Abstract:
Devices, systems, articles of manufacture, and methods for obtaining system information for a wireless communication device are described. According to some embodiments, a subscription supported by the wireless communication device enters a paging reorganization mode. The wireless communication device acquires a portion of system information by a first subscription using a radio frequency (RF) resource. The subscription changes a paging mode of the wireless communication device. The subscription releases the RF resource after acquiring the portion of the system information and prior to acquiring all of the system information. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also claimed and described.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The technology discussed below relates generally to communication systems, and more specifically, to systems and methods for obtaining system information on a wireless communication device. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Wireless communication systems have become an important means by which many people worldwide have come to communicate. A wireless communication system may provide communication for a number of mobile devices, each of which may be serviced by a base station. 
         [0003]    Within wireless communications systems, base stations may periodically send data, such as voice data, user data, and/or control data to mobile devices residing in wireless networks. In some instances, a mobile device may receive multiple sets of data, sometimes from multiple base stations in the same wireless communication system. For example, a mobile device may maintain multiple subscriptions at the same time. Benefits may be realized by improving how mobile devices maintain multiple subscriptions. 
       Summary of Some Example Embodiments 
       [0004]    The following summarizes some aspects of the present disclosure to provide a basic understanding of the discussed technology. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated features of the disclosure, and is intended neither to identify key or critical elements of all aspects of the disclosure nor to delineate the scope of any or all aspects of the disclosure. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects of the disclosure in summary form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
         [0005]    A method for obtaining system information for a wireless communication device is described. The method includes entering a paging reorganization mode after at least one of cell reselection and ending a voice call. The method also includes acquiring a portion of system information by a first subscription using a radio frequency (RF) resource. The method also includes changing a paging mode of the wireless communication device. The method also includes releasing the RF resource after acquiring the portion of the system information and prior to acquiring all of the system information. 
         [0006]    The first subscription may exclusively use the RF resource during the paging reorganization mode. The first subscription may read and decode all paging blocks during the paging reorganization mode. The paging reorganization mode may be a non-discontinuous reception (non-DRX) mode. 
         [0007]    The portion of system information may include system information type 3 (SI 3) or system information type 4 (SI 4). The portion of system information may include at least one of a cell selection parameter, a random access channel (RACH) parameter, a control channel parameter, a cell identifier, a location area identifier, paging block information and cell block information. 
         [0008]    The wireless communication device may include multiple subscriptions. Releasing the RF resource may include releasing the RF resource for use by a second subscription. 
         [0009]    The method may also include determining a paging group to which the wireless communication device belongs. The method may also include reading and decoding paging blocks that are associated with the wireless communication device&#39;s paging group, and avoiding reading and decoding paging blocks that are not associated with the wireless communication device&#39;s paging group. 
         [0010]    Changing the paging mode may include receiving a paging mode indication via a paging block associated with the wireless communication device, and changing the paging mode based on the paging mode indication. The paging mode indication may be received via at least one of an immediate assignment message or a paging message. 
         [0011]    The method may also include acquiring other system information when the RF resource is available. The system information may be acquired from at least one of a paging channel (PCH) and a broadcast control channel (BCCH). 
         [0012]    An apparatus for obtaining system information for a wireless communication device is also described. The apparatus includes a processor and memory in electronic communication with the processor. The apparatus also includes instructions stored in the memory. The instructions are executable to enter a paging reorganization mode after at least one of cell reselection and ending a voice call. The instructions are also executable to acquire a portion of system information by a first subscription using a radio frequency (RF) resource. The instructions are also executable to change a paging mode of the wireless communication device. The instructions are also executable to release the RF resource after acquiring the portion of the system information and prior to acquiring all of the system information. 
         [0013]    A computer-program product for obtaining system information for a wireless communication device is also described. The computer-program product includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions thereon. The instructions include code for causing a first subscription to enter a paging reorganization mode after at least one of cell reselection and ending a voice call. The instructions also include code for causing the first subscription to acquire a portion of system information by a first subscription using a radio frequency (RF) resource. The instructions also include code for causing the first subscription to change a paging mode of the wireless communication device. The instructions also include code for causing the first subscription to release the RF resource after acquiring the portion of the system information and prior to acquiring all of the system information. 
         [0014]    An apparatus for obtaining system information for a wireless communication device is also described. The apparatus includes means for entering a paging reorganization mode after at least one of cell reselection and ending a voice call. The apparatus also includes means for acquiring a portion of system information using a radio frequency (RF) resource. The apparatus also includes means for changing a paging mode of the wireless communication device. The apparatus also includes means for releasing the RF resource after acquiring the portion of the system information and prior to acquiring all of the system information. 
         [0015]    Still yet other embodiments can include an apparatus for obtaining system information for a wireless communication device. Such an apparatus can include means for entering a paging reorganization mode after at least one of cell reselection and ending a voice call; means for acquiring a portion of system information using a radio frequency (RF) resource; means for changing a paging mode of the wireless communication device; and means for releasing the RF resource after acquiring the portion of the system information and prior to acquiring all of the system information. These means are described in portions of the specification below and are found in the appended drawings. The functions carried out by the components discussed below represent the features capable of carrying out the means discussed in this application. 
         [0016]    Other means-type embodiments can have additional features. For example, the means for acquiring a portion of system information can exclusively use the RF resource during the paging reorganization mode. As another example, the means for acquiring a portion of system information can read and decode all paging blocks during the paging reorganization mode. A portion of system information can includes at least one of system information type 3 (SI 3) and system information type 4 (SI 4). In some embodiments, a wireless communication device can includes multiple subscriptions. As another feature example, means for determining a paging group can be configured to determine a paging group for which the wireless communication device belongs. Means-type embodiments can also include means for reading and decoding paging blocks that are associated with the wireless communication device&#39;s paging group; and means for avoiding reading and decoding paging blocks that are not associated with the wireless communication device&#39;s paging group. Also, the means for changing the paging mode comprises: means for receiving a paging mode indication via a paging block associated with the wireless communication device; and means for changing the paging mode based on the paging mode indication. And in some embodiments, means-type embodiments can include means for acquiring other system information when the RF resource is available. 
