Apparatus, methods and computer programs

Abstract

An apparatus is provided, comprising components for: receiving at a user equipment (UE) from a network an instruction to perform radio resource management (RRM) measurements at the UE in a first mode, wherein the measurement requirements are more lenient in the first mode than in a second mode; and performing RRM measurements in the first mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a method, apparatus, system, and computer program, and specifically, but not exclusively, to power saving in radio resource management (RRM) measurements. Background Technology

[0002] A communication system can be viewed as a facility that enables a communication session between two or more entities (such as user terminals, base stations, and / or other nodes) by providing carrier waves between various entities involved in the communication path. For example, a communication system can be provided via a communication network and one or more compatible communication devices. The communication session can include, for example, communication of data carrying communications such as voice, video, email, text messages, multimedia, and / or content data. Non-limiting examples of the services provided include two-way or multi-way calling, data communication or multimedia services, and access to data network systems such as the Internet.

[0003] In wireless communication systems, at least a portion of a communication session between at least two stations occurs via a wireless link. Examples of wireless systems include Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs), satellite-based communication systems, and various wireless local area networks (WLANs). Some wireless systems can be divided into cells and are therefore often referred to as cellular systems.

[0004] Users can access the communication system through appropriate communication equipment or terminals. A user's communication equipment can be referred to as user equipment (UE) or user device. The communication equipment is equipped with appropriate signal receiving and transmitting means for communication, such as access to a communication network or direct communication with other users. The communication equipment can access a carrier provided by a site (e.g., a base station in a cell) and transmit and / or receive communication on that carrier.

[0005] Communication systems and associated equipment typically operate according to a given standard or specification that defines what the various entities associated with the system are allowed to do and how they should be implemented. Communication protocols and / or parameters used for connectivity are also usually defined. One example of a communication system is UTRAN (3G Radio). Other examples of communication systems are the Long Term Evolution (LTE) of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio access technology and so-called 5G or New Radio (NR) networks. NR is being standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). Summary of the Invention

[0006] In a first aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising components for: receiving at a user equipment (UE) from a network an instruction to perform radio resource management (RRM) measurements at the UE in a first mode, wherein the measurement requirements are more lenient in the first mode than in a second mode; and performing RRM measurements in the first mode.

[0007] The device may include components for providing the results of radio resource management measurements from user equipment to the network.

[0008] In the first mode, the user equipment can be configured to perform at least one of the following: using fewer receiver chains to perform radio resource management measurements compared to the second mode, performing radio resource management measurements with reduced accuracy, and performing radio resource management measurements for fewer discontinuous reception cycles.

[0009] The device may include components for receiving instructions from the network at the user equipment for a configuration of a first mode.

[0010] When the user equipment is operating in an idle, inactive, or connected state, the indication for performing radio resource management measurements in the first mode can be valid.

[0011] Instructions for performing radio resource management measurements in the first mode may include indicators for allowing or disallowing the performance of radio resource management measurements in the first mode.

[0012] The apparatus may include components for receiving, in at least one of the following, instructions for performing radio resource management measurements in a first mode: dedicated radio resource control signaling, broadcast radio resource control signaling, media access control (MAC) control elements, and downlink control information.

[0013] In a second aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes components for providing instructions from a network to a user equipment for performing radio resource management measurements at the user equipment in a first mode, wherein the measurement requirements are more lenient in the first mode than in the second mode.

[0014] The apparatus may include components for receiving, at the network, the results of radio resource management measurements performed in a first mode from the user equipment.

[0015] The device may include components for providing instructions from the network to the user equipment regarding the configuration for the first mode.

[0016] When the user equipment is operating in an idle, inactive, or connected state, the indication for performing radio resource management measurements in the first mode can be valid.

[0017] Instructions for performing radio resource management measurements in the first mode may include indicators for allowing or disallowing the performance of radio resource management measurements in the first mode.

[0018] The apparatus may include components for receiving, in at least one of the following, instructions for performing radio resource management measurements in a first mode: dedicated radio resource control signaling, broadcast radio resource control signaling, media access control (MAC) control elements, and downlink control information.

[0019] In a third aspect, a method is provided, comprising receiving at a user equipment (UE) from a network an instruction for performing radio resource management measurements at the UE in a first mode, wherein the measurement requirements are more lenient in the first mode than in a second mode; and for performing radio resource management measurements in the first mode.

[0020] This method may include providing the results of radio resource management measurements from the user equipment to the network.

[0021] In the first mode, the user equipment can be configured to perform at least one of the following: using fewer receiver chains to perform radio resource management measurements compared to the second mode, performing radio resource management measurements with reduced accuracy, and performing radio resource management measurements for fewer discontinuous reception cycles.

[0022] The method may include receiving instructions from the network at the user equipment regarding the configuration for the first mode.

[0023] When the user equipment is operating in an idle, inactive, or connected state, the indication for performing radio resource management measurements in the first mode can be valid.

