HK1087291B - Method and apparatus to initiate point-to-point call during shared-channel delivery of broadcast content in a wireless telephone network - Google Patents

Description

Method and apparatus for initiating a point-to-point call during shared channel delivery of broadcast content in a wireless telephony network

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to wireless communication networks that provide multi-user ("shared") forward link broadcast content over various broadcast channels. More particularly, in the case where a mobile station that is receiving broadcast content additionally receives or makes a point-to-point call, the present invention focuses on an operation of appropriately managing a point-to-point call and/or a broadcast connection.

Background

Many well-known communication systems transmit information signals from an origination station to a physically different destination station. The information signal is first converted into a format suitable for efficient transmission over a communication channel. The conversion or modulation of the information signal involves changing the carrier parameters in dependence on the information signal in such a way that the spectrum of the resulting modulated carrier is confined to the communication channel bandwidth. At the destination station, the original information signal is replicated from the modulated carrier wave received over the communication channel. Such replication is typically achieved by using the inverse of the modulation process used by the origination station.

Modulation also facilitates multiple access, i.e., simultaneous transmission and/or reception, of several signals over a common communication channel. Multiple-access communication systems often include multiple subscriber units that require relatively short periods of intermittent service rather than continuous access to a common communication channel. Several multiple access techniques are well known in the art, such as Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), amplitude modulation multiple Access (AM), and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) spreading. Multiple-access communication systems may be wireless or wired and may carry voice and/or data.

In a two-way multiple access wireless communication system, communication between multiple users may be conducted through one or more base stations. In one example, one user on a first wireless mobile station communicates with another user on a second wireless mobile station by transmitting data to a base station on a reverse link. The base station receives the data and, if necessary, routes the data to another base station. Finally, the data is transmitted on the forward link of the final base station to the second mobile station. The "forward" link refers to transmissions from the base stations to the wireless mobile stations, and the "reverse" link refers to transmissions from the wireless mobile stations to the base stations. In many communication systems, the forward link and the reverse link use different frequencies.

Communication may also be between one user at a wireless mobile station and another user at a ground station. In this case, the base station receives data from the mobile station on the reverse link and routes the data through the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to the ground station. Communication may also occur in the opposite direction.

The wireless communication services described above are examples of "point-to-point" communication services. In contrast, "broadcast" services deliver information from a central station to multiple mobile stations ("multipoint"). The basic model of a broadcast system consists of a broadcast network of a plurality of users served by one or more central stations that transmit news, movies, sports or other "content" to the users. Here, each mobile station monitors a common broadcast forward link signal. Since the central station constantly determines the content, the user typically does not communicate back (communications back). Examples of commonly used broadcast service communication systems are television, radio, etc. Such communication systems are typically highly specialized.

With recent advances in wireless telephone systems, there is increasing interest in using existing, primarily point-to-point wireless telephone infrastructure networks to additionally deliver broadcast services. In this regard, many important advances have been made by the high-tech company of San Diego, California. The following references describe various advances by the general company relating to the use of shared communication channels to deliver broadcast content in a wireless telephone network. U.S. patent application No.09/933,978 entitled METHOD AND APPATUS FOR IGNING IN BROADCAST COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM filed on 8/20/2001. U.S. patent application No.10/192,132, entitled "METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MULTI SERVICEMENT IN A COMMUNICATION SYSTEM", filed 2002, 7, 9.7.2002. U.S. patent application No.09/933,912, entitled "METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR UTILIZATION OF AN OUTER DECODER IN ABROADCAST SERVICES COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM", filed on 20.8.2001. U.S. patent application No.09/933,971, entitled "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OVERHEAD MESSAGING IN A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM", filed on 8/20/2001. U.S. patent application No.10/278,516 entitled "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COMMENCING SHARED OR INDIVDUAL TRANSMISSION OFBROADCAST CONTENT IN A WIRELESS TELEPHONE ETWORK", filed 2002, 10, 22.10.2002. U.S. patent application No.10/278,485 entitled "METHOD AND APPATUS FOR SWITCHINGBETWEEN SHARED AND INDIVDUAL CHANNELS TO PROVIDEO BROADCAST CONTENT SERVICES IN A WIRELESS TELEPHONE ETWORK", filed 10, 22.2002. The above references are incorporated into this disclosure by reference.

While the above-identified application is satisfactory in many respects, one aspect that has not been fully explored by wireless broadcast systems relates to the initiation of point-to-point calls that have been made at wireless mobile stations receiving a shared broadcast service.

Disclosure of Invention

One aspect of the present disclosure concerns various methods and apparatus for managing point-to-point calls initiated between a wireless mobile station and a remote party while the wireless mobile station is receiving broadcast content via a multi-user forward link broadcast channel, also referred to as a "shared" or "broadcast multicast service" (BCMCS) channel. The mobile station informs the network of its preferences for a specified type of operating state, such as: (1) whether to continue receiving broadcast content, (2) a selection made between the point-to-point call and the broadcast content if the network resources are not capable of simultaneously conducting the point-to-point call and the broadcast content. According to the preference, communication is performed in one of the following modes: (1) making a point-to-point call and interrupting the reception of the broadcast; (2) making a point-to-point call and continuing to receive the broadcast; (3) the mid-point to point call and continues to receive the broadcast.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of some of the hardware components and interconnections in a wireless communications network;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a typical digital data processor;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of an exemplary signal-bearing medium;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the hardware components and interconnections of a wireless mobile station;

FIG. 5A is a state diagram illustrating the operating state of a mobile station;

FIGS. 5B-5D are block diagrams illustrating different message exchanges between a mobile station and a base station during idle, access and traffic states, respectively;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the contents of a typical Broadcast System Parameter Message (BSPM);

fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an overall operation of managing a point-to-point call and a broadcast connection in a case where a mobile station that is receiving broadcast content additionally receives or makes a point-to-point call;

fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a mobile station processing an outgoing point-to-point call when the mobile station is already receiving broadcast content;

fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a mobile station to process an incoming point-to-point call when the mobile station is already receiving broadcast content;

fig. 10 is a flow chart illustrating network operation for managing point-to-point calls and broadcast content delivery.

