Communication equipment, infrastructure equipment and methods

Abstract

A communication device is configured to receive in a wireless communication system using discontinuous reception. The communication device is configured to receive by determining an effective number of search spaces from which a wake-up signal (WUS) can be effectively received during a power-saving monitoring period. The effective number of search spaces is one or more of a plurality of search spaces from the downlink physical control channel of the wireless access interface provided by the wireless communication network for the WUS. The power-saving monitoring period can be monitored by the receiver of the communication device in a low-power state, the WUS can be decoded with more lenient processing requirements, and the WUS instructs the receiver of the communication device to be powered up to a higher power state to receive signals during the discontinuous reception DRX_ON period. In other examples, the WUS can instruct the communication device to enter sleep mode or turn off its receiver during the DRX_ON period. If the number of effective search spaces is less than a minimum number N of effective search spaces. moil The communication device is then configured to receive information by identifying one or more invalid search spaces, determining one or more of the invalid search spaces that can be considered valid, and monitoring the valid search spaces and the search spaces considered valid for WUS. As a result, the communication device is provided with a more flexible configuration for detecting WUS during energy-saving monitoring periods.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] public domain

[0002] This disclosure relates in its entirety to communication equipment and methods for receiving data by the communication equipment based on discontinuous reception, which can provide power savings. This disclosure also relates in its entirety to infrastructure equipment that forms part of a wireless communication network and methods for operating the infrastructure equipment.

[0003] This disclosure claims priority under the Paris Convention to European Patent Application No. 20167430.6, filed on March 31, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0004] The description of related technologies provided herein is intended to provide a general overview of the contents of this disclosure. Within the scope described in this background section, the work of the currently named inventors, and aspects that may not be considered prior art at the time of filing, are neither explicitly nor implicitly acknowledged as prior art to this invention.

[0005] Third- and fourth-generation mobile telecommunications systems, such as those based on the 3GPP-defined UMTS and LTE architectures, are capable of supporting more complex services than the simple voice and messaging services offered by previous generations of mobile telecommunications systems. For example, leveraging the improved radio interfaces and enhanced data rates provided by LTE systems, users can enjoy high-data-rate applications such as mobile video streaming and mobile video conferencing, which were previously only available through fixed-line data connections. Therefore, the demand for deploying such networks is strong, and the coverage areas of these networks—i.e., the geographical locations where network access is available—can be expected to increase more rapidly.

[0006] Future wireless communication networks are expected to support communications through a wider range of devices associated with a broader range of data service profiles and types than current systems are optimized to support. For example, future wireless communication networks are expected to effectively support communications with devices including reduced-complexity devices, machine-type communication (MTC) devices, high-resolution video displays, virtual reality headsets, and so on. Some of these different types of devices can be deployed in large numbers, such as low-complexity devices to support the “Internet of Things”, and can typically be associated with the transmission of relatively small amounts of data with relatively high latency tolerance.

[0007] In view of this, it is expected that future wireless communication networks, such as those that may be referred to as 5G or New Radio (NR) systems / New Radio Access Technology (RAT) systems, as well as future iterations / releases of existing systems, will be able to effectively support connectivity for a wide range of devices associated with different applications and data service profiles with different characteristics.

[0008] One of the challenges in implementing communication devices is reducing power consumption. One technique for reducing power consumption is to use discontinuous reception, in which the communication device reduces its power to its receiver for periods when it knows that the wireless communication network will not transmit to it.

[0009] Providing technologies that can both improve wireless communication and save energy presents technological challenges. Summary of the Invention

[0010] This disclosure may help resolve or mitigate at least some of the problems discussed above.

[0011] Embodiments of this technology can provide a method for receiving signals at a communication device, determining the number of valid search spaces from which a wake-up signal (WUS) can be effectively received during a power-saving monitoring period. The valid number of search spaces is one or more of a plurality of search spaces from the downlink physical control channel of the wireless access interface provided by the wireless communication network for the WUS. The power-saving monitoring period can be monitored by the receiver of the communication device in a low-power state; for example, the WUS can be decoded by relaxed processing requirements, and the WUS indicates that the receiver of the communication device should be powered up to a higher power state to receive signals during discontinuous DRX_ON periods. In other examples, the WUS indicates that the communication device should enter sleep mode or turn off its receiver during the DRX_ON period. If the number of valid search spaces is less than the minimum number N of valid search spaces... mon The method includes identifying one or more invalid search spaces, determining one or more of the invalid search spaces that can be considered valid, and monitoring the valid search spaces and the search spaces considered valid for the WUS.

[0012] The embodiments can provide flexible techniques for prioritizing WUS reception over other operations that would otherwise invalidate the search space. Therefore, if the number of valid search spaces is less than a pre-agreed minimum, the communication equipment and corresponding infrastructure equipment can apply predetermined rules to identify some invalid search spaces as valid (N). mon Before the DRX cycle begins, the infrastructure can send a minimum number of signaling messages to the communication equipment to define the effective search space.

[0013] The various aspects and features of this disclosure are defined in the appended claims.

[0014] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary of the present technology, but not limiting. The described embodiments and other advantages will be best understood by referring to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0015] A more complete understanding of this disclosure will be readily obtained when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and by referring to the following detailed description, in which similar reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts in various views, and wherein:

[0016] Figure 1 These illustrations represent aspects of an LTE-type wireless telecommunications system that can be configured to operate according to certain embodiments of this disclosure.

[0017] Figure 2 This schematically illustrates some aspects of a novel Radio Access Technology (RAT) wireless telecommunication system that can be configured to operate according to certain embodiments of this disclosure;

[0018] Figure 3 These are schematic block diagrams of example infrastructure equipment and communication equipment that can be configured to operate according to certain embodiments of this disclosure;

[0019] Figure 4 It is a graphical graph of UE processing activity relative to time, showing an example of a discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a graphical graph of UE processing activity relative to time, showing an example of the paging time prior to the paging time based on the wake-up signal used for LTE;

[0021] Figure 6 It is a graphical graph of UE processing activity versus time based on an example of discontinuous reception (DRX) loops for 5G / NR;

[0022] Figure 7 It is a graphical graph of UE processing activity over time, showing an example of a monitoring period for DCI format 2_6;

[0023] Figure 8 This schematically illustrates a gNB that transmits WUS signals and DCI to a UE according to an example embodiment;

[0024] Figure 9 This is a graphical graph of UE processing activity relative to time, showing an example of the time-varying search space used by the UE to monitor DCI format 2_6;

[0025] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the process performed by the UE to determine whether to wake up during the DRX_ON period;

[0026] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating a process performed by a UE according to an example embodiment; and

[0027] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the process performed by the gNB according to an example embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Long Term Evolution (LTE) Advanced Wireless Access Technology (4G)

[0029] Figure 1 A schematic diagram is provided illustrating some basic functions of a mobile telecommunications network / system 100 that generally operates according to LTE principles, but the mobile telecommunications network / system 100 may also support other radio access technologies and may be adapted to implement embodiments of the present disclosure as described herein. Figure 1 The various elements and certain aspects of their respective operating modes are well known and defined in the relevant standards managed by the 3GPP (RTM) organization, and described in many books on the subject, such as Holma H. ​​and Toskala A[2]. It is understood that the unspecifically described operational aspects of the telecommunications networks discussed here (e.g., regarding specific communication protocols and physical channels used for communication between different elements) can be implemented according to any known technology, such as modifications and additions to the relevant standards and known recommendations for the relevant standards.

[0030] Network 100 includes multiple base stations 101 connected to core network portion 102. Each base station provides a coverage area 103 (e.g., a cell) within which data can be transmitted to and from communication devices 104. Data is transmitted from base station 101 to communication devices 104 within their respective coverage areas 103 via a wireless downlink. Data is transmitted from communication devices 104 to base station 101 via a wireless uplink. Core network portion 102 routes data to and from communication devices 104 via the respective base stations 101 and provides functions such as authentication, mobility management, and billing. Communication devices may also be referred to as mobile stations, user equipment (UE), user terminals, mobile radios, terminal equipment, etc. Base stations, as examples of network infrastructure equipment / network access nodes, may also be referred to as transceiver stations / nodes / e-nodeBs, g-nodeBs (gNBs), etc. In this respect, different terms are often associated with different generations of wireless telecommunications systems for elements providing a wide range of comparable functions. However, the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can also be implemented in different generations of wireless telecommunication systems such as 5G or new radios as described below, and for simplicity, certain terms may be used without regard to the underlying network architecture. That is, the use of specific terms associated with certain example implementations is not intended to indicate that these implementations are limited to a particular generation of networks that may be most associated with that specific term.