[0024] Instructions for performing radio resource management measurements in the first mode may include indicators for allowing or disallowing the performance of radio resource management measurements in the first mode.

[0025] The method may include receiving instructions for performing radio resource management measurements in a first mode from at least one of the following: dedicated radio resource control signaling, broadcast radio resource control signaling, media access control (MAC) control elements, and downlink control information.

[0026] In a fourth aspect, a method is provided that includes providing instructions from a network to a user equipment for performing radio resource management measurements at the user equipment in a first mode, wherein the measurement requirements are more lenient in the first mode than in a second mode.

[0027] The method may include receiving, at the network, the results of radio resource management measurements performed in the first mode from the user equipment.

[0028] The method may include providing instructions from the network to the user device regarding the configuration for the first mode.

[0029] When the user equipment is operating in an idle, inactive, or connected state, the indication for performing radio resource management measurements in the first mode can be valid.

[0030] Instructions for performing radio resource management measurements in the first mode may include indicators for allowing or disallowing the performance of radio resource management measurements in the first mode.

[0031] The method may include receiving instructions for performing radio resource management measurements in a first mode from at least one of the following: dedicated radio resource control signaling, broadcast radio resource control signaling, media access control (MAC) control elements, and downlink control information.

[0032] In a fifth aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising: at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured together with the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to at least: receive from a network at a user equipment for performing radio resource management measurements at the user equipment in a first mode, wherein the measurement requirements are more lenient in the first mode than in a second mode; and perform radio resource management measurements in the first mode.

[0033] The device can be configured to provide the results of radio resource management measurements from user equipment to the network.

[0034] In the first mode, the user equipment can be configured to perform at least one of the following: using fewer receiver chains to perform radio resource management measurements compared to the second mode, performing radio resource management measurements with reduced accuracy, and performing radio resource management measurements for fewer discontinuous reception cycles.

[0035] The device can be configured to receive instructions from the network at the user equipment regarding the configuration for the first mode.

[0036] When the user equipment is operating in an idle, inactive, or connected state, the indication for performing radio resource management measurements in the first mode can be valid.

[0037] Instructions for performing radio resource management measurements in the first mode may include indicators for allowing or disallowing the performance of radio resource management measurements in the first mode.

[0038] The device can be configured to receive instructions for performing radio resource management measurements in a first mode in at least one of the following: dedicated radio resource control signaling, broadcast radio resource control signaling, media access control (MAC) control elements, and downlink control information.

[0039] In a sixth aspect, an apparatus is provided comprising: at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured together with the at least one processor to enable the apparatus to at least: provide instructions from a network to a user equipment for performing radio resource management measurements at the user equipment in a first mode, wherein in the first mode the measurement requirements are more lenient than in a second mode.

[0040] The device can be configured to receive at the network the results of radio resource management measurements performed in the first mode from the user equipment.

[0041] The device can be configured to provide instructions from the network to the user equipment regarding the configuration for the first mode.

[0042] When the user equipment is operating in an idle, inactive, or connected state, the indication for performing radio resource management measurements in the first mode can be valid.

[0043] Instructions for performing radio resource management measurements in the first mode may include indicators for allowing or disallowing the performance of radio resource management measurements in the first mode.

[0044] The device can be configured to receive instructions for performing radio resource management measurements in a first mode in at least one of the following: dedicated radio resource control signaling, broadcast radio resource control signaling, media access control (MAC) control elements, and downlink control information.

[0045] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable medium including program instructions is provided for causing a device to perform at least the following operations: receiving at a user equipment from a network an instruction to perform radio resource management measurements at the user equipment in a first mode, wherein the measurement requirements are more lenient in the first mode than in a second mode; and performing radio resource management measurements in the first mode.

[0046] This device can enable the provision of the results of radio resource management measurements from user equipment to the network.

[0047] In the first mode, the user equipment can be configured to perform at least one of the following: using fewer receiver chains to perform radio resource management measurements compared to the second mode, performing radio resource management measurements with reduced accuracy, and performing radio resource management measurements for fewer discontinuous reception cycles.

[0048] The device can be configured to receive instructions from the network at the user equipment regarding the configuration for the first mode.

[0049] When the user equipment is operating in an idle, inactive, or connected state, the indication for performing radio resource management measurements in the first mode can be valid.

[0050] Instructions for performing radio resource management measurements in the first mode may include indicators for allowing or disallowing the performance of radio resource management measurements in the first mode.

[0051] The device can be configured to receive instructions for performing radio resource management measurements in a first mode, in at least one of the following: dedicated radio resource control signaling, broadcast radio resource control signaling, media access control (MAC) control elements, and downlink control information.

[0052] In an eighth aspect, a computer-readable medium including program instructions is provided for causing the apparatus to perform at least the following operations: providing instructions from a network to a user equipment for performing radio resource management measurements at the user equipment in a first mode, wherein the measurement requirements are more lenient in the first mode than in a second mode.

