Abstract:
Contemporary wireless communication devices provide high data rate services, but the actual data rate achievable by a given device at a given time may be substantially less than a relevant maximum data rate that is theoretically achievable. Accordingly, among its several advantages, the present invention manages users&#39; expectations for data service performance by providing them with an indication of the available data rate anticipated for data services, in relation to a maximum data rate. In one embodiment, a user&#39;s wireless communication device displays a data rate gauge that indicates the anticipated available rate in relation to the maximum rate. Doing so sets the user&#39;s expectations for data service performance in advance of engaging in the data service.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention generally relates to wireless communications, and particularly relates to providing users of data services with an indication of anticipated available data rates. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Many wireless communication devices provide a received signal strength indication (RSSI). RSSI provides a reasonably good indication of performance for voice and other low-rate services. However, in the growing data-centric wireless environment of high-rate data services, such as Long term Evolution (LTE) and Wideband CDMA (W-CDMA), performance depends increasingly on factors other than RSSI. For example, received signal strength may be high, but the data services environment nonetheless may be degraded by interfering signals from other cells, time dispersion of the channel, or other channel conditions that are not indicated by RSSI. 
         [0003]    By displaying a high RSSI value onscreen, the wireless communication device may lead its user to an incorrect assumption about the data services performance that is currently available. This incorrect expectation may lead to user frustration and dissatisfaction with the device, and with the service provider. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    Contemporary wireless communication devices provide high data rate services, but the actual data rate achievable by a given device at a given time may be substantially less than a relevant maximum data rate that is theoretically achievable. Accordingly, among its several advantages, the present invention manages users&#39; expectations for data service performance by providing them with an indication of the available data rate anticipated for data services, in relation to a maximum data rate. In one embodiment, a user&#39;s wireless communication device displays a data rate gauge indicating the anticipated available data rate relative to the maximum data rate. In this manner, the user&#39;s expectations for data service performance are set in advance of engaging in a data service, based on predicting the achievable data rate. 
         [0005]    In another embodiment, a method of indicating anticipated available data rate via a user interface on a wireless communication device comprises computing an anticipated available data rate as a function of current data service conditions, and displaying a representation of the anticipated available data rate in relation to a maximum data rate, via the user interface. Further, in at least one embodiment, the method includes representing the current data service conditions with two or more data rate factors, including a channel factor representing current channel conditions and a congestion factor representing current network congestion conditions. Computing the anticipated available data rate comprises determining the anticipated available data rate as a function of the two or more data rate factors. 
         [0006]    In another embodiment, a wireless communication device comprises a radio transceiver and a processor operatively associated with it. The radio transceiver is configured to communicate with a supporting wireless communication network, including data service communications. The processor is configured to compute an anticipated available data rate for data service communications as a function of current data service conditions, and display a representation of the anticipated available data rate in relation to a maximum data rate, via a user interface of the wireless communication device. In the same or other embodiments, the processor is configured to represent the current data service conditions using two or more data rate factors, such as a channel factor representing current channel conditions and a congestion factor representing current network congestion conditions. 
         [0007]    Of course, the present invention is not limited to the above features and advantages. Indeed, those skilled in the art will recognize additional features and advantages upon reading the following detailed description, and upon viewing the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of one embodiment of a wireless communication device, shown in context with a supporting wireless communication network. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a logic flow diagram of one embodiment of a method of a wireless communication device determining and displaying a representation of anticipated available data rate relative to a maximum data rate. 
           [0010]      FIGS. 3  is a block diagram of one embodiment of a processor, for use in a wireless communication device, in determining an anticipated available data rate as a function of two or more data rate factors. 
           [0011]      FIGS. 4-7  are diagrams of different embodiments of a representation of the anticipated available data rate, as may be depicted on a user interface display of a wireless communication device. 
           [0012]      FIG. 8  is a diagram of one embodiment of a memory and associated data items, such as may be used by a wireless communication device for determining an anticipated available data rate. 
           [0013]      FIG. 9  is a diagram of a look-up table data structure, such as may be maintained in a memory of a wireless communication device, for use in determining an anticipated available data rate. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0014]      FIG. 1  illustrates a wireless communication network  10  that provides data services to wireless communication devices  14 . The diagram simplifies its presentation of the network  10  by depicting only one base station  12  serving only one device  14 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many devices  14  can be served by the network  10 , and that the network  10  may include multiple base stations  12 , and numerous other entities, and may be divided into Radio Access Network (RAN) and a Core Network (CN). As such details are not germane to understanding the present invention, they are omitted. 
