Conflict handling of interrupt and discontinuous reception operations

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to conflict handling of interruption and discontinuous reception operation. A method includes determining, at a first device, at least one of: a condition related to a communication interruption and a discontinuous reception (DRX) operation for the first device is satisfied, a first indication to handle a conflict between the communication interruption and the DRX operation being received from a second device; and shifting the communication interruption in the time domain based on a determination that the at least one of a satisfaction condition is satisfied or the first indication is received.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the field of telecommunications, and more particularly, to methods, devices, apparatuses, and computer-readable storage media for conflict handling of interrupt and discontinuous reception (DRX) operations. Background Art

[0002] As communication technology develops, a technique called "discontinuous reception (DRX)" has been proposed to save power. DRX is a technique that allows a user equipment (UE) to turn off its transceiver for the majority of the DRX cycle when no packets are to be received.

[0003] On the other hand, the UE has to measure neighboring cell signals and other carrier components. There are UEs that support performing measurements without gaps, but these UEs require interruption. In some cases, conflicts between interruption and DRX operation may occur. Summary of the invention

[0004] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a first device is provided. The first device includes at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to: determine at least one of the following: a condition related to a communication interruption and a discontinuous reception (DRX) operation for the first device is satisfied, a first indication for handling a conflict between the communication interruption and the DRX operation is received from a second device; and based on determining that the condition is satisfied or at least one of the first indications is received, shift the communication interruption in the time domain.

[0005] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a second device is provided. The second device includes at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second device to: receive capability information from a first device, the capability information indicating the capability of the first device for conflict handling associated with measurement gaps and control channel transmissions; determine that a condition related to communication interruption and discontinuous reception (DRX) operation for the first device is satisfied; and based on determining that the condition is satisfied, send a first indication to the first device for handling a conflict between the communication interruption and the DRX operation.

[0006] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes: determining at a first device at least one of the following: a condition related to a communication interruption and a discontinuous reception (DRX) operation for the first device is satisfied, and a first indication for handling a conflict between the communication interruption and the DRX operation is received from a second device; and shifting the communication interruption in a time domain based on determining at least one of the condition being satisfied or the first indication being received.

[0007] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes: receiving capability information from a first device at a second device, the capability information indicating a capability of the first device for conflict handling associated with measurement gaps and control channel transmissions; determining that a condition related to communication interruption and discontinuous reception (DRX) operation for the first device is satisfied; and based on determining that the condition is satisfied, sending a first indication to the first device for handling a conflict between the communication interruption and the DRX operation.

[0008] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a first device is provided. The first device includes a component for determining at least one of the following: a condition related to a communication interruption and a discontinuous reception (DRX) operation for the first device is satisfied, and a first indication for handling a conflict between the communication interruption and the DRX operation is received from a second device; and a component for shifting the communication interruption in a time domain based on determining at least one of the condition being satisfied or the first indication being received.

[0009] In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a second device is provided. The second device includes a component for receiving capability information from a first device, the capability information indicating the capability of the first device for conflict handling associated with measurement gaps and control channel transmissions; a component for determining that a condition related to communication interruption and discontinuous reception (DRX) operation for the first device is satisfied; and a component for sending a first indication to the first device for handling a conflict between the communication interruption and the DRX operation based on determining that the condition is satisfied.

[0010] In a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable medium includes instructions stored thereon, and the instructions are used to cause a device to at least execute the method according to the third aspect.

[0011] In an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable medium includes instructions stored thereon, and the instructions are used to cause a device to at least execute the method according to the fourth aspect.

[0012] It should be understood that the invention summary is not intended to identify the key features or essential features of the embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present invention will become readily understood through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Some example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 An exemplary communication environment in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented is shown;

[0015] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing a DRX operation is shown;

[0016] Figure 3A A schematic diagram showing measurements performed by a UE with gaps;

[0017] Figure 3B Schematic diagram showing a measurement of a network controlled small gap (NCSG) or no gap;

[0018] Figure 4 Shows the signaling flow for signaling support NCSG;

[0019] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing a conflict between interruption and DRX operation;

[0020] Figure 6 shows a signaling flow for conflict handling of interruption and DRX operations according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing the results of collision processing according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 8 shows a signaling flow for configuring conflict handling according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] Fig. 9 A flowchart showing a method implemented at a first device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0024] Fig.10 A flowchart showing a method implemented at a second device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0025] Fig.11 shows a simplified block diagram of a device suitable for implementing an example embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0026] Fig.12 A block diagram of an exemplary computer-readable medium according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0027] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The principle of the present invention will now be described with reference to some exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described only for the purpose of illustration, and help those skilled in the art to understand and implement the present disclosure, without suggesting any limitation to the scope of the present disclosure. In addition to the embodiments described below, the embodiments described herein can be implemented in various ways.

[0029] 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.

[0030] References in this disclosure to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an example embodiment," etc., indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, it is considered to be 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).

[0031] It should be understood that, although the terms "first", "second", "second", etc., preceding nouns, etc., may be used herein 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, and they do not limit the order of the nouns. For example, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiment, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0032] As used herein, “at least one of: «a list of two or more elements» and “a list of two or more elements» and similar expressions, wherein a list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”, refer to at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all of the elements.

[0033] As used herein, unless explicitly stated, performing a step “in response to A” does not mean performing the step immediately after “A” occurs, and may include one or more intermediate steps.

