Receiving data in RRC idle / inactive state

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to receiving data in an RRC idle or inactive state. When a network device needs to deliver data to a terminal device in an RRC idle or inactive state, the network device initiates a paging process to deliver trigger information to the device through a paging message. The terminal device may be triggered to monitor a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for data reception in an RRC idle or inactive state. Unlike conventional paging processes, the terminal device may not initiate a RACH process to establish / restore an RRC connection when receiving a paging message with trigger information, while still maintaining an RRC idle or inactive state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of communications, and in particular, to a method, device, apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium for receiving data in a radio resource control (RRC) idle or inactive state. Background Art

[0002] According to current communication technology, a solution for locating user equipment is proposed. In current communication technology, if the user equipment is not in the RRC connected state, the user equipment cannot be located. One solution is to wake up the user equipment to perform positioning when positioning is required. However, there is still no effective solution for how to locate the user equipment when the user equipment is not in the RRC connected state. Summary of the invention

[0003] In general, example embodiments of the present disclosure provide a solution for receiving data in an RRC idle or inactive state.

[0004] In a first aspect, a first device is provided. The first device includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, enable the first device to receive a search space configuration indicating at least one monitoring opportunity from a second device, the first device being in a radio resource control (RRC) inactive state or an RRC idle state. The first device is also caused to receive trigger information for monitoring data from the second device. The first device is also caused to monitor data at at least one monitoring opportunity at the first device.

[0005] In a second aspect, a second device is provided. The second device includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the second device to transmit a search space configuration indicating at least one monitoring opportunity to a first device, the first device being in a radio resource control (RRC) inactive state or an RRC idle state. The second device is also caused to receive data from a third device or a fourth device. The second device is also caused to transmit trigger information for monitoring data to the first device. The second device is also caused to transmit data to the first device.

[0006] In a third aspect, a third device is provided. The third device includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the third device to acquire data. The third device is also caused to select at least one device from a plurality of devices for transmitting trigger information to a first device, the plurality of devices being located in a notification area based on a radio access network of the first device. The third device is also caused to transmit data to the at least one device.

[0007] In a fourth aspect, a method is provided. The method includes receiving a search space configuration indicating at least one monitoring opportunity from a second device at a first device, the first device being in a radio resource control (RRC) inactive state or an RRC idle state. The method also includes receiving trigger information for monitoring data from the second device. The method also monitors data at at least one monitoring opportunity at the first device.

[0008] In a fifth aspect, a method is provided. The method includes transmitting, at a second device, a search space configuration indicating at least one monitoring opportunity to a first device, the first device being in a radio resource control (RRC) inactive state or an RRC idle state. The method also includes receiving data from a third device or a fourth device. The method also includes transmitting trigger information for monitoring data to the first device. The method also includes transmitting data to the first device.

[0009] In a sixth aspect, a method is provided. The method includes acquiring data at a third device. The method also includes selecting at least one device from a plurality of devices for transmitting trigger information to a first device, the plurality of devices being located in a notification area based on a radio access network of the first device. The method also includes transmitting data to the at least one device.

[0010] In a seventh aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a component for receiving a search space configuration indicating at least one monitoring opportunity from a second device at a first device, the first device being in a radio resource control (RRC) inactive state or an RRC idle state; a component for receiving trigger information for monitoring data from the second device; and a component for monitoring data at at least one monitoring opportunity at the first device.

[0011] In an eighth aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a component for transmitting, at a second device, a search space configuration indicating at least one monitoring opportunity to a first device, the first device being in a radio resource control (RRC) inactive state or an RRC idle state; a component for receiving data from a third device or a fourth device; a component for transmitting trigger information for monitoring data to the first device; and a component for transmitting data to the first device.

[0012] In a ninth aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a component for acquiring data at a third device, a component for selecting at least one device from a plurality of devices for transmitting trigger information to a first device, the plurality of devices being located in a notification area of ​​the first device based on a radio access network, and a component for transmitting data to the at least one device.

[0013] In a tenth aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable medium includes program instructions for causing a device to at least execute a method according to any one of the fourth aspect, the fifth aspect, and the sixth aspect.

[0014] It should be understood that the invention summary is not intended to determine the key or essential features of the embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become easily understood through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Some example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] Figure 1 An example communication environment is shown in which example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented;

[0017] Figure 2 A signaling flow for paging trigger reception of data in RRC idle / inactive state according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0018] Figure 3 A flowchart showing a method implemented at a first device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0019] Figure 4 A flowchart showing a method implemented at a second device according to some other example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 5 A flowchart showing a method implemented at a third device according to some other example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 6 shows a simplified block diagram of an apparatus suitable for implementing an example embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0022] Figure 7 A block diagram of an example computer-readable medium is shown according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The principle of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some example embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described only to illustrate and help those skilled in the art to understand and implement the present disclosure, and do not represent any limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. The embodiments described herein can be implemented in various ways except for the way described below.

[0025] In the following description and claims, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0026] In this disclosure, references to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," and "an example embodiment" indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment must include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. In addition, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, those skilled in the art believe that it is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described.

[0027] It should be understood that although the terms "first" and "second" etc. can be used in this article to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, a first element can be called a second element, and similarly, a second element can be called a first element without departing from the scope of the example embodiments. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0028] The terms used herein are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms "comprises", "comprising", "has", "having", "includes", and / or "including" when used herein indicate the presence of the features, elements, and / or components, etc., but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0029] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" may refer to one, more, or all of the following:

[0030] (a) a pure hardware circuit implementation (such as an implementation using only analog and / or digital circuitry), and

[0031] (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software such as (where applicable):

[0032] (i) a combination of (one or more) analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and

[0033] (ii) any portion of a hardware processor(s) with software, including digital signal processor(s), software and memory(s), which work together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions, and

[0034] (c)(one or more) hardware circuits and / or(one or more) processors, such as(one or more) microprocessors or portions of(one or more) microprocessors, that require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but which may not be present when the software is not required for operation.

[0035] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claims. As another example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of only a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, if applicable to a particular claim element, the term circuitry also covers a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0036] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that follows any suitable communication standard, such as New Radio (NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Advanced LTE (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), etc. In addition, the communication between the terminal device and the network device in the communication network can be performed according to any suitable intergenerational communication protocol, including but not limited to the first generation (1G), second generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, future fifth generation (5G), sixth generation (6G) communication protocol, and / or any other protocol currently known or to be developed in the future. The embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. In view of the rapid development of communication, there will certainly be future types of communication technologies and systems that can embody the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure should not be limited to the above-mentioned system.