Detailed Description

The features, objects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Hardware components and interconnects

Wireless communication system

According to a typical model of a broadcast system, many mobile stations are served by one or more base stations which transmit broadcast content, such as news, movies, sporting events, etc. Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of a communication system 100 capable of performing High Speed Broadcast Services (HSBS) under various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Broadcast content originates on one or more Content Servers (CSs) 102. The content server 102 includes one or more digital data processing machines, such as personal computers, computer workstations, mainframe computers, computer networks, microprocessors or other computing devices, to deliver broadcast content in packet format (or other format) to a Broadcast Packet Data Service Node (BPDSN)106 via an Internet Protocol (IP) connection 104 or other (not shown) non-IP network or direct connection. Depending on the implementation, node 106 may use the same or different hardware as a Packet Data Switching Node (PDSN) of a type well known in the wireless telephony art. Depending on the destination of each packet, node 106 delivers the packet to an appropriate Packet Control Function (PCF) module 108. Each module 108 controls various functions of the base station 110 related to high speed broadcast service delivery. Among other functions, module 108 forwards the broadcast packet to base station 110. Each module 108 may use the same or different hardware as a Base Station Controller (BSC) of the type known in wireless telephones.

The base station 110 delivers broadcast content and conventional wireless telephone calls to a Mobile Station (MS) 114. The base station 110 may be implemented using hardware such as that used by conventional base stations that are now commercially available.

Typical digital data processing apparatus

The data processing entities may be implemented in various forms, such as base stations, mobile stations, components 102, 106, 108, 110, 114, or any one or more of its subcomponents. One example is a digital data processing apparatus, as illustrated by the hardware components and interconnections of digital data processing apparatus 200 of FIG. 2.

The apparatus 200 includes a processor 202, such as a microprocessor, personal computer, workstation, microcontroller, state machine, or other processing machine, coupled to a memory 204. In this example, memory 204 includes fast access memory 206, as well as non-volatile memory 208. The fast access memory 206 may include random access memory ("RAM") and may be used to store program instructions for execution by the processor 202. The non-volatile memory 208 may comprise, for example, battery backup RAM, EEPROM, flash PROM, one or more magnetic data storage disks such as a "hard drive", a tape drive, or any other suitable storage device. The apparatus 200 also includes an input/output 210, such as a line, bus, cable, electromagnetic link, or other means for the processor 202 to exchange data with other hardware external to the apparatus 200.

While described in detail above, those of ordinary skill (having the benefit of this disclosure) will appreciate that the apparatus discussed above may be implemented in machines of different configurations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As a specific example, one of the components 206, 208 may be eliminated; also, the memory 204, 206 and/or 208 may be provided onboard the processor 202, or even external to the apparatus 200.

Logic circuit

In contrast to the digital data processing apparatus described above, a different embodiment of the present invention uses logic circuitry, rather than computer-executed instructions, to implement various processing entities such as those described above. Depending on the specific requirements of the application in terms of speed, expense, tooling costs, etc., the logic may be implemented by constructing an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) having thousands of tiny integrated transistors. Such an ASIC may be implemented using CMOS, TTL, VLSI or another suitable structure. Other alternatives include digital signal processing chips (DSPs), discrete circuits such as resistors, capacitors, diodes, inductors, and transistors, Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Programmable Logic Arrays (PLAs), programmable logic devices, and the like. Wireless telephone

Fig. 4 also illustrates the structure of a typical mobile station 114 by depicting a wireless telephone 400. The phone 400 includes a speaker 408, a user interface 410, a microphone 414, a transceiver 404, an antenna 406, a manager 402, and other conventional circuitry that may vary depending on the application. Manager 402, which may include circuitry 402A such as discussed in connection with fig. 2 (above), is used to manage the operation of components 404, 408, 410, and 414 and the routing of signals between these components.

Although illustrated as a wireless telephone 400, the mobile station 114 may be mobile or stationary. And a mobile station may include any data device that can communicate through a wireless channel or through a wired channel, for example using fiber optic or coaxial cables. In addition to (or in place of) wireless and wireline phones, the mobile station can be configured to implement various other devices including, but not limited to, PC cards, compact flash cards, external or internal modems, and the like.

Operation of

Having described various structural features, some operational aspects of the present disclosure will now be described. As described above, one operational aspect of the present disclosure includes managing point-to-point calls and/or shared broadcast connections in the event that a mobile station that is receiving a multicast broadcast program additionally receives or places a point-to-point call.

Signal bearing medium

Wherever any functionality of the present disclosure is implemented using one or more machine-executed program sequences, such sequences may be embodied in various forms of signal-bearing media. In the context of FIG. 2, such signal-bearing media may include, for example, the memory 204 or another signal-bearing media, such as a magnetic data storage diskette 300 (FIG. 3), directly or indirectly accessible by the processor 202. Whether contained in the memory 204, diskette 300, or elsewhere, the instructions may be stored on a variety of machine-readable data storage media. Some examples include direct access storage (e.g., a conventional "hard drive," a redundant array of inexpensive disks ("RAID"), or other direct access storage device ("DASD")), serial access storage (such as magnetic or optical tape), electronic non-volatile storage (e.g., ROM, EPROM, flash PROM, or EEPROM), battery backed RAM, optical storage (e.g., CD-ROM, WORM, DVD, digital optical tape), paper-type "punch" cards, or other suitable signal-bearing media, including analog or digital transmission media, analog and communication links, and wireless communications. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the machine-readable instructions may comprise software object code compiled from a language such as assembly language, C, or the like.

Logic circuit

In contrast to the signal-bearing media described above, some or all of the functionality of the present disclosure may be implemented using logic circuitry rather than using a processor to execute instructions. Such logic circuitry is therefore configured to perform operations to carry out the method aspects of the present invention. The logic circuit may be implemented using many different types of circuits as described above.

Mobile station-call model

Each mobile station 114 operates according to the state diagram 560 of fig. 5A. In the IDLE (IDLE) state 562, the mobile station monitors the shared paging channel and the shared overhead channel, as will be described in more detail below. These channels are shared in the event that each base station broadcasts these channels to all mobile stations within its range. In short, the shared paging channel informs the mobile station of an incoming call, while the shared overhead channel provides various system-related information. In the idle state 562, the mobile station may additionally receive multicast broadcast content from the base station via one or more shared broadcast channels. In the idle state 562, the transmitter of the mobile station is turned off.

In one scenario, transition 563 from idle 562 to ACCESS 564 occurs when a mobile station sends a REGISTRATION (REGISTRATION) message informing neighboring base stations of the mobile station's presence, identity, characteristics, etc. In this case, the access state transition 561 returns to the idle state 562 after the registration message.

