Mechanism for searcher number exchange in new radio (NR) for cell detection and measurement

Abstract

Some embodiments of the present disclosure include apparatuses and methods for implementing mechanisms for exchanging a searcher number between an electronic device (e.g., a UE) and a network for cell detection and measurement. For example, some embodiments are directed to an electronic device that includes a transceiver and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver. The processor determines a searcher number associated with the electronic device. The searcher number is greater than two. The processor also transmits, using the transceiver, a signal to the network, where the signal includes an indication of the searcher number.

Description

BACKGROUND TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The described implementations generally relate to cell detection and measurement in wireless communications. For example, implementations of the present disclosure relate to mechanisms for exchanging a number of searchers between an electronic device (e.g., a user equipment (UE)) and a network for cell detection and measurement.

[0002] Related Art

[0003] When a user equipment (UE) is connected to a base station (e.g., an evolved Node B (eNB)) in a cell through a wireless network associated with the base station for communication, the UE can actively detect and / or measure other carriers on the cell and / or detect and / or measure other cells. For example, the UE can detect and measure other carriers on the same cell and / or detect and measure neighboring cells. The UE can perform the detection and measurement operations to determine whether other carriers in the same cell and / or other cells in the neighborhood of the cell have better conditions. For example, the UE can measure a reference signal received power (RSRP) associated with the other carriers and / or the neighboring cells. If the UE determines that one or more of the other carriers and / or the neighboring cells have better conditions for communication through the wireless network, the UE can trigger a reselection procedure to use the other carriers of the cell and / or connect to the neighboring cells. SUMMARY

[0004] Some implementations of the present disclosure include apparatuses and methods for implementing mechanisms for exchanging a number of searchers between an electronic device (e.g., a UE) and a network for cell detection and measurement. By using more searchers in the UE, the UE can concurrently detect and measure multiple carriers and / or cells. Thus, if needed, detection time / latency and measurement time / latency can be reduced, and the UE can more efficiently detect and connect to other carriers and / or cells. Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to mechanisms for exchanging a number of searchers (searcher number - number of parallel carriers monitored by the UE) of the UE between the UE and the network. The mechanisms for exchanging the number of searchers of some aspects of the present disclosure can improve network performance and improve network configuration with respect to, for example, synchronization signal block (SSB)-based measurement timing configuration (SMTC) periodicity.

[0005] Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to an electronic device. The electronic device includes a transceiver configured to communicate over a wireless network and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver. The processor determines a number of searchers associated with the electronic device. The number of searchers is equal to or greater than two. The processor also transmits, using the transceiver, a signal to a network, where the signal includes an indication of the number of searchers.

[0006] Some aspects of the disclosure relate to an electronic device. The electronic device includes a transceiver configured to communicate over a wireless network and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver. The processor determines a first number of searchers associated with a first capability of the electronic device and a second number of searchers associated with a second capability of the electronic device. The processor also transmits, using the transceiver, a signal to a network, where the signal includes an indication of the first number of searchers and the second number of searchers.

[0007] Some aspects of the disclosure relate to an electronic device. The electronic device includes a transceiver configured to communicate over a wireless network and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver. The processor receives, using the transceiver, a signal from a user equipment (UE) and uses the received signal to determine a number of searchers associated with the UE. The number of searchers is equal to or greater than two.

[0008] Some aspects of the disclosure relate to an electronic device. The electronic device includes a transceiver configured to communicate over a wireless network and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver. The processor receives, using the transceiver, a signal from a user equipment (UE) and uses the received signal to determine an indication of a third generation partnership project (3GPP) release version used by the UE. In response to the indication representing a release version of R-X or earlier, the processor determines that a number of searchers associated with the UE is two. In response to the indication representing a release version of R-(X+1) or later, the processor determines that the number of searchers associated with the UE is greater than two, where X is an integer equal to or greater than sixteen.

[0009] Some aspects of the disclosure relate to an electronic device. The electronic device includes a transceiver configured to communicate over a wireless network and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver. The processor receives, using the transceiver, a signal from a user equipment (UE) and uses the received signal to determine a first number of searchers associated with a first capability of the electronic device and a second number of searchers associated with a second capability of the electronic device.

[0010] Some aspects of the disclosure relate to a method. The method includes determining, by a user equipment (UE), a number of searchers associated with the UE. The number of searchers includes a number of parallel carriers monitored by the UE and is equal to or greater than two. The method also includes transmitting, by the UE, a signal to a network, the signal including an indication of the number of searchers. The method further includes determining a carrier-specific scaling factor (CSSF) based on the number of searchers and using the CSSF to decide a carrier detection time or a carrier measurement time.

[0011] Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to a method. The method includes determining, by a user equipment (UE), a first number of searchers associated with a first capability of the UE and a second number of searchers associated with a second capability of the UE. Each of the first number of searchers and the second number of searchers comprises a positive integer. The method further includes transmitting, by the UE to a network, a signal comprising an indication of the first number of searchers and the second number of searchers. The method further includes determining a carrier-specific scaling factor (CSSF) based on the number of searchers and deciding a carrier detection time or a carrier measurement time using the CSSF.

[0012] Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to a method. The method includes receiving, by a base station from a user equipment (UE), a signal and determining, by the base station and using the received signal, a number of searchers associated with the UE. The number of searchers comprises a number of parallel carriers monitored by the UE and is equal to or greater than two.

[0013] Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to a method. The method includes receiving, by a base station from a user equipment (UE), a signal and determining, by the base station and using the received signal, an indication of a third generation partnership project (3GPP) release version used by the UE. In response to the indication representing a release version of R-X or earlier, the method includes determining that a number of searchers associated with the UE is two. In response to the indication representing a release version of R-(X+1) or later, the method includes determining that the number of searchers associated with the UE is greater than two, where X is an integer equal to or greater than sixteen.

[0014] Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to a method. The method includes receiving, by a base station from a user equipment (UE), a signal and determining, by the base station and using the received signal, a first number of searchers associated with a first capability of the UE and a second number of searchers associated with a second capability of the UE. Each of the first number of searchers and the second number of searchers comprises a positive integer.

[0015] Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to a non-transitory computer- readable medium storing instructions. When executed by a processor of a user equipment (UE), the instructions cause the processor to perform operations comprising determining a number of searchers associated with the UE, where the number of searchers comprises a number of parallel carriers monitored by the UE and is equal to or greater than two. The operations further include transmitting, to a network, a signal comprising an indication of the number of searchers. The operations further include determining a carrier-specific scaling factor (CSSF) based on the number of searchers and deciding a carrier detection time or a carrier measurement time using the CSSF.

[0016] Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to a non-transitory computer- readable medium storing instructions. When executed by a processor of a user equipment (UE), the instructions cause the processor to perform operations including determining a first number of searchers associated with a first capability of the UE and a second number of searchers associated with a second capability of the UE. Each of the first number of searchers and the second number of searchers comprises a positive integer. The operations further include transmitting a signal to a network, the signal comprising an indication of the first number of searchers and the second number of searchers. The operations further include determining a carrier-specific scaling factor (CSSF) based on the number of searchers and using the CSSF to decide a carrier detection time or a carrier measurement time.

[0017] Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to a non-transitory computer- readable medium storing instructions. When executed by a processor of a user equipment (UE), the instructions cause the processor to perform operations including determining a first number of searchers associated with a first capability of the UE and a second number of searchers associated with a second capability of the UE. Each of the first number of searchers and the second number of searchers comprises a positive integer. The operations further include transmitting a signal to a network, the signal comprising an indication of the first number of searchers and the second number of searchers. The operations further include determining a carrier-specific scaling factor (CSSF) based on the number of searchers and using the CSSF to decide a carrier detection time or a carrier measurement time.

