Performing L1 / L2 triggered mobility LTM measurements

Abstract

An apparatus for communication comprises means for: determining whether a user equipment (UE) is in an active period; causing the UE to perform L1 / L2 triggered mobility LTM assisted measurements when the UE is in the active period; and stopping performing the LTM assisted measurement by the UE when the UE is not in the active period.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Examples of the present disclosure relate to performing L1 / L2 triggered mobility LTM measurements. Background Art

[0002] The wireless network includes multiple network nodes, including terminal nodes and access nodes. The communication between the terminal nodes and the access nodes is wireless.

[0003] In some cases, it is desirable to improve or enhance the measurement performance at the terminal node Summary of the invention

[0004] According to various (but not necessarily all) embodiments, there is provided an apparatus comprising means for:

[0005] Determining whether the user equipment UE is in an active period;

[0006] When the UE is in an active period, enabling L1 / L2 triggered mobility LTM assisted measurements to be performed by the UE; and

[0007] When the UE is not in an active period, performing LTM assisted measurements by the UE is stopped.

[0008] In some examples, the UE is configured for discontinuous reception (DRX), and wherein determining whether the UE is in an active period includes determining whether the UE is in a DRX active period.

[0009] In some examples, determining whether the UE is in an active period includes determining whether an inactivity timer is running at the UE, wherein when the inactivity timer is running at the UE, the UE is in an active period.

[0010] In some examples, components are configured to:

[0011] determining whether a request to start performing LTM assisted measurements has been made to the UE; and

[0012] Based at least in part on determining whether a request has been made to the UE to begin performing LTM assisted measurements, causing LTM assisted measurements to be performed by the UE.

[0013] In some examples, determining whether the UE is in an active period includes determining whether an extension timer is running at the UE, wherein when the extension timer is running at the UE, the UE is in an active period.

[0014] In some examples, the component is configured to receive a configuration of an extension timer.

[0015] In some examples, components are configured to:

[0016] The extension timer is started when the inactivity timer starts or when the inactivity timer expires.

[0017] In some examples, components are configured to:

[0018] receiving a request to start an extension timer; and

[0019] Based at least in part on receiving the request to start the extension timer, an extension timer is started.

[0020] In some examples, the extension timer has a configured duration.

[0021] In some examples, components are configured to:

[0022] receiving a request to stop the extension timer; and

[0023] Based at least in part on receiving the request to stop the extension timer, the extension timer is stopped.

[0024] In some examples, components are configured to:

[0025] Until a stop request is received or the UE leaves connected mode, a request is received to continue causing LTM assisted measurements to be performed by the UE.

[0026] In some examples, components are configured to:

[0027] determining that at least one LTM-assisted measurement condition is satisfied; and

[0028] Based at least in part on determining that at least one LTM assisted measurement condition is satisfied, causing LTM assisted measurements to be performed by the UE.

[0029] In some examples, causing LTM assisted measurements to be performed by the UE includes causing LTM assisted measurements to be performed by the UE according to an LTM measurement configuration.

[0030] In some examples, components are configured to:

[0031] Based at least in part on at least a portion of the LTM assisted measurements, causing at least one measurement report to be sent.

[0032] In some examples, the components include:

[0033] at least one processor; and

[0034] At least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform operations.

[0035] According to various (but not necessarily all) embodiments, there is provided an electronic device comprising the apparatus described herein.

[0036] According to various (but not necessarily all) embodiments, there is provided a method comprising:

[0037] Determining whether the user equipment UE is in an active period;

[0038] When the UE is in an active period, enabling L1 / L2 triggered mobility LTM assisted measurements to be performed by the UE; and

[0039] When the UE is not in an active period, performing LTM assisted measurements by the UE is stopped.

[0040] In some examples, the UE is configured for discontinuous reception (DRX), and wherein determining whether the UE is in an active period includes determining whether the UE is in a DRX active period.

[0041] In some examples, determining whether the UE is in an active period includes determining whether an inactivity timer is running at the UE, wherein when the inactivity timer is running at the UE, the UE is in an active period.

[0042] In some examples, the method includes:

[0043] determining whether a request to start performing LTM assisted measurements has been made to the UE; and

[0044] Based at least in part on determining whether a request has been made to the UE to begin performing LTM assisted measurements, causing LTM assisted measurements to be performed by the UE.

[0045] In some examples, determining whether the UE is in an active period includes determining whether an extension timer is running at the UE, wherein when the extension timer is running at the UE, the UE is in an active period.

[0046] In some examples, the method includes:

[0047] When the inactivity timer starts or when the inactivity timer expires, the extension timer is started.

[0048] According to various (but not necessarily all) embodiments, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to:

[0049] Determining whether the user equipment UE is in an active period;

[0050] When the UE is in an active period, enabling L1 / L2 triggered mobility LTM assisted measurements to be performed by the UE; and

[0051] When the UE is not in an active period, performing LTM assisted measurements by the UE is stopped.

[0052] In some examples, determining whether the UE is in an active period includes determining whether the UE is in a DRX active period.

[0053] According to various (but not necessarily all) embodiments, there is provided an apparatus comprising means for:

[0054] causing a request to be sent to the UE to continue performing LTM assisted measurements; and causing a request to be sent to the UE to stop performing LTM assisted measurements.

[0055] In some examples, causing sending a request to the UE to continue performing LTM assisted measurements includes causing sending a request to the UE to start an extension timer; and

[0056] The causing a request to stop performing LTM assisted measurement to be sent to the UE includes causing a request to stop an extension timer to be sent to the UE.

[0057] Examples as claimed in the appended claims are provided in accordance with various (but not necessarily all) examples.

[0058] According to various (but not necessarily all) embodiments, there is provided an apparatus comprising:

[0059] at least one processor; and

[0060] at least one memory including computer program code;

[0061] At least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform at least a portion of one or more methods disclosed herein.

[0062] According to various (but not necessarily all) embodiments, an apparatus is provided that includes means for performing at least a portion of one or more of the methods disclosed herein.

[0063] Furthermore, the description of any function and / or action should be considered to also disclose any means suitable for performing that function and / or action.

[0064] The functions and / or actions described herein may be performed in any suitable way using any suitable method.

[0065] Although the above examples and optional features of the present disclosure are described separately, it should be understood that their provisions in all possible combinations and arrangements are included in the present disclosure. It should be understood that various examples of the present disclosure may include any or all features described with respect to other examples of the present disclosure, and vice versa. In addition, it is understood that any one or more or all features in any combination may be implemented / included / executed by devices, methods and / or computer program instructions as needed and when appropriate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0066] Some examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0067] Figure 1 The network architecture of the communication system is shown by way of example;

[0068] Figure 2 The signaling between entities is shown by way of example;

[0069] Figure 3A A timeline of an inactivity timer is shown by way of example;

[0070] Figure 3B A timeline of an inactivity timer is shown by way of example;

[0071] Figure 4 A flow chart of the method is shown by way of example;

[0072] Figure 5 A flow chart of the method is shown by way of example;

[0073] Figure 6 The signaling between entities is shown by way of example;

[0074] Figure 7 The signaling between entities is shown by way of example;

[0075] Fig. 8A The signaling between entities is shown by way of example;

[0076] Figure 8B The signaling between entities is shown by way of example;

[0077] Fig. 9A The signaling between entities is shown by way of example;

[0078] Fig. 9B The signaling between entities is shown by way of example;

[0079] Fig. 10A shows, by way of example, a block diagram of an apparatus; and

[0080] Fig. 10B The memory is shown by way of example.

[0081] The drawings are not necessarily to scale. For clarity and conciseness, certain features and views of the drawings may be shown schematically or exaggerated in scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the drawings may be enlarged relative to other elements to aid in explanation. Similar reference numerals are used in the drawings to indicate similar features. For clarity, not all reference numerals may be shown in all drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0082] Figure 1 An example of a network 100 is shown, which includes a plurality of network nodes, including a terminal node 110, an access node 120, and one or more core nodes 129. The terminal node 110 and the access node 120 are in communication with each other. The one or more core nodes 129 are in communication with the access node 120.

[0083] In this example, the network 100 is a radio communication network in which at least some of the terminal nodes 110 and the access nodes 120 communicate with each other using transmission / reception of radio waves / signals.

[0084] In some examples, one or more core nodes 129 can communicate with each other. In some examples, one or more access nodes 120 can communicate with each other.

