Device, method and computer program

Abstract

An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: cause a user equipment to report a reference signal measurement; and cause the user equipment to adjust a time parameter associated with an operation at the user equipment, the time parameter being dependent on at least one reference signal measurement change.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus, method and computer program for adjusting at least one time parameter associated with at least one operation at a user equipment (eg, periodicity of a measurement reporting operation, triggering time of a handover operation, etc.). Background Art

[0002] A communication system can be considered as a facility that enables a communication session between two or more entities such as user terminals, base stations / access points and / or other nodes by providing a bearer between the various entities involved in the communication path. A communication system can be provided, for example, by means of a communication network and one or more compatible communication devices. A communication session may include, for example, data communications for bearer communications, such as voice, electronic mail (email), text messages, multimedia and / or content data, etc. Non-limiting examples of the services provided include two-way or multi-way calls, data communications or multimedia services, and access to a data network system (such as the Internet). In a wireless communication system, at least a portion of a communication session between at least two stations occurs over a wireless link.

[0003] A user can access a communication system by means of an appropriate communication device or terminal. The user's communication device is often referred to as a user equipment (UE) or user device. The communication device is provided with appropriate signal receiving and transmission means for implementing communication, such as implementing access to a communication network or implementing direct communication with other users. The communication device can access a carrier provided by a station or access point and transmit and / or receive communications on the carrier.

[0004] The communication system and associated equipment typically operate according to a given standard or specification that sets out what the various entities associated with the system are allowed to do and how it should be achieved. The communication protocols and / or parameters that will be used for the connection are also typically defined. An example of a communication system is UTRAN (3G radio). Another example of an architecture is known as the Long Term Evolution (LTE) of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio access technology. Another example communication system is the so-called 5G radio or NR (New Radio) access technology. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to one aspect, an apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory comprising computer code for one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer code being configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: cause a user equipment to report a reference signal measurement; and cause the user equipment to adjust a time parameter associated with an operation on the user equipment, the time parameter being dependent on at least one reference signal measurement change.

[0006] Reference signal measurements may include reference signal received power measurements.

[0007] Reference signal measurements may include reference signal reception quality measurements.

[0008] The time parameters associated with the operation may include a periodicity associated with the reference signal measurement reporting operation.

[0009] If the reference signal measurement reporting operation is periodic, then the time parameters associated with the operation may include the periodicity associated with the reference signal measurement reporting operation.

[0010] The time parameters associated with the operation may include a trigger time associated with the switching operation.

[0011] If the reference signal measurement reporting operation is event triggered, then the time parameters associated with the operation may include a triggering time associated with the handover operation.

[0012] The reference signal measurements may include current reference signal measurements and previous reference signal measurements.

[0013] The at least one reference signal measurement change may include a current reference signal measurement change.

[0014] The current reference signal measurement change may be determined based on the current reference signal measurement and the previous reference signal measurement.

[0015] At least one reference signal measurement change may include a prediction of a subsequent reference signal measurement change.

[0016] The prediction of a subsequent reference signal measurement change may be based on the current reference signal measurement and the prediction of a subsequent reference signal measurement.

[0017] A prediction of a subsequent reference signal measurement may be determined based on the prediction of a subsequent position.

[0018] A prediction of a subsequent position may be determined based on the current position and a prediction of a subsequent velocity.

[0019] A prediction of a subsequent position may be determined based on the current orientation.

[0020] The current orientation may be determined based on the current position and the previous position.

[0021] The prediction of a subsequent speed may be determined based on the current speed and the prediction of the current speed.

[0022] The current speed may be determined based on the current position and the previous position and a time difference separating the acquisition of the current reference signal measurement and the acquisition of the previous reference signal measurement.

[0023] The current position and the previous position may be determined based on the current reference signal measurements and the previous reference signal measurements.

[0024] The current location and the previous location may be determined based on a fingerprint database that associates current reference signal measurements with the current location and previous reference signal measurements with previous locations.

[0025] According to one aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes means for causing a user equipment to report reference signal measurements; and causing the user equipment to adjust a timing parameter associated with an operation at the user equipment, the timing parameter being dependent on at least one reference signal measurement change.

[0026] Reference signal measurements may include reference signal received power measurements.

[0027] Reference signal measurements may include reference signal reception quality measurements.

[0028] The time parameters associated with the operation may include a periodicity associated with the reference signal measurement reporting operation.

[0029] If the reference signal measurement reporting operation is periodic, then the time parameters associated with the operation may include the periodicity associated with the reference signal measurement reporting operation.

[0030] The time parameters associated with the operation may include a trigger time associated with the switching operation.

[0031] If the reference signal measurement reporting operation is event triggered, then the time parameters associated with the operation may include a triggering time associated with the handover operation.

[0032] The reference signal measurements may include current reference signal measurements and previous reference signal measurements.

[0033] The at least one reference signal measurement change may include a current reference signal measurement change.

[0034] The current reference signal measurement change may be determined based on the current reference signal measurement and the previous reference signal measurement.

[0035] At least one reference signal measurement change may include a prediction of a subsequent reference signal measurement change.

[0036] The prediction of a subsequent reference signal measurement change may be based on the current reference signal measurement and the prediction of a subsequent reference signal measurement.

[0037] A prediction of a subsequent reference signal measurement may be determined based on the prediction of a subsequent position.

[0038] A prediction of a subsequent position may be determined based on the current position and a prediction of a subsequent velocity.