[0031] New wireless access technology (5G)

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a network architecture for a new RAT wireless communication network / system 200 based on a previously proposed method, which can also be adapted to provide functionality according to embodiments disclosed herein. Figure 2 The new RAT network 200 shown includes a first communication cell 201 and a second communication cell 202. Each communication cell 201, 202 includes control nodes (centralized units) 221, 222 communicating with the core network component 210 via corresponding wired or wireless links 251, 252. Each control node 221, 222 also communicates with multiple distributed units (radio access nodes / remote transmit and receive points (TRPs)) 211, 212 in its respective cell. Again, these communications can be made via corresponding wired or wireless links. Distributed units 211, 212 are responsible for providing wireless access interfaces for communication devices connected to the network. Each distributed unit 211, 212 has a coverage area (wireless access footprint) 241, 242, wherein the sum of the coverage areas of the distributed units under the control of the control nodes defines the coverage of the corresponding communication cell 201, 202. Each distributed unit 211, 212 includes transceiver circuitry for transmitting and receiving wireless signals and processor circuitry configured to control the respective distributed unit 211, 212.

[0033] In terms of broad top-level functions, Figure 2 The core network component 210 of the new RAT communication network shown can be broadly considered to be related to Figure 1 Corresponding to the core network 102 shown, and each control node 221, 222 and its associated distributed units / TRPs 211, 212 can be broadly considered to provide [the same functionality as the core network 102 shown]. Figure 1 The function corresponding to base station 101. The term network infrastructure equipment / access node can be used to cover these elements of a wireless communication system and more conventional base station type elements. Depending on the application at hand, the responsibility for scheduling transmissions on the radio interfaces between the various distributed units and communication devices can be undertaken by the control node / central unit and / or distributed unit / TRP.

[0034] exist Figure 2 In this configuration, a communication device or UE 260 is shown within the coverage area of ​​a first communication cell 201. Thus, the communication device 260 can exchange signaling with a first control node 221 in the first communication cell via one of the distributed units 211 associated with the first communication cell 201. In some cases, communication for a given communication device is routed through only one distributed unit; however, it will be understood that in some other implementations, such as in soft handover scenarios and other scenarios, communication associated with a given communication device can be routed through more than one distributed unit.

[0035] exist Figure 2 In the example, for simplicity, two communication cells 201 and 202 and one communication device 260 are shown, but it will of course be understood that in practice, the system may include a greater number of communication cells (each supported by its own control node and multiple distributed units) to serve a greater number of communication devices.

[0036] Will also understand, Figure 2 This is merely an example of a proposed architecture for a new RAT communication system, in which methods based on the principles described herein can be employed, and the functionality disclosed herein can also be applied to wireless communication systems with different architectures.

[0037] Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure discussed herein can be implemented according to various different architectures, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 The example architecture shown is implemented in a wireless telecommunications system / network. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the specific wireless communication architecture in any given implementation is not of primary significance to the principles described herein. In this regard, the example embodiments of this disclosure can be generally described in the context of communication between network infrastructure devices / access nodes and communication devices, where the specific properties of the network infrastructure devices / access nodes and communication devices will depend on the network infrastructure used for implementation. For example, in some scenarios, the network infrastructure devices / access nodes may include base stations, such as... Figure 1 The LTE-type base station 101 shown is adapted to provide functionality according to the principles described herein, and in other examples, network infrastructure equipment / access nodes may include Figure 2 The control units / control nodes 221, 222 and / or TRPs 211, 212 of the type shown are adapted to provide functionality according to the principles described herein.

[0038] Figure 3 The document presents a UE / communication device 270 (which may correspond to, for example, Figure 2 Communication equipment 260 or Figure 1 A more detailed description of the communication device 104 and the example network infrastructure device 272, which can be considered as a combination of eNB 101 or control node 221 and TRP 211.

[0039] like Figure 3As shown, communication device 270 is illustrated as transmitting uplink data to infrastructure device 272 via uplink resources of a radio access interface, generally indicated by arrow 274, from communication device 270 to infrastructure device 272. Communication device 270 can similarly be configured to receive downlink data transmitted from infrastructure device 272 to communication device 270 via downlink resources, as indicated by arrow 288. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Infrastructure device 272 is connected to core network 276 via interface 278 to controller 280 of infrastructure device 272. Infrastructure device 272 includes receiver 282 and transmitter 286 connected to antenna 284. Accordingly, each communication device 270 includes controller 290 connected to receiver 292 and transmitter 296, receiver 292 receiving signals from antenna 294, and transmitter 296 also connected to antenna 294.

[0040] Controller 280 is configured to control infrastructure device 272 and may include processor circuitry, which in turn may include various sub-units / sub-circuits for providing functionality as further explained herein. These sub-units may be implemented as discrete hardware elements or as functions appropriately configured for the processor circuitry. Therefore, controller 280 may include circuitry appropriately configured / programmed to provide the required functionality using conventional programming / configuration techniques for devices in wireless telecommunications systems. Transmitter 286 and receiver 282 may include signal processing and RF filters, amplifiers, and circuitry arranged according to conventional methods. For ease of illustration, transmitter 286, receiver 282, and controller 280 are... Figure 3 The components are schematically shown as independent elements. However, it should be understood that the functionality of these components can be provided in a variety of different ways, such as using one or more appropriately programmed programmable computers, or one or more appropriately configured application-specific integrated circuits / circuits / chips / chipsets. As will be understood, infrastructure equipment 272 will typically include a variety of other components associated with its operational functions.

[0041] Accordingly, the controller 290 of each communication device 270 is configured to control the transmitter 296 and the receiver 292, and may include processor circuitry, which in turn may include various sub-units / sub-circuits for providing the functions as further explained herein. These sub-units may be implemented as discrete hardware elements or as functions appropriately configured for the processor circuitry. Therefore, the controller 290 may include circuitry appropriately configured / programmed to provide the required functions using conventional programming / configuration techniques for devices in wireless telecommunications systems. Similarly, the transmitter 296 and receiver 292 may include signal processing and RF filters, amplifiers, and circuitry arranged according to conventional methods. For ease of illustration, the transmitter 296, receiver 292, and controller 290 are... Figure 3 These are schematically shown as independent components. However, it should be understood that the functionality of these components can be provided in various different ways, such as using one or more appropriately programmed programmable computers, or one or more appropriately configured application-specific integrated circuits / circuits / chips / chipsets. As will be understood, communication device 270 will typically include various other components associated with its operational functions, such as power supplies, user interfaces, etc., but for simplicity, these components are not shown in the diagram. Figure 3 As shown in the image.

[0042] Controllers 280 and 290 can be configured to execute instructions stored on a computer-readable medium, such as non-volatile memory. The processing steps described herein can be executed, for example, by a microprocessor coupled with random access memory, which operates according to the instructions stored on the computer-readable medium.

[0043] Energy saving and discontinuous reception (DRX) in NR

[0044] In a typical currently deployed network, communication devices can operate in Discontinuous Receive (DRX) mode, during which the device wakes up (powers on its receiver) to receive signals within its DRX wake-up time. This can occur when the device is in idle or connected mode. In connected mode, the terminal device is configured to periodically monitor the PDCCH within a time slot or subframe group. If no PDCCH is detected during a time slot or subframe group, the terminal device can sleep in the next periodic cycle. Power saving is a crucial aspect of the NR user experience, impacting the adoption of 5G handsets and / or services. DRX is one power-saving method for NR terminal devices.

[0045] The basic DRX cycle is as follows Figure 4 As shown, it includes a duration of T. DRX_ON The DRX_ON period and duration are T DRX_OFFThe inactive period is the DRX_OFF period, while the DRX_ON period occurs periodically during the DRX period, i.e., P. DRX During the DRX_ON period, the UE turns on its receiver to monitor downlink traffic, and turns off its receiver during the DRX_OFF period to conserve power. (DRX parameter T) DRX_ON &P DRX Configured by the network. Those skilled in the art should understand that this basic operation may not always be effective, especially if the UE frequently does not receive any signal during the ON period (or active operation mode) of DRX operation.