[0085] The network 100 may be a cellular network comprising a plurality of cells 122, each cell being served by an access node 120. The interface between the terminal node 110 and the access nodes 120 defining the cells 122 is a wireless interface 124 in this example.

[0086] The access node 120 is a cellular radio transceiver. The terminal node 110 is a cellular radio transceiver.

[0087] In the illustrated example, the cellular network 100 is a Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network, wherein the terminal node 110 is a user equipment (UE) 142 (see, e.g., Figure 2 ), and the access node 120 is a base station.

[0088] In the example, the network 100 is an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN). The E-UTRAN consists of E-UTRAN Node Bs (eNBs) providing E-UTRA user plane and control plane (Radio Resource Control RRC) protocol terminations towards the UE 142. The eNBs are interconnected to each other via an X2 interface 126. The eNBs are also connected to a Mobility Management Entity (MME) 129 via an S1 interface 128.

[0089] In other examples, the network 100 is a Next Generation (or New Radio NR) Radio Access Network (NG-RAN). The NG-RAN consists of gNodeBs (gNBs) 120, providing user plane and control plane (RRC) protocol terminations towards the UE 142. The gNBs are interconnected to each other via an Xn interface 126. The gNBs are also connected to an access and mobility management function (AMF) via an N2 interface 128.

[0090] In an example, the network 100 may include a combination of E-UTRAN and NG-RAN.

[0091] User equipment 142 (UE) may include a mobile device. Where reference is made to a user equipment, the reference includes and encompasses reference to the mobile device to the extent possible.

[0092] A terminal node 110 (eg, UE 142) may perform measurements to assess an operating radio environment of the terminal node 110. For example, the terminal node 110 may perform measurements for mobility, such as measurements related to handovers.

[0093] The terminal node 110 (e.g., UE 142) may perform measurements for and / or involving lower layer triggered mobility (LTM). In an example, lower layer triggered mobility may be considered as L1 / L2 triggered mobility (LTM). In an example, lower layer triggered mobility LTM measurements may be referred to as L1 / L2 triggered mobility measurements. In an example, lower layer triggered mobility LTM assisted measurements may be referred to as L1 / L2 triggered mobility assisted measurements.

[0094] In an example, a terminal node 110 (e.g., UE 142) can be controlled to perform measurements for and / or related to LTM based at least in part on activities between the terminal node 110 and a network (e.g., a gNB).

[0095] Examples of the present disclosure relate to apparatus, methods and / or computer programs for and / or involving performing measurements associated with and / or involving LTM.

[0096] Additionally or alternatively, examples of the present disclosure relate to apparatus, methods and / or computer programs for and / or involving controlling a UE to perform measurements associated with and / or involving an LTM.

[0097] Additionally or alternatively, examples of the present disclosure relate to apparatus, methods and / or computer programs for and / or relating to controlling when a UE performs measurements associated with and / or relating to LTM, which are based at least in part on activities between the UE and an access node (e.g., a gNB).

[0098] Figure 2 Signaling between entities is shown by way of example. Figure 2 An example of method 200 is also shown.

[0099] In the example, Figure 2 It can be considered to illustrate a variety of methods. For example, Figure 2 One or more actions at multiple actors / entities are shown, and in the example, Figure 2 It may be considered as describing multiple methods performed by separate actors / entities.

[0100] and Figure 2 One or more of the features discussed in relation may be found in one or more of the other drawings.

[0101] exist Figure 2 In the example, multiple devices send and / or receive one or more signals and / or one or more messages through and / or via and / or using the network. In the example, any suitable communication form can be used in any suitable network. For example, Figure 1 At least a portion of network 100.

[0102] So, in the example, as about Figure 1 As described, Figure 2 Multiple devices in constitute at least a part of the network 100.

[0103] In the illustrated example, the terminal node 110 and the access node 120 send and / or receive one or more signals and / or one or more messages. For example, the network node may include a gNodeB 159 (gNB), and the terminal node 110 may include a UE 142.

[0104] In the example, Figure 2 Communications and / or transmissions between the entities shown in the drawings may occur via any number of intermediate entities, or without any intermediate entities.

[0105] Although in Figure 2 One terminal node 110 is shown in the example of FIG. 1 , but any suitable number of terminal nodes 110 (eg, UE 142) may be included in the example. Similarly, any suitable number of access nodes 120 may be included in the example.

[0106] As described herein, the description of a function and / or action should also be considered to disclose enabling and / or causing and / or controlling the function and / or action. For example, the description of sending information should also be considered to disclose enabling and / or causing and / or controlling sending / transmitting information.

[0107] For example, a description of a device (eg, UE 142) that transmits information should also be considered to disclose that at least one controller of the device enables and / or causes and / or controls the device to transmit information.

[0108] The above Figure 2 The paragraph can be similarly applied to Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Fig. 8A , Figure 8B , Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B .

[0109] In an example, the method 200 and / or at least a portion of the method 200 may be viewed as a method of controlling the performance of measurements associated with and / or involving an LTM.

[0110] In an example, the method 200 and / or at least a portion of the method 200 may be considered a method for effectively enabling LTM.

[0111] In an example, method 200 and / or at least a portion of method 200 can be viewed as a method for performing measurements associated with and / or involving LTM based at least in part on activities between a terminal node 100 (e.g., UE 142) and an access node 120 (e.g., gNB 159).

[0112] In an example, method 200 and / or at least a portion of method 200 may be viewed as a method of enabling control of when a terminal node 110 (eg, UE 142) performs measurements associated with and / or involving LTM (eg, LTM assisted measurements 145).

[0113] In the example shown, the location of the block indicates an entity that performs a function and / or action. For example, block 202 is performed by a terminal node 110 (eg, UE 142).

[0114] for Figure 2 For further discussion of FIG. 1 , it will be considered that terminal node 110 is UE 142.

[0115] In some examples, UE 142 is configured for discontinuous reception (DRX).

[0116] At block 202 , the method 200 includes determining whether the UE 142 is in an active period 144 .

[0117] In an example, block 202 includes determining whether UE 142 is in an LTM active period, and / or whether UE 142 may use LTM mobility. For example, an active period may be referred to as an LTM active period. In another example, an LTM active period may be considered to be a shorter period included in an active period.

[0118] In an example, the active period 144 may be considered a period during which the UE 142 configured for DRX may be used to send and / or receive data.

[0119] In an example, the active period 144 may be considered as a period in which the UE 142 configured for DRX monitors a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH).

[0120] In an example, the active period 144 may be considered as a period in which the UE 142 configured for DRX monitors a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) and an additional time period after the period when the UE monitors the physical downlink control channel.

[0121] In an example where the UE is not configured for DRX, the active period 144 may be considered to be the period in which the UE 142 is scheduled on the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), and the time period after the most recent scheduling on the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH).

[0122] In an example, the active period 144 may be considered as a period in which any relevant DRX timer is running, requiring the UE 142 to be in active time for serving cells in the DRX group. The active time may be defined in 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) TS 38.321.

[0123] In an example, the active period 144 may be considered as a period during which the UE 142 is in active time as defined in 3GPP TS 38.321.

[0124] In some examples, block 202 includes determining whether UE 142 is in an active period based at least in part on activity between the network and UE 142.

[0125] In some examples, block 202 includes determining whether UE 142 is in an active data transmission.

[0126] In some examples, determining whether UE 142 is in an active period 144 includes determining whether UE 142 is in a DRX active period.

[0127] In an example, determining whether the UE 142 is in the active period 144 includes determining whether the UE 142 is in the DRX active period and a time period after the last scheduling on a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH).

[0128] In an example, determining whether the UE 142 is in the active period 144 includes determining whether a certain period of time has elapsed since the UE 142 was last scheduled on a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH).

[0129] In an example, determining whether the UE 142 is in the active period 144 includes determining whether the UE 142 is in a DRX active period and a time period after the DRX active period.

[0130] In an example, the DRX active period 144 may be considered a period during which a UE 142 configured for DRX may be used to transmit and / or receive data.

[0131] In an example, the DRX active period 144 may be considered as a period in which a UE 142 configured for DRX monitors a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH).

[0132] In an example, the DRX active period 144 may be considered as a period in which any relevant DRX timer is running, requiring the UE 142 to be in active time for serving cells in the DRX group. The active time may be defined in 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) TS 38.321.

