Apparatus and method for wireless communication, and computer-readable storage medium

Abstract

Embodiments of an apparatus and method for inter-radio access technology (RAT) cell measurement are disclosed. In one example, a request to measure a cell of a second RAT is received using a first RAT. It is determined whether a first criterion and a second criterion are met. The first criterion is based on a mode of a terminal device. In the mode, the terminal device supports the second RAT that depends on the first RAT. The second criterion is based on a condition for triggering an event associated with the second RAT. The condition is independent of measuring the cell of the second RAT. In response to satisfying the first criterion and the second criterion, the measurement of the cell of the second RAT is skipped.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] The present disclosure claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 967,462, filed on January 29, 2020, entitled “UE POWER SAVING IN LTE RRC_IDLE SCENARIO WITH NR MEASUREMENT,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to apparatus and methods for wireless communications. Background Art

[0004] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide a variety of telecommunication services, such as telephone, video, data, messaging, and broadcasting. Radio Access Technology (RAT) is the underlying physical connection method for radio-based communication networks. Many modern terminal devices (e.g., mobile devices) support multiple RATs in one device, such as Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service (UMTS), Long-Term Evolution (LTE), or Fifth Generation (5G) New Radio (NR). When a mobile device is connected using a RAT, it performs inter-RAT neighboring cell measurements and sends measurement reports to the network. Based on the measurement reports provided by the mobile device, the network can initiate a switch from one RAT to another. Summary of the invention

[0005] Embodiments of an apparatus and method for inter-radio access technology (RAT) cell measurement are disclosed herein.

[0006] In one example, a device is disclosed, comprising at least one processor and a memory storing instructions. When the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the device receives a request to measure a cell of a second RAT using a first RAT. When the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the device further determines whether a first criterion and a second criterion are met. The first criterion is based on a mode of the device. In the mode, the device supports the second RAT that depends on the first RAT. The second criterion is based on a condition for triggering an event associated with the second RAT. The condition is independent of measuring the cell of the second RAT. When the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the device further skips measuring the cell of the second RAT in response to satisfying the first criterion and the second criterion.

[0007] In another example, a method for wireless communication is disclosed, implemented by a terminal device. A request to measure a cell of a second RAT is received using a first RAT. Determining whether a first criterion and a second criterion are met. The first criterion is based on a mode of the terminal device. In the mode, the terminal device supports the second RAT that is dependent on the first RAT. The second criterion is based on a condition for triggering an event associated with the second RAT. The condition is independent of measuring the cell of the second RAT. In response to satisfying the first criterion and the second criterion, skipping the measurement of the cell of the second RAT.

[0008] In yet another example, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is disclosed, encoded with instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of a terminal device, perform a process. The process includes receiving a request to measure a cell of a second RAT using a first RAT. The process further includes determining whether a first criterion and a second criterion are met. The first criterion is based on a mode of the terminal device. In the mode, the terminal device supports the second RAT that is dependent on the first RAT. The second criterion is based on a condition for triggering an event associated with the second RAT. The condition is independent of measuring the cell of the second RAT. The process further includes skipping measurement of the cell of the second RAT in response to satisfying the first criterion and the second criterion.

[0009] In yet another example, a device is disclosed, including a request receiving module, a criterion determining module, and a measurement module. The request receiving module is configured to receive a request to measure a cell of a second RAT using a first RAT. The criterion determining module is configured to determine whether a first criterion and a second criterion are met. The first criterion is based on a mode of the device. In the mode, the device supports the second RAT that depends on the first RAT. The second criterion is based on a condition for triggering an event associated with the second RAT. The condition is independent of measuring the cell of the second RAT. The measurement module is configured to skip measuring the cell of the second RAT in response to satisfying the first criterion and the second criterion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure and enable those skilled in the relevant art to make and use the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 1 An exemplary wireless network according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0012] Figure 2 An exemplary multi-RAT wireless network according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0013] Figure 3A and Figure 3B An exemplary use case of inter-RAT cell measurements according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0014] Figure 4 A block diagram of an exemplary terminal device for inter-RAT cell measurement according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0015] Figure 5 Some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown Figure 4 A detailed block diagram of an exemplary criteria determination module of a terminal device is shown.

[0016] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B An exemplary signal transmission pattern in inter-RAT cell measurement according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0017] Figure 7 A flow chart of an exemplary method for inter-RAT cell measurement according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0018] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B An exemplary timing diagram for inter-RAT cell measurement according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0019] Fig. 9 A block diagram of an exemplary node according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0020] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Specific embodiments

[0021] Although specific configurations and arrangements are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other configurations and arrangements may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It is apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that the present disclosure may also be used in various other applications.

[0022] It should be noted that references in the specification to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "an example embodiment", "some embodiments", and "certain embodiments" indicate that the described embodiments may include specific features, structures, or characteristics, but each embodiment may not necessarily include the specific features, structures, or characteristics. In addition, these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Further, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, it is within the knowledge of a person skilled in the relevant art to implement such feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments (whether or not such other embodiments are explicitly described).

[0023] In general, a term may be understood, at least in part, from its use in context. For example, depending, at least in part, on the context, the term "one or more" as used herein may be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic in a singular sense, or may be used to describe a combination of features, structures, or features in a plural sense. Similarly, also depending, at least in part, on the context, terms such as "a," "an," or "the" may also be understood to indicate singular usage or to indicate plural usage. Further, also depending, at least in part, on the context, the term "based on" may be understood to not necessarily be intended to express an exclusive set of factors, but may allow for the presence of additional factors that are not necessarily explicitly described.

[0024] Various aspects of the wireless communication system will now be described with reference to various apparatuses and methods. These apparatuses and methods will be described in the following detailed description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings by various blocks, modules, units, components, circuits, steps, operations, processes, algorithms, etc. (collectively referred to as "elements"). These elements may be implemented using electronic hardware, firmware, computer software, or any combination thereof. Whether these elements are implemented as hardware, firmware, or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0025] The technology described in this article can be used in various wireless communication networks, such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) systems, Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) systems, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) systems, Single-carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) systems and other networks. The terms "network" and "system" are often used interchangeably. CDMA networks can implement RATs, such as Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA), CDMA 2000, etc. TDMA networks can implement RATs, such as GSM. OFDMA networks can implement RATs, such as LTE or NR. The technology described in this article can be used for the above-mentioned wireless networks and RATs, as well as other wireless networks and RATs.

