Web-assisted emergency monitoring

Abstract

The present invention relates to network-assisted emergency monitoring. A user equipment (UE) is associated with a cellular network, the UE and the cellular network are configured with a discontinuous reception (DRX) function, the DRX function including a cycle with a plurality of onDurations. The UE receives an indication of at least one parameter to be used by the cellular network for transmitting an emergency message, generates a monitoring schedule based on the indication of the at least one parameter, wherein the monitoring schedule does not include at least one of the plurality of onDurations, and activates an operating mode in which the UE monitors the emergency message based on the monitoring schedule.

Description

Background Art

[0001] A user equipment (UE) may be configured to establish a connection to at least one of a plurality of different networks or network types. At any moment, the network may be configured to broadcast an emergency message to UEs within a specific area.

[0002] During connection with the network, the UE can transition between operating states. One operating state may be a connected state in which the UE and the network can be configured to exchange information and / or data. Another operating state may be an idle state. During the idle state, the UE and the network are not configured to exchange data. However, the UE can monitor the downlink for transmissions sent from the network. For example, in the idle state, the UE may be configured with a discontinuous reception (DRX) function that includes a scheduled onDuration during which the UE performs operations to receive transmissions from the network. When the DRX function is enabled and the onDuration is not scheduled, the UE has the opportunity to enter sleep mode and save power.

[0003] For various reasons, a UE may activate a power-efficient mode of operation in which it processes transmissions related to emergency messages and limits other operations related to the cellular network connection. Thus, during the onDuration of a DRX cycle, the UE may be configured to process only transmissions from the network related to emergency messages. However, the broadcast of emergency messages is a rare event. Consequently, the UE may experience significant power consumption monitoring for emergency messages that are unlikely to be sent. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In an exemplary embodiment, a method is performed by a user equipment (UE) associated with a cellular network, the UE and the cellular network being configured with discontinuous reception (DRX) functionality, the DRX functionality including a cycle having a plurality of onDurations. The method includes receiving an indication of at least one parameter to be used by the cellular network for transmitting an emergency message; generating a monitoring schedule based on the indication of the at least one parameter, wherein the monitoring schedule does not include at least one of the plurality of onDurations; and activating an operating mode in which the UE monitors for emergency messages based on the monitoring schedule.

[0005] In another exemplary embodiment, a user equipment (UE) having a transceiver and a processor is described. The transceiver is configured to establish a connection with a cellular network, the UE and the cellular network being configured with discontinuous reception (DRX) functionality, the DRX functionality including a cycle having a plurality of onDurations. The processor is configured to perform operations including receiving an indication of at least one parameter to be used by the cellular network to transmit an emergency message, generating a monitoring schedule based on the indication of the at least one parameter, wherein the monitoring schedule does not include at least one of the plurality of onDurations, and activating an operating mode in which the UE monitors for emergency messages based on the monitoring schedule.

[0006] In another exemplary embodiment, a method is performed by a base station having at least one associated user equipment (UE) operating in a radio resource control (RRC) idle state. The method includes: sending information corresponding to an emergency message mode that the base station will use to transmit emergency messages; receiving a request to send an emergency message; and sending the emergency message multiple times based on the emergency message mode. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 Shown are exemplary network arrangements according to various exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0008] Figure 2 An exemplary UE is shown according to various exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0009] Figure 3A A diagram is shown that provides examples of when a UE operating in CMAS mode may be in active processing mode in response to a CMAS message and when a UE operating in an updated CMAS mode may be in active processing mode in response to a CMAS message according to various exemplary embodiments.

[0010] Figure 3B A diagram is shown that provides examples of when a UE operating in a CMAS mode may be in an active processing mode and when a UE 110 operating in a newer CMAS mode may be in an active processing mode, according to various exemplary embodiments.

[0011] Figure 4 An exemplary method for UE activation of updated CMAS mode according to various exemplary embodiments is shown.

[0012] Figure 5 Included is a table 500 illustrating CMAS schedule index values ​​mapped into predefined CMAS schedule configurations according to various exemplary embodiments.

[0013] Figure 6A signaling diagram related to dynamically changing the CMAS transmission mode is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The exemplary embodiments may be further understood with reference to the following description and associated drawings, wherein similar elements bear the same reference numerals. The exemplary embodiments relate to apparatus, systems, and methods for power optimization associated with emergency message monitoring performed by a user equipment (UE). For example, the exemplary embodiments may relate to signaling provided by a network that enables a UE to limit the duration that the UE is in active processing mode to monitor for emergency messages sent by the network.

[0015] The exemplary embodiments are described with respect to a UE. However, the use of a UE is for illustrative purposes only. The exemplary embodiments may be used with any electronic component that can establish a connection with a network and is configured with hardware, software, and / or firmware for exchanging information and data with the network. Therefore, the term UE as used herein is intended to represent any electronic component.

[0016] The UE may establish a connection to at least one of a plurality of different networks or network types. The UE and the network may communicate via a base station of the corresponding network. In one example, the network may be a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, and the base station may be an evolved Node B (eNB). In another example, the network may be a 5G New Radio (NR) network, and the base station may be a next-generation Node B (gNB). However, references to specific networks or specific types of base stations are provided for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the network may be any type of network, and the base station may be any type of base station within the corresponding network.

[0017] The exemplary embodiments are described with respect to Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS) messages. Throughout this specification, a CMAS message may refer to data sent by a network that includes an emergency alert type. Exemplary emergency alerts include, but are not limited to, a Presidential Alert, a Weather Alert, a Public Safety Alert, an Amber Alert, a Blue Alert, or an Imminent Threat. References to CMAS messages or any specific type of emergency alert are for illustrative purposes only. Different systems and / or entities, such as, but not limited to, a Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system, an Earthquake and Tsunami Warning System (ETWS), or a Public Warning System (PWS), provide similar types of emergency messages. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments are not limited to CMAS messages or any specific type of emergency alert. The exemplary embodiments may be applied to any signal sent by a network that includes any type of emergency alert. Generally, an emergency alert may be considered to be a message sent by a network that a UE is required to receive and process for the UE (or manufacturer) to claim that the UE is compatible with the network type.