[0037] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a node in a communication network through which a terminal device accesses the network and receives services from the network. A network device may refer to a base station (BS) or an access point (AP), for example, a NodeB (NodeB or NB), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), a NR NB (also known as a gNB), a remote radio unit (RRU), a radio head (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a relay, an integrated and access backhaul (IAB) node, a low power node (such as a femto, a pico), a non-terrestrial network (NTN) or a non-terrestrial network device (such as a satellite network device, a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite, and a geosynchronous orbit (GEO) satellite), an aircraft network device, etc., depending on the terminology and technology applied.

[0038] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. As an example and not limitation, a terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, a user equipment (UE), a subscriber station (SS), a portable subscriber station, a mobile station (MS), or an access terminal (AT). The terminal device may include, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a voice over IP (VoIP) phone, a wireless local loop phone, a tablet computer, a wearable terminal device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable computer, a desktop computer, an image capture terminal device (such as a digital camera), a game terminal device, a music storage and playback device, a vehicle-mounted wireless terminal device, a wireless endpoint, a mobile station, a laptop embedded device (LEE), a laptop vehicle-mounted device (LME), a USB dongle, a smart device, a wireless customer premises equipment (CPE), an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a watch or other wearable device, a head-mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, medical equipment and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial equipment and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in the context of an industrial and / or automated processing chain), consumer electronic devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc. In the following description, the terms "terminal device", "communication device", "terminal", "user equipment" and "UE" may be used interchangeably.

[0039] As mentioned above, solutions for locating user equipment have been proposed. For example, Release 16 (Rel-16) local new radio (NR) positioning support has been standardized. Therefore, the following positioning solutions are now specified for NR Rel-16: downlink time difference of arrival (DL-TDOA), uplink time difference of arrival (UL-TDOA), downlink angle of departure (DL-AoD), uplink angle of arrival (UL-AoA), and multi-cell round trip time (Multi-RTT).

[0040] According to conventional technology, positioning technology that relies on radio access technology (RAT) is limited to terminal devices in RRC connected mode. Therefore, the number of terminal devices that can be located simultaneously is limited. For example, in industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) scenarios and other use cases, a large number of terminal devices may require positioning services at the same time. Requiring all terminal devices to move to the RRC connected state may result in large signaling overhead. In addition, if the terminal device is not in the connected state when positioning is requested, additional delay will occur before the terminal device is located. It may increase power consumption due to requiring the terminal device to move to the connected state before positioning.

[0041] Therefore, one of the key enhancements being discussed is to support positioning of end devices in RRC idle and RRC inactive states. In line with conventional technology, there will be further work on NR positioning, mainly focusing on IIoT. A key goal is to study the enhancements and solutions necessary to support the high accuracy (horizontal and vertical), low latency, network efficiency, and device efficiency requirements of commercial use cases. One use case in the IoT industry is asset tracking. An asset tracker is a solution for tracking the location of assets, which is becoming increasingly important in improving processes and increasing flexibility in industrial environments. For example, an asset tracking device would be some smart tag with a low-power tag: disposable, which can be packaged (harvesting energy with minimal batteries); persistent, which can be an employee badge (one-year battery); and permanent, which is attached to the powered entity.

[0042] Therefore, use cases require objects to combine positioning and wireless communication technologies in a cost- and power-efficient manner.

[0043] In addition, terminal devices in the network are considered to be in different RRC modes or states relative to the network. These states include RRC connected state, RRC inactive state and RRC idle state. When the terminal device is in the RRC connected state, it can use typical NR physical channels and processes to communicate with network devices. Compared with being in the RRC connected state, terminal devices in the RRC idle state and RRC inactive state can save power.

[0044] However, the terminal device in the RRC idle state and the RRC inactive state does not support data transmission. Therefore, the terminal device must establish and restore a connection for data transmission, which causes unnecessary power consumption and signaling overhead.

[0045] As described above, according to some conventional technologies, a positioning device in RRC idle state and RRC inactive state must move to RRC connected state to receive positioning assistance data from the network. To this end, the network will initiate a paging process for the device, and then the device will start a 2 / 4-step random access (RA) process to establish or restore a connection before data transmission. This results in unnecessary power consumption and signaling overhead.

[0046] According to conventional technology, a small data transmission (SDT) in the RRC inactive state is proposed. It mainly focuses on UL small data transmission. Although the terminal device does not need an RRC connection state transition, the network still needs to page the device first, and then the device initiates an RRC connection recovery process in the RRC inactive state for downlink data transmission. Due to the new random access process, this operation will result in additional signaling overhead, positioning delay reduction and power consumption.

[0047] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a solution for receiving data in an RRC idle or inactive state is proposed. When a network device needs to deliver positioning assistance data to a terminal device in an RRC idle or inactive state, the network device initiates a paging process to deliver trigger information to the device through a paging message. The terminal device can be triggered to monitor a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for positioning assistance data reception. Unlike a conventional paging process, the terminal device may not initiate a RACH process to establish / restore an RRC connection when receiving a paging message with trigger information, while still maintaining an RRC idle or inactive state.

[0048] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a communication environment 100 in which an embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented is shown. The communication environment 100, as part of a communication network, includes a device 110-1, a device 110-2, ..., a device 110-N (which may be collectively referred to as "(one or more) devices 110"). The communication environment 100 includes a device 120-1, a device 120-2, ..., a device 120-3 (which may be collectively referred to as "(one or more) devices 120"). Parameters N and M may be any suitable number. The communication environment 100 includes a core network device 140. For example, the core network device 140 may include a location management function (LMF) entity. In addition, the core network device 140 may include a 5G core access and mobility management function (AMF) entity. Devices 110 and 110 may communicate with each other.

[0049] Communication environment 100 may include any suitable number of devices and cells. In communication environment 100, device 110 and device 120 may transmit data and control information to each other. In the case where device 110 is a terminal device and device 120 is a network device, a link from device 120 to device 110 is referred to as a downlink (DL), and a link from device 110 to device 120 is referred to as an uplink (UL). Device 120 and device 110 are interchangeable.