         [0015]    What is germane is that the network  10  provides communication services, including data services to the device  14 . As non-limiting examples, the network  10  comprises a Wideband CDMA or Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, and the device  14  correspondingly comprises a compatible mobile terminal. Supporting these communications, the device  14  includes a radio transceiver  20 , a processor  22 , and a user interface  24 , including a display  26  and/or other visual indicators. 
         [0016]    The radio transceiver  20  is configured to communicate with a supporting wireless communication network—e.g., the network  10 —and it supports data service communications with the network  10 . The processor  22  is operatively associated with the radio transceiver  20 . As illustrated in the method of  FIG. 2 , it is configured to compute an anticipated available data rate for data service communications as a function of current data service conditions (Block  100 ), and display a representation of the anticipated available data rate in relation to a maximum data rate, via the user interface  26  of the device  14  (Block  102 ). 
         [0017]    In one or more embodiments, the processor  22  is configured to represent the current data service conditions with two or more data rate factors, including a channel factor representing current channel conditions and a congestion factor representing current network congestion conditions. In at least one such embodiment, the radio transceiver  20  includes a channel estimation circuit  28  that tracks current channel conditions and provides, for example, a dynamically updated Channel Quality Indicator (CQI), signal-to-noise-plus-interference ratio (SINR) value, or other channel quality metric that serves as the channel factor, or which provides for derivation of the channel factor. The channel factor thus can be understood as a dynamically updated value that varies in relation to changing channel conditions, such as changing channel quality, changing fading type/rate, changing time dispersiveness, etc. 
         [0018]    Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the channel estimation circuit  28  could be implemented in whole or in part within the processor  22 , depending upon the level of integration between the processor  22  and the radio transceiver  20 . In at least one embodiment, the processor  22  provides for overall device control and housekeeping as regards the device  14 . It also may interface with a DSP or other digital processor that is included in the radio transceiver  20  for baseband signal processing and radio transceiver control. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the radio transceiver  20  may include analog front-end filter and amplifier circuits, down-conversion and analog-to-digital conversion circuits, and baseband digital signal processing (DSP) circuits, for received and transmitted signal processing. 
         [0019]    Still further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that in one or more embodiments, the processor  22  comprises a type of digital processor, such as a microprocessor or DSP based circuit. As such, the configuration of the processor  22 , as regards some or all of the anticipated available data rate processing, may be based in whole or in part on computer program instructions stored in a computer-readable medium. Those instructions may comprise one or more computer programs, the execution of which configures the processor  22  in accordance with the teachings presented herein. For example, the processor  22  includes or is associated with memory  30  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). The memory  30  includes, for example, EEPROM, FLASH, or other non-volatile storage, for maintaining the computer program instructions, possibly along with various configuration data, default information, etc. 
         [0020]    However, whether the processor  22  is configured via hardware, software, or a mix of both, it computes anticipated available data rates as a function of current data service conditions. Such conditions can be broadly understood as one or more conditions bearing on the expected data rate performance of the device  14 , or the expected data rate performance of the cooperative combination of the device  14  and the network  10 . Thus, the “anticipated available data rate” differs significantly from a simple tracked average of past throughput, and it differs significantly from the maximum data rate, which may be a known theoretical data rate corresponding to ideal conditions, for example, or which may be an otherwise set or defined maximum, such as an upper limit imposed by a subscriber agreement. 
         [0021]    Further, it should be understood that the anticipated available data rate represents a predicted rate, not the rate that is or will be achieved on the commencement of data services. In that regard, it represents an intelligent estimate by the device  14  as to what data rate will be realized upon commencement (or resumption) of active data service, in relation to the relevant maximum data rate. Because it is computed in relation to the relevant maximum data rate—which could be different for different service types, different subscription agreements, different network types, etc.—the anticipated available data rate provides the device user with a meaningful indication of the data rate performance that he or she can expect. 
         [0022]    That understanding may cause the user to defer data intensive communications until a better anticipated rate is indicated, or at least may cause the user to temper his or her expectations for how quickly such communications will occur. In either instance, there is a distinct tendency to moderate or eliminate user disappointment, and thereby enhance user satisfaction. Moreover, these results are achieved even if the user is unaware of what the maximum data rate is; rather it is enough for the user to know that the anticipated available data rate is one-quarter, or one-half, etc., of the maximum rate. 
         [0023]    Of course, it is necessary that the anticipated available data rate predications made by the processor  22  are accurate enough to be useful in guiding the user&#39;s expectations. To that end, one or more embodiments of the processor  22  represent the current data service conditions using two or more data rate factors that bear on expected data rate performance. Preferably, the processor  22  uses at least those factors bearing most directly on the expected data rate performance. In at least one embodiment, the processor  22  represents the current data service conditions using a channel factor that is determined in dynamic fashion by the processor  22 , in accordance with changing channel conditions (e.g., changing channel quality), and a congestion factor, which reflects the current (or last reported) level of network congestion. In this regard, “congestion” should be understood as the level of loading or overall network activity, at least as relates to the network&#39;s ability to deliver data traffic or otherwise service data connections. 