[0053] The device can be configured to receive, at the network, the results of radio resource management measurements performed in the first mode from the user equipment.

[0054] The device can be made to provide instructions from the network to the user equipment regarding the configuration for the first mode.

[0055] When the user equipment is operating in an idle, inactive, or connected state, the indication for performing radio resource management measurements in the first mode can be valid.

[0056] Instructions for performing radio resource management measurements in the first mode may include indicators for allowing or disallowing the performance of radio resource management measurements in the first mode.

[0057] The device can be made to provide instructions for performing radio resource management measurements in a first mode in at least one of the following: dedicated radio resource control signaling, broadcast radio resource control signaling, media access control (MAC) control elements, and downlink control information.

[0058] In a ninth aspect, a non-transient computer-readable medium is provided comprising program instructions for causing a device to perform at least the method according to a third or fourth aspect.

[0059] Many different embodiments have been described above. It should be understood that other embodiments can be provided by combining any two or more of the above embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0060] The embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0061] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an example communication system including a base station and multiple communication devices is shown;

[0062] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an example mobile communication device is shown;

[0063] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an example control device is shown;

[0064] Figure 4 A flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0065] Figure 5 A flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0066] Figure 6 The signaling flow between the UE and gNB according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0067] Figure 7 The signaling flow between the UE and gNB according to an example embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0068] Before explaining the examples in detail, refer to Figures 1 to 3 A brief explanation of some general principles of wireless communication systems and mobile communication devices is provided to aid in understanding the technologies underlying the examples described.

[0069] In such Figure 1In the illustrated wireless communication system 100, communication devices (e.g., user equipment (UE)) 102, 104, 105 are provided with wireless access via at least one base station or similar wireless transmitting and / or receiving node or point. The base station is typically controlled by at least one suitable controller device to enable operation and management of mobile communication devices communicating with the base station. The controller device may be located in a radio access network (RAN) (e.g., wireless communication system 100) or a core network (CN) (not shown), and may be implemented as a central device or its functions may be distributed across several devices. The controller device may be part of the base station and / or provided by a separate entity such as a radio network controller. Figure 1 In the diagram, control units 108 and 109 are shown controlling corresponding macro base stations 106 and 107. The base station control units can be interconnected with other control entities. The control units typically include memory capacity and at least one data processor. Control units and functions can be distributed among multiple control units. In some systems, the control units may be additionally or alternatively located within the radio network controller.

[0070] exist Figure 1 In the diagram, base stations 106 and 107 are shown connected to a wider communication network 113 via gateway 112. Additional gateway functionality may be provided to connect to another network.

[0071] Smaller base stations 116, 118, and 120 may also connect to network 113, for example, via a separate gateway function and / or via the controller of a macro station. Base stations 116, 118, and 120 may be pico or femtocell base stations, etc. In this example, base stations 116 and 118 are connected via gateway 111, while base station 120 is connected via controller device 108. In some embodiments, smaller base stations may not be provided. Smaller base stations 116, 118, and 120 may be part of a second network (e.g., a WLAN) and may be WLAN access points (APs).

[0072] Communication devices 102, 104, and 105 can access the communication system based on various access technologies, such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) or Wideband CDMA (WCDMA). Other non-limiting examples include Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) and its various schemes (such as Interleaved Frequency Division Multiple Access (IFDMA), Single-Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA), and Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA)), Space Division Multiple Access (SDMA), etc.

[0073] Examples of wireless communication systems are those standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The latest 3GPP-based development is often referred to as Long Term Evolution (LTE) of Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Radio Access Technology. The various development phases of the 3GPP specification are called releases. The latest development of LTE is often referred to as LTE-Advanced (LTE-A). LTE (LTE-A) employs a radio mobility architecture called Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) and a core network called Evolved Packet Core (EPC). Base stations in such systems are called evolved or enhanced Node Bs (eNBs) and provide E-UTRAN features such as user plane packet data aggregation / radio link control / media access control / physical layer protocols (PDCP / RLC / MAC / PHY) and control plane radio resource control (RRC) protocol termination. Other examples of radio access systems include those provided by base stations based on technologies such as Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs). Base stations can provide coverage for an entire cell or similar radio service area. Core network elements include the Mobility Management Entity (MME), Serving Gateway (S-GW), and Packet Gateway (P-GW).

[0074] An example of a suitable communication system is the 5G or NR concept. The network architecture in NR can be similar to that of advanced LTE. Base stations in an NR system can be called next-generation node Bs (gNBs). Changes in network architecture can depend on the need to support various radio technologies and more granular QoS support, as well as some on-demand requirements, such as Quality of Service (QoS) levels supporting the user's Quality of Experience (QoE). Furthermore, network-aware services and applications, and service and application-aware networks, can bring changes to the architecture. These relate to information-centric networks (ICNs) and user-centric content delivery networks (UC-CDNs). NR can use multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antennas, far more base stations or nodes than LTE (the so-called small cell concept), including macro sites operating in cooperation with smaller base stations, and may also employ various radio technologies to achieve better coverage and higher data rates.