[0039] A prediction of a subsequent position may be determined based on the current orientation.

[0040] The current orientation may be determined based on the current position and the previous position.

[0041] The prediction of a subsequent speed may be determined based on the current speed and the prediction of the current speed.

[0042] The current speed may be determined based on the current position and the previous position and a time difference separating the acquisition of the current reference signal measurement and the acquisition of the previous set of reference signal measurements.

[0043] The current position and the previous position may be determined based on the current reference signal measurements and the previous reference signal measurements.

[0044] The current location and the previous location may be determined based on a fingerprint database that associates current reference signal measurements with the current location and previous reference signal measurements with previous locations.

[0045] According to one aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes circuitry configured to: cause a user equipment to report reference signal measurements; and cause the user equipment to adjust a timing parameter associated with an operation on the user equipment, the timing parameter being dependent on at least one reference signal measurement change.

[0046] Reference signal measurements may include reference signal received power measurements.

[0047] Reference signal measurements may include reference signal reception quality measurements.

[0048] The time parameters associated with the operation may include a periodicity associated with the reference signal measurement reporting operation.

[0049] If the reference signal measurement reporting operation is periodic, then the time parameters associated with the operation may include the periodicity associated with the reference signal measurement reporting operation.

[0050] The time parameters associated with the operation may include a trigger time associated with the switching operation.

[0051] If the reference signal measurement reporting operation is event triggered, then the time parameters associated with the operation may include a triggering time associated with the handover operation.

[0052] The reference signal measurements may include current reference signal measurements and previous reference signal measurements.

[0053] The at least one reference signal measurement change may include a current reference signal measurement change.

[0054] A current reference signal measurement change may be determined based on a current reference signal measurement and a previous reference signal measurement.

[0055] At least one reference signal measurement change may include a prediction of a subsequent reference signal measurement change.

[0056] The prediction of a subsequent reference signal measurement change may be based on the current reference signal measurement and the prediction of a subsequent reference signal measurement.

[0057] A prediction of a subsequent reference signal measurement may be determined based on the prediction of a subsequent position.

[0058] A prediction of a subsequent position may be determined based on the current position and a prediction of a subsequent velocity.

[0059] A prediction of a subsequent position may be determined based on the current orientation.

[0060] The current orientation may be determined based on the current position and the previous position.

[0061] The prediction of a subsequent speed may be determined based on the current speed and the prediction of the current speed.

[0062] The current speed may be determined based on the current position and the previous position and a time difference separating the acquisition of the current reference signal measurement and the acquisition of the previous reference signal measurement.

[0063] The current position and the previous position may be determined based on the current reference signal measurements and the previous reference signal measurements.

[0064] The current location and the previous location may be determined based on a fingerprint database that associates current reference signal measurements with the current location and previous reference signal measurements with previous locations.

[0065] According to one aspect, a method is provided, comprising: causing a user equipment to report reference signal measurements; and causing the user equipment to adjust a timing parameter associated with an operation on the user equipment, the timing parameter being dependent on at least one reference signal measurement change.

[0066] Reference signal measurements may include reference signal received power measurements.

[0067] Reference signal measurements may include reference signal reception quality measurements.

[0068] The time parameters associated with the operation may include a periodicity associated with the reference signal measurement reporting operation.

[0069] If the reference signal measurement reporting operation is periodic, then the time parameters associated with the operation may include the periodicity associated with the reference signal measurement reporting operation.

[0070] The time parameters associated with the operation may include a trigger time associated with the switching operation.

[0071] If the reference signal measurement reporting operation is event triggered, then the time parameters associated with the operation may include a triggering time associated with the handover operation.

[0072] The reference signal measurements may include current reference signal measurements and previous reference signal measurements.

[0073] The at least one reference signal measurement change may include a current reference signal measurement change.

[0074] The current reference signal measurement change may be determined based on the current reference signal measurement and the previous reference signal measurement.

[0075] At least one reference signal measurement change may include a prediction of a subsequent reference signal measurement change.

[0076] The prediction of a subsequent reference signal measurement change may be based on the current reference signal measurement and the prediction of a subsequent reference signal measurement.

[0077] A prediction of a subsequent reference signal measurement may be determined based on the prediction of a subsequent position.

[0078] A prediction of a subsequent position may be determined based on the current position and a prediction of a subsequent velocity.

[0079] A prediction of a subsequent position may be determined based on the current orientation.

[0080] The current orientation may be determined based on the current position and the previous position.

[0081] The prediction of a subsequent speed may be determined based on the current speed and the prediction of the current speed.

[0082] The current speed may be determined based on the current position and the previous position and a time difference separating the acquisition of the current reference signal measurement and the acquisition of the previous reference signal measurement.

[0083] The current position and the previous position may be determined based on the current reference signal measurements and the previous reference signal measurements.

[0084] The current location and the previous location may be determined based on a fingerprint database that associates current reference signal measurements with the current location and previous reference signal measurements with previous locations.

[0085] According to one aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising computer executable code, which when executed on at least one process is configured to: cause a user equipment to report reference signal measurements; and cause the user equipment to adjust a timing parameter associated with an operation at the user equipment, the timing parameter being dependent on at least one reference signal measurement change.

[0086] Reference signal measurements may include reference signal received power measurements.

[0087] Reference signal measurements may include reference signal reception quality measurements.

[0088] The time parameters associated with the operation may include a periodicity associated with the reference signal measurement reporting operation.