[0050] It should be understood that Figure 1 The number of devices and cells and their connections shown is given for illustrative purposes and does not imply any limitation. Communication environment 100 may include any suitable number of devices and networks suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0051] The communication in the communication environment 100 can be implemented according to any (one or more) appropriate communication protocols, including but not limited to cellular communication protocols of the first generation (1G), second generation (2G), third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G) and fifth generation (5G), wireless local area network communication protocols such as Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11, and / or any other protocol currently known or to be developed in the future. In addition, the communication can utilize any appropriate wireless communication technology, including but not limited to: code division multiple access (CDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division duplex (FDD), time division duplex (TDD), multiple input multiple output (MIMO), orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM), and / or any other technology currently known or to be developed in the future.

[0052] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 2 , Figure 2 2 shows a signaling flow 200 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, reference will be made to Figure 1Signaling process 200 is described. In some example embodiments, signaling process 200 may involve device 110-1 (hereinafter referred to as "first device 110-1"), device 120-1 (hereinafter referred to as "second device 120-1"), device 120-2 (hereinafter referred to as "third device 120-2"), and core network device 140 (hereinafter referred to as "fourth device 140"). Alternatively, signaling process 200 may involve device 110-1, device 120-1, and core network device 140, which means that the second device and the third device may be the same device. It is assumed that the first device is in a connected state (e.g., RRC connected state) with the third device, and therefore the third device instructs the first device to enter an inactive state (e.g., RRC inactive state). In some embodiments, the first device in the inactive state may perform cell reselection from the third device to the second device for paging reception. In this case, the second device serves as an anchor cell for the first device, and the third device serves as the last serving cell of the first device. In some alternative embodiments, the first device in the inactive state may not perform cell reselection. In this case, the third device serves as both the anchor cell and the last serving cell of the first device. In other words, the second device and the third device are the same device. It should be noted that the signaling process 200 may involve any suitable device. It should be noted that the embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to general scenarios of data delivery in RRC idle or inactive states. For example, the data may be a non-delayed service. For illustrative purposes only, the embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the scenario of positioning assistance information.

[0053] The second device 120-1 transmits 2005 a search space configuration to the first device 110-1. The search space configuration indicates at least one monitoring opportunity. The first device 110-1 is not in an RRC connected state. For example, the first device 110-1 may be in an RRC idle state. Alternatively, the first device 110-1 may be in an RRC inactive state.

[0054] In some example embodiments, the search space configuration may indicate a specific range that may carry a PDCCH. For example, the first device 110-1 may determine one or more monitoring opportunities for data reception. As an example only, the first device 110-1 may perform blind decoding in the entire search space to find a PDCCH carrying data. The specific area in which the first device 110-1 performs blind decoding may be referred to as a search space.

[0055] In some example embodiments, the search space may be a common search space. For example, the search space configuration may be predefined. Alternatively, the search space configuration may be transmitted via RRC signaling. For example, the search space configuration may be transmitted in a system information block (SIB).

[0056] Alternatively, the search space configuration may indicate a new search space configured for data. The search space configuration may be transmitted via broadcast signaling. For example, the search space identity may be defined in the information element (IE) PDCCH-ConfigCommon to configure the search space. Table 1 shows an example configuration of the search space.

[0057] Table 1

[0058]

[0059] In some example embodiments, the core network device 140 may trigger the third device 120-2 to initiate a paging process to deliver data to the first device 110-1. The third device 120-2 obtains the data. In some example embodiments, the third device 120-2 may generate 2010 data. For example, the third device 120-2 may determine positioning assistance information for the first device 110-1, such as uplink positioning. Alternatively, the fourth device 140 may transmit 2012 data to the third device 120-2. In other embodiments, the fourth device 140 may transmit data to the second device 120-1. The data may be transmitted using the NRPPa protocol.

[0060] In an example embodiment, the third device 120-2 may be triggered to initiate a paging process after receiving data from the fourth device 140. For example, the data may include positioning assistance information. In some example embodiments, the positioning assistance information may include a configuration of a positioning reference signal (PRS). For example, the frequency of the PRS may be in the positioning assistance information. The positioning assistance information may include a bandwidth of the PRS. In addition, the positioning assistance information may include a period of transmission of the PRS. The number of symbols of the PRS may also be included in the positioning assistance information. In addition, the positioning assistance information may include a resource identifier of the PRS.

[0061] In some example embodiments, the positioning assistance information may include a configuration of a positioning measurement. For example, the positioning assistance information may indicate a type of positioning measurement. In some example embodiments, the type of positioning measurement may include one or more of: reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), relative time of arrival (RTOA), angle of arrival (AoA), angle of departure (AoD), time difference of arrival (TDOA), or multi-cell round trip time (Multi-RTT).

[0062] In other embodiments, the positioning assistance information may be a configuration for reporting positioning measurements. For example, the positioning assistance information may be a period for reporting positioning measurements. For example, the positioning assistance information may be a condition for triggering the transmission of positioning measurements. Alternatively or additionally, the positioning assistance information may include uplink measurement results. For example, the uplink measurement results may be used for synchronization error elimination for a combination of downlink time difference of arrival (DL-TDOA) and UL-TDOA.

[0063] In another example embodiment, the fourth device 140 may transmit a request indicating a paging process to the third device 120-2. The third device 120 may be triggered to initiate a paging process after receiving the request. In some example embodiments, the positioning assistance information may include a configuration of a sounding reference signal (SRS) for positioning. For example, the frequency of the SRS may be in the positioning assistance information. The positioning assistance information may include the bandwidth of the SRS. In addition, the positioning assistance information may include a time period for SRS transmission. The number of symbols of the SRS may also be included in the positioning assistance information. In addition, the positioning assistance information may include a resource identifier for the SRS. Alternatively, the positioning assistance information may include activation or deactivation for SRS transmission. It should be noted that the positioning assistance information may include any suitable parameters for positioning. The positioning assistance information is not limited to the above example information.

[0064] The third device 120-2 selects 2015 one or more devices from the plurality of devices for paging the first device 110-1. The plurality of devices may belong to a group of cells in a radio access network (RAN) notification area (RNA) of the first device 110-1. For example, the third device 120-2 may select all devices (cells) in the RNA of the first device 110-1 to page the first device 110-1 to monitor data.

[0065] Alternatively, the third device 120-2 may select a group of devices (cells) from a plurality of devices. In some example embodiments, the group of devices may be selected based on the last anchor cell of the first device 110-1. The group of devices may be selected based on the last serving cell of the first device 110-1. Alternatively or additionally, the third device 120-2 may select the group of devices based on location information of the first device 110-1. In other embodiments, the group of devices may be selected based on mobility information of the first device 110-1.