[0133] In an example, the DRX active period 144 may be considered as a period when the UE 142 is in active time as defined in 3GPP TS 38.321.

[0134] Determining whether the UE 142 is in the active period 144 may include determining whether an inactivity timer 146 is running at the UE 142 , wherein when the inactivity timer 146 is running at the UE 142 , the UE 142 is in the active period 144 .

[0135] UE 142 may start the inactivity timer when scheduled and / or when any suitable defined condition or conditions are satisfied.

[0136] Inactivity timer 146 may include a timer of any suitable duration that runs from the time UE 142 (configured for DRX in some examples) is scheduled. In an example, UE 142 may start inactivity timer 146 when UE 142 is scheduled. For example, the duration may be defined in terms of time and / or DRX cycle.

[0137] In an example, the inactivity timer 146 can have a duration ranging from 0 milliseconds to 3000 milliseconds (ms). In some examples, the inactivity timer 146 can have a duration ranging from 1 millisecond to 2560 milliseconds. In some examples, the inactivity timer 146 can have a duration selected from: 0ms, 1ms, 2ms, 3ms, 4ms, 5ms, 6ms, 8ms, 10ms, 20ms, 30ms, 40ms, 50ms, 60ms, 80ms, 100ms, 200ms, 300ms, 500ms, 750ms, 1280ms, 1920ms, 2560ms.

[0138] For example, inactivity timer 146 may include a timer of any suitable duration that runs from a PDCCH opportunity in which the PDCCH indicates a new uplink (UL), downlink (DL), or sidelink (SL) transmission by a medium access control (MAC) entity.

[0139] For example, the inactivity timer 146 may be an inactivity timer “drx-InactivityTimer” defined in 3GPP TS 38.321.

[0140] By way of example, refer to Figure 3A .

[0141] exist Figure 3A In the example of FIG. 1 , horizontal axis 141 represents time, where time increases toward the right side of the graph.

[0142] In the example shown, the inactivity timer 146 begins at time 146A and ends at time 146B. The duration of the inactivity timer is illustrated by a solid double arrow.

[0143] exist Figure 3A In the example of , the inactivity timer 146 is started by the UE 142 when the UE 142 is scheduled.

[0144] exist Figure 3A In the example of FIG. 1 , the active period 144 of UE 142 is shown by a dashed arrow. Figure 3A As can be seen in the example of FIG. 1 , when the inactivity timer 146 expires at time 146B, the activity period 144 ends.

[0145] exist Figure 3A In the example of FIG. 1 , when the DRX active period of UE 142 starts, active period 144 starts. Figure 3A In the example of , the active period 144 of the UE 142 starts when the DRX active period starts and ends when the inactivity timer 146 ends.

[0146] In some examples, the active period 144 of the UE 142 begins when the inactivity timer 146 starts and ends when the inactivity timer 146 ends.

[0147] Back to Figure 2 In the example, determining whether the UE is in the active period 144 includes determining whether the extension timer 148 is running at the UE 142, wherein when the extension timer 148 is running at the UE 142, the UE 142 is in the active period 144. The extension timer 148 can be used to extend the time when the UE 142 performs or should perform LTM assisted measurements.

[0148] UE 142 may start extension timer 148 at any suitable time and / or with respect to any suitable condition or conditions being met.

[0149] The extension timer 148 may include a timer of any suitable duration that is configured to extend the period of the inactivity timer 146. For example, the extension timer 148 may have any suitable duration to extend the active period 144 of the UE 142 beyond the time when the inactivity timer 146 expires. For example, the duration may be defined in terms of time and / or DRX cycle.

[0150] In an example, the extended timer 148 can have a duration ranging from 0 milliseconds to 3000 milliseconds (ms). In some examples, the extended timer 148 can have a duration ranging from 1 millisecond to 2560 milliseconds. In some examples, the extended timer 148 can have a duration selected from: 0 ms, 1 ms, 2 ms, 3 ms, 4 ms, 5 ms, 6 ms, 8 ms, 10 ms, 20 ms, 30 ms, 40 ms, 50 ms, 60 ms, 80 ms, 100 ms, 200 ms, 300 ms, 500 ms, 750 ms, 1280 ms, 1920 ms, 2560 ms.

[0151] The extension timer 148 may be used to extend the period during which the UE performs LTM assisted measurements. The extension timer 148 may be used to ensure that the UE 142 continues to perform LTM assisted measurements even after the period defined by the inactivity timer 146.

[0152] In an example, the method 200 includes starting the extension timer 148 when the inactivity timer 146 is started or when the inactivity timer 146 expires. Thus, in an example, the UE 142 may start the extension timer 148 when the inactivity timer 146 is started or when the inactivity timer 146 expires.

[0153] By way of example, refer to Figure 3B .

[0154] exist Figure 3B In the example of FIG. 1 , horizontal axis 141 represents time, where time increases toward the right side of the graph.

[0155] In the example shown, the inactivity timer 146 is started at time 146A and ends at time 146B. The duration of the inactivity timer 146 is shown by the solid double arrow.

[0156] exist Figure 3B In the example of , the inactivity timer 146 is started by the UE 142 when the UE 142 is scheduled.

[0157] exist Figure 3B In the example of , UE 142 also uses an extension timer 148.

[0158] The extended timer 148 is illustrated by a dotted-dashed double-headed arrow, which is initiated at time 148A and expires at time 148B. Figure 3B As can be seen in the example of , the extended timer 148 can be started when the inactivity timer 146 is started or when the inactivity timer 146 expires, and the duration of the extended timer 148 can be configured accordingly so that the extended timer 148 expires at time 148B.

[0159] In the example where the extended timer 148 runs concurrently with the inactivity timer 146, the UE may be considered to be in the active period 144. When the inactivity timer 146 and / or the extended timer 148 runs, the UE may be considered to be in the active period.

[0160] exist Figure 3B In the example of FIG. 1 , the active period 144 of UE 142 is illustrated by a dashed arrow. Figure 3B As can be seen in the example of FIG. 1 , when the extended timer 148 expires at time 148B, the active period 144 ends.

[0161] exist Figure 3B In the example of FIG. 1 , active period 144 starts when the DRX active period of UE 142 starts. Figure 3B In the example of FIG. 1 , the active period 144 of the UE 142 starts when the DRX active period starts and stops when the extension timer 148 expires.

[0162] In some examples, the active period 144 begins when the inactivity timer 146 is started and ends when the extended timer 148 expires.

[0163] Back to Figure 2In the example, the method 200 includes receiving a request to start the extension timer 148, and starting the extension timer 148 based at least in part on receiving the request to start the extension timer 148. See, for example, block 212.

[0164] Thus, in an example, UE 142 receives a request from the network to start extension timer 148 and starts extension timer 148 based at least in part on receiving the request.

[0165] As used herein, a request may be considered a command and / or an instruction and / or an instruction, etc.

[0166] For example, a request to start the extended timer 148 may be considered a command to start the extended timer 148, and / or an instruction to start the extended timer, and / or an instruction to start the extended timer 148, and / or the like.

[0167] For example, refer to Figure 3B In an example, UE 142 may start inactivity timer 146 at time 146A without starting extension timer 148, and may receive a request to start extension timer 148A from gNB 159 before expiration of inactivity timer 146, and start extension timer 148 accordingly.

[0168] Thus, by the request to start the extension timer 148 , the activity period 144 may be extended beyond the duration of the inactivity timer 146 .

[0169] In some examples, the extension timer 148 has a configured duration. The duration can be configured in any suitable manner using any suitable method. For example, the access node 120 can use one or more signals and / or messages to configure the duration of the extension timer 148 at the UE 142. For example, the duration of the extension timer 148 can be configured using, for example, RRC signaling. In some examples, the extension timer 148 can be configured using RRC signaling, and the extension timer 148 can be activated using other signaling (e.g., MAC signaling or DCI, etc.).

[0170] In an example, the duration of the extended timer 148 may be configured at the UE 142 prior to using the extended timer 148. Thus, in an example, the duration of the extended timer 148 may be considered to be pre-configured.

[0171] Additionally or alternatively, the duration of the extended timer 148 can be configured at the UE 142 with the request to start the extended timer 148 .

[0172] In an example, the method 200 includes receiving a configuration 161 of an extension timer 148. See, for example, block 210.

[0173] Thus, in the example, UE 142 receives a configuration 161 from access node 120 to extend timer 148 .