[0046] Wake-up signal for energy saving

[0047] There are many different ways to improve UE battery life. One such way is by adapting the DRX configuration to the UE's expected data reception or transmission profile. For example, a Wake-up Signal (WUS) can be used to indicate whether the UE should wake up during a DRX_ON period. The WUS is a signal or channel transmitted to the UE or UE group before a DRX_ON period or paging time to indicate whether the UE needs to wake up during this on-time period and monitor potential traffic, such as PDCCH monitoring. Using the WUS signal to wake the UE in this way recognizes that not every DRX_ON period contains traffic for the UE, and in such cases, PDCCH monitoring consumes unnecessary power from the UE, which can be avoided through this WUS signaling.

[0048] Wake-up signals are supported in technologies such as eMTC, NB-IoT, and 5G NR. The eMTC / NB-IoT Wake-up Signal (WUS) is used in idle mode before the paging time. If the UE detects the WUS, it wakes up and monitors the next paging time for the MPDCCH / NPDCCH, which can then be used to allocate paging messages. If the UE does not receive the WUS, it can return to sleep. The WUS consists of a known sequence. The UE can monitor the WUS by associating it with this known sequence. As mentioned above, the WUS can be shared by all UEs associated with the paging time, or associated with a group of UEs associated with the paging time. An example of a WUS is provided below. Figure 5 The timing diagram shown illustrates this, illustrating the curves of transmission power and UE receiver activity with respect to time 500.

[0049] like Figure 5As shown, the wake-up signal WUS 501 occurs at a known time offset τ2-τ1502, preceding the paging time 504. Time offset 502 allows the UE to "start" its primary receiver after receiving the WUS and before the paging time 504. As a result, the WUS itself can be monitored with a lower-power receiver. Figure 5 As shown, WUS is sent at time τ1 before paging time 504 only if MPDCCH transmission exists at the paging time. Upon detecting WUS, the UE will continue to fine-tune its frequency and timing tracking loop (if necessary) and blindly detect MPDCCH between times τ2 and τ3, then decode the PDSCH carrying the paging message between times τ3 and τ4. If the UE fails to detect WUS, it will return to sleep and skip the detection of MPDCCH. Therefore, by using WUS, the UE will consume less energy by avoiding unnecessary MPDCCH monitoring. It should be understood that WUS can also be used in connected mode when using DRX.

[0050] In some examples, the WUS can be a physical channel containing very little information (e.g., UE ID), so the UE can decode the WUS very quickly compared to blind decoding of the MPDCCH. The WUS can also be encoded in a format that allows for low-power decoding; for example, the WUS can be a narrow-bandwidth signal that can be decoded at low power using a low-sampling-rate receiver.

[0051] Taking 5G NR as an example, the wake-up signal WUS is used in the DRX operation of the connection mode [1]. 5G NR WUS is based on PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel) carrying DCI (Downlink Control Information). PDCCH is called "Energy Saving-PDCCH", PS-PDCCH. This monitoring period is called "PS-PDCCH Monitoring Period", where the term "PS-PDCCH" is synonymous with "PDCCH scrambled with PS-RNTI". This monitoring period can also be called "Energy Saving Monitoring Period". NR WUS is described in more detail in TR38.840 [2]. Protocols related to NR WUS are listed in [3]. Figure 6 The diagram illustrates an example timing diagram of signal transmission with respect to time for 5G NR operation in connected mode. Figure 6As shown, PS-PDCCH 600 appears in the search space before the DRX_ON phase 602 of the DRX cycle, indicated by the double-headed arrow 604. This example represents a fully connected mode DRX cycle. The timing of PS-PDCCH 600 is preceded by an amount PS_offset 606 from the DRX_ON phase 602. The UE decodes the DCI within the PS-PDCCH. Since the UE only needs to decode the PS-PDCCH, it does not have to operate its entire receiver circuitry, and therefore can decode the PS-PDCCH with lower receive power. If the DCI indicates that the UE should wake up, the UE wakes up its entire receiver circuitry during the next DRX_ON duration. Otherwise, the UE can enter sleep mode after the PS-PDCCH and does not have to decode other PDCCHs during the DRX_ON duration.

[0052] It has been proposed that the DCI carried by the PS-PDCCH can instruct the UE to perform other functions during the DRX_ON phase, such as sending CSI reports (channel state information reports), sending SRS (sound reference signals), and changing DRX parameters.

[0053] In some examples, additional reference symbols can be transmitted before or after PS-PDCCH 600:

[0054] • If it is before PS-PDCCH 600, the reference symbol will allow the UE to establish synchronization with the gNodeB more quickly and thus wake up from the low power state more quickly;

[0055] If the reference symbol is transmitted after PS-PDCCH 600 and before DRX_ON period 602, the UE will be able to wake up its primary receiver more quickly at the start of the DRX_ON period if the DCI carried by the PS-PDCCH has already indicated to the UE that it needs to wake up.

[0056] WUS program for invalid search space

[0057] During DRX operation, the UE must wake up during the DRX_ON period to monitor the PDCCH that schedules DL or UL data. Using the WUS function, WUS controls whether the UE actually needs to wake up during this DRX_ON period. If data for the UE is available, WUS instructs the UE to wake up during the DRX_ON period. If no data is available for the UE, WUS instructs the UE to potentially enter sleep mode during the DRX_ON period.

[0058] NR 5G WUS uses downlink control information in the form of a new DCI format (DCI format 2_6), which is transmitted within a PDCCH scrambled with PS-RNTI. UEs configured to monitor DCI format 2_6 monitor the PDCCH during the monitoring period prior to the DRX_ON duration, such as... Figure 7 As shown.

[0059] like Figure 7 As shown in the example of a PS-PDCCH monitoring period and a DRX_ON period, the PS-PDCCH 700 monitoring period can begin at PS_offset 706, before the DRX_ON duration 702, where PS_offset 706 is signaled to the UE via RRC signaling. The monitoring period ends at the minimum gap 708 capability before the DRX_ON duration. The minimum gap capability 708 allows the UE to start its main receiver after completing PS-PDCCH decoding using a lower-power WUS receiver (the WUS receiver can operate at lower power by using reduced voltage, reduced clock frequency, reduced number of CPU cores, or through other implementation means).

[0060] Therefore, as Figure 8 As shown, gNB and UE (e.g., respectively) Figure 3 The gNB 272 and UE 270 are configured to operate during the first PS-PDCCH monitoring period 700, allowing the gNB to transmit WUS 800 (explained below) in the UE 270's search space, while the UE 270's receiver 292 and controller 290 are in a low-power state. During the second DRX_ON period 702, the gNB 272 then transmits DCI 802, while the UE 270 has powered on its receiver 292 to operate in a mode capable of receiving DCI transmitted by the gNB 272.

[0061] The UE is configured to monitor various search space sets during normal operation. These search spaces occur periodically. When these search spaces overlap with PS-PDCCH monitoring periods, the UE monitors DCI format 2_6 (potentially carrying WUS). Since the PS-PDCCH monitoring period (related to the DRX_ON period) can differ from the search space period, and because there are configurations where the PS-PDCCH monitoring period and search space period are not common multiples, the number of search spaces the UE monitors in DCI format 2_6 depends on the consistency between the search space period and the PS-PDCCH monitoring period. Therefore, during some PS-PDCCH monitoring periods, the UE monitors X search spaces, while in other PS-PDCCH monitoring periods, the UE monitors Y search spaces.