[0075] Future networks can leverage Network Functions Virtualization (NFV), a network architecture concept that proposes virtualizing network node functions as "building blocks" or entities that can be operationally connected or linked together to provide services. Virtualized network functions (VNFs) can include one or more virtual machines that use standard or general-purpose servers instead of custom hardware to run computer program code. Cloud computing or data storage can also be used. In radio communications, this can mean that node operations are performed at least partially in servers, hosts, or nodes operatively coupled to a remote radio head. Node operations can also be distributed across multiple servers, nodes, or hosts. It should also be understood that the workload distribution between core network operations and base station operations may differ from, or even not exist, in LTE.

[0076] An example 5G core network (CN) includes functional entities. The CN is connected to the UE via the radio access network (RAN). The user plane function (UPF) (whose role is referred to as the PDU session anchor (PSA)) is responsible for forwarding frames back and forth between the data network (DN) and the tunnels established through 5G toward (multiple) UEs to exchange services with the DN.

[0077] The UPF is controlled by the Session Management Function (SMF), which receives policies from the Policy Control Function (PCF). The CN may also include the Access and Mobility Function (AMF).

[0078] Now refer to Figure 2 A more detailed description of possible mobile communication devices, Figure 2A schematic partial cross-sectional view of communication device 200 is shown. Such communication devices are generally referred to as user equipment (UE) or terminals. Suitable mobile communication devices can be provided by any device capable of transmitting and receiving radio signals. Non-limiting examples include mobile stations (MS) or mobile devices, such as mobile phones or so-called "smartphones," computers equipped with wireless interface cards or other wireless interface facilities (e.g., USB dongles), personal data assistants (PDAs) or tablet computers equipped with wireless communication capabilities, VoIP phones, portable computers, desktop computers, image capture terminal devices (such as digital cameras), gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback devices, vehicle-mounted wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop embedded devices (LEE), laptop installed devices (LME), smart devices, wireless client devices (CPE), or any combination of the above. For example, mobile communication devices can provide data communication for transmitting communications such as voice, email, text messages, multimedia, etc. Therefore, a variety of services can be supplied and provided to users via their communication devices. Non-limiting examples of these services include two-way or multi-way calling, data communication or multimedia services, or simply access to data communication network systems such as the Internet. Broadcast or multicast data may also be provided to users. Non-limiting examples of content include downloads, television and radio programs, videos, advertisements, various alarms, and other information.

[0079] Mobile devices typically include at least one data processing entity 201, at least one memory 202, and other possible components 203 for use in the software and hardware-assisted execution of tasks designed to be performed, including control of access and communication with access systems and other communication devices. Data processing, storage, and other related control devices may be located on suitable circuit boards and / or chipsets. This feature is indicated by reference numeral 204. Users can control the operation of the mobile device using a suitable user interface (such as a keypad 205, voice commands, a touchscreen or keyboard, or combinations thereof). A display 208, a speaker, and a microphone may also be provided. Furthermore, mobile communication devices may include suitable connectors (wired or wireless) for connecting to other devices and / or for connecting external accessories (e.g., hands-free devices).

[0080] Mobile device 200 can receive signals via air or radio interface 207 through appropriate means for receiving, and can transmit signals via appropriate means for transmitting radio signals. Figure 2 In this diagram, the transceiver device is schematically designated by box 206. The transceiver device 206 may be provided, for example, by means of a radio section and an associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be located inside or outside the mobile device.

[0081] Figure 3 An example of a control device 300 for a communication system is shown, which is coupled to and / or used to control access to a station, such as a RAN node (e.g., a base station, eNB or gNB), a relay node, or a core network node (e.g., an MME, S-GW, or P-GW), or a core network function (e.g., an AMF / SMF), or a server or host. The method can be implemented in a single control device or across more than one control device. The control device can be integrated with or external to a node or module of the core network or RAN. In some embodiments, the base station includes a separate control device unit or module. In other embodiments, the control device can be another network element, such as a radio network controller or a spectrum controller. In some embodiments, each base station can have such a control device as well as a control device disposed within the radio network controller. The control device 300 can be arranged to provide control over communications within the service area of ​​the system. The control device 300 includes at least one memory 301, at least one data processing unit 302, 303, and an input / output interface 304. Through this interface, the control device can be coupled to a receiver and transmitter of the base station. The receiver and / or transmitter can be implemented as a radio front end or a remote radio head end.

[0082] The following concerns NR UE power saving when the UE is in RRC idle, inactive, and connected states. The UE power saving research project has been completed in RAN2, and the work project will begin in RAN2 in June 2019. One consideration is the relaxation of Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurements. Performing RRM measurements consumes UE battery power. Avoiding unnecessary measurements can be beneficial. Relaxing measurement requirements can help reduce the power used for RRM measurements.