[0018] Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to a non-transitory computer- readable medium storing instructions. When executed by a processor of a user equipment (UE), the instructions cause the processor to perform operations including determining a first number of searchers associated with a first capability of the UE and a second number of searchers associated with a second capability of the UE. Each of the first number of searchers and the second number of searchers comprises a positive integer. The operations further include transmitting a signal to a network, the signal comprising an indication of the first number of searchers and the second number of searchers. The operations further include determining a carrier-specific scaling factor (CSSF) based on the number of searchers and using the CSSF to decide a carrier detection time or a carrier measurement time.

[0019] Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to a non-transitory computer- readable medium storing instructions. When executed by a processor of a user equipment (UE), the instructions cause the processor to perform operations including determining a first number of searchers associated with a first capability of the UE and a second number of searchers associated with a second capability of the UE. Each of the first number of searchers and the second number of searchers comprises a positive integer. The operations further include transmitting a signal to a network, the signal comprising an indication of the first number of searchers and the second number of searchers. The operations further include determining a carrier-specific scaling factor (CSSF) based on the number of searchers and using the CSSF to decide a carrier detection time or a carrier measurement time.

[0020] This Summary is provided for purposes of illustrating some embodiments, so as to provide a basic understanding of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly, the above-described features are by way of example only and should not be construed as limiting the scope or spirit of the subject matter of the disclosure. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the present disclosure and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the disclosure and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the disclosure.

[0022] Figure 1 An exemplary system 100 implementing mechanisms for exchanging searcher numbers for carrier / cell detection and measurement between an electronic device and a network is shown in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 2 A block diagram of an exemplary system of an electronic device implementing mechanisms for exchanging searcher numbers for carrier / cell detection and measurement is shown in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 3 An exemplary method for a system (e.g., a user equipment (UE)) to support mechanisms for exchanging searcher numbers for carrier / cell detection and measurement is shown in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 4 An exemplary method for a system (e.g., a base station) to support mechanisms for exchanging searcher numbers for carrier / cell detection and measurement is shown in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 5 is an exemplary computer system for implementing some embodiments, or one or more portions of these embodiments.

[0027] The present disclosure is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate identical or functionally similar elements. Additionally, the left-most digit of the reference number generally identifies the drawing in which the reference number first appears. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Some embodiments of the present disclosure include apparatuses and methods for implementing mechanisms for exchanging searcher numbers for cell detection and measurement between an electronic device (e.g., a UE) and a network. By using more searchers in the UE, the UE can concurrently detect and measure multiple carriers and / or cells. Thus, if needed, detection time / delay and measurement time / delay can be reduced, and the UE can more efficiently detect and connect to other carriers and / or cells. Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to mechanisms for exchanging the number of searchers (searcher number - the number of parallel carriers monitored by the UE) of the UE between the UE and the network. The mechanisms for exchanging searcher numbers of some aspects of the present disclosure can improve network performance and improve network configuration with respect to, for example, synchronization signal block (SSB) based measurement timing configuration (SMTC) periodicity.

[0029] According to some aspects, a searcher number of two is used by a UE according to Release 15 (Rel-15) and Release 16 (Rel-16) New Radio (NR) operation for fifth generation (5G) wireless technology as defined by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) that indicates a number of UE’s parallel carrier monitoring capability. Rel-16 and Rel-15 (or earlier releases) operating UEs do not communicate their searcher number of two to the network with which the UE is in communication. In Rel-16 and Rel-15 (or earlier releases), the searcher number is a fixed number (two) and is known by both the UE and the base station (or network associated with the base station). In Rel-16 and Rel-15 (or earlier releases), no exchange of the searcher number occurs between the UE and the network.

[0030] In this example, a UE with a searcher number of two can concurrently detect and measure two carriers and / or cells. In other words, while the UE is connected to a first eNB on a first cell using a first carrier, the UE can concurrently detect and measure two other carriers. In some examples, the two other carriers can be associated with the first cell. Alternatively, the two other carriers can be on one or two cells that are adjacent to the first cell. Additionally or alternatively, one of the two other carriers can be on the first cell and the other on an adjacent cell. Aspects of the present disclosure can include other examples of detecting and measuring carriers. The UE detects and measures these two other carriers to determine whether they have better conditions than the first carrier.

[0031] The searcher number of the UE can determine a detection time / delay and a measurement time / delay associated with detecting and measuring additional carriers. In some aspects, the detection and measurement time / delay is the time / delay experienced by the UE in detecting and measuring a carrier within a spatial window of available carriers.

[0032] A cell serving a UE can communicate a measurement gap signal to the UE. The measurement gap signal informs the UE of a time interval that the UE can use to detect and measure other carriers. Additionally, the other carriers to be detected and measured can have an associated synchronization signal block (SSB) based measurement timing configuration (SMTC) periodicity. According to some aspects, one SMTC periodicity can be defined for each carrier that the UE is to measure and can indicate the timing for later measurement of that carrier. According to some aspects, the UE can measure a carrier when the UE’s measurement gap aligns with the SMTC periodicity of the carrier. According to some aspects, a scaling factor (as defined by 3GPP standards) is a factor that affects the detection and measurement time / delay. In some examples, the scaling factor is based on the searcher number of the UE. Additionally, a communication network associated with a base station in communication with the UE can decide the configuration of the SMTC periodicity based on this expected detection and measurement time / delay.

[0033] Table 1 shows one example carrier-specific scaling factor (CSSF) for different scenarios.

[0034] Table 1 - CSSF for standalone (SA) mode of operation 外间隙,I Scaling Factor

[0035]

[0036] In Table 1, FR1 corresponds to frequency range 1, and FR2 corresponds to frequency range 2. In some aspects, in 5G New Radio (NR), frequency range 1 (FR1) can include sub-6 GHz bands, and frequency range 2 (FR2) can include bands in the mmWave range (e.g., 24 GHz - 100 GHz). In some aspects, FR1 can include frequencies between about 410 MHz and about 7.125 GHz. In some aspects, FR2 can include frequencies between about 24.250 GHz and about 52.6 GHz.

[0037] In Table 1, CA corresponds to carrier aggregation. According to some aspects, a UE (and a communication network) is configured to simultaneously aggregate and use multiple carriers. In some examples, a UE can use a primary component carrier (PCC) with one or more secondary component carriers (SCCs). Carriers can be used using frequency division duplex (FDD), time division duplex, or a mix of TDD and FDD. In some examples, a PCC can be used for control signaling, and SCCs can be used for data. However, aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to these examples.

[0038] In Table 1, PCell corresponds to a primary cell, and SCell corresponds to a secondary cell. In some examples, a PCell can remain in an active state, while an SCell can transition between an active state and a deactivated state. In some examples, an SCell can be a supplementary serving cell for data transmission and / or reception.

[0039] In some examples, Table 1 can correspond to Table 9.1.5.1.2-1 of the TS 38.133 specification. In the example Table 1, the number of searcher of the UE is two.

[0040] In one example, considering the “FR1 only CA” scenario in Table 1, a UE will reserve one of its searchers for a primary component carrier (PCC) on FR1 (line 2, column 2). Then, the UE can use the other searcher for one or more SCells configured in FR1 (line 2, column 3). In other words, the one or more SCells will share the other searcher of the UE. In this example, the scaling factor for FR1 SCCs is the number of configured FR1 SCells.

[0041] As another example, consider the “FR2 only intra-band CA” scenario in Table 1, the UE would reserve one of its searchers for a primary component carrier (PCC) on FR2 (line 3, column 4). Then, the UE can use the other searcher for one or more SCells configured in FR2. In other words, one or more SCells on FR2 would share the UE’s other searcher (line 3, column 6). In this example, the scaling factor for FR2 SCCs where no adjacent cell measurement is required is the number of configured FR2 SCells.

[0042] According to some aspects, a UE uses more than two searchers. Additionally or alternatively, a UE can use one or more searchers associated with each frequency range (FR). In some aspects, a UE can use one or more searchers associated with each timing advance (TA) group (TAG). For example, a UE using Release 17 (Rel-17) or later can use more than two searchers and can communicate its number of searchers to the network. Additionally or alternatively, a UE using Rel-17 or later can use one or more searchers associated with each frequency range (FR) and can communicate its capability to the network. In some aspects, a UE using Rel-17 or later can use one or more searchers associated with each timing advance (TA) group (TAG) and can communicate its capability to the network.