[0062] As an illustrative example, Figure 9 This demonstrates how a UE, such as UE 270, determines when to monitor DCI format 2_6 (potentially containing WUS) and when to monitor it to schedule DCI. Figure 9 The diagram illustrates the possible alignment between the 12 time periods of search space 902a-l and the PS-PDCCH monitoring time period 600 and DRX_ON time period 602. Search space 902a-l is monitored by UE 270. (As shown...) Figure 9 As shown, the first subset 902b-d of the time-series set 902a-l of the search space is represented by a diagonal shading pattern, and the second subset 902f-h of the time-series set 902a-l of the search space is represented by a cross-shading pattern. The first subset 902b-d overlaps temporally with the PS-PDCCH monitoring period 600 and is used by UE 270 to monitor DCI format 2_6. In other words, UE 270 uses the first subset 902b-d to monitor WUS. The second subset 902f-h overlaps temporally with the DRX_ON period 602 and is used by UE 270 to monitor for DCI scheduling. Figure 9 In the example, UE 270 monitors three search spaces for DCI format 2_6 during PS-PDCCH monitoring period 600 (i.e., the first subset 902b-d). However, as mentioned above, the number of search spaces for DCI format 2_6 monitored by the UE depends on the alignment of search space set 902a-I with PS-PDCCH monitoring period 600. Therefore, UE 270 can monitor different numbers of search spaces during different PS-PDCCH monitoring periods. In some embodiments, UE 270 can determine that one or more of search spaces 902a-I are invalid. If UE 270 determines that a search space is invalid, the UE can choose not to monitor DCI format 2_6 during the invalid search space period.

[0063] In some embodiments, the measurement gap coincides with the search space to be monitored by UE 270. In this embodiment, UE 270 may determine that the search space is invalid and perform inter-frequency measurements. Performing inter-frequency measurements may mean that the UE cannot monitor the PS-PDCCH during simultaneous search space.

[0064] In some embodiments, UE 270 can be configured to monitor beam quality. If UE 270 determines that the beam quality is insufficient, UE 270 may need to perform a beam fault reporting procedure. For example, UE 270 can report a beam fault to the gNB connected to the beam. The reporting of beam faults can be timed in conjunction with the period during which UE 270 needs to monitor the search space of DCI format 2_6 (e.g., ...). Figure 9The search space overlaps with one of the first subsets of search space 902b-d. UE 270 can report beam faults, and search spaces that overlap with beam fault reports in time may cause the concurrent search space used for PS-PDCCH monitoring to be determined as invalid by UE 270.

[0065] In some embodiments, UE 270 may perform a bandwidth portion (BWP) handover, which is time-dependent on the search space of DCI format 2_6 that UE 270 needs to monitor during this period (e.g., ...). Figure 9 The search space overlaps with one of the first subsets of search space 902b-d. UE 270 can perform BWP handover, and the search space that overlaps with the bandwidth partial handover (BWP) in time can be determined as invalid by UE 270.

[0066] A set of PDCCH candidates can exist within the search space. A set of PDCCH candidates can be a set of control channel elements (CCEs) to which the PDCCH is mapped. The UE can attempt to decode the PDCCH using the set of PDCCH candidates within the search space. To decode the PDCCH using one of the candidates in the set, the UE assembles a set of physical bits associated with that candidate and attempts to decode the PDCCH using the parameters of that candidate. The parameters of the PDCCH candidate can include, but are not limited to, the number of DCI bits associated with that candidate or the aggregation level associated with that candidate. The UE can determine that one or more PDCCH candidates within the search space are invalid. If it is impossible to decode a PDCCH candidate, the UE can determine that the PDCCH candidate is invalid. Examples of reasons why a PDCCH cannot be decoded by the UE are as follows:

[0067] - PDCCH candidates in the search space overlap temporally with SSB (Synchronization Signal Block). PDCCH candidates may fail to be decoded because the amount of physical resources of PDCCH candidates that overlap temporally with the resources used for SSB may exceed a threshold.

[0068] - PDCCH candidates overlap with reserved resources in time. 5G NR resources can be reserved for other technologies. For example, when 5G NR spectrum overlaps with LTE spectrum, resources intended for CRS (Cell-Specific Reference Signal) in the LTE spectrum are reserved in the 5G NR spectrum (e.g., subcarriers and OFDM symbols may contain LTE CRS instead of 5G signals). PDCCH candidates may fail to be decoded because the amount of physical resources for PDCCH candidates that overlap with reserved resources in time may exceed a threshold.

[0069] The UE (e.g., UE 270) can decide whether to wake up to decode DRX_ON based on the WUS via DCI format 2_6 signaling during the PS-PDCCH monitoring period. However, 3GPP has considered that the UE should take into account the number of search spaces declared invalid during the PS-PDCCH monitoring period when determining whether to wake up to decode DRX_ON. Specifically, if one or more search spaces or PDCCH candidates within the search space overlapping with the PS-PDCCH monitoring period are determined to be invalid, UE 270 can be configured to wake up for the subsequent DRX_ON duration. The advantage of this method is that if the gNodeB initially allocated / scheduled an invalid search space or invalid PDCCH candidate to signal the WUS to UE 270, the gNodeB does not need to reallocate / reschedule the WUS to occupy another valid search space or PDCCH candidate, knowing that the UE will wake up in any case. By avoiding reallocation / rescheduling, the gNodeB implementation can be simplified. Alternatively, if it is determined that the ah of all search spaces and / or PDCCH candidates within the search space overlapping with the PS-PDCCH monitoring period is invalid, UE 270 can be configured to wake up during the subsequent DRX_ON period. The basic principle behind this method is that if no search space / PDCCH candidate is determined to be valid during the PS-PDCCH monitoring period, then the gNodeB cannot signal the WUS to the UE, and therefore cannot signal wake-up to the UE during the DRX_ON period. In this case, if data will be scheduled to it during the DRX_ON period, the UE should wake up without a WUS signal.

[0070] Figure 10An example of the process for determining whether a UE, such as UE 270, should wake up during a DRX_ON period (such as DRX_ON period 602) is shown. In step 1002, UE 270 prepares to monitor a PS-PDCCH monitoring period (e.g., PDCCH monitoring period 600) of DCI format 2_6 containing WUS. In step 1004, the UE identifies search spaces (e.g., first subsets 902b-d) that overlap temporally with PDCCH monitoring period 600. In step 1006, UE 270 determines whether one or more of the search spaces in the first subset 902b-d are invalid. If one or more of the search spaces in the first subset 902b-d are determined to be invalid, UE 270 wakes up during the DRX_ON period, as shown in step 1008. If it is determined that one or more search spaces of the first subset 902b-d are not invalid, then in step 1010, UE 270 monitors the first subset 902b-d of the search space for DCI format 2_6 containing WUS during PS-PDCCH monitoring period 600. In step 1012, UE 270 determines whether WUS is detected in the first subset 902b-d. If WUS is detected in the first subset 902b-d, then UE 270 wakes up in step 1008. If WUS is not detected in the first subset, the UE remains in a low-power state and does not monitor DRX_ON period 602.

[0071] The method explained above is restrictive, and a more flexible approach is needed to determine whether invalid search space / PDCCH candidates during the PS-PDCCH monitoring period require the UE to be woken up during the subsequent DRX_ON duration.

[0072] In some embodiments, the UE (e.g., UE 270) monitors at least N of a set of search space / PDCCH candidates that overlap temporally with the PS-PDCCH monitoring period 600. mon (like Figure 9 N of the first subset 902b-d of the monitoring search space mon If one or more of the search spaces in the first subset that overlap with the PS_PDCCH monitoring period 902b-d in time are determined to be invalid, then the UE: determines the number of valid search spaces from which it can effectively receive a wake-up signal during the power-saving monitoring period, and if the number of valid search spaces is less than the minimum number of valid search spaces (N) mon If the UE determines that one or more search spaces in the invalid search space can be considered valid, the UE monitors the valid search spaces and the search spaces considered valid for the WUS.

[0073] Determine N mon

[0074] In some embodiments, the gNB may signal to the UE 270 the minimum number N of valid search space. mon .

[0075] In some embodiments, the gNB signals the percentage of search spaces / PDCCH candidates that should be monitored. The UE can then calculate N for each PS-PDCCH monitoring period by multiplying the percentage received from the gNB by the number of search spaces that overlap temporally within the PS-PDCCH monitoring period. mon Determine N mon Or, N mon This can be calculated by determining the minimum number of search spaces that temporally overlap with the PS-PDCCH monitoring period and multiplying the reception percentage by the minimum number of search spaces overlapping with the PS-PDCCH. In this context, the minimum number of search spaces that temporally overlap with the PS-PDCCH monitoring period is considered as the total number of search spaces that temporally overlap with the PS-PDCCH, ignoring the possibility that some search spaces overlapping with the PS-PDCCH might be determined as invalid for any of the reasons mentioned above.