[0026] In some multi-RAT networks, the user equipment is connected to more than one type of wireless communication network, and the user equipment performs inter-RAT cell measurements in response to a request received from the network. For example, in an LTE-NR dual RAT network, when the user equipment is in an idle state (e.g., LTE RRC_IDLE), the LTE base station may configure the user equipment to periodically perform NR neighbor cell measurements, which may result in additional power consumption of the user equipment in the idle state.

[0027] Some user devices can adjust the measurement rate based on certain criteria (e.g., the speed of the user device). For example, when the speed of the user device is low, NR neighbor cell measurements can be performed less frequently. When the speed of the user device is high, NR neighbor cell measurements can be performed more frequently. By performing NR cell measurements at a slower rate, power consumption can be reduced. However, such a solution can only reduce power consumption in certain cases, but cannot eliminate power consumption caused by unnecessary measurements. In addition, for some user devices that benefit from NR cell measurements, performing measurements at a slower rate may affect the user experience. For example, the cell reselection time may be extended, or the user device may still display a 4G icon even in a 5G coverage area.

[0028] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a set of criteria is provided that helps a user equipment decide whether it is beneficial to perform the following operations: perform inter-RAT cell measurements, and skip those unnecessary measurements despite requests from the network. For example, for some user equipment that cannot operate in NR standalone operation mode or user equipment that does not use NR measurement results to switch the 5G icon display, the NR cell measurement results may be useless for LTE RRC_IDLE state operation. In some embodiments, the user equipment can skip the cell measurement of another RAT in response to whether two criteria are met, wherein one criterion is based on the operating mode of the user equipment and the other criterion is based on the operator and / or manufacturer's conditions for triggering events associated with another RAT. Therefore, the additional power consumption caused by unnecessary inter-RAT measurements can be eliminated, thereby extending battery life and improving the end user experience without any performance loss.

[0029] Figure 1 1 shows an exemplary wireless network 100 in which some aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1 As shown, the wireless network 100 may include a network of nodes, including, for example, a user equipment (UE) 102, an access node 104, and a core network element 106. The user equipment 102 may be any terminal device, such as a mobile phone, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a car computer, a game console, a printer, a positioning device, a wearable electronic device, a smart sensor, or any other device capable of receiving, processing, and transmitting information, such as any member of a vehicle to everything (V2X) network, a cluster network, a smart grid node, or an Internet of Things (IoT) node. It should be understood that the user equipment 102 is shown as a mobile phone for illustration only and not limitation.

[0030] The access node 104 may be a device that communicates with the user equipment 102, such as a wireless access point, a base station (BS), a node B (NodeB), an enhanced node B (Enhanced Node B, eNodeB or eNB), a next-generation node B (Next-generation NodeB, gNodeB or gNB), a cluster master node, etc. The access node 104 may have a wired connection to the user equipment 102, a wireless connection to the user equipment 102, or any combination thereof. The access node 104 may be connected to the user equipment 102 through multiple connections, and the user equipment 102 may be connected to the access node 104 and other access nodes. The access node 104 may also be connected to other user equipment. It should be understood that the access node 104 is shown as a wireless tower for illustration and not limitation.

[0031] The core network element 106 can serve the access node 104 and the user equipment 102 to provide core network services. Examples of the core network element 106 may include a Home Subscriber Server (HSS), a Mobility Management Entity (MME), a Serving Gateway (SGW), or a Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW). These are examples of core network elements of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC) system, which is the core network of an LTE system. Other core network elements can be used in LTE and other communication systems. In some embodiments, the core network element 106 includes an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device, a Session Management Function (SMF) device, or a User Plane Function (UPF) device in the core network of the NR system. It can be understood that the core network element 106 is shown as a group of rack-mounted servers for illustration and not limitation.

[0032] The core network element 106 may be connected to a larger network such as the Internet 108 or other Internet Protocol (IP) networks for transmitting packet data over any distance. In this manner, data from the user device 102 may be transmitted to other user devices connected to other access points, including, for example, a computer 110 connected to the Internet 108 via a wired or wireless connection, or a tablet computer 112 connected wirelessly to the Internet 108 via a router 114. Thus, the computer 110 and the tablet computer 112 provide additional examples of possible user devices, and the router 114 provides another example of a possible access node.

[0033] A general example of a rack-mounted server is provided as an illustration of the core network element 106. However, there may be multiple elements in the core network, including a database server (e.g., database 116), and a security and authentication server (e.g., authentication server 118). For example, database 116 may manage data related to a user's subscription to a network service. The Home Location Register (HLR) is an example of a standardized database of subscriber information for a cellular network. Similarly, authentication server 118 may handle authentication of users, sessions, and the like. In an NR system, an Authentication Server Function (AUSF) device may be a specific entity that performs user device authentication. In some embodiments, a single server rack may handle multiple such functions, so that the connection between the core network element 106, authentication server 118, and database 116 may be a local connection within a single rack.

[0034] As described in detail below, in some embodiments, in an idle state (e.g., LTE RRC_IDLE), when a set of criteria are met, the user equipment 102 ignores requests from the access node 104 for inter-RAT cell measurements (e.g., NR neighbor cell measurements) and skips the inter-RAT cell measurements to avoid unnecessary power consumption.

[0035] Figure 1 Each of the elements of can be considered a node of the wireless network 100. More details on possible implementations of nodes are provided in Fig. 9 The node 900 is provided as an example in the description of FIG. Node 900 may be configured as Figure 1 The user equipment 102, access node 104 or core network element 106 in the embodiment. Similarly, the node 900 can also be configured as Figure 1 Computer 110, router 114, tablet computer 112, database 116 or authentication server 118. Fig. 9As shown, the node 900 may include a processor 902, a memory 904, and a transceiver 906. These components are shown as being interconnected via a bus, but other connection types are also allowed to interconnect these components. When the node 900 is a user device 102, additional components such as a user interface (UI), a sensor, etc. may also be included. Similarly, when the node 900 is configured as a core network element 106, the node 900 may be implemented as a blade in a server system. Other implementations are also possible.

[0036] The transceiver 906 may include any suitable device for sending and / or receiving data. The node 900 may include one or more transceivers, although only one transceiver 906 is shown for simplicity of illustration. The antenna 908 is shown as a possible communication mechanism of the node 900. Multiple antennas and / or antenna arrays may be used. In addition, examples of the node 900 may communicate using wired technology rather than (or in addition to) wireless technology. For example, the access node 104 may communicate wirelessly with the user equipment 102 and may communicate with the core network element 106 via a wired connection (e.g., via an optical fiber or coaxial cable). Other communication hardware may also be included, such as a network interface card (NIC).