[0066] As an example only, if the communication time between the first device 110-1 and the last anchor point is lower than a threshold, the third device 120-2 may select one or more cells around the last anchor cell as the group of cells. Alternatively, the third device 120-2 may select one or more cells around the location information estimated at the fourth device 140 based on the UL PRS. In other embodiments, the AMF may select the group of cells based on the location information of the first device 110-1, and signal the group of cells to the third device 120-2 to page the first device 110-1. In some example embodiments, the third device 120-2 may also indicate the paging process at other unselected cells. In this way, the network signaling overhead for data transmission is reduced because only a portion of the cells in the RNA need to transmit the positioning assistance data information of the first device 110-1 in the RRC idle / inactive state.

[0067] For illustration purposes only, the second device 120-1 may be selected by the third device 120-2 or the AMF entity. The third device 120-2 transmits 2020 data to the second device 120-1. The data may be transmitted via any suitable signaling between the second device 120-1 and the third device 120-2. For example, the data may be transmitted in a backhaul link between the second device 120-1 and the third device 120-2. The X2 interface may be used for transmission of data. The embodiment is not limited in this respect.

[0068] The second device 120-1 transmits 2025 trigger information for monitoring data to the first device 110-1. For example, the trigger information may be transmitted in a paging message. In this way, network signaling overhead for data transmission is reduced.

[0069] For example, second device 120-1 may page first device 110-1 using a monitoring trigger signaling (MTS) indication as an example of trigger information. The MTS indication may be used to instruct first device 110-1 to monitor data for a certain period of time until first device 110-1 detects a PDCCH for data. In some example embodiments, the trigger information may be carried in a UE-specific paging record for first device 110-1.

[0070] In some example embodiments, first device 110-1 may determine 2030 a period for monitoring data. For example, the period may be predefined. Alternatively, the period may be implicitly determined based on a search space configuration. For example, the period may be from a current monitoring opportunity to a next monitoring opportunity. In some example embodiments, the period may be configured with trigger information. Alternatively, an indication of the period may be transmitted via RRC signaling.

[0071] The first device 110-1 monitors 2035 data at at least one monitoring opportunity. The second device 120-1 transmits 2040 data to the first device 110-1. For example, the data may be transmitted in a paging message. In some example embodiments, the first device 110-1 may suspend monitoring after the period. Alternatively, the first device 110-1 may suspend monitoring until the first device 110-1 successfully detects the data. Unlike conventional paging procedures, the first device 110-1 may not initiate a random access channel (RACH) procedure to establish / restore an RRC connection procedure upon receiving a trigger message, while still maintaining an RRC idle or inactive state. In this way, there is no RRC connection state transition and no RACH procedure, thereby saving power.

[0072] In some example embodiments, if data is detected, first device 110-1 may transmit 2045 an acknowledgement to second device 120-1. In an example embodiment, the acknowledgement may be transmitted to second device 120-1 on a configured grant (CG) resource. Alternatively, first device 110-1 may transmit the acknowledgement on a RACH resource. In other embodiments, the acknowledgement may be transmitted on a PUCCH resource configured via system information.

[0073] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a terminal device receives trigger information for monitoring data. The terminal device can receive data while maintaining in an RRC idle state or an RRC inactive state. In this way, there is no RRC connection state transition, and the RACH process does not exist or is simplified. In addition, paging overhead is reduced. In addition, it can be beneficial to UE power saving, end-to-end positioning delay reduction, and signaling overhead reduction.

[0074] Figure 3 A flow chart of an example method 300 implemented at a first device 110-1 according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For discussion purposes, the method 300 will be described from the perspective of the first device 110-1.

[0075] At block 310, the first device 110-1 receives a search space configuration. The search space configuration indicates at least one monitoring opportunity. The first device 110-1 is not in an RRC connected state. For example, the first device 110-1 may be in an RRC idle state. Alternatively, the first device 110-1 may be in an RRC inactive state.

[0076] In some example embodiments, the search space configuration may indicate a specific range that may carry a PDCCH. For example, the first device 110-1 may determine one or more monitoring opportunities for data reception. As an example only, the first device 110-1 may perform blind decoding in the entire search space to find a PDCCH carrying data. The specific area in which the first device 110-1 performs blind decoding may be referred to as a search space.

[0077] In some example embodiments, the search space may be a common search space. For example, the search space configuration may be predefined. Alternatively, the search space configuration may be transmitted via RRC signaling. For example, the search space configuration may be transmitted in a system information block (SIB).

[0078] Alternatively, the search space configuration may indicate a new search space configured for data. The search space configuration may be transmitted via broadcast signaling. For example, the search space identity may be defined in the information element (IE) PDCCH-ConfigCommon to configure the search space.

[0079] In block 320, the first device 110-1 receives trigger information for monitoring data from the second device 120-1. In this way, network signaling overhead for data transmission is reduced.

[0080] For example, second device 120-1 may page first device 110-1 using a monitoring trigger signaling (MTS) indication as an example of trigger information. The MTS indication may be used to instruct first device 110-1 to monitor data for a certain period of time until first device 110-1 detects a PDCCH for data. In some example embodiments, the trigger information may be carried in a UE-specific paging record for first device 110-1.

[0081] In some example embodiments, first device 110-1 may determine a period for monitoring data. For example, the period may be predefined. Alternatively, the period may be implicitly determined based on a search space configuration. For example, the period may be from a current monitoring opportunity to a next monitoring opportunity. In some example embodiments, the period may be configured using trigger information. Alternatively, an indication of the period may be transmitted via RRC signaling.

[0082] At block 330, the first device 110-1 monitors 2035 data at at least one monitoring occasion. The second device 120-1 transmits data to the first device 110-1. For example, the data may be transmitted in a paging message.

[0083] In some example embodiments, the data may include positioning assistance information. For example, the positioning assistance information may include the configuration of a positioning reference signal (PRS). For example, the frequency of the PRS may be in the positioning assistance information. The positioning assistance information may include the bandwidth of the PRS. In addition, the positioning assistance information may include the period of transmission of the PRS. The number of symbols of the PRS may also be included in the positioning assistance information. In addition, the positioning assistance information may include a resource identifier of the PRS.

[0084] In some example embodiments, the positioning assistance information may include a configuration of a positioning measurement. For example, the positioning assistance information may indicate a type of positioning measurement. In some example embodiments, the type of positioning measurement may include one or more of: reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), relative time of arrival (RTOA), angle of arrival (AoA), angle of departure (AoD), time difference of arrival (TDOA), or multi-cell round trip time (Multi-RTT).

