Early Measurement Reporting Using Periodic Measurements

Abstract

A method, apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium for performing early measurement reporting using periodic measurements are provided. In an example implementation, the method may include a user equipment determining that the user equipment is configured for enhanced early measurement reporting, performing cell reselection measurements based at least on cell reselection configuration, and when the user equipment is configured for enhanced early measurement reporting, performing early measurement reporting using the reselection measurements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to wireless communication and, more particularly, to early measurement reporting. Background Art

[0002] A communication system can be a facility enabling communication between two or more nodes or devices, such as fixed or mobile communication devices. Signals can be transmitted on a wired or wireless carrier.

[0003] An example of a cellular communication system is an architecture standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The latest developments in this area are generally referred to as the Long-Term Evolution (LTE) of the Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) radio access technology. E-UTRA (Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access) is the air interface of the 3GPP's mobile network Long-Term Evolution (LTE) upgrade path. In LTE, a base station or access point (AP), called an enhanced Node AP or evolved Node B (eNB), provides wireless access within a coverage area or cell. In LTE, a mobile device or mobile station is called a user equipment (UE). LTE has included many improvements or developments.

[0004] The 5G New Radio (NR) development is part of the ongoing mobile broadband evolution process to meet 5G requirements, similar to the early evolution of 3G and 4G wireless networks. Additionally, in addition to mobile broadband, 5G also targets emerging use cases. One goal of 5G is to significantly improve wireless performance, which can include new levels of data rate, latency, reliability, and security. 5G NR can also be extended to efficiently connect large-scale Internet of Things (IoT), and can provide new types of mission-critical services. Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication (URLLC) devices may require high reliability and extremely low latency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Various example implementations are described and / or illustrated. Details of one or more examples of the implementations are set forth in the drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the specification, the drawings, and the claims.

[0006] A method, apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium for performing early measurement reporting using periodic measurements are provided. In an example implementation, the method can include a user equipment determining that the user equipment is configured for enhanced early measurement reporting, performing cell reselection measurements at least based on cell reselection configuration, and using the reselection measurements for early measurement reporting when the user equipment is configured for enhanced early measurement reporting. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a wireless network according to an example implementation.

[0008] Figure 2 Shows an enhanced early measurement report (EMR) process according to an example implementation.

[0009] Figure 3 Shows another enhanced early measurement report (EMR) process according to another example implementation.

[0010] Figure 4 Is a flowchart showing an enhanced early measurement report (EMR) process according to an example implementation.

[0011] Figure 5 Is a flowchart showing another enhanced early measurement report (EMR) process according to an example implementation.

[0012] Figure 6 Shows the utilization of reselection measurements for early measurement reporting according to an example implementation.

[0013] Figure 7 Is a flowchart showing early measurement reporting using reselection measurements according to an example implementation.

[0014] Figure 8 Is a block diagram of a node or wireless station (e.g., base station / access point or mobile station / user equipment / UE) according to an example implementation. Detailed Description

[0015] Figure 1 Is a block diagram of a wireless network 130 according to an example implementation. In Figure 1 In the wireless network 130, user devices (UD) 131, 132, 133, and 135 (which may also be referred to as mobile stations (MS) or user equipment (UE)) may be connected (and communicate) with a base station (BS) 134 (which may also be referred to as an access point (AP), evolved Node B (eNB), next-generation Node B (gNB), or network node). At least a portion of the functionality of an access point (AP), base station (BS), (e)Node B (eNB), or gNB may also be performed by any node, server, or host that may be operably coupled to a transceiver (such as a remote radio head). The BS (or AP) 134 provides wireless coverage within a cell 136, including to user devices 131, 132, 133, and 135. Although only four user devices are shown as being connected or attached to the BS 134, any number of user devices may be provided. The BS 134 is also connected to a core network 150 via an S1 interface 151. This is merely a simple example of a wireless network, and other wireless networks may be used.

[0016] A user device (user terminal, user equipment (UE)) may refer to a portable computing device that includes a wireless mobile communication device operating with or without a subscriber identity module (SIM), including but not limited to the following types of devices: mobile station (MS), mobile phone, cell phone, smartphone, personal digital assistant (PDA), earphone, device using a wireless modem (such as an alarm or measurement device), laptop computer and / or touchscreen computer, tablet computer, phablet, game console, notebook computer, and multimedia device, or any other wireless device. It should be understood that the user device may also be an almost exclusive uplink-only device, and an example of an uplink-only device is a camera or video camera that loads images or video clips onto the network.

[0017] In LTE (as an example), the core network 150 may be referred to as the evolved packet core (EPC), which may include a mobility management entity (MME) that can handle or assist the mobility / handover of the user device between base stations, one or more gateways that can forward data and control signals between the base station and the packet data network or the Internet, and other control functions or blocks. In 5G, the 5G packet core (5GC) provides the functions provided by the EPC in 4G / LTE.

[0018] In addition, as illustrative examples, the various example implementations or technologies described herein may be applied to various types of user devices or data service types, or may be applied to user devices on which multiple applications may be run, and these applications may have different data service types. The new radio (5G) development may support a variety of different applications or a variety of different data service types, such as: machine type communication (MTC), enhanced machine type communication (eMTC), Internet of Things (IoT), and / or narrowband IoT user devices, enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), and ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC).

[0019] IoT may refer to a growing group of objects that may have Internet or network connectivity, enabling these objects to send information to and receive information from other network devices. For example, many sensor-type applications or devices can monitor physical conditions or states and can send reports to a server or other network devices, for example, when an event occurs. For example, the characteristics of machine type communication (MTC or machine-to-machine communication) may be the full-automatic generation, exchange, processing, and actuation of data between intelligent machines, with or without human intervention. Enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) may support higher data rates than those available in current LTE.