[0037] like Fig. 9 As shown, node 900 may include processor 902. Although only one processor is shown, it should be understood that multiple processors may be included. Processor 902 may include a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DigitalSignal Processor, DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (Application-specific Integrated Circuit, ASIC), a field programmable gate array (Field-programmable Gate Array, FPGA), a programmable logic device (Programmable Logic Device, PLD), a state machine, a gated logic, a discrete hardware circuit, and other suitable hardware configured to perform various functions described throughout the present disclosure. Processor 902 may be a hardware device with one or more processing cores. Processor 902 may execute software. Software should be broadly interpreted as representing instructions, instruction sets, codes, code segments, program codes, programs, subroutines, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, execution threads, processes, functions, etc., whether referring to software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language or other. Software may include computer instructions written in an interpreted language, a compiled language, or a machine code. Other techniques for indicating hardware are also permitted under the broad category of software.

[0038] like Fig. 9 As shown, node 900 may also include memory 904. Although only one memory is shown, it should be understood that multiple memories may be included. Memory 904 may include memory and storage extensively. For example, memory 904 may include random access memory (Random-access Memory, RAM), read-only memory (Read-only Memory, ROM), static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), ferroelectric RAM (Ferro-electric RAM, FRAM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (Erasable Programmable ROM, EEPROM), CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, hard disk drive (Hard Disk Drive, HDD) (such as disk storage or other magnetic storage device), flash drive, solid-state drive (Solid-state Drive, SSD) or any other medium that can be used to carry or store the required program code in the form of instructions that can be accessed and executed by processor 902. Broadly speaking, memory 904 can be implemented by any computer-readable medium, such as non-temporary computer-readable medium.

[0039] In some embodiments, the processor 902, memory 904, and transceiver 906 of the node 900 are implemented (e.g., integrated) on a system-on-chip (SoC). For example, the processor 902, memory 904, and transceiver 906 may be integrated on a baseband SoC (also referred to as a modem SoC, or a baseband model chipset), which may run an operating system (OS), such as a real-time operating system (RTOS) as its firmware. Various aspects of the present disclosure related to inter-RAT cell measurement may be implemented as software and / or firmware elements in a baseband SoC of a user equipment 102. It should be understood that in some examples, one or more of the software and / or firmware elements may also be implemented as dedicated hardware elements in the SoC. Mapping to the LTE layer architecture, the present disclosure may be implemented at the protocol stack layer or the physical layer.

[0040] Return to reference Figure 1In some embodiments, the wireless network 100 may be an inter-RAT wireless network, and the user equipment 102 supports multiple RATs in the same device, such as GSM, UMTS, LTE, or NR. The user equipment 102 may perform inter-RAT neighbor cell measurements and send measurement reports to the access node 104 while using the first RAT connection. Based on the measurement report provided by the user equipment 102, the access node 104 may initiate a handover from the first RAT to the second RAT, such as a handover from LTE to NR, or from NR to LTE. Once the handover with the second RAT is completed, the channel used by the first RAT may be released. For example, the NR network may support two modes between RATs with LTE, namely, a standalone (SA) mode and a non-standalone (NSA) mode. The NR SA mode refers to the use of NR cells for signaling and information transmission, namely in the control plane and the user plane. The NR SA mode may include a 5G Core (5GC) architecture instead of relying on the LTE EPC to allow NR to be deployed without an LTE network. That is, the terminal equipment and NR base station in SA mode can establish connection and operate without LTE infrastructure (such as EPC). In contrast, NR NSA mode refers to an option for NR deployment, which relies on the control plane of the existing LTE network to implement control functions, while NR only focuses on the user plane.

[0041] Figure 2 An exemplary multi-RAT wireless network 200 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The multi-RAT wireless network 200 may be an example of a wireless network 100 that is in an inter-RAT NSA mode for LTE and NR. Figure 2 As shown, the multi-RAT wireless network 200 may include a terminal device 202, an LTE base station 204 (e.g., an eNB), an NR base station 206 (e.g., a gNB), and an LTE EPC 208. The terminal device 202 (e.g., a mobile phone) may be Figure 1 102 of the wireless network 100. The LTE base station 204 and the NR base station 206 may be Figure 1 208 may be an example of an access node 104 of a wireless network 100. Figure 1 1. An example of a core network element 106 of the wireless network 100 in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the multi-RAT wireless network 200 is in a multi-RAT dual connectivity (MR-DC) configuration, where a primary access node (e.g., an LTE base station 204) is used as a control entity, and a secondary access node (e.g., an NR base station 206) is utilized to obtain additional data capacity.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, the terminal device 202 in NSA mode can camp on or connect to the LTE cell 210, i.e., the first cell of the first RAT. In order to enable the E-UTRAN-NR dual connectivity (EN-DC) configuration, the LTE EPC 208 can support connection to the NR base station 206. The NR base station 206 can be connected to the LTE EPC 208 in the user plane (e.g., including the SGW and PGW), but has no connection in the control plane (e.g., including the MME). The NR base station 206 can also be connected to the LTE base station 204 to receive requests to activate and deactivate NR bearers. In the EN-DC configuration, the terminal device 202 can be connected to the LTE base station 204 and the NR base station 206 at the same time. In some embodiments, the LTE base station 204 periodically sends a request to measure the NR cell 212 (i.e., the second cell of the second RAT) to the terminal device 202 for possible cell reselection.

[0043] When in the RRC_IDLE state, according to the requirements of Section 4.2.2.5.6 "Measurement of NR cells" of the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Technical Specification (TS) 36.133, the user equipment (e.g., the terminal device 202) may need to perform inter-RAT measurements on the NR frequency layer to detect candidate NR cells for possible cell reselection. In addition to the reasons specified by 3GPP, the operator and / or manufacturer of the user equipment may also decide whether to indicate 5G on the user equipment through the NR measurement results, for example, by displaying a 5G icon on the screen. Figure 3A and Figure 3B An exemplary use case of inter-RAT cell measurement according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3A As shown, inter-RAT NR cell measurements may be beneficial for a terminal device 302 in SA mode in order to reselect an NR cell. Figure 1 ) can reside on the LTE base station 304 ( Figure 1 By performing inter-RAT cell measurements, such as NR neighbor cell measurements, in the RRC_IDLE state, the terminal device 302 can reselect and camp on the NR base station 306 ( Figure 1 In another example of access node 104 in FIG. Figure 3B As shown, inter-RAT NR cell measurements may also be beneficial for a terminal device 308 in NSA mode in order to indicate the NR-RAT on the terminal device 308. For example, Figure 3BAs shown, some operators or manufacturers of terminal device 308 may require that a 5G icon be displayed on the screen of terminal device 308 when terminal device 308 is camped in an LTE cell and detects an NR cell. Figure 3A Some operators or manufacturers of a terminal device 302 in SA mode may require that the 5G icon be displayed only when the terminal device 302 in SA mode is camped on an NR cell. Figure 2 Some operators or manufacturers of the terminal device 202 in the EN-DC configuration may require that a 5G icon be displayed when NR-RAT is added in an EN-DC configuration.