[0085] In other embodiments, the positioning assistance information may be a configuration for reporting positioning measurements. For example, the positioning assistance information may be a period for reporting positioning measurements. For example, the positioning assistance information may be a condition for triggering the transmission of positioning measurements. Alternatively or additionally, the positioning assistance information may include uplink measurement results. For example, the uplink measurement results may be used for synchronization error elimination for a combination of downlink time difference of arrival (DL-TDOA) and UL-TDOA.

[0086] In some example embodiments, the positioning assistance information may include the configuration of a sounding reference signal (SRS) for positioning. For example, the frequency of the SRS may be in the positioning assistance information. The positioning assistance information may include the bandwidth of the SRS. In addition, the positioning assistance information may include the time period for SRS transmission. The number of symbols of the SRS may also be included in the positioning assistance information. In addition, the positioning assistance information may include a resource identifier for the SRS. Alternatively, the positioning assistance information may include activation or deactivation for SRS transmission. It should be noted that the positioning assistance information may include any suitable parameters for positioning. The positioning assistance information is not limited to the above example information.

[0087] In some example embodiments, the first device 110-1 may suspend monitoring after the period. Alternatively, the first device 110-1 may suspend monitoring until the first device 110-1 successfully detects data. Unlike conventional paging procedures, the first device 110-1 may not initiate a random access channel (RACH) procedure to establish / restore an RRC connection procedure upon receiving the trigger information, while still maintaining an RRC idle or inactive state. In this way, there is no RRC connection state transition and no RACH procedure, thereby saving power.

[0088] In some example embodiments, if data is detected, first device 110-1 may transmit an acknowledgment to second device 120-1. In an example embodiment, the acknowledgment may be transmitted to second device 120-1 on a configured grant (CG) resource. Alternatively, first device 110-1 may transmit the acknowledgment on a RACH resource. In other embodiments, the acknowledgment may be transmitted on a PUCCH resource configured via system information.

[0089] Figure 4 A flow chart of an example method 400 implemented at the second device 120-1 according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For discussion purposes, the method 400 will be described from the perspective of the second device 120-1. It should be noted that the dashed boxes are optional.

[0090] At block 410, second device 120-1 transmits a search space configuration to first device 110-1. The search space configuration indicates at least one monitoring opportunity. First device 110-1 is not in an RRC connected state. For example, first device 110-1 may be in an RRC idle state. Alternatively, first device 110-1 may be in an RRC inactive state. In some example embodiments, the search space configuration may indicate a specific range that may carry a PDCCH.

[0091] In some example embodiments, the search space may be a common search space. For example, the search space configuration may be predefined. Alternatively, the search space configuration may be transmitted via RRC signaling. For example, the search space configuration may be transmitted in a system information block (SIB).

[0092] Alternatively, the search space configuration may indicate a new search space configured for data. The search space configuration may be transmitted via broadcast signaling. For example, the search space identity may be defined in the information element (IE) PDCCH-ConfigCommon to configure the search space.

[0093] In block 420, the second device 120-1 receives data from the third device 120-2 or the fourth device 140. In some example embodiments, the data may include positioning assistance information. For example, the positioning assistance information may include a configuration of the PRS. For example, the frequency of the PRS may be in the positioning assistance information. The positioning assistance information may include a bandwidth of the PRS. In addition, the positioning assistance information may include a period of transmission of the PRS. The number of symbols of the PRS may also be included in the positioning assistance information. In addition, the positioning assistance information may include a resource identifier of the PRS.

[0094] In some example embodiments, the type of positioning measurement may include one or more of: reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), relative time of arrival (RTOA), angle of arrival (AoA), angle of departure (AoD), time difference of arrival (TDOA), or multi-cell round trip time (Multi-RTT).

[0095] In other embodiments, the positioning assistance information may be a configuration for reporting positioning measurements. For example, the positioning assistance information may be a period for reporting positioning measurements. For example, the positioning assistance information may be a condition for triggering the transmission of positioning measurements. Alternatively or additionally, the positioning assistance information may include uplink measurement results. For example, the uplink measurement results may be used for synchronization error elimination for a combination of downlink time difference of arrival (DL-TDOA) and UL-TDOA.

[0096] In block 430, the second device 120-1 transmits trigger information for monitoring data to the first device 110-1. In this way, network signaling overhead for data transmission is reduced.

[0097] For example, second device 120-1 may page first device 110-1 using a monitoring trigger signaling (MTS) indication as an example of trigger information. The MTS indication may be used to instruct first device 110-1 to monitor data for a certain period of time until first device 110-1 detects a PDCCH for data. In some example embodiments, the trigger information may be carried in a UE-specific paging record for first device 110-1.

[0098] At block 440, second device 120-1 transmits data to first device 110-1. For example, the data may be transmitted in a paging message.

[0099] In some example embodiments, if data is detected, second device 120-1 may receive an acknowledgement from first device 110-1. In an example embodiment, the acknowledgement may be transmitted to second device 120-1 on a configured grant (CG) resource. Alternatively, first device 110-1 may transmit the acknowledgement on a RACH resource. In other embodiments, the acknowledgement may be transmitted on a PUCCH resource configured via system information.

[0100] Figure 5 A flow chart of an example method 500 implemented at the third device 120-2 according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For discussion purposes, the method 500 will be described from the perspective of the third device 120-2. It should be noted that the dashed boxes are optional.

[0101] In block 510, the third device 120-2 acquires data. In some embodiments, the third device 120-2 may generate data. Alternatively, the third device 120-2 may receive data from the fourth device 140. In some example embodiments, the core network device 140 may trigger the third device 120-2 to initiate a paging process to deliver data to the first device 110-1. In an example embodiment, the third device 120-2 may be triggered to initiate a paging process after receiving data from the fourth device 140. In some example embodiments, the data may include positioning assistance information. In some embodiments, the positioning assistance information may include a configuration of a positioning reference signal (PRS). For example, the frequency of the PRS may be in the positioning assistance information. The positioning assistance information may include a bandwidth of the PRS. In addition, the positioning assistance information may include a period of transmission of the PRS. The number of symbols of the PRS may also be included in the positioning assistance information. In addition, the positioning assistance information may include a resource identifier of the PRS.

