019] FIG. 1 shows an example 100 of an ongoing multislot class 12 dual transfer mode (DTM) transfer allowing a downlink circuit-switched timeslot, an uplink circuit-switched timeslot, and three uplink packet-switched timeslots in accordance with a first preferred embodiment. According to 3GPP TS 45.002 Annex B, reproduced in prior art FIG. 14, multislot class 12 has a maximum number (Rx) of four transmit timeslots. Additionally, Annex B specifies that the time needed for a mobile station to get ready to transmit

(Ttb) is equivalent to 1 timeslot, and the time needed for a mobile station to get ready to receive (T _ra ) is equivalent to 2 timeslots.

[0020] FIG. 1 shows a GSM receive stream 103 with a block n 110 of eight timeslots 0-7 and one subsequent block n+1 143. For the sake of clarity, other receive blocks are not shown. Each receive block has a circuit-switched timeslot 120 on timeslot 3. Also shown is a GSM transmit stream 106 with a block n+1 150 of eight timeslots 0-7 and one previous block n 146. For the sake of clarity, other transmit blocks are not shown. Each transmit block also has a circuit-switched timeslot 160 on timeslot 3. Note that the transmit stream 106 is offset from the receive stream 103 such that timeslot 0 of the transmit stream 106 is aligned with the circuit-switched timeslot 120 of its equivalent block in the receive stream 103. For the duration of the communication session in this example, a dedicated voice channel will be implemented on the circuit-switched timeslot 3 of both the transmit and receive streams. In this example, a base station in communication with the mobile station performing the multislot class 12 DTM transfer allocates uplink timeslots 2, 4, and 5 as packet-switched timeslots in a first assignment allocation. Note that the maximum number of uplink timeslots (Tx) is four in multislot class 12, and the four timeslots include the single circuit-switched timeslot 3 and up to three packet-switched timeslots 2, 4, and 5.

[0021] During the circuit-switched timeslot 120, the base station in communication with the mobile station performing the multislot class 12 DTM transfer sends an uplink state flag (USF) 130 to inform the mobile station of which timeslots to use to transfer packet-switched data in the next uplink block n+1 150. In this example, the USF 130 indicates that three uplink packet-switched timeslots are allowed. This would be the maximum number of uplink packet-switched timeslots allowed in multislot class 12. Thus, in the next uplink block n+1 150, the mobile station sends packet-switched data on all the allocated packet-switched timeslots 186, 184, 182. Note that no

transmission can be made during downlink timeslot 4 (uplink timeslot 1) because multislot class 12 dictates that time period Ttb 140 is required to switch the mobile station from receive mode to transmit mode. Also, no transmission can be made during uplink timeslots 6-7 (downlink timeslots 1- 2) because multislot class 12 dictates that time period T _ra 170 is required to switch the mobile station from transmit mode to receive mode. [0022] The USF 130 is transmitted on the downlink circuit-switched timeslot of the dedicated voice channel as one or more training sequences in accordance with 3GPP TS 45.002 section 5.2.3, which specifies eight training code sequences. Thus, each training code sequence can also be used to provide a USF with a value (N) that indicates how many packet-switched timeslots are available to the mobile station during the next block period. In this example, a USF 130 with N=3 is received during block n 110 of the downlink stream 103 and thus the mobile station transmits on all three available uplink packet-switched timeslots 186, 184, 182 of the next block n+1 150 in the uplink stream 106. Note that in this situation where the maximum number of uplink packet-switched timeslots are used, there is no opportunity for the mobile station to receive signaling data over a downlink timeslot; however, the next two embodiments provide examples where the mobile station can receive signaling data over a downlink timeslot.

[0023] FIG. 2 shows an example 200 of an ongoing multislot class 12 dual transfer mode (DTM) transfer allowing a downlink circuit-switched timeslot, an uplink circuit-switched timeslot, and two uplink packet-switched timeslots in accordance with a second preferred embodiment. Like FIG. 1, FIG. 2 shows a GSM receive stream 203 with a block n 210 of eight timeslots 0-7 and one subsequent block n+1 243. For the sake of clarity, other receive blocks are not shown. Each receive block has a circuit-switched timeslot 220 on timeslot 3. Also shown is a GSM transmit stream 206 with a block n+1 250 of eight timeslots 0-7 and one previous block n 246. For the sake of clarity, other

transmit blocks are not shown. Each transmit block also has a circuit-switched timeslot 260 on timeslot 3. Note that the transmit stream 206 is offset from the receive stream 203 such that timeslot 0 of the transmit stream 206 is aligned with the timeslot 3 of its equivalent block in the receive stream 203. For the duration of the communication session in this example, a dedicated voice channel will be implemented on the circuit-switched timeslot 3 of both the transmit and receive streams. In this example, a base station in communication with the mobile station performing the multislot class 12 DTM transfer allocates uplink timeslots 2, 4, and 5 as packet-switched timeslots in a first assignment allocation.