[0034] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing 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 will be further understood that when used herein, the terms "comprises", "comprising", "has", "having", "includes", and / or "including" specify the presence of the features, elements, and / or parts, etc., but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, parts, and / or combinations thereof.

[0035] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware circuit implementations only (e.g., implementations only in analog and / or digital circuitry), and (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software such as (where applicable): (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry and software / firmware, and (ii) any portion of a hardware processor with software (including a digital signal processor), software, and memory that work together to enable a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform various functions; and (c) A hardware circuit and / or processor, such as a microprocessor or portion of a microprocessor, that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when not needed for operation.

[0036] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further 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 (or its) accompanying software and / or firmware. For example and if applicable to the 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.

[0037] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that complies with 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 generation 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, fifth generation (5G), sixth generation (6G) communication protocol and / or any other protocol currently known or 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 are of course future types of communication technologies and systems that can implement the present disclosure. It should not be considered that the scope of the present disclosure is limited to the above-mentioned system.

[0038] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a node in a communication network via which a terminal device accesses a network and receives services from it. A network device may refer to a base station (BS) or an access point (AP), such as a NodeB (NodeB or NB), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), an NRNB (also known as a gNB), a remote radio unit (RRU), a radio head (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a repeater, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, a low power node (such as a femto), a micro-net, a non-terrestrial network (NTN) or non-terrestrial network equipment, such as satellite network equipment, a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite and a geosynchronous orbit (GEO) satellite, an aircraft network equipment, etc., depending on the terminology and technology applied. In some example embodiments, a radio access network (RAN) split architecture includes a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU) at an IAB donor node. An IAB node includes a mobile terminal (IAB-MT) portion that behaves like a UE toward a parent node, and a DU portion of an IAB node behaves like a base station toward a next-hop IAB node.

[0039] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. As an example and not limitation, the 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 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, a head mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, a medical device and an application (e.g., remote surgery), an industrial device and an application (e.g., a robot and / or other wireless devices operating in an industrial and / or automatic processing chain environment), a consumer electronic device, a device operating on a commercial and / or industrial wireless network, etc. The terminal device may also correspond to the mobile terminal (MT) part of an IAB node (eg, a relay node).In the following description, the terms "terminal device", "communication device", "terminal", "user equipment" and "UE" may be used interchangeably.

[0040] As used herein, the terms "resource", "transmission resource", "resource block", "physical resource block" (PRB), "uplink resource" or "downlink resource" may refer to any resource used to perform communication (e.g., communication between a terminal device and a network device), such as a resource in the time domain, a resource in the frequency domain, a resource in the spatial domain, a resource in the code domain, or any other combination of time, frequency, space and / or code domain resources to achieve communication. In the following, unless explicitly stated, resources in the frequency domain and the time domain will be used as examples of transmission resources for describing some example embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the example embodiments of the present disclosure are equally applicable to other resources in other domains.

[0041] As used herein, the expression "shifting the communication interruption forward in the time domain" means shifting the start of the communication interruption to an earlier point in time. Similarly, the expression "shifting the communication interruption backward in the time domain" means shifting the start of the communication interruption to a later point in time. Example Environment

[0042] Figure 1 An example communication environment 100 is shown in which example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. Figure 1As shown, the communication environment 100 may include a first device 110 and a second device 120. The first device 110 may communicate with the second device 120.

[0043] It should be understood that Figure 1 The number of second devices and first devices shown in FIG. 1 is given for illustrative purposes and does not imply any limitation. The communication network 100 may include any suitable number of second devices and first devices.

[0044] In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may include a terminal device (eg, UE), and the second device 120 may include a network device (eg, gNB). If the first device 110 is a UE, the model at the UE may also be referred to as a UE-side model.

[0045] In the following, for the purpose of explanation, some example embodiments are described as the first device 110 operating as a terminal device (e.g., UE) and the second device 120 operating as a network device (e.g., gNB). However, in some example embodiments, the operations described in conjunction with the terminal device may be implemented at the network device or other devices, and the operations described in conjunction with the network device may be implemented at the terminal device or other devices.

[0046] In some example embodiments, if the first device 110 is a terminal device and the second device 120 is a network device, the link from the second device 120 to the first device 110 is referred to as a downlink (DL), and the link from the first device 110 to the second device 120 is referred to as an uplink (UL). In the DL, the second device 120 is a transmitting (TX) device (or transmitter), and the first device 110 is a receiving (RX) device (or receiver). In the UL, the first device 110 is a TX device (or transmitter), and the second device 120 is an RX device (or receiver).

[0047] The communication in the communication environment 100 may be implemented according to any suitable communication protocol, including but not limited to cellular communication protocols of the first generation (1G), second generation (2G), third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), fifth generation (5G), sixth generation (6G), etc., wireless local area network communication protocols such as Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11, etc., and / or any other protocol currently known or developed in the future. In addition, the communication may use any suitable 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 multiple access (OFDM), discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) and / or any other technology currently known or developed in the future.

[0048] In the communication, the second device 120 may perform control channel transmission, for example, physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) transmission, with the first device. The first device 110 may be configured to perform DRX for control channel transmission.

[0049] As an example, the DRX configuration (eg, connected mode DRX) of the UE is listed in Table 1 as follows. Table 1

[0050] Now refer to Figure 2 The use of some parameters in Table 1 is described. The UE monitors PDCCH for the duration of the on-duration period in each long DRX long cycle, which corresponds to the parameter "drx-onDurationTimer". The on-duration period may hold one or more PDCCH opportunities.