In another scenario, transition 563 from idle 562 to access 564 occurs during the establishment of an origin-to-point call by the mobile station or another party. As an example, if the other party initiates the call, the mobile station receives a paging message over the common paging channel. After the mobile station replies to the page on the common "access" channel, the mobile station receives an assignment of a traffic channel on which to conduct the point-to-point call. The mobile station initiates an outgoing call by sending an appropriate message on the access channel and then receives a channel assignment in the same manner.

When the incoming or outgoing call is completed, transition 565 occurs from access 564 to TRAFFIC (TRAFFIC) 566, and the mobile station and base station begin communicating on the TRAFFIC channel. In the traffic state 566, the mobile station uses a separate traffic channel for point-to-point communication with another party. The newly initiated point-to-point call may convey voice, data, or even broadcast information as described below. If the point-to-point call carries broadcast content, it replaces any shared broadcast that the mobile station was previously receiving in the idle state 562.

Transition 567 from the traffic state 566 to the idle state 562 occurs when the point-to-point call is otherwise disconnected due to either party dropping or the connection being otherwise disconnected. Transition 567 includes releasing a traffic channel for the point-to-point call. If the point-to-point call contains broadcast content, transition 567 may optionally result in the resumption of broadcast content delivered via the shared channel in idle state 562.

Channel with a plurality of channels

Fig. 5B-5D depict some of the primary communication channels used to relay information between the mobile station and the base station during the idle, access and traffic states described above. The broadcast channel of the present disclosure may be used to relay data, audio, video, or any other desired content.

"communication channel/link" refers to a physical channel or a logical channel that conforms to the environment. "physical channel" means the communication route through which signals described for modulation characteristics and coding propagate. "logical channel" means a communication route within a protocol layer of a base station or a mobile station. "reverse channel/link" means a communication channel/link through which a mobile station transmits signals to a base station. "forward channel/link" means a communication channel/link through which a base station transmits signals to a mobile station.

Idle state

Fig. 5B shows an idle state 562. Base station 504 transmits overhead channels 505 for reception by mobile station 502 and all other mobile stations being served by the base station. Overhead channel 505 contains regularly repeated system information such as information about neighboring base stations, access information (i.e., recommended power levels, maximum message lengths, etc.), and system parameters (such as product revision levels, supported features, etc.). In a CDMA-2000 system, overhead channel 505 may comprise a forward broadcast control channel (F _ BCCH).

As one example, the content of overhead channel 505 may include a Broadcast System Parameter Message (BSPM) that specifies each of the different broadcast programs available over the shared and/or separate channels. A "program" is a specific broadcast content stream such as CNN news, or ESPN, or weather information, etc. The BSPM indicates which programs are on the shared channel (and frequency or other channel identification) of each base station and which programs are available on individual channels (with specific frequencies to be determined when establishing traffic on the individual channels). The BSPM also lists some other information, as described in more detail below in connection with fig. 6.

The base station 504 also transmits a shared paging channel 506 for reception by all mobile stations being served by the base station. All mobile stations served by the base station 504 monitor the paging channel 506 so that the mobile stations can be alerted after the arrival of a point-to-point call or other information for the mobile station. In CDMA-2000, the paging channel 506 is shown by the forward control channel (F CCCH).

The shared broadcast channel 508 includes many possible shared broadcast subchannels (parallel channels) transmitted by the base station 504 that are used by mobile stations within the coverage of the base station. In a broad sense, communication system 100 enables high-speed broadcast services by using a "forward broadcast supplemental channel" (F BSCH) that has a high data rate and is suitable for reception by a large number of mobile stations. The forward broadcast supplemental channel comprises, for example, a single forward link physical channel carrying broadcast traffic in which one or more high speed broadcast traffic channels are time division multiplexed. Thus, channel 508 may carry a large number of different broadcast programs simultaneously.

The shared broadcast channel 508 may be freely available to all mobile stations or limited to only those mobile stations that have completed certain registration (enrolment) procedures. Since the channel 508 is typically broadcast to all mobile stations within its coverage area, the mobile stations ultimately manage whether a user can access the broadcast based on whether the user is already registered. As one example, each shared broadcast channel may be encrypted using a prescribed code that is provided only to registered mobile stations.

The mechanism for registering for broadcast services is discussed in the following references, which are incorporated herein in their entirety: U.S. patent application No.09/934,021 entitled "METHOD AND APPATUSFOR OUT OF BAND TRANSMISSION OF BROADCAST SERVICEOPTION IN A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM" filed on 20/8.2002. In the above application, the shared broadcast channel 508 is referred to as a forward broadcast supplemental channel (F BSCH).

Access status

Fig. 5C shows the access status 564. The mobile station 502 continues to receive overhead 505, pages 506, and a shared broadcast channel 508. The shared access channel 522 is used by all mobile stations served by the base station 504. For starting a point-to-point call, the access channel 522 may be used in both directions. For incoming calls, when another station is initiating a point-to-point call to the mobile station 502, the mobile station 502 replies to the page using the access channel 522. For outgoing calls, the mobile station 502 requests a point-to-point call using the access channel 522. In the CDMA-2000 protocol, the access channel 522 is illustrated by the reverse access channel (R _ ACH). During the access state 564, the mobile station 502 may continue to monitor the shared broadcast channel 508.

In addition to initiating point-to-point calls, the mobile station 502 may occasionally transmit registration messages using the access channel 522. This is used to inform the wireless network of the location of the mobile station 502, as well as any other relevant information. In the event that a registration or other similar message occurs in the access state 564, the mobile station 502 returns to idle 562 without entering the traffic state 566.

Traffic state

Fig. 5D shows a traffic state 566. In this state, the traffic channels 552, 554 cooperate to conduct bi-directional point-to-point call data between the mobile station 502 and the base station 504. Channels 552, 554 are dedicated channels used by mobile station 502 alone. The forward traffic channel (a logical channel) comprises parallel physical channels such as a traffic content channel 552A and a traffic signaling channel 552B. Traffic content channel 552A carries content, such as voice information or data, transmitted from base station 504 to mobile station 502. Traffic signaling channel 552B carries signaling information such as housekeeping, metadata, system information, and other information describing channel 552A and/or its content. In an alternative embodiment, the channels 552A, 552B may be uncorrelated rather than parallel channels as described above. Reverse traffic channel 554 further includes parallel traffic content and signaling channels 554A, 554B, communicating in the opposite direction of channel 552.