[0102] In some example embodiments, the positioning assistance information may include a configuration of a positioning measurement. For example, the positioning assistance information may indicate a type of positioning measurement. In some example embodiments, the type of positioning measurement may include one or more of: reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), relative time of arrival (RTOA), angle of arrival (AoA), angle of departure (AoD), time difference of arrival (TDOA), or multi-cell round trip time (Multi-RTT).

[0103] In other embodiments, the positioning assistance information may be a configuration for reporting positioning measurements. For example, the positioning assistance information may be a period for reporting positioning measurements. For example, the positioning assistance information may be a condition for triggering the transmission of positioning measurements. Alternatively or additionally, the positioning assistance information may include uplink measurement results. For example, the uplink measurement results may be used for synchronization error elimination for a combination of downlink time difference of arrival (DL-TDOA) and UL-TDOA.

[0104] In another example embodiment, the third device 120-2 may receive a request indicating a paging process from the fourth device 140. The third device 120 may be triggered to initiate a paging process after receiving the request. In some example embodiments, the positioning assistance information may include a configuration of a sounding reference signal (SRS) for positioning. For example, the frequency of the SRS may be in the positioning assistance information. The positioning assistance information may include the bandwidth of the SRS. In addition, the positioning assistance information may include a time period for SRS transmission. The number of symbols of the SRS may also be included in the positioning assistance information. In addition, the positioning assistance information may include a resource identifier for the SRS. Alternatively, the positioning assistance information may include activation or deactivation for SRS transmission. It should be noted that the positioning assistance information may include any suitable parameters for positioning. The positioning assistance information is not limited to the above example information.

[0105] At block 520, the third device 120-2 selects one or more devices from the plurality of devices for paging the first device 110-1. The plurality of devices may belong to a group of cells in a random access network (RAN) notification area (RNA) of the first device 110-1. For example, the third device 120-2 may select all devices (cells) in the RNA of the first device 110-1 to page the first device 110-1 to monitor data.

[0106] Alternatively, the third device 120-2 may select a group of devices (cells) from a plurality of devices. In some example embodiments, the group of devices may be selected based on the last anchor cell of the first device 110-1. The group of devices may be selected based on the last serving cell of the first device 110-1. Alternatively or additionally, the third device 120-2 may select the group of devices based on location information of the first device 110-1. In other embodiments, the group of devices may be selected based on mobility information of the first device 110-1.

[0107] As an example only, if the communication time between the first device 110-1 and the last anchor point is lower than a threshold, the third device 120-2 may select one or more cells around the last anchor cell as the group of cells. Alternatively, the third device 120-2 may select one or more cells around the location information estimated at the fourth device 140 based on the UL PRS. In other embodiments, the AMF may select the group of cells based on the location information of the first device 110-1, and signal the group of cells to the third device 120-2 to page the first device 110-1. In some example embodiments, the third device 120-2 may also indicate the paging process at other unselected cells. In this way, the network signaling overhead for data transmission is reduced because only a portion of the cells in the RNA need to transmit the positioning assistance data information of the first device 110-1 in the RRC idle / inactive state. For illustration purposes only, the second device 120-1 may be selected by the third device 120-2 or the AMF entity.

[0108] At block 530, third device 120-2 transmits data to second device 120-1. The data may be transmitted via any suitable signaling between second device 120-1 and third device 120-2. The embodiments are not limited in this respect.

[0109] In some example embodiments, a first device (e.g., first device 110-1) capable of performing any of the methods 300 may include a component for performing the corresponding operation of the method 300. The component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module. The first device may be implemented as a first device 110-1 or included in the first device 110-1. In some example embodiments, the component may include at least one processor and at least one memory including a computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to cause the execution of the device together with the at least one processor.

[0110] In some example embodiments, the apparatus includes a component for receiving, at a first device, a search space configuration indicating at least one monitoring opportunity from a second device, the first device being in a radio resource control (RRC) inactive state or an RRC idle state; a component for receiving trigger information for monitoring data from the second device; and a component for monitoring positioning assistance information at at least one monitoring opportunity at the first device.

[0111] In some example embodiments, means for receiving the search space configuration includes means for receiving the search space configuration via RRC signaling or broadcast signaling.

[0112] In some example embodiments, the data includes positioning assistance information, and the positioning assistance information includes at least one of: a configuration of a positioning reference signal, a configuration of a positioning measurement, a configuration to report a positioning measurement, an indication for deactivating transmission of a sounding reference signal, or an indication for activating transmission of a sounding reference signal.

[0113] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for transmitting an acknowledgement to the second device based on determining that the data is detected.

[0114] In some example embodiments, the acknowledgment is transmitted on configured grant resources, random access channel resources, or physical uplink control channel resources.

[0115] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for determining a period for monitoring data; and means for suspending monitoring after the period.

[0116] In some example embodiments, the component for determining the time period includes one of: a component for determining the time period based on trigger information, a component for determining the time period based on a search space configuration, a component for receiving an indication of the time period via RRC signaling, or a component for determining the time period based on pre-configuration information.

[0117] In some example embodiments, means for receiving the trigger information comprises means for receiving the trigger information via a paging message.

[0118] In some example embodiments, the first device comprises a terminal device and the second device comprises a network device.

[0119] In some example embodiments, the second device (e.g., second device 120-1) capable of performing any of the methods 400 may include a component for performing the corresponding operation of the method 400. The component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module. The first device may be implemented as the second device 120-1 or included in the second device 120-1. In some example embodiments, the component may include at least one processor and at least one memory including a computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to cause the execution of the device together with the at least one processor.

[0120] In some example embodiments, the apparatus includes a component for transmitting, at a second device, a search space configuration indicating at least one monitoring opportunity to a first device, the first device being in a radio resource control (RRC) inactive state or an RRC idle state; a component for receiving data from a third device or a fourth device; a component for transmitting, to the first device, trigger information for monitoring data; and a component for transmitting data to the first device.

[0121] In some example embodiments, means for transmitting the search space configuration includes means for transmitting the search space configuration via RRC signaling or broadcast signaling.

[0122] In some example embodiments, the data includes positioning assistance information, and the positioning assistance information includes at least one of: a configuration of a positioning reference signal, a configuration of a positioning measurement, a configuration to report a positioning measurement, an indication for deactivating transmission of a sounding reference signal, or an indication for activating transmission of a sounding reference signal.

[0123] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for receiving an acknowledgement from the first device indicating that the data was detected by the first device.