[0051] If the UE is scheduled during the on-duration period, the activity timer (corresponding to the parameter "drx-InactivityTimer") is started. The UE will continue to monitor the PDCCH during the period when the activity timer is running. If the UE is scheduled during the period when the activity timer is running, the activity timer is restarted. For example, if Figure 2 As shown, the on-duration period is extended by three time periods defined by the corresponding active timers.

[0052] If the UE is configured with a short DRX cycle as well as a long DRX cycle, and if the UE has been scheduled in an OnDuration period of the long DRX cycle, the UE will also monitor the OnDuration period defined by the Short DRX Cycle OnDuration. More than one short DRX cycle may be defined for each long DRX cycle, the number of periods being part of the DRX configuration.

[0053] If the UE receives a PDCCH indicating a new transmission in DL or UL, the UE will start the drx-active timer in the next symbol after the end of PDCCH reception. While the timer is running, the UE is active. If the UE receives another PDCCH while the timer is running, the drx-active timer is restarted and the active duration while the timer is running is further extended.

[0054] If the UE is configured with a DRX-Retransmission TimerDL timer, the UE may monitor the PDCCH for the duration of this timer when the UE expects a DL retransmission. When the UE receives a new DL transmission, it may start the DRX-HARQ-RTT-TimerDL in the first symbol immediately after transmitting a NACK in the UL. Once the DRX-HARQ-RTT-TimerDL timer expires, the UE starts the DRX-Retransmission TimerDL timer in the next symbol and becomes active for the duration of this timer. Once the UE detects a DL transmission for the corresponding HARQ process, the UE may stop the DRX-Retransmission TimerDL timer.

[0055] The timer drx-HARQ-RTT-TimerUL defines how long after a transmission the UE can expect a grant for uplink retransmission.DRX-Retransmission-TimerUL timer indicates the maximum number of time slots the UE should monitor the PDCCH when it expects a grant for uplink retransmission.

[0056] When the timer DRX-Retransmission Timer DL or DRX-Retransmission Timer UL is running, the UE is active and can receive grants for DL ​​or UL. Figure 2 As shown in the active timer, the scheduled on-duration period may be extended using the activity time provided by the running DRX-RetransmissionTimer DL or DRX-RetransmissionTimer UL timer.

[0057] On the other hand, as described above, regarding the measurement of the UE, there are three gap types: Pre-MG, Concurrent MG, and NCSSG.

[0058] like Figure 3AAs shown, when the gNB configures a measurement gap pattern (MGP) for the UE to perform measurements on a serving carrier (intra-frequency measurement) or a non-serving carrier (inter-frequency measurement), measurements with gaps (e.g., Pre-MG, concurrent MG) are performed. The gNB configures the measurement gap based on the UE's indication of the need for a measurement gap. A gap can be defined as a time window in which the UE is not expected to receive or send signals including PDCCH, physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), and reference signals such as PRS and SRS from or to the network. The measurement gap is configured by RRC. The configuration of the measurement gap MGP includes the measurement gap repetition period, measurement gap length, gap offset, and measurement gap timing advance. The measurement gap length can be as short as 1.5ms or as long as 20ms, and the gap repetition period can be as short as 20ms and as long as 160ms. As an example, if the UE is performing L3 measurements based on synchronization signal blocks (SSBs), a typical SSB burst length would be 5 ms with a repetition of about 20 ms, and the network may configure a gap of 5.5 ms length and a repetition of 80 ms to match the fourth consecutive occurrence of that SSB burst. Therefore, the measurement gap must cover the SSBs to be measured in the SSB burst, but does not necessarily have to cover all available SSBs of that SSB burst. Figure 3A An example SSB Measurement Timing Configuration (SMTC) is shown.

[0059] The UE can also use NCSG to perform measurements, such as Figure 3B NCSG is developed to take into account a UE that has a spare RF chain available for measurement on a given (multiple) target carriers. During the measurement window (ML), a UE configured with NCSG can be scheduled in the serving cell to receive DL data or send UL data, while there are scheduling restrictions in two small gaps before and after the measurement window (ML) covering the SMTC window, which are called visible interruption lengths (VIL). VIL can be 1ms for FR1 and 0.75ms for FR2.

[0060] In some mechanisms, signaling associated with these three types of gaps may include RRC configuration and response messages.

[0061] In Release 16, the feature needForGaps was introduced for NR. One way in which this feature can be configured is during the RRC reconfiguration process. The network (NW) sends an RRC reconfiguration message including the information element (IE) "needForGapsConfigNR", which includes the NR bands for which the UE is requested to report gap information. In response, the UE sends an RRC reconfiguration complete message including the IE "needForGapsInfoNR", which includes a list of intra-frequency cells for which measurement gaps are required. The UE indicates that the information including gapIndication-r16 indicates whether "gap" or "no-gap" is required. It also includes a list of inter-band bands for which measurement gaps are required. In addition to the feature "needForGaps", in Rel-17, the feature needForNCSG is introduced in a similar manner, where the UE indicates that an NCSG gap is required. In the case of NCSG, the UE includes additional information as part of the needForNCSG IE, which indicates "gap", "ncsg", "nogap-nonsg".