[0043] By using more than two searchers (and / or one or more searchers for each FR and / or each TAG), a UE can concurrently detect and measure multiple carriers and / or cells. Thus, if needed, detection time / delay and measurement time / delay can be reduced, and the UE can more efficiently detect and connect to other carriers and / or cells. Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to mechanisms for exchanging the number of searchers (searcher number - the number of parallel carriers monitored by the UE) of a UE between the UE and the network. The mechanisms for exchanging the searcher number of some aspects of the present disclosure can improve network performance and improve network configuration with respect to, for example, synchronization signal block (SSB) based measurement timing configuration (SMTC) periodicity.

[0044] Figure 1An example system 100 implementing mechanisms for exchanging a number of searchers between an electronic device and a network for carrier / cell detection and measurement is shown in accordance with some aspects of the disclosure. The example system 100 is provided for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the disclosed embodiments. The system 100 can include, but is not limited to, network nodes (e.g., base stations such as eNBs) 101 and 103 and an electronic device (e.g., a UE) 105. The electronic device 105 (hereinafter referred to as UE 105) can include an electronic device configured to operate based on multiple wireless communication technologies. These technologies can include, but are not limited to, technologies based on Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standards. For example, the UE 105 can include an electronic device configured to operate using Release 17 (Rel-17) or later releases. The UE 105 can include, but is not limited to, a wireless communication device, a smartphone, a laptop, a desktop computer, a tablet computer, a personal assistant, a monitor, a television, a wearable device, an Internet of Things (IoT), a vehicle communication device, etc. The network nodes 101 and 103 (herein referred to as base stations) can include nodes configured to operate based on multiple wireless communication technologies such as, but not limited to, technologies based on 3GPP standards. For example, the base stations 103 and 105 can include nodes configured to operate using Release 17 (Rel-17) or later releases.

[0045] According to some aspects, the UE 105 and the base stations 101 and 103 are configured to implement mechanisms for exchanging a number of searchers between the UE 101 and a network associated with the base stations 101 and 103 for carrier / cell detection and measurement. According to some aspects, the UE 105 can be connected to and can communicate with the base station 101 using a carrier 107. According to some aspects, the carrier 107 can include one carrier. Additionally, or alternatively, the carrier 107 can include two or more component carriers (CCs). In other words, the UE 105 can implement carrier aggregation (CA). For example, the UE can communicate with the base station 101 using multiple carriers. In some examples, the UE can use a primary component carrier (PCC) with one or more secondary component carriers (SCCs). The carriers can be used using frequency division duplex (FDD), time division duplex, or a mix of TDD and FDD. In some examples, the PCC can be used for control signaling and the SCCs can be used for data. However, aspects of the disclosure are not limited to these examples.

[0046] According to some aspects, the UE 105 can have two or more searchers. In other words, the UE 105 can be configured to detect and measure two or more carriers / cells in parallel (concurrently). In these examples, the UE 105 has a number of searchers that is an integer equal to two or greater than two to concurrently detect and measure two or more carriers / cells. For example, while the UE 105 is connected to the base station 101 using the carrier 107, the UE 105 can concurrently detect and measure two or more other carriers. In some examples, the two or more other carriers can be on cells associated with the base station 101. In other words, the UE 105 can detect and measure two or more carriers (in addition to the carrier 107) associated with the base station 101.

[0047] Additionally or alternatively, the two or more other carriers can be on one or more cells adjacent to the cells associated with the base station 101. For example, the UE 105 can detect and measure two or more carriers (e.g., the carriers 109) associated with the base station 103 located in an adjacent cell. In another example, the UE 105 can detect and measure one or more carriers associated with the base station 103 and can detect and measure one or more carriers associated with another base station (not shown).

[0048] Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the two or more other carriers can be associated with the base station 101 and another carrier can be associated with the base station 103 located in an adjacent cell. Aspects of the present disclosure can include other examples of detecting and measuring carriers. The UE 105 detects and measures the two or more other carriers to determine whether they have better conditions than the carrier 107. If the UE 105 detects that one or more of the two or more other carriers has better conditions than one or more of the carriers 107, the UE 105 can initiate an operation to handover to the carrier with the better conditions. In some examples, the conditions can include, but are not limited to, a delay associated with a carrier, a noise associated with a carrier, an inter- and / or intra- interference associated with a carrier, etc. Aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to these examples, and the UE 105 can measure other conditions on a carrier.

[0049] As discussed above, according to some aspects, the UE 105 uses more than two searchers (a number of searchers that is an integer greater than two). Additionally or alternatively, the UE 105 can use one or more searchers associated with each frequency range (FR). In some aspects, the UE can use one or more searchers associated with each timing advance (TA) group (TAG).

[0050] According to some aspects, the UE 105 is configured to communicate its searcher capability (e.g., number of searchers) to the base station 101 and / or a network associated with the base station 101 (and / or 103). For example, prior to connecting to the base station 101, the UE 105 can search for a cell to attach to. After completing the search, the UE 105 can perform a radio resource control (RRC) connection setup procedure. In one example, the UE 105 can send an attach request to the base station 101 and / or a mobility management entity (MME) (not shown) associated with the base station 101. In some examples, the attach request can include an identification of the UE 105. In some aspects, if the MME accepts the attach request, the MME can send a setup request to, for example, the base station 101. In some examples, upon receiving the setup request, and if the base station 101 is not aware of the UE 105’s capability, the base station 101 can send a request to the UE 105 for the UE 105’s capability. According to some aspects, the UE 105 can send its capability to the base station 101. In response, the base station 101 can send an RRC connection reconfiguration message back to the UE 105. The UE 105 can then start data communication with the base station 101.

[0051] According to some embodiments, during the example initial communication (or any other initial access) discussed above, the UE 105 can communicate its searcher capability (e.g., number of searchers) to the base station 101 and / or a network associated with the base station 101 (and / or 103). In one example, the UE 105 can communicate its number of searchers to the base station 101 and / or a network associated with the base station 101 (and / or 103) as a per-UE capability. For example, the UE 105 can transmit its number of searchers (which can be two or greater) to the base station 101 and / or a network associated with the base station 101 (and / or 103). In some examples, the UE 105 can transmit its number of searchers using RRC layer signaling from the UE 105 to the base station 101 and / or a network associated with the base station 101 (and / or 103). Additionally or alternatively, the UE 105 can transmit its number of searchers using medium access control (MAC) layer signaling from the UE 105 to the base station 101 and / or a network associated with the base station 101 (and / or 103). Additionally or alternatively, the UE 105 can transmit its number of searchers using physical (PHY) layer indication / signaling from the UE 105 to the base station 101 and / or a network associated with the base station 101 (and / or 103).

[0052] In some examples, the UE 105 can communicate its searcher number to the base station 101 and / or a network associated with the base station 101 (and / or 103) as a per-FR (frequency range) capability. In these examples, the searcher number can include a first searcher number associated with FR1 (indicating a number of supported searchers in FR1) and a second searcher number associated with FR2 (indicating a number of supported searchers in FR2). In some examples, the first searcher number can be a positive integer (one or greater than one). The second searcher number can also be a positive integer (one or greater than one). The UE 105 can transmit its searcher number (the first searcher number and the second searcher number) to the base station 101 and / or a network associated with the base station 101 (and / or 103). In some examples, the UE 105 can transmit its first searcher number and second searcher number using RRC layer signaling from the UE 105 to the base station 101 and / or a network associated with the base station 101 (and / or 103). Additionally or alternatively, the UE 105 can transmit its first searcher number and second searcher number using medium access control (MAC) layer signaling from the UE 105 to the base station 101 and / or a network associated with the base station 101 (and / or 103). Additionally or alternatively, the UE 105 can transmit its first searcher number and second searcher number using physical (PHY) layer indication from the UE 105 to the base station 101 and / or a network associated with the base station 101 (and / or 103).