[0174] Configuration 161 may be received in any suitable manner using any suitable method. For example, the configuration may be provided to UE 142 using any suitable signaling and / or messages (eg, RRC or MAC signaling).

[0175] Configuration 161 may include information for configuring any suitable aspect or aspects of extension timer 148. For example, configuration 161 may configure when to start extension timer 148 and / or when to stop extension timer 148 and / or the duration of extension timer 148, etc.

[0176] In an example, the configuration 161 configures the duration of the extension timer 148 , and when the UE 142 receives a request to start the extension timer 148 , the extension timer 148 is started.

[0177] like Figure 2 One or more actions / features of receiving are shown, Figure 2 The corresponding actions / features of sending / enabling and / or causing sending are also shown. For example, from the perspective of the access node 120, at block 210, the method 200 includes sending a configuration 610 of extending the timer 148 to the UE 142.

[0178] In some examples, the method 200 includes receiving a request to stop the extend timer 148 and stopping the extend timer 148 based at least in part on receiving the request to stop the extend timer 148. See, for example, block 214.

[0179] Thus, in an example, UE 142 receives a request from the network to stop extending timer 148, and stops extending timer 148 based at least in part on receiving the request.

[0180] For example, refer to Figure 3B , UE 142 may start extension timer 148 at configuration time 148A or in response to receiving a request, and may allow the extension timer to run until receiving a request to stop extension timer 148. Thus, gNB 159 may allow extension timer 148 to continue after time 148B as shown, or may stop extension timer 148 before time 148B as needed.

[0181] Thus, for example, the gNB 159 may use a request to stop the extension timer 148 to control the active period 144 so that the active period 144 has a desired duration.

[0182] At block 204 , the method 200 includes performing LTM-assisted measurements 145 while the UE 142 is in the active period 144 .

[0183] LTM-aided measurements 145 may include any suitable measurements associated with and / or for and / or relating to an LTM.

[0184] Thus, in some examples, LTM assisted measurements 145 may include LTM assisted measurements introduced to facilitate LTM cell switching.

[0185] The LTM assisted measurements may include L1 measurements and / or L3 measurements.

[0186] In an example, the LTM assisted measurements may be considered as L1 assisted measurements.

[0187] In an example, the LTM assistance measurements 145 may include any suitable measurements associated with and / or for and / or related to the LTM that are reported in at least one L1 measurement report. See, for example, block 208 .

[0188] In some examples, if it is determined that the UE 142 is in an active period 144 , block 204 includes performing LTM-assisted measurements 145 .

[0189] In some examples, block 204 includes performing LTM-assisted measurements 145 based at least in part on determining that UE 142 is in an active period 144 .

[0190] Performing the LTM assisted measurements 145 may include performing the LTM assisted measurements 145 according to an LTM measurement configuration.

[0191] In an example, the method 200 includes determining whether a request has been made to the UE 142 to begin performing LTM assisted measurements 145 and performing LTM assisted measurements 145 based at least in part on determining whether a request has been made to the UE 142 to begin performing LTM assisted measurements 145 .

[0192] Thus, in an example, UE 142 determines whether a request has been made to UE 142 to begin performing LTM assisted measurements 145 and performs LTM assisted measurements 145 based at least in part on determining whether a request has been made to UE 142 to begin performing LTM assisted measurements 145 .

[0193] For example, UE 142 may determine that UE 142 is in active period 144 , but no request has been made to the UE to perform LTM assisted measurements 145 , and therefore UE 142 will not perform LTM assisted measurements 145 .

[0194] For example, UE 142 may determine that UE 142 is in active period 144 , and that a request has been made to UE 142 to perform LTM assisted measurements 145 , and therefore UE 142 will perform LTM assisted measurements 145 .

[0195] The request to perform LTM assisted measurements 145 may be received from any suitable source. In an example, the request to perform LTM assisted measurements 145 is received from the access node 120 / gNB 159.

[0196] The request to perform LTM-assisted measurements 145 may be of any suitable form and may be made in any suitable manner.

[0197] The request may be made through explicit signaling, for example, an explicit request to perform LTM assisted measurements 145 may be made by the network using downlink control information (DCI), MAC, control element (CE), and / or RRC signaling.

[0198] Additionally or alternatively, the request may be made through configuration. For example, the request may be made through configuration information received by UE 142. For example, the request may include an RRC reconfiguration message (e.g., RRCReconfiguration), including a target cell indicated by the network and / or target cell selection criteria for at least one LTM candidate cell.

[0199] Thus, the request to perform LTM assisted measurements 145 may be explicit (eg, explicit signaling) and / or may be implicit (eg, configuration information including an indicated target cell and / or target cell selection criteria).

[0200] At block 206 , the method 200 includes ceasing, by the UE 142 , to perform LTM-assisted measurements 145 when the UE 142 is not in the active period 144 .

[0201] therefore, Figure 2 A method 200 is described, comprising:

[0202] Determining whether the UE 142 is in an active period 144;

[0203] performing LTM assisted measurements 145 by the UE 142 when the UE 142 is in an active period 144; and

[0204] When the UE 142 is not in the active period 144 , the LTM assisted measurements 145 performed by the UE 142 are stopped.

[0205] In some examples, block 206 includes, if it is determined that UE 142 is not in active period 144 , stopping performing LTM assisted measurements 145 .

[0206] In some examples, block 206 includes not performing LTM-assisted measurements 145 based at least in part on determining that UE 142 is not in an active period 144.

[0207] Thus, in an example, at block 206 , the method 200 may include stopping performing the LTM assisted measurements 145 when the activity period 144 ends, or not initiating the LTM assisted measurements 145 when the UE 142 is not in the activity period 144 .

[0208] In some examples, method 200 includes receiving a request to continue performing LTM assisted measurements 145 until a stop request is received or UE 142 leaves connected mode.

[0209] Thus, in an example, the UE 142 receives a request to continue performing LTM assisted measurements 145 until a stop request is received or the UE 142 leaves connected mode.

[0210] In such an example, the UE 142 may be considered to be in an active period 144 from the time a request is received to continue performing LTM assisted measurements 145 until a stop request is received or the UE 142 leaves connected mode.

[0211] From access node 120 (at Figure 2 From the perspective of gNB 159 in the example, method 200 may include providing to terminal node 110 (in Figure 2 In the example of UE 142, at least one signal and / or at least one message is sent.

[0212] For example, from the perspective of the access node 120 , the method 200 may include sending at least one request to the UE 142 to control and / or for controlling the performance of the LTM assisted measurements 145 at / by the UE 142 .

[0213] exist Figure 2 In the example of , at block 212, method 200 includes sending a request 163 to UE 142 to continue performing LTM assisted measurements 145. In some examples, UE 142 is configured for DRX.

[0214] Request 163 at block 212 may be in any suitable form.

[0215] In some examples, the request 163 at block 212 includes a request to continue performing LTM-assisted measurements 145 by the UE 142 until a stop request is received or the UE 142 leaves connected mode.

[0216] In some examples, the request 163 at block 212 includes a request to start an extension timer 148 .

[0217] At block 214 , the method 200 includes sending a request 164 to the UE 142 to stop performing LTM assisted measurements 145 .

[0218] therefore, Figure 2 A method 200 is shown, comprising:

[0219] sending a request 163 to the UE 142 to continue performing LTM assisted measurements 145; and

[0220] A request 164 to stop performing LTM assisted measurements 145 is sent to UE 142. In some examples, UE 142 is configured for DRX.

[0221] The request 164 at block 214 may be in any suitable form.

[0222] In some examples, the request 164 at block 214 includes an explicit request to stop performing LTM assisted measurements 145 subsequent to the request 163 to continue performing LTM assisted measurements 145 by the UE 142 until a stop request is received.

[0223] In some examples, the request 164 at block 214 includes a request to stop the extension timer 148 .

[0224] Thus, in some examples, sending request 163 to UE 142 to continue performing LTM assisted measurements 145 includes sending a request to UE 142 to start extension timer 148, and sending request 164 to UE 142 to stop performing LTM assisted measurements 145 includes sending a request to UE 142 to stop extension timer 148.

[0225] In some examples, the method 200 includes determining that at least one LTM assisted measurement condition is satisfied, and performing the LTM assisted measurement 145 based at least in part on determining that the at least one LTM assisted measurement condition is satisfied.