[0044] As described above, inter-RAT NR cell measurements may be beneficial for NR cell reselection or for indicating NR-RAT on the user equipment when an NR cell is detected (e.g., by displaying a 5G icon). That is, whether inter-RAT cell measurements are necessary can be determined by evaluating a set of criteria. The set of criteria may include a first criterion based on the mode of the user equipment. In this mode, the user equipment supports NR-RAT that depends on non-NR-RAT. For example, the first criterion is that the user equipment is in NSA mode that supports NR that depends on LTE. The set of criteria may also include a second criterion based on conditions for triggering events associated with NR-RAT. The conditions are not related to NR cell measurements. For example, the second criterion is that the conditions for indicating NR-RAT on the user equipment provided by the operator and / or manufacturer of the user equipment are irrelevant to NR cell measurements. After evaluating the set of criteria based on relevant information of the user equipment, inter-RAT cell measurements can be skipped or performed to avoid unnecessary power consumption without compromising user experience and device performance.

[0045] As an example of a user equipment implementing the above inter-RAT cell measurement solution, Figure 4 A block diagram of an exemplary terminal device 400 for inter-RAT cell measurement according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The terminal device 400 may include a processor 402, a memory 404, and a transceiver 406, which may be the processor 402, the memory 404, and the transceiver 406 described above. Fig. 9 An example of a processor 902, memory 904, and transceiver 906 is described in detail. In some embodiments, some or all of the processor 402, memory 404, and transceiver 406 are integrated on a baseband SoC (also referred to as a modem SoC or baseband modem chipset).

[0046] like Figure 4As shown, the terminal device 400 may include multiple modules, which are implemented as software and / or firmware modules executed by the processor 402, including, for example, a state conversion module 412, a request receiving module 414, a criterion determination module 416, and a measurement module 418. As described above, the processor 402 may run an operating system such as an RTOS, which executes instructions stored in the memory 404 (e.g., on-chip RAM) to implement the above software and / or firmware modules. It is understood that in some examples, one or more of the above software and / or firmware modules may also be implemented as dedicated hardware elements in the SoC. Mapped to the LTE layer architecture, the implementation of the above modules may be at the protocol stack layer or at the physical layer. The terminal device 400 may also include various databases stored in the memory 404 (e.g., off-chip RAM or external storage), which store information about the operating mode (UE mode 420) of the terminal device 400 and information about event trigger conditions (operator / manufacturer conditions 422) from the operator and / or manufacturer of the terminal device 400.

[0047] The transceiver 406 may be configured to receive data from a network (e.g., Figure 1 The access node 104 in receives the signal. In some embodiments, the network is an inter-RAT wireless network having a first RAT (e.g., LTE) and a second RAT (e.g., NR). It should be understood that the first RAT is not limited to LTE, and the second RAT is not limited to NR, and the first RAT and the second RAT may include any other suitable RAT, such as GSM or UMTS for cellular networks, and Bluetooth or Wi-Fi for wireless local area networks (WLAN), and any suitable combination thereof. The terminal device 400 may reside on an LTE cell of an LTE base station (e.g., eNB), and the transceiver 406 may communicate with the LTE base station, for example, when the terminal device 400 is in an idle state (e.g., RRC_IDLE), the transceiver communicates with the LTE base station by receiving a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message and a paging message based on the RRC protocol. In some embodiments, for example, when the terminal device 400 is in SA mode, or when the terminal device 400 is in NSA mode and the inter-RAT wireless network is in EN-DC configuration, the transceiver 406 may also communicate with a NR base station (e.g., gNB), for example, by transmitting a synchronization signal block (SSB) signal for NR cell detection, measurement, and measurement result reporting.

[0048] The state transition module 412 can be configured to cause the terminal device 400 to enter an idle state. In some embodiments, the terminal device 400 resides in an LTE cell using the LTE RAT, and the state transition module 412 implements the RRC protocol in the RRC layer (part of the protocol stack layer) between the terminal device 400 and the LTE base station to change states between various RRC states, such as an idle state (e.g., RRC_IDLE) and various connection states (e.g., RRC_CONNECTED, CELL_PCH, CELL_DCH, CELL_FACH, and URA_PCH). For example, 3GPP TS 36.331 provides various ways to transition to RRC_IDLE, for example, by cell reselection or connection release. In some embodiments, by monitoring the LTE paging message received by the transceiver 406 in each paging cycle, the state transition module 412 causes the terminal device 400 to enter RRC_IDLE in response to cell reselection or connection release.

[0049] The request receiving module 414 may be configured to receive a request to measure a cell of a second RAT using the first RAT. In some embodiments, during an idle state (e.g., RRC_IDLE), an access node (e.g., an LTE base station) of the first RAT on which the terminal device 400 resides may send a request to measure a second RAT cell (e.g., an NR cell) for possible cell reselection or other purposes. When the terminal device 400 is in an idle state, the request receiving module 414 may receive a second RAT cell measurement request (e.g., NR cell measurement), for example, in a paging message as part of the RRC protocol.

[0050] The criterion determination module 416 may be configured to determine whether a set of criteria are met in order to decide whether to perform or skip the second RAT cell measurement. The set of criteria may include at least two criteria related to the second RAT (e.g., NR). In some embodiments, the first criterion is based on a mode of the terminal device 400, in which the terminal device supports a second RAT that depends on the first RAT; the second criterion is based on a condition for triggering an event associated with the second RAT, wherein the condition is independent of measuring the cell of the second RAT. It will be understood that although the two criteria for evaluating whether to perform or skip the second RAT cell measurement are described in detail below, any other suitable criteria related to the second RAT may also be included in the set of criteria.

[0051] The mode of the terminal device 400 (in which the terminal device 400 supports a second RAT that is dependent on the first RAT) may include an inter-RAT mode of the terminal device 400 between the first RAT and the second RAT (e.g., LTE and NR), for example, an NSA mode. That is, the first criterion may evaluate whether the terminal device 400 can establish a connection with the second RAT access node (e.g., an NR base station) independently of the first RAT core network element (e.g., LTE EPC) when the second RAT cell (e.g., NR cell) is detected through cell reselection. Because there may be a mixture of terminal devices 400 in SA mode and terminal devices 400 in NSA mode, the LTE base station may need to serve terminal devices 400 in both modes at the same time. In order to allow a terminal device 400 in SA mode to identify and reselect an NR cell, the LTE base station may need to configure an NR neighbor cell in a broadcast message (e.g., a paging message) addressed to the terminal device 400 (including a terminal device 400 in NSA mode that cannot reselect an NR cell independently of LTE). In one example, the first criterion may include that the terminal device 400 is in NSA mode, that is, a mode that does not support reselection of NR cells independently of LTE.