[0076] Determine which N to monitor mon Search space

[0077] In some embodiments, the UE or gNB may verify one or more invalid search spaces to increase the number of valid search spaces (in other words, to precisely determine the number of valid search spaces to produce a precise number of valid search spaces). To determine which invalid search spaces will be prioritized for verification, the UE or gNB may apply a set of priority rules as described below. The UE preferably selects invalid search spaces with higher priority for verification on invalid search spaces with lower priority.

[0078] In some embodiments, the time occupied by the search space overlaps with the time occupied by the measurement gap. In this embodiment, search spaces that overlap with the measurement gap in time can be given a high priority for verification. In other words, functions that would otherwise be performed during the measurement gap, such as measuring downlink signals for reporting, can be given a low priority. For example, if one or more search spaces are invalid due to overlap with the measurement gap, these search spaces can be verified to increase the number of valid search spaces. The advantage of doing this is that measurements that would otherwise be performed during the measurement gap can be postponed until the measurement gap does not overlap with the PS-PDCCH search space, or not performed at all.

[0079] In some embodiments, the search space occupancy time overlaps temporally with Measurement Gap and Bandwidth Part (BWP) handover operations. In this embodiment, search spaces that temporally overlap with measurement gaps can be validated preferentially over search spaces that temporally overlap with BWP handover operations. That is, BWP handover operations are reserved preferentially over measurement gaps. For example, if one or more search spaces are invalid due to overlap with measurement gaps, and if one or more search spaces are invalid due to overlap with BWP handovers, only the one or more search spaces that overlap with measurement gaps are validated. The advantage of doing so is that measurements can be postponed to a later time, but some BWP handover operations are directed by the gNB and require the UE to follow this decision made by the gNB.

[0080] In some embodiments, the time occupied by the search space overlaps temporally with a BWP handover due to the expiration of an inactivity timer, while another time occupied by the search space overlaps temporally with a BWP handover commanded by the gNodeB. In this embodiment, the search space overlapping with a BWP handover due to the expiration of an inactivity timer is prioritized for verification over the search space overlapping with a BWP handover commanded by the gNodeB. The UE can switch from the active BWP to the default BWP after a period of inactivity on the active BWP. Alternatively, the gNodeB can issue a command to the UE to switch from one BWP to another. In this example, when the UE needs to verify the search space for PS-PDCCH monitoring, the UE prioritizes the search space overlapping with a BWP handover due to the expiration of an inactivity timer, rather than the search space overlapping with a BWP handover commanded by the gNodeB. The rationale for this priority is that a BWP handover associated with inactivity can be postponed to a later time after the PS-PDCCH monitoring period, while a BWP handover commanded by the gNodeB should be complied with. In some embodiments, verifying one or more invalid search spaces can result in a number of valid search spaces greater than N. mon For example, if one PS-PDCCH search space is valid, while two PS-PDCCH search spaces are invalid due to conflicts with the measurement gap, then verifying all search spaces invalid due to conflicts with the measurement gap will yield three valid search spaces. If N mon If the number of elements in the search space is 2, then the number of elements in the effective search space is greater than N. mon In some embodiments, the UE / gNB monitors the exact number of valid search spaces, even if the number of valid search spaces is greater than N. mon This reduces ambiguity regarding which search spaces the UE might need to monitor. In some embodiments, the UE / gNB can implement further priority rules (summarized below) to ensure that the exact number of valid search spaces does not exceed N. mon .

[0081] In some embodiments, the UE / gNB verifies the search space with the furthest temporal interval to improve scheduling flexibility. In some embodiments, the UE / gNB verifies the search space with the closest temporal interval to reduce power consumption. For example, power consumption can be reduced because the UE may only need to activate its receiver for a shorter period of time. In some embodiments, the UE / gNB verifies the search space that appears earlier in the PS-PDCCH monitoring period. In some embodiments, the UE / gNB verifies the search space that appears later in the PS-PDCCH monitoring period.

[0082] One or more rules in the priority rules can instruct other (non-WUS) functions to take precedence over WUS functions. In this embodiment, although N mon The search space may be effective, but fewer than N may be detected during the PS-PDCCH monitoring period. mon The search space. In this embodiment, the number of effective search spaces is still increased compared to the case where priority rules are not applied.

[0083] In some embodiments, if less than N mon The search space is valid, and the UE monitors the DRX_ON period regardless of whether WUS is detected in the valid search space. However, if one of the search spaces already contains DCI format 2_6 indicating that the UE can enter sleep mode (GTS), the UE operates in a low-power state (e.g., sleep mode) during the DRX_ON duration.

[0084] In some embodiments, one or more invalid search spaces may contain invalid PDCCH candidates. In this case, one or more invalid search spaces with the largest number of valid candidates are preferentially converted into valid search spaces.

[0085] Figure 11 An example of the processing procedure followed by the UE is shown. UE 270 determines the minimum number N of the effective search space. mon (Based on any method outlined above). Then, UE 270 prepares to monitor the PS-PDCCH monitoring period and identifies the valid search space overlapping with the PS-PDCCH monitoring period in step 1104. In step 1106, UE 270 determines whether the number of valid search spaces is less than N. mon If UE 270 determines that the number of valid search spaces is less than N. monThen, UE 270 determines 1108 to verify one or more invalid search spaces according to a set of predefined rules. By verifying one or more search spaces among the invalid search spaces, the exact number of valid search spaces can be obtained. In step 1110, UE 270 determines whether the exact number of valid search spaces is less than N. mon If the exact number of the effective search space is less than N. mon Then UE 270 will wake up 1112 during the subsequent DRX_ON period. If the exact number of valid search spaces is not less than N. mon Then the process proceeds to step 1114. If the number of valid search spaces is not less than N... mon Alternatively, step 1114 can be reached. In step 1114, the UE monitors the valid search space that temporally overlaps with the PS-PDCCH monitoring period of DCI format 2_6 containing WUS. In step 1116, the UE 270 determines whether WUS is detected in one of the valid search spaces that temporally overlap with the PS-PDCCH monitoring period. If WUS is detected in one of the valid search spaces that temporally overlap with the PS-PDCCH monitoring period, the UE wakes up during the subsequent DRX_ON period in step 1118. If WUS is not detected in one of the valid search spaces that temporally overlap with the PS-PDCCH monitoring period, the UE 270 remains in a low-power state and does not monitor during the subsequent DRX_ON period.

[0086] In some embodiments, gNB can determine whether to invalidate or invalidate the search space. (See reference) Figure 12 gNB 270 transmits 1202N mon To the UE (according to any method outlined above). Then, in step 1204, the gNB prepares to send the WUS in DCI format 2_6 to the UE and identifies the valid search space overlapping with the PS-PDCCH monitoring period in step 1204. In step 1206, the gNB determines whether the number of valid search spaces is less than N. mon If gNB determines that the number of valid search spaces is less than N. mon Then, gNB determines step 1208 to verify one or more invalid search spaces according to a set of predefined rules. By verifying one or more invalid search spaces, the exact number of valid search spaces can be obtained. In step 1210, gNB determines whether the exact number of valid search spaces is less than N. mon If the exact number of the effective search space is less than N. mon Then gNB will send DCI during the subsequent DRX_ON period. If the exact number of valid search spaces is not less than N... mon If the number of valid search spaces is not less than N, then the process proceeds to step 1212.mon In step 1212, the gNB transmits WUS in DCI format 2_6 within the effective search space that overlaps temporally with the PS-PDCCH monitoring period.

[0087] According to other embodiments, the receiving method at the communication device may include: determining the number of valid search spaces from which a wake-up signal (WUS) can be effectively received during a power-saving monitoring period, said valid number of search spaces being one or more of a plurality of search spaces in the downlink physical control channel of the provided radio access interface for the wake-up signal by the wireless communication network. The WUS may instruct the receiver of the communication device to be powered to a higher power state to receive the signal during discontinuous receive DRX_ON periods. In other examples, the WUS instructs the communication device to enter sleep mode or turn off its receiver. The method includes: if the number of valid search spaces is less than a minimum number (N... mon The search space is defined as the valid search space, the invalid search space is defined as one or more search spaces, the search space is defined as one or more search spaces among the multiple search spaces in which the wireless communication network will repeatedly transmit the WUS, and the search space is defined as the one or more valid search spaces in which the wireless communication network has indicated that the WUS will be transmitted.