[0018] A UE connected to an LTE network can monitor paging messages in a predetermined manner. The paging message may include an indication of a subsequently scheduled CMAS message. In order to monitor the paging message, the UE may be configured with a discontinuous reception (DRX) function. The DRX cycle involves the UE utilizing an active processing mode at defined intervals. During the active processing mode, the UE (e.g., a baseband processor) is configured to monitor the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for paging messages sent by the network. The paging message may indicate to the UE that a subsequent message (e.g., a CMAS message) is scheduled on the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH). Throughout this specification, an indication of a subsequently scheduled CMAS message may be referred to as a CMAS indication.

[0019] The time period during which the UE is configured to be in active processing mode to monitor the PDCCH for paging messages may be referred to as onDuration. For example, during onDuration, the UE may tune its transceiver to the downlink to monitor for paging messages sent by the network via the PDCCH. When onDuration is not scheduled, the UE may have the opportunity to utilize an inactive sleep mode (e.g., turning off the transceiver's receiver chain) based on the DRX cycle. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other networks, such as 5G networks, may utilize a discontinuous reception cycle similar to DRX. Therefore, the functionality described herein may also be implemented for UEs connected to 5G networks.

[0020] A DRX cycle may have a predetermined duration N, such as 2560 milliseconds (ms), 1280 milliseconds, 640 milliseconds, and so on. For example, at time 0, there may be an onDuration, during which the active processing mode is used. Subsequently, at the end of the onDuration, the UE has the opportunity to utilize the inactive sleep mode and save power. At time N, the DRX cycle ends and another DRX cycle may begin. For example, if the UE receives a paging message via the PDCCH during the onDuration, the UE may utilize the active processing mode to receive the data indicated by the paging message for at least a portion of the remaining DRX cycle. If the UE does not receive any paging message during the onDuration, the UE may utilize the inactive sleep mode for the remainder of the DRX cycle. The additional DRX cycle may include another onDuration, during which the UE again monitors the PDCCH for paging messages. At the end of the additional onDuration, the UE again has the opportunity to utilize the inactive sleep mode and save power. The additional DRX cycle ends at time 2N. This process may continue until a predetermined condition occurs. Thus, a UE may be configured with multiple consecutive DRX cycles.

[0021] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that sleep mode does not necessarily mean putting the UE's processor, transmitter, and receiver into a sleep, dormant, or inactive state. For example, the processor may continue to execute other applications or processes. Sleep mode involves saving power by interrupting continuous processing functions related to operations that enable the UE to receive data that may be sent by the network. The DRX cycle configured in time units (e.g., ms) is for illustrative purposes only, and exemplary embodiments may utilize a DRX cycle based on subframes, radio frames, or any other suitable time unit.

[0022] For various reasons, the UE may activate a power-efficient operating mode in which information and / or data associated with CMAS messages are processed while limiting, omitting, and / or delaying other operations associated with the cellular network connection. Throughout this specification, this operating mode may be referred to as CMAS mode. However, reference to CMAS mode is for exemplary purposes only, as similar operating modes may exist but may be referred to by different names.

[0023] A UE can be configured with both DRX functionality and CMAS mode. Thus, in this conventional configuration, during the onDuration of each DRX cycle, the UE (e.g., a baseband processor) can monitor the PDCCH. The UE can decode the information sent by the network on the PDCCH. Subsequently, from this decoded information, only CMAS indications or another type of information related to the broadcast of CMAS messages can be processed. Information and / or data related to other operations can be discarded or buffered because, in CMAS mode, other operations related to the cellular network connection may be restricted, omitted, and / or delayed. However, the broadcast of CMAS messages is a rare event. Therefore, the UE consumes power in each DRX cycle to monitor CMAS indications that are unlikely to be sent by the network.

[0024] The network may be configured to periodically retransmit CMAS indications and / or CMAS messages in a pattern. Periodic retransmission of CMAS indications and / or CMAS messages increases the likelihood that UEs within a particular area can successfully receive CMAS messages. The pattern may be based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the hardware / software and / or firmware capabilities of the network entity configured to distribute CMAS messages to the particular area, the hardware / software and / or firmware capabilities of the UEs within the particular area, the number of ongoing CMAS transmission patterns, battery life, the impact that the pattern may have on network traffic, or any combination thereof.

[0025] Example embodiments may involve signaling performed by the network to provide an indication of parameters to the UE, the network being configured to use the indication of the parameters for periodic retransmission of CMAS indications and / or CMAS messages. The UE may then change its configuration to adapt its DRX cycle to an updated CMAS monitoring schedule. The updated CMAS monitoring schedule is based on the network's indication of the parameters to be used for periodic retransmission of CMAS indications and / or CMAS messages. Throughout this specification, operating according to the updated CMAS monitoring schedule may be referred to as an updated CMAS mode.

[0026] Figure 1 An exemplary network arrangement 100 according to various exemplary embodiments is shown. The exemplary network arrangement 100 includes a UE 110. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the UE 110 can be any type of electronic component configured to communicate via a network, such as a mobile phone, tablet computer, desktop computer, smartphone, phablet, embedded device, wearable device, Internet of Things (IoT) device, etc. It should also be understood that an actual network arrangement can include any number of UEs used by any number of users. Therefore, for illustrative purposes, only an example with a single UE 110 is provided.