[0052] Events associated with the second RAT may include indicating the second RAT on the terminal device 400. The conditions for triggering the indication of the second RAT on the terminal device 400 may be independent of measuring the second RAT cell. That is, according to some embodiments, it is not necessary to measure the second RAT cell to indicate the second RAT cell on the terminal device 400. In some embodiments, indicating the second RAT on the terminal device 400 includes: displaying an icon, logo, text, or any other suitable symbol representing the second RAT on the screen of the terminal device 400 (for example, the words "5G", "NR" or "5G NR", or a 5G icon). For example, the 5G icon may be displayed in the upper right corner of the information bar of the mobile device. The operator of the terminal device 400 (e.g., a mobile operator) or the manufacturer of the terminal device 400 may set one or more conditions for displaying the 5G icon on the terminal device 400. In some embodiments, the conditions are pre-agreed between the operator and the manufacturer of the terminal device 400. In one example, for example, Figure 3B As shown, some operators or manufacturers of terminal device 400 may require that a 5G icon be displayed on the screen of terminal device 400 when terminal device 400 is camped on an LTE cell and an NR cell is detected. In another example, as Figure 3A As shown, some operators or manufacturers of the terminal device 400 may require that the 5G icon be displayed only when the terminal device 400 in SA mode is camped on an NR cell. In another example, as Figure 2As shown, some operators or manufacturers of the terminal device 400 may require that a 5G icon be displayed when an NR-RAT is added in the EN-DC configuration. That is, the second criterion may evaluate whether the measurement of the second RAT cell (e.g., NR cell measurement) is a prerequisite that is mandatory for the operator or manufacturer of the terminal device 400 to implement certain functions (e.g., indicating the RAT on the second terminal device 400). The second criterion may include that the measurement of the cell of the second RAT is independent of the condition for indicating the second RAT on the terminal device 400. For example, the execution of the NR cell measurement may not affect the display of the 5G icon on the screen of the terminal device 400. In other words, neither the operator nor the manufacturer requires inter-RAT NR cell measurement in the RRC_IDLE state to display the 5G icon. It should be understood that the event associated with the second RAT is not limited to indicating the second RAT on the terminal device 400, and may include any suitable event associated with the second RAT. Therefore, the condition may be any suitable condition that can trigger an event associated with the second RAT, and the condition is independent of measuring the second RAT.

[0053] Figure 5 Some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown Figure 4 Detailed block diagram of an exemplary criterion determination module 416 of the terminal device 400 is shown in FIG. In order to perform the criterion determination function, the criterion determination module 416 may include an information retrieval unit 502, a mode determination unit 504, a condition determination unit 506, an AND logic 508, an output unit 510, and a condition update monitoring unit 512. Each element in the criterion determination module 416 may be implemented as a software and / or firmware unit.

[0054] The information retrieval unit 502 may be operably coupled to the memory 404 and configured to obtain information about the UE mode 420 and the condition 422 stored in the memory 404. In some embodiments, the information about the UE mode 420 includes: the inter-RAT mode of the terminal device 400, for example, the SA mode or the NSA mode. The inter-RAT mode may be constant throughout the life cycle of the terminal device 400, and therefore, the inter-RAT mode may be stored in the ROM once manufactured by the manufacturer or initialized by the operator, and cannot be changed later. In some embodiments, the condition 422 includes a condition for indicating a second RAT on the terminal device 400, and the condition may be set by the manufacturer, the operator, or both the manufacturer and the operator, for example, in a manner pre-agreed between the manufacturer and the operator. In one example, the condition is constant throughout the life cycle of the terminal device 400, and therefore, the condition may be stored in the ROM once manufactured by the manufacturer or initialized by the operator, and cannot be changed later. In another example, one or more conditions may be updated during the life cycle of the terminal device 400, and therefore the one or more conditions are stored in a non-volatile read-write memory such as a flash memory, and the one or more conditions may be updated thereafter.

[0055] The mode determination unit 504 is operably coupled to the information retrieval unit 502 and is configured to determine whether a first criterion based on a mode of the terminal device 400 is met, in which the terminal device 400 supports a second RAT that is dependent on the first RAT. In some embodiments, the first criterion is that the terminal device 400 is in NSA mode, and the mode determination unit 504 checks the retrieved information about the UE mode 420 (e.g., the inter-RAT mode of the terminal device 400) to determine whether the terminal device 400 is in NSA mode. If the mode of the terminal device 400 supporting the second RAT is NSA mode, the first criterion is met.

[0056] Similarly, the condition determination unit 506 is operably coupled to the information retrieval unit 502 and configured to determine whether a second criterion based on a condition for triggering an event associated with the second RAT is met, wherein the condition is independent of measuring the second RAT cell. The condition may be provided by an operator and / or manufacturer of the terminal device 400. In some embodiments, the second criterion is that the measurement of the cell of the second RAT is independent of the condition indicating the second RAT on the terminal device 400, and the condition determination unit 506 checks the retrieved information about the condition 422 (including the condition indicating the second RAT on the terminal device 400 (e.g., displaying a 5G icon)) to determine whether the measurement of the cell of the second RAT is independent of the condition. If the measurement of the cell of the second RAT is independent of the condition in the condition 422 (e.g., it is not necessary to perform NR cell measurement to display the 5G icon), the second criterion may be met.

[0057] The determination results from the mode determination unit 504 and the condition determination unit 506 (i.e., whether each of the first criterion and the second criterion is met) can be output to the AND logic 508. The AND logic 508 returns a true value (positive, "1") only when both the first criterion and the second criterion are met. Otherwise, the AND logic 508 may return a false value (negative, "0"). It should be understood that in some examples, additional determination units for checking additional criteria may also be included in the criterion determination module 416.