[0062] Figure 4 A signaling flow 400 of Rel-17 signaling for gap / NCSG support is shown. The network 420 sends (432) an RRC reconfiguration message including the IEs "needForGapsConfigNR" and / or "needForGapNCSG-ConfigNR". In response, the UE 410 sends (434) an RRC reconfiguration complete message including the IEs "needForGapsInfoNR" and / or "needForGapNCSG-InfoNR". The network 420 then sends (436) an RRC reconfiguration message including the IE GapConfig-r17 with preConfiglnd-r17 and ncsgInd-r17. In response, the UE 410 sends (438) an RRC reconfiguration complete message.

[0063] The following shows the Figure 4 Information on related parameters related to the schematic diagram.

[0064] IE NeedForGapsConfigNR contains configuration related to reporting of measurement gap requirement information. Table 2 shows IE needForGapsConfigNR. Table 2

[0065] IE NeedForGapsInfoNR indicates whether the UE needs measurement gaps to perform SSB-based measurements on the NR target band when NR-Dual Connectivity (DC) or NR-E-UTRA (NE)-DC is not configured. Table 3 shows IENeedForGapsInfoNR. Table 3

[0066] IE NeedForGapNCSG-ConfigNR contains configuration related to the reporting of measurement gap and NCSG requirement information, as shown in Table 4. Table 4

[0067] The IE NeedForGapNCSG-InfoNR indicates whether measurement gaps or NCSG are required for the UE to perform SSB-based measurements on the NR target band when NR-DC or NE-DC is not configured, as shown in Table 5. Table 5

[0068] In some cases, during connected mode DRX, there may be a conflict between the interruption for "gapless" measurements and potential PDCCH reception.

[0069] If it is not that the interruption of the scheduling restriction period on the NW side conflicts with the PDCCH opportunity, especially during a long DRX cycle, the device will lose the opportunity for UL and DL grants. If this PDCCH opportunity is the only PDCCH opportunity during the on period of the long DRX cycle, the device will not be reachable until the next on period of the DRX configuration.

[0070] exist Figure 5 This problem is also true in the case where the UE is shown missing the PDCCH during the active timer. Figure 5 An example of a measurement with interruptions that conflict with the DRX On Duration period and the Active Time period is shown. As shown, interruptions 510, 520, 530 and 540 conflict with the DRX On Duration period and the Active Time period.

[0071] Furthermore, the interruption may also conflict with the short DRX cycle on-time period, thereby conflicting again with potential PDCCH monitoring. Working principles and example signaling for communication

[0072] According to some example embodiments of the present disclosure, a solution for conflict handling of interruption and DRX operation is provided. If the conditions are met, the UE can determine by itself to shift the interruption in the time domain to avoid the conflict between the interruption and the DRX operation. As an alternative or in addition, the gNB can configure the UE to perform conflict handling. In this way, conflicts between interruptions and on-duration / active timer periods can be avoided in some environments. In the following, the interruption may also be referred to as a communication interruption. As an example and not a limitation, the interruption may correspond to a VIL.

[0073] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0074] refer to Figure 6 , which shows a signaling flow 600 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, reference will be made to Figure 1 The signaling flow 600 is discussed, for example, by using the first device 110 and the second device 120 .

[0075] The first device 110 may determine (605) whether conditions related to communication interruption and DRX operation for the first device 110 are met. For example, the UE may determine whether conditions related to interruption and DRX operation are met. One or more conditions or static rules define when interruption is allowed to overlap with the on duration / active timer period and when overlap is not allowed.

[0076] In some example embodiments, the condition may include that the communication interruption at least partially overlaps in the time domain with a control channel transmission opportunity within an active time period of DRX operation. The active time period of DRX operation may include at least one of the following: an on-duration period, an extension of the on-duration period defined by an active timer (also referred to as an active timer period), or an extension of the on-duration period defined by a DRX retransmission timer.

[0077] For example, the condition may include that the interruption at least partially overlaps in the time domain with a PDCCH opportunity within the on-duration and / or active timer period.

[0078] In some example embodiments, the condition may include that the communication interruption at least partially overlaps in the time domain with a control channel transmission opportunity that is the last control channel transmission opportunity in the active time period. For example, the condition may include that the interruption at least partially overlaps in the time domain with the last PDCCH opportunity in the on duration and / or the active timer time period.

[0079] Alternatively or additionally, in some exemplary embodiments, the condition may include that the communication interruption at least partially overlaps with the on-duration period of the DRX operation in the time domain, and the duration of the on-duration period is lower than a first threshold. For example, the condition may include that the communication interruption at least partially overlaps with the on-duration period in time, and the on-duration period is less than the first threshold. This means that if the DRX on-duration is less than the first threshold, the communication interruption will be moved to not overlap with the DRX on-duration.

[0080] Alternatively or additionally, in some example embodiments, the condition may include that the ratio of the duration of the communication interruption to the duration of the on-time period is higher than a predefined ratio. For example, if the ratio of the length of the communication interruption to the length of the on-time period is higher than a predefined ratio, the interruption should be moved in the time domain.

[0081] Alternatively or additionally, in some exemplary embodiments, the condition may include: the duration of the long DRX cycle of the DRX operation exceeds a second threshold. For example, if the long DRX cycle is longer than the second threshold, the conflicting communication interruption will be moved in the time domain.

[0082] It should be noted that the above conditions are given as examples without any limitation. Any combination of the above example conditions is possible.