[0124] In some example embodiments, the acknowledgement is received on one of: configured grant resources, random access channel resources, or physical uplink control channel resources.

[0125] In some example embodiments, the means for transmitting the trigger information comprises means for transmitting the trigger information via a paging message.

[0126] In some example embodiments, the first device comprises a terminal device, the second device comprises a network device, the third device comprises a further network device, and the fourth device comprises a location management function.

[0127] In some example embodiments, a third device (e.g., third device 120-2) capable of performing any of the methods 500 may include a component for performing the corresponding operation of the method 500. The component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module. The first device may be implemented as a third device 120-2 or included in the third device 120-2. In some example embodiments, the component may include at least one processor and at least one memory including a computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to cause the execution of the device together with the at least one processor.

[0128] In some example embodiments, the apparatus includes a component for acquiring data at a third device; a component for selecting at least one device from a plurality of devices for transmitting trigger information to a first device, the plurality of devices being located in a notification area of ​​the first device based on a radio access network; and a component for transmitting data to the at least one device.

[0129] In some example embodiments, the component for selecting at least one device includes a component for selecting at least one device based on at least one of: a last serving cell of the first device, location information of the first device, mobility information of the first device, or information indicating at least one device received from a core network device.

[0130] In some example embodiments, the data includes positioning assistance information, and the positioning assistance information includes at least one of: a configuration of a positioning reference signal, a configuration of a positioning measurement, a configuration to report a positioning measurement, an indication for deactivating transmission of a sounding reference signal, or an indication for activating transmission of a sounding reference signal.

[0131] In some example embodiments, the means for acquiring data comprises means for receiving downlink data from the fourth device; or means for generating downlink data at the third device.

[0132] In some example embodiments, the first device comprises a terminal device, the at least one device comprises a network device, the third device comprises a further network device, and the fourth device comprises a location management function.

[0133] Figure 6 6 is a simplified block diagram of a device 600 suitable for implementing an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The device 600 may be provided to implement a communication device, such as Figure 1 The device 110 or the device 120 shown. As shown, the device 600 includes one or more processors 610, one or more memories 620 coupled to the processor 610, and one or more communication modules 640 coupled to the processor 610.

[0134] The communication module 640 is used for two-way communication. The communication module 640 has one or more communication interfaces to facilitate communication with one or more other modules or devices. The communication interface may represent any interface necessary for communicating with other network elements. In some example embodiments, the communication module 640 may include at least one antenna.

[0135] Processor 610 may be of any type suitable for the local technology network, and may include, as non-limiting examples, one or more of the following: a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Device 600 may have multiple processors, such as application specific integrated circuit chips that are time slaved to a clock synchronized with a main processor.

[0136] The memory 620 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM) 624, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disk, compact disk (CD), digital video disk (DVD), optical disk, laser disk, and other magnetic storage and / or optical storage. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 622 and other volatile memories that do not persist during power outages.

[0137] Computer program 630 includes computer executable instructions that are executed by associated processor 610. Program 630 may be stored in a memory, such as in ROM 624. Processor 610 may perform any suitable actions and processes by loading program 630 into RAM 622.

[0138] The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by a program 630 so that the device 600 may execute a program according to the present disclosure. Figures 2 to 5 Any process of the present disclosure discussed. The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or a combination of software and hardware.

[0139] In some example embodiments, the program 630 may be tangibly embodied in a computer-readable medium that may be included in the device 600 (such as in the memory 620) or in other storage devices accessible to the device 600. The device 600 may load the program 630 from the computer-readable medium to the RAM 622 for execution. The computer-readable medium may include any type of tangible non-volatile memory, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, and other magnetic storage devices and / or optical storage devices. Figure 7 An example of a computer readable medium 700 in the form of an optical storage disc is shown. The computer readable medium has a program 630 stored thereon.

[0140] Generally, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software that may be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other graphical representations, it should be understood that, as non-limiting examples, the blocks, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuits or logic, general hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0141] The present disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer executable instructions, such as instructions included in a program module, which are executed in a device on a target physical or virtual processor to perform the above referenced Figures 5 to 7 Any method described herein. Typically, a program module includes a routine, program, library, object, class, component, data structure, etc. that performs a specific task or implements a specific abstract data type. In various embodiments, the functions of the program modules can be combined or split between program modules as needed. The machine executable instructions of the program modules can be executed in a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, the program modules can be located in both local and remote storage media.

[0142] The program code for executing the disclosed method can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. These program codes can be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer or other programmable data processing device so that the program code is implemented when executed by the processor or controller in the flow chart and / or the block diagram. The program code can be executed completely on the machine, partially on the machine, as an independent software package, partially on the machine and partially on a remote machine, or completely on a remote machine or server.

[0143] In the context of the present disclosure, computer program codes or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus or processor to perform various processes and operations as described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer readable media, etc.

[0144] The computer readable medium can be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. The computer readable medium can include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared or semiconductor systems, devices or equipment, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A more specific example of a computer readable storage medium will include an electrical connection with one or more wires, a portable computer floppy disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0145] In addition, although the operations are described in a specific order, this should not be understood as requiring such operations to be performed in the specific order shown or in a sequential order or performing all the operations shown to obtain the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, although several specific implementation details are included in the above discussion, these should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the present disclosure, but rather descriptions of features that may be specific to a particular embodiment. Certain features described in the context of a separate embodiment may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. On the contrary, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments individually or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0146] Although the present disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it should be understood that the present disclosure defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Instead, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A first device, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code; The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the first device to: Receiving a search space configuration indicating at least one monitoring opportunity from a second device to determine the at least one monitoring opportunity for data reception; wherein the search space configuration indicates a specific range carrying a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), the first device performs blind decoding in the search space to find the PDCCH carrying data, and the first device is in a radio resource control (RRC) inactive state or an RRC idle state; receiving trigger information for monitoring data from the second device; monitoring, at the first device, the data at the at least one monitoring occasion, the data being transmitted in a paging message; and transmitting an acknowledgment to the second device based on determining that the data is detected, wherein the acknowledgment is transmitted on a configured grant resource, a random access channel resource, or a physical uplink control channel resource; The first device also includes: determining a time period for monitoring the data; and suspending said monitoring after said period; wherein the first device implicitly determines the time period based on the search space configuration; The second device is at least one device selected by a third device from a plurality of devices for transmitting trigger information to the first device, the plurality of devices are located in a notification area of ​​the first device based on a radio access network, and the third device selects the at least one device as the second device based on at least one of the following: the last anchor cell of the first device, the last serving cell of the first device, location information of the first device, or Mobility information of the first device.