In the traffic state, the mobile station does not use the access channel 522, overhead channel 505, or paging channel 506, since such information is instead transmitted on the dedicated signaling channels 552B, 554B.

During service 566, mobile station 502 may continue to receive broadcast content. However, the delivery of broadcast content concurrently with the point-to-point call 552/554 must occur on a separate point-to-point channel 556, rather than on the shared channel 508. This is primarily because the signaling and control procedures necessary for proper operation of the mobile station are very different in idle channels than in traffic channels, and therefore the mobile station can only be in one of these two states at any given time. Thus, while the traffic channels 552, 554 are in use, any exchange of broadcast information must occur on the traffic channel 556 at this time, with the content appearing on 556A and the signaling appearing on 556B.

In general, any forward link channel suitable for point-to-point calls may be used for the separate broadcast channel 556. There are several more specific options as follows. Using CDMA-2000 as an example, one option is a forward fundamental channel (F FCH) or a forward dedicated control channel (F DCCH), which provides 14.4 kb/s. Another option is the forward supplemental channel (F SCH), which provides up to 1 Mb/s. The faster option is the forward packet data channel (F PDCH), which provides faster traffic up to 2.4 Mb/s.

Unlike the idle 562 and access 564 states, in which the mobile station 502 communicates with only a single base station, the mobile station 502 in the traffic state may exchange traffic, broadcast content, and signaling information with multiple base stations simultaneously in order to achieve soft handoff, to obtain signal redundancy, or to achieve other objectives. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill (having the benefit of this disclosure) will recognize that reference to "a base station" (in the singular) in this disclosure is intended to be a matter of simplicity and convenience for the discussion. A mobile station in a traffic state may communicate with multiple base stations simultaneously.

Additionally, techniques are known for mobile station 502 to conduct multiple bi-directional telephone sessions simultaneously on traffic channels 552, 554. These techniques include, for example, time division multiplexing the different data streams so that a given channel can carry multiple. Using similar techniques, the present disclosure contemplates having the mobile station 502 receive multiple concurrent broadcast programs on separate channels 556.

Further information

The physical and logical channels used in high-speed broadcast services are discussed in more detail in the following references, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety: (1) the CDMA 2000 physical layer standard, known as IS-2000.2, (2) U.S. patent application No.09/933,978 entitled "METHOD AND APPATUS FOR SIGNALING IN BROADCASTCOMMUNICATION SYSTEM" filed on 8/20/2001. The use of common and dedicated channels for information broadcasting is disclosed in the following references, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety: U.S. patent application No.60/279,970, entitled "METHOD AND APPATUS FOR GROUP CALLS USE DEDICATED ANDCOMMON CHANNELS IN WIRELESS NETWORKS", filed 3, 28/3/2001.

BSPM

As described above, each broadcast capable base station repeatedly broadcasts a representative BSPM over overhead channel 505 to inform mobile stations of the available broadcast content and related information for that base station. Fig. 6 shows the contents of a typical BSPM 600 for a target base station. Although expressed in tabular form for ease of understanding, a BSPM in practice includes a signal stream including header, trailer and packet information, or other metadata and formats suitable for wireless broadcast.

As shown in fig. 6, the BSPM 600 includes columns, each column representing a different type of information. Column 600 lists the channel content, i.e., "programming" of the channel. Column 606 indicates whether the base station is programmed, configured, or otherwise capable of providing the target program on an individual channel, that is, whether the target program is available through an individual channel.

Column 608 indicates whether the target base station is equipped to provide the target program on the shared channel, that is, whether the target program is available from the base station over the shared channel. Column 604 lists various characteristics of the shared channel used to broadcast the target program, such as Walsh codes, modulation type, Viterbi (Viterbi) coding, data rate, error correction, etc. Column 609 lists the identification of the shared channel (if applicable) used to broadcast the target program, i.e., the logical frequency and/or physical bandwidth used by the target base station. Column 610 indicates whether the base station is currently transmitting the target program on shared channel 609.

The BSPM may be extended to include various other information or may be simplified to discard some of the information listed above. For example, the base station may provide channel characteristics as needed to shorten the BSPM 600 and save bandwidth on the overhead channel 505. Also, the "transmitting" column 610 may be omitted, as the mobile station may use a check (trial) and error to determine whether the base station is transmitting a particular program over the shared channel.

Also, as described below, the BSPM may be omitted entirely. As another option, the only content of the BSPM may be a flag (not shown) indicating the fact that broadcast services are generally available and further information may also be available from the base station according to the mobile station queue.

General operation

Fig. 7 shows a sequence 700 that describes the overall operation of a wireless communication system for handling a point-to-point call originated by (or placed to) a mobile station when the mobile station is already receiving a broadcast program over a shared broadcast channel. For simplicity of description, the sequence 700 is described in connection with the components of fig. 1-6 described above without any intended limitation.

For ease of reference, fig. 7 (as well as fig. 8-10) illustrate various operations performed by a "mobile station," referred to as a mobile telephone, subscriber station, radiotelephone, or other context-dependent designation. Moreover, these figures illustrate other operations performed by a "network," which may be referred to herein as a network infrastructure of a wireless communication system, one or more base stations, or another one or more components of a software and/or hardware infrastructure of a communication system.

In step 702, a point-to-point call is initiated between a wireless mobile station and a remote party. This occurs while the wireless mobile station is already receiving broadcast content via the multi-user forward link broadcast channel. The point-to-point call may be originated by the mobile station ("outgoing") or by a remote party to the mobile station ("incoming").

Step 704 determines a preference for a prescribed type of operating state that includes at least the following: (1) whether to continue receiving broadcast content, (2) a selection made between the point-to-point call and the broadcast content if the network resources are not capable of simultaneously conducting the point-to-point call and the broadcast content. In the case of an incoming call, the type also includes whether an incoming point-to-point call is received. Alternatively, another prescribed type of operational state may include a selection made among multiple programs of broadcast content if the network resources are not capable of doing all of the programs simultaneously. For example, favorite CNNs broadcast more than ESPN, etc.

In the illustrated embodiment, step 704 is performed by the mobile station querying a human operator, considering pre-stored preferences, using default options, or a combination of these or other actions; in this embodiment, the mobile station also informs the wireless network of the preference. In an alternative embodiment, some or all of the preferences of the mobile station are pre-stored on the network, avoiding the need for the mobile station to inform the network of the preferences. The pre-store may be specified for all situations, for a given time period, for certain calls or telephone numbers, or any other basis.