[0226] Thus, in an example, the UE 142 determines that at least one LTM assisted measurement condition is satisfied, and performs LTM assisted measurement 145 based at least in part on determining that at least one LTM assisted measurement condition is satisfied.

[0227] In an example, at least one LTM assisted measurement condition may be considered as at least one LTM assisted measurement precondition. Thus, in an example, the method 200 includes determining that at least one LTM assisted measurement precondition is satisfied, and performing the LTM assisted measurement 145 based at least in part on determining that at least one LTM assisted measurement precondition is satisfied.

[0228] The at least one LTM assisted measurement condition may include any suitable condition or conditions. In an example, the at least one LTM assisted measurement condition may include at least one condition that enables the UE 142 to perform the LTM assisted measurement 145. For example, in some examples, the UE 142 is unable to perform the LTM assisted measurement 145 before the at least one LTM assisted measurement condition is satisfied.

[0229] For example, the at least one LTM assisted measurement condition may include a condition that an L3 measurement including a target cell has been sent to the network.

[0230] For example, the at least one LTM assisted measurement condition may include a condition that a request has been received for the UE 142 to start performing LTM assisted measurements.

[0231] At block 208 , the method 200 includes sending at least one measurement report 154 based at least in part on at least a portion of the LTM assisted measurements 145 .

[0232] The at least one measurement report may include any suitable measurement report 154 configured to provide any suitable information of the LTM-assisted measurements 145. For example, the at least one measurement report 154 may include any suitable measurements made in the LTM-assisted measurements 145.

[0233] For example, the LTM assisted measurements 145 may include L1 measurements and / or L3 measurements reported in at least one L1 measurement report.

[0234] For example, the LTM assisted measurements 145 may include L1 reference signal received power (RSRP) and / or L3-RSRP measurements reported in an L1 measurement report.

[0235] For example, LTM assisted measurements may be reported in a radio resource control (RRC) MeasResults information element. In an example, MeasResults may cover measurement results for intra-frequency, inter-frequency, inter-radio access technology (RAT) mobility, and / or new radio (NR) sidelink communication / discovery.

[0236] In the example, NR neighbor cell measurements are included in the measResultNeighCells element of measResultListNR by physical cell ID (PCI).

[0237] Method 200 may include sending any suitable number of measurement reports 154 at any suitable time or times in method 200. For instance, in an example, UE 142 may send at least one measurement report 154 after taking any number of LTM-assisted measurements 145.

[0238] In some examples, UE 142 may send at least one measurement report 154 at the end and / or after the end of the activity period 144 of UE 142.

[0239] In an example, a method is presented that may enable control of when a UE performs LTM assisted measurements based on activities between the network and the UE (eg, in terms of data exchange).

[0240] In some examples, the UE will perform LTM assisted measurements when the UE is in active data transmission, such as when the UE is in active time or when an inactivity timer is running in the UE. In an example, when the inactivity timer is not running in the UE (or the UE is not in active time), the UE does not need to perform LTM measurements and / or reporting.

[0241] In an example, if the UE is configured with DRX, the UE will perform LTM L1 measurements when any relevant DRX timer requires that the UE will be in active time for a serving cell in the DRX group.

[0242] In an example, the UE continues to measure and / or report for an additional time period after the inactivity timer expires. Thus, the measurement and / or reporting requirements apply to an additional time period after the inactivity timer expires. The additional time period may be offset from the time when the inactivity timer is started or the time when the inactivity timer expires.

[0243] In an example, the additional LTM L1 measurement timer is an LTM specific extended timer, or a time period expressed in other ways such as a DRX cycle.

[0244] In an example, the network explicitly starts and / or stops the LTM L1 measurements and / or the LTM L1 measurement extension timer.

[0245] In some examples, the method can be controlled by the UE based on network assisted control information. Therefore, in examples, there is no need to continue network enabling and disabling LTM assisted measurement and / or reporting.

[0246] Examples of the present disclosure are advantageous and / or provide technical benefits.

[0247] For example, when LTM mobility is required or is likely to be required, examples of the present disclosure provide for the UE to perform LTM assisted measurements, but may save resources in other ways, such as reducing power consumption of the UE.

[0248] For example, examples of the present disclosure provide control over when a UE performs LTM-assisted measurements, reducing disruption to a serving cell caused by the UE performing L1 / L3 measurements on one or more neighboring cells.

[0249] For example, examples of the present disclosure provide that the UE performs (and / or reports) relevant LTM assisted measurements when necessary (e.g., when LTM mobility is predicted to be required), and can report these to the network in a timely manner. However, when little / no LTM mobility is predicted to be required, the UE does not need to perform and / or report LTM assisted measurements.

[0250] Figure 4 An example of method 400 is shown.

[0251] The method 400 may be performed by any suitable device, including any suitable components for performing the method 400, for example, Fig. 10A and / Fig. 10B The device described.

[0252] In an example, the method 400 may be performed by the UE 142 , or may be performed by a control device configured to control functions thereof when installed in the UE 142 .

[0253] At block 402, method 400 includes determining whether UE 142 is in an active period 144. In some examples, UE 142 is configured for DRX.

[0254] At block 404 , the method 400 includes causing LTM-assisted measurements 145 to be performed by the UE 142 while the UE 142 is in the active period 144 .

[0255] At block 144 , the method 400 includes ceasing to perform LTM assisted measurements 145 by the UE 142 when the UE 142 is not in the active period 144 .

[0256] therefore, Figure 4 A method 400 is described, comprising:

[0257] Determining whether the UE 142 is in an active period 144;

[0258] causing LTM assisted measurements 145 to be performed by the UE 142 when the UE 142 is in an active period; and

[0259] When the UE 142 is not in the active period 144 , performing LTM assisted measurements 145 by the UE 142 is stopped.

[0260] Figure 5 An example of method 500 is shown.

[0261] Method 500 may be performed by any suitable apparatus, including any suitable components for performing method 500. For example, as described with respect to Fig. 10A and / or Fig. 10B Describe the device.

[0262] In an example, method 500 may be performed by an access node 120 (e.g., gNB 159), or by a control device configured to control its functions when installed therein.

[0263] At block 502, the method 500 includes causing a request 163 to continue performing LTM assisted measurements 145 to be sent to the UE 142. In some examples, the UE 142 is configured for DRX.

[0264] At block 504 , the method 500 includes causing a request 164 to be sent to the UE 142 to stop performing LTM assisted measurements 145 .

[0265] therefore, Figure 5 A method 500 is shown, comprising:

[0266] causing a request 163 to be sent to the UE 142 to continue performing LTM assisted measurements 145; and

[0267] This causes a request 164 to be sent to the UE 142 to stop performing LTM assisted measurements 145 .

[0268] In the following examples, a number of different options for implementing the method will be described. In the following examples, NR and NR signaling are used as examples. In addition, the examples assume that DRX is configured. However, the examples should not be considered limited to the use of NR or DRX, but can also be applied to other systems, including legacy systems and future systems (such as 6G).

[0269] Examples of the present disclosure may be implemented in many different ways.

[0270] The various options are described below. Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Fig. 8A , Figure 8B , Fig. 9A and / or Fig. 9B Description in the signalling diagram or message sequence chart (MSC).

[0271] Option 1 ( Figure 7 ): The method is based on the UE inactivity timer, for example, based only on the UE inactivity timer. Regarding Option 1, the precondition in block 11 may be that once the L3 measurement result including the TargetCell is sent to the network, the UE will start the LTM L1 measurement of the TargetCell.

[0272] Option 2 (see also Figure 7 ): The method is based on requested LTM measurements and UE inactivity timer. The method is similar to Option 1 except for the preconditions in box 11: A request has been made to perform LTM measurements. The LTM measurement(s) may be requested by the network or the UE. The request may include target cell(s) indicated by the network, or UE RRC configured target cell selection of one or more LTM candidate cells.

[0273] Option 3 ( Fig. 8A and Figure 8B ): Additional timer delay after UE inactivity timer expires (extend timer). This option can be used with option 1 or option 2. The timer can be expressed by time (seconds) or DRX cycle or similar.

[0274] Option 4 ( Fig. 9A and 9B ): In this approach, the network explicitly requires L1 LTM measurements. This option can work as a standalone solution or can be combined with any of options 1 to 3.

[0275] A request from the network may overwrite the current measurement status, for example, the request may instruct the UE to start or stop measurements at any time.

[0276] It should be noted that any combination of the above options is possible.