         [0017]    Other aspects, features, and embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, upon reviewing the following description of specific, exemplary embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures. While features of the present invention may be discussed relative to certain embodiments and figures below, all embodiments of the present invention can include one or more of the advantageous features discussed herein. In other words, while one or more embodiments may be discussed as having certain advantageous features, one or more of such features may also be used in accordance with the various embodiments of the invention discussed herein. In similar fashion, while exemplary embodiments may be discussed below as device, system, or method embodiments, it should be understood that such exemplary embodiments can be implemented in various devices, systems, and methods. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  shows an example of a wireless communication system in which the systems and methods disclosed herein may be utilized; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a flow diagram of a method for obtaining system information according to some embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating a paging channel and multiple paging blocks according to some embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating system information and multiple system information types according to some embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  shows a detailed wireless communication device in which the systems and methods disclosed herein may be utilized; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is a flow diagram of a detailed method for obtaining system information according to some embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a flow diagram of a detailed method for obtaining system information according to some embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  shows another example of a wireless communication system in which the systems and methods disclosed herein may be utilized; 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  shows a block diagram of a transmitter and a receiver in a wireless communication system; and 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  illustrates certain components that may be included within a wireless communication device according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0028]    After a cell re-selection procedure or a call release, a wireless communication device may change its paging mode to a paging reorganization mode. Paging reorganization may be employed when a wireless communication device does not have system information, cell suitability information, and/or control channel information for decoding a paging channel. In a paging reorganization mode, the wireless communication device may acquire all system information necessary to establish communications with a base station. 
         [0029]    While a paging reorganization mode may allow the wireless communication device to acquire all system information at a faster rate, it may decrease wireless communication efficiency. For example, in the paging reorganization mode, the wireless communication device may decode all paging blocks, regardless of its paging group. This decoding can lead to increased power consumption. Also, in the paging reorganization mode, a first subscription of the wireless communication device may exclusively use a radio frequency (RF) resource until it decodes all the system information, calculates its paging group and decodes the paging blocks. This may lead to degraded wireless communication device page performance as other subscriptions may not have access to the RF resource during this period. 
         [0030]    Accordingly, the technology described herein may reduce power consumption and improve wireless communication device performance. Some wireless communication devices may use multiple subscriber identity module (SIM) cards to communicate via multiple subscriptions. After a cell re-selection procedure or a call release, a wireless communication device may change its paging mode to a paging reorganization mode. While in the paging reorganization mode, a first subscription of the wireless communication device may acquire system information type 3 (SI 3) or system information type 4 (SI 4). After acquiring SI 3 or SI 4, the wireless communication device may move out of the paging reorganization mode and release the RF resource to be used by multiple subscriptions. The wireless communication device may then acquire the rest of the system information intermittently, when the RF resource is available. 
         [0031]    Changing a paging mode after acquiring SI 3 may reduce the amount of time that the first subscription exclusively uses the RF resource which may improve mobile terminal performance. Changing the paging mode may also reduce power consumption as the wireless communication device may not need to read and decode all the paging blocks in a paging channel, but rather just the paging blocks that are associated with the wireless communication device&#39;s paging group. 
         [0032]      FIG. 1  shows an example of a wireless communication system  100  in which the systems and methods disclosed herein may be utilized. The wireless communication system  100  may include a first base station  102   a , a second base station  102   b , and a wireless communication device  104 . 
         [0033]    As used herein, the term “base station” may refer to a wireless communication station that is used to communicate with the wireless communication device  104 . A base station  102  may alternatively be referred to as an access point (including nano-, pico- and femto-cells), a Node B, an evolved Node B (eNodeB), a Home Node B, or some other similar terminology. 
         [0034]    The first base station  102   a  may include a first transmitter  106   a , a first transfer module  108   a , a first paging module  112   a , and a first antenna  110   a . The first transmitter  106   a  may process and prepare voice, data, and other signals to be sent from the first base station  102   a  to the wireless communication device  104 . The first transfer module  108   a  may send data, such as voice data and/or user data to the wireless communication device  104 . For example, the first transfer module  108   a  may send voice data via the first transmitter  106   a  and the first antenna  110   a . The data may be sent to the wireless communication device  104  as a first subscription  114   a.    
         [0035]    The first paging module  112   a  may generate and send out page messages to the wireless communication device  104 . For example, a page message may be sent to the wireless communication device  104  via the first transmitter  106   a  and the first antenna  110   a . The page message may be sent to the wireless communication device  104  via the first subscription  114   a . The wireless communication system  100  uses page messages to broadcast paging information to one or more wireless communication devices  104 . For example, a page message may be sent to the wireless communication device  104  to alert the wireless communication device  104  of an incoming voice call on the first subscription  114   a.    
         [0036]    The second base station  102   b  may include a second transmitter  106   b , a second transfer module  108   b , a second paging module  112   b  and a second antenna  110   b  that may be similar to corresponding elements described in connection with the first base station  102   a . The second base station  102   b  may send data to the wireless communication device  104  as a second subscription  114   b.    
         [0037]    As used herein, the term “wireless communication device” refers to an electronic device that may be used for voice and/or data communication over a wireless communication system  100 . Examples of wireless communication devices  104  may include access terminals, client devices, client stations, etc., and may wirelessly communicate with other communication devices (e.g., base stations  102  and other wireless communication devices  104 ). Some wireless communication devices  104  may be referred to as stations (STAs), mobile devices, mobile stations (MSs), subscriber stations, user equipments (UEs), remote stations, access terminals, mobile terminals, terminals, user terminals, subscriber units, etc. Additional examples of wireless communication devices  104  include laptop or desktop computers, cellular phones, smart phones, wireless modems, e-readers, tablet devices, gaming systems, entertainment devices, routers, televisions, educational devices, display boards, etc. 