[0053] In some examples, the UE 105 can communicate its searcher number to the base station 101 and / or a network associated with the base station 101 (and / or 103) as a per TAG (timing advance (TA) group (TAG)) capability. In these examples, the searcher number can include a first searcher number associated with a pTAG (primary TAG) (indicating a number of searchers supported in the pTAG) and a second searcher number associated with an sTAG (secondary TAG) (indicating a number of searchers supported in the sTAG). In some examples, the first searcher number can be a positive integer (one or greater than one). The second searcher number can also be a positive integer (one or greater than one). The UE 105 can transmit its searcher number (the first searcher number and the second searcher number) to the base station 101 and / or a network associated with the base station 101 (and / or 103). In some examples, the UE 105 can transmit its first searcher number and second searcher number using RRC layer signaling from the UE 105 to the base station 101 and / or a network associated with the base station 101 (and / or 103). Additionally or alternatively, the UE 105 can transmit its first searcher number and second searcher number using medium access control (MAC) layer signaling from the UE 105 to the base station 101 and / or a network associated with the base station 101 (and / or 103). Additionally or alternatively, the UE 105 can transmit its first searcher number and second searcher number using physical (PHY) layer indication / signaling from the UE 105 to the base station 101 and / or a network associated with the base station 101 (and / or 103).

[0054] According to some aspects, a TAG can be a group of serving cells that share uplink transmission timing. For example, if a serving cell belongs to a TAG, the serving cell shares uplink transmission timing with other serving cells in the TAG. According to some examples, a primary TAG (pTAG) can be a TAG that includes a primary cell (PCell), and a secondary TAG (sTAG) can be a TAG that includes a secondary cell (SCell).

[0055] In some examples, the UE 105 can use the release version of the UE to communicate its searcher number to the base station 101 and / or a network associated with the base station 101 (and / or 103). In these examples, the base station 101 (and / or the network associated with the base station 101) can determine the searcher number associated with the UE 105 based on the release version of the UE. For example, if the UE 105 (in communication with the base station 101) indicates that the UE 105 operates according to Rel-16 or Rel-15 or earlier releases, the base station 101 (and / or the network associated with the base station 101) can determine that the searcher number of the UE 105 is two. Additionally or alternatively, if the UE 105 (in communication with the base station 101) indicates that the UE 105 operates according to Rel-17 or later releases, the base station 101 (and / or the network associated with the base station 101) can determine that the searcher number of the UE 105 is two or greater than two.

[0056] Figure 2 A block diagram illustrating an example system of an electronic device 200 implementing mechanisms for exchanging searcher numbers for carrier / cell detection and measurement in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The system 200 can be any electronic device of the system 100 (e.g., a base station 101, 103, a UE 105). The system 200 includes a processor 210, one or more transceivers 220a-220n, a communication infrastructure 240, a memory 250, an operating system 252, application programs 254, and an antenna 260. The illustrated system is provided as an example portion of the system 200, and the system 200 can include other circuitry and subsystems. Additionally, although the system of the system 200 is shown as separate components, embodiments of the present disclosure can include any combination of these components, fewer components, or additional components.

[0057] The memory 250 can include random access memory (RAM) and / or cache and can include control logic (e.g., computer software) and / or data. The memory 250 can include other storage devices or memory, such as, but not limited to, hard disk drives and / or removable storage devices / units. According to some examples, the operating system 252 can be stored in the memory 250. The operating system 252 can manage the transfer of data from the memory 250 and / or the one or more application programs 254 to the processor 210 and / or the one or more transceivers 220a-220n. In some examples, the operating system 252 maintains one or more network protocol stacks (e.g., an Internet protocol stack, a cellular protocol stack, etc.) that can include multiple logical layers. At the corresponding layers of the protocol stack, the operating system 252 includes control mechanisms and data structures to perform the functions associated with that layer.

[0058] According to some examples, applications 254 can be stored in memory 250. Applications 254 can include applications used by wireless system 200 and / or a user of wireless system 200 (e.g., user applications). Applications in applications 254 can include applications such as, but not limited to, Siri TM , FaceTime TM , radio streams, video streams, remote control, and / or other user applications.

[0059] System 200 can also include a communication infrastructure 240. Communication infrastructure 240 provides communications between, for example, processor 210, transceiver(s) 220a-220n, and memory 250. In some implementations, communication infrastructure 240 can be a bus. Processor 210, together with instructions stored in memory 250, performs operations enabling system 200 of system 100 to implement mechanisms for exchanging searcher numbers for carrier / cell detection and measurement as described herein. Additionally or alternatively, transceiver(s) 220a-220n perform operations enabling system 200 of system 100 to implement mechanisms for exchanging searcher numbers for carrier / cell detection and measurement as described herein.

[0060] According to some embodiments, transceiver(s) 220a-220n transmit and receive communication signals supporting mechanisms for exchanging searcher numbers for carrier / cell detection and measurement and / or supporting carrier detection and measurement, and can be coupled to antenna 260. Antenna 260 can include one or more antennas, which can be of the same or different types. Transceiver(s) 220a-220n allow system 200 to communicate with other devices, which can be wired and / or wireless. In some examples, transceiver(s) 220a-220n can include processors, controllers, radios, sockets, plugs, buffers, and similar circuitry / devices for connecting to and communicating on networks. According to some examples, transceiver(s) 220a-220n can include one or more circuits to connect to and communicate on wired and / or wireless networks.

[0061] According to some aspects of the present disclosure, transceiver(s) 220a-220n can include a cellular subsystem, a WLAN subsystem, and / or a Bluetooth TM subsystem, each including its own radio transceiver and protocols, as will be appreciated by one of skill in the art based on the discussion provided herein. In some implementations, transceiver(s) 220a-220n can include more or less systems for communicating with other devices.

[0062] In some examples, one or more transceivers 220a-220n may include one or more circuits (including WLAN transceivers) for enabling connectivity and communication via WLAN networks (such as, but not limited to, networks based on the standards described in IEEE 802.11).

[0063] Additionally, or alternatively, one or more transceivers 220a-220n may include those for implementing, for example, Bluetooth-based... TM Protocol, Bluetooth TM Low power protocol or Bluetooth TM One or more circuits for low-power remote protocol connectivity and communication (including Bluetooth) TM (Transceiver). For example, transceiver 220n may include Bluetooth. TM Transceiver.

[0064] Additionally, one or more transceivers 220a-220n may include one or more circuits (including cellular transceivers) for connecting to and communicating over a cellular network. Cellular networks may include, but are not limited to, 3G / 4G / 5G networks, such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), etc. For example, one or more transceivers 220a-220n may be configured to operate according to one or more of the 3GPP standards Rel-15, Rel-16, Rel-17, or later versions.

[0065] According to some aspects of this disclosure, processor 210 implements a searcher to detect and measure parallel carriers, either alone or in combination with computer instructions stored in memory 250 and / or one or more transceivers 220a-220n, as discussed herein. For example, transceiver 220a can detect and measure parallel carriers via a first carrier (e.g., Figure 1 The transceiver 220b enables connection and communication via carrier 107. In this example, concurrently, the transceiver 220b allows for the detection and / or measurement of a second carrier (e.g., carrier 107). Figure 1 Transceiver 220c enables the detection and / or measurement of a third carrier (carrier 109), and transceiver 220n enables the detection and / or measurement of a fourth carrier. As described above, the first, second, third, and fourth carriers may be associated with the same or different base stations.

[0066] Additionally, or alternatively, the wireless system 200 may include a transceiver configured to operate on different carriers. According to some examples, the processor 210 may be configured to control a transceiver to switch between different carriers.