[0058] The output unit 510 may be configured to forward the result of the AND logic 508 to the measurement module 418. In some embodiments, the output unit 510 may also send the result to the result database 514 to update the previously stored result obtained from the last criterion determination session. In some embodiments, the criterion determination module 416 performs a criterion determination session each time in response to receiving a request to measure a second RAT cell. That is, the request may automatically trigger the criterion determination module 416 to perform a criterion determination session and output a new determination result. As described above, the UE mode 420 supporting the second RAT (e.g., the inter-RAT mode of the terminal device 400) may be constant, which means that the result from the mode determination unit 504 may also be constant. The result from the condition determination unit 506 may only change when the operator and / or manufacturer of the terminal device 400 updates the condition 422. In some embodiments, the condition update monitoring unit 512 is configured to determine whether the condition 422 associated with the second RAT is updated, and to notify the condition determination unit 506 after determining that the condition 422 is updated. As a result, the condition determination unit 506 can determine whether the second criterion is satisfied in response to the condition 422 being updated. Otherwise, the result of the condition determination unit 506 and the result output of the AND logic 508 can remain the same as the previous result stored in the result database 514. In some embodiments, if the condition update monitoring unit 512 does not detect an update to the condition 422, the output unit 510 retrieves the last result from the result database 514 instead of receiving a new result from the AND logic 508, and forwards the last result to the measurement module 418.

[0059] Return to reference Figure 4, the measurement module 418 may be configured to perform or skip the measurement of the second RAT cell based on the determination result from the criterion determination module 416. In some embodiments, in response to satisfying the first criterion and the second criterion (e.g., the result of the AND logic 508 is true), the measurement module 418 is configured to skip the measurement of the second RAT cell. For example, if the terminal device 400 cannot reselect the NR cell independently of the first RAT (e.g., in NSA mode) and does not need to display the 5G icon based on the NR measurement result (i.e., the NR measurement result and the 5G icon display are irrelevant), there may be no impact on the terminal user experience. Therefore, the NR measurement can be skipped to reduce power consumption. In some embodiments, in response to not satisfying at least one of the first criterion and the second criterion (e.g., the result of the AND logic 508 is false), the measurement module 418 is configured to measure the second RAT cell. For example, when any one of the first criterion and the second criterion is not met, or the first criterion and the second criterion are not met, the measurement module 418 may cause the terminal device 400 to perform NR cell measurement and send the measurement result to the access node (e.g., LTE base station) of the first RAT in a measurement report through the transceiver 406.

[0060] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B FIG. 2 shows an exemplary signal transmission mode in inter-RAT cell measurement according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 6A and Figure 6B As shown, in the RRC_IDLE state, the terminal device 400 can wake up in a discontinuous reception (DRX) mode in each LTE paging opportunity 602 according to the paging cycle, and the paging cycle varies in the range of 32 radio frames, 64 radio frames, 128 radio frames and up to 256 radio frames. When at least one of the first criterion and the second criterion is not met, for example, when the terminal device 400 is in SA mode and / or when inter-RAT cell measurement is required to indicate the second RAT on the terminal device 400, NR measurement can be performed in response to each inter-RAT cell measurement request. For example, as Fig. 6A As shown, an NR cell measurement request may be sent in each LTE paging opportunity 602 in the RRC_IDLE state, and the terminal device 400 may wake up in each SSB 604 to perform NR cell measurement. Since the SSB 604 may not overlap with the LTE paging opportunity 602 in time, the additional wake-up for receiving the SSB 604 in the RRC_IDLE state may consume additional battery power of the terminal device 400. In contrast, Figure 6BAs shown, when the first criterion and the second criterion are met, for example, when the terminal device 400 is in NSA mode and when inter-RAT cell measurement is not required to indicate the second RAT on the terminal device 400, the NR cell measurement can be skipped so that the SSB 604 is not required for NR measurement, thereby saving battery power of the terminal device 400.

[0061] Figure 7 A flow chart of an exemplary method 700 for inter-RAT cell measurement according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Fig. 8A and Figure 8B An exemplary timing diagram for inter-RAT cell measurement according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 7 , Fig. 8A and Figure 8B Examples of apparatuses that may perform the operations of method 700 include, for example Figure 4 The terminal device 400 (or the baseband SoC therein) depicted in the method 700, or any other device disclosed herein. It is understood that the operations shown in the method 700 are not exhaustive, and other operations may be performed before, after, or between any of the operations shown. In addition, some of the operations shown may be performed simultaneously, or in parallel. Figure 7 The order shown is different from the order in which it is executed.

[0062] refer to Figure 7 The method 700 begins at operation 702, in which an idle state is entered. In some embodiments, the idle state is an idle state of the first RAT, such as LTE RRC_IDLE. The state transition module 412 implemented on the processor 402 can cause the terminal device 400 to enter the idle state. Fig. 8A and Figure 8B As shown, the LTE base station 802 and the user equipment 804 (e.g., the terminal device 400) can implement the RRC protocol at the RRC layer, and the user equipment 804 can enter the RRC_IDLE state at the timing 806 to reduce power consumption. The entire process of the method 700 including the following operations 702, 704, 706, 708, 710 and 712 can be performed in the idle state of the terminal device.

[0063] like Figure 7 As shown, the method 700 proceeds to operation 704, in which a request to measure a cell of the second RAT is received using the first RAT. The request may be sent from a network (e.g., an access node of the first RAT). In some embodiments, the first RAT includes LTE and the second RAT includes NR. The request receiving module 414 implemented on the processor 402 may receive a request to measure a cell of the second RAT using the first RAT. Fig. 8A and Figure 8B In the RRC_IDLE state, the LTE base station 802 may send an NR cell measurement request to the user equipment 804 in the LTE paging opportunity at timing 808.

[0064] like Figure 7 As shown, the method 700 proceeds to operation 706, in which the following information stored in the terminal device is obtained: information about a mode of the terminal device, in which the terminal device supports a second RAT that depends on the first RAT; and information about a condition for triggering an event associated with the second RAT, wherein the condition is independent of the cell measuring the second RAT. In some embodiments, the mode of the terminal device includes: an inter-RAT mode of the terminal device between the first RAT and the second RAT, such as an NSA mode. In some embodiments, the condition includes a condition indicating the second RAT on the terminal device (for example, displaying a 5G icon on the screen). The criterion determination module 416 implemented on the processor 402 can obtain information about the mode and condition of the terminal device 400 stored in the memory 404 from the operator and / or manufacturer of the terminal device 400.

[0065] like Figure 7 As shown, the method 700 proceeds to operation 708, in which it is determined whether a first criterion based on the mode of the terminal device and a second criterion based on the condition are met. In some embodiments, the first criterion includes: the terminal device is in NSA mode. In some embodiments, the second criterion includes: the measurement of the cell of the second RAT is independent of the condition for indicating the second RAT on the terminal device. The criterion determination module 416 implemented on the processor 402 can determine whether the first criterion and the second criterion are met.