[0083] Alternatively or in addition, in some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 may receive (610) from the second device 120 a first indication of handling a conflict between the communication interruption and the DRX operation, the first indication being received from the second device. This may mean that the first device 110 and the second device 120 may negotiate a resolution of the conflict. Figure 8 These example embodiments are described in detail.

[0084] If the condition is satisfied or the first indication is received, the first device 110 shifts (615) the communication interruption in the time domain. In other words, the position of the conflicting communication interruption in the time domain can be changed.

[0085] Otherwise, if the condition is not met and the first indication is not received, the first device 110 may not shift the communication interruption in the time domain.

[0086] In some exemplary embodiments, the shifted communication interruption does not overlap with the active time period of the DRX operation in the time domain. For example, after the shift, the communication interruption no longer overlaps with the on-duration time period and the active timer time period.

[0087] Reference now Figure 7As shown, the interrupt 710 is moved to be located before the on-duration period 760 of the first long DRX cycle, and the interrupt 730 after the SSB measurement length 720 is moved to be after the last active timer period 790. Thus, there is no conflict between PDCCH monitoring and the interrupt. Similarly, the interrupt 740 is moved to be located before the on-duration period 795 of the second long DRX cycle.

[0088] In some exemplary embodiments, the shifted communication interruption does not overlap in the time domain with the last control channel transmission opportunity in the active time period of the DRX operation. For example, the interruption after being shifted does not overlap with the last PDCCH opportunity in the active time period.

[0089] In some example embodiments, if the communication interruption is before the measurement length time period, the first device 110 may shift the communication interruption forward in the time domain so that the active time period starts after the communication interruption ends. For example, the interruption 710 is before the SSB measurement length 720, and is therefore shifted forward in the time domain so that the on-time period 760 starts after the interruption 710 ends. For another example, the interruption 740 is before the SSB measurement length 750, and is therefore shifted forward in the time domain so that the on-time period 795 starts after the interruption 740 ends.

[0090] In some example embodiments, if the communication interruption is after the measurement length time period, the first device 110 may shift the communication interruption backward in the time domain so that the communication interruption starts after the end of the active time period. For example, the interruption 730 is after the SSB measurement length 720 and is therefore shifted backward so that the interruption 730 starts after all of the on-time length time period 760, the active timer time periods 770, 780, 790 have ended.

[0091] In some exemplary embodiments, the UE may report its interruption capability to the gNB, and the gNB may configure the UE to perform conflict handling similar to the conditions or static rules described above, but also consider the interruption capability reported by the UE. In other words, in the signaling-based example embodiment, the UE may report the capability of mobile interruption for connected mode DRX, and the network may configure the UE to mobile interruption based on the reported capability.

[0092] Reference now Figure 8 , which shows a signaling flow 800 for configuring conflict handling according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0093] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 and the second device 120 may exchange the capability of the first device 110 to handle the connected DRX and the interruption period in parallel. As shown, the second device 120 may query (805) the first device 110 for capability information. For example, a UECapabletyQuery message may be sent to the first device 110.

[0094] In response, the first device 110 may then send (810) capability information to the second device 120 indicating the capabilities of the first device 110 for conflict handling associated with measurement gaps and control channel transmissions. For example, the first device 110 may send a UE capability information message to the second device 120 and indicate in the message that it is capable of handling parallel connected DRX and interruption cycles.

[0095] In some exemplary embodiments, the capability information may indicate that the first device 110 supports conflict handling, for example, the UE has the ability to avoid conflicts between interruptions and DRX active time periods. Alternatively or additionally, the capability information may indicate a communication interruption duration, for example, an interruption length. Alternatively or additionally, the capability information may indicate a maximum number of control channel transmission opportunities to which conflict handling may be applied, for example, a maximum number of PDCCH opportunities to which conflicts may be avoided.

[0096] In some example embodiments, the second device 120 may determine whether a condition related to communication interruption and DRX operation for the first device is satisfied. Figure 6 The conditions described are similar. If the conditions are met, the second device 120 may send (820) a first indication to the first device 110 to handle the conflict between the communication interruption and the DRX operation. For example, the second device 120 may send an RRC reconfiguration message to the first device 110, and the RRC reconfiguration message may include IEneedForGapNCSG or the like, and include a configuration for shifting the interruption in the event of a conflict with a connected mode-DRX (C-DRX) active time period.

[0097] If the condition is not satisfied, the second device 120 may not send the first indication to the first device 110. In other words, the second device 120 may not instruct the first device 110 to shift the communication interruption in the time domain.

[0098] In some exemplary embodiments, each time a configuration is given to the first device 110, the first device 110 will establish the need for potential interruptions due to measurements.

[0099] Specifically, as shown, the first device 110 may determine (825) whether the first device 110 is capable of handling the conflict between the communication interruption and the DRX operation based on the first indication from the second device 120 and the capability of the first device 110. For example, the first device 110 may then evaluate the configuration from the second device 120 and establish whether it is capable of handling the interruption overlapping with the C-DRX active time period.

[0100] The first device 110 may send (830) a second indication that it can handle the conflict to the second device 120. The second indication may be included in any suitable signaling.

[0101] In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may send a UE assistance information message to the second device 120 indicating that it is capable of handling parallel activities (eg, interruptions in parallel with C-DRX active time periods).

[0102] In some example embodiments, first device 110 may send an RRC reconfiguration complete message to second device 120. The RRC reconfiguration complete message may include IE needForGapNCSGInfo and further indicate that parallel activities can be handled, such as interruptions in parallel to the C-DRX cycle. For example, if the first indication is included in the RRC reconfiguration message, and the second indication may be included in the RRC reconfiguration complete message.