[0024] During the circuit-switched timeslot 220, the base station sends an uplink state flag (USF) 230 to inform the mobile station of which timeslots to use to transfer packet-switched data in the next uplink block n+1 250. In this example, the USF 230 indicates that two uplink packet-switched timeslots are allowed. This would be less than the maximum number of uplink packet- switched timeslots allowed in multislot class 12. In this situation, the mobile station "listens" for signaling data on the timeslot 290 following the circuit- switched timeslot 3 of the next receive block n+1 243 before switching from receive mode to transmit mode during time period Ttb 240, before transmitting on circuit-switched timeslot 3 260 and packet-switched timeslots 284, 282 before switching back to receive mode during time period T _ra 270. Note that, when fewer than the maximum number of slots (Sum, shown in FIG. 14) for a particular multislot class is available according to the number N of the USF, packet-switched data is sent on the latter timeslots of the next block 250. This allows the mobile station to "listen" for signaling data an earlier timeslot of the next block 243.

[0025] As in FIG. 1, the USF 230 is transmitted on the downlink circuit- switched timeslot of the dedicated voice channel as one or more training sequences in accordance with 3GPP TS 45.002 section 5.2.3. A value (N)

encoded into the USF 230 indicates how many packet-switched timeslots are available to the mobile station during the next block period. In this example, a USF 230 with N=2 is received during block n 210 of the downlink stream 203 and thus the mobile station "listens" during the first available downlink timeslot 290 of the next downlink block 243 and transmits on the other two available uplink packet-switched timeslots 284, 282 of the next block n+1 250 in the uplink stream 206.

[0026] FIG. 3 shows an example 300 of an ongoing multislot class 12 dual transfer mode (DTM) transfer allowing a downlink circuit-switched timeslot, an uplink circuit-switched timeslot, and one uplink packet-switched timeslot in accordance with a third preferred embodiment. Like FIG. 1, FIG. 3 shows a GSM receive stream 303 with a block n 310 of eight timeslots 0-7 and one subsequent block n+1 343. For the sake of clarity, other receive blocks are not shown. Each receive block has a circuit-switched timeslot 320 on timeslot 3. Also shown is a GSM transmit stream 306 with a block n+1 350 of eight timeslots 0-7 and one previous block n 346. For the sake of clarity, other transmit blocks are not shown. Each transmit block also has a circuit-switched timeslot 360 on timeslot 3. For the duration of the communication session in this example, a dedicated voice channel will be implemented on the circuit- switched timeslot 3 of both the transmit and receive streams. Also, a base station in communication with the mobile station performing the multislot class 12 DTM transfer allocates uplink timeslots 2, 4, and 5 as packet-switched timeslots in a first assignment allocation. [0027] During the downlink circuit-switched timeslot 320, the base station sends an uplink state flag (USF) 330 to inform the mobile station of which timeslots to use to transfer packet-switched data in the next uplink block n+1 350. In this example, the USF 330 has a value (N) equal to 1, which indicates that one uplink packet-switched timeslot is allowed. This would be less than the maximum number of uplink packet-switched timeslots allowed in

multistat class 12. In this situation, the mobile station "listens" for signaling data on the timeslot 390 following the circuit-switched timeslot 3 of the next receive block n+1 343 before switching from receive mode to transmit mode during time period Ttb 340, before transmitting on circuit-switched timeslot 3 360 and packet-switched timeslot 382 before switching back to receive mode during time period T _ra 370.

[0028] As in FIG. 1, the USF 330 is transmitted on the downlink circuit- switched timeslot of the dedicated voice channel as one or more training sequences. In this example, a USF 330 with N=I is received during block n 310 of the downlink stream 303 and thus the mobile station "listens" during the first available downlink timeslot 390 of the next downlink block 343 and transmits on the last of the two available uplink packet-switched timeslots 382 of the next block n+1 350 in the uplink stream 306. When fewer than the maximum number of slots (Sum, shown in FIG. 14) for a particular multislot class is available according to the number N of the USF, packet-switched data is sent on the latter timeslots of the next block 350. This allows the mobile station to "listen" for signaling data an earlier timeslot of the next block 343. [0029] FIG. 4 shows an example 400 of an ongoing multislot class 34 dual transfer mode (DTM) transfer allowing a downlink circuit-switched timeslot, an uplink circuit-switched timeslot, and four uplink packet-switched timeslots in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment. According to 3GPP TS 45.002 Annex B, reproduced in prior art FIG. 14, multislot class 34 has a maximum number (Rx) of five transmit timeslots. Additionally, Annex B specifies that the time needed for a mobile station to get ready to transmit (Ttb) is equivalent to 1 timeslot, and the time needed for a mobile station to get ready to receive (T _ra ) is equivalent to 1 timeslot.