[0066] like Figure 7 As shown, the method 700 proceeds to operation 710, in which, in response to satisfying the first criterion and the second criterion, skipping the measurement of the cell of the second RAT. Optionally, in operation 712, in response to not satisfying at least one of the first criterion and the second criterion, measuring the cell of the second RAT. The measurement result can be sent to the network (e.g., the access node of the first RAT) that sent the measurement request through a measurement report. Depending on the determination result of the first criterion and the second criterion, the measurement module 418 implemented on the processor 402 can skip or perform the measurement of the cell of the second RAT.

[0067] like Fig. 8AIn the example shown, the user equipment 804 may first check whether the user equipment 804 is in NSA mode, that is, a non-standalone networking user equipment, at timing 810. If the result is negative (answering "no", one criterion for skipping NR cell measurement is not met), the user equipment 804 may perform NR cell measurement at timing 812, and return the NR measurement result to the LTE base station 802 through a measurement report at timing 814. If the result is positive (answering "yes", one criterion for skipping NR measurement is met), the user equipment 804 may further check whether NR cell measurement is not required to display a 5G icon on the user equipment 804 at timing 816. If the result is negative (another criterion for skipping NR cell measurement is not met), the user equipment 804 may perform NR cell measurement at timing 812, and return the NR cell measurement result to the LTE base station 802 through a measurement report at timing 814. Otherwise, the user equipment 804 may ignore the NR cell measurement request and skip the NR cell measurement at timing 818. In this case, no NR cell measurement results can be returned to the LTE base station 802.

[0068] exist Figure 8B In another example shown, the user equipment 804 may first check at timing 816 whether NR cell measurement is not required to display the 5G icon on the user equipment 804. If the result is negative, the user equipment 804 may perform NR cell measurement at timing 812 and return the NR measurement result to the LTE base station 802 through a measurement report at timing 814. If the result is positive, the user equipment 804 may further check at timing 810 whether the user equipment 804 is in NSA mode. If the result is negative, the user equipment 804 may perform NR cell measurement at timing 812 and return the NR cell measurement result to the LTE base station 802 through a measurement report at timing 814. Otherwise, the user equipment 804 may ignore the NR cell measurement request and skip the NR cell measurement at timing 818. In this case, no NR cell measurement result may be returned to the LTE base station 802.

[0069] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B Different examples of checking the first criterion and the second criterion sequentially (i.e., one after the other) are shown. Since skipping NR cell measurement requires satisfying two criteria, if one criterion checked first is not satisfied, the other criterion that needs to be checked later can be skipped. It can be understood that although Fig. 8A and Figure 8B Not shown, in some examples, the first criterion and the second criterion may be checked simultaneously at the same time.

[0070] In various aspects of the present disclosure, the functions described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored or encoded as instructions or code on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media. Storage media may be a computer program that can be accessed by a computing device (e.g., Fig. 9 Any available medium accessed by the node 900 in . As an example and not limitation, such computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, HDD (e.g., disk storage or other magnetic storage device), flash drive, SSD, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store the required program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a processing system (e.g., a mobile device or a computer). Disks and optical disks as used herein include CDs, laser optical disks, optical optical disks, DVDs, and floppy disks, wherein disks typically reproduce data magnetically, and optical disks use lasers to reproduce data optically. The above combination should also be included in the scope of computer-readable media.

[0071] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a device may include at least one processor and a memory including stored instructions. When the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the device receives a request to measure a cell of a second RAT using a first RAT. When the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the device further determines whether a first criterion and a second criterion are met. The first criterion is based on a mode of the device. In the mode, the device supports the second RAT that depends on the first RAT. The second criterion is based on a condition for triggering an event associated with the second RAT. The condition is independent of measuring the cell of the second RAT. When the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the device further skips measuring the cell of the second RAT in response to satisfying the first criterion and the second criterion.

[0072] In some embodiments, the first RAT comprises LTE and the second RAT comprises NR.

[0073] In some embodiments, the first criterion includes: the device is in NSA mode.

[0074] In some embodiments, the event associated with the second RAT comprises indicating the second RAT on the apparatus.

[0075] In some embodiments, the condition is provided by at least one of: an operator of the device and a manufacturer of the device.

[0076] In some embodiments, execution of the instructions further causes the apparatus to enter an idle state prior to receiving the request to measure cells of the second RAT.

[0077] In some embodiments, execution of the instructions further causes the device to retrieve information stored in the device regarding a mode of the device and the condition.

[0078] In some embodiments, execution of the instructions further causes the apparatus to measure a cell of the second RAT in response to at least one of the first criterion and the second criterion not being met.

[0079] In some embodiments, execution of the instructions further causes the apparatus to determine whether the condition is updated, and after determining that the condition is updated, determine whether the second criterion is satisfied.

[0080] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for wireless communication is disclosed, which is implemented by a terminal device. A request to measure a cell of a second RAT is received using a first RAT. Determine whether a first criterion and a second criterion are met. The first criterion is based on a mode of the terminal device. In this mode, the terminal device supports the second RAT that depends on the first RAT. The second criterion is based on a condition for triggering an event associated with the second RAT. The condition is independent of measuring the cell of the second RAT. In response to satisfying the first criterion and the second criterion, skip measuring the cell of the second RAT.

[0081] In some embodiments, the first RAT comprises LTE and the second RAT comprises NR.

[0082] In some embodiments, the first criterion includes: the terminal device is in NSA mode.

[0083] In some embodiments, the event associated with the second RAT comprises indicating the second RAT on the terminal device.

[0084] In some embodiments, the condition is provided by at least one of: an operator of the terminal device and a manufacturer of the terminal device.

[0085] In some embodiments, an idle state is entered prior to receiving said request to measure cells of said second RAT.

[0086] In some embodiments, information about a mode of the terminal device and the condition stored in the terminal device is obtained.

[0087] In some embodiments, in response to at least one of the first criterion and the second criterion not being met, a cell of the second RAT is measured.

[0088] In some embodiments, it is determined whether the condition is updated, and after determining that the condition is updated, it is determined whether the second criterion is satisfied.

[0089] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is encoded with instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of a terminal device, perform a process. The process includes: receiving a request to measure a cell of a second RAT using a RAT. The process further includes: determining whether a first criterion and a second criterion are met. The first criterion is based on a mode of the terminal device. In this mode, the terminal device supports the second RAT that depends on the first RAT. The second criterion is based on a condition for triggering an event associated with the second RAT. The condition is independent of measuring the cell of the second RAT. The process further includes: in response to satisfying the first criterion and the second criterion, skipping the measurement of the cell of the second RAT.

[0090] In some embodiments, the first RAT comprises LTE and the second RAT comprises NR.

[0091] In some embodiments, the first criterion includes: the terminal device is in NSA mode.