[0277] Next, refer to Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Fig. 8A , Figure 8B , Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B Discuss the details of Option 1, Option 2, Option 3, and Option 4.

[0278] Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Fig. 8A , Figure 8B , Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B Signaling between the UE 142, the primary cell 166 (PCell), and the target cell 168 (TargetCell) is shown.

[0279] Figure 6Some initial steps (Block 2) or blocks that may be performed prior to the method according to one or more of Option 1, Option 2, Option 3 or Option 4 are shown by way of example.

[0280] refer to Figure 6 In the example, it is assumed that the UE is in connected mode (block 1). During connected mode, the UE is configured with one or more LTM candidate cells (block 3). The target cell is a configured LTM candidate cell. In the example, the LTM candidate cell is a candidate on the same carrier as the serving cell. Therefore, the candidate is an intra-frequency candidate. This assumption is only for simplifying the explanation, but the example also applies to, for example, a candidate cell located on another carrier than the serving cell (thus an inter-frequency or inter-RAT candidate cell).

[0281] At block 4, the UE performs normal intra-frequency L3 measurements. Thus, at some point in time the UE will detect one or more intra-frequency neighboring cells (possibly including one or more configured LTM candidate cells). The UE is configured to detect and measure any synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) from the target cell. The UE is configured to process the measurement results (block 6).

[0282] Based on the measurement results and the configured reporting events (assuming the L3 measurement reporting framework is reused), the events may trigger the UE to send measurement reports to the network at blocks 7 and 8.

[0283] After receiving the measurement report from the UE, the network knows when the UE has detected and measured a cell that could be one of the configured candidate cells (block 9).

[0284] If network participation is required, the network may use the report results for any further actions decided by the network in other initiated LTM processes.

[0285] Now refer to Figure 7 Discuss option 1.

[0286] exist Figure 7 In the example of FIG. 1 , assuming that the UE has been configured with one or more LTM candidate cells, the UE may initiate LTM L1 measurement based on a predefined trigger on the UE side. In the example, such a trigger may be that the UE has detected, measured, and sent a measurement report to the network. Figure 7 The principle is explained.

[0287] At block 11, the UE evaluates whether there are any preconditions for initiating LTM L1 measurements. In the example, it is assumed that the precondition is that the UE has sent a measurement report to the network, which includes at least one configured LTM candidate cell. Therefore, once the L3 measurement results including the target cell are sent to the network, the UE will initiate LTM L1 measurements on the target cell. Block 21 shows the time period when the UE performs LTM L1 measurements.

[0288] At block 12, once the UE is scheduled, the UE will start an inactivity timer (block 13). The start of the inactivity timer will also trigger the UE to initiate the execution of LTM L1 measurements according to the target cell configuration (because the target cell has been reported to the network and thus the preconditions for performing LTM L1 measurements are met). In the example, there may be more than one cell (target cell).

[0289] In blocks 17, 18 and 19, the UE is performing and processing LTM L1 measurements. In block 20, the UE inactivity timer expires. This block triggers the UE to stop performing LTM L1 measurements (block 22).

[0290] It can be seen that using this approach, the UE will perform LTM L1 measurements when the UE inactivity timer is running. Otherwise, the UE may not need to perform these measurements. For example, the UE can be configured to perform LTM L1 measurements only when the UE inactivity timer is running. This can greatly reduce the UE measurement burden associated with LTM L1 measurements.

[0291] Option 2 is similar to Option 1 and the same MSC ( Figure 7 ) can be used to explain the method in detail.

[0292] Regarding option 2, it is assumed that if the UE has been configured with one or more LTM candidate cells, the UE will initiate LTM L1 measurements based on a predefined trigger on the UE side.

[0293] However, in contrast to option 1, LTM L1 measurements are performed, e.g. only if these have been requested to be performed. Such a request may be either network or UE requested. Otherwise, the principle is the same as option 1.

[0294] Now refer to Fig. 8A and Figure 8B Option 3 is discussed (block 23). Figure 8B The signaling diagram is Fig. 8A Continuation of the signaling diagram of . Fig. 8A and Figure 8B In the example of , it is assumed that if the UE has been configured with one or more LTM candidate cells, the UE will initiate LTM L1 measurement based on a trigger predefined on the UE side (optional).

[0295] At block 24, the UE evaluates whether there are any preconditions (if configured) for initiating LTM L1 measurements. Fig. 8A and Figure 8B In the example of , it is assumed that the preconditions are met, for example, the UE sends a measurement report to the network, including at least one configured LTM candidate cell. Therefore, the UE will initiate LTM L1 measurement of the target cell.

[0296] At block 25, once the UE is scheduled, the UE will start an inactivity timer (block 26). In addition, the UE may start another timer, an extension timer, such as an "LTM L1 extension" timer (block 27). This timer is used to ensure that the UE continues to perform LTM L1 measurements for a period of time after the UE inactivity timer expires. In another option, once the inactivity timer expires, the extension timer is started (blocks 34 and 35).

[0297] When the LTM L1 extension timer is running, the UE shall perform LTM L1 measurements.The timer and the timer length may be real time (milliseconds or seconds etc.) or may be expressed in other ways such as, for example, a number of DRX cycles.

[0298] In the example shown, the start of the inactivity timer triggers the UE to perform initiate LTM L1 measurements according to the target cell configuration (because the target cell is reported to the network and thus satisfies the preconditions for performing LTM L1 measurements). There may be more than one cell (target cell).

[0299] In blocks 31, 32 and 33, the UE is performing LTM L1 measurements. The UE receives LTM L1 measurement reference signals (RS), such as SSB and / or channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS), from at least one target cell. In block 34, the UE inactivity timer expires. However, unlike options 1 and 2, the UE will evaluate whether the LTM L1 extension timer is running at the moment when the inactivity timer expires. If the LTM L1 extension timer is running, the UE will continue to perform LTM L1 measurements (block 36).

[0300] As shown in block 35, one option is to start the LTM L1 extension timer once the UE inactivity timer expires.

[0301] While the LTM L1 extension timer is running, the UE will continue to perform LTM L1 measurements. This is shown in blocks 36, 37 and 38.

[0302] When the LTM L1 extension timer expires (block 39), the UE may stop performing LTM L1 measurements (block 43).

[0303] Block 42 illustrates a time period during which the UE performs LTM L1 measurements. Block 41 relates to the case when the extension timer is started when the inactivity timer starts. Block 40 relates to the case when the extension timer is started when the inactivity timer expires.

[0304] As can be seen, this approach means that the UE will perform LTM L1 measurements for a longer period than for example Option 1 and Option 2. For example, the benefit from these additional LTM L1 measurements is that in case new data arrives and triggers further LTM L1 measurements, the UE already has some measurements available, thus reducing any possible measurement delays.

[0305] Now refer to Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B Option 4 is discussed (block 44). Fig. 9B The signaling diagram is Fig. 9A Continuation of the signaling diagram.

[0306] exist Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B In the example of , it is assumed that if the UE has been configured with one or more LTM candidate cells, the UE will initiate LTM L1 measurement based on a trigger predefined on the UE side (optional).

[0307] The examples assume that option 4 can work independently of the other listed options, or can work with any of the options (option combinations).

[0308] exist Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B In the example of , it is assumed that once in connected mode and the preconditions for performing LTM L1 measurements are met, the UE will perform LTM L1 measurements (block 45) (eg, as explained in the context of option 1).

[0309] At block 46, once the UE is scheduled, the UE will start an inactivity timer (block 47). Each time the UE is scheduled, the inactivity timer may be scheduled to be restarted (blocks 49, 50).

[0310] In block 48, the network explicitly instructs the UE to apply the LTM L1 extension timer (an option) or simply commands the UE to continue performing LTM L1 measurements (eg until explicitly requested to stop or leave connected mode).

[0311] While the inactivity timer is running, the UE is configured to perform and process LTM L1 measurements (blocks 51, 52, 53, 54).

[0312] When the UE inactivity timer expires (block 55), the UE may check whether the UE has been requested to continue performing LTM L1 measurements or check whether the extension timer is running.

[0313] If the UE has been requested to continue with LTM L1 measurements, or if the extension timer is running, or if the UE has not received and has not been explicitly requested to stop LTM L1 measurements, the UE shall continue to perform these measurements. Otherwise, the UE may decide to stop the measurements.