[0030] FIG. 4 shows a GSM receive stream 403 with a block n 410 of eight timeslots 0-7 and one subsequent block n+1 443. For the sake of clarity, other receive blocks are not shown. Each receive block has a circuit-switched

timeslot 420 on timeslot 3. Also shown is a GSM transmit stream.406 with a block n+1 450 of eight timeslots 0-7 and one previous block n 446. For the sake of clarity, other transmit blocks are not shown. Each transmit block also has a circuit-switched timeslot 460 on timeslot 3. Note that the transmit stream 406 is offset from the receive stream 403 such that timeslot 0 of the transmit stream 406 is aligned with the timeslot 3 of its equivalent block in the receive stream 403. For the duration of the communication session in this example, a dedicated voice channel will be implemented on the circuit-switched timeslot 3 of both the transmit and receive streams. Also, a base station in communication with the mobile station performing the multislot class 34 DTM transfer allocates uplink timeslots 2, 4, 5, and 6 as packet-switched timeslots in a first assignment allocation. Note that the maximum number of uplink timeslots (Tx) is five in multislot class 34, and the five slots include the single circuit-switched timeslot 1 and up to four packet-switched timeslots 2, 4, 5, and 6.

[0031] During the circuit-switched timeslot 420, the base station in communication with the mobile station performing the multislot class 34 DTM transfer sends an uplink state flag (USF) 430 to inform the mobile station of which timeslots to use to transfer packet-switched data in the next uplink block n+1450. In this example, the USF 430 indicates that four uplink packet-switched timeslots are allowed. This would be the maximum number of uplink packet-switched timeslots allowed in multislot class 34. Thus, in the next uplink block n+1450, the mobile station sends packet-switched data on all the allocated packet-switched timeslots 488, 486, 484, 482. Note that no transmission can be made during downlink timeslot 4 (uplink timeslot 1) because multislot class 34 dictates that time period Ttb 440 is required to switch the mobile station from receive mode to transmit mode. Also, no transmission can be made during uplink timeslot 7 (downlink timeslot 2)

because multistat class 34 dictates that time period T _ra 470 is required to switch the mobile station from transmit mode to receive mode. [0032] The USF 430 is transmitted on the downlink circuit-switched timeslot of the dedicated voice channel as one or more training sequences in accordance with 3GPP TS 45.002 section 5.2.3., which specifies eight training code sequences. Thus, each training code sequence can also be used to provide a USF with a value (N) that indicates how many packet-switched timeslots are available to the mobile station during the next block period. In this example, a USF 430 with N=4 is received during block n 410 of the downlink stream 403 and thus the mobile station transmits on all four available uplink packet-switched timeslots 488, 486, 484, 482 of the next block n+1 450 in the uplink stream 406.

[0033] FIG. 5 shows an example 500 of an ongoing multistat class 34 dual transfer mode (DTM) transfer allowing a downlink circuit-switched timeslot, an uplink circuit-switched timeslot, and three uplink packet-switched timeslots in accordance with a fifth preferred embodiment. Like FIG.4, FIG.5 shows a GSM receive stream 503 with a block n 510 of eight timeslots 0-7 and one subsequent block n+1 543. For the sake of clarity, other receive blocks are not shown. Each receive block has a circuit-switched timeslot 520 on timeslot 3. Also shown is a GSM transmit stream 506 with a block n+1 550 of eight timeslots 0-7 and one previous block n 546. For the sake of clarity, other transmit blocks are not shown. Each transmit block also has a circuit-switched timeslot 560 on timeslot 3. Note that the transmit stream 506 is offset from the receive stream 503 such that timeslot 0 of the transmit stream 506 is aligned with the circuit-switched timeslot 520 of its equivalent block in the receive stream 503. For the duration of the communication session in this example, a dedicated voice channel will be implemented on the circuit-switched timeslot 3 of both the transmit and receive streams. Also, a base station in communication with the mobile station performing the multistat class 34

DTM transfer allocates uplink timeslots 2, 4, 5, and 6 as packet-switched timeslots in a first assignment allocation.