[0088] According to this example embodiment, gNodeB can instruct it to at least be in N WUS_SS Search space. For example, gNodeB can indicate that it will be within at least N during the PS-PDCCH monitoring period. WUS_SS The same WUS is transmitted in search spaces of 2. In this case, if there are three potentially valid search spaces during the PS-PDCCH monitoring period, the UE can decide not to monitor one of these potentially valid search spaces (provided that the gNodeB will also transmit WUS in at least one of the other two search spaces, ensuring that the UE successfully receives the WUS). This embodiment allows the UE to invalidate some of the search spaces themselves without notifying the gNodeB (e.g., when the UE needs to perform beam fault recovery).

[0089] The following numbered paragraphs provide further illustrative aspects and features of this technology:

[0090] Article 1. A method for receiving at a communication device, the method comprising:

[0091] Determine the effective number of search spaces from which the wake-up signal (WUS) can be effectively received during the energy-saving monitoring period. The effective number of search spaces is one or more of a plurality of search spaces provided by the wireless communication network for transmitting the WUS via the downlink physical control channel of the wireless access interface. The WUS indicates that the receiver of the communication device should be configured to receive the signal during the discontinuous DRX_ON period, and if the number of effective search spaces is less than the minimum number of effective search spaces (N... mon ),but

[0092] Identify one or more invalid search spaces, and

[0093] Determine one or more items in the invalid search space that can be considered valid, and

[0094] Monitor the effective search space, as well as the search space considered effective for WUS.

[0095] Section 2. According to the method described in paragraph 1, the method includes:

[0096] The total number of valid search spaces and the total number of invalid search spaces that can be considered valid are compared with the minimum number of valid search spaces. If the total number is less than the minimum number of valid search spaces, the receiver is controlled to enter the high-power state during the DRX_ON period; otherwise...

[0097] Monitor each of the valid search spaces and the invalid search spaces that can be considered valid for the WUS.

[0098] Section 3. The method according to paragraph 1 or 2 includes...

[0099] The device receives an indication of the minimum number of valid search spaces from the wireless communication network, the minimum number of valid search spaces being established between the communication device and the wireless communication network.

[0100] Section 4. According to the method in paragraph 3, receiving the indication of the minimum number of valid search spaces includes receiving the indication of the minimum number of valid search spaces using Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling.

[0101] Section 5. According to the method in paragraph 3, wherein the indication of receiving the minimum number of valid search spaces includes:

[0102] The scaling factor is received by the communication device from the wireless communication network, and

[0103] The minimum number of effective search spaces is calculated by scaling the total number of search spaces falling within the energy-saving monitoring period according to a scaling factor.

[0104] Section 6. According to the method of any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, wherein identifying one or more invalid search spaces includes:

[0105] Identify one or more search spaces that at least partially overlap with one or more measurement periods, during which the receiver cannot effectively receive the WUS in the search space because the search space at least partially overlaps with the time when the receiver is configured to measure other signals.

[0106] One or more search spaces that are invalid due to at least partial overlap with the one or more measurement periods are determined to be valid by delaying or not performing measurements.

[0107] Section 7. According to the method of any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, wherein identifying the invalid one or more search spaces includes:

[0108] Identify one or more search spaces in the search space that at least partially overlap with the bandwidth partial switching period, during which the receiver switches between bandwidth portions and the receiver is unable to effectively receive the WUS in the search space, and

[0109] The following steps are used to determine which of the invalid search spaces can be considered valid:

[0110] Select one or more of the invalid search spaces that at least partially overlap with the bandwidth switching period.

[0111] Section 8. According to the method of any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, wherein identifying one or more invalid search spaces includes:

[0112] Identify one or more search spaces that at least partially overlap with one or more measurement periods, during which the receiver cannot effectively receive the WUS in the search space because the search space at least partially overlaps with the time when the receiver is configured to measure other signals.

[0113] Identify one or more search spaces in the search space that at least partially overlap with the bandwidth partial switching period, during which the receiver switches between bandwidth portions and the receiver is unable to effectively receive the WUS in the search space, and

[0114] The following steps are used to determine which of the invalid search spaces can be considered valid:

[0115] Before selecting one or more of the invalid search spaces that at least partially overlap with the bandwidth switching period, select one or more of the invalid search spaces that will be considered valid search spaces that at least partially overlap with the measurement period, until the total number of the number of valid search spaces and the number of invalid search spaces that can be considered valid is equal to or greater than the minimum number of search spaces.

[0116] Section 9. According to the method of any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, wherein identifying one or more invalid search spaces includes:

[0117] Identify one or more search spaces that at least partially overlap with the period during which the active bandwidth portion switches due to the expiration of an inactive timer, during which the receiver switches between bandwidth portions and the receiver is unable to effectively receive the WUS in the search space.

[0118] Identify one or more search spaces in the search space that at least partially overlap with the period of bandwidth portion switching commanded by infrastructure equipment, during which the receiver switches between bandwidth portions and the receiver is unable to effectively receive the WUS in the search space, and

[0119] The following steps are used to determine which of the invalid search spaces can be considered valid:

[0120] Before selecting one or more of the invalid search spaces that at least partially overlap with the bandwidth partial switching period commanded by the infrastructure equipment, select one or more of the invalid search spaces that will be considered valid search spaces that at least partially overlap with the bandwidth partial switching period that expires from the inactive timer, until the total number of the number of valid search spaces and the number of invalid search spaces that can be considered valid is equal to or greater than the minimum number of search spaces.

[0121] Article 10. The method according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 9 includes...

[0122] The total number of valid search spaces and the total number of invalid search spaces that can be considered valid is compared with the minimum number of valid search spaces. If the total number is greater than the minimum number of valid search spaces, then...

[0123] One or more search spaces identified as invalid are selected, wherein the interval between the one or more search spaces and the valid search spaces in time or frequency is greater than the interval between the one or more other search spaces identified as invalid and the valid search spaces, and the search spaces with larger intervals from the valid search spaces are considered valid, until the total number of the valid search spaces and the number of the invalid search spaces that can be considered valid is equal to the minimum number of the valid search spaces.

[0124] Article 11. The method according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 9 includes:

[0125] The total number of valid search spaces and the number of invalid search spaces that can be considered valid is compared with the minimum number of valid search spaces. If the total number is greater than the minimum number of valid search spaces,

[0126] One or more search spaces identified as invalid are selected, wherein the interval between the one or more search spaces and the valid search spaces in time or frequency is smaller than the interval between the one or more other search spaces identified as invalid and the valid search spaces, and the search spaces with smaller intervals from the valid search spaces are considered valid, until the total number of the valid search spaces and the number of the invalid search spaces that can be considered valid is equal to the minimum number of the valid search spaces.

[0127] Section 12. The method according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 9 includes:

[0128] The total number of valid search spaces and the number of invalid search spaces that can be considered valid is compared with the minimum number of valid search spaces. If the total number is greater than the minimum number of valid search spaces,

[0129] Prioritize one or more other search spaces that appear later in the energy-saving monitoring period and are identified as invalid, and select one or more search spaces that appear earlier in the energy-saving monitoring period and are identified as invalid, and consider the search spaces that appear earlier in the energy-saving monitoring period as valid, until the total number of valid search spaces and the number of invalid search spaces that can be considered valid is equal to the minimum number of valid search spaces.

[0130] Section 13. The method according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 9 includes:

[0131] The total number of valid search spaces and the number of invalid search spaces that can be considered valid is compared with the minimum number of valid search spaces. If the total number is greater than the minimum number of valid search spaces,

[0132] Prioritize one or more other search spaces that were identified as invalid earlier in the energy saving monitoring period, and select one or more search spaces that were identified as invalid later in the power saving monitoring period, and consider the search spaces that appeared later in the energy saving monitoring period as valid, until the total number of valid search spaces and the number of invalid search spaces that can be considered valid is equal to the minimum number of valid search spaces.