         [0038]    The wireless communication device  104  may include a transfer receiving module  118 , a paging mode module  120 , a radio frequency (RF) control module  122 , and at least one antenna  116 . The wireless communication device  104  may transmit and receive communications from the first base station  102   a  and the second base station  102   b  via the antenna  116 . For example, the wireless communication device  104  may receive communications from the first base station  102   a  and/or receive communications from the second base station  102   b.    
         [0039]    As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the wireless communication device  104  may be configured to communicate via multiple subscriptions  114 . The first subscription  114   a  may correspond to the first base station  102   a . The first subscription  114   a  may transfer data, such as voice data and/or user data, between the first base station  102   a  and the wireless communication device  104 . Similarly, the second subscription  114   b  may correspond to the second base station  102   b . The second subscription  114   b  may transfer data, such as voice data and/or user data, between the second base station  102   b  and the wireless communication device  104 . The wireless communication device  104  may employ multiple subscriber identity module (SIM) cards to communicate with the multiple subscriptions  114 . For example, the wireless communication device  104  may employ a first SIM card that communicates with the first subscription  114   a  and a second SIM card that communicates with the second subscription  114   b . Additional SIM cards may also be employed in other configurations. 
         [0040]    Receiving/transmitting information using a subscription  114  may include exclusively using an RF resource available to the wireless communication device  104 . For example, the wireless communication device  104  may employ a single RF resource (e.g., transmitter and receiver). Accordingly, the wireless communication device  104  may only receive/transmit data via one subscription  114  at a time. During this time, other subscriptions may be idle. For example, the wireless communication device  104  may exclusively use an RF resource to receive voice data via the first subscription  114   a . In this example, the wireless communication device  104  may not send or receive data via the second subscription  114   b  while it is receiving voice data via the first subscription  114   a . Similarly, the wireless communication device  104  may exclusively use an RF resource to receive voice data via the second subscription  114   b , so that it does not send or receive via the first subscription  114   a  while it is receiving voice data via the second subscription  114   b . In these examples, the wireless communication device  104  may switch from the first subscription  114   a  to the second subscription  114   b  and vice-versa such that both subscriptions  114  may have exclusive access to the RF resource at different times. 
         [0041]    While  FIG. 1  depicts a wireless communication device  104  that is configured to communicate via multiple subscriptions  114 , the systems and methods described herein may also be performed by a wireless communication device  104  that is configured to communicate with a single subscription or more subscriptions  114 . In other words, the systems and methods described herein may be performed by a wireless communication device  104  that has a single SIM card or multiple SIM cards. 
         [0042]    The transfer receiving module  118  may process data (e.g., voice data and/or user data) received at the wireless communication device  104 . For example, the transfer receiving module  118  may be employed when the wireless communication device  104  is tuned to communicate with the first subscription  114   a  or the second subscription  114   b . Receiving and processing data may include decoding received data. 
         [0043]    One example of data that the transfer receiving module  118  may receive is system information. System information may be information that allows the wireless communication device  104  to camp on a cell. As used herein, the term “cell” may refer to a base station  102  and/or its coverage area, depending on the context in which the term is used. Camping on a cell may mean that the wireless communication device  104  monitors the cell for different types of information. This information can include system information and paging information, for example. System information may be categorized into types of system information. For example, a portion of the system information may be system information type 3 (SI 3). SI 3 may include one or more of a cell selection parameter, a random access channel (RACH) parameter, a control channel parameter, a cell identifier, a location area identifier, and information for calculating the wireless communication device  104  paging block. In another example, system information type 4 (SI 4) may include the information included in SI 3 and a cell block identifier. More detail regarding system information types is given in connection with  FIG. 4 . 
         [0044]    In some modes of operation, the transfer receiving module  118  may receive all the system information at once. For example, while being tuned to the first subscription  114   a , the wireless communication device  104  may be in a paging reorganization mode until it receives and decodes all the system information (e.g., all the system information types). A specific example of a wireless communication device  104  in the paging reorganization mode is given as follows. When a multi-SIM wireless communication device  104  with a single RF resource (e.g., a single RF transmit and receive chain) is in the paging reorganization mode, the first subscription  114   a  may use the RF resource, and may not release the RF resource until all the system information is received and the wireless communication device  104  changes its paging mode. In other words, the second subscription  114   b  may be denied RF resources for a period of time (from 3-10 seconds, for example). This may lead to degraded performance for the wireless communication device  104 . For example, the second subscription  114   b  may miss pages until the RF resource is released, and cell selection may be triggered on the second subscription  114   b.    
         [0045]    In another mode of operation, the transfer receiving module  118  may read and decode one or more portions of the system information intermittently when an RF resource is available. For example, in this other mode of operation, the transfer receiving module  118  may read and decode the system information for the first subscription  114   a  when the RF resource is not being used by the second subscription  114   b.    
         [0046]    In one example, the transfer receiving module  118  may receive the system information using both modes of operation described above. An example is given as follows. During a paging reorganization mode, the wireless communication device  104  may read and decode SI 3 for the first subscription  114   a . Then, after acquiring SI 3, the wireless communication device  104  may switch to a paging mode indicated by a network. The paging mode indicated by the network may allow intermittent use of the RF resource by both subscriptions  114 . Accordingly, the transfer receiving module  118  may read and decode other system information for the first subscription  114   a  and may demodulate pages from the second base station  102   b  via the second subscription  114   b.    