[0103] In this way, a conflict between communication interruption and potential PDCCH reception during connected mode DRX can be avoided. Thus, the UE can be facilitated not to miss control information from the network. Example Method

[0104] Fig. 9 A flowchart of an example method 900 implemented at a first device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For the purpose of discussion, Figure 1 The perspective description method 900 of the first device 110 in FIG.

[0105] At block 910 , the first device 110 determines at least one of: a condition related to communication disruption and discontinuous reception (DRX) operation for the first device is satisfied, and a first indication to handle a conflict between the communication disruption and the DRX operation is received from a second device.

[0106] At block 920 , based on determining at least one of the condition being satisfied or the first indication being received, the first device 110 shifts the communication interruption in a time domain.

[0107] In some example embodiments, the conditions include at least one of the following: the communication interruption at least partially overlaps in the time domain with a control channel transmission opportunity within an active time period of the DRX operation, the communication interruption at least partially overlaps in the time domain with an on-duration time period of the DRX operation, and the duration of the on-duration time period is lower than a first threshold, the ratio of the duration of the communication interruption to the duration of the on-duration time period is higher than a predetermined ratio, and the duration of the long DRX cycle of the DRX operation exceeds a second threshold.

[0108] In some exemplary embodiments, the communication interruption at least partially overlaps in the time domain with a control channel transmission opportunity that is a last control channel transmission opportunity during the activity time period.

[0109] In some exemplary embodiments, the shifted communication interruption does not overlap with an active time period of the DRX operation in the time domain.

[0110] In some exemplary embodiments, the shifted communication interruption does not overlap in the time domain with the last control channel transmission opportunity within an active time period of the DRX operation.

[0111] In some example embodiments, the communication interruption precedes the measurement length period.The method 900 may also include shifting the communication interruption forward in the time domain so that the activity time period begins after the communication interruption ends.

[0112] In some example embodiments, the communication interruption is after a measured length time period.The method 900 may also include shifting the communication interruption back in the time domain so that the communication interruption begins after the activity time period ends.

[0113] In some example embodiments, the active time period includes at least one of: an on-duration time period, an extension of an on-duration time period defined by an active timer; an extension of an on-duration time period defined by a DRX retransmission timer.

[0114] In some example embodiments, method 900 may further include: sending capability information to the second apparatus, the capability information indicating a capability of the first apparatus for conflict handling associated with measurement gaps and control channel transmissions; and receiving the first indication from the second apparatus.

[0115] In some example embodiments, method 900 may further include: determining, based on the first indication from the second device and the capability of the first device, that the first device is capable of handling the conflict between the communication interruption and the DRX operation; and shifting the communication interruption in the time domain based on the first indication based on determining that the first device is capable of handling the conflict.

[0116] In some example embodiments, the method 900 may further include: sending a second indication that the conflict can be handled to the second device.

[0117] In some example embodiments, the first indication is included in a Radio Resource Control, RRC, reconfiguration message, and the second indication is included in an RRC reconfiguration complete message.

[0118] In some example embodiments, the capability information indicates at least one of: support of the conflict handling by the first apparatus, duration of communication interruption, and a maximum number of control channel transmission opportunities to which conflict handling can be applied.

[0119] Fig.10 FIG. 1 is a flowchart of an example method 1000 implemented at a second device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1 The method 1000 is described from the perspective of the second device 120 in FIG.

[0120] At block 1010 , the second device 120 receives capability information from a first device, the capability information indicating a capability of the first device for collision handling associated with measurement gaps and control channel transmissions.

[0121] At block 1020 , the second device 120 determines that conditions related to communication interruption and discontinuous reception (DRX) operation for the first device are satisfied.

[0122] At block 1030, based on determining that the condition is satisfied, a first indication is sent to the first device to handle a conflict between the communication interruption and the DRX operation.

[0123] In some example embodiments, the conditions include at least one of the following: the communication interruption at least partially overlaps in the time domain with a control channel transmission opportunity within an active time period of the DRX operation, the communication interruption at least partially overlaps in the time domain with an on-duration time period of the DRX operation, and the duration of the on-duration time period is lower than a first threshold, the ratio of the duration of the communication interruption to the duration of the on-duration time period is higher than a predetermined ratio, and the duration of the long DRX cycle of the DRX operation exceeds a second threshold.

[0124] In some exemplary embodiments, the communication interruption at least partially overlaps in the time domain with a control channel transmission opportunity that is a last control channel transmission opportunity during the activity time period.

[0125] In some example embodiments, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, cause the second device to: receive a second indication from the first device that the conflict can be handled.

[0126] In some example embodiments, the first indication is included in a Radio Resource Control, RRC, reconfiguration message, and the second indication is included in an RRC reconfiguration complete message.

[0127] In some example embodiments, the capability information indicates at least one of: support of the conflict handling by the first apparatus, duration of communication interruption, and a maximum number of control channel transmission opportunities to which conflict handling can be applied. Example devices, apparatus, and media

[0128] In some exemplary embodiments, a first device (eg, Figure 1 The first device 110 in the method 900 may include a device for performing the corresponding operation of the method 900. The device may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the device may be implemented in a circuit or a software module. The first device may be implemented as or included in Figure 1 In the first device 110.