[0089] If the reference signal measurement reporting operation is periodic, then the time parameters associated with the operation may include the periodicity associated with the reference signal measurement reporting operation.

[0090] The time parameters associated with the operation may include a trigger time associated with the switching operation.

[0091] If the reference signal measurement reporting operation is event triggered, then the time parameters associated with the operation may include a triggering time associated with the handover operation.

[0092] The reference signal measurements may include current reference signal measurements and previous reference signal measurements.

[0093] The at least one reference signal measurement change may include a current reference signal measurement change.

[0094] The current reference signal measurement change may be determined based on the current reference signal measurement and the previous reference signal measurement.

[0095] At least one reference signal measurement change may include a prediction of a subsequent reference signal measurement change.

[0096] The prediction of a subsequent reference signal measurement change may be based on the current reference signal measurement and the prediction of a subsequent reference signal measurement.

[0097] A prediction of a subsequent reference signal measurement may be determined based on the prediction of a subsequent position.

[0098] A prediction of a subsequent position may be determined based on the current position and a prediction of a subsequent velocity.

[0099] A prediction of a subsequent position may be determined based on the current orientation.

[0100] The current orientation may be determined based on the current position and the previous position.

[0101] The prediction of a subsequent speed may be determined based on the current speed and the prediction of the current speed.

[0102] The current speed may be determined based on the current position and the previous position and a time difference separating the acquisition of the current reference signal measurement and the acquisition of the previous reference signal measurement.

[0103] The current position and the previous position may be determined based on the current reference signal measurements and the previous reference signal measurements.

[0104] The current location and the previous location may be determined based on a fingerprint database that associates current reference signal measurements with the current location and previous reference signal measurements with previous locations.

[0105] According to one aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided, the computer-readable medium including program instructions stored thereon for executing at least one of the above methods.

[0106] According to one aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, the non-transitory computer-readable medium including program instructions stored thereon for executing at least one of the above methods.

[0107] According to one aspect, a non-volatile tangible storage medium is provided, the non-volatile tangible storage medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for executing at least one of the above methods.

[0108] According to one aspect, a computer readable medium is provided that stores a set of time parameters for operation at a user equipment, the time parameters being associated with corresponding reference signal measurement changes.

[0109] According to one aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided that stores a set of timing parameters for operation at a user equipment, the timing parameters being associated with corresponding reference signal measurement changes.

[0110] According to one aspect, a non-volatile tangible storage medium is provided that stores a set of timing parameters for operating at a user equipment, the set of timing parameters associated with corresponding reference signal measurement changes.

[0111] In the above, many different aspects have been described. It should be appreciated that other aspects may be provided by combining any two or more of the above aspects.

[0112] Various other aspects are also described in the following detailed description and appended claims.

[0113] Abbreviations

[0114] CGI: Cell Global Identifier

[0115] GPS: Global Positioning System

[0116] HO: Handover

[0117] ILA: Indoor Location Alliance

[0118] LBS: Location-Based Services

[0119] LTE: Long Term Evolution

[0120] MR: Measurement Report

[0121] PCell: Primary cell

[0122] RAT: Radio Access Technology

[0123] RRH: Remote Radio Head

[0124] RSRP: Reference Signal Received Power

[0125] RSRQ: Reference Signal Received Quality

[0126] SCell: Secondary Cell

[0127] SON: Self-Organizing Network

[0128] UE: User Equipment

[0129] WSN: Wireless Sensor Network BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0130] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0131] Figure 1 A schematic representation of a communication system is shown;

[0132] Figure 2 A schematic representation of the control arrangement is shown;

[0133] Figure 3 A schematic representation of a communication device is shown;

[0134] Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a diagram illustrating the relationship between the distance between a user equipment and a cell and the signal to interference and noise ratio for the cell;

[0135] Figure 5 a schematic representation of a diagram showing a method for adjusting at least one time parameter associated with at least one operation at a user equipment; and

[0136] Figure 6 A schematic representation of a non-volatile storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, allow the processor to perform Figure 5 One or more steps of a method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0137] In the following, certain embodiments are explained with reference to a mobile communication device capable of communicating via a wireless cellular system and a mobile communication system serving such a mobile communication device. Figures 1 to 3 Certain general principles of wireless communication systems, their access systems and mobile communication devices are briefly explained to help understand the underlying technology of the described examples.

[0138] Figure 1 An example of a wireless communication system 100 is illustrated. The wireless communication system 100 includes wireless communication devices 102, 104, 105. The wireless communication devices 102, 104, 105 provide wireless access via at least one base station 106 and 107 or similar wireless transmission and / or reception nodes or points. The base stations 106 and 107 are typically controlled by at least one appropriate controller device. The controller device can be part of the base stations 106 and 107.

[0139] The base stations 106 and 107 are connected to a wider communications network 113 via a gateway 112. Other gateway functions may be provided to connect to another network.

[0140] Base stations 116, 118, and 120 associated with smaller cells may also be connected to network 113, for example, through separate gateway functions and / or via macro-level stations. Base stations 116, 118, and 120 may be pico or femto-level base stations, etc. In this example, base stations 116 and 118 are connected via gateway 111, while base station 120 is connected via base station 106. In some embodiments, smaller base stations 116, 118, and 120 may not be provided.