[0083] In Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, the four RRM measurements are Channel Quality Indicator (CQI), Reference Received Power (RSRP), Reference Received Quality (RSRQ), and Carrier Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI). In NR, the RRM measurements are Channel State Information (CSI), RSRP, and RSRQ.

[0084] REL12 specifies reduced (or relaxed) measurement performance. When a certain measurement configuration should be used, the network can configure a standard for the UE. This can be called UE-based measurement configuration selection. Alternatively, in a scheme called S-measurement, RRM measurements can be relaxed based on radio quality conditions (i.e., RSRP / RSRQ conditions) measured by the UE. If the serving cell quality is good enough, the UE is allowed not to measure neighboring cells.

[0085] Figure 4A flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment is shown. This method can be executed at the UE.

[0086] In the first step S1, the method includes receiving from the network at the user equipment for performing radio resource management measurements at the user equipment in a first mode, wherein the measurement requirements are more lenient in the first mode than in the second mode.

[0087] In the second step S2, the method includes performing radio resource management measurements in the first mode.

[0088] This method may include providing the results of radio resource management measurements from the user equipment to the network. The user equipment may provide the RRM measurement results when it is in connected mode.

[0089] Figure 5 A flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment is shown. This method can be executed at a network node such as a gNB.

[0090] In the first step T1, the method includes providing instructions from the network to the user equipment for performing radio resource management measurements at the user equipment in a first mode, wherein the measurement requirements are more lenient in the first mode than in the second mode.

[0091] In this method, the network indicates to the UE when it is permitted to relax measurement requirements. The UE's measurement requirements are thus under network control. This approach can provide robust mobility performance. Radio link failures (RLFs) and handover failures can be minimized compared to allowing the UE to autonomously relax measurement requirements.

[0092] The trigger used by the network to instruct the UE to perform RRM measurements in the first mode can be network-specific. For example, the trigger can be based on network observations of UE mobility, UE location on the cell (i.e., cell center), type of ongoing service (e.g., high / low priority, QCI / QoS), etc.

[0093] Among other things, measurement requirements may include the accuracy of the measurement, the frequency of the measurement, and / or the number of receiver (Rx) chains used to perform the measurement. Relaxing measurement requirements may include reducing the required accuracy of the measurement, reducing the measurement frequency, and / or reducing the number of Rx chains used to perform the measurement.

[0094] In a first example embodiment, in a first mode, the UE can be configured to use fewer Rx chains to perform measurements; that is, in the first mode, the UE is allowed to use a limited number of Rx chains.

[0095] In another example embodiment, the UE can be configured to perform measurements with reduced accuracy. That is, the UE is allowed to perform measurements with reduced accuracy, for example, positive / negative x dB accuracy to the general accuracy requirements defined in the RAN4 specification, where x corresponds to an accuracy level. The level x can be indicated separately by the network node within the configuration, for example, separately from an indication allowing measurements with reduced accuracy. Alternatively, the level x can be indicated by the network node within the configuration in combination with an indication allowing measurements with reduced accuracy.

[0096] In another example embodiment, the UE can be configured to perform measurements for fewer discontinuous reception cycles. That is, the UE can be allowed to skip measurements for a certain number of DRX cycles.

[0097] The configuration of the first mode can be fixed in the specification or configured via signaling. This signaling can be an RRC reconfiguration message or a system information message. The method may include receiving instructions for the configuration of the first mode from the network at the user equipment.

[0098] The configuration indications may include configuration information such as x dB accuracy, the number of Rx chains, or the number of DRX cycles for which measurements can be skipped. The network may be able to incrementally increase or decrease measurement requirements; that is, the configuration indications may include indications of incremental increases or decreases in measurement requirements. For example, a gNB may first reduce the measurement by one level and then increase or decrease the measurement by one or more levels. The configuration indications may be 1 bit, a bit sequence, or an enumeration of values ​​corresponding to x dB accuracy, the number of Rx chains, or the number of DRX cycles for which measurements can be skipped, or incremental increases or decreases. The configuration indications may be provided separately or in combination by the network node with indications for performing RRM measurements in the first mode.

[0099] Indicators for performing radio resource management measurements in the first mode may include indicators for allowing or disallowing the performance of radio resource management measurements in the first mode. These indicators may be 1 bit, a bit sequence, an enumeration of values ​​corresponding to allow and disallow, etc.

[0100] Instructions for performing radio resource management measurements in the first mode may be provided in at least one of the following: dedicated RRC signaling, broadcast RRC signaling, media access control (MAC) control element (CE), and downlink control information (DCI).

[0101] When the UE operates in idle, inactive, or connected states, the instruction for performing radio resource management measurements in the first mode can be valid. That is, the instruction can be to perform RRM measurements in the first mode when the UE moves to a connected, inactive, or idle mode.