[0027] UE 110 can be configured to communicate directly with one or more networks. In the example of network configuration 100, the networks with which UE 110 can wirelessly communicate are an LTE radio access network (LTE-RAN) 120, a 5G new radio (NR) radio access network (5G NR-RAN) 122, a legacy radio access network (RAN) 124, and a wireless local area network (WLAN) 126. However, it should be understood that UE 110 can also communicate with other types of networks, and that UE 110 can also communicate with networks via a wired connection. Thus, UE 110 can include an LTE chipset for communicating with LTE-RAN 120, a 5G NR chipset for communicating with 5G NR-RAN 122, a legacy chipset for communicating with legacy RAN 124, and a WLAN chipset for communicating with WLAN 126.

[0028] LTE-RAN 120, 5G NR-RAN 122, and legacy RAN 124 may be part of a cellular network that may be deployed by a cellular provider (e.g., Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, etc.). These networks 120, 122, 124 may include, for example, cells or base stations (Node B, eNodeB, HeNB, eNBS, gNB, gNodeB, macrocell base stations, microcell base stations, small cell base stations, femtocell base stations, etc.) configured to send and receive communication traffic from UEs equipped with appropriate cellular chipsets. WLAN 126 may include any type of wireless local area network (WiFi, hotspot, IEEE 802.11x network, etc.).

[0029] UE 110 may connect to LTE-RAN 120 via an evolved Node B (eNB) 120A. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any relevant procedures may be performed to connect UE 110 to LTE-RAN 120. For example, as discussed above, LTE-RAN 120 may be associated with a particular cellular provider, where UE 110 and / or its user has a protocol and credential information (e.g., stored on a SIM card). Upon detecting the presence of LTE-RAN 120, UE 110 may transmit the corresponding credential information to associate with LTE-RAN 120. More specifically, UE 110 may associate with a particular base station (e.g., eNB 120A of LTE-RAN 120). As described above, the use of LTE-RAN 120 is for illustrative purposes, and any type of network may be used. UE 110 may also connect to 5G NR-RAN 122 via next-generation Node B (gNB) 122A.

[0030] In addition to networks 120, 122, 124, and 126, network arrangement 100 includes a cellular core network 130, the Internet 140, an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) 150, and a network services backbone 160. Cellular core network 130 can be viewed as an interconnected collection of components that manage the operation and traffic of a cellular network. Cellular core network 130 also manages traffic flowing between the cellular network and the Internet 140. IMS 150 can generally be described as an architecture for delivering multimedia services to UE 110 using IP protocols. IMS 150 can communicate with cellular core network 130 and the Internet 140 to provide multimedia services to UE 110. Network services backbone 160 communicates directly or indirectly with the Internet 140 and cellular core network 130. Network services backbone 160 can generally be described as a set of components (e.g., servers, network storage arrangements, etc.) that implement a suite of services that can be used to extend the functionality of UE 110 to communicate with various networks.

[0031] The network arrangement 100 may further include a CMAS server 170 that may generate emergency messages and / or emergency message indications (e.g., pings) for broadcast to the UE 110 via the cellular networks 120, 122, and 124. Since CMAS messages are broadcast only on cellular networks, the UE 110 may remain connected to the cellular network in some manner even when the UE 110 has established a connection to a non-cellular network such as the WLAN 126, in order to comply with various regulations and / or standards. The network arrangement 100 shows the CMAS server 170 directly connected to each cellular network (e.g., LTE-RAN 120, 5G NR-RAN 122, and traditional RAN 124). However, this is for illustration purposes only, and the CMAS server 170 may be connected to the cellular network via the cellular core network 130.

[0032] Figure 2 An exemplary UE 110 is shown according to various exemplary embodiments. Figure 1 100 is described with reference to a network arrangement 100 for a UE 110. The UE 110 may represent any electronic device and may include a processor 205, a memory arrangement 210, a display device 215, an input / output (I / O) device 220, a transceiver 225, and other components 230. The other components 230 may include, for example, an audio input device, an audio output device, a battery providing a limited power source, a data acquisition device, a port for electrically connecting the UE 110 to other electronic devices, sensors for detecting conditions of the UE 110, and the like.

[0033] The processor 205 may be configured to execute multiple engines of the UE 110. For example, the engines may include a CMAS mode engine 235 and an updated CMAS mode engine 240. The CMAS mode engine 235 may activate and deactivate the CMAS mode. Thus, the CMAS mode engine 235 may enable the UE 110 to monitor the downlink for CMAS indications on a per DRX cycle basis. The updated CMAS mode engine 240 may activate and deactivate an updated CMAS mode. Thus, the updated CMAS mode engine 240 may generate an updated CMAS monitoring schedule based on information received from the network. Subsequently, the UE 110 may monitor the downlink for CMAS indications according to the updated CMAS monitoring schedule.

[0034] The above-described engines are each represented as an application (e.g., a program) executed by the processor 205 for exemplary purposes only. The functionality associated with the engine may also be represented as a separate, integrated component of the UE 110, or may be a modular component coupled to the UE 110, such as an integrated circuit with or without firmware. For example, an integrated circuit may include input circuitry for receiving signals and processing circuitry for processing signals and other information. The engine may also be embodied as one application or as separate applications. Furthermore, in some UEs, the functionality described for the processor 205 is shared between two or more processors, such as a baseband processor and an application processor. The exemplary embodiments may be implemented in any of these or other configurations of the UE.

[0035] The memory 210 may be a hardware component configured to store data related to operations performed by the UE 110. As will be described in further detail below, when determining the operating mode, the memory 210 may store data associated with the status of the UE 110. The display device 215 may be a hardware component configured to display data to the user, and the I / O device 220 may be a hardware component that enables user input. The display device 215 and the I / O device 220 may be separate components or may be integrated together (such as a touch screen). The transceiver 225 may be a hardware component configured to establish a connection with the LTE-RAN 120, 5G NR-RAN 122, traditional RAN 124, WLAN 126, etc. Thus, the transceiver 225 can operate on multiple different frequencies or channels (e.g., a continuous frequency group).