[0141] Figure 2An example of a control device 200 for a node is shown, which is used, for example, with a Figure 1 The control device 200 is integrated with, coupled to and / or otherwise used to control a base station such as the base station 106, 107, 116, 118 or 120 shown. The control device 200 can be arranged to allow communication between user equipment and the core network. For this purpose, the control device includes at least one random access memory (RAM) 211a and at least one read-only memory (ROM) 211b, at least one processor 212, 213 and an input / output interface 214. At least one processor 212, 213 is coupled to the RAM 211a and the ROM 211b. Via the interface, the control device 200 can be coupled to other components related to the base station. At least one processor 212, 213 can be configured to execute appropriate software code 215 to perform the following reference Figure 5 The software code 215 may be stored in the ROM 211b. It should be appreciated that similar components may be provided elsewhere in the network system, for example, in a control device provided in a core network entity. The control device 200 may be interconnected with other control entities. The control device 200 and functions may be distributed between several control units. In some embodiments, each base station may include a control device. In an alternative embodiment, two or more base stations may share a control device.

[0142] The base stations and associated controllers may communicate with each other via fixed line connections and / or via a radio interface. Logical connections between base stations may be provided, for example, via an X2 or similar interface. The interface may be used, for example, to coordinate the operation of the base stations and to perform reselection or switching operations.

[0143] Figure 3 The diagram shows Figure 1 An example of a user device or wireless communication device 300 such as the wireless communication device 102, 104 or 105 shown. The wireless communication device 300 can be provided by any device capable of sending and receiving radio signals. Non-limiting examples include a mobile station (MS) or mobile device such as a mobile phone or so-called "smart phone", a computer provided with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facilities (e.g., a USB dongle), a personal data assistant (PDA) or tablet provided with wireless communication capabilities, a machine type communication MTC device, an IoT type communication device or any combination of these, etc. The device can provide, for example, data communication for bearer communication. The communication can be one or more of voice, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia, data, machine data, etc.

[0144] The device 300 may receive signals over the air or radio interface 307 via appropriate means for receiving, and may transmit signals via appropriate means for transmitting radio signals. Figure 2 In the embodiment of the present invention, the transceiver arrangement is schematically indicated by block 306. The transceiver arrangement 306 may be provided, for example, by means of a radio part and an associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be arranged internally or externally to the mobile device.

[0145] The wireless communication device 300 may be provided with at least one processor 301, at least one memory ROM 302a, at least one RAM 302b, and other possible components 303 for use in the execution of software and hardware assisted tasks that it is designed to perform, including controlling access to and communication with access systems and other communication devices. The at least one processor 301 is coupled to the RAM 211a and the ROM 211b. The at least one processor 301 may be configured to execute appropriate software code 308 to perform the following references Figure 5 One or more steps of the described method. Software code 308 may be stored in ROM 211b.

[0146] The processor, memory and other related control means may be provided on an appropriate circuit board and / or in a chipset. This feature is indicated by reference numeral 304. The device may optionally have a user interface, such as a keyboard 305, a touch-sensitive screen or touchpad, a combination thereof, etc. Depending on the type of device, one or more of a display, a speaker and a microphone may optionally be provided.

[0147] One or more of the following embodiments relate to accurate indoor positioning of wireless communication devices.

[0148] Accurate indoor positioning of wireless communication devices can unlock new possibilities for mobile services. Consumers can benefit from personalized contextual information and offers as well as new services such as indoor navigation. It can also create new marketing opportunities, meaning that appropriate services and information can be delivered based on the user's current or future location. Emerging indoor location-based services (LBS) can include social networking, people finding, marketing campaigns, asset tracking, etc. In addition, accurate indoor positioning can have a significant impact not only by simplifying people's lives, but also by helping firefighters, police, soldiers, medical personnel save lives and perform specific tasks, etc.

[0149] The Indoor Location Alliance (ILA), which started as a group of 22 companies and has expanded to 95 companies including Nokia, was launched to drive innovation and market adoption of high-accuracy indoor positioning and related services.

[0150] There may be many difficulties in achieving accurate indoor positioning. Standard methods for outdoor positioning, including the Global Positioning System (GPS), may not be easily used indoors due to the unreliability of GPS signals, interference sources and obstacles present in indoor environments.

[0151] One solution to provide accurate indoor positioning may be for cellular operators to provide a unified continuous positioning system as a communication system. However, most WiFi systems / wireless sensor networks (WSNs) may not be built by cellular operators, and cellular positioning systems may provide limited accuracy. In addition, cellular networks may not be optimized for positioning but for communication. For example, cellular indoor positioning may mainly depend on reference signal received power (RSRP) measurements and / or reference signal received quality (RSRQ) measurements from user equipment (UE). These measurements are sent by the UE to the base station in a measurement report (MR).

[0152] As defined in 3GPP TS 36.331 for Long Term Evolution (LTE), the triggering mechanism for MR can be event-driven or periodic. Event-driven MR can be based on events A1, A2, A3, A4, A5 and A6. Periodic MR can be based on the expiration of a timer. The purpose of periodic reporting is to signal "report the strongest cell" or "report cell global identifier (CGI)". The trigger quantity can be specified as RSRP or RSRQ. The reporting quantity can be specified as the same as the trigger quantity, or both RSRP and RSRQ. The maximum number of cells to be reported is specified.

[0153] For inter radio access technology (RAT), the trigger mechanism for sending MR can be event driven or periodic. Event driven MR can be based on events B1 and B2. Periodic MR can be based on the expiration of a timer. The purpose of periodic reporting can be to signal "report the strongest cell", "report the strongest cell of a self-organizing network (SON)", or "report CGI". The maximum number of cells to be reported can be specified.