         [0047]    The paging mode module  120  may switch the paging mode of the wireless communication device  104 . For example, after a cell re-selection or a call release, the paging mode module  120  may switch the wireless communication device  104  into a paging reorganization mode. The paging reorganization mode may be a non-discontinuous reception (non-DRX) mode. In other words, in the paging reorganization mode, the wireless communication device  104  may continually scan for paging messages, without any gaps in scanning. The paging mode module  120  may also switch the paging mode of the wireless communication device  104  to another paging mode. For example, after acquiring a portion of the system information (e.g., SI 3) in a paging reorganization mode, the paging mode module  120  may switch the paging mode of the wireless communication device  104 . While in the other paging mode, the wireless communication device  104  may intermittently receive other system information. 
         [0048]    Additionally, while in the other paging mode, the wireless communication device  104  may be configured to not read and decode all paging blocks. Rather, the wireless communication device  104  may be configured to read and decode paging blocks that are associated with paging group to which the wireless communication device  104  belongs and to avoid reading and decoding other paging blocks that are not associated with the wireless communication device&#39;s  104  paging group. For example, after acquiring SI 3, the wireless communication device  104  may determine its paging group and listen to paging blocks associated with that paging group. More detail regarding paging groups is given in connection with  FIG. 3 . 
         [0049]    In some configurations, the paging mode module  120  may switch the paging mode of the wireless communication device  104  based on received input. For example, the wireless communication device  104  may receive a paging mode indication from a network (e.g., from a base station  102 ). The paging mode indication may indicate a paging mode to be used while communicating with a particular base station  102 . Accordingly, the paging mode module  120  may change the wireless communication device&#39;s  104  paging mode to the paging mode indicated. The paging mode indication may be included in an immediate assignment message or a paging message included in a paging block associated with the wireless communication device&#39;s  104  paging group. 
         [0050]    Switching the paging mode of the wireless communication device  104  from the paging reorganization mode to another paging mode may be beneficial. This is because it allows other subscriptions  114  to use the RF resource. For example, while in the other paging mode, the second subscription  114   b  may use the RF resource to demodulate a page from the second base station  102   b . Switching to another paging mode may also be beneficial because the wireless communication device  104  may only have to decode a portion of the paging blocks, rather than reading all paging blocks regardless of the wireless communication device&#39;s  104  paging group. 
         [0051]    A more specific example of the benefits of switching the paging mode after acquiring only a portion of the system information is given as follows. Using existing methods, during a paging reorganization mode, the first subscription  114   a  may hold an RF resource while acquiring all system information. This may last approximately 3-5 seconds in good radio conditions, and up to approximately 10 seconds in bad radio conditions. Accordingly, the second subscription  114   b  may be without the RF resource for approximately 3-10 seconds. By comparison, using technology disclosed herein, the wireless communication device  104  may acquire SI 3 in approximately 400 milliseconds (ms) in good radio conditions while in a paging reorganization mode. Accordingly, the second subscription  114   b  may be without the RF resource for approximately 400 ms. Therefore, switching from a paging reorganization mode to another paging mode after acquiring SI 3 may result in approximately a 80-90% increase in efficiency with regard to missed pages. Table (1) illustrates the increase in MT performance using the systems and methods described herein. The information included in Table (1) represents data gathered from field tests of the systems and methods described herein. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE (1) 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 DRX 
                 Existing method: 
                 Number of pages 
                 New Method: 
                 Number of pages 
                   
               
               
                 cycle for 
                 Duration first sub. was 
                 missed on the second 
                 Duration first sub. 
                 missed on the second 
               
               
                 second 
                 in page reorg mode 
                 sub. based on 
                 was in page reorg mode 
                 sub. based on 
                 % 
               
               
                 sub. 
                 until all SI acquired 
                 current method 
                 until SI 3 or SI 4 acquired 
                 the new method 
                 improvement 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 470 ms 
                 3 seconds 
                 6 
                 400 ms 
                 1 
                 83% 
               
               
                 470 ms 
                 4 second     
                 8 
                 450 ms 
                 1 
                 87% 
               
               
                 470 ms 
                 5 seconds 
                 10 
                 520 ms 
                 1 
                 90% 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0052]    The RF control module  122  may control access to the RF resource. For example, the first subscription  114   a  may have exclusive access to the RF resource while in a paging reorganization mode. In another example, multiple subscriptions  114  may have intermittent access to the RF resource. For example, during a normal paging mode, the first subscription  114   a  and the second subscription  114   b  may intermittently access the RF resource. The RF control module  112  may release the RF resource. For example, after the first subscription  114   a  has acquired a portion of the system information, the RF control module  112  may release the RF resource to be used by the second subscription  114   b.    
         [0053]      FIG. 2  is a flow diagram of a method  200  for obtaining system information according to some embodiments of the present invention. One or more of the steps of the method  200  may be performed by a subscription  114  that is supported by the wireless communication device  104 . For example, the first subscription  114   a  may enter  202  a paging reorganization mode. In one example, the first subscription  114   a  may enter  202  the paging reorganization mode after selecting a new communication cell. In another example, the first subscription  114   a  may enter  202  the paging reorganization mode after ending a voice call. Entering  202  a paging reorganization mode may include changing one or more wireless communication device  104  settings to operate in the paging reorganization mode. 
         [0054]    While in the paging reorganization mode, the wireless communication device  104  may acquire  204  a portion of system information by the first subscription  114   a  using an RF resource. In other words, the first subscription  114   a  may acquire a portion of the information that may allow the wireless communication device  104  to communicate with the first base station  102   a . For example, the first subscription  114   a  may acquire SI 3. In another example, the first subscription  114   a  may acquire SI 4. The first subscription  114   a  may acquire  204  a portion of system information by reading and decoding paging blocks. The paging blocks may be included in a paging channel (PCH) or a broadcast channel (BCCH). 