Based on the preferences, step 706 acts to communicate in one of the following modes: (1) performing a point-to-point call and interrupting reception of a broadcast; (2) a point-to-point call is made and broadcast reception continues. In the case of an incoming call, the mode also includes discontinuing completion of the incoming point-to-point call and continuing to receive the broadcast. In the illustrated embodiment, step 706 is performed by the primary base station communicating with the mobile station, and step 706 includes one of: (1) if the preference of the mobile station is to interrupt the broadcast, then the point-to-point call is completed without regard to continuing the broadcast; (2) if the mobile station's preferences include selecting a point-to-point call with respect to broadcast, then completing the point-to-point call if the network resources are not capable of conducting both the point-to-point call and the broadcast content; (3) if the mobile station's preferences include selecting broadcast with respect to point-to-point calls, then completion of the point-to-point call is aborted if network resources are unable to conduct the point-to-point call and broadcast the content simultaneously. In the case of an incoming call, where the mobile station indicates a preference not to accept the call, it is also possible that the base station discontinues completing the call and allowing the mobile station to continue receiving the broadcast.

Typical message code

In various CDMA communication systems, such as CDMA-2000, mobile stations and networks communicate using various standard-meaning messages, such as ORIGINATION (ORIGINATION) messages, registration messages, PAGE RESPONSE (PAGE RESPONSE) messages, and many more. To illustrate one particular embodiment of the disclosed system in more detail, various message codes are used to supplement the standard message without any intended limitation. Message codes may be included with the inter-associated packet data, incorporated into headers or other metadata, or otherwise encapsulated with the bearer message. In an alternative embodiment, the message code is sent as its own independent message. Some message codes are used with messages sent from the mobile station to the network, while others are used with messages sent from the network to the mobile station. As long as a value of the message code is included, such as "0" or "1", the name of the message code itself may be omitted if the type of message code is apparent from the relative position or other information inherent to the message code value. For example, the message code and value "BCMCS _ REQ ═ 1" may be abbreviated as value "1" if the value is explicitly located. Some exemplary message codes and values thereof are discussed below.

BCMCS_REQ

The message code is transmitted by the mobile station in conjunction with a message to accept an incoming call, such as a page response message, or in conjunction with a message to place an outgoing call, such as an origination message. The value "1" indicates that the mobile station requests a concurrent shared broadcast with the point-to-point call being initiated. A value of "0" indicates that the mobile station has not requested concurrent shared broadcasting.

BCMCS_REQ_PRIORITY

As with bcmcsreq, the message code is transmitted by the mobile station in connection with the message that the point-to-point call is being placed or received. If the network resources are unable to provide both broadcast and point-to-point calls to the mobile station, the value of the message selects between broadcast and point-to-point calls. A value of "1" indicates that the mobile station prefers point-to-point calls, and a value of "0" indicates that the mobile station prefers broadcasting.

BCMCS_ID_PRIORITY

The message code is transmitted by the mobile station in conjunction with a message to accept an incoming call or place an outgoing call. If the network resources cannot provide all programs simultaneously, then, in association with a given broadcast program, the bcmcsid PRIORITY message code specifies the PRIORITY of the broadcast relative to other programs for the specified broadcast program. The associated broadcast program may be identified by another message, parameter, or code, an example of which is a broadcast service identifier (bcmcsid) message code. For bcmcsid PRIORITY, a value of "1" indicates that a given program has a high PRIORITY relative to other programs, and a value of "0" indicates that a program has a lower PRIORITY. Alternatively, bcmcsid PRIORITY may use a wider choice of values (e.g., 1-10) so that the mobile stations can more accurately order the broadcast programs relative to each other.

BCMCS_INFO_INCL

The message code is sent by the network to the mobile station in conjunction with a message completing a call to/from the mobile station. For example, a bcmcsinfo INCL message code may be provided in conjunction with a channel assignment (CHANNEL ASSIGNMENT) message that assigns a mobile station a channel for use in conducting a point-to-point call. A value of "1" shows that the channel assignment message further includes information for giving a separate broadcast channel to the mobile station, and a value of "0" shows that the broadcast channel information is not included.

USE_SAME_BCMCS_INF

The message code is sent by the network to the mobile station in conjunction with a message (e.g., a channel assignment message) to complete a call to/from the mobile station. If the value "1" indicates that the mobile station should continue to use the same broadcast channel information, the value "0" indicates that new broadcast channel information is included for the mobile station to pay attention to. The broadcast channel information may include frequency, data rate, walsh code, and/or other characteristics.

NUM_BCMCS_SESSION，NUM_FBSCH

These message codes are transmitted by the network to identify the broadcast channel and other configuration information when the point-to-point call is authorized and the broadcast configuration changes. The NUM _ BCMCS _ SESSION message code indicates the number of broadcast programs allocated to the mobile station, and the NUM _ FBSCH indicates the number of broadcast supplemental channels used to deliver the broadcast.

These and other message codes are described in more detail below in conjunction with the associated figures.

Mobile station-outgoing call

Fig. 8 depicts operations 800 performed by a mobile station to begin an outgoing point-to-point call when the mobile station is already receiving a shared broadcast. For simplicity of description, sequence 800 is described in connection with the components of fig. 1-6 as described above without any intended limitation.

At step 802, the mobile station receives an operator initiation of a point-to-point call to a remote station. This occurs while the mobile station is already receiving the broadcast program via the multi-user forward link broadcast channel. In step 802, the mobile station is in an idle state 562. The operator initiation may occur, for example, by the operator entering a telephone number or representative shorthand code using a keyboard, keypad, voice recognition engine, or any other means.

In response to the operator initiation, the mobile station then determines various call processing preferences (step 803), and then performs various actions accordingly (step 804-. In the illustrated example, the call processing preferences include a determination of whether the mobile station desires to continue to receive the shared broadcast, and also include a selection of a priority between priorities between the point-to-point call and the broadcast if a conflict occurs in the network resources. Step 803 may be performed by the mobile station querying a human operator, considering a record of pre-stored preferences on the mobile station or other site, using default values, or a combination of these or other techniques.

If the call processing preferences of step 803 indicate that it is not desirable to continue broadcasting, then the mobile station sends an origination message to start the call (step 806). This causes the mobile station to enter the access state 564 from the idle state 562. The mobile station also sends an additional message (messaging) indicating no interest in continuing to receive the broadcast content. The additional messages may be separate from the origination message or auxiliary components such as parameters, predetermined flags, prefixes, or other metadata components. For example, the additional message may include a message code BCMCS _ REQ having a value of "0". After step 806, the mobile station waits (step 807) for network signaling to complete the call, e.g., by sending a channel assignment message.