[0067] According to some aspects of the present disclosure, the processor 210, alone or in combination with computer instructions stored within the memory 250 and / or one or more transceivers 220a-220n, implements mechanisms for exchanging a number of searchers for carrier / cell detection and measurement, as described herein. While the operations discussed herein are discussed with respect to the processor 210, it is noted that the processor 210 can implement these operations, alone or in combination with computer instructions stored within the memory 250 and / or one or more transceivers 220a-220n. For example, the processor 210 is configured to communicate, to a base station (and / or a network associated with the base station) during the initial communication (or any other initial access) discussed above, a number of searchers of the system 200 as a per-UE capability. The processor 210 can use RRC layer signaling, MAC layer, and / or PHY layer signaling to communicate the number of searchers as a per-UE capability.

[0068] In another example, the processor 210 can be configured to communicate, to a base station (and / or a network associated with the base station) during the initial communication (or any other initial access) discussed above, a number of searchers of the system 200 as a per-FR capability. The processor 210 can use RRC layer signaling, MAC layer, and / or PHY layer signaling to communicate the number of searchers as a per-FR capability.

[0069] In another example, the processor 210 can be configured to communicate, to a base station (and / or a network associated with the base station) during the initial communication (or any other initial access) discussed above, a number of searchers of the system 200 as a per-TAG capability. The processor 210 can use RRC layer signaling, MAC layer, and / or PHY layer signaling to communicate the number of searchers as a per-TAG capability.

[0070] In some examples, the processor 210 can use a release version of the system 200 to communicate, to a base station (and / or a network associated with the base station), a number of searchers. For example, a release version 256 stored in, for example, the memory 250, can indicate whether the system 200 is configured to operate in one or more of Rel-16, Rel-15 or earlier versions and / or Rel-17 or later versions. The processor 210 can generate and transmit a signal including / indicating the release version 256. In these examples, the base station (and / or a network associated with the base station) can determine a number of searchers associated with the system 200 based on the release version 256. For example, if the release version 256 indicates that the system 200 operates according to Rel-16 or Rel-15 or earlier versions, the base station (and / or a network associated with the base station) can determine a number of searchers of the system 200 to be two. Additionally or alternatively, if the release number 256 indicates that the system 200 operates according to Rel-17 or later versions, the base station (and / or a network associated with the base station) can determine a number of searchers of the system 200 to be two or greater than two.

[0071] As follows about Figure 3 and Figure 4 In more detail, processor 210 can be discussed in... Figure 1 The system 100 implements different mechanisms for switching the number of searchers to perform carrier / cell detection and measurement.

[0072] Figure 3 An exemplary method 300 for a system (e.g., a user equipment (UE)) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure for supporting mechanisms for carrier / cell detection and measurement using a number of searchers. For convenience and not limitation, reference may be made to... Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 To describe the elements Figure 3 Method 300 may represent an electronic device (e.g., Figure 1 UE105) implements the operation of the mechanism used for switching the number of searchers to perform carrier / cell detection and measurement. Method 300 can also be performed by Figure 2 System 200 and / or Figure 5 The method is executed by computer system 500. However, method 300 is not limited to the specific embodiments depicted in the figures, and other systems may be used to execute the method, as those skilled in the art will understand. It should be understood that not all operations may be required, and these operations may not be compatible with... Figure 3 Execute in the same order as shown.

[0073] At 302, the number of searchers associated with the UE is determined. For example, the UE (e.g., UE105) may determine its number of searchers. According to some aspects, the number of searchers is based on per-UE capability. In this example, the number of searchers may be two or more. Additionally or alternatively, the number of searchers may be based on per-FR (Frequency Range) capability. In these examples, the number of searchers may include a first number of searchers associated with FR1 (indicating the number of searchers supported in FR1) and a second number of searchers associated with FR2 (indicating the number of searchers supported in FR2). In some examples, the first number of searchers may be one or more. The second number of searchers may also be one or more. In some implementations, the number of searchers may be based on per-TAG (Timing Advance (TA) Group (TAG)) capability. In these examples, the number of searchers may include a first number of searchers associated with pTAG (Main TAG) (indicating the number of searchers supported in pTAG) and a second number of searchers associated with sTAG (Secondary TAG) (indicating the number of searchers supported in sTAG). In some examples, the number of first searchers can be one or more. The number of second searchers can also be one or more.

[0074] Additionally or alternatively, the UE can determine its searcher number based on an indication of a Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) release version used by the UE. For example, an indication representing R-X or earlier release versions indicates that the searcher number associated with the UE is two. In another example, an indication representing R-(X+1) or later release versions indicates that the searcher number associated with the UE is greater than two or greater than two. In some examples, X is an integer equal to or greater than sixteen. In one example, an indication representing R-16 or earlier release versions indicates that the searcher number associated with the UE is two. In another example, an indication representing R-17 or later release versions indicates that the searcher number associated with the UE is greater than two or greater than two.

[0075] At 304, a signal is transmitted that includes an indication of the searcher number. For example, the UE can transmit a signal including an indication of the searcher number to a base station (and / or a network associated with the base station). In some aspects, 304 can include generating a signal including an indication of the searcher number. In some examples, the signal can be an existing information element (IE) modified to include the searcher number. Additionally or alternatively, the signal can be a new IE including an indication of the searcher number.

[0076] According to some embodiments, the UE can transmit a signal including an indication of the searcher number to the base station when the UE is connected to the base station. Additionally or alternatively, the UE can transmit a signal including an indication of the searcher number to the base station after the UE is connected to the base station. In some examples, the UE can periodically transmit a signal including an indication of the searcher number to the base station based on a given time period. In some examples, the UE can transmit a signal including an indication of the searcher number to the base station in response to receiving a request (e.g., a capability query) from the base station. However, aspects of the disclosure are not limited to these methods, and the UE can use other methods and configurations to transmit a signal including an indication of the searcher number to the base station.

[0077] At 306, the UE can determine a carrier-specific scaling factor (CSSF) based on the searcher number. At 308, the UE can use at least one of the CSSF or the searcher number to determine and / or decide a carrier detection time or a carrier measurement time. According to some embodiments, the UE can use the determined carrier detection time and / or carrier measurement time to determine whether to measure a carrier and / or which carriers to measure.

[0078] Table 2 shows one example of carrier-specific scaling factor (CSSF) for E-UTRA-NR Dual Connectivity (EN-DC) case with per-UE capability searcher number equal to "n". Similar tables can be created for per-FR capability and / or per-TAG capability searcher number. According to some aspects, the UE, base station, and / or network can determine Table 2 based on exchanged searcher number. Also, the UE, base station, and / or network can use Table 2 to determine or decide carrier detection time or carrier measurement time using CSSF.

[0079] Table 2 provides one example for determining CSSF by a UE and / or by a base station (or a network associated with the base station) for different scenarios. Aspects of the disclosure are not limited to this example, and the UE, base station, and / or network can use other methods to determine CSSF based on one or more searcher numbers, and use CSSF to determine or decide carrier detection time or carrier measurement time.

[0080] Table 2 - CSSF (carrier-specific scaling factor) for EN-DC case with per-UE capability searcher number = n

[0081]

[0082] In one example, considering the scenario of "EN-DC with FR1 only CA" in Table 2, the UE will reserve one of its searchers for a primary component carrier (PCC) on FR1 (line 2, column 2). Then, the UE can use the other searchers ((n-1) other searchers) for one or more SCells configured in FR1 (line 2, column 3). In other words, the one or more SCells will share the UE's other searchers ((n-1) other searchers). In this example, the CSSF for FR1 SCC is defined as the upper bound (number of configured FR1 SCells / (n-1)).

[0083] As another example, considering the scenario of "EN-DC with FR2 only intra-band CA" in Table 2, the UE will reserve one of its searchers for a primary component carrier (PCC) on FR2 (line 3, column 4). Then, the UE can use the other searchers ((n-1) other searchers) for one or more SCells configured in FR2. In other words, the one or more SCells on FR2 will share the UE's other searchers ((n-1) other searchers) (line 3, column 6). In this example, the CSSF for FR2 SCC is defined as the upper bound (number of configured FR2 SCells / (n-1)).