[0034] During the circuit-switched timeslot 520, the base station in communication with the mobile station performing the multislot class 34 DTM transfer sends an uplink state flag (USF) 530 to inform the mobile station of which timeslots to use to transfer packet-switched data in the next uplink block n+1 550. In this example, the USF 530 indicates that three uplink packet-switched timeslots are allowed. This would be less than the maximum number of uplink packet-switched timeslots allowed in multislot class 34. In this situation, the mobile station "listens" for signaling data on the timeslot 590 following the circuit-switched timeslot 3 of the next receive block n+1 543 before switching from receive mode to transmit mode during time period Ttb 540, and then transmits on circuit-switched timeslot 3560 and packet- switched timeslots 586, 584, 582 before switching back to receive mode during time period Tra 570.

[0035] As in FIG.4, the USF 530 is transmitted on the downlink circuit- switched timeslot of the dedicated voice channel as one or more training sequences in accordance with 3GPP TS 45.002 section 5.2.3, which specifies eight training code sequences. Thus, each training code sequence can also be used to provide a USF with a value (N) encoded into the USF 530 that indicates how many packet-switched timeslots are available to the mobile station during the next block period. In this example, a USF 530 with N=3 is received during block n 510 of the downlink stream 503 and thus the mobile station "listens" during the first available downlink timeslot 590 in the next block n+1 543 and transmits on the other three available uplink packet- switched timeslots 586, 584, 582 of the next block n+1 550 in the uplink stream 506. When fewer than the maximum number of slots (Sum, shown in FIG. 14) for a particular multislot class is available according to the number N of the USF, packet-switched data is sent on the latter timeslots of the next block 550.

This allows the mobile station to "listen" for signaling data an earlier timeslot of the next block 543.

[0036] FIG. 6 shows an example 600 of an ongoing multislot class 34 dual transfer mode (DTM) transfer allowing a downlink circuit-switched timeslot, an uplink circuit-switched timeslot, and two uplink packet-switched timeslots in accordance with a sixth preferred embodiment. Like FIG. 4, FIG. 6 shows a GSM receive stream 603 with a block n 610 of eight timeslots 0-7 and one subsequent block n+1 643. For the sake of clarity, other receive blocks are not shown. Each receive block has a circuit-switched timeslot 620 on timeslot 3. Also shown is a GSM transmit stream 606 with a block n+1 650 of eight timeslots 0-7 and one previous block n 646. For the sake of clarity, other transmit blocks are not shown. Each transmit block also has a circuit-switched timeslot 660 on timeslot 3. Note that the transmit stream 606 is offset from the receive stream 603 such that timeslot 0 of the transmit stream 606 is aligned with timeslot 3 of its equivalent block in the receive stream 603. For the duration of the communication session in this example, a dedicated voice channel will be implemented on the circuit-switched timeslot 3 of both the transmit and receive streams. Also, a base station in communication with the mobile station performing the multislot class 34 DTM transfer allocates uplink timeslots 2, 4, 5, and 6 as packet-switched timeslots in a first assignment allocation.

[0037] During the circuit-switched timeslot 620, the base station sends an uplink state flag (USF) 630 to inform the mobile station of which timeslots to use to transfer packet-switched data in the next uplink block n+1 650. In this example, the USF 630 indicates that two uplink packet-switched timeslots are allowed. This would be less than the maximum number of uplink packet- switched timeslots allowed in multislot class 34. In this situation, the mobile station "listens" for signaling data on the timeslot 690 following the circuit- switched timeslot 3 of the next receive block n+1 643 before switching from

receive mode to transmit mode during time period Ttb 640, before transmitting on circuit-switched timeslot 3 660 and the latter two packet- switched timeslots 684, 682 before switching back to receive mode during time period T _ra 670. [0038] As in FIG. 4, the USF 630 is transmitted on the downlink circuit- switched timeslot of the dedicated voice channel as one or more training sequences in accordance with 3GPP TS 45.002 section 5.2.3. A value (N) encoded into the USF 630 indicates how many packet-switched timeslots are available to the mobile station during the next block period. In this example, a USF 630 with N=2 is received during block n 610 of the downlink stream 603 and thus the mobile station "listens" during the first available downlink timeslot 690 and transmits on the latter two available uplink packet-switched timeslots 684, 682 of the next block n+1 650 in the uplink stream 606. When fewer than the maximum number of slots (Sum, shown in FIG. 14) for a particular multislot class is available according to the number N of the USF, packet-switched data is sent on the latter timeslots of the next block 650. This allows the mobile station to "listen" for signaling data an earlier timeslot of the next block 643. [0039] FIG. 7 shows an example 700 of an ongoing multislot class 34 dual transfer mode (DTM) transfer allowing a downlink circuit-switched timeslot, an uplink circuit-switched timeslot, and one uplink packet-switched timeslot in accordance with a seventh preferred embodiment. Like FIG. 4, FIG. 7 shows a GSM receive stream 703 with a block n 710 of eight timeslots 0-7 and one subsequent block n+1 743. Each receive block has a circuit-switched timeslot 720 on timeslot 3. Also shown is a GSM transmit stream 706 with a block n+1 750 of eight timeslots 0-7 and one previous block n 746. Each transmit block also has a circuit-switched timeslot 760 on timeslot 3. For the duration of the communication session in this example, a dedicated voice channel will be implemented on the circuit-switched timeslot 3 of both the