[0036] When connected to LTE-RAN 120, UE 110 can be configured to be in one of a number of different operating states. One operating state can be characterized as an RRC idle state, while another operating state can be characterized as an RRC connected state. RRC refers to the Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol. Those skilled in the art will understand that when UE 110 is in the RRC connected state, UE 110 and LTE-RAN 120 can be configured to exchange information and / or data. The exchange of information and / or data can allow UE 110 to perform functions available via the network connection. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that when UE 110 is connected to LTE-RAN 120 and in the RRC idle state, UE 110 is generally not exchanging data with the network, and no radio resources are being allocated to UE 110 within the network. However, when UE 110 is in the RRC idle state, UE 110 can monitor information and / or data sent by the network. Those skilled in the art will understand that RRC idle and connected states are terms associated with LTE networks. Throughout this specification, these terms are generally used to describe the states that UE 110 may be in when connected to any network and exhibits the characteristics described above for the RRC Idle and RRC Connected states.

[0037] When UE 110 is camped on a first cell of a first network in an RRC idle state, UE 110 may not be able to exchange data with the network. In order to exchange data with the network, UE 110 may transition from the RRC idle state to an RRC connected state. For example, in the RRC idle state, UE 110 may monitor signals such as, but not limited to, a primary synchronization signal (PSS) and a secondary synchronization signal (SSS), a master information block (MIB), broadcast messages, system information blocks (SIBs), paging messages, and the like. In response, UE 110 may issue a request to the network indicating that UE 110 wants to be moved to an RRC connected state. A successful transition from the RRC idle state to the RRC connected state may include an exchange of messages between UE 110 and the first cell of the first network. In the RRC connected state, a network context may be established between the first cell of the first network and UE 110. As a result, radio resources may be allocated to UE 110, and UE 110 may be able to exchange data with the network. The transition from the RRC connected state to the RRC idle state may be referred to as an RRC connection release, and the transition from the RRC idle state to the RRC connected state may be referred to as an RRC connection establishment or an RRC connection reestablishment. However, references to RRC connection establishment, RRC connection reestablishment, and RRC connection release are provided for illustrative purposes only. Other networks may refer to similar operations by different names.

[0038] The exemplary embodiments are not limited to the RRC connected state and the RRC idle state. For example, when UE 110 is operating within 5G NR-RAN 122, UE 110 can be configured to be in the RRC inactive state. In the RRC inactive mode, UE 110 maintains the RRC connection while minimizing signaling and power consumption. As described above, references to any particular operating state are provided for illustrative purposes only, and the exemplary embodiments can be applied to any suitable operating state of UE 110.

[0039] When in the RRC Idle state, UE 110 may be configured with DRX functionality. For example, in one exemplary scenario, eNB 120A of LTE-RAN 120 may broadcast SIB 2. SIB 2 may, in part, include DRX parameters. Based on these parameters, UE 110 may determine subframes during which the network may transmit information to UE 110 on the PDCCH. UE 110 then schedules the onDuration to coincide with subframes during which the network may transmit information to UE 110 on the PDCCH.

[0040] UE 110 can be configured with both DRX functionality and CMAS mode. CMAS mode can be considered a power-efficient mode of operation, and therefore, activating CMAS mode can provide power-saving benefits to UE 110. As described above, during CMAS mode, UE 110 can process information and / or data related to CMAS messages, while other operations related to the cellular network connection are limited, omitted and / or delayed. In this configuration, UE 110 can monitor the PDCCH at least once per DRX cycle to determine whether the network has sent a CMAS indication. However, CMAS messages are rare, and therefore, UE 110 may experience power consumption monitoring for CMAS indications that are unlikely to occur. An exemplary embodiment involves utilizing a newer CMAS mode in which UE 110 is configured to monitor the PDCCH for CMAS indications less frequently than in CMAS mode.

[0041] Figure 3A 300A is shown, which provides an example of when a UE 110 operating in CMAS mode may be in active processing mode in response to a CMAS message and when a UE 110 operating in an updated CMAS mode may be in active processing mode in response to a CMAS message, according to various exemplary embodiments. Figure 1 The network arrangement 100 and Figure 2 3. The diagram 300A is described with reference to the UE 110 of FIG.

[0042] Consider an exemplary scenario in which a UE resides on eNB 120A of LTE-RAN 120. UE 110 is in RRC idle state and configured with DRX functionality. When a CMAS message is triggered, the network may send a CMAS indication and a CMAS message for a first duration and retransmit the CMAS indication and the CMAS message for a second duration immediately following the first duration.

[0043] Graph 300A includes a timeline 320 and two line graphs 330 and 350. Timeline 320 illustrates when CMAS indications and CMAS message transmissions and retransmissions occur. Line graph 330 illustrates when, in response to timeline 320, UE 110 operating in the CMAS mode may be in the active processing mode. Line graph 350 illustrates when, in response to timeline 320, UE 110 operating in the updated CMAS mode may be in the active processing mode. Thus, graph 300A may demonstrate the power saving benefits of the updated CMAS mode compared to the previous CMAS mode.

[0044] The x-axis 310 represents time. Timeline 320 illustrates an initial CMAS indication 322, an initial CMAS message 323, a retransmitted CMAS indication 324, and a retransmitted CMAS message 325. In this exemplary scenario, the initial CMAS indication 322 may be sent by the eNB 120A to the UE 110 via the PDCCH in a paging message. The initial CMAS message 323 may be scheduled by the eNB 120A immediately after the initial CMAS indication 322. The eNB 120A may send the initial CMAS message 323 via the PDSCH in SIB 12. The eNB 120A may send the retransmitted CMAS indication 324 to the UE 110 in a paging message via the PDCCH. The retransmitted CMAS message 325 may be scheduled by the eNB 120A immediately after the retransmitted CMAS indication 323. The eNB 120A may send the retransmitted CMAS message 325 via the PDSCH in SIB 12.