[0084] Table 3 shows one example carrier-specific scaling factor (CSSF) for the standalone (SA) mode case with the per-UE capability searcher number equal to “n”. Similar tables can be created for per-FR capability and / or per-TAG capability searcher number. According to some aspects, the UE, base station, and / or network can determine Table 3 based on the exchanged searcher number. Also, the UE, base station, and / or network can use Table 3 to determine or decide the carrier detection time or carrier measurement time using the CSSF.

[0085] Table 3 provides one example for determining the CSSF by the UE and / or by the base station (or the network associated with the base station) for different scenarios. Aspects of the disclosure are not limited to this example, and the UE, base station, and / or network can use other methods to determine the CSSF based on one or more searcher numbers, and use the CSSF to determine or decide the carrier detection time or carrier measurement time.

[0086] Table 3 - CSSF (carrier-specific scaling factor) for SA case with per-UE capability searcher number = n

[0087]

[0088]

[0089] In one example, considering the “FR1 only CA” scenario in Table 3, the UE would reserve one of its searchers for the primary component carrier (PCC) on FR1 (line 2, column 2). Then, the UE can use the other searchers ((n-1) other searchers) for one or more SCells configured in FR1 (line 2, column 3). In other words, the one or more SCells would share the UE’s other searchers ((n-1) other searchers). In this example, the CSSF for FR1 SCC is defined as the upper bound (number of configured FR1 SCells / (n-1)).

[0090] As another example, considering the “FR2 only intra-band CA” scenario in Table 3, the UE would reserve one of its searchers for the primary component carrier (PCC) on FR2 (line 3, column 4). Then, the UE can use the other searchers ((n-1) other searchers) for one or more SCells configured in FR2. In other words, the one or more SCells on FR2 would share the UE’s other searchers ((n-1) other searchers) (line 3, column 6). In this example, the CSSF for FR2 SCC is defined as the upper bound (number of configured FR2 SCells / (n-1)).

[0091] Table 4 shows one example carrier-specific scaling factor (CSSF) for the case of NR dual connectivity (NR-DC) with the number of per-UE capability searchers equal to "n." Similar tables can be created for per-FR capability and / or per-TAG capability searchers. According to some aspects, the UE, base station, and / or network can determine Table 4 based on exchanged searchers numbers. Also, the UE, base station, and / or network can use Table 4 to determine or decide the carrier detection time or carrier measurement time using the CSSF.

[0092] Table 4 provides one example for determining the CSSF by the UE and / or by the base station (or network associated with the base station) for different scenarios. Aspects of the disclosure are not limited to this example, and the UE, base station, and / or network can use other methods to determine the CSSF based on one or more searchers numbers, and use the CSSF to determine or decide the carrier detection time or carrier measurement time.

[0093] Table 4 - CSSF (carrier-specific scaling factor) for the case of NR-DC with the number of per-UE capability searchers = n

[0094]

[0095] In one example, considering the scenario of "FR1 + FR2 NR-DC (FR1 PCell and FR2 PScell)" in Table 4, the UE will reserve one of its searchers for the primary component carrier (PCC) on FR1 (line 2, column 2). Then, the UE can use the other searchers ((n-1) other searchers) for one or more SCells configured in FR1 (line 2, column 3), the PCC on FR2 (line 2, column 4), and one or more SCells on FR2 (line 2, column 5). In other words, the one or more SCells on FR1, the PCC on FR2, and the one or more SCells on FR2 will share the other searchers ((n-1) other searchers) of the UE. In this example, the CSSF for FR1 SCCs can be defined as the upper bound (2 x (number of configured SCells) / (n-1)). The CSSF for FR2 PCCs can be defined as the upper bound (2 / (n-1)). The CSSF for FR2 SCCs can be defined as the upper bound (2 x (number of configured SCells) / (n-1)).

[0096] Table 5 shows one example of carrier-specific scaling factor (CSSF) for the NR-E-UTRA Dual Connectivity (NE-DC) case with the number of per-UE capability searcher equal to "n". Similar tables can be created for per-FR capability and / or per-TAG capability searcher number. According to some aspects, the UE, base station, and / or network can determine Table 5 based on exchanged searcher numbers. Also, the UE, base station, and / or network can use Table 5 to determine or decide the carrier detection time or carrier measurement time using the CSSF.

[0097] Table 5 provides one example for determining the CSSF by the UE and / or by the base station (or the network associated with the base station) for different scenarios. Aspects of the disclosure are not limited to this example, and the UE, base station, and / or network can use other methods to determine the CSSF based on one or more searcher numbers, and use the CSSF to determine or decide the carrier detection time or carrier measurement time.

[0098] Table 5 - CSSF (Carrier-specific Scaling Factor) for NE-DC case with the number of per-UE capability searcher = n

[0099]

[0100] In one example, considering the "NE-DC FR1 CA only" scenario in Table 5, the UE will reserve one of its searchers for the primary component carrier (PCC) on FR1 (line 2, column 2). Then, the UE can use the other searchers ((n-1) other searchers) for one or more SCells configured in FR1 (line 2, column 3). In other words, the one or more SCells will share the UE's other searchers ((n-1) other searchers). In this example, the CSSF for FR1 SCC is defined as the upper bound (number of configured FR1 SCells / (n-1)).

[0101] As another example, considering the "NE-DC FR2 Intra-band CA only" scenario in Table 5, the UE will reserve one of its searchers for the primary component carrier (PCC) on FR2 (line 3, column 4). Then, the UE can use the other searchers ((n-1) other searchers) for one or more SCells configured in FR2. In other words, the one or more SCells on FR2 will share the UE's other searchers ((n-1) other searchers) (line 3, column 6). In this example, the CSSF for FR2 SCC is defined as the upper bound (number of configured FR2 SCells / (n-1)).

[0102] Figure 4An exemplary method 400 for a system (e.g., a base station) to support mechanisms for exchanging numbers of searchers for carrier / cell detection and measurement is shown in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. For convenience, without limitation, the method 400 can be described with reference to the Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 elements of Figure 4 . The method 400 can be representative of a base station 101 and / or 103 of Figure 1 implementing operations for mechanisms for exchanging numbers of searchers for carrier / cell detection and measurement. The method 400 can also be performed by the system 200 of Figure 2 and / or the computer system 500 of Figure 5 . However, the method 400 is not limited to the specific embodiments depicted in those figures, and can be performed using other systems as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art. It will be appreciated that not all of the operations can be necessary, and that the operations can not be performed in the same order as shown in Figure 4 . The method 400 can be performed by a base station 101 and / or 103 of

[0103] At 402, a signal is received from a user equipment (UE). For example, the base station receives a signal from a UE. The signal can include a capability of the UE. For example, the signal can include an indication of a number of searchers associated with the UE.

[0104] At 404, the base station can determine the number of searchers associated with the UE using the received signal. According to some aspects, the number of searchers is based on a per-UE capability. In this example, the number of searchers can be two or greater than two. Additionally or alternatively, the number of searchers can be based on a per-FR (frequency range) capability. In these examples, the number of searchers can include a first number of searchers associated with FR1 (indicating a number of searchers supported in FR1) and a second number of searchers associated with FR2 (indicating a number of searchers supported in FR2). In some examples, the first number of searchers can be one or greater than one. The second number of searchers can also be one or greater than one. In some embodiments, the number of searchers can be based on a per-TAG (timing advance (TA) group (TAG)) capability. In these examples, the number of searchers can include a first number of searchers associated with a pTAG (primary TAG) (indicating a number of searchers supported in the pTAG) and a second number of searchers associated with an sTAG (secondary TAG) (indicating a number of searchers supported in the sTAG). In some examples, the first number of searchers can be one or greater than one. The second number of searchers can also be one or greater than one.