[0154]

[0155]

[0156] Table 1: List of events predefined in the 3GPP E-UTRA standard

[0157] The base station can use RSRP and / or RSRQ measurements and triangulation or fingerprinting techniques to calculate the distance to the UE. Fingerprinting technology is a technique for creating a fingerprint database during an offline measurement phase. The fingerprint is formed based on RSRP and / or RSRQ measurements collected at various known locations and stored in the fingerprint database. The fingerprint is associated with the corresponding location in the fingerprint database. In the online measurement phase, the fingerprint is formed based on RSRP and / or RSRQ measurements collected at an unknown location. The fingerprint is compared with the fingerprint stored in the fingerprint database, and a matching fingerprint is identified. The unknown location is then identified based on the known location associated with the matching fingerprint.

[0158] In indoor environments, the deployment of small cells, remote radio listening (RRH) or leaky cables, or the presence of walls or obstacles may result in low accuracy or reliability of triangulation or fingerprinting techniques. In such an environment, it is advantageous to adjust the density of MRs based on RSRP and / or RSRQ measurement changes, the speed of the UE, or other factors to improve the accuracy of indoor positioning. For example, the density of MRs can be increased when the RSRP and / or RSRQ measurement changes are high or when the UE is moving. For example, a fast-moving UE, particularly a fast-moving UE within the coverage of several cells (e.g., small cells), can send MRs more frequently than a fixed or slow-moving UE.

[0159] One or more of the following embodiments propose to adjust the density of MRs to provide accurate indoor positioning and trajectory tracking. The density of MRs may be adjusted based on, for example, RSRP and / or RSRQ measurement changes, and may take into account UE speed, UE orientation, and / or other factors.

[0160] In LTE, after a handover event, the serving eNB continuously compares the UE's signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) for the serving cell with the SINR of the handover target cell during the time to trigger (TTT).

[0161] According to 3GPP TS 36.133, the relationship between SINR and RSRQ (in dB) can be given by: SINR = 1 / (1 / (Nsc*RSRQ) – x), where Nsc represents the number of subcarriers per resource block (e.g., 12), and x is the instantaneous serving cell subcarrier activity factor (e.g., 0). <x≤1)。

[0162] During TTT, if the SINR for the serving cell is higher than the SINR in the target cell, a "leave event" occurs and the handover is not performed. By using TTT, the ping-pong handover rate can be reduced. However, due to the delayed handover execution during TTT, the radio link failure (RLF) rate may increase.

[0163] Figure 4 The effect of TTT on the ping-pong switching rate and RLF rate is illustrated. For long TTT, the UE may move away from the serving cell. Since the SINR in the serving cell is severely degraded before the handover is actually performed, the possibility of RLF may increase. However, because there is a large difference between the SINR for the serving cell and the SINR for the neighboring cells at the end of the TTT, the possibility of ping-pong switching is reduced. For short TTT, the UE may remain close to the serving cell. Since the SINR for the serving cell remains high before the handover is actually performed, the possibility of RLF may be reduced. However, because there is only a small difference between the SINR for the serving cell and the SINR for the neighboring cells at the end of the TTT, the possibility of ping-pong switching is increased.

[0164] One or more of the following embodiments propose to adjust TTT to provide an optimized trade-off between ping-pong switching rate and RLF rate. TTT can be adjusted, for example, based on RSRP and / or RSRQ measurement changes, and taking into account UE speed, UE orientation, and / or other.

[0165] Figure 5 A schematic representation of a diagram showing a method for adjusting at least one time parameter associated with at least one operation at a user equipment is shown.

[0166] In step 400, a sequence of reference signal measurements may be collected by the UE and reported to the base station in one or more MRs. The MRs may be periodic or event triggered. The MRs may be stored at the base station. The reference signal measurements may include RSRP measurements, RSRQ measurements, and / or other reference signal measurements.

[0167] The sequence of reference signal measurements includes at least a current reference signal measurement ψ(n) collected at a current time t(n) and a previous reference signal measurement ψ(n-1) collected at a previous time t(n-1), where "n" is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The current time interval T(n) can be obtained based on the previous time t(n-1) and the current time t(n). For example, the current time interval T(n) can be obtained by subtracting the previous time t(n-1) from the current time t(n).

[0168] T(n) = t(n) - t(n-1) [Equation 1]

[0169] In step 402, a current reference signal change amount Δ(n) may be determined. The current reference signal change Δ(n) may be determined based on a current reference signal measurement ψ(n) and based on a previous reference signal measurement ψ(n-1). For example, the current reference signal change Δ(n) may be determined by subtracting a previous reference signal measurement ψ(n-1) from the current reference signal measurement ψ(n). However, it will be appreciated that the current reference signal change Δ(n) may be obtained in other ways.

[0170] Δ(n)=ψ(n)-ψ(n-1) [Equation 2]

[0171] In step 404, the current position L(n) and the previous position L(n-1) may be determined. The current position L(n) may include a coordinate X(n) along the first direction and a coordinate Y(n) along the second direction. The previous position L(n-1) may include a coordinate X(n-1) along the first direction and a coordinate Y(n-1) along the second direction.