transmit and receive streams. Also, a base station in communication with the mobile station performing the multislot class 34 DTM transfer allocates uplink timeslots 2, 4, 5, and 6 as packet-switched timeslots in a first assignment allocation. [0040] During the circuit-switched timeslot 720, the base station sends an uplink state flag (USF) 730 to inform the mobile station of which timeslots to use to transfer packet-switched data in the next uplink block n+1 750. In this example, the USF 730 indicates that one uplink packet-switched timeslot is allowed. This would be less than the maximum number of uplink packet- switched timeslots allowed in multislot class 34. In this situation, the mobile station "listens" for signaling data on the timeslot 790 following the circuit- switched timeslot 3 of the next receive block n+1 743 before switching from receive mode to transmit mode during time period Ttb 740, before transmitting on circuit-switched timeslot 3 760 and packet-switched timeslot 782 of block 750 before switching back to receive mode during time period T _ra 770.

[0041] As in FIG. 4, the USF 730 is transmitted on the downlink circuit- switched timeslot of the dedicated voice channel as one or more training sequences. In this example, a USF 730 with N=I is received during block n 710 of the downlink stream 703 and thus the mobile station "listens" during the first available downlink timeslot 790 and transmits on the last of the three remaining uplink packet-switched timeslots 782 of the next block n+1 750 in the uplink stream 706. When fewer than the maximum number of slots (Sum, shown in FIG. 14) for a particular multislot class is available according to the number N of the USF, packet-switched data is sent on the latter timeslots of the next block 750. This allows the mobile station to "listen" for signaling data an earlier timeslot of the next block 743.

[0042] FIG. 8 shows an example 800 of an ongoing multislot class 33 or 34 DTM transfer allowing a downlink circuit-switched timeslot, an uplink

circuit-switched timeslot, three uplink packet-switched timeslots, and one downlink packet-switched timeslot in accordance with an eighth preferred embodiment. Similar to FIG. 5, FIG. 8 shows a GSM receive stream 803 with a block n 810 of eight timeslots 0-7 and one subsequent block n+1 843. Each receive block has a circuit-switched timeslot 820 on timeslot 3 and a packet- switched timeslot 890 on timeslot 4. In contrast with FIG. 5, the downlink packet-switched timeslots 890 are permanently allocated during each block 810, 843 rather than optional. Also shown is a GSM transmit stream 806 with a block n+1 850 of eight timeslots 0-7 and one previous block n 846. Each transmit block also has a circuit-switched timeslot 860 on timeslot 3. Note that the transmit stream 806 is offset from the receive stream 803 such that timeslot 0 of the transmit stream 806 is aligned with timeslot 3 of its equivalent block in the receive stream 803. For the duration of the communication session in this example, a dedicated voice channel will be implemented on the circuit- switched timeslot 3 of both the transmit and receive streams. For the duration of the communication session in this example, a downlink data transfer will be implemented on the packet-switched timeslot 4 of the receive stream 803. Also, an uplink data transfer can be implemented on uplink timeslots 4, 5, and 6. [0043] During the circuit-switched timeslot 820, the base station in communication with the mobile station performing the multislot class 33 or 34 DTM transfer sends an uplink state flag (USF) 830 to inform the mobile station of which timeslots to use to transfer packet-switched data in the next uplink block n+1 850. In this example, the USF 830 indicates that three uplink packet-switched timeslots are allowed. This would be the maximum number of uplink packet-switched timeslots allowed by the first assignment allocation of the base station. With respect to multislot classes 33 and 34, three uplink packet-switched timeslots plus the dedicated downlink packet-switched timeslot plus the two dedicated circuit-switched timeslots results in the

maximum allowed number of downlink plus uplink slots (Sum = 6 as shown in FIG.14). In this situation, the mobile station "listens" for packet-switched data potentially including signaling data on timeslot 4890 before switching from receive mode to transmit mode during time period TA 840, and then transmits on circuit-switched timeslot 3 860 and packet-switched timeslots 886, 884, 882 before switching back to receive mode during time period T _ra 870.