[0045] Line graph 330 represents UE 110 in CMAS mode. The level of line graph 330 on y-axis 315 shows when UE 110 may be in active processing mode in response to timeline 320. When line graph 330 is plotted along the x-axis at point 332 on y-axis 315, the UE is not in active processing mode. When line graph 330 is plotted along the x-axis 310 at point 334 on y-axis 315, the UE 110 is in active processing mode.

[0046] In this example scenario, while in CMAS mode, UE 110 is configured with an onDuration 335. Consequently, UE 110 may be in active processing mode to monitor the PDCCH and determine whether the network has sent any CMAS indications. As shown in timeline 320, no CMAS indications are scheduled during onDuration 335. At the end of onDuration 335, UE 110 enters an inactive sleep mode to save power. UE 110 experiences the same situation again during onDuration 336.

[0047] During onDuration 337, UE 110 detects initial CMAS indication 322. Therefore, at the end of onDuration 337, UE 110 is configured to remain in active processing mode to receive initial CMAS message 323 indicated by initial CMAS indication 322. While in CMAS mode, UE 110 monitors the PDCCH during each DRX cycle and is unaware that the network will retransmit CMAS indications and CMAS messages. Therefore, during onDuration 338, UE 110 detects retransmitted CMAS indication 324, and at the end of onDuration 338, UE 110 remains in active processing mode to receive retransmitted CMAS message 325.

[0048] During onDuration 339, UE 110 may be in active processing mode to monitor the PDCCH. As shown in timeline 320, no CMAS indications are scheduled during onDuration 339. At the end of onDuration 339, UE 110 enters an inactive sleep mode to save power. UE 110 experiences the same situation again during onDuration 340.

[0049] Line graph 350 represents UE 110 in updated CMAS mode. The level of line graph 350 on y-axis 315 shows when UE 110 may be in active processing mode in response to timeline 320. When line graph 350 is plotted along x-axis 310 at point 352 on y-axis 315, the UE is not in active processing mode. When line graph 350 is plotted along x-axis 310 at point 354 on y-axis 315, the UE 110 is in active processing mode.

[0050] In this example scenario, UE 110 may have received an indication from the network that, if a CMAS message is triggered, the network is configured to send a CMAS indication and a CMAS message for a first duration. Subsequently, the network will retransmit the CMAS indication and the CMAS message for a second duration immediately following the first duration. This is the behavior demonstrated by timeline 320.

[0051] Based on the indication received from the network, UE 110 may utilize an updated CMAS monitoring schedule. In this exemplary scenario, the updated CMAS monitoring schedule may be configured with a DRX cycle duration that enables UE 110 to be in an active processing mode during one of the first duration or the second duration and in an inactive sleep mode during the other duration.

[0052] During onDuration 355, UE 110 may be in an active processing mode to monitor the PDCCH. As shown in timeline 320, no CMAS indications are scheduled during onDuration 355. At the end of onDuration 355, UE 110 enters an inactive sleep mode to save power.

[0053] During onDuration 356, UE 110 detects initial CMAS indication 322. Therefore, at the end of onDuration 356, UE 110 remains in active processing mode to receive initial CMAS message 323 indicated by initial CMAS indication 322. Since there is no scheduled onDuration when retransmitted CMAS indication 324 is sent, UE 110 is able to save power instead of receiving redundant retransmissions.

[0054] During onDuration 357, UE 110 may be in an active processing mode to monitor the PDCCH. As shown in timeline 320, no CMAS indications are scheduled during onDuration 357. At the end of onDuration 357, UE 110 enters an inactive sleep mode to save power.

[0055] Comparison of line graphs 330 and 350 illustrates the power savings benefits of the updated CMAS mode compared to the CMAS mode. In this exemplary scenario, when UE 110 is in the updated CMAS mode, UE 110 can experience significant power savings benefits by increasing the DRX cycle duration. This reduces the number of onDurations and, therefore, the amount of time UE 110 is in active operation. It also enables UE 110 to reduce the number of redundant retransmissions received by UE 110.

[0056] Figure 3B 300B is shown, which provides an example of when a UE operating in CMAS mode may be in active processing mode and when a UE 110 operating in an updated CMAS mode may be in active processing mode, according to various exemplary embodiments. Figure 1 The network arrangement 100 and Figure 2 300B is described with reference to UE 110.

[0057] Consider an exemplary scenario where the UE is camped on the eNB 120A of the LTE-RAN 120. The UE 110 is in the RRC idle state and is configured with the DRX function. Figure 3A The described exemplary scenario is different in that the network does not send a CMAS indication or a CMAS message.

[0058] Graph 300B includes two line graphs 360 and 370. Line graph 360 illustrates when a UE 110 operating in CMAS mode can be in active processing mode. Line graph 370 illustrates when a UE 110 operating in the updated CMAS mode can be in active processing mode. Thus, graph 300B can demonstrate the power saving benefits of the updated CMAS mode compared to the CMAS mode.

[0059] Line graph 360 represents UE 110 in CMAS mode. The level of line graph 360 on y-axis 315 shows when UE 110 can be in active processing mode. When line graph 360 is plotted along x-axis 310 at point 362 on y-axis 315, the UE is not in active processing mode. When line graph 360 is plotted along x-axis 310 at point 364 on y-axis 315, the UE 110 is in active processing mode.

[0060] In this exemplary scenario, in CMAS mode, UE 110 is configured with onDurations 365, 366, 367, 368, and 369. Therefore, during each onDuration 365, 366, 367, 368, and 369, UE 110 may be in active processing mode to monitor the PDCCH and determine whether the network has sent any CMAS indications. Since no CMAS indications have been sent, at the end of onDurations 365, 366, 367, 368, and 369, UE 110 enters an inactive sleep mode to save power.

[0061] Line graph 370 represents UE 110 in updated CMAS mode. The level of line graph 370 on y-axis 315 shows when UE 110 can be in active processing mode. When line graph 370 is plotted along the x-axis at point 372 on y-axis 315, the UE is not in active processing mode. When line graph 370 is plotted along the x-axis 310 at point 374 on y-axis 315, the UE 110 is in active processing mode.