         [0055]    After acquiring  204  a portion of the system information, the first subscription  114   a  may change  206  its paging mode. For example, the first subscription  114   a  may switch from the paging reorganization mode to a paging mode indicated by the network. In some configurations, the paging mode indicated by the network may allow the wireless communication device  104  to share the RF resource among multiple subscriptions  114 . Other channels may also be used as desired. 
         [0056]    Accordingly, the first subscription  114   a  may release  208  the RF resource after acquiring the portion of the system information and prior to acquiring all of the system information. After releasing  208  the RF resource, both the first subscription  114   a  and the second subscription  114   b  may utilize the RF resource intermittently. For example, the second subscription  114   b  may have access to the RF resource to demodulate a page received from the second base station  102   b  via the second subscription  114   b . During periods of time when the second subscription  114   b  is not transmitting/receiving data, the first subscription  114   a  may continue to receive other system information (e.g., SI 4, etc.). 
         [0057]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating a paging channel  326  and multiple paging blocks  328   a - d  according to some embodiments of the present invention. As described above, a base station  102  may broadcast system information to one or more wireless communication devices  104 . For example, system information may be sent to the wireless communication device  104  to alert the wireless communication device  104  of an incoming voice call on the first subscription  114   a . The system information may also include information needed by the wireless communication device  104  to establish a communication link with a base station  102 . 
         [0058]    The base stations  102  may send the system information to the wireless communication device  104  via the paging channel (PCH)  326 . While  FIG. 3  depicts a paging channel  326 , in some configurations, the base stations  102  may send the system information to the wireless communication device  104  using a broadcast channel (BCCH). 
         [0059]    The paging channel  326  (or the broadcast channel) may be divided into one or more paging blocks  328   a - d . For example, the paging channel  326  may be divided into a first paging block  328   a , a second paging block  328   b , a third paging block  328   c , and a fourth paging block  328   d . A paging block  328  may be a portion of the paging channel  326  that includes system information directed to one or more wireless communication devices  104 . For example, the first paging block  328   a  may include system information for a first group of wireless communication devices  104  and the second paging block  328   b  may include system information for a second group of wireless communication devices  104 . As used herein, the group of wireless communication devices  104  that a paging block  328  is directed to may be referred to as a paging group. 
         [0060]    As described above, while in the paging reorganization mode, the first subscription  114   a  may read and decode all paging blocks  328   a - d . By comparison, in another paging mode, the first subscription  114   a  may read and decode the paging block  328  that corresponds to the wireless communication device&#39;s  104  paging group. For example, after acquiring SI 3 and changing paging modes, the first subscription  114   a  may read and decode the paging block  328   c  that corresponds to the wireless communication device&#39;s  104  paging group, which is indicated in  FIG. 3  by the box  324 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating system information  430  and multiple system information types  432  according to some embodiments of the present invention. As described above, the wireless communication device  104  may acquire system information  430  that allows the wireless communication device  104  to communicate with a base station  102 . In some configurations, the system information  430  may be received via the paging blocks  328  described in connection with  FIG. 3 . 
         [0062]    The system information  430  may be divided into one or more system information types  432   a - h . The different system information types  432   a - h  may include different information that allows the wireless communication device  104  to camp on a cell. For example, SI 3  432   c  may include one or more of a cell selection parameter, a random access channel (RACH) parameter, a control channel parameter, a cell identifier, a location area identifier, and information for calculating the wireless communication device&#39;s  104  paging block. In another example, SI 4  432   d  may include information included in SI 3  432   c  and a cell block identifier. As described above, in some configurations, the wireless communication device  104  may acquire SI 3  432   c  while in a paging reorganization mode, and the other system information types  432   a - b, d - h  may be acquired later. 
         [0063]      FIG. 5  shows a detailed wireless communication device  504  in which the systems and methods disclosed herein may be utilized. The wireless communication device  504  may be an example of the wireless communication device  104  described in connection with  FIG. 1 . The wireless communication device  504  may include a transfer receiving module  518 , a paging mode module  520 , an RF control module  522  and an antenna  524  that may be examples of corresponding elements described in connection with  FIG. 1 . The wireless communication device  504  may also include a suitable cell module  534  and a paging group module  536 . 
         [0064]    The suitable cell module  534  may determine whether a cell is suitable for communication. For example, after the wireless communication device  504  has acquired at least one of SI 3  432   c  and SI 4  432   d , the suitable cell module  534  may detect whether the cell linking the wireless communication device  504  and the base station  102  is suitable. Determining whether a cell is suitable may include determining the strength of a signal transmitted via the cell. Determining whether a cell is suitable may also include determining whether the signal strength is greater than a certain threshold. In some implementations, the wireless communication device  504  may include lookup tables and/or metrics to determine whether the cell is suitable or not. 
         [0065]    The paging group module  536  may determine the wireless communication device&#39;s  504  paging group. In some configurations, the paging group module  536  may determine the wireless communication device&#39;s  504  paging group based on system information. For example, SI 3 may include a paging group indication, or may include information that allows the wireless communication device  504  to determine its paging group. 
         [0066]    As described above, in some modes of operation, the wireless communication device  504  may read and decode only those paging blocks  328  that are associated with the wireless communication device&#39;s  504  paging group. Accordingly, the paging group module  536  may determine the wireless communication device&#39;s  504  paging group and notify the wireless communication device  504  which paging blocks  328  to scan for system information. 
         [0067]      FIG. 6  is a flow diagram of a detailed method  600  for obtaining system information  430  according to some embodiments of the present invention. One or more of the steps of the method  600  may be performed by a subscription  114  that is supported by the wireless communication device  504 . For example, the first subscription  114   a  may enter  602  a paging reorganization mode. This may be performed as described in connection with  FIG. 2 . 
         [0068]    While in the paging reorganization mode, the first subscription  114   a  may acquire  604  at least one of SI 3  432   c  and SI 4  432   d . For example, the first subscription  114   a  may read and decode at least one of SI 3  432   c  and SI4  432   d  from a paging block  328  of the paging channel  326 . From SI 3  432   c  and/or SI 4  432   d , other important parameters that allow and/or enable the wireless communication device  504  to communicate with the base station  102  may be determined. 