[0020] Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication (URLLC) is a new type of data service or new usage scenario that a New Radio (5G) system can support. This enables emerging new applications and services, such as industrial automation, autonomous driving, vehicle safety, e-health services, etc. As an illustrative example, the goal of 3GPP is to provide U-plane (user / data plane) latency connectivity of up to, for example, 1 ms and a reliability of 1 - 1e-5. Thus, for example, a URLLC user equipment / UE may require a significantly lower block error rate and low latency compared to other types of user equipment / UE. Thus, for example, a URLLC UE (or a URLLC application running on the UE) may require a shorter latency compared to an eMBB UE (or an eMBB application running on the UE).

[0021] Various example implementations can be applied to a wide variety of wireless technologies or wireless networks, such as LTE, LTE-A, 5G, IoT, MTC, eMTC, eMBB, URLLC, etc., or any other wireless network or wireless technology. These example networks, technologies, or data service types are provided only as illustrative examples.

[0022] Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) can refer to a technique that uses multiple transmit and receive antennas to increase the radio link capacity to exploit multipath propagation. MIMO can include using multiple antennas at the transmitter and / or receiver. MIMO can include a multi-dimensional method of transmitting and receiving two or more unique data streams over one radio channel. For example, MIMO can refer to a technique for simultaneously transmitting and receiving more than one data signal over the same radio channel by exploiting multipath propagation. According to an illustrative example, Multi-User Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (Multi-User MIMIO or MU-MIMO) enhances the MIMO technique by allowing a base station (BS) or other wireless node to simultaneously transmit or receive multiple streams to different user equipment or UEs, which can include simultaneously transmitting a first stream to a first UE and a second stream to a second UE via the same (or common or shared) set of physical resource blocks (PRBs) (e.g., where each PRB can include a set of time-frequency resources).

[0023] In addition, the BS can use precoding to transmit data to the UE (based on a precoder matrix or precoder vector for the UE). For example, the UE can receive a reference signal or a pilot signal and can determine a quantized version of the DL channel estimate and then provide an indication of the quantized DL channel estimate to the BS. The BS can determine a precoder matrix based on the quantized channel estimate, where the precoder matrix can be used to concentrate or direct the transmission signal energy in the best channel direction of the UE. In addition, each UE can use a decoder matrix that can be determined. For example, the UE can receive a reference signal from the BS, determine the channel estimate of the DL channel, and then determine the decoder matrix of the DL channel based on the DL channel estimate. For example, the precoder matrix can indicate the antenna weights (e.g., the magnitude / gain and phase of each weight) to be applied to the antenna array of the transmitting wireless device. Similarly, the decoder matrix can indicate the antenna weights (e.g., the magnitude / gain and phase of each weight) to be applied to the antenna array of the receiving wireless device. This also applies to the UL when the UE is transmitting data to the BS.

[0024] For example, according to an example aspect, a receiving wireless user equipment can use interference rejection combining (IRC) to determine a precoder matrix, where the user equipment can receive reference signals (or other signals) from multiple BSs (e.g., and can measure the signal strength, signal power, or other signal parameters of the signals received from each BS), and can generate a decoder matrix that can suppress or reduce signals from one or more interference sources (or interfering cells or BSs), e.g., by providing nulls (or very low antenna gains) in the direction of the interfering signals to increase the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) of the desired signal. To reduce the overall interference from multiple different interference sources, the receiver can use, for example, a linear minimum mean square error interference rejection combining (LMMSE-IRC) receiver to determine the decoding matrix. The IRC receiver and the LMMSE-IRC receiver are merely examples, and other types of receivers or techniques can be used to determine the decoder matrix. After the decoder matrix has been determined, the receiving UE / user equipment can apply antenna weights (e.g., each antenna weight, including magnitude and phase) to the multiple antennas at the receiving UE or device based on the decoder matrix. Similarly, the precoder matrix can include antenna weights that can be applied to the antennas of the transmitting wireless device or node. This also applies to the receiving base station.

[0025] A user equipment (UE) may perform early measurement report (EMR) measurements while a timer (e.g., T331 timer) is running. This consumes the UE's battery power. It is desirable for the UE to perform EMR measurements only when needed. Currently, a network node (e.g., gNB / NR) may configure the UE to perform EMR measurements only when the UE transitions from a high-power radio resource control (RRC) state (e.g., RRC_CONNECTED) to a low-power RRC state (e.g., INACTIVE, IDLE, etc.) and when the T331 timer is still running, which still results in unnecessary power consumption when the same frequency is not being measured for reselection purposes. However, if the UE starts measuring only shortly after connection is needed, it is likely that no measurement is available (or the measurement is unreliable) when the report occurs (e.g., in a setup complete / resume complete message). For example, a network node may use an RRC release message with measIdleDuration to command the UE to perform EMR measurements (T331). When the UE is in RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE, T331 is running, and SIB1 contains idleModeMeasurements, the UE performs EMR measurements. The IdleModeMeasurements field in SIB1 indicates the availability of idle / inactive measurement reports that the UE may include during connection establishment or resume. The EMR measurement configuration may be given in the RRC release or SIB11. When both the RRC release and SIB11 contain an EMR configuration, the configuration in the RRC release takes precedence over the SIB11 configuration.

[0026] For example, in a wireless network, a network node (e.g., gNB / eNB) may request the UE to measure new radio (NR) and / or evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) carriers in an inactive / idle state via system information (SI) in an RRC release message or a dedicated measurement configuration. If the UE is configured to perform measurements of NR / E-UTRA carriers in the idle state, it may provide an indication of the availability of the corresponding measurement results to the network in an RRCSetupComplete message. The network may request the UE to report the measurements after security activation. The request for measurements may be sent by the network immediately after transmitting a security mode command (e.g., before receiving a security mode complete from the UE). However, if the UE is configured to perform measurements of NR / E-UTRA carriers when the UE is in an inactive state, the network may request the UE to provide the corresponding measurement results in an RRCResume message, and then the UE may include the available measurement results in an RRCRresumeComplete message. Alternatively, the UE may provide an indication of the availability of the measurement results to the network in an RRCResumeComplete message, and then the network may request the UE to provide these measurement results.

[0027] Therefore, it is desirable and / or necessary to report good measurement results soon after the start of connection establishment in order to configure carrier aggregation (CA) or dual connectivity (DA) as early as possible.

[0028] This disclosure describes an example enhanced early measurement report (EMR) process. The eEMR process in an example implementation may include: determining that a user equipment is configured for eEMR, and determining whether to initiate early measurement report measurements in response to determining that the user equipment is configured for enhanced early measurement reporting. The eEMR process may also include initiating EMR measurements in response to determining to initiate eEMR measurements.

[0029] This disclosure describes a method, apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium for early measurement reporting using periodic measurements. In an example implementation, the method may include: a user equipment determining that the user equipment is configured for enhanced early measurement reporting, performing cell reselection measurements at least based on cell reselection configuration, and using the reselection measurements for early measurement reporting when the user equipment is configured for enhanced early measurement reporting.

[0030] Figure 2 An enhanced early measurement report (eEMR) process 200 according to an example implementation is shown.

[0031] At 210, a UE (e.g., UE 202) may be in the RRC_CONNECTED state and may communicate with a network node (e.g., gNB / gNB 204).

[0032] At 212, UE 202 may receive an RRC release message from gNB 204. In an example implementation, when the UE is in the RRC_CONNECTED state, the gNB may send (or transmit) an RRC release message to the UE to command the release or suspension of the RRC connection (e.g., using suspendConfig, which may indicate the configuration of the RRC_INACTIVE state). In an example implementation, the RRC release message may command the release of the RRC connection such that the UE may transition to the RRC_IDLE state. In another example implementation, the RRC release message may command the suspension of the RRC connection such that the UE may transition to the RRC_INACTIVE state.

[0033] In some implementations, the RRC release message may include several information elements (IEs) or parameters. In an example implementation, the RRC release message may include system information (SI), EMR configuration, eEMR configuration, and T331 timer value, etc. In an example implementation, the eEMR configuration may include an indication for the UE to save (or retain) the EMR configuration when the T331 timer expires, and this indication is received at 212. In an example implementation, the RRC release message may contain information for EMR measurement, for example, the MeasIdleConfig information element (IE). The MeasIdleConfig IE can be used to convey information to the UE about the measurements to be performed when the UE is in the RRC_IDLE or RRC - INACTVE state.

[0034] At 214, when receiving the RRC release message from the gNB, the UE 202 may transition the UE 202 to the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state, for example, to save UE power / battery and / or network resources.

[0035] When the UE transitions to the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state, at 216, the UE 202 may perform EMR measurements as defined in TS38.331. For example, 5.7.8 of TS 38.331 describes a procedure that specifies the measurements performed by a UE in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state when the UE has an idle / inactive measurement configuration and the storage of available measurements for the UE in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state. In some implementations, for example, when the T331 timer is running (e.g., the T331 timer has not expired), the UE 202 may perform EMR measurements. The UE may perform EMR measurements based at least on the EMR configuration received from the gNB 204 at 212 (e.g., via an RRC message or SIB11).

[0036] At 218, when the T331 timer expires, the UE 202 may stop EMR measurements. In other words, the UE may perform EMR measurements based at least on the EMR configuration and once the T331 timer expires, stop performing (e.g., measuring, collecting, etc.) EMR measurements.

[0037] When the T331 timer expires, at 220, the UE 202 may save the EMR configuration received at 212. Since once the T331 timer expires, the UE may delete the EMR configuration received from the gNB, in some implementations, for example, if the UE is configured with an eEMR configuration, the UE 202 may save the EMR configuration received at 212. This allows the UE to perform EMR measurements based at least on the EMR configuration even after the T331 timer expires. In some implementations, for example, if the UE is configured for eEMR, the UE 202 may save the EMR configuration.

[0038] In some implementations, if the UE is configured with an eEMR configuration or supports eEMR, the UE may decide to save the EMR configuration when the T331 timer expires.

[0039] After a period of time at 222, at 224, the UE 202 may receive a wake-up signal / indication from the gNB 204 to wake up, or receive a paging message. In some implementations, for example, the wake-up signal / indication or paging message may include an indication to initiate EMR measurements at the UE and / or report EMR measurements to the gNB. For example, in some implementations, the wake-up signal (WUS) may allow the UE to skip the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) monitoring for paging reception in the idle / inactive state (or mode), or skip the PDCCH monitoring for OnDuration when no data transmission is required in the connected mode. If the network node intends to send a paging message to the UE or intends to schedule the UE, the network node may send wake-up signaling to the UE during the (multiple) WUS occasions to wake up the UE, and then the UE will monitor the paging reception or scheduled data of the normal PDCCH during the upcoming OnDuration. In the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), the WUS may be referred to as downlink control information (DCI) with a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) scrambled by a power saving radio network temporary identity (PS-RNTI) DCP. The WUS may be a reference signal or sequence received / decoded by the UE. The WUS may be a special downlink control information (DCI) format that may wake up an individual UE, a group of UEs, or all UEs that decode the WUS.

[0040] At 226, in response to the reception of a wake-up signal / indication or a paging message, the UE 202 may start or initiate EMR measurements. In some implementations, for example, the UE 202 may start EMR measurements based at least on the EMR configuration received at 212. In some implementations, for example, the wake-up signal / indication or the paging message may also instruct the UE to perform EMR measurements. Additionally, in some implementations, for example, the wake-up signal / indication or the paging message may also instruct the UE to report EMR measurements to the gNB. In an example implementation, when the UE transitions to the RRC_CONNECTED state, the UE may report EMR measurements to the gNB.

[0041] At 228, the UE 202 may perform connection establishment with the gNB, and the gNB may configure carrier aggregation (CA) or dual connectivity (DC) configurations and transmit EMR measurements (e.g., EMR reports or EMR results) to the gNB.

[0042] At 230, once the connection is established, the UE 202 may transition to the RRC_CONNECTED state. In some implementations, for example, the UE may be configured with CA or DC. For example, if the UE provides sufficiently good EMR results for CA or DC, the gNB may configure CA or DC for the UE. In an example implementation, if the reported RSRP is sufficiently good for cells a, b, and c, the gNB may configure CA or DC with cells a, b, and / or c.

[0043] Thus, after transitioning to the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state, the UE may perform EMR measurements when the T331 timer expires in response to a wake-up signal / indication or a paging message. The UE may perform EMR measurements and collect measurement results based at least on the EMR configuration saved by the UE after the T331 timer expires. The UE may save the EMR configuration in response to receiving an eEMR configuration from the gNB. In other words, even though the T331 timer has expired, the UE may save the EMR configuration. In some implementations, if the UE is configured for eEMR configuration or the UE supports eEMR, the UE may save the EMR configuration, for example, based on 3GPP specifications.

[0044] Figure 3 Another enhanced early measurement report (EMR) procedure 300 according to another example implementation is shown.

[0045] For example, in some implementations, Figure 3 the operations shown at 210 - 222 and 226 - 230 may be the same as or similar to Figure 2 the operations shown at 210 - 222 and 226 - 230.

[0046] At 324, the UE 202 may detect the availability (presence) of uplink data for transmission to the gNB 204 in the buffer at the UE. In response to detecting the availability of the uplink for transmission, the UE 202 may start EMR measurements and collect measurement results, as described previously with reference to Figure 2 as described in 226.

[0047] Thus, after transitioning to the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state, the UE may perform EMR measurements when the T331 timer expires / after in response to detecting the availability of uplink data for transmission to the gNB. The UE may perform EMR measurements after the T331 timer expires based at least on the EMR configuration saved by the UE, as described previously with reference to Figure 2 as described.

[0048] Figure 4 FIG. 400 is a flowchart illustrating an enhanced early measurement report (EMR) process according to an example implementation.

[0049] At block 410, the UE (e.g., UE 202) may determine that the user equipment is configured for enhanced early measurement reporting.

[0050] In some implementations, for example, the UE may be configured for eEMR configuration based at least on an RRC message received from the gNB. In another example implementation, the RRC message may be an RRC release message or an SIB. In another example implementation, the UE may determine that the UE is configured for eEMR based on whether the UE supports eEMR.

[0051] At block 420, when the user equipment is configured for enhanced early measurement reporting, the UE may determine whether to initiate early measurement report measurements based on an indication. In some implementations, for example, when the UE is configured for enhanced early measurement reporting, the UE may initiate EMR measurements in response to receiving an indication (e.g., a wake-up signal / indication or a paging message) from the gNB. In another example implementation, the UE may initiate EMR measurements and collect measurement results in response to an indication that may be the availability of uplink data for transmission to the gNB in the buffer at the UE. In another example implementation, the wake-up signal / indication or the paging message may also instruct the UE to report the EMR measurements to the gNB.

[0052] At block 430, the UE may initiate early measurement report measurements and collect measurement results. In an example implementation, the UE may initiate EMR in response to determining to initiate EMR measurements. In an example implementation, the UE may initiate EMR measurements before, during, and / or after connection establishment, connection restoration, and / or a random process.

[0053] Optionally, in some implementations, for example, at block 440, the UE may transmit EMR measurements to the gNB.

[0054] Thus, after transitioning to the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state, the UE may perform EMR measurements when / after the T331 timer expires and may report the measurements to the gNB.

[0055] Figure 5 FIG. 500 is a flowchart showing an enhanced early measurement report (EMR) process according to an example implementation.

[0056] At block 510, a network node (e.g., gNB 204) may transmit an enhanced early measurement report configuration to a user equipment (e.g., UE 202).

[0057] At block 520, the network node may receive early measurement report measurements. In some implementations, for example, the early measurement report measurements may be collected at the UE based at least on an early measurement report configuration sent by the gNB.

[0058] Thus, the gNB may receive early measurement report measurements based at least on the enhanced early measurement report configuration sent to the user equipment.

[0059] Other example implementations are described herein.

[0060] Example 1. A communication method, comprising: determining, by a user equipment, that the user equipment is configured for enhanced early measurement reporting; when the user equipment is configured for enhanced early measurement reporting, determining, by the user equipment, whether to initiate early measurement report measurements based on an indication; and in response to determining to initiate the early measurement report measurements, initiating, by the user equipment, the early measurement report measurements.

[0061] Example 2. The method according to Example 1, wherein the indication comprises: a wake-up signal / indication or a paging message received by the user equipment from the network node; or uplink data becoming available for transmission at the user equipment.

[0062] Example 3. The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 2, further comprising: transmitting the early measurement report measurements to a network node.

[0063] Example 4. The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 2, further comprising: sending a message indicating the availability of the early measurement report measurements to a network node; receiving, from the network node, a request to send the available early measurement report measurements; and transmitting the early measurement report measurements to the network node.

[0064] Example 5. The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the wake-up signal / indication or paging message further instructs the user equipment to perform the transmission of the initiation and / or the early measurement report measurement to the network node.

[0065] Example 6. The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the early measurement report measurement is an idle / inactive measurement.

[0066] Example 7. The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the user equipment is configured to perform enhanced early measurement reporting based at least on a radio resource control message from the network node.

[0067] Example 8. The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the radio resource control message is a radio resource control release message.

[0068] Example 9. The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the user equipment is configured to perform enhanced early measurement reporting based on whether the user equipment supports enhanced early measurement reporting.

[0069] Example 10. The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, further comprising: receiving, by the user equipment, an early measurement report configuration from the network node; and in response to determining that the user equipment is configured for enhanced early measurement reporting, saving the early measurement report configuration received by the user equipment from the network node when a T331 timer expires.

[0070] Example 11. The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the user equipment initiates, collects, or measures early measurement report measurements before, during, and / or after one or more of a connection establishment, connection recovery, and random access procedure.

[0071] Example 12. The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 11, further comprising: terminating the early measurement report measurement when reporting the early measurement report measurement to the network node.

[0072] Example 13. The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the network node is a gNB.

[0073] Example 14. A communication method, comprising: transmitting, by a network node, an enhanced early measurement report configuration to a user equipment; and receiving, by the network node, an early measurement report measurement from the user equipment, the early measurement report measurement being performed at the user equipment based at least on the enhanced early measurement report configuration.

[0074] Example 15. The method according to Example 14 further includes: transmitting an enhanced early measurement report configuration to a user equipment, wherein the reception of the early measurement report measured from the user equipment is at least based on the enhanced early measurement report configuration and the early measurement report configuration.

[0075] Example 16. The method according to any one of Examples 14 to 15 further includes: transmitting a wake-up signal / indication or a paging message to the user equipment.

[0076] Example 17. The method according to any one of Examples 14 to 16, wherein the wake-up signal / indication or the paging message includes an indication to initiate early measurement report measurement.

[0077] Example 18. The method according to any one of Examples 14 to 17, wherein the network node is a gNB.

[0078] Example 19. An apparatus includes components for performing the method according to any one of Examples 1 to 18.

[0079] Example 20. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium includes instructions stored thereon, which when executed by at least one processor are configured to cause a computing system to perform the method according to any one of Examples 1 to 18.

[0080] Example 21. An apparatus includes:

[0081] at least one processor; and

[0082] at least one memory including computer program code;

[0083] The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform the method according to any one of Examples 1 to 18.

[0084] Figure 6 Illustrated is the utilization of reselection measurement for early measurement report 600 implemented according to an example.

[0085] At 610, a UE (e.g., the UE 202 of ( Figure 2 )) can be in the RRC_CONNECTED state and can communicate with a network node (e.g., a gNB (e.g., Figure 2 the gNB 204)).

[0086] At 612, the UE 202 can receive an RRC release message from the gNB 204, as described in detail in 212 with reference to Figure 2 above.

[0087] In some implementations, the RRC release message may include several information elements (IEs) or parameters. In an example implementation, the RRC release message may include EMR configuration, enhanced EMR (eEMR) configuration, T331 timer value, etc. In an example implementation, the eEMR configuration may instruct the UE to use the EMR configuration to perform EMR measurements and reselection measurements.

[0088] In an example implementation, the eEMR configuration may indicate one or more cells (e.g., cells [1,2,3]) or frequencies (e.g., frequencies [X,Y,Z] for performing EMR measurements), and indicate that the EMR measurements can be performed together with reselection measurements. Additionally, in some implementations, the eEMR configuration may indicate to the UE that the UE may use cell reselection measurements as EMR measurements (or EMR measurement results) instead of performing EMR measurements, as described in detail below.

[0089] At 614, after receiving the RRC release message from the gNB, the UE 202 may transition the UE 202 to the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state, e.g., to save battery / power and / or network resources.

[0090] At 616, the UE 202 may receive system information (SI) from the gNB 204. For example, in some implementations, the system information may indicate cell reselection configuration (or cell reselection information). For example, the cell reselection configuration may include neighboring cell information, such as cells [1,3] and / or frequencies [X,Z], such that the UE may perform reselection measurements for cells [1,3] and / or frequencies [X,Z].

[0091] In some implementations, for example, the UE 202 may receive system information via one or more system information blocks (SIBs) (e.g., SIB2, SIB3, SIB4, SIB5, etc.). For example, SIB2 may contain cell reselection information that is common to in-frequency, inter-frequency, and / or inter-radio access technology (RAT) cell reselection (e.g., may be applicable to more than one type of cell reselection, but not necessarily all), and in-frequency cell reselection information for cells other than the relevant neighboring cells. SIB3 may contain neighboring cell-related information that is only relevant to in-frequency cell reselection. The relevant information elements (IEs) may include cells with specific reselection parameters and blacklisted cells. SIB4 may contain information that is only relevant to inter-frequency cell reselection, e.g., information about other NR frequencies and inter-frequency neighboring cells related to cell reselection. The relevant IEs may include cell reselection parameters common to the frequencies and cell-specific reselection parameters. SIB5 may contain information that is only relevant to inter-RAT cell reselection, e.g., information about E-UTRA frequencies and E-UTRA neighboring cells related to cell reselection. The relevant IEs may include cell reselection parameters common to the frequencies.

[0092] Optionally, at 618, the UE 202 may perform EMR measurements. For example, in some implementations, the UE 202 may perform EMR measurements for cells [1,2,3] or frequencies [X,Y,Z] defined in 3GPP specification TS 38.331 based at least on the EMR configuration. In some implementations, for example, the UE 202 may perform EMR measurements while the T331 timer is running (e.g., the T331 timer has not expired).

[0093] At 620, the T331 timer may expire. When the T331 timer expires, the UE 202 may stop performing the optional EMR measurements. In other words, the UE 202 may perform EMR measurements while the T331 timer is running and stop the EMR measurements when the T331 timer expires.

[0094] At 622, the UE 202 may perform cell reselection measurements. For example, in some implementations, the UE 202 may perform cell reselection measurements for cells [1,3] and / or frequencies [X,Z] based at least on the information received via the system information at 616. In some implementations, the UE may perform periodic measurements (e.g., cell reselection measurements) according to 3GPP TS 38.304. In some implementations, the UE may perform cell reselection measurements on measurement objects that are common to the cell reselection configuration and the early measurement report configuration. In some implementations, for example, the measurement objects may include cells / frequencies and / or radio access technology (RAT).

[0095] At 624, the UE 204 may save cell reselection measurement results, which may be based at least on reselection measurements of frequencies [X, Z] and / or cells [1, 3]. In some implementations, for example, since frequencies [X, Z] and cells [1, 3] are common between the reselection measurement configuration and the EMR measurement configuration, the UE 202 may save the measurement results of frequencies [X, Z] and / or cells [1, 3]. In an example implementation, the cell reselection measurement may be used as the EMR measurement. In other words, the cell reselection measurement may be saved as the EMR measurement.

[0096] In some implementations, optionally, for example, it should be noted that when T331 is running, the UE may perform measurements for EMR purposes (e.g., for cells [1, 2, 3] / frequencies [X, Y, Z]) and reselection measurements (e.g., for cells [1, 3] / frequencies [X, Z]). However, when the T331 timer expires, the UE 202 may stop performing EMR measurements.

[0097] At 626, the UE 202 may detect the availability (presence) of uplink data for transmission to the gNB 204 in the buffer at the UE.

[0098] Alternatively, in some implementations, for example, after a period of time, the UE 202 may receive a wake-up signal / indication or a paging message from the gNB 204. In some implementations, the UE may receive a wake-up indication indicating that the paging occasion of the UE can be monitored, or a paging message for a mobile-terminated connection.

[0099] In response to detecting the availability of uplink data for transmission, at 628, the UE 202 in the idle state may send an RRC establishment request message to the gNB 204. In some implementations, in response to detecting the availability of uplink data for transmission, at 628, the UE 202 in the inactive state may send an RRC resume request message to the gNB 204.

[0100] At 630, the UE 202 may receive an RRC establishment message (or an RRC resume message) from the gNB 204 in response to the RRC establishment request message sent to the gNB.

[0101] At 632, the UE 202 may send an RRC establishment / resume complete message to the gNB 204. For example, in some implementations, the RRC establishment and resume complete message may include an indication that EMR measurements are available.

[0102] At 634, the UE 202 may send the EMR measurement results of cells [1, 3] from frequencies [X, Z] to the gNB 204.

[0103] At 636, the UE 202 may receive an RRC reconfiguration message from the gNB 204. For example, in some implementations, the RRC reconfiguration message may include a carrier aggregation or dual connectivity configuration for cells [1,3] from frequency [X,Z].

[0104] At 638, the UE may send an RRC reconfiguration complete message to the gNB.

[0105] At 640, the carrier aggregation or dual connectivity configuration may be completed.

[0106] Thus, after transitioning from the RRC_CONNECTED state to the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state, the UE may perform EMR measurements and reselection measurements, and utilize the reselection measurements for early measurement reporting purposes.

[0107] In some implementations, for example, if a newly defined timer (e.g., a second timer or another timer) is still running, the UE 202 may be configured to report at least a portion of the early measurement report measurements performed while the T331 timer was running when the T331 timer expires. The new (or additional) timer may be started when the UE stops the early measurement report measurements and the UE believes that measurements are to be reported before the new / additional timer expires and a connection establishment is triggered.

[0108] In some implementations, for example, to have sufficiently good measurement results to report soon after connection establishment begins (e.g., a paging / wake-up signal or message, user data has arrived to be sent), additional implementations may include defining new measurement requirements for enhanced early measurement reporting. These new measurement requirements may be used when enhanced early measurement reporting is initiated, e.g., when the T331 timer expires, and the enhanced early measurement report is provided for the UE.

[0109] Figure 7 is a flowchart 700 showing early measurement reporting using reselection measurements according to an example implementation.

[0110] In block 710, the UE (e.g., UE 202) may determine that the user equipment is configured for enhanced early measurement reporting. In some implementations, for example, the UE may be configured for eEMR configuration based at least on an RRC message received from the gNB. In another example implementation, the UE may determine that the UE is configured for eEMR based on whether the UE supports eEMR.

[0111] At block 720, the UE 202 may perform cell reselection measurements based at least on cell reselection configuration. In some implementations, for example, the UE 202 may perform cell reselection measurements based at least on cell reselection information (e.g., cell [1,3] / frequency [X,Z]) received from the gNB via system information.

[0112] At block 730, when the user equipment is configured for enhanced early measurement reporting, the UE 202 may use the reselection measurements for early measurement reporting. In some implementations, for example, when the user equipment is configured for enhanced early measurement reporting, the UE 202 may use the reselection measurements (e.g., for cell [1,3] / frequency [X,Z]) for early measurement reporting.

[0113] Optionally, in some implementations, for example, if the UE 202 has time to measure, the UE 202 may provide early measurement report measurements for cell [2] from frequency [Y] (in addition to cell [1,3] / frequency [X,Z]).

[0114] Thus, after transitioning from the RRC_CONNECTED state to the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state, the UE may perform reselection measurements and utilize the reselection measurements for early measurement reporting purposes. In other words, the UE may collect / store reselection measurement results for EMR purposes, and the UE may provide these results to a network node.

[0115] Other example implementations are described herein.

[0116] Example 22. A communication method, comprising:

[0117] determining, by a user equipment, that the user equipment is configured for enhanced early measurement reporting;

[0118] performing, by the user equipment, early measurement report measurements and cell reselection measurements based at least on cell reselection configuration; and

[0119] using, by the user equipment, the cell reselection measurements for early measurement reporting when the user equipment is configured for enhanced early measurement reporting.

[0120] Example 23. The method according to example 22, wherein using the cell reselection measurements for the early measurement reporting comprises one or more of the following:

[0121] storing cell reselection measurement results as early measurement report measurement results for early measurement reporting;

[0122] transmitting an indication to a network node that the early measurement report measurement results are available; and

[0123] Transmit the early measurement report measurement result to the network node.

[0124] Example 24. The method according to any one of Examples 22 - 23, wherein the early measurement report includes one or more of the following: performing the early measurement report measurement, collecting the early measurement report measurement result, and reporting the early measurement report measurement result to the network node.

[0125] Example 25. The method according to any one of Examples 22 - 24, wherein the performing is at least based on a measurement object that is at least common in the cell reselection configuration and the early measurement report configuration.

[0126] Example 26. The method according to any one of Examples 22 - 25, wherein the measurement object includes one or more of a cell or a frequency and a radio access technology.

[0127] Example 27. The method according to any one of Examples 22 - 26, wherein the measurement includes one or more of a reference signal received power measurement and a reference signal received quality measurement.

[0128] Example 28. The method according to any one of Examples 22 - 27, wherein the early measurement report measurement includes idle / inactive measurement.

[0129] Example 29. The method according to any one of Examples 22 - 28, further comprising:

[0130] Performing the early measurement report measurement at least based on the early measurement report configuration in addition to the cell reselection measurement that is at least based on the cell reselection configuration.

[0131] Example 30. The method according to any one of Examples 22 - 29, wherein the early measurement report measurement is performed while the T331 timer is running.

[0132] Example 31. The method according to any one of Examples 22 - 30, wherein the indication is transmitted to the network node via a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message.

[0133] Example 32. The method according to any one of Examples 22 - 31, wherein the RRC message includes an RRC establishment request, an RRC resume request, an RRC resume complete, an RRC reconstruction request, or an RRC reconstruction complete message.

[0134] Example 33. The method according to any one of Examples 22 - 32, wherein the cell reselection configuration is received from the network node via system information via one or more System Information Blocks (SIBs).

[0135] Example 34. The method according to any one of Examples 22 - 33, wherein the SIB includes one or more of SIB1, SIB3, SIB4, and SIB5.

[0136] Example 35. The method according to any one of Examples 22 - 34, further comprising:

[0137] initiating another timer when the T331 timer expires; and

[0138] determining whether to transmit the early measurement report measurement when the connection is triggered before the expiration of the other timer.

[0139] Example 36. The method according to any one of Examples 22 - 35, wherein the enhanced early measurement report configures additional measurements at the user equipment.

[0140] Example 37. The method according to any one of Examples 22 - 36, wherein the additional measurements are performed when the T331 timer expires.

[0141] Example 38. The method according to any one of Examples 22 - 37, wherein the network node is a gNB.

[0142] Example 39. An apparatus, comprising means for performing the method according to any one of Examples 22 - 38.

[0143] Example 40. A non - transitory computer - readable storage medium, comprising instructions stored thereon, the instructions being configured to cause a computing system to perform the method according to any one of Examples 22 - 38 when executed by at least one processor.

[0144] Example 41. An apparatus, comprising:

[0145] at least one processor; and

[0146] at least one memory, including computer program code;

[0147] the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform the method according to any one of Examples 22 to 38.

[0148] Figure 8It is a block diagram of a wireless station (e.g., user equipment (UE) / user device or AP / gNB / MgNB / SgNB) 800 implemented according to an example. The wireless station 800 may include, for example, one or more RF (radio frequency) or wireless transceivers 802A, 802B, where each wireless transceiver includes a transmitter for transmitting signals and a receiver for receiving signals. The wireless station also includes a processor or control unit / entity (controller) 804 / 808 for executing instructions or software and controlling the transmission and reception of signals, and a memory 806 for storing data and / or instructions.

[0149] The processor 804 may also make decisions or determinations, generate frames, packets or messages for transmission, decode the received frames or messages for further processing, and perform other tasks or functions described herein. For example, the processor 804, which may be a baseband processor, may generate messages, packets, frames or other signals for transmission via the wireless transceiver 802 (802A or 802B). The processor 804 may control the transmission of signals or messages over the wireless network and may control the reception of signals or messages, etc., via the wireless network (e.g., after being downconverted by the wireless transceiver 802). The processor 804 may be programmable and capable of executing software or other instructions stored in the memory or on other computer media to perform the various tasks and functions described above, such as one or more of the tasks or methods described above. The processor 804 may be (or may include) for example hardware, programmable logic, a programmable processor executing software or firmware, and / or any combination of these. For example, using other terms, the processor 804 and the transceiver 802 may be regarded together as a wireless transmitter / receiver system.

[0150] In addition, referring to Figure 8 , the controller (or processor) 808 may execute software and instructions and may provide overall control for the station 800 and may provide control for Figure 8 other systems not shown, such as controlling input / output devices (e.g., display, keypad), and / or may execute software for one or more applications that may be provided on the wireless station 800, such as an email program, an audio / video application, a word processor, an IP voice application, or other applications or software. Further, a storage medium including stored instructions may be provided, which when executed by the controller or processor may cause the processor 804 or other controller or processor to perform one or more of the functions or tasks described above.

[0151] According to another example implementation, one or more RF or wireless transceivers 802A / 802B can receive signals or data and / or transmit or send signals or data. The processor 804 (and possibly the transceivers 802A / 802B) can control the RF or wireless transceiver 802A or 802B to receive, send, broadcast, or transmit signals or data.

[0152] However, these aspects are not limited to the systems given as examples, but those skilled in the art can apply the solutions to other communication systems. Another example of a suitable communication system is the 5G concept. It is assumed that the network architecture in 5G will be very similar to that of advanced LTE. 5G may use multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antennas, more base stations or nodes than LTE (the so-called small cell concept), including macro sites operating in cooperation with small base stations, and may also adopt various radio technologies to achieve better coverage and enhanced data rates.