In contrast to step 806 and 807, if step 804 indicates a desire to continue the broadcast, then step 808 is performed. At step 808, the mobile station sends an origination message to initiate a call, thereby causing the mobile station to enter the access state 564 from the idle state 562. The mobile station also transmits additional messages indicating an interest in continuing to receive the broadcast content. The additional message may be separate from the origination message or an auxiliary portion, such as a parameter, a predetermined flag, a prefix, or other metadata component. For example, the additional message may include a message code BCMCS _ REQ having a value of "1".

After step 808, step 810 proceeds to either step 812 or 814 depending on whether the call processing preferences (according to step 803) prefer to broadcast more than point-to-point calls (step 812) or vice versa (step 814). If a broadcast is preferred, then if any conflicts occur, the mobile station sends (step 812) an additional message indicating that the broadcast has priority. The additional message may be separate from the origination message (of step 808) or an auxiliary component, such as a parameter, a predetermined flag, a prefix, or other metadata component. For example, the additional message may include a message code BCMCS _ REQ _ PRIORITY having a value of "0". Also at step 812, if the mobile station is receiving multiple broadcast programs, the mobile station may specify relative priority among the multiple broadcasts. This may be accomplished, for example, by using a bcmcsid PRIORITY message code. After step 812, the mobile station waits (step 813) for network signaling to complete the call, e.g., by sending a channel assignment message. Finally, when the call is completed, the mobile station enters the traffic state 566.

Otherwise, if the preference point-to-point call exceeds the broadcast (assuming any conflicts occur), step 810 proceeds to step 814. In step 814, if any conflicts occur, the mobile station sends an additional message indicating that the call has priority over the broadcast. The additional message may be separate from the origination message (of step 808) or an auxiliary component, such as a parameter, a predetermined flag, a prefix, or other metadata component. For example, the additional message may include a message code BCMCS _ REQ _ PRIORITY having a value of "1". After step 814, the mobile station waits (step 815) for network signaling to complete the call, e.g., by sending a channel assignment message. Finally, when the call is completed, the mobile station enters the traffic state 566.

Mobile station-incoming call

Fig. 9 depicts operations 900 performed by a mobile station to process a point-to-point call when the mobile station is already receiving a shared broadcast program. For ease of description, without any intended limitation, the sequence 900 is described in connection with the components of fig. 1-6 as described above.

In step 902, the mobile station receives a network notification of a remote station initiated point-to-point call. This occurs when the mobile station has received broadcast content via the multi-user forward link broadcast channel in the idle state 562. Network notification may occur, for example, by receiving a paging message from a base station in communication with the mobile station. When a call announcement arrives, the mobile station enters the access state 564.

In response to step 902, the mobile station requests operator input to determine whether to accept or reject the incoming call (step 903). Step 903 may be performed by a mobile station ringing phone, vibrating phone, displaying a message, or a combination of these or other techniques, and then receiving operator input entered through voice, stylus, keyboard, etc. Alternatively, step 904 may be performed without operator input, for example, if the mobile station has been programmed with standard instructions regarding the handling of incoming calls.

After step 903, step 904 proceeds to either step 906 or step 905 depending on whether the operator prefers to reject the incoming call (step 906) or accept the call (step 905). If the call is rejected, step 904 proceeds to step 906, where the mobile station rejects the network's page, e.g., by sending a negative page response message or by ignoring the page for acknowledgement. In this case, the mobile station leaves the access state 564 and enters the idle state 562.

If the call is accepted, step 904 proceeds to step 905 where the mobile station determines various call processing preferences. In the illustrated example, the call processing preferences focus on the determination of a prescribed type of operating state that includes at least the following: (1) whether to continue receiving broadcast content; (2) selection between a point-to-point call and broadcast content is made if the network resources are not capable of conducting both the point-to-point call and the broadcast content. The collection of call processing preferences in step 905 may be performed by the mobile station querying a human operator, referencing a record of pre-stored preferences on the mobile station or other site, using default values, or a combination of these or other techniques.

After the call processing preferences have been determined, the mobile station sends further messages that account for these preferred networks, as discussed in more detail below. More specifically, depending on whether the call processing preferences (according to step 905) prefer to maintain the broadcast connection (step 910) or to drop the broadcast (step 912), step 908 proceeds to step 910 or step 912.

If the mobile station is to interrupt the broadcast connection, the mobile station sends a page response message to accept the call (step 912); the mobile station also transmits additional messages indicating no interest in continuing to receive the broadcast content. The additional message may be separate from the page response message or be an auxiliary part such as a parameter, a predetermined flag, a prefix, or other metadata component. For example, the additional message may include a message code BCMCS _ REQ having a value of "0". After step 912, the mobile station waits (step 913) for network signaling to complete the call, e.g., by sending a channel assignment message. Whereby the mobile station will enter the traffic state 566.

Otherwise, if step 908 finds that the broadcast connection should be maintained, the mobile station sends a page response message accepting the call; the mobile station also transmits additional messages indicating an interest in continuing to receive the broadcast content. The additional message may be separate from the page response message or be an auxiliary part such as a parameter, a predetermined flag, a prefix, or other metadata component. For example, the additional message may include a message code BCMCS _ REQ having a value of "1".

After step 910, step 914 proceeds to step 916, 918 or 920 depending on whether the call processing preferences (according to step 905) are that broadcast of the beyond point-to-point call is preferred (step 916), that point-to-point call is preferred over broadcast (step 920) or that such preferences are unknown (step 918). If a broadcast is preferred, the mobile station sends (step 916) an additional message indicating that the broadcast has priority if there are any conflicts. For example, the additional message may include a message code BCMCS _ REQ _ PRIORITY having a value of "0". If a point-to-point call is preferred, the mobile station sends (step 920) an additional message indicating that the call has priority. For example, the additional message may include a message code BCMCS _ REQ _ PRIORITY having a value of "1". The additional messages in steps 916, 920 may be separate from the page response message (of step 910) or auxiliary components such as parameters, predetermined flags, prefixes, or other metadata components. After step 916 or 920, the mobile station waits in step 917 or 921 (respectively) for network signaling to complete the call, e.g., by sending a channel assignment message. Whereby the mobile station will enter the traffic state 566.