         [0069]    After acquiring  604  SI 3  432   c  or SI 4  432   d , the first subscription  114   a  may change its paging mode to a paging mode indicated by the network. For example, the first subscription  114   a  may receive  606  a paging mode indication via a paging block  328  associated with the wireless communication device  504 . For example, the first base station  102   a  may send a paging mode indication in a paging block  328  associated with the wireless communication device&#39;s  504  paging group. In another example, the first base station  102   a  may send the paging mode indication in an immediate assignment message that is included in a paging block  328  associated with the wireless communication device&#39;s  504  paging group. 
         [0070]    The first subscription  114   a  may then change  608  its paging mode based on the paging mode indication. For example, if the network uses a normal paging mode, the first subscription  114   a  may change to a normal paging mode. Similarly, if the network uses an extended paging mode, the first subscription  114   a  may change to an extended paging mode. 
         [0071]    The first subscription  114   a  may then release  610  the RF resource after acquiring the portion of system information and prior to acquiring all the system information. This may be done as described in connection with  FIG. 2 . 
         [0072]      FIG. 7  is a flow diagram of a detailed method  700  for obtaining system information  430  according to some embodiments of the present invention. The method  700  may be performed by a subscription  114  that is supported by the wireless communication device  104 . For example, the first subscription  114   a  may enter  702  an early_camp_wait_for_si state. In some configurations, the first subscription  114   a  may enter  702  the early_camp_wait_for_si state after a cell re-selection. In other configurations, the first subscription  114   a  may enter  702  the early_camp_wait_for_si state after completing a voice call. 
         [0073]    The first subscription  114   a  may then change  704  its paging mode to a paging reorganization mode. For example, the first subscription  114   a  may change its configuration such that it may read and decode all paging blocks  328  and exclusively use the RF resource. After changing  704  to a paging reorganization mode, the first subscription  114   a  may start reading and decoding at least one of the paging channel  326  and the broadcast channel. 
         [0074]    While reading and decoding the paging channel  326  (or broadcast channel), the first subscription  114   a  may determine  706  if SI 3  432   c  or SI 4  432   d  has been acquired. If the first subscription  114   a  determines  706  that neither SI 3  432   c  nor SI 4  432   d  has been acquired, the first subscription  114   a  may continue reading and decoding the paging channel  326  (or broadcast channel) until at least one of SI 3  432   c  or SI 4  432   d  has been acquired. 
         [0075]    If the first subscription  114   a  determines  706  that at least one of SI 3  432   c  and SI 4  432   d  has been acquired, the first subscription  114   a  may determine  708  if the cell is suitable. For example, the first subscription  114   a  may determine whether the cell may provide a signal strong enough to satisfactorily transmit data between a base station  102  and the wireless communication device  504 . If the first subscription  114   a  determines  708  that the cell is not suitable, the first subscription  114   a  may initiate  710  acquisition and camp on a suitable cell. 
         [0076]    If the first subscription  114   a  determines  708  that the cell is suitable, the first subscription  114   a  may receive  712  a paging mode indication via a paging block  328  associated with the wireless communication device  504 . This may be performed as described in connection with  FIG. 6 . 
         [0077]    The first subscription  114   a  may then determine  714  if the paging mode indicator indicates a paging reorganization mode. If the paging mode indicator does indicate a paging reorganization mode, the first subscription  114   a  may remain in a paging reorganization mode and continue  716  reading the paging channel  326  (or the broadcast channel) and acquiring all the system information  430  until the paging mode is changed. In other words, the first subscription  114   a  may continue reading all paging blocks  328  irrespective of its paging group and may continue exclusively using the RF resource to do so. 
         [0078]    If the first subscription  114   a  determines  714  that the paging mode indicator does not indicate a paging reorganization mode, the first subscription  114   a  may change its paging mode and release  718  the RF resource. This may be performed as described in connection with  FIG. 2 . 
         [0079]    After releasing  718  the RF resource, the first subscription  114   a  may acquire  720  other system information intermittently when the RF resource is available. For example, the first subscription  114   a  may acquire  720  other system information from the first base station  102   a  in periods when the second subscription  114   b  is not utilizing the RF resource. 
         [0080]    After all system information has been acquired, the first subscription  114   a  may move  722  to a camped state. In other words, the first subscription  114   a  my implement one or more configuration changes and begin transmitting voice/data communications with the base station  102 . 
         [0081]      FIG. 8  shows another example of a wireless communication system  800  in which the systems and methods disclosed herein may be utilized. The wireless communication system  800  may include multiple base stations  802  and multiple wireless communication devices  804 . Each base station  802  may provide communication coverage for a particular geographic area  838 . The term “cell” can refer to a base station  802  and/or its coverage area  838 , depending on the context in which the term is used. 
         [0082]    To improve system capacity, a base station coverage area  838  may be partitioned into plural smaller areas, e.g., three smaller areas  840   a ,  840   b , and  840   c . Each smaller area  840   a ,  840   b ,  840   c  may be served by a respective base transceiver station (BTS). The term “sector” can refer to a BTS and/or its coverage area  840 , depending on the context in which the term is used. For a sectorized cell, the BTSs for all sectors of that cell are typically co-located within the base station  802  for the cell. 
         [0083]    Wireless communication devices  804  are typically dispersed throughout the wireless communication system  800 . A wireless communication device  804  may communicate with one or more base stations  802  on the downlink and/or uplink at any given moment. The downlink (or forward link) refers to the communication link from a base station  802  to a wireless communication device  804 , and the uplink (or reverse link) refers to the communication link from a wireless communication device  804  to a base station  802 . Uplink and downlink may refer to the communication link or to the carriers used for the communication link. 