[0062] In this exemplary scenario, UE 110 may have received an indication from the network that, if a CMAS message is triggered, the network is configured to transmit a CMAS indication and a CMAS message for a first duration. Subsequently, the network will retransmit the CMAS indication and the CMAS message for a second duration immediately following the first duration. However, in this exemplary scenario, the network does not perform transmission of the CMAS indication or the CMAS message. Based on the indication received from the network, an updated CMAS monitoring schedule may be configured with a DRX cycle duration that enables UE 110 to be in an active processing mode during one of the first duration or the second duration, and in an inactive sleep mode during the other duration.

[0063] In this exemplary scenario, in the updated CMAS mode, UE 110 is configured with onDurations 375, 376, and 377. Therefore, during each onDuration 375, 376, and 377, UE 110 may be in active processing mode to monitor the PDCCH and determine whether the network has sent any CMAS indications. Since no CMAS indications are sent, at the end of onDurations 375, 376, and 377, UE 110 enters an inactive sleep mode to save power.

[0064] Comparison of line graphs 360 and 370 illustrates the power saving benefits of the updated CMAS mode compared to the CMAS mode. In this exemplary scenario, when UE 110 is in the updated CMAS mode, UE 110 can experience significant power saving benefits by increasing the DRX cycle duration. This reduces the number of onDurations and, therefore, the amount of time that UE 110 is in active operating mode.

[0065] Figure 4 An exemplary method 400 for UE 110 to activate updated CMAS mode according to various exemplary embodiments is shown. Figure 1 The network arrangement 100 and Figure 2 The method 400 is described with reference to the UE 110.

[0066] Consider the following example scenario, in which UE 110 is connected to WLAN 126 and is configured to access services via WLAN 126. Since CMAS messages are broadcast only on cellular networks, to comply with various regulations and / or standards, UE 110 may somehow maintain a connection to the cellular network even when UE 110 has established a connection to a non-cellular network (e.g., WLAN 126). Therefore, UE 110 camps on eNB 120A of LTE-RAN 120 in RRC idle state.

[0067] At 405, UE 110 is configured with a DRX cycle duration provided by the cellular network. In this exemplary scenario, the DRX cycle duration provided by the cellular network may be 1.28 seconds. During operation, eNB 120A of LTE-RAN 120 may broadcast SIB 2. SIB 2 may include information indicating to UE 110 the subframes during which the network may send a paging message to UE 110 on the PDCCH. UE 110 then configures its onDuration to coincide with the subframes during which the network may send a paging message to UE 110 on the PDCCH. Thus, UE 110's onDuration is synchronized with the scheduled instances during which the cellular network may send a paging message to UE 110. The reference to SIB 2 is exemplary only; different networks may refer to similar information by different names. The exemplary embodiments may be applied to cellular networks that provide DRX cycle durations to UE 110 in any suitable manner.

[0068] In 410, UE 110 is configured to operate in CMAS mode. In this exemplary configuration, UE 110 uses CMAS mode for cellular connectivity because UE 110 can access services via WLAN 126. During CMAS mode, UE 110 is configured to monitor for paging messages at least once per DRX cycle.

[0069] In 415, UE 110 receives information regarding the CMAS transmission mode to be implemented by the network. The information regarding the CMAS transmission mode may include, but is not limited to, an indication of the number of paging repetitions (e.g., 2, 4, 8, 16, 20, 25, etc.) and an indication of the number of DRX cycles between each repetition (e.g., 0, 2, 4, 8, 16, 20, 25, etc.). To provide an example, Figure 3A The timeline 320 shows two paging repetitions 322, 324 with a DRX cycle of zero between each repetition. Figure 4The information related to the CMAS transmission mode may also include the duration of the CMAS message, the duration of the SIB 12 and / or a repetition duration indicating when the entire CMAS transmission mode may be repeated.

[0070] The cellular network may provide information to the UE 110 regarding the CMAS transmission mode, which will be implemented by the network in any of a number of different ways. In one example, the network may include information regarding the CMAS transmission mode in a SIB. For example, the network may include an indication of the number of paging repetitions and the number of DRX cycles between each repetition in SIB 1, an on-demand SIB, or a public warning system (PWS) SIB that may be used by wearable or IoT type devices. In another example, the 5G NR-RAN 122 may provide this information to the UE 110 via downlink control information (DCI). Throughout this specification, references to any particular type of information regarding the CMAS transmission mode or references to any particular manner of providing this information to the UE 110 are exemplary only. Different networks may refer to similar information or signals by different names.

[0071] Alternatively, instead of providing UE 110 with multiple parameters related to the CMAS transmission mode, the network may provide UE 110 with a CMAS scheduling index that may be mapped to a predefined CMAS scheduling configuration. For example, the scheduling index may be preloaded on UE 110. During operation, information related to the CMAS transmission mode to be implemented by the network may be indicated by a single CMAS scheduling index value. When UE 110 receives the CMAS scheduling index value, UE 110 may reference the preloaded scheduling index and determine both the number of paging repetitions that the network is configured to use for the CMAS transmission mode and the number of DRX cycles between each repetition.

[0072] Figure 5 Table 500 is included, which shows CMAS scheduling index values ​​mapped to predefined CMAS scheduling configurations according to various exemplary embodiments. Table 500 shows scheduling index values ​​mapped to multiple paging repetitions and multiple DRX cycles between each repetition. Column 502 of table 500 includes exemplary scheduling index values. Column 504 of table 500 includes exemplary values ​​for paging repetitions, and column 506 of table 500 includes exemplary values ​​for the number of DRX cycles between each paging repetition. Scheduling index values ​​are mapped to other values ​​in the same row. For example, table 500 shows that if UE 110 receives a scheduling index value of zero, UE 110 can determine, based on the scheduling index value, that the network will utilize two paging repetitions with one DRX cycle between each repetition.