[0172] L(n)=(X(n),Y(n)) [Equation 3]

[0173] L(n-1)=(X(n-1),Y(n-1)) [Equation 4]

[0174] The current position L(n) may be determined based on the current reference signal measurement ψ(n) obtained in step 400. The previous position L(n-1) may be determined based on the previous reference signal measurement ψ(n-1) obtained in step 400.

[0175] In an example, a current fingerprint may be formed based on a current reference signal measurement (n). A previous fingerprint may be individually compared to fingerprints stored in a fingerprint database. A matching fingerprint may be identified. A current position L(n) may be identified based on a position associated with the matching fingerprint. Similarly, a previous fingerprint may be formed based on a previous reference signal measurement (n-1). A previous fingerprint may be individually compared to fingerprints stored in a fingerprint database. A matching fingerprint may be identified. A previous position L(n-1) may be identified based on a position associated with the matching fingerprint.

[0176] In another example, the sequence formed by the current fingerprint and the previous fingerprint can be compared with the fingerprint sequences stored in the fingerprint database together (i.e., rather than individually) to find matching sequences and improve the accuracy of the current position L(n) and the previous position L(n-1).

[0177] In the example, a hidden Markov model may be used.

[0178] It will be appreciated that the current position L(n) and the previous position L(n-1) may be determined in other ways.

[0179] In step 406, a current speed V(n) may be determined. The current speed V(n) may include a coordinate V_X(n) along a first direction and a coordinate V_Y(n) along a second direction.

[0180] V(n)=(V_X(n),V_Y(n)) [Equation 5]

[0181] The current speed V(n) may be determined based on the current position L(n), the previous position L(n-1), and the current time interval T(n) obtained in step 404. The current speed V(n) may be determined as follows.

[0182] V_X(n)=(X(n)-X(n-1)) / T(n) [Equation 6]

[0183] V_Y(n)=(Y(n)-Y(n-1)) / T(n) [Equation 7]

[0184] │V(n)│=sqrt(V_X(n) 2 +V_Y(n) 2 ) [Equation 8]

[0185] However, it will be appreciated that the current speed V(n) may be determined in other ways.

[0186] In step 408, a prediction of a subsequent velocity V'(n+1) may be determined. The prediction of the subsequent velocity V'(n+1) may include a coordinate V'_X(n+1) along a first direction and a coordinate V'_Y(n+1) along a second direction.

[0187] V'(n+1)=(V'_X(n+1),V'_Y(n+1)) [Equation 9]

[0188] When the environment in which the UE is located does not have a fixed path (e.g., aisles in an exhibition center or supermarket, corridors in a hospital, etc.), the subsequent speed V'(n+1) can be determined based on the prediction V'(n) of the current speed obtained in the previous instance of step 410 and the current speed V(n) obtained in step 406. The subsequent speed V'(n+1) can also be determined based on the filter parameter α. The filter parameter α can be determined empirically or calculated. The filter parameter α can reduce inertial effects and sudden changes caused by interference (e.g., 0<α<1). The subsequent speed V'(n+1) can also be determined based on a predetermined prediction of the initial speed V'(1) (e.g., V'(1)=V(1)). The subsequent speed V'(n+1) can be determined as follows.

[0189] V'(n+1)=(1-α)V'(n+1)+αV(n) [Equation 10]

[0190] Furthermore, a current orientation may be determined. The current orientation may be determined based on the current position L(n) obtained in step 404 and the previous position L(n-1).

[0191] When the environment in which the UE is located has a fixed path, the Dijkstra shortest link path algorithm can be used to determine the prediction of the subsequent speed V'(n+1). The current position L(n) obtained in step 406 can be mapped to a position on the fixed path, and the subsequent speed V'(n+1) and the current orientation can be interpolated.

[0192] In step 410, a prediction L'(n+1) for a subsequent position may be determined. The prediction L'(n+1) for the subsequent position may include a coordinate X'(n+1) along a first direction and a coordinate Y'(n+1) along a second direction.

[0193] L'(n+1) = (X'(n+1), Y'(n+1)) [Equation 11]

[0194] The prediction of the subsequent position L'(n+1) may be determined based on the current position L(n) obtained in step 404, the prediction of the subsequent velocity V'(n+1), the current orientation obtained in step 408, and / or the subsequent time interval T(n+1). It may be assumed that the subsequent time interval T(n+1) is equal to the current time interval T(n). The prediction of the subsequent position L'(n+1) may also be refined based on map modeling of the environment in which the UE is located. The prediction of the subsequent position L'(n+1) may be determined as follows.

[0195] X'(n+1)=X(n)+V'_X(n+1)*T(n+1) [Equation 12]

[0196] Y'(n+1)=Y(n)+V'_Y(n+1)*T(n+1) [Equation 13]

[0197] In step 412, a prediction ψ'(n+1) for a subsequent reference signal measurement may be determined. The prediction ψ'(n+1) for the subsequent reference signal measurement may be determined based on the prediction L'(n+1) for the subsequent position obtained in step 410. The prediction ψ'(n+1) for the subsequent reference signal measurement may be determined based on a fingerprint database.

[0198] In an example, the prediction L'(n+1) for the subsequent position can be compared to the positions stored in the fingerprint database. A matching position can be identified. The prediction ψ'(n+1) for the subsequent reference signal measurement can be identified based on the reference signal measurements that form the fingerprint associated with the matching position. However, it will be understood that the prediction ψ'(n+1) for the subsequent reference signal measurement can be determined in other ways.