         [0084]    For a centralized architecture, a system controller  836  may couple to the base stations  802  and provide coordination and control for the base stations  802 . The system controller  836  may be a single network entity or a collection of network entities. For a distributed architecture, base stations  802  may communicate with one another as needed. 
         [0085]      FIG. 9  shows a block diagram of a transmitter  942  and a receiver  944  in a wireless communication system  900 . For the downlink, the transmitter  942  may be part of a base station  902  and the receiver  944  may be part of a wireless communication device  904 . For the uplink, the transmitter  942  may be part of a wireless communication device  904  and the receiver  944  may be part of a base station  902 . 
         [0086]    At the transmitter  942 , a transmit (TX) data processor  948  receives and processes (e.g., formats, encodes, and interleaves) data  946  and provides coded data. A modulator  952  performs modulation on the coded data and provides a modulated signal. The modulator  952  may perform Gaussian minimum shift keying (GMSK) for GSM, 8-ary phase shift keying (8-PSK) for Enhanced Data rates for Global Evolution (EDGE), etc. GMSK is a continuous phase modulation protocol, whereas 8-PSK is a digital modulation protocol. A transmitter unit (TMTR)  956  conditions (e.g., filters, amplifies, and upconverts) the modulated signal and generates an RF-modulated signal, which is transmitted via an antenna  910 . 
         [0087]    At the receiver  944 , an antenna  916  receives RF-modulated signals from the transmitter  942  and other transmitters. The antenna  916  provides a received RF signal to a receiver unit (RCVR)  958 . The receiver unit  958  conditions (e.g., filters, amplifies, and downconverts) the received RF signal, digitizes the conditioned signal, and provides samples. A demodulator  960  processes the samples as described below and provides demodulated data. A receive (RX) data processor  962  processes (e.g., deinterleaves and decodes) the demodulated data and provides decoded data  964 . In general, the processing by demodulator  960  and RX data processor  962  is complementary to the processing by the modulator  952  and the TX data processor  948 , respectively, at the transmitter  942 . 
         [0088]    Controllers/processors  950  and  968  direct operation at the transmitter  942  and receiver  944 , respectively. Memories  954  and  966  store program codes in the form of computer software and data used by the transmitter  942  and receiver  944 , respectively. 
         [0089]      FIG. 10  illustrates certain components that may be included within a wireless communication device  1004  according to some embodiments of the present invention. The wireless communication device  1004  may be an access terminal, a mobile station, a user equipment (UE), etc. The wireless communication device  1004  includes a processor  1076 . The processor  1076  may be a general purpose single- or multi-chip microprocessor (e.g., an ARM), a special purpose microprocessor (e.g., a digital signal processor (DSP)), a microcontroller, a programmable gate array, etc. The processor  1076  may be referred to as a central processing unit (CPU). Although just a single processor  1076  is shown in the wireless communication device  1004  of  FIG. 10 , in an alternative configuration, a combination of processors (e.g., an ARM and DSP) could be used. 
         [0090]    The wireless communication device  1004  also includes memory  1070 . The memory  1070  may be any electronic component capable of storing electronic information. The memory  1070  may be embodied as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices in RAM, on-board memory included with the processor, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, and so forth, including combinations thereof. 
         [0091]    Data  1072   a  and instructions  1074   a  may be stored in the memory  1070 . The instructions  1074   a  may be executable by the processor  1076  to implement the methods disclosed herein. Executing the instructions  1074   a  may involve the use of the data  1072   a  that is stored in the memory  1070 . When the processor  1076  executes the instructions  1074 , various portions of the instructions  1074   b  may be loaded onto the processor  1076 , and various pieces of data  1072   b  may be loaded onto the processor  1076 . 
         [0092]    The wireless communication device  1004  may also include a transmitter  1078  and a receiver  1080  to allow transmission and reception of signals to and from the wireless communication device  1004  via an antenna  1082 . The transmitter  1078  and receiver  1080  may be collectively referred to as a transceiver  1084 . The wireless communication device  1004  may also include (not shown) multiple transmitters, multiple antennas, multiple receivers, and/or multiple transceivers. 
         [0093]    The wireless communication device  1004  may include a digital signal processor (DSP)  1086 . The wireless communication device  1004  may also include a communications interface  1088 . The communications interface  1088  may allow a user to interact with the wireless communication device  1004 . 
         [0094]    The various components of the wireless communication device  1004  may be coupled together by one or more buses, which may include a power bus, a control signal bus, a status signal bus, a data bus, etc. For the sake of clarity, the various buses are illustrated in  FIG. 10  as a bus system  1090 . 
         [0095]    In the above description, reference numbers have sometimes been used in connection with various terms. Where a term is used in connection with a reference number, this is meant to refer to a specific element that is shown in one or more of the figures. Where a term is used without a reference number, this is meant to refer generally to the term without limitation to any particular figure. 
         [0096]    The techniques described herein may be used for various communication systems, including communication systems that employ global system for mobile communications (GSM). GSM is a widespread standard in cellular, wireless communication. GSM is relatively efficient for standard voice services. However, high-fidelity audio and data services require higher data throughput rates than that for which GSM is optimized. To increase capacity, the general packet radio service (GPRS), enhanced data rates for GSM evolution (EDGE) and universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) standards have been adopted in GSM systems. In the GSM/EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN) specification, GPRS and EGPRS provide data services. The standards for GERAN are maintained by the 3GPP (third generation partnership project). GERAN is a part of GSM. More specifically, GERAN is the radio part of GSM/EDGE together with the network that joins the base stations (the Ater and Abis interfaces) and the base station controllers (A interfaces, etc.). GERAN represents the core of a GSM network. It routes phone calls and packet data to and from the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and internet to and from remote terminals. GERAN is also a part of combined UMTS/GSM networks. 