[0105] Additionally or alternatively, the base station may determine the number of seekers associated with the UE based on an indication of the 3GPP release version used by the UE. For example, an indication of RX or an earlier release version indicates that the number of seekers associated with the UE is two. In another example, an indication of R-(X+1) or a later release version indicates that the number of seekers associated with the UE is greater than two. In some examples, X is an integer equal to or greater than sixteen. In one example, an indication of R-16 or an earlier release version indicates that the number of seekers associated with the UE is two. In another example, an indication of R-17 or a later release version indicates that the number of seekers associated with the UE is greater than two.

[0106] Determining the number of seekers may, depending on the circumstances, include determining an indication of the 3GPP release version used by the UE. In response to an indication indicating R16 or an earlier release version, the base station may determine that the number of seekers associated with the UE is 2. In response to an indication indicating R17 or a later release version, the base station may determine that the number of seekers associated with the UE is greater than two.

[0107] At 406, the base station may determine a carrier-specific scaling factor (CSSF) based on the number of searchers. Additionally or alternatively, the base station may use at least one of the CSSF or the number of searchers to determine and / or decide the carrier detection time or carrier measurement time. According to some embodiments, the base station may use the determined carrier detection time and / or carrier measurement time to determine whether the UE wants to measure a carrier and / or which carriers to measure. The base station may transmit this information to the UE.

[0108] One or more computer systems (such as...) can be used, for example. Figure 5 The computer system 500 shown implements various embodiments. The computer system 500 can be any well-known computer capable of performing the functions described herein, such as… Figure 1 Equipment 101, 103, 105, or Figure 2 The device 200. The computer system 500 includes one or more processors (also referred to as a central processing unit or CPU), such as processor 504. Processor 504 is connected to communication infrastructure 506 (e.g., a bus). The computer system 500 also includes user input / output devices 503, such as a monitor, keyboard, pointing device, etc., that communicate with the communication infrastructure 506 via user input / output interface 502. The computer system 500 also includes main memory or primary memory 508, such as random access memory (RAM). Main memory 508 may include one or more levels of cache. Main memory 508 stores control logic components (e.g., computer software) and / or data.

[0109] The computer system 500 can also include one or more auxiliary storage devices or memory 510. The auxiliary memory 510 can include, for example, a hard disk drive 512 and / or a removable storage drive or device 514. The removable storage drive 514 can be a floppy disk drive, magnetic tape drive, optical disk drive, optical storage device, tape backup device, and / or any other storage device / drive.

[0110] The removable storage drive 514 can interact with a removable storage unit 518. The removable storage unit 518 includes a computer usable or readable storage device upon which computer software (control logic) and / or data can be stored. The removable storage unit 518 can be a floppy disk, magnetic tape, optical disk, DVD, optical storage disk, and / or any other computer data storage device. The removable storage drive 514 reads from and / or writes to the removable storage unit 518 in a well-known manner.

[0111] According to some embodiments, the auxiliary memory 510 can include other means, instrumentalities or other methods for allowing computer programs and / or other instructions and / or data to be accessed by the computer system 500. Such means, instrumentalities or other methods can include, for example, a removable storage unit 522 and an interface 520. Examples of the removable storage unit 522 and interface 520 can include a program cartridge and cartridge interface (such as that found in video game devices), a removable memory chip (such as an EPROM or PROM) and associated socket, a storage stick and USB port, a memory card and associated memory card slot, and / or any other removable storage unit and associated interface.

[0112] The computer system 500 can also include a communications or network interface 524. The communications interface 524 enables the computer system 500 to communicate and interact with any combination of remote devices, remote networks, remote entities, etc. (individually and collectively referenced by reference number 528). For example, the communications interface 524 can allow the computer system 500 to communicate with the remote devices 528 over a communications path 526, which can be wired and / or wireless, and which can include any combination of LANs, WANs, the Internet, etc. Control logic and / or data can be transmitted to and from the computer system 500 via the communications path 526.

[0113] The operations in the preceding embodiments can be implemented in a variety of configurations and architectures. As such, some or all of the operations in the preceding embodiments can be performed in hardware, in software, or in both hardware and software. In some embodiments, a tangible, non-transitory apparatus or article of manufacture includes a tangible, non-transitory computer-usable or computer-readable medium on which control logic (software) is stored, which, when executed by a data processing apparatus (such as computer system 500), causes the data processing apparatus to operate as described herein. This includes, but is not limited to, computer system 500, main memory 508, secondary memory 510, and removable storage units 518 and 522, and tangible articles of manufacture embodying any combination of the foregoing. Such control logic, program code, or the like, when executed by the one or more data processing apparatus, causes the one or more data processing apparatus to operate as described herein.

[0114] Based on the teachings of the disclosure provided herein, it will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the related art how to implement the methods, steps, and techniques in the absence of specific Figure 5 It will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art how to make and use embodiments of the disclosure based on the teachings of the disclosure provided herein. In particular, the embodiments can operate with software, hardware, and / or operating system implementations other than those described herein.

[0115] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the application, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the application. The present disclosure is susceptible to embodiments in which only some of the features described are employed.

[0116] While the disclosure has been described herein with reference to exemplary embodiments and applications for particular implementations, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited thereto. Other embodiments and modifications are possible, and are within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. For example, and without limiting the generality of this paragraph, embodiments are not limited to the software, hardware, firmware, and / or entities shown in the Figures and / or described herein. Additionally, embodiments, whether or not explicitly described herein, have significant utility outside the examples described herein for fields and applications other than those explicitly described.

[0117] Embodiments have been described herein with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating a functionality implemented by an example product. The boundaries of the functional building blocks have been set to facilitate the description. Alternate boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functionality and relationships of the building blocks are maintained. Further, alternate embodiments can implement the functional building blocks in a different order than described herein.

[0118] References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiments,” or similar phrases, as used herein, indicate that the embodiment described can include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment can not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of those in the relevant art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly mentioned or described herein.

[0119] The breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described example embodiments, but should be defined in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An electronic device, comprising: A transceiver configured to communicate with a network; as well as A processor, communicatively coupled to the transceiver and configured to: Determine the number of searchers associated with the electronic device, wherein the number of searchers is equal to or greater than two; The transceiver is used to transmit a signal to the network, wherein the signal includes an indication of the number of searchers; The carrier-specific scaling factor (CSSF) is determined based on the number of searchers; and The carrier detection time or carrier measurement time is determined using at least one of the CSSF or the number of searchers.

2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to transmit the indication of the number of searchers using Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer signaling.

3. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to transmit the indication of the number of searchers using Media Access Control (MAC) layer signaling.

4. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to use a physical PHY layer indication to transmit the indication of the number of searchers.

5. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the number of searchers includes the number of parallel carriers monitored by the electronic device.

6. An electronic device, comprising: A transceiver configured to communicate with a network; as well as A processor, communicatively coupled to the transceiver and configured to: Determine the number of first searchers associated with the first searcher capability of the electronic device and the number of second searchers associated with the second searcher capability of the electronic device; The transceiver is used to transmit a signal to the network, wherein the signal includes an indication of the number of the first searchers and the number of the second searchers; The carrier-specific scaling factor (CSSF) is determined based on the first number of searchers and the second number of searchers; as well as The carrier detection time or carrier measurement time is determined using at least one of the CSSF, the first number of searchers, or the second number of searchers.

7. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein the processor is configured to transmit the indication of the number of the first searcher and the number of the second searcher using Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer signaling.

8. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein the processor is configured to transmit the indication of the number of the first searcher and the number of the second searcher using Media Access Control (MAC) layer signaling.

9. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein the processor is configured to transmit the indication of the number of the first searcher and the number of the second searcher using a physical PHY layer indication.

10. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein the number of the first searchers and the number of the second searchers include the number of parallel carriers monitored by the electronic device.

11. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein the first number of searchers is associated with a first frequency range FR, and the second number of searchers is associated with a second FR.

12. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein the first number of searchers is associated with a first timing advance group TAG, and the second number of searchers is associated with a second TAG.