[0044] As in FIG. 5, the USF 830 is transmitted on the downlink circuit- switched timeslot of the dedicated voice channel as one or more training sequences in accordance with 3GPP TS 45.002 section 5.2.3. A value (N) encoded into the USF 830 indicates how many packet-switched timeslots are available to the mobile station during the next block period. In this example, a USF 830 with N=3 is received during block n 810 of the downlink stream 803. Thus the mobile station transmits on the three available uplink packet- switched timeslots 886, 884, 882 of the next block n+1 850 in the uplink stream 806.

[0045] FIG. 9 shows an example 900 of an ongoing multislot class 33 or 34 DTM transfer allowing a downlink circuit-switched timeslot, an uplink circuit-switched timeslot, two uplink packet-switched timeslots and one downlink packet-switched timeslot in accordance with a ninth preferred embodiment. Like FIG. 8, FIG. 9 shows a GSM receive stream 903 with a block n 910 of eight timeslots 0-7 and one subsequent block n+1 943. Each receive block has a circuit-switched timeslot 920 on timeslot 3 and a packet-switched timeslot 990 on timeslot 4. In contrast with FIG. 5, the downlink packet- switched timeslots 990 are permanently allocated during each block 910, 943 rather than optional. Also shown is a GSM transmit stream 906 with a block n+1 950 of eight timeslots 0-7 and one previous block n 946. Each transmit block also has a circuit-switched timeslot 960 on timeslot 3. Note that the transmit stream 906 is offset from the receive stream 903. For the duration of

the communication session in this example, a dedicated voice channel will be implemented on the circuit-switched timeslot 3 of both the transmit and receive streams. For the duration of the communication session in this example, a downlink data transfer will be implemented on the packet- switched timeslot 4 of the receive stream 903. Also, an uplink data transfer can be implemented on uplink timeslots 4, 5 and 6.

[0046] During the circuit-switched timeslot 920 of downlink block 910, the base station in communication with the mobile station performing the multislot class 33 or 34 DTM transfer sends an uplink state flag (USF) 930 to inform the mobile station of which timeslots to use to transfer packet- switched data in the next uplink block n+1 950. In this example, the USF 930 indicates that two uplink packet-switched timeslots are allowed. This would be less than the maximum number of uplink packet-switched timeslots allowed by the first assignment allocation of the base station. In this situation, the mobile station "listens" for packet-switched data (potentially including signaling data) on the timeslot 4990 following the circuit-switched timeslot 3 of the next receive block n+1 943 before switching from receive mode to transmit mode during time period Ttb 940, before transmitting on circuit- switched timeslot 3 960 and packet-switched timeslots 984, 982 before switching back to receive mode during time period T _ra 970. Although the mobile station already "listens" for downlink data during a timeslot 990 of the next block 943, this example still shows the transmission of data on the latter available timeslots of the next uplink block 950. [0047] As in FIG. 8, the USF 930 is transmitted on the downlink circuit- switched timeslot of the dedicated voice channel as one or more training sequences in accordance with 3GPP TS 45.002 section 5.2.3. A value (N) encoded into the USF 930 indicates how many packet-switched timeslots are available to the mobile station during the next block period. In this example, a USF 930 with N=2 is received during block n 910 of the downlink stream 903.

Thus the mobile station transmits on the latter two timeslots 984, 982 of the three available uplink packet-switched timeslots of the next block n+1 950 in the uplink stream 906.

[0048] FIG. 10 shows an example 1000 of an ongoing multislot class 33 or 34 DTM transfer allowing a downlink circuit-switched timeslot, an uplink circuit-switched timeslot, one uplink packet-switched timeslot, and one downlink packet-switched timeslot in accordance with a tenth preferred embodiment. Like FIG. 8, FIG. 10 shows a GSM receive stream 1003 with a block n 1010 of eight timeslots 0-7 and one subsequent block n+1 1043. Each receive block has a circuit-switched timeslot 1020 on timeslot 3 and a packet- switched timeslot 1090 on timeslot 4. Also shown is a GSM transmit stream 1006 with a block n+1 1050 of eight timeslots 0-7 and one previous block n 1046. Each transmit block also has a circuit-switched timeslot 1060 on timeslot 3. For the duration of the communication session in this example, a dedicated voice channel will be implemented on the circuit-switched timeslot 3 of both the transmit and receive streams. For the duration of the communication session in this example, a downlink data transfer will be implemented on the packet-switched timeslot 4 of the receive stream 1003. Also, an uplink data transfer can be implemented on uplink timeslots 4, 5 and 6. [0049] During the circuit-switched timeslot 1020, the base station in communication with the mobile station performing the multislot class 33 or 34 DTM transfer sends an uplink state flag (USF) 1030 to inform the mobile station of which timeslots to use to transfer packet-switched data in the next uplink block n+1 1050. In this example, the USF 1030 indicates that one uplink packet-switched timeslot is allowed. This would be less than the maximum number of uplink packet-switched timeslots allowed by the first assignment allocation of the base station. In this situation, the mobile station "listens" for packet-switched data potentially including signaling data on the timeslot 4 1090 of the next downlink block 1043 before switching from receive mode to