         [0024]    As such, the congestion factor may also be regarded as a “loading” or “traffic level” factor that provides some indication of whether or to what extent high data rate traffic can be exchanged between the network  10  and the device  14 . For example, the base station  12  generally would not be expected to be capable of providing maximum rate traffic to a large number of devices  14 , but rather likely would have to throttle back some or all of those high-rate data connections. 
         [0025]    Such congestion levels can be signaled by the network  10 , and, in one or more embodiments contemplated herein, the device  14  receives signaling from the network that indicates current network congestion conditions, or provides a value from which the device  14  can derive current network congestion conditions. As a non-limiting example, the network  10  may signal a multi-bit value on a control or overhead channel that indicates network congestion as none, low, medium, or high. Thus, in one or more embodiments, the processor  22  is configured to receive signaling from the network  10 , via the radio transceiver  20 , that provides an indication or measure of network congestion, for use as said congestion factor, or for use in computing said congestion factor. 
         [0026]    More broadly, the processor  22  is configured to determine the anticipated available data rate as a function of the two or more data rate factors (bearing on data rate performance). For example,  FIG. 3  provides a non-limiting example of data rate factors that can be considered. Of course, not all embodiments consider all of the illustrated factors. 
         [0027]    With that understanding,  FIG. 3  illustrates that the processor  22  may consider any two or more of: a channel factor from a channel quality estimator  40 , which may be part of the channel estimation circuit  28 ; a congestion factor from a congestion estimator  42 , which may be driven by network-signaled congestion information; a velocity factor from a velocity estimator  44 , which may use Doppler-based or other velocity/speed measurement techniques to determine the device&#39;s relative rate of travel; and a throughput factor from a recent throughput estimator  46 , which may track past data rates, as actually achieved. In particular, the throughput estimator  46  may average data rates achieved for the most recent transmissions, and may use exponential forgetting, etc., to emphasize more recently achieved throughputs.  FIG. 3  also illustrates that the maximum data rate may be provided to the processor  22 , from memory as a dynamically updated or static value. 
         [0028]    Having access to maximum data rate information allows the processor  22  to determine or otherwise display an indication of the anticipated available data rate in relation to the maximum.  FIG. 4  shows one example, where displaying a representation  50  of the anticipated available data rate comprises displaying an alphanumeric character from a defined set of alphanumeric characters that map to different data rate ranges, as bounded by the maximum data rate. In the illustration, the representation  50  comprises a selected one of the characters “L,” “M,” or “H,” which respectively map to low, medium, and high ranges of anticipated available data rates relative to the maximum data rate. Of course, the representation  50  could comprise all three characters superimposed on a line of increasing data rates, where the anticipated range is indicated by highlighting the corresponding character. 
         [0029]      FIG. 5  illustrates a similar representation  50 , but where the number of characters or symbols used is greater, providing greater resolution for indicating the anticipated available data rate. In particular,  FIG. 5  depicts using the set of numbers from 1 to 10, wherein  1  represents the lowest value for the anticipated available data rate, and 10 represents the highest value, i.e., the defined maximum data rate. Again, the device  14  may simply display whichever number is appropriate for the determined value of the anticipated available data rate, or it may display all ten numbers and highlight the appropriate one. 
         [0030]      FIGS. 6 and 7  show still other variations. In  FIG. 6 , the representation  50  comprises a type of data rate gauge in the form of a bar graph depiction, where the filled/non-filled portions of the bar indicate the anticipated available data rate in relation to the maximum data rate. In another embodiment,  FIG. 7  depicts the representation  50  as another type of data rate gauge that is reminiscent of a speedometer, wherein a dial pointer indicates the anticipated available data rate in relation to the maximum data rate, which corresponds to the maximum dial position. 
         [0031]    Broadly, then, in one or more embodiments, displaying the representation  50  of the anticipated available data rate comprises displaying a data rate gauge indicating the anticipated available data rate relative to the maximum data rate. More broadly, in one or more embodiments, displaying the representation  50  of the anticipated available data rate comprises displaying characters or graphics that indicate the anticipated available data rate on a scale defined by the maximum data rate. 