         [0097]    GSM employs a combination of Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) and frequency division multiple access (FDMA) for the purpose of sharing the spectrum resource. GSM networks typically operate in a number of frequency bands. For example, for uplink communication, GSM-900 commonly uses a radio spectrum in the 890-915 megahertz (MHz) bands (mobile station to base transceiver station). For downlink communication, GSM 900 uses 935-960 MHz bands (base station to wireless communication device). Furthermore, each frequency band is divided into 200 kHz carrier frequencies providing 124 radio frequency (RF) channels spaced at 200 kHz. GSM-1900 uses the 1850-1910 MHz bands for the uplink and 1930-1990 MHz bands for the downlink. Like GSM 900, FDMA divides the spectrum for both uplink and downlink into 200 kHz-wide carrier frequencies. Similarly, GSM-850 uses the 824-849 MHz bands for the uplink and 869-894 MHz bands for the downlink, while GSM-1800 uses the 1710-1785 MHz bands for the uplink and 1805-1880 MHz bands for the downlink. 
         [0098]    Each channel in GSM is identified by a specific absolute radio frequency channel (ARFCN). For example, ARFCN 1-124 are assigned to the channels of GSM 900, while ARFCN 512-810 are assigned to the channels of GSM 1900. Similarly, ARFCN 128-251 are assigned to the channels of GSM 850, while ARFCN 512-885 are assigned to the channels of GSM 1800. 
         [0099]    Furthermore, each base station may be assigned one or more carrier frequencies. Each carrier frequency is divided into eight time slots using TDMA such that eight consecutive time slots form one TDMA frame with a duration of 4.615 milliseconds (ms). A physical channel occupies one time slot within a TDMA frame. Each active wireless communication device or user is assigned one or more time slot indices for the duration of a call. User-specific data for each wireless communication device is sent in the time slot(s) assigned to that wireless communication device and in TDMA frames used for the traffic channels. 
         [0100]    The techniques described herein may also be used for various communication systems, including communication systems that are based on an orthogonal multiplexing scheme. Examples of such communication systems include orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) systems, single-carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) systems, and so forth. An OFDMA system utilizes orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), which is a modulation technique that partitions the overall system bandwidth into multiple orthogonal sub-carriers. These sub-carriers may also be called tones, bins, etc. With OFDM, each sub-carrier may be independently modulated with data. An SC-FDMA system may utilize interleaved FDMA (IFDMA) to transmit on sub-carriers that are distributed across the system bandwidth, localized FDMA (LFDMA) to transmit on a block of adjacent sub-carriers, or enhanced FDMA (EFDMA) to transmit on multiple blocks of adjacent sub-carriers. In general, modulation symbols are sent in the frequency domain with OFDM and in the time domain with SC-FDMA. 
         [0101]    The term “determining” encompasses a wide variety of actions and, therefore, “determining” can include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up (e.g., looking up in a table, a database or another data structure), ascertaining and the like. Also, “determining” can include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory) and the like. Also, “determining” can include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and the like. 
         [0102]    The phrase “based on” does not mean “based only on,” unless expressly specified otherwise. In other words, the phrase “based on” describes both “based only on” and “based at least on.” 
         [0103]    The term “processor” should be interpreted broadly to encompass a general purpose processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a controller, a microcontroller, a state machine, and so forth. Under some circumstances, a “processor” may refer to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc. The term “processor” may refer to a combination of processing 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. 
         [0104]    The term “memory” should be interpreted broadly to encompass any electronic component capable of storing electronic information. The term memory may refer to various types of processor-readable media such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), flash memory, magnetic or optical data storage, registers, etc. Memory is said to be in electronic communication with a processor if the processor can read information from and/or write information to the memory. Memory that is integral to a processor is in electronic communication with the processor. 
         [0105]    The terms “instructions” and “code” should be interpreted broadly to include any type of computer-readable statement(s). For example, the terms “instructions” and “code” may refer to one or more programs, routines, sub-routines, functions, procedures, etc. “Instructions” and “code” may comprise a single computer-readable statement or many computer-readable statements. 
         [0106]    The functions described herein may be implemented in software or firmware being executed by hardware. The functions may be stored as one or more instructions on a computer-readable medium. The terms “computer-readable medium” or “computer-program product” refers to any tangible storage medium that can be accessed by a computer or a processor. By way of example, and not limitation, a computer-readable medium may comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that may carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk, and Blu-ray® disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. It should be noted that a computer-readable medium may be tangible and non-transitory. The term “computer-program product” refers to a computing device or processor in combination with code or instructions (e.g., a “program”) that may be executed, processed, or computed by the computing device or processor. As used herein, the term “code” may refer to software, instructions, code, or data that is/are executable by a computing device or processor. 
         [0107]    Software or instructions may also be transmitted over a transmission medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of transmission medium. 
         [0108]    The methods disclosed herein comprise one or more steps or actions for achieving the described method. The method steps and/or actions may be interchanged with one another without departing from the scope of the claims. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is required for proper operation of the method that is being described, the order and/or use of specific steps and/or actions may be modified without departing from the scope of the claims. 
         [0109]    Further, it should be appreciated that modules and/or other appropriate means for performing the methods and techniques described herein, such as those illustrated by  FIGS. 2 ,  6  and  7 , can be downloaded, and/or otherwise obtained by a device. For example, a device may be coupled to a server to facilitate the transfer of means for performing the methods described herein. Alternatively, various methods described herein can be provided via a storage means (e.g., random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a physical storage medium such as a compact disc (CD) or floppy disk, etc.), such that a device may obtain the various methods upon coupling or providing the storage means to the device. Moreover, any other suitable technique for providing the methods and techniques described herein to a device can be utilized. 
         [0110]    It is to be understood that the claims are not limited to the precise configuration and components illustrated above. Various modifications, changes, and variations may be made in the arrangement, operation, and details of the systems, methods, and apparatus described herein without departing from the scope of the claims.