[0102] Figure 6 The signaling flow between the UE and gNB in ​​an example embodiment is shown. In step 1, an ongoing RRC connection exists between the UE and gNB.

[0103] In step 2, the gNB sends an RRC reconfiguration message to the UE, which includes configuration information regarding relaxed measurement requirements for the first mode (in this example, reduced measurement accuracy). In step 3, the RRC reconfiguration is complete, and in step 4, the UE performs regular RRM measurements.

[0104] In step 5, gNB determines that RRM measurements can be relaxed for the UE.

[0105] In step 6, gNB sends a 1-bit indicator in DCI to indicate that the measurement requirements can be relaxed.

[0106] In step 7, the UE performs RRM measurements with reduced accuracy.

[0107] Figure 7 The signaling flow between the UE and gNB in ​​an example embodiment is shown, where the network allows relaxed measurements when the UE is in an idle or inactive state.

[0108] In step 1, there is an ongoing RRC connection between the UE and the gNB.

[0109] In step 2, the gNB determines that RRM measurements can be relaxed for the UE when the UE is in an idle or inactive state.

[0110] In step 3, the gNB sends an RRC release message to the UE, which includes an indication of the measurement requirements that can be relaxed in the idle and inactive states.

[0111] In step 4, the UE enters the idle state.

[0112] In step 5, the gNB provides the UE with system information, including configuration information regarding the relaxation of measurement requirements for the first mode (in this example, a measurement is performed every three DRX cycles).

[0113] In step 6, the UE performs a relaxed measurement, that is, a measurement is performed every three DRX cycles.

[0114] An apparatus may include components for: receiving at a user equipment (UE) from a network an instruction to perform radio resource management (RRM) measurements at the UE in a first mode, wherein the measurement requirements are more lenient in the first mode than in a second mode; and performing RRM measurements in the first mode.

[0115] Alternatively or additionally, an apparatus may include components for providing instructions from the network to a user equipment for performing radio resource management measurements at the user equipment in a first mode, wherein the measurement requirements are more lenient in the first mode than in a second mode.

[0116] It should be understood that the device may include or be coupled to other units or modules, such as radio components or radio heads for transmission and / or reception. Although these devices have been described as a single entity, different modules and memories may be implemented in one or more physical or logical entities.

[0117] Note that while some embodiments have been described with respect to NR and RRM measurements, similar principles can be applied to other network and communication systems. Therefore, although the above references to certain example architectures for wireless networks, technologies, and standards describe certain embodiments by way of example, these embodiments can be applied to any other suitable form of communication system besides those illustrated and described herein.

[0118] It should also be noted that although exemplary embodiments have been described above, several changes and modifications can be made to the disclosed solutions without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0119] Generally, various embodiments can be implemented using hardware or dedicated circuitry systems, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects of this disclosure can be implemented in hardware, while others can be implemented using firmware or software that can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. Although various aspects of this disclosure may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other graphical representation, it is well understood that, by way of non-limiting example, the blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques, or methods described herein can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0120] As used in this application, the term "circuit system" may refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0121] (a) Hardware circuit implementation only (such as implementation using only analog and / or digital circuit systems), and

[0122] (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (if applicable):

[0123] (i) A combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and

[0124] (ii) Any part of a hardware processor(s) having software (including multiple digital signal processors(s)), software, and memory(s), which work together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions.

[0125] (c) (Multiple) hardware circuits and / or (multiple) processors, such as (multiple) microprocessors or a portion thereof, which require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but which may be absent when operation is not required.

[0126] The definition of "circuit system" applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claim. As another example, as used in this application, the term "circuit system" also covers implementations of only hardware circuitry or processors (or processors in general) or portions thereof and their accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, if applicable to a particular claim element, the term "circuit system" also covers baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices, or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or network devices.

[0127] Embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented by computer software executable by a mobile device's data processor, such as in a processor entity, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Computer software or programs (also referred to as program products, including software routines, applets, and / or macros) can be stored in any device-readable data storage medium, and they include program instructions for performing specific tasks. A computer program product may include one or more computer-executable components that, when the program runs, are configured to execute the embodiments. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one piece of software code or a portion thereof.

[0128] Furthermore, it should be noted that any block in the logical flow diagram can represent a program step, or an interconnected logic circuit, block, and function, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks, and functions. Software can be stored on physical media such as memory chips or memory blocks implemented within a processor, magnetic media such as hard disks or floppy disks, and optical media such as DVDs and their data variants, CDs. The physical medium is a non-transient medium.

[0129] The memory can be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and can be implemented using any suitable 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 can be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and, by way of non-limiting example, can include one or more of the following: general-purpose computers, special-purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), FPGAs, gate-level circuits, and processors based on multi-core processor architectures.