If the relative call/broadcast priority is not known, the mobile station stops any indication of the selection of priority at that time, for example by sending (step 918) an additional message indicating "unknown priority". The additional message may be separate from the page response message (of step 910) or may be an auxiliary component, such as a parameter, a predetermined flag, a prefix, or other metadata component. Alternatively, instead of sending any message about "unknown priority", the mobile station indicates this fact by omitting any priority related messages, in which case step 918 is omitted. After step 918, or after step 914 if step 918 is omitted, the mobile station waits (step 919) for a channel assignment message from the network. In response to receiving the channel assignment message (step 923), the mobile station transmits an indication of the priority of the call/broadcast and then proceeds with the point-to-point call, broadcast, or both, as directed by the network in accordance with the availability of network resources for these actions. If the point-to-point call is completed, the mobile station enters the traffic state 566.

Network operation

Fig. 10 depicts operations 1000 performed by a network to process a point-to-point call to/from a mobile station that was initiated when the mobile station had been receiving a shared broadcast program. For ease of description, without any intended limitation, the sequence 1000 is described in connection with the components of fig. 1-6 as described above. As a more specific example, operations 1000 may be performed by a base station that is communicating with a mobile station ("primary base station").

In step 1002, the network receives initiation of a point-to-point call to or from a target mobile station. If a call is placed from the remote station to the mobile station, the notification of step 1002 arrives in the form of a paging response message for the mobile station (i.e., fig. 9, steps 910, 912). If a call is placed from the mobile station to the remote station, the notification of step 1002 arrives in the form of an origination message (i.e., FIG. 8, steps 806, 808).

If the call response message rejects the incoming point-to-point call, the network terminates the completion of the point-to-point call (step 1005). Otherwise, if the call response message indicates acceptance of the call or if the destination point-to-point call is an outgoing call, step 1002 proceeds to step 1003.

In step 1003, the network receives a notification of call processing preferences of the mobile station, including at least: (1) whether to continue receiving broadcast content, and (2) a selection made between the point-to-point call and the broadcast content if the network resources are not capable of simultaneously conducting the point-to-point call and the broadcast content. In the illustrated example, the network receiving the mobile station's call processing preferences (step 1003) corresponds to the mobile station transmitting messages that are supplemental to a page response (i.e., steps 910, 912, 916, 918, or 920) or that are supplemental to call origination (i.e., steps 806, 808, 812, 814). Examples of such messages are the message codes described above.

After step 1003, the network performs one of the following operations, depending on the call processing preferences of the mobile station: (1) completing the point-to-point call without regard to continuing the broadcast, (2) completing the point-to-point call if the network resources are capable of simultaneously conducting the point-to-point call and broadcasting the content, and (3) terminating the point-to-point call if the network resources are not capable of simultaneously conducting the point-to-point call and broadcasting the content.

More specifically, at step 1004, if the mobile station's call preferences express no interest in the broadcast, then the network proceeds to step 1006. In this case the network is engaged in normal point-to-point call setup. The network interrupts the broadcast to the mobile station using a broadcast expressed by the mobile station that is not interested in the purpose of the transaction; more specifically, this may be achieved by setting bcmcsinfo INCL to "0" in the channel assignment message. However, other mobile stations continue to receive the shared broadcast service.

Otherwise, if step 1004 finds that the call processing preferences do indicate an interest in broadcasting, step 1004 proceeds to step 1018. In step 1018, the network determines whether there is a separate channel available for broadcasting, rather than the shared channel now. Depending on whether the base station with which the mobile station communicates is arranged to provide the broadcast program over the individual channel and also depending on whether the additional power requirements for allocating the individual channel can be justified at the base station. Since managing broadcasts on separate channels is similar to managing point-to-point calls, separate channels are preferred and thus the network process is simpler. If a separate channel is available, the network assigns the mobile station to that channel (step 1020) and begins transmitting broadcast content to the mobile station on that channel. The delivery of broadcast content on separate channels is discussed in greater detail in various U.S. applications to the university company, including one or more of the high-pass patent applications specifically described above.

Otherwise, if step 1018 finds that a separate channel is not available, then routine 1000 proceeds to step 1008. In step 1008, the network directs routine 1000 to steps 1014, 1010, or 1016 based on the mobile station's selection of a broadcast or point-to-point call as indicated by the call processing preferences (according to step 1003). Step 1014 is selected when broadcast is selected with respect to the point-to-point call (corresponding to steps 812, 916), step 1010 is selected when the priority is unknown (corresponding to step 918), and step 1016 is used when the point-to-point call has priority (corresponding to steps 814, 920).

Step 1014 determines whether the network can accommodate both point-to-point calls and broadcast content delivery. This determination is based on factors such as whether the shared broadcast channel is in the same frequency as the frequency to be allocated to the point-to-point call, and the complexity of the network being equipped to handle simultaneous broadcast and point-to-point calls. If the network cannot accommodate the point-to-point call and the shared broadcast, the network releases the point-to-point call (step 1015). The call may be released, for example, by the base station sending a release message to the mobile station on a paging channel. On the other hand, if the network is capable of accommodating both calls/broadcasts, then step 1014 proceeds to step 1022, which will be discussed in more detail below.

Like step 1014, step 1016 determines whether the network is simultaneously admitting the point-to-point call and the shared broadcast content delivery. However, unlike step 1014, if the network cannot admit both calls/broadcasts, the network terminates the broadcast (relative to the existing mobile station) and completes the point-to-point call (step 1017). The network may complete the call, for example, by issuing a channel assignment message that assigns the mobile station to a particular channel for a point-to-point call. The network terminating the broadcast means that it can prevent the mobile station from continuing to receive the broadcast service while the point-to-point call is in progress; more specifically, this may be accomplished by the network setting the bcmcsinfo INCL flag to "0" in the channel assignment message. However, other mobile stations continue to receive the shared broadcast service. Otherwise, if step 1016 finds that a call/broadcast combination can be supported, routine 1000 proceeds to step 1022, described below.

In step 1022, before completing configuring the shared broadcast and point-to-point call delivery, the network determines whether the broadcast can continue to use the same delivery mechanism or whether different configurations need to be used for the broadcast to occur simultaneously in the point-to-point call. Variations in delivery mechanism or "configuration" may include variations in frequency, data rate, walsh codes, multiplexing format, frame size, coding type, and/or other signal characteristics. Various situations may arise, such as situations in which the frequency used to deliver the broadcast content cannot accommodate increasing point-to-point calls. For example, a base station may allocate a specified number of calls in each frequency for load balancing purposes, and thus may not be able to allocate point-to-point calls in a frequency due to high power requirements.