[0092] In some embodiments, the event associated with the second RAT comprises indicating the second RAT on the terminal device.

[0093] In some embodiments, the condition is provided by at least one of: an operator of the terminal device and a manufacturer of the terminal device.

[0094] In some embodiments, the process further comprises, prior to receiving the request to measure cells of the second RAT, entering an idle state.

[0095] In some embodiments, the process further comprises: acquiring information stored in the terminal device about a mode of the terminal device and the condition.

[0096] In some embodiments, the process further comprises: in response to at least one of the first criterion and the second criterion not being met, measuring a cell of the second RAT.

[0097] In some embodiments, the process further comprises determining whether the condition is updated, and determining whether the second criterion is satisfied only in response to the condition being updated.

[0098] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a device includes a request receiving module, a criterion determination module and a measurement module. The request receiving module is configured to receive a request for measuring a cell of a second RAT using a first RAT. The criterion determination module is configured to determine whether a first criterion and a second criterion are met. The first criterion is based on a mode of the device. In this mode, the device supports the second RAT that depends on the first RAT. The second criterion is based on a condition for triggering an event associated with the second RAT. The condition is independent of measuring the cell of the second RAT. The measurement module is configured to skip measuring the cell of the second RAT in response to satisfying the first criterion and the second criterion.

[0099] In some embodiments, the first RAT comprises LTE and the second RAT comprises NR.

[0100] In some embodiments, the first criterion includes: the device is in NSA mode.

[0101] In some embodiments, the event associated with the second RAT comprises indicating the second RAT on the apparatus.

[0102] In some embodiments, the condition is provided by at least one of: an operator of the device and a manufacturer of the device.

[0103] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a state transition module configured to enter an idle state before receiving the request to measure the cell of the second RAT.

[0104] In some embodiments, the criteria determination module is further configured to obtain information stored in the device regarding a mode of the device and the condition.

[0105] In some embodiments, the measurement module is further configured to measure a cell of the second RAT in response to at least one of the first criterion and the second criterion not being met.

[0106] In some embodiments, the criterion determination module is further configured to determine whether the condition is updated, and determine whether the second criterion is satisfied after determining that the condition is updated.

[0107] The above description of specific embodiments will reveal the general nature of the present invention, so that others can easily modify and / or adjust these specific embodiments for various applications without excessive experimentation and without departing from the general concept of the present disclosure by applying the knowledge in the art. Therefore, based on the teachings and guidance presented herein, such adjustments and modifications are intended to fall within the meaning and scope of the equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It should be understood that the wording or terminology herein is for the purpose of description rather than limitation, so that the terms or wording of the present disclosure will be interpreted by those skilled in the art according to teaching and guidance.

[0108] Embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with the aid of functional building blocks, which illustrate the implementation of specified functions and the relationships between specified functions. For ease of description, the boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein. Alternative boundaries may be defined as long as the relationships between specified functions and specified functions are appropriately implemented.

[0109] The Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure as contemplated by the inventor(s), and thus, are not intended to limit the present disclosure and the appended claims in any way.

[0110] Various functional blocks, modules and steps are disclosed above. The specific arrangement provided is illustrative rather than restrictive. Therefore, the functional blocks, modules and steps can be reordered or combined in a manner different from the examples provided above. Likewise, some embodiments include only a subset of functional blocks, modules and steps, and any such subset is allowed.

[0111] The breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A device for wireless communication, comprising: at least one processor; as well as A memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform the following operations: receiving, using the first radio access technology RAT, a request to measure a cell of a second RAT; determining whether a first criterion and a second criterion are satisfied, wherein the first criterion includes that the apparatus is in a non-standalone (NSA) mode, in which the apparatus supports the second RAT that is dependent on the first RAT, and wherein the second criterion is based on a condition for triggering an event associated with the second RAT, the condition being independent of measuring a cell of the second RAT; and In response to satisfying the first criterion and the second criterion, skipping measurement of cells of the second RAT.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The first RAT includes Long Term Evolution (LTE), and the second RAT includes New Radio (NR).

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The event associated with the second RAT includes indicating the second RAT on the device.

4. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The condition is provided by at least one of: an operator of the device and a manufacturer of the device.

5. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Execution of the instructions further causes the apparatus to: enter an idle state before receiving the request to measure the cell of the second RAT.

6. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Execution of the instructions further causes the apparatus to: obtain information stored in the apparatus about a mode of the apparatus and the condition.

7. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Execution of the instructions further causes the apparatus to: in response to at least one of the first criterion and the second criterion not being met, measure a cell of the second RAT.

8. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Execution of the instructions further causes the device to perform the following operations: determining whether the condition is updated; and After determining that the condition is updated, it is determined whether the second criterion is satisfied.

9. A method for wireless communication, implemented by a terminal device, comprising: receiving, using the first radio access technology RAT, a request to measure a cell of a second RAT; determining whether a first criterion and a second criterion are met, wherein the first criterion includes that the terminal device is in a non-standalone networking NSA mode, in the NSA mode, the terminal device supports the second RAT that depends on the first RAT, and wherein the second criterion is based on a condition for triggering an event associated with the second RAT, the condition being independent of measuring a cell of the second RAT; and In response to satisfying the first criterion and the second criterion, skipping measurement of cells of the second RAT.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The first RAT includes Long Term Evolution (LTE), and the second RAT includes New Radio (NR).

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: The event associated with the second RAT comprises indicating the second RAT on the terminal device.

12. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: The condition is provided by at least one of: an operator of the terminal device and a manufacturer of the terminal device.

13. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: The method further includes entering an idle state before receiving the request to measure cells of the second RAT.

14. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that The method further includes acquiring information about a mode of the terminal device and the condition stored in the terminal device.

15. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that The method further includes measuring a cell of the second RAT in response to at least one of the first criterion and the second criterion not being met.

16. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that The method further comprises: determining whether the condition is updated; and After determining that the condition is updated, it is determined whether the second criterion is satisfied.

17. A computer-readable storage medium, encoded with instructions, which, when executed by at least one processor of a terminal device, perform the method according to any one of claims 9 to 16.

18. An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising: A request receiving module configured to receive a request for measuring a cell of a second RAT using a first radio access technology RAT; a criterion determination module configured to determine whether a first criterion and a second criterion are met, wherein the first criterion includes that the device is in a non-standalone networking NSA mode, in which the device supports the second RAT that depends on the first RAT, and wherein the second criterion is based on a condition for triggering an event associated with the second RAT, and the condition is independent of measuring a cell of the second RAT; and The measurement module is configured to skip measuring the cell of the second RAT in response to satisfying the first criterion and the second criterion.

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