transmit mode during time period Ttb 1040, before transmitting on circuit- switched timeslot 31060 and packet-switched timeslot 1082 before switching back to receive mode during time period T _ra 1070.

[0050] As in FIG. 8, the USF 1030 is transmitted on the downlink circuit- switched timeslot of the dedicated voice channel as one or more training sequences in accordance with 3GPP TS 45.002 section 5.2.3. A value (N) encoded into the USF 1030 indicates how many packet-switched timeslots are available to the mobile station during the next block period. In this example, a USF 1030 with N=I is received during block n 1010 of the downlink stream 1003 and thus the mobile station transmits on the last timeslot 1082 of the three available uplink packet-switched timeslots of the next block n+1 1050 in the uplink stream 1006. Although the mobile station already "listens" for downlink data during a timeslot 1090 of the next block 1043, this example still shows the transmission of data on the latter available timeslots of the next uplink block 1050.

[0051] FIG. 11 shows an example 1100 of an ongoing multislot class 33 or 34 DTM transfer allowing a downlink circuit-switched timeslot, an uplink circuit-switched timeslot, no uplink packet-switched timeslots, and one downlink packet-switched timeslot in accordance with an eleventh preferred embodiment. This example is applicable to situations where (1) a USF is received with N=O; (2) a received USF is not decoded properly; or (3) no USF is received. By not allowing uplink packet-switched timeslots in these situations, the mobile station only transmits when it understand that it has been granted the right to transmit. If a received USF is not decoded properly (i.e., the mobile station had a right to transmit but did not), dynamic allocation allows the base station to retransmit the same USF in the next available downlink block.

[0052] Like FIG. 8, FIG. 11 shows a GSM receive stream 1103 with a block n 1110 of eight timeslots 0-7 and one subsequent block n+1 1143. Each receive

block has a circuit-switched timeslot 1120 on timeslot 3 and a packet-switched timeslot 1190 on timeslot 4. Also shown is a GSM transmit stream 1106 with a block n+1 1150 of eight timeslots 0-7 and one previous block n 1146. Each transmit block also has a circuit-switched timeslot 1160 on timeslot 3. For the duration of the communication session in this example, a dedicated voice channel will be implemented on the circuit-switched timeslot 3 of both the transmit and receive streams. For the duration of the communication session in this example, a downlink data transfer will be implemented on the packet- switched timeslot 4 of the receive stream 1103. Also, an uplink data transfer can be implemented on uplink timeslots 4, 5 and 6.

[0053] During the circuit-switched timeslot 1120, the base station in communication with the mobile station performing the multislot class 33 or 34 DTM transfer sends an uplink state flag (USF) 1130 to inform the mobile station of which timeslots to use to transfer packet-switched data in the next uplink block n+1 1150. In this example, the USF 1130 indicates that no uplink packet-switched timeslot is allowed. This example 1100 is useful when the uplink timeslots are reserved for another mobile station. Alternately, the USF 1130 many indicate a non-zero number of allowable uplink packet-switched timeslots, but the mobile station does not properly receive or decode the USF 1130.

[0054] As in FIG. 8, the USF 1130 is transmitted on the downlink circuit- switched timeslot of the dedicated voice channel as one or more training sequences in accordance with 3GPP TS 45.002 section 5.2.3. A value (N) encoded into the USF 1130 indicates how many packet-switched timeslots are available to the mobile station during the next block period. In this example, a USF 1130 with N=O is received during block n 1110 of the downlink stream 1103 and thus the mobile station "listens" for packet-switched data on timeslot 1190 in block 1143, switches from receive mode to transmit mode during time period Ttb 1140, transmits on circuit-switched timeslot 31160 of