After step 1022, the network provides channel assignments for the point-to-point call in steps 1024 or 1026. Step 1024 allocates a channel having the same frequency as the current broadcast content, and step 1026 allocates a channel having a different frequency for the point-to-point call and also instructs the mobile station to start receiving broadcast content on the different frequency. As a more specific example, step 1024 includes a message code BCMCS _ INFO _ INCL having a value of "1" (due to broadcast continuation) and a message code USE _ SAME _ BCMCS _ IND having a value of "1" (due to USE of the SAME broadcast configuration). Likewise, step 1026 may USE a message code BCMCS _ INFO _ INCL having a value of "1" (due to the broadcast being continued), and a message code USE _ SAME _ BCMCS _ IND having a value of "0" (due to the USE of a different broadcast configuration). Step 1026 may also use the NUM BCMCS SESSION and NUM FBSCH message codes to identify the details of the new channel configuration.

With respect to the first two cases (steps 1014, 1016), if the mobile station cannot specify relative priorities for point-to-point calls and broadcasts, then step 1008 proceeds to step 1010. In this case, the network sends a channel assignment message in step 1010, temporarily assigning a channel for the mobile station to conduct the point-to-point call. This channel assignment is temporary because the network cannot determine whether the channel is actually needed because the mobile station has not selected between calls/broadcasts, as described below. In step 1012, the network receives the mobile station's selection of priority sent in step 923 (figure 9).

Next, based on the expression of mobile station priority from step 1012, the network makes a call, broadcast, or both (step 1013). That is, the network performs one of: (1) the channel allocated in step 1010 is released if the mobile station has selected a broadcast and the network resources cannot simultaneously handle the call/broadcast, (2) the broadcast is terminated if the mobile station has selected a point-to-point call and the network resources cannot support simultaneous call/broadcast, or (3) both the point-to-point call and the broadcast are conducted if network conditions allow.

Other embodiments

Those of skill in the art would understand that information and signals may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

Those of skill would further appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present invention.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

The steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. A software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. A typical storage medium is coupled to the processor such that the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC.

Furthermore, the previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

Claims (10)

1. A method for managing a point-to-point call initiated between a wireless mobile station and a remote party via a network while the mobile station is receiving broadcast content via a multi-user forward link broadcast channel, the method comprising the operations of:

determining a preference for a prescribed type of operating state, the prescribed type of operating state comprising at least the following:

(1) whether to continue to receive the broadcast content or not,

(2) a selection is made between the point-to-point call and the broadcast content if the network resources are not capable of simultaneously conducting the point-to-point call and the broadcast content; and

in accordance with the preference, performing an operation comprising one of the following prescribed actions:

(1) the point-to-point call is made and reception of the broadcast is interrupted,

(2) the point-to-point call is made and the broadcast continues to be received.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the operating according to the preference comprises the network performing one of:

(1) completing the point-to-point call regardless of whether network resources are capable of continuing with the broadcast content,

(2) if the network resources are capable of conducting the point-to-point call and broadcasting the content simultaneously, the point-to-point call is completed,

(3) if the network resources are not capable of simultaneously conducting the point-to-point call and broadcasting the content, continuing to receive the broadcast and discontinuing completion of the point-to-point call.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein:

the prescribed type of operational state further includes whether an incoming point-to-point call is received; and

the prescribed action further includes aborting completion of the call in point-to-point call and continuing to receive the broadcast content.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein:

the prescribed type of operating state further comprises: if the network resource cannot perform all programs simultaneously, a selection is made among the plurality of programs of the broadcast content.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein:

the point-to-point call is an outgoing call initiated by the mobile station; and

the operation of determining a preference for a prescribed type of operating state includes the mobile station sending an indication of the preference to the network in conjunction with a call initiation message.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein:

the point-to-point call is an incoming call originated by a remote party placing a call to the mobile station;

the network pages the mobile station to alert the mobile station of an incoming call;

the operations performed according to the preferences further include:

the mobile station sending a page response message to accept the call; and

said selecting between said point-to-point call and said broadcast content if said network resources are not capable of conducting said point-to-point call and said broadcast content simultaneously comprises the operation of:

sending the selected representation to the network in conjunction with the page response message;

ceasing the indication of the selection according to the page response message and indicating the selection in response to a channel allocation message from the network.

7. A method for operating a wireless mobile station in a wireless network, comprising the operations of:

receiving an operator initiation of an outgoing point-to-point call to a remote station while the mobile station is receiving broadcast content via a multi-user forward link broadcast channel;

in response to the operator initiation, determining a call processing preference and performing an operation accordingly comprising one of:

sending a call initiation message and an additional message to the network, the additional message indicating no interest in continuing to receive the broadcast content, an

Sending a call initiation message and a further message to the network, the further message indicating an interest in continuing to receive the broadcast content, the further message comprising a selection between the point-to-point call and the broadcast content if network resources are not capable of conducting both the point-to-point call and the broadcast content simultaneously; and

waiting for signaling from the network to complete the point-to-point call.

8. The method of claim 7, the operation of determining call processing preferences comprising at least one of:

referencing a call processing preference record pre-stored at the mobile station; and

an operator of the mobile station is queried for call processing preferences.

9. A circuit comprising a plurality of electrically interconnected conductive elements configured to operate a wireless mobile station in a wireless communications network, the conductive elements comprising:

means for receiving operator initiation with respect to initiating an outgoing point-to-point call to a remote station while the mobile station is receiving broadcast content via a multi-user forward link broadcast channel;

means for determining call processing preferences in response to the operator initiation;

means for performing one of the following in accordance with the call processing preference:

sending a call initiation message and an additional message to the network, the additional message indicating no interest in continuing to receive the broadcast content, an

Sending a call initiation message and a further message to the network, the further message indicating an interest in continuing to receive the broadcast content, the further message comprising a selection between the point-to-point call and the broadcast content if network resources are not capable of conducting both the point-to-point call and the broadcast content simultaneously; and

means for waiting for signaling from the network to complete the point-to-point call.

10. The circuitry of claim 9, the means for determining call processing preferences comprising at least one of:

means for referencing a call processing preference record pre-stored at the mobile station; and

means for querying an operator of the mobile station for call processing preferences.