[0314] In block 56 , the UE receives an explicit request to stop LTM L1 measurements. Based on the request, the UE stops performing LTM L1 measurements in block 59 .

[0315] Fig. 10A An example of a block diagram of apparatus 130 is illustrated. Apparatus 130 may be a controller of an apparatus or device such as terminal node 110 (e.g., UE 164) or network node 168 (e.g., access node 120). Apparatus 130 may be viewed as a controller configured to control a device such as a UE or a network node.

[0316] In an example, the apparatus 130 may be comprised in an electronic device. Thus, in an example, an electronic device comprising the apparatus 130 as described herein is provided.

[0317] The controller 130 may be implemented as a controller circuit system. The controller 130 may be implemented solely in hardware, may be implemented solely in software including firmware in some aspects, or may be a combination of hardware and software (including firmware).

[0318] In some examples, device 130 is or is included in UE 164.

[0319] In some examples, apparatus 130 is or is included in access node 120 .

[0320] like Fig. 10A As shown, the controller 130 can be implemented using instructions that implement hardware functions, for example, by using executable instructions of a computer program 136 in a general-purpose or special-purpose processor 132, which can be stored on a computer-readable storage medium (disk, memory, etc.) and executed by the processor 132.

[0321] The processor 132 is configured to read from and write to the memory 134. The processor 132 may also include an output interface via which data and / or commands are output by the processor 132, and an input interface via which data and / or commands are input to the processor 132.

[0322] The memory 134 stores a computer program 136, including computer program instructions (computer program code), which, when loaded into the processor 132, can control the operation of the device 130. The computer program instructions of the computer program 136 provide logic and routines so that the device can perform the methods shown in the drawings. The processor 132 can load and execute the computer program 136 by reading the memory 134.

[0323] In an example, the apparatus 130 comprises:

[0324] at least one processor 132; and

[0325] at least one memory 134 including computer program code;

[0326] The at least one memory 134 and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor 132, cause the apparatus 130 to at least perform:

[0327] Determining whether the UE 142 is in an active period 144;

[0328] causing LTM assisted measurements 145 to be performed by the UE 142 when the UE 142 is in an active period; and

[0329] When the UE 142 is not in the active period 144 , performing LTM assisted measurements 145 by the UE 142 is stopped.

[0330] In an example, the apparatus 130 comprises:

[0331] at least one processor 132; and

[0332] at least one memory 134 including computer program code;

[0333] The at least one memory 134 and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor 132, cause the apparatus 130 to at least perform:

[0334] causing a request 163 to be sent to the UE 142 to continue performing LTM assisted measurements 145; and

[0335] This causes a request 164 to be sent to the UE 142 to stop performing LTM assisted measurements 145 .

[0336] In an example, the apparatus 130 comprises:

[0337] at least one processor 132; and

[0338] at least one memory 134 including computer program code,

[0339] The at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor 132, cause the apparatus to at least:

[0340] Determining whether the UE 142 is in an active period 144;

[0341] causing LTM assisted measurements 145 to be performed by the UE 142 when the UE 142 is in an active period; and

[0342] When the UE 142 is not in the active period 144 , the LTM assisted measurements 145 performed by the UE 142 are stopped.

[0343] In an example, the apparatus 130 comprises:

[0344] at least one processor 132; and

[0345] at least one memory 134 including computer program code,

[0346] The at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor 132, cause the apparatus to at least:

[0347] causing a request 163 to be sent to the UE 142 to continue performing LTM assisted measurements 145; and

[0348] This causes a request 164 to be sent to the UE 142 to stop performing LTM assisted measurements 145 .

[0349] like Fig. 10A As shown, the computer program 136 may arrive at the apparatus 130 via any suitable delivery mechanism 162. For example, the delivery mechanism 162 may be a machine-readable medium, a computer-readable medium, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, a computer program product, a storage device, a recording medium (such as a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM) or a digital versatile disk (DVD) or a solid-state memory), an article of manufacture containing or tangibly embodying the computer program 136. The delivery mechanism may be a signal configured to reliably transmit the computer program 136. The apparatus 130 may propagate or send the computer program 136 as a computer data signal.

[0350] Computer program instructions for causing an apparatus to at least perform the following items or for at least performing the following items:

[0351] Determining whether the UE 142 is in an active period 144;

[0352] causing LTM assisted measurements 145 to be performed by the UE 142 when the UE 142 is in an active period; and

[0353] When the UE 142 is not in the active period 144 , performing LTM assisted measurements 145 by the UE 142 is stopped.

[0354] Computer program instructions for causing an apparatus to at least perform the following items or for at least performing the following items:

[0355] causing a request 163 to be sent to the UE 142 to continue performing LTM assisted measurements 145; and

[0356] This causes a request 164 to be sent to the UE 142 to stop performing LTM assisted measurements 145 .

[0357] The computer program instructions may be included in a computer program, a non-transitory computer readable medium, a computer program product, a machine readable medium. In some but not necessarily all examples, the computer program instructions may be distributed in more than one computer program.

[0358] Although memory 134 is shown as a single component / circuitry, it may be implemented as one or more separate components / circuitry, some or all of which may be integrated / removable and / or may provide permanent / semi-permanent / dynamic / cache storage.

[0359] In an example, the memory 134 includes a random access memory 158 and a read-only memory 160. In an example, the computer program 136 may be stored in the read-only memory 158. For example, see Fig. 10B .

[0360] Although processor 132 is shown as a single component / circuitry, it may be implemented as one or more separate components / circuitry, some or all of which may be integrated / removable.Processor 132 may be a single-core or multi-core processor.

[0361] References to "computer-readable storage medium", "computer program product", "tangibly embodied computer program", etc., or "controller", "computer", "processor", etc., should be understood to include not only computers with different architectures, such as single / multi-processor architectures and sequential (Von-Neumann) / parallel architectures, but also special-purpose circuits, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific circuits (ASICs), signal processing devices and other processing circuits. References to computer programs, instructions, code, etc., should be understood to include software or firmware for programmable processors, such as the programmable content of hardware devices, whether instructions for a processor or configuration settings for a fixed-function device, gate array or programmable logic device, etc.

[0362] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0363] (a) implemented only in hardware circuitry (e.g., implemented only in analog and / or digital circuitry) and

[0364] (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software such as (as applicable):

[0365] (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry and software / firmware, and

[0366] (ii) hardware processor(s) and software (including digital signal processor(s)), software and memory or any portion of memories, which together enable an apparatus (such as a user equipment or a network node) to perform various functions; and

[0367] (c) Hardware circuitry and / or processor(s), such as microprocessor(s) or portion(s) of microprocessor(s), requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when the software is not required for operation.

[0368] 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 hardware-only circuits or processors and their accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, the term circuitry also covers a baseband integrated circuit of a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device, if applicable to a particular claim element.

[0369] The blocks shown in the accompanying drawings may represent steps in a method and / or code segments in a computer program 136. The description of a particular order of blocks does not necessarily mean that the order of the blocks is required or preferred, and the order and arrangement of the blocks may vary. In addition, it is possible to omit some blocks.

[0370] Where a structural feature is described, it may be replaced by a component that performs one or more of the functions of the structural feature, whether the function or functions are explicitly described or implicitly described.

[0371] In an example, the apparatus 130 may include means for:

[0372] Determining whether the UE 142 is in an active period 144;

[0373] causing LTM assisted measurements 145 to be performed by the UE 142 when the UE 142 is in an active period; and

[0374] When the UE 142 is not in the active period 144 , performing LTM assisted measurements 145 by the UE 142 is stopped.

[0375] In an example, the apparatus 130 may include components for:

[0376] causing a request 163 to be sent to the UE 142 to continue performing LTM assisted measurements 145; and

[0377] This causes a request 164 to be sent to the UE 142 to stop performing LTM assisted measurements 145 .

[0378] In an example, the apparatus 130 may include means for performing one or more methods disclosed herein, or at least a portion of one or more methods.

[0379] In an example, the apparatus 130 may be configured to perform one or more methods disclosed herein, or at least a portion of one or more methods.

[0380] The above example enables the widget to find applications in:

[0381] Automotive systems; telecommunications systems; electronic systems including consumer electronics; distributed computing systems; media systems for generating or presenting media content (including audio, visual and audiovisual content and mixed, mediated, virtual and / or augmented reality); personal systems including personal health systems or personal fitness systems; navigation systems; user interfaces (also known as human-machine interfaces); networks including cellular, non-cellular and optical networks; ad hoc networks; the Internet; the Internet of Things; virtualized networks; and related software and services.

