Importance

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Abstract

An improved method and system for performing a pilot signal searching operation in anticipation of handoff in mobile station communication between base stations is disclosed herein. The searching operation is described herein as being implemented within a cellular communication system which uses code division multiple access (CDMA) modulation techniques. The mobile station maintains a list of an Active Set of pilot signals transmitted from base stations with which the mobile station is to communicate through, and a Neighbor Set of pilots from base stations within a predetermined proximity of the mobile station. In addition to the Neighbor and Active Sets of pilots, the mobile station maintains a list of Candidate and Pre-Candidate Sets of pilots. Based on analysis of the signal strength of the pilot signals received at the mobile station, base station entries from the Neighbor Set may be assigned to the Pre-Candidate and Candidate Sets, and eventually to the Active set. The searching operation contemplates comparing pilot signal strength measurements corresponding to each base station entry within the Neighbor Set to a first predetermined level. One or more entries from the Neighbor Set having a base station signal strength measurement greater than the first predetermined level may be placed in the Pre-Candidate Set. The strength of the pilot signals associated with entries in the Pre-Candidate Set are then further evaluated to determine eligibility within the Candidate Set, from which are selected the entries comprising the Active Set.

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First Claim