[0199] In step 414, a prediction of a change in a subsequent reference signal measurement Δψ'(n+1) may be determined. The prediction of a change in a subsequent reference signal measurement Δψ'(n+1) may be determined based on the prediction of a subsequent reference signal measurement ψ'(n+1) obtained in step 412 and the reference signal measurement change Δψ(n) obtained in step 402. For example, the prediction of a change in a subsequent reference signal measurement Δψ'(n+1) may be determined by subtracting the current reference signal measurement ψ(n) from the prediction of a subsequent reference signal measurement ψ'(n+1). However, it will be appreciated that the current reference signal change amount Δψ'(n+1) may be obtained in other ways.

[0200] Δψ'(n+1)=ψ'(n+1)-ψ(n) [Equation 14]

[0201] In step 416, a weighted average value Ω(n+1) of the reference signal measurement variation may be determined. The weighted average value Ω(n+1) of the reference signal measurement variation may be determined based on the reference signal measurement variation Δψ(n) obtained in step 402, the prediction Δψ'(n+1) of the subsequent reference signal measurement variation obtained in step 416, the current time interval T(n) obtained in step 400, and / or the filter parameter β. The filter parameter β may be determined empirically or calculated. The filter parameter β may reduce inertial effects and sudden changes caused, for example, by external disturbances (e.g., 0<β<1). The weighted average value Ω(n+1) of the reference signal measurement variation may be determined as follows. However, it will be appreciated that the weighted average value Ω(n+1) of the reference signal measurement variation may be determined in other ways.

[0202] Ω(n+1)=((1-β)Δψ(n)+βΔψ'(n+1)) / T(n) [Equation 15]

[0203] Then, if the subsequent MR is event triggered, the method proceeds to step 418. If the subsequent MR is periodic, the method proceeds to step 420.

[0204] In step 418 (i.e., the subsequent MR is event-triggered), the TTT is adjusted by the UE. The adjusted TTT may be determined based on the weighted average Ω(n+1) of the reference signal measurement variation obtained in step 416, the first threshold ψh1 and the second threshold ψh2, and the current reference signal measurement ψ(n).

[0205] A first threshold ψh1 may be determined such that if the reference signal measurement ψ is greater than the first threshold ψh1, a ping-pong switch may occur. A second threshold ψh2 may be determined such that if the current reference signal measurement ψ is less than the second threshold ψh2, an RLF may occur. Ideally, the reference signal measurement ψ should be between the first threshold ψh1 and the second threshold ψh2 at the end of the adjusted TTT. The first threshold ψh1 and the second threshold ψh2 may be determined empirically or calculated. The adjusted TTT may be determined as follows. However, it will be appreciated that the adjusted TTT may be determined in other ways.

[0206] TTT = ((ψh1 + ψh2) / 2 – (n)) / Ω(n+1) [Equation 16]

[0207] In step 420 (i.e., the subsequent MR is periodic), the MR periodicity is adjusted and a subsequent time interval T(n+1) is determined. The subsequent time interval T(n+1) defines the subsequent time t(n+1) when a subsequent reference signal measurement ψ(n+1) will be collected by the UE and reported by the UE to the base station in a subsequent MR.

[0208] T(n+1)=t(n+1)-t(n) [Equation 17]

[0209] In an example, a subsequent time interval T(n+1) may be determined based on the weighted average value Ω(n+1) of the reference signal measurement variation obtained in step 416. A predetermined set of time intervals T may be stored in a table and associated with corresponding reference signal measurement variations Δψ to meet positioning accuracy requirements. The weighted average value Ω(n+1) of the reference signal measurement variation may be compared with the reference signal measurement variation Δψ in the table, and a matching reference signal measurement variation Δψ may be identified. A subsequent time interval T(n+1) may then be determined based on the time interval T associated with the matching reference signal measurement variation (e.g., the subsequent time interval T(n+1) is equal to the time interval T associated with the matching reference signal measurement variation Δψ).

[0210] In another example, the subsequent time interval T(n+1) may be determined based on the weighted average Ω(n+1) of the reference signal measurement variation obtained in step 416 and a predetermined reference signal measurement variation Δψ that sets the positioning accuracy requirement. The predetermined reference signal measurement variation Δψ that sets the positioning accuracy requirement in the fingerprint database. Then, the subsequent time interval T(n+1) may be determined as follows.

[0211] T(n+1)=Δψ / Ω(n+1) [Equation 18]

[0212] However, it will be appreciated that the subsequent time interval T(n+1) may be determined in other ways.The subsequent time interval T(n+1) may then be added to the predetermined set of time intervals T (eg the predetermined set of 3GPP TS 36.331).

[0213] It will be appreciated that steps 400, 418 and 420 may be performed by a UE.Steps 402, 404, 406, 408, 410, 412, 414 and / or 416 may be performed by a UE, a base station or any other entity of a communication network.

[0214] It will also be appreciated that although the method has been described in the context of LTE, the method may be applicable to other communication systems.

[0215] An advantage of one or more of the above embodiments is that an adaptive measurement reporting scheme is provided, particularly for indoor environments (but it will be understood that it can also be applied to outdoor environments). MR periodicity can be optimized to meet positioning accuracy requirements in complex indoor scenarios and reduce signaling overhead. Moreover, TTT can be optimized to find an appropriate compromise between ping-pong switching rate and RLF rate.