[0133] Section 14. According to the method of any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, wherein one or more of the plurality of search spaces include a plurality of candidate options, and the identification of one or more invalid search spaces includes:

[0134] Identify one or more invalid candidates from the one or more search spaces.

[0135] The total number of valid search spaces and the number of invalid search spaces that can be considered valid is compared with the minimum number of valid search spaces. If the total number is greater than the minimum number of valid search spaces,

[0136] Prioritize one or more other search spaces that are identified as invalid and have more invalid candidates, and select one or more search spaces that are identified as invalid and have fewer invalid candidates, until the total number of valid search spaces and the number of invalid search spaces that can be considered valid equals the minimum number of valid search spaces.

[0137] Section 15. According to the method in paragraph 14, candidates in the search space are considered invalid because the candidates at least partially overlap with reserved resources or synchronization signal blocks.

[0138] Section 16. The method according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 15 includes:

[0139] The total number of valid search spaces and the total number of invalid search spaces that can be considered valid are compared with the minimum number of valid search spaces. If the total number is less than the minimum number of valid search spaces, the receiver is controlled to enter a state for receiving signals during the DRX_ON period.

[0140] Section 17. The method according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 15 includes...

[0141] The total number of valid search spaces and the total number of invalid search spaces that can be considered valid are compared with the minimum number of valid search spaces. If the total number is less than the minimum number of valid search spaces,

[0142] Each of the valid search spaces and the invalid search spaces that can be considered valid for the WUS are monitored, wherein the WUS can provide an indication that the communication device should enter a low-power state during the DRX_ON period, and if the communication device detects an indication that the receiver should enter a low-power state during the DRX_ON period, the receiver enters a low-power state during the DRX_ON period; otherwise, the communication device controls the receiver to enter a state for receiving signals during the DRX_ON period.

[0143] Section 18. The method according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 15 includes...

[0144] The total number of valid search spaces and the total number of invalid search spaces that can be considered valid is compared with the minimum number of valid search spaces. If the total number is less than the minimum number of valid search spaces...

[0145] Then monitor each of the valid search spaces and the invalid search spaces that can be considered valid for the WUS.

[0146] Section 19. The method according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 15 includes:

[0147] The total number of valid search spaces and the total number of invalid search spaces that can be considered valid are compared with the minimum number of valid search spaces. If the total number is greater than the minimum number of valid search spaces,

[0148] Monitor each of the valid search spaces and the invalid search spaces that can be considered valid for the WUS.

[0149] Article 20. A method for receiving at a communication device, the method comprising:

[0150] Determine the effective number of search spaces from which the wake-up signal (WUS) can be effectively received during the energy-saving monitoring period. The effective number of search spaces is one or more of a plurality of search spaces provided by the wireless communication network for transmitting the wake-up signal via the downlink physical control channel of the wireless access interface. The WUS indicates that the receiver of the communication device should be powered to a higher power state to receive the signal during the discontinuous reception DRX_ON period, and if the number of effective search spaces is less than the minimum number of effective search spaces (N... mon ),

[0151] Identify one or more invalid search spaces.

[0152] The identifier determines whether one or more of the multiple search spaces in which the WUS will be repeatedly transmitted by the wireless communication network in the search space are valid search spaces, and

[0153] The monitoring wireless communication network has indicated that the WUS will be transmitted over the search space, including one or more valid search spaces.

[0154] Article 21. A communication device for receiving signals from a wireless communication network, the communication device comprising:

[0155] The receiver circuit is configured to receive signals transmitted via a wireless access interface provided by the wireless communication network, and

[0156] The controller circuit is configured as follows:

[0157] Determine the effective number of search spaces from which the wake-up signal (WUS) can be effectively received during the energy-saving monitoring period. The effective number of search spaces is one or more of a plurality of search spaces provided by the wireless communication network for transmitting the wake-up signal via the downlink physical control channel of the wireless access interface. The WUS indicates that the controller circuit should configure the receiver circuit to receive signals during discontinuous DRX_ON periods, and if the number of effective search spaces is less than the minimum number of effective search spaces (N... mon If so, then configure the controller circuit as follows:

[0158] Identify one or more invalid search spaces, and

[0159] Determine one or more search spaces in the invalid search space that can be considered valid, and control the receiver circuitry accordingly:

[0160] Monitor the valid search space and the search space considered valid for the WUS.

[0161] As long as the embodiments of this disclosure are described as being implemented at least in part by a data processing device controlled by software, it will be understood that non-transitory machine-readable media carrying such software, such as optical discs, magnetic disks, semiconductor memories, etc., are also considered to represent embodiments of this disclosure.

[0162] It will be understood that, for clarity, the above description refers to different functional units, circuits, and / or processors in the embodiments. However, it will be apparent that any suitable allocation of functions among the different functional units, circuits, and / or processors may be used without departing from the embodiments.

[0163] The described embodiments can be implemented in any suitable form, including hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. The described embodiments can optionally be implemented, at least in part, as computer software running on one or more data processors and / or digital signal processors. Elements and components of any embodiment can be implemented physically, functionally, and logically in any suitable manner. In practice, the functionality can be implemented in a single unit, in multiple units, or as part of other functional units. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments can be implemented in a single unit or can be physically and functionally distributed among different units, circuits, and / or processors.

[0164] Although this disclosure has been described in conjunction with some embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein. Furthermore, while features may be described in conjunction with specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that various features of the described embodiments can be combined in any manner suitable for implementing the technology.

[0165] References

[0166] [1]Holma H. ​​and Toskala A, "LTE for UMTS OFDMA and SC-FDMA based radioaccess", John Wiley and Sons, 2009.

[0167] [2]RP-172834, "Revised WID on New Radio Access Technology," NTT DOCOMO, RAN#78.

[0168] [3]Rl-1708311, "Idle Mode Power Efficiency Reduction," Sierra Wireless, RAN1#89.

[0169] [4]TR 38.840,“NR:Study on UE Power Saving(Release 16,vO.l.O)”,3GPP,November 2018 http: / / www.3gpp.org / ftp / / Specs / archive / 38_series / 38.840 / 38840-g00.zip

[0170] [5]Rl-1913605.“RANI agreements on UE Power Saving in NR”.CATT.RAN1#99,Reno.November 2019.

Claims

1. A method for receiving data at a communication device, the method comprising: Determine the effective number of search spaces from which the wake-up signal (WUS) can be effectively received during the energy-saving monitoring period. The effective number of search spaces is one or more of a plurality of search spaces provided by the wireless communication network for transmitting the wake-up signal via the downlink physical control channel of the wireless access interface. The WUS indicates that the receiver of the communication device should be configured to receive the signal during the discontinuous DRX_ON period, and if the number of effective search spaces is less than the minimum number of effective search spaces (… N mon ),but Identify one or more invalid search spaces, and Identify one or more search spaces in the invalid search space that can be considered valid, and monitor the valid search spaces and the search spaces considered valid for the WUS.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises: The total number of valid search spaces and the number of invalid search spaces that can be considered valid is compared with the minimum number of valid search spaces. If the total number is less than the minimum number of valid search spaces, the receiver is controlled to enter a high-power state during the DRX_ON period; otherwise... Monitor each of the valid search space and the invalid search space that can be considered valid for the WUS.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the method comprises: The device receives an indication of the minimum number of valid search spaces from the wireless communication network, the minimum number of valid search spaces being established between the communication device and the wireless communication network.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, Receiving an indication of the minimum number of valid search spaces includes receiving an indication of the minimum number of valid search spaces using Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling.

5. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The indication of the minimum number of valid search spaces received includes: The scaling factor is received by the communication device from the wireless communication network, and The minimum number of effective search spaces is calculated by scaling the total number of search spaces falling within the energy-saving monitoring period according to the scaling factor.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The one or more search spaces that identify invalid entries include: Identify one or more search spaces that at least partially overlap with one or more measurement periods, during which the receiver cannot effectively receive the WUS because the search space at least partially overlaps with the time when the receiver is configured to measure other signals. By delaying or not performing measurements, one or more search spaces among the one or more search spaces that are invalid due to at least partial overlap with the one or more measurement periods are determined to be valid, and the one or more search spaces are considered valid.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The one or more search spaces that are identified as invalid include: Identify one or more search spaces in the search space that at least partially overlap with the bandwidth partial switching period, during which the receiver switches between bandwidth portions and the receiver is unable to effectively receive the WUS in the search space, and The following steps are used to determine which of the one or more invalid search spaces can be considered valid: Select one or more of the invalid search spaces that at least partially overlap with the bandwidth switching period.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The one or more search spaces that identify invalid entries include: Identify one or more search spaces within the search space that at least partially overlap with one or more measurement periods, during which the receiver cannot effectively receive the WUS within the search space because the search space at least partially overlaps with the time when the receiver is configured to measure other signals. Identify one or more search spaces in the search space that at least partially overlap with the bandwidth portion switching period, during which the receiver switches between bandwidth portions, and the receiver is unable to effectively receive the WUS in the search space, and The following steps are used to determine whether one or more of the invalid search spaces are considered valid: Before selecting one or more of the invalid search spaces that at least partially overlap with the bandwidth switching period, select one or more of the invalid search spaces that will be considered valid search spaces that at least partially overlap with the measurement period, until the total number of the number of valid search spaces and the number of invalid search spaces that can be considered valid is equal to or greater than the minimum number of search spaces.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The one or more search spaces that identify invalid entries include: Identify one or more search spaces that at least partially overlap with the period during which the active bandwidth portion switches due to the expiration of an inactive timer, during which the receiver switches between bandwidth portions and the receiver is unable to effectively receive the WUS in the search space. Identify one or more search spaces that at least partially overlap with the time period of a bandwidth segment switching commanded by infrastructure equipment, during which the receiver switches between bandwidth segments and the receiver is unable to effectively receive the WUS in the search space, and The following steps are used to determine whether one or more of the invalid search spaces are considered valid: Before selecting one or more of the invalid search spaces that at least partially overlap with the bandwidth partial switching period commanded by the infrastructure equipment, select one or more of the invalid search spaces that will be considered valid search spaces that at least partially overlap with the bandwidth partial switching period that expires from the inactive timer, until the total number of the number of valid search spaces and the number of invalid search spaces that can be considered valid is equal to or greater than the minimum number of search spaces.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the method comprising: The total number of valid search spaces and the total number of invalid search spaces that can be considered valid is compared with the minimum number of valid search spaces. If the total number is greater than the minimum number of valid search spaces, then... One or more search spaces identified as invalid are selected, wherein the interval between the one or more search spaces and the valid search spaces in time or frequency is greater than the interval between the one or more other search spaces identified as invalid and the valid search spaces, and the search spaces with larger intervals from the valid search spaces are considered valid, until the total number of the valid search spaces and the number of the invalid search spaces that can be considered valid is equal to the minimum number of the valid search spaces.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the method comprising: The total number of valid search spaces and the number of invalid search spaces that can be considered valid is compared with the minimum number of valid search spaces. If the total number is greater than the minimum number of valid search spaces, One or more search spaces identified as invalid are selected, wherein the interval between the one or more search spaces and the valid search spaces in time or frequency is smaller than the interval between the one or more other search spaces identified as invalid and the valid search spaces, and the search spaces with smaller intervals from the valid search spaces are considered valid, until the total number of the valid search spaces and the number of the invalid search spaces that can be considered valid is equal to the minimum number of the valid search spaces.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the method comprising: The total number of valid search spaces and the number of invalid search spaces that can be considered valid is compared with the minimum number of valid search spaces. If the total number is greater than the minimum number of valid search spaces, Prioritizing one or more other search spaces that appear later in the energy-saving monitoring period and are identified as invalid, one or more search spaces that appear earlier in the energy-saving monitoring period and are identified as invalid are selected, and the search spaces that appear earlier in the energy-saving monitoring period are considered valid, until the total number of valid search spaces and the number of invalid search spaces that can be considered valid is equal to the minimum number of valid search spaces.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the method comprising: The total number of valid search spaces and the number of invalid search spaces that can be considered valid is compared with the minimum number of valid search spaces. If the total number is greater than the minimum number of valid search spaces, Prioritize one or more other search spaces that were identified as invalid earlier in the energy-saving monitoring period, and select one or more search spaces that were identified as invalid later in the energy-saving monitoring period, and consider the search spaces that appeared later in the energy-saving monitoring period as valid, until the total number of valid search spaces and the number of invalid search spaces that can be considered valid is equal to the minimum number of valid search spaces.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, One or more of the multiple search spaces include multiple candidate options, and the one or more search spaces that identify invalid options include: Identify one or more invalid candidates from the one or more search spaces. The total number of valid search spaces and the number of invalid search spaces that can be considered valid is compared with the minimum number of valid search spaces. If the total number is greater than the minimum number of valid search spaces, Prioritize one or more other search spaces that are identified as invalid and have more invalid candidates, and select one or more search spaces that are identified as invalid and have fewer invalid candidates, until the total number of valid search spaces and the number of invalid search spaces that can be considered valid equals the minimum number of valid search spaces.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, Candidates in the search space are considered invalid because they at least partially overlap with reserved resources or synchronization signal blocks.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, the method comprising: The total number of valid search spaces and the total number of invalid search spaces that can be considered valid are compared with the minimum number of valid search spaces. If the total number is less than the minimum number of valid search spaces, the receiver is controlled to enter a state for receiving signals during the DRX_ON period.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the method comprises: The total number of valid search spaces and the total number of invalid search spaces that can be considered valid are compared with the minimum number of valid search spaces. If the total number is less than the minimum number of valid search spaces, Each of the valid search spaces and the invalid search spaces that can be considered valid for the WUS are monitored, wherein the WUS can provide an indication that the communication device should enter a low-power state during the DRX_ON period, and if the communication device detects an indication that the receiver should enter a low-power state during the DRX_ON period, the receiver enters a low-power state during the DRX_ON period; otherwise, the communication device controls the receiver to enter a state for receiving signals during the DRX_ON period.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the method comprises: The total number of valid search spaces and the total number of invalid search spaces that can be considered valid are compared with the minimum number of valid search spaces. If the total number is less than the minimum number of valid search spaces, Then monitor each of the valid search spaces and the invalid search spaces that can be considered valid for the WUS.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the method comprises: The total number of valid search spaces and the total number of invalid search spaces that can be considered valid is compared with the minimum number of valid search spaces. If the total number is greater than the minimum number of valid search spaces, Monitor each of the valid search spaces and the invalid search spaces that can be considered valid for the WUS.

20. A method for receiving at a communication device, the method comprising: Determine the effective number of search spaces from which the wake-up signal (WUS) can be effectively received during the energy-saving monitoring period. The effective number of search spaces is one or more of a plurality of search spaces provided by the wireless communication network for transmitting the wake-up signal via the downlink physical control channel of the wireless access interface. The WUS indicates that the receiver of the communication device should be powered to a higher power state to receive the signal during the discontinuous reception DRX_ON period, and if the number of effective search spaces is less than the minimum number of effective search spaces (… N mon ), Identify one or more invalid search spaces. Identify whether one or more of the multiple search spaces in which the wireless communication network will repeatedly transmit the WUS in the search space are valid search spaces, and The monitoring wireless communication network has indicated that the WUS will be transmitted over the search space, including one or more valid search spaces.

21. A communication device for receiving signals from a wireless communication network, the communication device comprising: The receiver circuit is configured to receive signals transmitted via a wireless access interface provided by the wireless communication network, and The controller circuit is configured as follows: Determine the effective number of search spaces from which the wake-up signal (WUS) can be effectively received during the energy-saving monitoring period. The effective number of search spaces is one or more of a plurality of search spaces provided by the wireless communication network for transmitting the wake-up signal via the downlink physical control channel of the wireless access interface. The WUS indicates that the controller circuit should configure the receiver circuit to receive signals during discontinuous DRX_ON periods, and if the number of effective search spaces is less than the minimum number of effective search spaces (… N mon Then configure the controller circuit as follows: Identify one or more invalid search spaces, and Determine one or more search spaces in the invalid search space that can be considered valid, and control the receiver circuitry accordingly: Monitor the valid search space and the search space considered valid for the WUS.

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