13. An electronic device, comprising: A transceiver configured to communicate with a user equipment (UE); as well as A processor, communicatively coupled to the transceiver and configured to: Use the transceiver to receive signals from the UE; The received signals are used to determine the number of searchers associated with the UE, wherein the number of searchers is equal to or greater than two; The carrier-specific scaling factor (CSSF) is determined based on the number of searchers; and The carrier detection time or carrier measurement time is determined using at least one of the CSSF or the number of searchers.

14. An electronic device, comprising: A transceiver configured to communicate with a user equipment (UE); as well as A processor, communicatively coupled to the transceiver and configured to: Use the transceiver to receive signals from the UE; The received signals are used to determine the indication of the 3GPP release version used by the UE; In response to the indication that it represents an RX or an earlier release version, the number of searchers associated with the UE is determined to be two; In response to the indication representing a release version of R-(X+1) or later, it is determined that the number of searchers associated with the UE is greater than two, where X is an integer equal to or greater than sixteen; The carrier-specific scaling factor (CSSF) is determined based on the number of searchers; and The carrier detection time or carrier measurement time is determined using at least one of the CSSF or the number of searchers.

15. An electronic device comprising: A transceiver configured to communicate with a user equipment (UE); as well as A processor, communicatively coupled to the transceiver and configured to: Use the transceiver to receive signals from the UE; The received signals are used to determine the number of first searchers associated with the first searcher capability of the UE and the number of second searchers associated with the second searcher capability of the UE; The carrier-specific scaling factor (CSSF) is determined based on the first number of searchers and the second number of searchers; as well as The carrier detection time or carrier measurement time is determined using at least one of the CSSF, the first number of searchers, or the second number of searchers.

16. A method for a user equipment (UE), comprising: The number of searchers associated with the UE is determined by the UE, wherein the number of searchers includes the number of parallel carriers monitored by the UE and is equal to or greater than two; The UE transmits a signal to the network, the signal including an indication of the number of searchers; The carrier-specific scaling factor (CSSF) is determined based on the number of searchers; and The CSSF is used to determine the carrier detection time or carrier measurement time.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein transmitting the signal comprises transmitting the indication of the number of searchers using Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer signaling.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein transmitting the signal comprises transmitting the indication of the number of searchers using Media Access Control (MAC) layer signaling.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein transmitting the signal includes transmitting the indication of the number of searchers using a physical PHY layer indication.

20. A method for a user equipment (UE), comprising: The UE determines a first number of searchers associated with a first searcher capability of the UE and a second number of searchers associated with a second searcher capability of the UE, wherein each of the first number of searchers and the second number of searchers includes a positive integer; The UE transmits a signal to the network, the signal including an indication of the number of the first searchers and the number of the second searchers; The carrier-specific scaling factor (CSSF) is determined based on the first number of searchers and the second number of searchers; and The CSSF is used to determine the carrier detection time or carrier measurement time.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein transmitting the signal comprises transmitting the indication of the number of the first searcher and the number of the second searcher using Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer signaling.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein transmitting the signal comprises transmitting the indication of the number of the first searchers and the number of the second searchers using Media Access Control (MAC) layer signaling.

23. The method of claim 20, wherein transmitting the signal comprises using a physical PHY layer indication to transmit the indication of the number of the first searchers and the number of the second searchers.

24. The method of claim 20, wherein the number of the first searchers and the number of the second searchers include the number of parallel carriers monitored by the UE.

25. The method of claim 20, wherein the first number of searchers is associated with a first frequency range FR, and the second number of searchers is associated with a second FR.

26. The method of claim 20, wherein the first number of searchers is associated with a first timing advance group TAG, and the second number of searchers is associated with a second TAG.

27. A method for a base station, comprising: The base station receives signals from the user equipment (UE). The base station uses the received signals to determine the number of searchers associated with the UE, wherein the number of searchers includes the number of parallel carriers monitored by the UE and is equal to or greater than two; The carrier-specific scaling factor (CSSF) is determined based on the number of searchers; and The carrier detection time or carrier measurement time is determined using at least one of the CSSF or the number of searchers.

28. A method for a base station, comprising: The base station receives signals from the user equipment (UE). The base station uses the received signals to determine the indication of the 3GPP release version used by the UE; In response to the indication that it represents an RX or an earlier release version, the number of searchers associated with the UE is determined to be two; In response to the indication representing a release version of R-(X+1) or later, it is determined that the number of searchers associated with the UE is greater than two, where X is an integer equal to or greater than sixteen; The carrier-specific scaling factor (CSSF) is determined based on the number of searchers; and The carrier detection time or carrier measurement time is determined using at least one of the CSSF or the number of searchers.

29. A method for a base station, comprising: The base station receives signals from the user equipment (UE). The base station uses the received signals to determine the number of first searchers associated with the first searcher capability of the UE and the number of second searchers associated with the second searcher capability of the UE, wherein each of the number of first searchers and the number of second searchers includes a positive integer; The carrier-specific scaling factor (CSSF) is determined based on the first number of searchers and the second number of searchers; as well as The carrier detection time or carrier measurement time is determined using at least one of the CSSF, the first number of searchers, or the second number of searchers.

30. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions, said instructions, when executed by a processor of a user equipment (UE), causing the processor to perform operations, said operations including: Determine the number of searchers associated with the UE, wherein the number of searchers includes the number of parallel carriers monitored by the UE and is equal to or greater than two; Transmit a signal to the network, the signal including an indication of the number of searchers; The carrier-specific scaling factor (CSSF) is determined based on the number of searchers; and The CSSF is used to determine the carrier detection time or carrier measurement time.

31. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions, said instructions, when executed by a processor of a user equipment (UE), causing the processor to perform operations, said operations including: Determine the number of first searchers associated with the first searcher capability of the UE and the number of second searchers associated with the second searcher capability of the UE, wherein each of the number of first searchers and the number of second searchers includes a positive integer; Transmit a signal to the network, the signal including an indication of the number of the first searchers and the number of the second searchers; The carrier-specific scaling factor (CSSF) is determined based on the first number of searchers and the second number of searchers; and The CSSF is used to determine the carrier detection time or carrier measurement time.

32. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor of a base station, cause the processor to perform operations, the operations including: Receive signals from the user equipment (UE); The received signals are used to determine the number of seekers associated with the UE, wherein the number of seekers includes the number of parallel carriers monitored by the UE and is equal to or greater than two; The carrier-specific scaling factor (CSSF) is determined based on the number of searchers; and The carrier detection time or carrier measurement time is determined using at least one of the CSSF or the number of searchers.

33. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor of a base station, cause the processor to perform operations, the operations including: Receive signals from the user equipment (UE); The received signals are used to determine the indication of the 3GPP release version used by the UE; In response to the indication that it represents an RX or an earlier release version, the number of searchers associated with the UE is determined to be two; In response to the indication representing a release version of R-(X+1) or later, it is determined that the number of searchers associated with the UE is greater than two, where X is an integer equal to or greater than sixteen; The carrier-specific scaling factor (CSSF) is determined based on the number of searchers; and The carrier detection time or carrier measurement time is determined using at least one of the CSSF or the number of searchers.

34. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor of a base station, cause the processor to perform operations, the operations including: Receive signals from the user equipment (UE); The received signals are used to determine the number of first searchers associated with the first searcher capability of the UE and the number of second searchers associated with the second searcher capability of the UE, wherein each of the number of first searchers and the number of second searchers includes a positive integer; The carrier-specific scaling factor (CSSF) is determined based on the first number of searchers and the second number of searchers; as well as The carrier detection time or carrier measurement time is determined using at least one of the CSSF, the first number of searchers, or the second number of searchers.

35. An electronic device comprising a processor configured to perform operations of the method according to any one of claims 16 to 26, or to perform operations of the method according to any one of claims 27 to 29.

36. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor of an electronic device, cause the processor to perform operations according to any one of claims 16 to 29.

37. A processor circuit system comprising circuitry configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 16 to 26, or to perform the method according to any one of claims 27 to 29.

Images