[0216] Figure 6 Schematic representations of non-volatile memory media 600a (e.g., a computer disk (CD) or digital versatile disk (DVD)) and 600b (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) memory stick) storing instructions and / or parameters 602 that, when executed by a processor, allow the processor to perform Figure 5 One or more steps of a method.

[0217] It is noted that while the above describes exemplifying embodiments, there are numerous variations and modifications which may be made to the disclosed solution without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0218] Therefore, the embodiments may vary within the scope of the appended claims. In general, some embodiments may be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. For example, some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software that can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device, but the embodiments are not limited thereto. Although various embodiments may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other graphical representations, it is well known that, as non-limiting examples, the boxes, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuits or logic, general hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0219] The embodiments may be implemented by computer software stored in a memory and executable by at least one data processor of the entity involved or by hardware or by a combination of software and hardware. Further in this regard, it should be noted that, for example, Figure 4 Any process in the software may represent program steps, or interconnected logic circuits, blocks and functions, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks and functions. The software may be stored on physical media such as memory blocks or memory chips implemented within the processor, magnetic media such as hard disk or floppy disks, and optical media such as DVD and its data variants CD.

[0220] The memory may be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and may be implemented using any appropriate data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. The data processor may be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and may include, as non-limiting examples, one or more of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a gate-level circuit, and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture.

[0221] Alternatively or additionally, some embodiments may be implemented using a circuit system. The circuit system may be configured to perform one or more of the previously described functions and / or method steps. The circuit system may be provided in a base station and / or in a communication device.

[0222] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0223] (a) Pure hardware circuit implementation (e.g., implementation only in analog and / or digital circuit systems);

[0224] (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as:

[0225] (i) a combination of (one or more) analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and

[0226] (ii) any portion of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s), software and memory(s) that work together to enable an apparatus such as a communication device or base station to perform the various functions previously described; and

[0227] (c) Hardware circuit(s) and / or processor(s), such as microprocessor(s) or portion(s) of microprocessor(s), that require software (e.g., firmware) to run, but that software may not be present when not needed to run.

[0228] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example, an integrated device.

[0229] The foregoing description has provided a complete and beneficial description of some embodiments by way of exemplary and non-limiting examples. However, in view of the above description, various modifications and adaptations will become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. However, all such and similar modifications to the teachings will still fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for communication, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code; The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: enabling user equipment to report reference signal measurements; as well as causing the user equipment to adjust a timing parameter associated with operation at the user equipment based on reported reference signal measurements from the user equipment, the timing parameter being dependent on at least one reference signal measurement change in the reported reference signal measurements; wherein the reference signal measurement comprises a current reference signal measurement; wherein the at least one reference signal measurement change comprises a current reference signal measurement change; wherein the at least one reference signal measurement change comprises a prediction of a subsequent reference signal measurement change, The prediction of the subsequent reference signal measurement change is based on the current reference signal measurement and the prediction of the subsequent reference signal measurement.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the reference signal measurement comprises a reference signal received power measurement.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the reference signal measurement comprises a reference signal reception quality measurement. 4 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the time parameter associated with the operation comprises a periodicity associated with a reference signal measurement reporting operation. 5 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the time parameter associated with the operation comprises a trigger time associated with a switching operation.

6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the reference signal measurements further comprise previous reference signal measurements.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the current reference signal measurement change is determined based on the current reference signal measurement and the previous reference signal measurement.

8. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the prediction of the subsequent reference signal measurement is determined based on a prediction of a subsequent position.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the prediction of the subsequent position is determined based on a current position and a prediction of a subsequent velocity.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the prediction of the subsequent position is determined based on a current orientation. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the current orientation is determined based on a current position and a previous position.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the prediction of the subsequent speed is determined based on a current speed and the prediction of the current speed.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the current speed is determined based on: the current position and the previous position and a time difference, the reference signal measurement also comprising a previous reference signal measurement, the time difference separating acquisition of the current reference signal measurement and acquisition of the previous reference signal measurement.

14. The apparatus of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the current position and the previous position are determined based on the current reference signal measurements and the previous reference signal measurements.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the current location and the previous location are determined based on a fingerprint database that associates the current reference signal measurement with the current location and the previous reference signal measurement with the previous location.

16. A communication method, comprising: enabling user equipment to report reference signal measurements; as well as causing the user equipment to adjust a timing parameter associated with operation at the user equipment based on reported reference signal measurements from the user equipment, the timing parameter being dependent on at least one reference signal measurement change in the reported reference signal measurements; wherein the reference signal measurement comprises a current reference signal measurement; wherein the at least one reference signal measurement change comprises a current reference signal measurement change; wherein the at least one reference signal measurement change comprises a prediction of a subsequent reference signal measurement change, The prediction of the subsequent reference signal measurement change is based on the current reference signal measurement and the prediction of the subsequent reference signal measurement.

17. A computer program product comprising computer executable instructions which, when executed on one or more processors, perform the following steps: enabling user equipment to report reference signal measurements; as well as causing the user equipment to adjust a timing parameter associated with operation at the user equipment based on reported reference signal measurements from the user equipment, the timing parameter being dependent on at least one reference signal measurement change in the reported reference signal measurements; wherein the reference signal measurement comprises a current reference signal measurement; wherein the at least one reference signal measurement change comprises a current reference signal measurement change; wherein the at least one reference signal measurement change comprises a prediction of a subsequent reference signal measurement change, The prediction of the subsequent reference signal measurement change is based on the current reference signal measurement and the prediction of the subsequent reference signal measurement.

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