[0129] In some example embodiments, a first device includes a component for determining at least one of: a condition related to a communication interruption and a discontinuous reception (DRX) operation for the first device is satisfied, and a first indication for handling a conflict between the communication interruption and the DRX operation is received from a second device; and a component for shifting the communication interruption in a time domain based on determining at least one of the condition being satisfied or the first indication being received.

[0130] In some example embodiments, the conditions include at least one of the following: the communication interruption at least partially overlaps in the time domain with a control channel transmission opportunity within an active time period of the DRX operation, the communication interruption at least partially overlaps in the time domain with an on-duration time period of the DRX operation, and the duration of the on-duration time period is lower than a first threshold, the ratio of the duration of the communication interruption to the duration of the on-duration time period is higher than a predetermined ratio, and the duration of the long DRX cycle of the DRX operation exceeds a second threshold.

[0131] In some exemplary embodiments, the communication interruption at least partially overlaps in the time domain with a control channel transmission opportunity that is a last control channel transmission opportunity during the activity time period.

[0132] In some exemplary embodiments, the shifted communication interruption does not overlap with an active time period of the DRX operation in the time domain.

[0133] In some exemplary embodiments, the shifted communication interruption does not overlap in the time domain with the last control channel transmission opportunity within an active time period of the DRX operation.

[0134] In some example embodiments, the communication interruption precedes the measurement length period.The first apparatus may further include means for shifting the communication interruption forward in the time domain such that the activity time period begins after the communication interruption ends.

[0135] In some example embodiments, the communication interruption is after a measured length time period.The first apparatus may further include means for shifting the communication interruption backward in the time domain such that the communication interruption begins after the end of the activity time period.

[0136] In some example embodiments, the active time period includes at least one of: an on-duration time period, an extension of an on-duration time period defined by an active timer; an extension of an on-duration time period defined by a DRX retransmission timer.

[0137] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus may further include: means for sending capability information to the second apparatus, the capability information indicating a capability of the first apparatus for conflict handling associated with measurement gaps and control channel transmissions; and means for receiving the first indication from the second apparatus.

[0138] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device may also include: a component for determining that the first device is capable of handling the conflict between the communication interruption and the DRX operation based on the first indication from the second device and the capability of the first device; and a component for shifting the communication interruption in the time domain based on the first indication based on determining that the first device is capable of handling the conflict.

[0139] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device may further include: a component for sending the second indication that the conflict can be handled to the second device.

[0140] In some example embodiments, the first indication is included in a Radio Resource Control, RRC, reconfiguration message, and the second indication is included in an RRC reconfiguration complete message.

[0141] In some example embodiments, the capability information indicates at least one of: support of the conflict handling by the first apparatus, duration of communication interruption, and a maximum number of control channel transmission opportunities to which conflict handling can be applied.

[0142] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises means for performing the method 900 or other operations of some example embodiments of the first apparatus 110. In some example embodiments, the apparatus comprises at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause execution of the first apparatus.

[0143] In some exemplary embodiments, a second device (eg, Figure 1 The second device 120 in the method 1000 may include a device for performing the corresponding operation of the method 1000. The device may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the device may be implemented in a circuit or a software module. The second device may be implemented as or included in Figure 1 In the second device 120.

[0144] In some example embodiments, the second device includes: a component for receiving capability information from the first device, the capability information indicating the first device's capability for conflict handling associated with measurement gaps and control channel transmissions; a component for determining that a condition related to communication interruption and discontinuous reception (DRX) operation for the first device is satisfied; and a component for sending a first indication to the first device for handling a conflict between the communication interruption and the DRX operation based on determining that the condition is satisfied.

[0145] In some example embodiments, the conditions include at least one of the following: the communication interruption at least partially overlaps in the time domain with a control channel transmission opportunity within an active time period of the DRX operation, the communication interruption at least partially overlaps in the time domain with an on-duration time period of the DRX operation, and the duration of the on-duration time period is lower than a first threshold, the ratio of the duration of the communication interruption to the duration of the on-duration time period is higher than a predetermined ratio, and the duration of the long DRX cycle of the DRX operation exceeds a second threshold.

[0146] In some exemplary embodiments, the communication interruption at least partially overlaps in the time domain with a control channel transmission opportunity that is a last control channel transmission opportunity during the activity time period.

[0147] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus comprises means for receiving a second indication from the first apparatus that the conflict can be handled.

[0148] In some example embodiments, the first indication is included in a Radio Resource Control, RRC, reconfiguration message, and the second indication is included in an RRC reconfiguration complete message.

[0149] In some example embodiments, the capability information indicates at least one of: support of the conflict handling by the first apparatus, duration of communication interruption, and a maximum number of control channel transmission opportunities to which conflict handling can be applied.

[0150] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus further comprises means for performing the method 1000 or other operations of some example embodiments of the second apparatus 120. In some example embodiments, the apparatus comprises at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause execution of the second apparatus.

[0151] Fig.11 1 is a simplified block diagram of an apparatus 1100 suitable for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The apparatus 1100 may be configured to implement a communication apparatus, such as Figure 1 The first device 110 or the second device 120 shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the device 1100 includes one or more processors 1110, one or more memories 1120 coupled to the processor 1110, and one or more communication modules 1140 coupled to the processor 1110.

[0152] The communication module 1140 is used for two-way communication. The communication module 1140 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 to communicate with other network elements. In some example embodiments, the communication module 1140 may include at least one antenna.