[0382] According to examples of the present disclosure, the device may be provided in an electronic device, such as a mobile terminal. However, it should be understood that the mobile terminal is merely illustrative, illustrating an example of an electronic device that will benefit from the implementation of the present disclosure, and therefore, the scope of the present disclosure should not be considered to be limited thereto. Although in some examples of implementations, the device may be provided in a mobile terminal, other types of electronic devices, such as but not limited to: mobile communication devices, handheld portable electronic devices, wearable computing devices, portable digital assistants (PDAs), pagers, mobile computers, desktop computers, televisions, gaming devices, laptops, cameras, video recorders, GPS devices, and other types of electronic systems, can easily adopt examples of the present disclosure. In addition, regardless of whether the purpose of the device is to provide mobility, the examples of the present disclosure can be easily adopted.

[0383] The term "comprising" as used in this document has an inclusive rather than exclusive meaning. That is, any reference to X including Y indicates that X may include only one Y or may include more than one Y. If "comprising" is intended to be used in an exclusive sense, it should be clearly indicated in the context that "including only one..." or "consisting of..." is used.

[0384] In this specification, the words "connected", "coupled" and "in communication" and their derivative meanings mean operational connection / coupling / communication. It should be understood that there may be any number or combination of intermediate components (including no intermediate components), i.e., providing direct or indirect connection / coupling / communication. Any such intermediate components may include hardware and / or software components.

[0385] As used herein, the term "determine / decide" (and its grammatical variations) may include, inter alia: computing, calculating, processing, deriving, measuring, investigating, identifying, searching (e.g., searching in a table, database or other data structure), determining, etc. In addition, "determining" may include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory), obtaining, etc. In addition, "determining / deciding" also includes solving, selecting, choosing, establishing, etc.

[0386] In this description, reference is made to various examples. The description of features or functions associated with an example indicates that these features or functions are present in the example. The use of the term "example" or "for example" or "may" or "might" in this text indicates that, whether explicitly stated or not, these features or functions are present in at least the described example, and whether or not they are described as examples, they may but not necessarily be present in some or all other examples. Therefore, "example", "for example", "may" or "might" refers to a specific instance in a class of examples. The attributes of an instance may be attributes of only that instance, or may be attributes of the class, or may be attributes of a subclass of the class, which includes some but not all instances in the class. Therefore, it is implicitly disclosed here that features described with reference to one example without reference to another example may be used as part of a working combination in another example, where possible, but not necessarily in the other example.

[0387] Although the preceding paragraphs have been described with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0388] Features described in the preceding specification may be used in combinations other than those explicitly described above.

[0389] Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

[0390] Although features have been described with reference to certain examples, those features may also be present in other examples whether described or not.

[0391] The terms "a", "an" or "the" used in this document have an inclusive rather than exclusive meaning. That is, any reference to X including a / an / the Y indicates that X may include only one Y, or may include more than one Y, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. If the use of "a", "an" or "the" is intended to have an exclusive meaning, it should be clearly stated in the context. In some cases, the use of "at least one" or "one or more" may be used to emphasize the inclusive meaning, but the absence of these words should not be regarded as inferring any exclusive meaning.

[0392] A feature (or combination of features) appearing in a claim is a reference to the feature or (combination of features) itself, and also refers to features that achieve substantially the same technical effect (equivalent features). For example, equivalent features include variant features and features that achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same way. For example, equivalent features include features that perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result.

[0393] In this specification, adjectives or adjective phrases are used to describe references to various examples to describe the characteristics of the examples. Such description of characteristics related to the examples indicates that the characteristics are completely consistent with the description in some examples and are substantially consistent with the description in other examples.

[0394] The above description describes some examples of the present disclosure, but those skilled in the art will be aware of possible alternative structures and method features that provide equivalent functions to the specific examples of the above structures and features, and for the sake of brevity and clarity, the above description omits these structures and features. Nevertheless, the above description should be understood to implicitly include references to such alternative structures and method features that provide equivalent functions, unless such alternative structures or method features are explicitly excluded in the description of the above examples of the present disclosure.

[0395] While efforts have been made in the foregoing description to draw attention to those features regarded as important, it should be understood that the applicant may seek protection by way of claims for any patentable feature or combination of features mentioned above and / or shown in the drawings, whether or not emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. An apparatus for communication, comprising means for: Determining whether the user equipment UE is in an active period; When the UE is in an active period, enabling the UE to perform L1 / L2 triggered mobility LTM assisted measurement; and When the UE is not in the active period, stopping performing LTM assisted measurement by the UE.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the UE is configured for discontinuous reception (DRX), and wherein determining whether the UE is in the active period comprises: Determine whether the UE is in a DRX active period.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein determining whether the UE is in the active period comprises: It is determined whether an inactivity timer is running at the UE, wherein when the inactivity timer is running at the UE, the UE is in the activity period.

4. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the component is configured to: determining whether a request to start performing LTM assisted measurements has been made to the UE; and Based at least in part on determining whether a request has been made to the UE to begin performing LTM assisted measurements, causing LTM assisted measurements to be performed by the UE.

5. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein determining whether the UE is in the active period comprises: It is determined whether an extension timer is running at the UE, wherein when the extension timer is running at the UE, the UE is in the active period. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the component is configured to receive a configuration of the extension timer.

7. The apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the component is configured as: The extended timer is started when the inactivity timer starts or when the inactivity timer expires.

8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the component is configured to: receiving a request to start the extension timer; and Based at least in part on receiving the request to start the extended timer, the extended timer is started.

9. An apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the extended timer has a configured duration.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the component is configured to: receiving a request to stop the extension timer; and Based at least in part on receiving the request to stop the extension timer, the extension timer is stopped.

11. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the component is configured to: Until a stop request is received or the UE leaves connected mode, a request is received to continue causing LTM assisted measurements to be performed by the UE.

12. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the component is configured to: determining that the at least one LTM-assisted measurement condition is satisfied; and Based at least in part on determining that the at least one LTM assisted measurement condition is satisfied, causing LTM assisted measurement to be performed by the UE.

13. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein causing LTM assisted measurements to be performed by the UE comprises: The UE performs LTM assisted measurement according to the LTM measurement configuration.

14. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the component is configured to: Based at least in part on at least a portion of the LTM assisted measurements, causing at least one measurement report to be sent.

15. An electronic device for communication, comprising the device according to at least one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A method for communication, comprising: Determining whether the user equipment UE is in an active period; When the UE is in the active period, enabling the UE to perform L1 / L2 triggered mobility LTM assisted measurement; as well as When the UE is not in the active period, stopping performing LTM assisted measurement by the UE.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the UE is configured for discontinuous reception (DRX), and wherein determining whether the UE is in the active period comprises: Determine whether the UE is in a DRX active period.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein determining whether the UE is in the active period comprises: It is determined whether an inactivity timer is running at the UE, wherein when the inactivity timer is running at the UE, the UE is in the activity period.

19. A method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, comprising: determining whether a request to start performing LTM assisted measurements has been made to the UE; as well as Based at least in part on determining whether a request has been made to the UE to begin performing LTM assisted measurements, causing LTM assisted measurements to be performed by the UE.

20. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein determining whether the UE is in the active period comprises: It is determined whether an extension timer is running at the UE, wherein when the extension timer is running at the UE, the UE is in the active period.

21. The method according to claim 20, comprising: The extended timer is started when the inactivity timer starts or when the inactivity timer expires.

22. A computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to: Determining whether the user equipment UE is in an active period; When the UE is in the active period, enabling the UE to perform L1 / L2 triggered mobility LTM assisted measurement; and When the UE is not in the active period, stopping performing LTM assisted measurement by the UE.

23. The computer program of claim 22, wherein determining whether the UE is in the active period comprises: Determine whether the UE is in a DRX active period.

24. An apparatus for communication, comprising means for: causing a request to be sent to the UE to continue performing LTM assisted measurements; and causing a request to stop performing LTM assisted measurements to be sent to the UE.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein causing sending the request to the UE to continue performing LTM assisted measurements comprises: causing a request for starting an extension timer to be sent to the UE; as well as The causing the request to stop performing LTM assisted measurements to be sent to the UE includes causing the request to stop the extension timer to be sent to the UE.

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