2. The first device according to claim 1, wherein the first device is caused to receive the search space configuration in the following manner: The search space configuration is received via RRC signaling or broadcast signaling.

3. The first device of claim 1 , wherein the data comprises positioning assistance information, and wherein the positioning assistance information comprises at least one of: Configuration of positioning reference signals, Configuration of positioning measurements, reporting the configuration of said positioning measurements, an indication to deactivate transmission of a sounding reference signal, or An indication for activating transmission of the sounding reference signal.

4. The first device according to claim 1, wherein the first device receives the trigger information in the following manner: The trigger information is received through a paging message. 5 . The first device according to claim 1 , wherein the first device comprises a terminal device, and the second device comprises a network device.

6. A second device, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code; The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the second device to: Transmitting a search space configuration indicating at least one monitoring opportunity to a first device, so that the first device determines the at least one monitoring opportunity for data reception; wherein the search space configuration indicates a specific range carrying a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), so that the first device performs blind decoding in the search space to find the PDCCH carrying data, and the first device is in a radio resource control (RRC) inactive state or an RRC idle state; receiving data from a third device or a fourth device; transmitting trigger information for monitoring the data to the first device, so that the first device monitors the data at the at least one monitoring opportunity, wherein the first device implicitly determines a time period for monitoring the data based on the search space configuration, and suspends the monitoring after the time period; transmitting the data to the first device, the data being transmitted in a paging message; and Receiving an acknowledgement from the first device indicating that the data was detected by the first device, wherein the acknowledgement is received on one of: Configured authorization resources, Random access channel resources, or Physical uplink control channel resources; The second device is at least one device selected by the third device from a plurality of devices for transmitting trigger information to the first device, the plurality of devices are located in a notification area of ​​the first device based on a radio access network, and the third device selects the at least one device as the second device based on at least one of the following: the last anchor cell of the first device, the last serving cell of the first device, location information of the first device, or Mobility information of the first device.

7. The second device according to claim 6, wherein the second device is caused to transmit the search space configuration in the following manner: The search space configuration is transmitted via RRC signaling or broadcast signaling.

8. The second device of claim 6, wherein the data comprises positioning assistance information, and wherein the positioning assistance information comprises at least one of the following: Configuration of positioning reference signals, Configuration of positioning measurements, reporting the configuration of said positioning measurements, an indication to deactivate transmission of a sounding reference signal, or An indication for activating transmission of the sounding reference signal.

9. The second device according to claim 6, wherein the second device is caused to transmit the trigger information in the following manner: The trigger information is transmitted via a paging message.

10. The second device according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the first device comprises a terminal device, the second device comprises a network device, the third device comprises another network device, and the fourth device comprises a location management function.

11. A method comprising: receiving, at the first device from the second device, a search space configuration indicating at least one monitoring opportunity to determine the at least one monitoring opportunity for data reception; wherein the search space configuration indicates a specific range carrying a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), the first device performs blind decoding in the search space to find a PDCCH carrying data, and the first device is in a radio resource control (RRC) inactive state or an RRC idle state; receiving trigger information for monitoring data from the second device; monitoring, at the first device, the data at the at least one monitoring occasion, the data being transmitted in a paging message; and transmitting an acknowledgement to the second device based on determining that the data is detected; wherein the acknowledgement is transmitted on a configured grant resource, a random access channel resource, or a physical uplink control channel resource; The method further comprises: determining, at the first device, a time period for monitoring the data; and suspending said monitoring after said period; wherein the first device implicitly determines the time period based on the search space configuration; The second device is at least one device selected by a third device from a plurality of devices for transmitting trigger information to the first device, the plurality of devices are located in a notification area of ​​the first device based on a radio access network, and the third device selects the at least one device as the second device based on at least one of the following: the last anchor cell of the first device, the last serving cell of the first device, location information of the first device, or Mobility information of the first device.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein receiving the search space configuration comprises: The search space configuration is received via RRC signaling or broadcast signaling.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the data comprises positioning assistance information, and wherein the positioning assistance information comprises at least one of: Configuration of positioning reference signals, Configuration of positioning measurements, reporting the configuration of said positioning measurements, an indication to deactivate transmission of a sounding reference signal, or An indication for activating transmission of the sounding reference signal.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein receiving the trigger information comprises: The trigger information is received through a paging message.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the first device comprises a terminal device, and the second device comprises a network device.

16. A method comprising: Transmitting a search space configuration indicating at least one monitoring opportunity to a first device at a second device, so that the first device determines the at least one monitoring opportunity for data reception; wherein the search space configuration indicates a specific range carrying a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), so that the first device performs blind decoding in the search space to find the PDCCH carrying data, and the first device is in a radio resource control (RRC) inactive state or an RRC idle state; receiving data from a third device or a fourth device; transmitting trigger information for monitoring the data to the first device, so that the first device monitors the data at the at least one monitoring opportunity, wherein the first device implicitly determines a time period for monitoring the data based on the search space configuration, and suspends the monitoring after the time period; transmitting the data to the first device, the data being transmitted in a paging message; and receiving, from the first device, an acknowledgment indicating that the data was detected by the first device; wherein the acknowledgment is received on one of: Configured authorization resources, Random access channel resources, or Physical uplink control channel resources; The second device is at least one device selected by the third device from a plurality of devices for transmitting trigger information to the first device, the plurality of devices are located in a notification area of ​​the first device based on a radio access network, and the third device selects the at least one device as the second device based on at least one of the following: the last anchor cell of the first device, the last serving cell of the first device, location information of the first device, or Mobility information of the first device.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein transmitting the search space configuration comprises: The search space configuration is transmitted via RRC signaling or broadcast signaling.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the data comprises positioning assistance information, and wherein the positioning assistance information comprises at least one of: Configuration of positioning reference signals, Configuration of positioning measurements, reporting the configuration of said positioning measurements, an indication to deactivate transmission of a sounding reference signal, or An indication for activating transmission of the sounding reference signal.

19. The method according to claim 16, wherein transmitting the trigger information comprises: The trigger information is transmitted via a paging message.

20. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the first device comprises a terminal device, the second device comprises a network device, the third device comprises another network device, and the fourth device comprises a location management function.

21. A computer-readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to execute the method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, or to execute the method according to any one of claims 16 to 20.

Images