[0130] The embodiments of this disclosure can be practiced in a variety of components, such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is largely a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools can be used to transform logic-level designs into semiconductor circuit designs ready to be etched and formed on semiconductor substrates.

[0131] The scope of protection sought by the various embodiments of this disclosure is defined by the independent claims. Embodiments and features described in this specification that are not within the scope of the independent claims (if any) are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding the various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0132] The foregoing description provides a complete and informative description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure by way of non-limiting example. However, various modifications and alterations will become apparent to those skilled in the art when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and appended claims, given the foregoing description. Nevertheless, all such and similar modifications to the teachings of this disclosure will still fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. In fact, other embodiments may include combinations of one or more embodiments with any other embodiments discussed above.

Claims

1. A communication device, comprising: At least one processor and at least one memory, said at least one memory including computer program code, said at least one memory and said computer program code being configured together with said at least one processor to cause the device to at least: At the user equipment, a standard is received from the network defining when radio resource management measurements can be performed at the user equipment in a first mode, wherein the measurement requirements are more lenient in the first mode than in the second mode. At the user equipment, an instruction is received from the network for performing radio resource management measurements at the user equipment in the first mode, wherein the instruction is received in dedicated radio resource control (RRC) signaling, and the instruction is based on at least one of the following: the user equipment's mobility state or the user equipment's channel quality. The indication for performing radio resource management measurements in the first mode includes an indicator for allowing the performance of radio resource management measurements in the first mode, such that performing radio resource management measurements in the first mode at the user equipment is under the control of the network, and the indication for performing radio resource management measurements in the first mode is valid when the user equipment is operating in RRC connected state; as well as In response to receiving the instruction and the criterion being met, the user equipment operating in RRC connection state performs radio resource management measurements in the first mode. In the first mode, the user equipment is configured to perform radio resource management measurements with reduced accuracy compared to the second mode; and The results of the radio resource management measurements, with reduced accuracy, are provided from the user equipment to the network. The apparatus is further configured to receive, at the user equipment, an instruction for a configuration for the first mode from the network, and the configuration is combined with the instruction to perform radio resource management measurements at the user equipment in the first mode. The indications of the configuration include indications of an incremental reduction in the measurement requirements.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one memory includes computer program code that, when executed together with the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to at least: in the first mode, configure the user equipment to perform at least one of the following: using fewer receiver chains to perform radio resource management measurements, or performing radio resource management measurements for fewer discontinuous reception cycles compared to the second mode.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the indication for performing radio resource management measurements in the first mode is valid when the user equipment is operating in an RRC idle or RRC inactive state.

4. An apparatus comprising: At least one processor and at least one memory, said at least one memory including computer program code, said at least one memory and said computer program code being configured together with said at least one processor to cause the device to at least: The network provides the user equipment with a standard that defines when radio resource management measurements can be performed at the user equipment in a first mode, wherein the measurement requirements are more lenient in the first mode than in the second mode; A trigger is detected to send an indication to the user equipment to perform radio resource management measurements at the user equipment in the first mode, wherein the indication is sent in dedicated radio resource control (RRC) signaling, and the trigger is detected based on at least one of the following: the mobility state of the user equipment or the channel quality of the user equipment; The network provides the user equipment with an instruction to perform radio resource management measurements at the user equipment in the first mode, wherein the instruction to perform radio resource management measurements in the first mode includes an indicator to allow the performance of radio resource management measurements in the first mode, such that the performance of radio resource management measurements at the user equipment in the first mode is under the control of the network, and the instruction to perform radio resource management measurements in the first mode is valid when the user equipment is operating in RRC connected state. In the first mode, the user equipment is configured to: in response to receiving the indication and the criterion being met, the user equipment operating in RRC connection state performs radio resource management measurements with reduced accuracy compared to the second mode; and The results of the radio resource management measurements with reduced accuracy are received from the user equipment. The device is further configured to provide instructions from the network to the user equipment regarding a configuration for the first mode, and the configuration is combined with instructions to perform radio resource management measurements at the user equipment in the first mode. The indications of the configuration include indications of an incremental reduction in the measurement requirements.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the indication for performing radio resource management measurements in the first mode is valid when the user equipment is operating in an RRC idle or RRC inactive state.

6. A communication method, comprising: At the user equipment, a standard is received from the network defining when radio resource management measurements can be performed at the user equipment in a first mode, wherein the measurement requirements are more lenient in the first mode than in the second mode. At the user equipment, an instruction is received from the network for performing radio resource management measurements at the user equipment in a first mode, wherein the instruction is received in dedicated radio resource control (RRC) signaling, and the instruction is based on at least one of: the user equipment's mobility state or the user equipment's channel quality. The indication for performing radio resource management measurements in the first mode includes an indicator for allowing the performance of radio resource management measurements in the first mode, such that performing radio resource management measurements in the first mode at the user equipment is under the control of the network, and the indication for performing radio resource management measurements in the first mode is valid when the user equipment is operating in RRC connected state; as well as In response to receiving the instruction and the criterion being met, the user equipment operating in RRC connection state performs radio resource management measurements in the first mode. In the first mode, the user equipment is configured to perform radio resource management measurements with reduced accuracy compared to the second mode; and The results of the radio resource management measurements, with reduced accuracy, are provided from the user equipment to the network. The method further includes: The user equipment receives an instruction from the network regarding a configuration for the first mode, wherein the configuration is combined with the instruction to perform radio resource management measurements at the user equipment in the first mode. The indications of the configuration include indications of an incremental reduction in the measurement requirements.