[0153] Processor 1110 may be of any type suitable for the local technology network and may include 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, as non-limiting examples. Device 1100 may have multiple processors, for example, application specific integrated circuit chips that are time slaved to a clock that synchronizes a main processor.

[0154] The memory 1120 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) 1124, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disk, compact disk (CD), digital video disk (DVD), optical disk, laser disk, and other magnetic and / or optical memories. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 1122 and other volatile memories that do not last for the duration of a power outage.

[0155] The computer program 1130 includes computer executable instructions executed by the associated processor 1110. The instructions of the program 1130 may include instructions for performing the operations / actions of some example embodiments of the present disclosure. The program 1130 may be stored in a memory (e.g., ROM 1124). The processor 1110 may perform any suitable actions and processes by loading the program 1130 into the RAM 1122.

[0156] The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by the program 1130 so that the device 1100 may execute the following steps: Figures 2 to 10 Any process of the present disclosure discussed. Example embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or a combination of software and hardware.

[0157] In some example embodiments, the program 1130 may be tangibly embodied in a computer-readable medium that may be included in the device 1100 (such as in the memory 1120) or in other storage devices accessible by the device 1100. The device 1100 may load the program 1130 from the computer-readable medium into the RAM 1122 for execution. In some example embodiments, the computer-readable medium may include any type of non-transitory storage medium, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc. The term "non-transitory" as used herein refers to the limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal), as opposed to the limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM versus ROM).

[0158] Fig.12 An example of a computer readable medium 1200 is shown, which may be in the form of a CD, DVD, or other optical storage disk. The computer readable medium 1200 has a program 1130 stored thereon.

[0159] 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, and other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software, which 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.

[0160] Some example embodiments of the present disclosure also provide at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a computer-readable medium (such as a non-transient computer-readable medium). The computer program product includes computer executable instructions, such as those included in a program module, that are executed in a device on a target physical or virtual processor to perform any method as described above. Typically, a program module includes routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc. that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. The functionality of the program modules can be combined or split between program modules as needed in different embodiments. The machine executable instructions for the program modules can be executed in local or distributed devices. In distributed devices, program modules can be located in local and remote storage media.

[0161] The program code for performing the method of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. The program code may 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, when executed by the processor or controller, causes the implementation of the functions / operations specified in the flow chart and / or block diagram. The program code may be executed entirely on the machine, partially on the machine, as an independent software package, partially on the machine, partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0162] 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 the various processes and operations described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer readable media, etc.

[0163] The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. The computer readable medium may include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, devices, or devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of computer readable storage media will include an electrical connection with one or more wires, a portable computer 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.

[0164] Further, although the operations are depicted in a particular order, this should not be construed as requiring the execution of such operations in the particular order shown or in a sequential order, or the execution of all described operations, to achieve 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 construed as limitations on the scope of the present disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to a particular embodiment. Unless explicitly stated, certain features described in the context of a separate embodiment may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. On the contrary, unless explicitly stated, the different features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments individually or in any suitable subcombination.

[0165] Although the disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it is to be understood that the disclosure defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Instead, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A first device for communication, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to: Identify at least one of the following: a condition related to communication interruption and discontinuous reception (DRX) operation for the first apparatus is met, A first indication of handling a conflict between the communication interruption and the DRX operation is received from a second device; as well as Based on determining at least one of the condition being satisfied or the first indication being received, the communication interruption is shifted in the time domain.

2. The first device according to claim 1, wherein the condition comprises at least one of the following: The communication interruption at least partially overlaps in the time domain with a control channel transmission opportunity in an active time period of the DRX operation, The communication interruption at least partially overlaps with an on-duration period of the DRX operation in the time domain, and the duration of the on-duration period is lower than a first threshold, The ratio of the duration of the communication interruption to the duration of the on-time period is higher than a predetermined ratio, or The duration of a long DRX cycle of the DRX operation exceeds a second threshold. 3 . The first device according to claim 2 , wherein the communication interruption at least partially overlaps with a control channel transmission opportunity that is a last control channel transmission opportunity during the active time period in the time domain. 4 . The first device of claim 1 , wherein the shifted communication interruption does not overlap with an active time period of the DRX operation in a time domain. 5 . The first device of claim 1 , wherein the shifted communication interruption does not overlap in the time domain with the last control channel transmission opportunity within an active time period of the DRX operation.

6. The first device of claim 4, wherein the communication interruption is preceded by a measured length time period, and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to: The communication interruption is shifted forward in the time domain so that the activity time period begins after the end of the communication interruption.

7. The first device of claim 4, wherein the communication interruption is after a measured length period of time, and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to: The communication interruption is shifted back in the time domain such that the communication interruption begins after an end of the activity time period.

8. The first device according to claim 2 or 4, wherein the activity time period comprises at least one of the following: Open time period, An extension of the on-time period defined by the inactivity timer; or Extension of the on-time period defined by the DRX retransmission timer.

9. The first device of claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to: sending capability information to the second apparatus, the capability information indicating a capability of the first apparatus for conflict handling associated with measurement gaps and control channel transmissions; and The first indication is received from the second device.

10. The first device of claim 9, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to: determining, based on the first indication from the second device and the capability of the first device, that the first device is capable of handling the conflict between the communication interruption and the DRX operation; and Based on determining that the first device is capable of handling the conflict, the communication interruption is shifted in the time domain based on the first indication.

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