[0073] Returning to method 400, at 420, UE 110 generates an updated CMAS monitoring schedule based on the information related to the CMAS transmission mode. From the network's perspective, the DRX cycle duration will remain unchanged. From the UE 110's perspective, the DRX cycle duration may be increased, and therefore, UE 110 may increase the duration that UE 110 is in an inactive sleep mode. Therefore, there may be situations where the network sends a paging message to UE 110 but UE 110 is not monitoring for paging messages. However, the information related to the CMAS transmission mode may enable UE 110 to configure an updated CMAS monitoring schedule that ensures that at least one of the initial CMAS indication or a subsequently retransmitted CMAS indication will be received by UE 110.

[0074] In the following example scenario, information related to the CMAS transmission mode indicates that the network is configured to utilize two paging repetitions with zero DRX cycles in between. As mentioned above in 405, the DRX cycle duration provided by the cellular network may be 1.28 seconds. With two paging repetition indications of zero DRX cycles, the same CMAS message will be sent twice within a duration of 2.56 seconds. Therefore, UE 110 can generate an updated CMAS monitoring schedule in which UE 110 is configured to monitor for CMAS indications only once every 2.56 seconds. This ensures that if UE 110 receives an initial CMAS indication, UE 110 will not be in active processing mode during the retransmitted CMAS indication. Alternatively, if UE 110 misses the initial CMAS indication, UE 110 will be in active processing mode during the retransmitted CMAS indication. Therefore, the updated CMAS mode can enable UE 110 to increase energy savings without reducing the likelihood that UE 110 would receive a CMAS message if it were sent.

[0075] Throughout this specification, any reference to a specific configuration of an updated CMAS monitoring schedule is provided for illustrative purposes only. The exemplary embodiments may be applied to any updated CMAS monitoring schedule that enables UE 110 to increase energy savings without reducing the likelihood that UE 110 will receive a CMAS message if the CMAS message is sent.

[0076] In 425, UE 110 activates the updated CMAS mode. As described above, the updated CMAS mode employs a similar mechanism as the CMAS mode. However, unlike the CMAS mode that monitors for CMAS indications in each regular DRX cycle, the updated CMAS mode monitors for CMAS indications according to an updated CMAS monitoring schedule.

[0077] Activating the updated CMAS mode is not limited to the exemplary scenarios described above. For example, simultaneous connection to a non-cellular network (WLAN 126) is not required. UE 110 may be configured to initiate activation of the updated CMAS mode based on the battery level of UE 110 meeting a predetermined threshold. In another example, UE 110 may be configured to initiate activation of the updated CMAS mode based on channel conditions, network conditions, connectivity issues with the corresponding cellular network, or any combination thereof. In another example, UE 110 may be a battery-powered device whose sole purpose is to provide CMAS indications.

[0078] Figure 6 A signaling diagram 600 is shown relating to dynamically changing the CMAS transmission mode. Figure 1 Network layout 100, Figure 2 UE 110 and Figure 4 The signaling diagram is described with reference to method 400.

[0079] In the following exemplary scenario, UE 110 camps on eNB 120A of LTE-RAN 120. Initially, UE 110 operates in CMAS mode.

[0080] At 605, eNB 120A transmits SIB 1 to UE 110. As described above with respect to step 415 of method 400, the network may include information related to the CMAS transmission mode in SIB 1. As described above with respect to steps 420-425 of method 400, UE 110 may generate a first updated CMAS monitoring schedule based on the information related to the CMAS transmission mode. UE 110 may then activate the updated CMAS mode and operate according to the first updated CMAS monitoring schedule. The network has not yet initiated the broadcast of CMAS messages. Therefore, the network may set its CMAS transmission mode parameters to maximize the amount of time UE 110 is in sleep mode during the updated CMAS mode.

[0081] At 610, CMAS server 170 is triggered to initiate the broadcast of a CMAS message. Accordingly, CMAS server 170 sends a signal to mobility management entity (MME) 180 of LTE-RAN 120. MME 180 may be a network entity included in cellular core network 130. The signal may include various information and / or data related to the broadcast of the CMAS message. For example, the signal may include an emergency alert to be included in the broadcast of the CMAS message.

[0082] In 615, MME 180 sends a request to eNB 120A to send CMAS messages to UEs within at least a portion of its tracking area. The request may include the information and / or data received from CMAS server 170 in 510. The request may also include various CMAS transmission mode parameters.

[0083] In 620, eNB 120A sends a SIB modification message to UE 110. This message may be intended to trigger UE 110 to listen for a subsequent SIB 1 to be sent by eNB 120A. As described above, the network previously set its CMAS transmission mode parameters to maximize the amount of time UE 110 is in an inactive sleep mode because the broadcast of CMAS messages has not yet been initiated. However, now that the broadcast of CMAS messages has been initiated, the network may update its CMAS transmission mode parameters. For example, the network may modify the operational value of the CMAS transmission mode parameter with the intent of causing UE 110 to increase the instances in which UE 110 monitors for CMAS indications. This improves the latency associated with the receipt of CMAS messages at UE 110. In one exemplary embodiment, the modified operational value of the CMAS transmission mode parameter may be based on the type of emergency alert. Thus, a first type of emergency alert and a second type of emergency alert may have different operational values ​​for the CMAS transmission mode parameter. Exemplary embodiments may modify the CMAS transmission mode parameter for any appropriate reason. Thus, the SIB modification message enables the eNB 120A to inform the UE 110 that these parameters have been updated and can be found in the subsequent SIB 1.

[0084] At 625, eNB 120A transmits SIB 1. Accordingly, UE 110 may generate a second updated CMAS monitoring schedule to accommodate the CMAS transmission mode parameters indicated in SIB 1.

[0085] In 630, the eNB 120A sends the CMAS indication in a paging message via the PDCCH to the UE 110. The UE 110 operating in the updated CMAS mode decodes the paging message and recognizes the CMAS indication.