block 1150, but does not transmit on any of the three available uplink packet- switched timeslots 4, 5, or 6 of block n+1 1150 in the uplink stream 1106 and simply switches back to receive mode during time period T _ra 1170. [0055] If the base station does not send a USF during the circuit-switched downlink timeslot 1120, or the USF 1130 is improperly received or decoded at the mobile station, the mobile station still "listens" for packet-switched data on timeslot 1190 in block 1143, switches from receive mode to transmit mode during time period Ttb 1140, transmits on circuit-switched timeslot 3 1160 of block 1150, does not transmit on any of the three available uplink packet- switched timeslots 4, 5, or 6 of block n+1 1150 in the uplink stream 1106, and simply switches back to receive mode during time period T _ra 1170. [0056] FIG. 12 shows an exemplary simplified block diagram of a mobile station 1200 capable of implementing the DTM transfers shown in FIGs. 1-11. The mobile station 1200 includes an antenna 1210 for transmitting and receiving radio frequency waves. One or more transceivers 1220 couples to the antenna 1210 for received and transmitting radio frequency signals under the direction of a controller 1230. The controller 1230 is generally coupled to a memory 1240 for storing data and computer software programs. The controller 1230 is also coupled to a user interface 1250 that includes standard components such as a display, a keypad, a speaker, a microphone, and the like.

[0057] FIG. 13 shows an exemplary flowchart 1300 for implementing the DTM transfers shown in FIGs. 1-11 in the mobile station shown in FIG. 12. When the mobile station receives 1310 an uplink state flag (USF) on a circuit- switched timeslot, the mobile station decodes 1320 the number N indicating the number of packet-switched timeslots available to the mobile station during the next uplink block period. If the mobile station determines 1330 that the number N is less than the maximum number of slots (Sum, shown in FIG. 14) allowed in a block for the current base station allocation and if no

downlink timeslot is already allocated for downlink data transfer, the mobile station listens 1340 on the first free downlink timeslot of the next downlink block. Note that, according to the 3GPP specifications, this free timeslot will always be the timeslot following the circuit switched timeslot. After listening to downlink timeslots as appropriate, the mobile station switches 1350 to transmit mode. Next, the mobile station transmits 1360 on N uplink packet- switched timeslots and switches 1370 to receive mode to await further downlink communications. [0058] According to an embodiment, if the number N is less than the maximum number of slots allowed in a block for the current multislot class of the mobile station, the mobile station transmits on the N latter timeslots of the available packet-switched timeslots.

[0059] FIG. 14 is a prior art chart 1400 showing the forty-five multislot classes currently in 3GPP TS 45.002 Annex B. Although multislot classes 12 and above were developed for non-DTM capable mobile stations, these classes can be extended and applied to DTM capable mobiles using the principles disclosed. These principles allow multislot classes above 11 to be implemented by DTM capable mobile stations. [0060] Although the examples shown in FIGs. 1-11 are full-rate dedicated traffic channel communications, the principles disclosed can be applied to half -rate dedicated traffic channel communications. In half rate speech, the USF will be coded on two bursts instead of four in full rate speech. [0061] Additionally, although USFs are proposed to be encoded as training sequences in accordance with 3GPP TS 45.002 section 5.2.3, alternate USF implementations during the circuit-switched timeslot can replace the implementation described.

[0062] While this disclosure includes what are considered presently to be the preferred embodiments and best modes of the invention described in a manner that establishes possession thereof by the inventors and that enables

those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention, it will be understood and appreciated that there are many equivalents to the preferred embodiments disclosed herein and that modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, which are to be limited not by the preferred embodiments but by the appended claims, including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.

[0063] It is further understood that the use of relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like, if any, are used solely to distinguish one from another entity, item, or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities, items or actions. Much of the inventive functionality and many of the inventive principles are best implemented with or in software programs or instructions. It is expected that one of ordinary skill, notwithstanding possibly significant effort and many design choices motivated by, for example, available time, current technology, and economic considerations, when guided by the concepts and principles disclosed herein will be readily capable of generating such software instructions and programs with minimal experimentation. Therefore, further discussion of such software, if any, will be limited in the interest of brevity and minimization of any risk of obscuring the principles and concepts according to the present invention. [0064] As understood by those in the art, controller 1230 includes a processor that executes computer program code to implement the methods described herein. Embodiments include computer program code containing instructions embodied in tangible media, such as floppy diskettes, CD-ROMs, hard drives, or any other computer-readable storage medium, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a processor, the processor becomes an apparatus for practicing the invention. Embodiments include computer program code, for example, whether stored in a storage

medium, loaded into and/ or executed by a computer, or transmitted over some transmission medium, such as over electrical wiring or cabling, through fiber optics, or via electromagnetic radiation, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicing the invention. When implemented on a general-purpose microprocessor, the computer program code segments configure the microprocessor to create specific logic circuits. [0065] We claim: