Methods for determining the location of the wake-up signal used for paging reception, user equipment, and integrated circuits

Abstract

A user equipment (UE) is configured to monitor paging opportunities in a network. The UE operates during a paging discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle, which includes a paging opportunity (PO). The UE determines the temporal location of a wake-up signal (WUS) opportunity associated with the PO, and determines whether to utilize an active mode or a sleep mode during the PO based on indications included in the WUS received during the WUS opportunity.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] User equipment (UE) can be configured with a paging cycle that includes a scheduling time window during which the UE monitors for paging. Outside the scheduling time window, the UE has the opportunity to sleep and conserve power. Normally, the UE monitors for paging during the scheduling time window, regardless of whether the network actually performs a paging transmission for the UE. This is an inefficient use of the UE's limited power source. Therefore, a mechanism is needed to mitigate the inefficient power consumption associated with paging reception at the UE. Summary of the Invention

[0002] Some exemplary embodiments relate to a method performed by a user equipment (UE) operating during a paging discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle, wherein the DRX cycle includes a paging opportunity (PO). The method includes determining the temporal location of a wake-up signal (WUS) opportunity associated with the PO, and determining whether to utilize an active mode or a sleep mode during the PO based on an indication included in the WUS received during the WUS opportunity.

[0003] Other exemplary embodiments relate to a user equipment having a transceiver and a processor. The transceiver is configured to communicate with a network. The processor is configured to perform operations including: operating in a paging discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle, wherein the DRX cycle includes a paging opportunity (PO); determining the temporal position of a wake-up signal (WUS) opportunity associated with the PO; and determining whether to utilize an active mode or a sleep mode during the PO based on an indication included in the WUS received during the WUS opportunity.

[0004] Another exemplary embodiment relates to an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit includes circuitry configured to operate during a paging discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle, wherein the DRX cycle includes a paging opportunity (PO); circuitry configured to determine the temporal position of a wake-up signal (WUS) opportunity associated with the PO; and circuitry configured to determine whether an active mode or a sleep mode is utilized during the PO based on an indication included in the WUS received during the WUS opportunity. Attached Figure Description

[0005] Figure 1 Exemplary network arrangements according to various exemplary implementations are shown.

[0006] Figure 2 Exemplary user equipment (UE) according to various exemplary embodiments are shown.

[0007] Figure 3 Exemplary timing diagrams of wake-up signal (WUS) timing according to various exemplary embodiments are shown.

[0008] Figure 4 Methods for WUS and paging reception according to various exemplary embodiments are shown.

[0009] Figure 5 Examples of the relationship between WUS timing and paging timing (PO) are shown according to various exemplary embodiments when a WUS is configured to control a PO of a paging group.

[0010] Figure 6 Examples of the relationship between WUS timing and POs are shown according to various exemplary embodiments when a WUS is configured to control multiple POs of a paging group.

[0011] Figure 7 Examples of the relationship between WUS timing and PO are shown according to various exemplary embodiments when a WUS is configured to control a PO of multiple paging groups.

[0012] Figure 8 Examples of the relationship between WUS timing and POs are shown according to various exemplary embodiments when a WUS is configured to control multiple POs of multiple paging groups.

[0013] Figure 9 Examples of the relationship between WUS timings and POs are shown according to various exemplary embodiments, when multiple WUS timings are configured to control a PO. Detailed Implementation

[0014] The exemplary embodiments can be further understood with reference to the following description and related figures, wherein similar elements have the same reference numerals. The exemplary embodiments relate to using wake-up signaling between the network and the user equipment (UE) in conjunction with a paging mechanism. As will be described in more detail below, wake-up signaling can allow the UE to mitigate the inefficient power consumption associated with traditional paging technologies.

[0015] The exemplary embodiments are described with respect to the UE. However, reference to the UE is provided for illustrative purposes only. The exemplary embodiments can be used with any electronic component that can establish a connection to a network and is configured with hardware, software, and / or firmware for exchanging information and data with the network. Therefore, the UE described herein is used to represent any electronic component.

[0016] Exemplary implementations are also described with reference to networks as fifth-generation (5G) New Radio (NR) networks. 5G NR networks and UEs can utilize paging mechanisms combined with wake-up signals (WUS). However, any references to 5G NR networks, specific paging mechanisms, or WUS are provided for illustrative purposes only. Exemplary implementations can be applied to any type of network that utilizes wake-up signaling in conjunction with any suitable type of paging mechanism.

[0017] Paging can be used for any of a variety of reasons. For example, when a cell in a 5G NR network is pre-occupied, a UE may receive a paging message configured to trigger a transition from a Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle state or an RRC inactive state to an RRC connected state. As another example, the network can use paging to indicate a change in system information. In response to this indication, the UE can subsequently obtain updated system information. Yet another example, paging can be used to indicate emergency messages (e.g., Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS) messages, Earthquake and Tsunami Warning System (ETWS) messages, etc.). In response to this indication, the UE can subsequently obtain the emergency message. The above examples are not intended to limit the exemplary implementation in any way and are provided only to illustrate why networks and UEs can utilize paging mechanisms.

[0018] On the network side, paging transmission may include paging messages and / or short messages. Those skilled in the art will understand that paging messages can be used to notify one or more UEs and can be transmitted via the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) or any other suitable type of Physical Control Channel (PCCH). Those skilled in the art will also understand that short messages can be used to provide specific types of indications to UEs, such as system information modifications or emergency messages. Short messages submitted in Downlink Control Information (DCI) can be used to transmit short messages on the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH), with or without an associated paging message.

[0019] On the UE side, paging reception may include monitoring paging during a scheduled time window. For example, during a discontinuous reception (DRX) period, the UE may be configured with a paging opportunity (PO). A PO may include one or more time slots during which the UE is configured to listen for communication channels (e.g., PCCH, PDSCH, PDCCH, etc.) used for paging transmission. A PO may be included in a paging frame (PF). A PF may refer to a radio frame that includes one or more paging opportunities. Those skilled in the art will understand how the timing of the PF and PO can be configured.

[0020] The DRX cycle is a power-saving mechanism that includes an active mode utilizing data exchange processing and an inactive sleep mode. In the context of paging, the active mode of data exchange processing can refer to the UE performing operations that enable it to receive information and / or data broadcast by the network. For example, during PO, the UE may enter the active mode of data exchange processing to monitor paging transmissions. Outside of PO, the UE may have the opportunity to utilize an inactive sleep mode and conserve power. Throughout this specification, the terms "DRX cycle" and "paging cycle" are used interchangeably. However, any reference to DRX cycle or paging cycle is for illustrative purposes only, and different networks may use different names to refer to similar concepts. Exemplary implementations can be applied to any scenario in which the UE switches between power-saving and active modes for data exchange processing.

[0021] Under normal circumstances, a UE can be woken up during one or more POs, regardless of whether the network performs paging transmissions during the PO. However, utilizing data exchange processing in an activity mode during a PO that does not include paging transmissions for the UE is an inefficient use of the UE's limited power sources. As will be described below, if there are no paging transmissions for the UE during the PO, an exemplary embodiment may allow the UE to omit the activity mode utilizing data exchange processing during the PO.

[0022] Exemplary implementations relate to utilizing wake-up signaling between the UE and the network in conjunction with paging mechanisms. Throughout this specification, the term "wake-up signal" or "WUS" may refer to a signal transmitted from the network to the UE that includes information about subsequent time windows (e.g., PO) during which the UE will monitor paging. WUS can allow the UE to mitigate the inefficient power consumption associated with conventional paging techniques. For example, WUS may indicate that no paging transmission is scheduled for a subsequent PO. During the subsequent PO, the UE may remain in an inactive sleep mode rather than wake up to use the active mode for data exchange processing because WUS indicates that no paging transmission is scheduled for that PO.

[0023] In one aspect, exemplary implementations relate to the timing relationship between the WUS and its corresponding PO. As will be described in detail below, there are various exemplary configurations of one or more WUS and one or more POs that can be implemented. In another aspect, exemplary implementations relate to the types of content that may be included in the WUS and how the UE may respond to the WUS. Exemplary wake-up signaling may be used in conjunction with currently implemented paging technologies, in conjunction with future specific implementations of paging technologies, or independently of other paging technologies.

[0024] Figure 1An exemplary network arrangement 100 according to various exemplary embodiments is illustrated. The exemplary network arrangement 100 includes a UE 110. Those skilled in the art will understand that the UE 110 can be any type of electronic component configured to communicate via a network, such as a mobile phone, tablet, desktop computer, smartphone, phablet, embedded device, wearable device, Internet of Things (IoT) device, etc. It should also be understood that a practical network arrangement can include any number of UEs used by any number of users. Therefore, for illustrative purposes, only an example with a single UE 110 is provided.

[0025] UE 110 can be configured to communicate with one or more networks. In the example of network configuration 100, the networks with which UE 110 can wirelessly communicate are 5G NR Radio Access Network (RAN) 120 and WLAN 122. However, it should be understood that UE 110 can also communicate with other types of networks (e.g., 5G cloud RAN, LTE-RAN, legacy cellular networks, etc.), and UE 110 can also communicate with networks via wired connections. Referring to an exemplary embodiment, UE 110 can establish connections with 5G NR RAN 120 and / or WLAN 122. Therefore, UE 110 may have a 5G NR chipset for communicating with NG-RAN 120 and an ISM chipset for communicating with WLAN 122.

[0026] The 5G NR RAN 120 can be part of a cellular network that can be deployed by network operators (e.g., Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, etc.). The 5G NR RAN 120 may, for example, include cells or base stations (Node B, eNodeB, HeNB, eNBS, gNB, gNodeB, macrocell base stations, microcell base stations, small cell base stations, femtocell base stations, etc.) configured to send and receive communication traffic from UEs equipped with appropriate cellular chipsets. The WLAN 122 can include any type of wireless local area network (WiFi, hotspot, IEEE 802.11x network, etc.).

[0027] A base station (e.g., gNB 120A) may include one or more communication interfaces to exchange data and / or information with a pre-occupied UE, the corresponding RAN, cellular core network 130, Internet 140, etc. Furthermore, the base station may include a processor configured to perform various operations. For example, the base station's processor may be configured to perform operations related to the paging and exemplary wake-up signaling described herein. However, references to processors are for illustrative purposes only. The operation of the base station may also be represented as a standalone component of the base station, or as a modular component coupled to the base station, such as an integrated circuit with or without firmware. For example, the integrated circuit may include input circuitry for receiving signals and processing circuitry for processing signals and other information. Furthermore, in some base stations, the functionality of the processor is distributed among two or more processors, such as a baseband processor and an application processor. Exemplary embodiments may be implemented according to any of these or other configurations of the base station.

[0028] Those skilled in the art will understand that any relevant procedures can be performed for UE 110 to connect to 5G NR RAN 120. For example, as described above, 5G NR RAN 120 can be associated with a specific network operator where UE 110 and / or its user have protocol and credential information (e.g., stored on a SIM card). Upon detecting the presence of 5G NR RAN 120, UE 110 can transmit the corresponding credential information to associate with 5G NR RAN 120. More specifically, UE 110 can be associated with a specific cell (e.g., gNB 120A). As described above, the use of 5G NR RAN 120 is for illustrative purposes and any type of network can be used. For example, UE 110 can also connect to LTE-RAN (not shown) or legacy RAN (not shown).

[0029] In addition to networks 120 and 122, network deployment 100 also includes a cellular core network 130, an Internet 140, an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) 150, and a network services backbone 160. The cellular core network 130 can be viewed as an interconnected set of components that manage the operation and traffic of the cellular network. The cellular core network 130 also manages the traffic flowing between the cellular network and the Internet 140. The IMS 150 can generally be described as an architecture for delivering multimedia services to the UE 110 using IP protocols. The IMS 150 can communicate with the cellular core network 130 and the Internet 140 to provide multimedia services to the UE 110. The network services backbone 160 communicates directly or indirectly with the Internet 140 and the cellular core network 130. The network services backbone 160 can generally be described as a set of components (e.g., servers, network storage deployments, etc.) that implement a set of services that can be used to extend the functionality of the UE 110 to communicate with various networks.

[0030] Figure 2 An exemplary UE 110 according to various exemplary embodiments is shown. Reference will be made to... Figure 1 The network layout 100 is used to describe UE 110. UE 110 can represent any electronic device and may include processor 205, memory layout 210, display device 215, input / output (I / O) device 220, transceiver 225, and other components 230. Other components 230 may include, for example, audio input devices, audio output devices, batteries providing a limited power source, data acquisition devices, ports for electrically connecting UE 110 to other electronic devices, etc.

[0031] Processor 205 may be configured to execute multiple engines of UE 110. For example, an engine may include WUS engine 235. WUS engine 235 may be configured to perform operations associated with detecting WUS and determining the content of WUS. WUS engine 235 may be further configured to control paging reception behavior of UE 110 in response to receiving WUS.

[0032] The engine described above, as an application (e.g., a program) executed by processor 205, is merely exemplary. The functionality associated with the engine may also be represented as a separate integrated component of UE 110, or as a modular component coupled to UE 110, such as an integrated circuit with or without firmware. For example, the integrated circuit may include input circuitry for receiving signals and processing circuitry for processing signals and other information. The engine may also be embodied as a single application or multiple separate applications. Furthermore, in some UEs, the functionality described for processor 205 is distributed among two or more processors, such as a baseband processor and an application processor. Exemplary implementations can be implemented according to any of these or other configurations of the UE.

[0033] Memory 210 may be a hardware component configured to store data related to operations performed by UE 110. Display device 215 may be a hardware component configured to display data to a user, while I / O device 220 may be a hardware component enabling user input. Display device 215 and I / O device 220 may be separate components or may be integrated together (such as a touchscreen). Transceiver 225 may be a hardware component configured to establish connections with 5G NR-RAN 120, WLAN 122, etc. Therefore, transceiver 225 may operate on multiple different frequencies or channels (e.g., consecutive frequency groups).

[0034] When connected to the network, UE 110 can be configured to be in one of several different operating states. One operating state can be characterized as an RRC idle state, and another operating state can be characterized as an RRC connected state. RRC stands for Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol. Those skilled in the art will understand that when UE 110 is in the RRC connected state, UE 110 and the network can be configured to exchange information and / or data. The exchange of information and / or data allows UE 110 to perform functionality available via the network connection. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that when UE 110 is connected to the network and in the RRC idle state, UE 110 is generally not exchanging data with the network, and radio resources are not being allocated to UE 110 within the network. However, when UE 110 is in the RRC idle state, UE 110 can monitor information and / or data transmitted by the network (e.g., WUS, paging, etc.).

[0035] Another operating state can be characterized as the RRC inactive state. In the RRC inactive state, UE 110 maintains the RRC connection while minimizing signaling and power consumption. Similar to the RRC idle state, when UE 110 is connected to the network and in the RRC inactive state, UE 110 is generally not exchanging data with the network. While in the RRC inactive state, UE 110 can still monitor information and / or data transmitted by the network (e.g., WUS, paging, etc.). However, any references to the RRC connected state, RRC idle state, and RRC inactive state are provided for illustrative purposes only, and exemplary embodiments can be applied to any suitable operating state of UE 110.

[0036] When UE 110 is pre-occupied in an RRC idle or RRC inactive state, UE 110 may be unable to exchange data with the network. To exchange data with the network, UE 110 can transition from an RRC idle state to an RRC connected state. For example, when in an RRC idle or inactive state, UE 110 can listen for information such as, but not limited to, the following: Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS) and Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS), Primary Information Block (MIB), broadcast messages, System Information Block (SIB), WUS, paging messages, etc. In response, UE 110 can send a request to the network indicating that UE 110 wishes to transition to an RRC connected inactive state. A successful transition from an RRC idle or RRC inactive state to an RRC connected state may include message exchange between UE 110 and the network's cell. In the RRC connected state, a network context can be established between the cell of the first network and UE 110. Therefore, UE 110 can be allocated radio resources, and UE 110 can be able to exchange data with the network.

[0037] When in an RRC idle or RRC inactive state, UE 110 may be configured with a DRX cycle. As noted above, the DRX cycle may include a PO (Point of Purchase), during which UE 110 may monitor paging. According to conventional operation, UE 110 may enter an active mode for data exchange processing and monitor the PO, regardless of whether the network performs paging transmissions during the PO. An exemplary implementation reduces the power consumption associated with conventional operation by implementing wake-up signaling that can be used to control UE 110 paging reception behavior.

[0038] Exemplary implementations are also described with reference to paging mechanisms supporting multi-beam operation. For multi-beam operation, the PO may include a set of PDCCH monitoring opportunities, each PDCCH monitoring opportunity including one or more time slots capable of transmitting downlink control information (DCI). The length of the PO may correspond to one cycle of a beam scan, and the UE 110 may assume that the paging message is included in all beams of the beam scan pattern. Exemplary implementations will describe how wake-up signaling can be used in conjunction with paging mechanisms supporting multi-beam operation.

[0039] Figure 3 An exemplary timing diagram 300 for WUS timing according to various exemplary embodiments is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 1 Network layout 100 and Figure 2 UE 110 to describe Figure 3 Timing diagram 300 provides a general overview of how wake-up signaling can be used in conjunction with paging mechanisms. See below for reference. Figure 4 Method 400 provides a specific example from the perspective of UE 110.

[0040] Timing diagram 300 includes lines 310 representing time. Initially, consider a scenario where UE 110 pre-occupies gNB 120A and operates in RRC idle state. During a first time period 312, a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) burst may be transmitted by gNB 120A. In this example, the SSB burst includes a first SSB 301, a second SSB 302, a third SSB 303, and a fourth SSB 304. In some implementations, each SSB 301-304 may correspond to a different beam within a beam scanning pattern. UE 110 can then select the beam for WUS and paging reception based on one or more of SSBs 301-304.

[0041] During the second time period 314, WUS timing 320 is scheduled. Similar to the concept of PO timing, UE 110 is configured to monitor WUS during WUS timing 320.

[0042] The network may transmit WUS during WUS timing 320. In some implementations, wake-up signaling based on downlink control information (DCI) may be implemented. In this configuration, WUS timing 320 may represent a set of PDCCH monitoring timings and may include multiple time slots (e.g., subframes or orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols) during which WUS USDCI may be transmitted. Within WUS timing 320, each monitoring timing is associated with one of SSBs 301-304. For multi-beam operation, UE 110 may assume that the same WUS is repeated in all transmitted beams within the same WUS timing. UE 110 may select one beam based on any appropriate criteria.

[0043] During WUS time 320, UE 110 can monitor WUSDCI. Monitoring can be performed based on the WUS-specific radio network temporary identifier (RNTI), the UE 110 paging RNTI (P-RNTI), or any other appropriate indicator included in WUS. In response to WUSDCI, UE 110 can decide whether to monitor paging or use an inactive sleep mode during subsequent time PO 330.

[0044] In other implementations, wake-up signaling based on a reference signal can be implemented. In this configuration, WUS timing 320 may include multiple time slots during which one or more WUS reference signals may be transmitted. Within WUS timing 320, each monitoring timing is associated with one of SSBs 301-304. For multi-beam operation, UE 110 may assume that the same WUS is repeated in all transmission beams within the same WUS timing. UE 110 may select one beam based on any suitable criterion.

[0045] During WUS timing 320, UE 110 can monitor the WUS reference signal. In response to the WUS reference signal, UE 110 can decide whether to monitor paging or use an inactive sleep mode during subsequent monitoring timing 330.

[0046] Figure 4 A method 400 for WUS and paging reception according to various exemplary embodiments is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 1 Network layout 100 and Figure 2 UE 110 to describe Figure 4 .

[0047] Initially, consider a scenario where UE 110 pre-occupies gNB 120A of 5G NR RAN 120 and operates in RRC idle or RRC inactive state. UE 110 may be further configured with DRX cycles including one or more POs.

[0048] In 405, UE 110 determines the temporal location of the WUS timing and the temporal location of the PO. For example, UE 110 may utilize conventional and / or standards-based techniques to determine when the PO scheduling occurs. In some implementations, the WUS may be located at a predetermined offset from the PO, and therefore, the WUS timing can be derived once the PO is known. Alternatively, the WUS timing and / or PO location may be explicitly or implicitly indicated by the network using any appropriate type of signaling. References will follow below. Figures 5 to 9 Here are specific examples to illustrate the relationship between WUS timing and PO.

[0049] In step 410, UE 110 selects the beam for WUS reception. For example, in the context of timing diagram 300, UE 110 may receive SSBs 301-304. As mentioned above, each of SSBs 301-304 may correspond to a different beam. UE 110 may then select a beam based on one or more of SSBs 301-304. The above examples are provided for illustrative purposes only, and UE 110 may select the beam for WUS reception based on any appropriate criteria.

[0050] In method 415, UE 110 receives WUS during the WUS timing period. As described above, wake-up signaling based on DCI or wake-up signaling based on reference signals can be implemented. Although not shown in method 400, there may be scenarios where UE 110 does not receive WUS during the WUS timing period. If such a scenario occurs, in some implementations, UE 110 can monitor paging in a conventional manner. In other implementations, the network can configure the default state (e.g., wake-up or sleep) that UE 110 will utilize during PO via RRC signaling or any other suitable type of signaling.

[0051] In step 420, UE 110 determines the content of the WUS. For example, the WUS may indicate that a paging transmission for UE 110 will be performed during the corresponding PO. Alternatively, the WUS may indicate that no paging transmission is scheduled for UE 110. As will be explained in more detail below, the WUS may also include more specific information about the corresponding PO and / or paging transmission.

[0052] In 425, UE 110 can operate according to the content of WUS during the corresponding PO. For example, if the WUS received in 420 indicates that paging transmission for UE 110 will be performed during the PO, UE 110 can wake up during the PO and enter the active mode of data exchange processing to monitor paging transmission. In some implementations, WUS may instruct UE 110 to monitor paging DCI only for short message reception. In other implementations, WUS may instruct UE 110 to monitor both paging DCI and PDSCH.

[0053] To provide another example, if the WUS indication received in 420 does not schedule paging transmissions for PO, UE110 can use an inactive sleep mode and conserve power during PO. Therefore, WUS can control the paging reception behavior of UE110.

[0054] The WUS can also be used to include more specific information about upcoming POs and / or paging transmissions. In some implementations, the WUS can be configured to include an indication of the purpose of an upcoming paging transmission, such as a system information update / modification, ETWS / CMAS indication, paging message, etc. This indication can provide a basis for how UE 110 should operate during a PO. To provide an example, if the WUS indicates that an upcoming PO will be used for paging message transmission, UE 110 can use P-RNTI to monitor the PDCCH to detect scheduled paging messages during the PO. To provide another example, if the WUS indicates that the corresponding PO will be used for paging transmission indicating a system information update or emergency message, UE 110 can use an inactive sleep mode during the PO. Since UE 110 already knows what the paging transmission will indicate, receiving this indication during the PO would be redundant. Instead, UE 110 can conserve power during the PO and perform normal operations for system information updates or emergency message reception.

[0055] In some implementations, the WUS can be configured to include information such as service type, access type, paging type, and / or network slicing information. This information can inform how UE 110 operates during PO. For example, the WUS content may indicate that the corresponding paging transmission is associated with non-3GPP access. If UE 110 does not support non-3GPP access, then UE 110 does not need to monitor PO because paging transmissions corresponding to non-3GPP access are irrelevant to UE 110. Similarly, the WUS content may indicate that the corresponding paging transmission is associated with voice service. If UE 110 is not configured for voice service or does not intend to access voice service at this time, then UE 110 does not need to monitor PO because paging transmissions corresponding to voice service are irrelevant to UE 110. Those skilled in the art will understand that this technique can be applied to any other network service type.

[0056] For example, the WUS content can indicate that the paging type was initiated by the RAN. Since the paging type initiated by the RAN is related to the RRC inactive state, UE 110 can monitor the PO if it operates in the RRC inactive state, but will not monitor the PO if it operates in the RRC idle state. Alternatively, the WUS content can indicate that the paging type was initiated by the core network. Since the paging type initiated by the core network is related to the RRC idle state, UE 110 can monitor the PO if it operates in the RRC idle state, but will not monitor the PO if it operates in the RRC inactive state.

[0057] For example, WUS content can indicate that paging transmissions are associated with a specific network slice. If UE 110 is configured to support associated slice ID or Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (NSSAI), UE 110 can monitor paging during PO. Otherwise, UE 110 can sleep during PO. The above examples are not intended to limit the exemplary implementation in any way and are provided for illustrative purposes only. UE 110 can use information such as service type, access type, paging type, and / or network slice information in any appropriate manner to determine whether to utilize an active mode for data exchange processing during PO or an inactive sleep mode during PO.

[0058] In some implementations, the WUS may be configured to include UE information. This information can inform how UE 110 operates during PO. For example, the WUS may include the full UE ID of the UE intended to receive a paging transmission. If the UE ID is associated with UE 110, UE 110 may monitor PO. Otherwise, UE 110 may use an inactive sleep mode during PO. Alternatively, the WUS may include a portion of the UE ID (e.g., n least significant bits (LSBs) of the UE ID) intended to receive a paging transmission. If the portion of the UE ID is associated with UE 110, UE 110 may monitor PO. Otherwise, UE 110 may use an inactive sleep mode during PO. Furthermore, the WUS may include a WUS group ID. In some implementations, the WUS group ID may be provided to UE 110 via Non-Access Stratum (NAS) signaling or RRC signaling. In other implementations, UE 110 may use predefined rules to generate the WUS group ID. Regardless of how UE 110 derives the WUS group ID, if the WUS group ID is associated with UE 110, then UE 110 can monitor PO. Otherwise, UE 110 can use an inactive sleep mode during PO.

[0059] Method 400 demonstrates how WUS content can be used to control the paging reception behavior of UE 110. The following is provided. Figures 5 to 9This demonstrates the different ways in which one or more WUS events can be associated with one or more POs.

[0060] Figure 5 Examples of the relationship between WUS timing and PO are shown according to various exemplary embodiments when a WUS is configured to control a PO of a paging group. Figure 5 This includes three timing diagrams, 510, 520, and 530, each corresponding to a different configuration.

[0061] In some implementations, the WUS timing may be located at a pre-configured offset from the PO. Timing diagram 510 includes lines 511 representing time. The timing diagram also shows WUS timing 512 with a pre-configured offset 513 preceding its corresponding PO 514 and WUS timing 516 with a pre-configured offset 517 preceding its corresponding PO 518.

[0062] In some implementations, for each PF or paging DRX cycle, all WUS are transmitted before all POs. Timing diagram 520 includes lines 521 representing time periods for a single PF. The timing diagram also shows WUS timings 522 and 524 preceding their corresponding POs 526 and 528, respectively.

[0063] In some implementations, the WUS channel precedes its corresponding monitoring timing for the same beam. Timing diagram 530 includes lines 531 representing time. Timing diagram 530 includes PO 540, and within PO 540 are shown four WUS timings 541-544, each WUS timing preceding its corresponding monitoring timings 545-548.

[0064] To utilize the configuration shown in timing diagrams 510-530, UE 110 can initially determine the PO location using conventional techniques. In some implementations, the WUS timing may be associated with the corresponding PO according to the RRC configuration. In other implementations, the WUS timing is the most recent WUS timing preceding the corresponding PO. For example, in the timing diagrams, WUS timing 512 is associated with PO 514, and WUS timing 516 is associated with PO 516. As described in the above-referenced method 400, the WUS received during the WUS timing can be used to control the paging reception behavior of UE 110, such as an active mode of data exchange processing during the PO or an inactive sleep mode during the PO.

[0065] Figure 6 Examples of the relationship between WUS timing and POs are shown according to various exemplary embodiments when a WUS is configured to control multiple POs of a paging group. Figure 6 Includes timing diagram 610.

[0066] In some implementations, a WUS timing may be associated with (N) POs. Timing diagram 610 shows lines 611 representing time. In this example, the first WUS timing 612 is associated with two POs 614-616, and WUS timing 618 is associated with three POs 620-624. The number (N) of POs and the identification of the POs can be configured by RRC signaling or indicated by WUS.

[0067] To utilize the configuration shown in timing diagram 610, UE 110 can initially determine its PO location and WUS timing location. If the WUS indicates that UE 110 will wake up for paging monitoring, UE 110 can wake up and enter the active mode of data exchange processing to monitor N POs. If the WUS indicates that UE 110 will sleep, UE 110 will sleep and will not monitor N POs. Within N POs, UE 110 will not monitor the WUS timing. After N consecutive POs, UE 110 will resume monitoring the WUS timing.

[0068] Figure 7 Examples of the relationship between WUS timing and PO are shown according to various exemplary embodiments when a WUS is configured to control a PO of multiple paging groups. Figure 7 Includes timing diagram 710.

[0069] In some implementations, the WUS can be used to indicate the wake / sleep state of multiple paging groups. Timing diagram 710 includes lines 711 representing time. In this example, WUS timing 712 is shown as including WUS associated with PO 714 and PO 716. PO 714 is assigned to a first paging group, and PO 716 is assigned to a different second paging group. However, references to the two paging groups are provided for illustrative purposes only, and this configuration can be used for any appropriate one to (N) paging group mapping.

[0070] To utilize the configuration shown in timing diagram 710, UE 110 can initially determine its PO position and WUS timing position. In some embodiments, the WUS can indicate a shared wake-up / sleep state for multiple paging groups. Thus, if the WUS includes a wake-up indication, UEs in two paging groups will wake up and enter an active mode for data exchange processing during their respective POs. In other embodiments, the WUS can indicate a separate wake-up / sleep state for each paging group. For example, the WUS may include a set of bits. A first subset of one or more bits can be used to indicate whether the first paging group is awake or asleep during its corresponding PO, and a second subset of one or more bits can be used to indicate whether the second paging group is awake or asleep during its corresponding PO.

[0071] Figure 8Examples of the relationship between WUS timing and POs are shown according to various exemplary embodiments when a WUS is configured to control multiple POs of multiple paging groups. Figure 8 Includes timing diagram 810.

[0072] Timing diagram 810 includes lines 811 representing time. WUS timing 812 may correspond to (N) paging groups and (x) consecutive POs for each paging group. Timing diagram 810 shows POs 814, 816 corresponding to the first paging group and POs 818, 820 corresponding to the second paging group.

[0073] In this example, UE 110 is in the first paging group. Therefore, UE 110 can operate according to WUS during POs 814, 816 (e.g., (x) consecutive POs). Similar to Figure 6 In the example shown, UE 110 will not monitor WUS timings within (x) consecutive paging groups (POs). After (x) consecutive POs, UE 110 will resume monitoring WUS timings.

[0074] The UE in the second paging group can operate according to the content of WUS. Similar to... Figure 7 As illustrated in the example, in some implementations, the WUS may indicate a shared wake-up / sleep state for multiple paging groups. Therefore, if the WUS includes a wake-up indication, the UEs of both paging groups will wake up and enter an active mode for data exchange processing during their respective POs. In other implementations, the WUS may indicate a separate wake-up / sleep state for each paging group. For example, the WUS may include a set of bits. A first subset of one or more bits may be used to indicate whether a first paging group is awake or asleep during its corresponding PO, and a second subset of one or more bits may be used to indicate whether a second paging group is awake or asleep during its corresponding PO.

[0075] Figure 9 Examples of the relationship between WUS timings and POs are shown according to various exemplary embodiments, when multiple WUS timings are configured to control a PO. Figure 9 Includes timing diagram 910.

[0076] The timing diagram 910 includes lines 911 representing time. In this example, PO 912 is associated with a set 920 of WUS timings 922-925.

[0077] During operation, UE 110 can use conventional techniques to determine its PO location. UE 110 can then determine the location of the WUS timing set 920. Within the WUS timing set 920, UE 110 can find its WUS timing based on its UE ID (e.g., 5G S-Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (TMSI) or any other suitable UE ID). The WUS timing index can be set to equal UEID mod N. For example, if there are four WUS timings in the WUS timing set, the LSB 2 bits of the UE ID are the WUS timing index within the associated WUS timing set.

[0078] For example, consider a scenario where eight UEs are in the same paging group and configured to use WUS timing sets 920 and PO 912. In this example, WUS timing 922 is assigned to UE 1 and UE 5, WUS timing 923 to UE 2 and UE 6, WUS timing 924 to UE 3 and UE 7, and WUS timing 925 to UE 4 and UE 8. If WUS timing 922 indicates wake-up, UE 1 and UE 5 will monitor paging during PO 912; if WUS timing 923 indicates sleep, UE 2 and UE 6 will sleep during PO 912; if WUS timing 924 indicates wake-up, UE 3 and UE 7 will monitor paging during PO 912; and if WUS timing 925 indicates sleep, UE 4 and UE 8 will sleep during PO 912.

[0079] Those skilled in the art will understand that the exemplary embodiments described above can be implemented with any suitable software or hardware configuration or combination thereof. Exemplary hardware platforms for implementing the exemplary embodiments may include, for example, Intel x86-based platforms with compatible operating systems, Windows OS, Mac platforms and MAC OS, and mobile devices with operating systems such as iOS, Android, etc. Exemplary embodiments of the methods described above may be embodied as programs comprising lines of code stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, which, at compile time, can be executed on a processor or microprocessor.

[0080] Although this patent application describes various combinations of various embodiments, each with different features, those skilled in the art will understand that any feature of an embodiment can be combined with features of other embodiments or features that are not functionally or logically inconsistent with the operation or function of the device of the disclosed embodiment of the invention in any manner not explicitly denied.

[0081] As is widely recognized, the use of personally identifiable information should comply with privacy policies and practices that are generally accepted to meet or exceed industry or governmental requirements for protecting user privacy. Specifically, personally identifiable information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly explained to users.

[0082] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to this disclosure without departing from its spirit or scope. Therefore, this disclosure is intended to cover all modifications and variations thereof, provided that such modifications and variations are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for wireless communication, comprising: At a user equipment (UE) operating during a paging discontinuous reception DRX cycle, wherein the DRX cycle includes a paging opportunity PO: Receive a message including a group ID, wherein the group ID is provided by the network via Non-Access Stratum (NAS) signaling; Determine the temporal position of the wake-up signal WUS timing associated with the plurality of POs, including the PO; as well as The determination of whether to use active mode or sleep mode during the PO is based on the indication included in the WUS received during the WUS timing period, wherein the WUS indicates that the UE will use active mode during the PO when the WUS includes the group ID, and wherein the UE will use sleep mode during the PO when the WUS does not include the group ID. When the WUS indicates that the UE will utilize the sleep mode, the UE will not utilize the active mode during other WUS periods until each of the plurality of POs occurs.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the WUS timing is associated with the PO based on a predefined timing offset.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the paging DRX cycle comprises a plurality of WUS opportunities, and each WUS opportunity is time-located before any PO included in the paging frame.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the PO comprises a plurality of WUS timings, and each WUS timing precedes a corresponding monitoring timing.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the WUS timing is included in a set of WUS timings and wherein each WUS timing in the set of WUS timings is associated with the same PO.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the first PO is assigned to the first paging group and the second PO is assigned to the second paging group.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the WUS comprises i) an indication shared by both the first paging group and the second paging group or ii) a first indication of the first paging group and a different second indication of the second paging group.

8. A user equipment (UE), comprising: A transceiver configured to communicate with a network; as well as A processor configured to perform operations including: Operates during a paging discontinuous reception DRX cycle, wherein the DRX cycle includes paging timing PO; Receive a message including a group ID, wherein the group ID is provided by the network via Non-Access Stratum (NAS) signaling; Determine the temporal position of the wake-up signal WUS timing associated with a plurality of POs, including the PO; and The determination of whether to use active mode or sleep mode during the PO is based on the indication included in the WUS received during the WUS timing period, wherein the WUS indicates that the UE will use active mode during the PO when the WUS includes the group ID, and wherein the UE will use sleep mode during the PO when the WUS does not include the group ID. When the WUS indicates that the UE will utilize the sleep mode, the UE will not utilize the active mode during other WUS periods until each of the plurality of POs occurs.

9. The UE of claim 8, wherein the WUS timing is associated with the PO based on a predefined timing offset.

10. The UE of claim 8, wherein the paging DRX cycle comprises a plurality of WUS opportunities, and each WUS opportunity is time-preceded by any PO included in the paging frame.

11. The UE of claim 8, wherein the first PO is assigned to the first paging group, and the second PO is assigned to the second paging group, and The WUS includes a common indication for both the first paging group and the second paging group.

12. An integrated circuit, comprising: Circuitry configured to operate during a paging discontinuous reception DRX cycle, wherein the DRX cycle includes paging timing PO; A circuit configured to receive a message including a group ID, wherein the group ID is provided by the network via non-access stratum (NAS) signaling; A circuit configured to determine the temporal position of a wake-up signal WUS timing associated with a plurality of POs including the PO; as well as Circuitry configured to determine whether to utilize an active mode or a sleep mode during the PO based on an indication included in a WUS received during the WUS timing period, wherein the WUS indicates that the user equipment UE will utilize the active mode during the PO when the WUS includes the group ID, and wherein the UE will utilize the sleep mode during the PO when the WUS does not include the group ID. When the WUS indicates that the UE will utilize the sleep mode, the UE will not utilize the active mode during other WUS periods until each of the plurality of POs occurs.

13. The integrated circuit of claim 12, wherein the WUS timing is associated with the PO based on a pre-configured timing offset.

14. The integrated circuit of claim 12, wherein the paging DRX cycle comprises a plurality of WUS timings, and each WUS timing is time-located before any PO included in the paging frame.

15. The integrated circuit of claim 12, wherein the first PO is assigned to the first paging group and the second PO is assigned to the second paging group.

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