[0086] In 635, the eNB 120A sends a CMAS message via the PDSCH in SIB 12. The UE 110 can receive SIB 12 based on the CMAS indication received during 530. The eNB 120A may perform the signaling of 630 and 635 multiple times depending on the CMAS transmission mode parameters.

[0087] When a timer operated by the MME 180 expires, keeping track of the repetition duration indicating when the entire CMAS transmission pattern may be repeated, the MME 180 may repeat 515 .

[0088] Any references to specific signals or network entities in the above signaling diagrams are provided for illustrative purposes only. Different networks may refer to similar network entities and similar signals by different names. For example, in 5G NR, operations performed by MME 180 of LTE-RAN 120 may be performed by the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), and operations performed by eNB 120A may be performed by gNB.

[0089] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the exemplary embodiments described above can be implemented with any suitable software configuration or hardware configuration or combination thereof. Exemplary hardware platforms for implementing the exemplary embodiments may include, for example, Intel x86-based platforms with compatible operating systems, Windows OS, Mac platforms and MAC OS, mobile devices with operating systems such as iOS, Android, etc. In other examples, the exemplary embodiments of the above methods may be embodied as a program comprising lines of code stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, which, when compiled, can be executed on a processor or microprocessor.

[0090] It is understood that the use of personally identifiable information should be subject to privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized to meet or exceed industry or government requirements for maintaining user privacy. Specifically, personally identifiable information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly stated to users.

[0091] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made to the present disclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to cover modifications and variations of the present disclosure provided that these modifications and variations are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for wireless communication, comprising: Performing the following operations at a user equipment UE associated with a cellular network, wherein the UE and the cellular network are configured with a discontinuous reception (DRX) function, the DRX function including a plurality of onDurations, wherein the UE is configured to monitor a downlink signal during each onDuration of the plurality of onDurations: receiving an indication of at least one parameter to be used by the cellular network for transmission of an emergency message, wherein the at least one parameter corresponds to an emergency message mode; generating an emergency message monitoring schedule based on the indication of the at least one parameter, wherein the emergency message monitoring schedule omits at least one onDuration of the plurality of onDurations; as well as An operation mode is activated in which the UE monitors the emergency message based on the emergency message monitoring schedule. 2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein monitoring the emergency message comprises determining whether the UE receives an emergency message indication via a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH).

3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising: When the emergency message indication is received, a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) is monitored for the emergency message based on the emergency message indication. 4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one parameter comprises a number of paging repetitions or a number of DRX cycles between each paging repetition.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the indication of the at least one parameter is included in a system information block (SIB).

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the indication of the at least one parameter is included in downlink control information (DCI) of a paging message.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: A system information block (SIB) modification is received, wherein the SIB modification indicates that the at least one parameter has been modified by the cellular network.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the emergency message is one of a Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS) message, a Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA), an Earthquake and Tsunami Warning System (ETWS) message, or a Public Warning System (PWS) message.

9. A user equipment UE, comprising: a transceiver configured to establish a connection with a cellular network, the UE and the cellular network being configured to have a discontinuous reception (DRX) function, the DRX function comprising a plurality of onDurations, wherein the UE is configured to monitor a downlink signal during each onDuration of the plurality of onDurations; as well as A processor configured to perform operations comprising: receiving an indication of at least one parameter to be used by the cellular network for transmission of an emergency message, wherein the at least one parameter corresponds to an emergency message mode; generating an emergency message monitoring schedule based on the indication of the at least one parameter, wherein the emergency message monitoring schedule omits at least one onDuration of the plurality of onDurations; and An operation mode is activated in which the UE monitors the emergency message based on the emergency message monitoring schedule.

10. The UE of claim 9, wherein monitoring the emergency message comprises determining whether an emergency message indication is received via a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH).

11. The UE of claim 9, wherein the at least one parameter comprises a number of paging repetitions or a number of DRX cycles between each paging repetition.

12. The UE of claim 9, wherein the at least one parameter is related to the emergency message mode to be implemented by the cellular network.

13. The UE of claim 9, wherein the indication of the at least one parameter is included in one of a system information block (SIB) or downlink control information (DCI) of a paging message.

14. The UE according to claim 9, the operations further comprising: A system information block (SIB) modification is received, wherein the SIB modification indicates that the at least one parameter has been modified by the cellular network.

15. The UE of claim 9, wherein the UE activates the operation mode based on at least one of a battery level of the UE satisfying a predetermined threshold or a channel condition parameter satisfying a predetermined threshold. 16 . The UE of claim 9 , wherein the emergency message is one of a Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS) message, a Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA), an Earthquake and Tsunami Warning System (ETWS) message, or a Public Warning System (PWS) message.

17. A method for wireless communication, comprising: Performing the following operations at a base station having associated at least one user equipment UE operating in a radio resource control RRC idle state, wherein the base station and the at least one UE are configured with a discontinuous reception DRX function, the DRX function includes a plurality of onDurations, and the at least one UE monitors a downlink signal during each onDuration of the plurality of onDurations: sending, to the at least one UE, information corresponding to an emergency message mode to be used by the base station for transmission of emergency messages, so that the at least one UE generates an emergency message monitoring schedule based on the information corresponding to the emergency message mode and activates an operation mode in which the at least one UE monitors the emergency message based on the emergency message monitoring schedule, wherein the emergency message monitoring schedule omits at least one onDuration of the plurality of onDurations; receiving a request to send the emergency message; as well as The emergency message is sent a plurality of times based on the emergency message pattern.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the information corresponding to the emergency message mode is transmitted in a system information block (SIB).

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein: The request to send the emergency message is received from a mobility management entity, MME.

20. The method according to claim 17, further comprising modifying the emergency message mode; Sending a system information block SIB modification to the UE; sending information corresponding to the modified emergency message mode; and The emergency message is sent a plurality of times based on the modified emergency message mode.

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