7. A communication method, comprising: The network provides the user equipment with a standard that defines when radio resource management measurements can be performed at the user equipment in a first mode, wherein the measurement requirements are more lenient in the first mode than in the second mode; The trigger is detected to send an indication to the user equipment to perform radio resource management measurements at the user equipment in the first mode, wherein the indication is sent in dedicated radio resource control (RRC) signaling, and the trigger is detected based on at least one of the following: the mobility state of the user equipment or the channel quality of the user equipment; The network provides the user equipment with an instruction to perform radio resource management measurements at the user equipment in the first mode, wherein the instruction to perform radio resource management measurements in the first mode includes an indicator to allow the performance of radio resource management measurements in the first mode, such that the performance of radio resource management measurements at the user equipment in the first mode is under the control of the network, and the instruction to perform radio resource management measurements in the first mode is valid when the user equipment is operating in RRC connected state. In the first mode, the user equipment is configured to: in response to receiving the indication and the criterion being met, the user equipment operating in RRC connection state performs radio resource management measurements with reduced accuracy compared to the second mode; and The results of the radio resource management measurements with reduced accuracy are received from the user equipment. The method further includes providing the user equipment with an indication of a configuration for the first mode from the network, and wherein the configuration is combined with the indication of performing radio resource management measurements at the user equipment in the first mode. The indications of the configuration include indications of an incremental reduction in the measurement requirements.

8. A computer-readable medium comprising program instructions for causing a device to perform at least the following operations: At the user equipment, a standard is received from the network defining when radio resource management measurements can be performed at the user equipment in a first mode, wherein the measurement requirements are more lenient in the first mode than in the second mode. At the user equipment, an instruction is received from the network for performing radio resource management measurements at the user equipment in a first mode, wherein the instruction is received in dedicated radio resource control (RRC) signaling, and the instruction is based on at least one of: the user equipment's mobility state or the user equipment's channel quality. The indication for performing radio resource management measurements in the first mode includes an indicator for allowing the performance of radio resource management measurements in the first mode, such that performing radio resource management measurements in the first mode at the user equipment is under the control of the network, and the indication for performing radio resource management measurements in the first mode is valid when the user equipment is operating in RRC connected state; as well as In response to receiving the instruction and the criterion being met, the user equipment operating in RRC connection state performs radio resource management measurements in the first mode. In the first mode, the user equipment is configured to perform radio resource management measurements with reduced accuracy compared to the second mode; and The results of the radio resource management measurements, with reduced accuracy, are provided from the user equipment to the network. The program instructions also cause the device to perform at least the following operations: The user equipment receives an instruction from the network regarding a configuration for the first mode, wherein the configuration is combined with the instruction to perform radio resource management measurements at the user equipment in the first mode. The indications of the configuration include indications of an incremental reduction in the measurement requirements.

9. A computer-readable medium comprising program instructions for causing a device to perform at least the following operations: The network provides the user equipment with a standard that defines when radio resource management measurements can be performed at the user equipment in a first mode, wherein the measurement requirements are more lenient in the first mode than in the second mode; The trigger is detected to send an indication to the user equipment to perform radio resource management measurements at the user equipment in the first mode, wherein the indication is sent in dedicated radio resource control (RRC) signaling, and the trigger is detected based on at least one of the following: the mobility state of the user equipment or the channel quality of the user equipment; The network provides the user equipment with an instruction to perform radio resource management measurements at the user equipment in the first mode, wherein the instruction to perform radio resource management measurements in the first mode includes an indicator to allow the performance of radio resource management measurements in the first mode, such that the performance of radio resource management measurements at the user equipment in the first mode is under the control of the network, and the instruction to perform radio resource management measurements in the first mode is valid when the user equipment is operating in RRC connected state. In the first mode, the user equipment is configured to: in response to receiving the indication and the criterion being met, the user equipment operating in RRC connection state performs radio resource management measurements with reduced accuracy compared to the second mode; and The results of the radio resource management measurements with reduced accuracy are received from the user equipment. The program instructions also cause the device to perform at least the following operations: The network provides the user equipment with an indication of configuration for the first mode, wherein the configuration is combined with the indication of performing radio resource management measurements at the user equipment in the first mode. The indications of the configuration include indications of an incremental reduction in the measurement requirements.

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