         [0032]    Regardless of how the representation  50  is rendered,  FIG. 8  illustrates the memory  30  of the device  14  storing (dynamically or statically) the data rate factors, the maximum data rate, and, in at least one embodiment, one or more anticipated available data rate (AADR) tables. For example, in one embodiment the processor  22  implements a method whereby determining the anticipated available data rate comprises retrieving the anticipated available data rate as a pre-computed anticipated available data rate value from a look-up table comprising pre-computed anticipated available data rate values. Further, in at least one such embodiment, retrieving the anticipated available data rate value from the look-up table comprises using one or more of the two or more data rate factors to index into one or more look-up tables, each comprising pre-computed anticipated available data rate values corresponding to different values or ranges of the one or more data rate factors. 
         [0033]      FIG. 9  illustrates an example look-up table  52 , which comprises pairings of channel conditions and corresponding anticipated available data rate values; e.g., CHAN. CONDITIONS  1  map to MDR  1 , CHAN. CONDITIONS  2  map to MDR  2 , and so on. With this arrangement, the current value of the channel factor is used to index into the table  52 , to select the corresponding MDR value. Further, there may be different versions of the table  52 , corresponding to any one or more of different levels of network congestion, different velocities, etc., such that one or more other data rate factors can be used to pick which table version to use. 
         [0034]    Alternatively, there may simply be one table, indexed by one data rate factor, but where the processor further modifies (e.g., fractionally reduces) the anticipated available data rate value retrieved from that table, in accordance with one or more additional data rate factors. As another alternative, the device  14  may use fuzzy logic to determine the anticipated available data rate. For example, the universe of possible data rates, ranging from zero or some default minimum up to the relevant maximum data rate may be divided into a number of overlapping sub-ranges, serving as fuzzy sets. One or more of the data rate factors can then be used to map into that domain, or they can be used to define one or more additional domains subdivided into fuzzy sets, for a compound fuzzy mapping. 
         [0035]    Still further, the mapping of data rate factors into anticipated available data rates may be based on neural network mapping. Thus, in one or more embodiments, the processor  22  includes a neural processor that learns the data-factor-to-anticipated-available-rate mappings, for various factors or combinations of factors. Alternatively, such learning may be done beforehand, based on simulations or empirical processing, and the results programmed into the processor  22 , such that it simply determines values for the data rate factors in use, and maps them according to the programmed criteria. 
         [0036]    In any case, there may be one or more data rate factors that have a dominant influence on data rates, and they may be considered primarily or exclusively by the processor  22 . In at least one embodiment, the processor  22  represents the current data service conditions at least with a channel factor representing current channel conditions and a congestion factor representing current network congestion conditions. Here, computing the anticipated available data rate comprises determining the anticipated available data rate as a function of the channel and congestion factors. 
         [0037]    As noted, the device  14  may receive signaling from the network  10  that provides an indication or measure of network congestion, for use as said congestion factor, or for use in computing said congestion factor. Further, additional factors may include a mobility factor representing a velocity or speed estimate for the device  14 , and a throughput factor representing recent data throughput of the device  14 . 
         [0038]    Regardless of the particular factors used, or the particular mix of factors, computing the anticipated available data rate as a function of the current data service conditions comprises computing the anticipated available data rate as a function of two or more data rate factors representing the current data service conditions. In one embodiment, computing the anticipated available data rate as a function of the current data service conditions comprises determining what fraction of the maximum data rate is expected to be achievable, in view of the current data service conditions. For example, the factors may operate as fractional scaling factors applied to the maximum data rate, or may otherwise be used to compute a “discount” or other offset or back-off from the maximum data rate. 
         [0039]    The maximum data rate itself is a known or calculable value, be it static or dynamic. For example, the device  14  may store a predefined value for the maximum data rate in a memory of the wireless communication device. Further, it may determine the maximum data rate based on one or more of: a service level agreement governing operation of the wireless communication device, data rate limitations of a wireless communication network supporting the wireless communication device, and data rate limitations of the wireless communication device. 
         [0040]    Still further, it should be understood that the device  14  may store different maximum data rates, corresponding to different network and/or device capabilities or modes, different types of networks, different types of data services, etc. The device  14  may therefore use and/or store a look-up table of maximum data rates, and/or maximum data rate information can be signaled to the device  14  by the network  10 . 
         [0041]    As a general proposition, the maximum data rate used at any given time by the device  14  can be understood as the best or maximum data rate that is allowed or can be theoretically achieved for a given type of data service, and given network and device capabilities. In that manner, the anticipated available data rate gives the user an accurate sense of how much or what fraction of that maximum data rate is expected to be available at any given time. 
         [0042]    Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that the present invention is not limited by the foregoing description or the accompanying drawings. Indeed, the present invention is limited only by the following appended claims and their legal equivalents.