[0153] It should be understood that future networks will likely utilize network function virtualization (NFV), which is a network architecture concept that proposes virtualizing network node functions into "building blocks" or entities that can be operably connected or linked together to provide services. Virtualized network functions (VNFs) can include one or more virtual machines that run computer program code using standard or general types of servers instead of custom hardware. Cloud computing or data storage can also be used. In radio communication, this can mean that node operations can be performed at least partially in a server, host, or node operably coupled to a remote radio head. Node operations can also be distributed among multiple servers, nodes, or hosts. It should also be understood that the work distribution between core network operations and base station operations can be different from that of LTE or even non-existent.

[0154] Implementations of the various techniques described herein can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer hardware, firmware, software, or in combinations thereof. The implementation can be realized as a computer program product, i.e., a computer program tangibly embodied in an information carrier, e.g., in a machine-readable storage device or in a propagated signal, for execution or control of the operation of a data processing apparatus (e.g., a programmable processor, one computer, or multiple computers). The implementation can also be provided on a computer-readable medium or computer-readable storage medium that can be a non-transitory medium. Implementations of the various techniques can also include implementations provided via transient signals or media, and / or programs and / or software implementations downloadable via the Internet or one or more other networks (wired networks and / or wireless networks). In addition, the implementation can be provided via machine type communication (MTC) and can also be provided via the Internet of Things (IoT).

[0155] A computer program can be in source code form, object code form, or some intermediate form, and can be stored in some carrier, distribution medium, or computer-readable medium, which can be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. For example, such carriers include recording media, computer memories, read-only memories, optoelectronic and / or electrical carrier signals, telecommunication signals, and software distribution packages. Depending on the required processing power, the computer program can be executed in a single electronic digital computer or distributed among multiple computers.

[0156] In addition, the implementation of the various techniques described herein can use cyber-physical systems (CPS) (systems of collaborative computing elements that control physical entities). CPS can enable the implementation and utilization of a large number of interconnected ICT devices (sensors, actuators, processors, microcontrollers, etc.) embedded in physical objects at different locations. Mobile cyber-physical systems (where the physical systems under discussion have inherent mobility) are a subcategory of cyber-physical systems. Examples of mobile physical systems include mobile robots and electronic devices transported by humans or animals. The popularity of smartphones has increased the interest in the field of mobile cyber-physical systems. Thus, various implementations of the techniques described herein can be provided via one or more of these techniques.

[0157] Computer programs, such as the aforementioned (multiple) computer programs, can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit or part thereof suitable for a computing environment. The computer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or multiple computers, which are at one site or distributed among multiple sites and interconnected via a communication network.

[0158] Method steps can be executed by one or more programmable processors that execute a computer program or part of a computer program to perform a function by operating on input data and generating an output. Method steps can also be executed by dedicated logic circuitry, and the apparatus can be implemented as dedicated logic circuitry, such as an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit).

[0159] Processors suitable for executing computer programs include, for example, any one or more of general and special purpose microprocessors, as well as any kind of digital computer, chip, or chipset. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read only memory or a random access memory or both. Elements of a computer may include at least one processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing the instructions and data. Generally, a computer may also include or be operatively coupled to receive data from, or transfer data to, or both, one or more mass storage devices (such as, magnetic, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks) for storing the data. Information carriers suitable for embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including, for example, semiconductor memory devices such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory may be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

Claims

1. A communication method, comprising: determining, by a user equipment, that the user equipment is configured for enhanced early measurement reporting; performing, by the user equipment, cell reselection measurements based at least on a cell reselection configuration; and when the user equipment is configured for enhanced early measurement reporting, using, by the user equipment, the cell reselection measurements for early measurement reporting; wherein the method further comprises: receiving an early measurement reporting configuration; and in response to determining that the user equipment is configured for enhanced early measurement reporting, saving the early measurement reporting configuration when a T331 timer expires; wherein using the cell reselection measurements for the early measurement reporting comprises: storing cell reselection measurement results as early measurement reporting measurement results for early measurement reporting; transmitting an indication to a network node that the early measurement reporting measurement results are available; and transmitting the early measurement reporting measurement results to the network node.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the early measurement reporting comprises one or more of the following: performing the early measurement reporting measurements, collecting the early measurement reporting measurement results, and reporting the early measurement reporting measurement results to the network node.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the performing is based at least on a measurement object that is at least common in the cell reselection configuration and the early measurement reporting configuration.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the measurement object comprises one or more of a cell or a frequency, and a radio access technology.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the measurement comprises one or more of a reference signal received power measurement and a reference signal received quality measurement.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the early measurement reporting measurements comprise idle / inactive measurements.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: performing the early measurement reporting measurements based at least on the early measurement reporting configuration in addition to the cell reselection measurements based at least on the cell reselection configuration.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the early measurement reporting measurements are performed while the T331 timer is running.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the indication is transmitted to the network node via a radio resource control (RRC) message.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the RRC message comprises an RRC establishment request, an RRC resume request, an RRC resume complete, an RRC reconstruction request, or an RRC reconstruction complete message.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cell reselection configuration is received from the network node via system information, via one or more system information blocks (SIBs).

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the SIB comprises one or more of SIB1, SIB3, SIB4, and SIB5.

13. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: initiating another timer when the T331 timer expires; and When a connection is triggered before the expiration of the other timer, determine whether to transmit the early measurement report measurement.

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the enhanced early measurement report configures additional measurements at the user equipment.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the additional measurements are performed when the T331 timer expires.

16. The method according to claim 1, wherein the network node is a gNB.

17. A communication device comprising components for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

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