Initiation of radio resource control connection state

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to equipment, a method and a device for initiating an RRC (Radio Resource Control) connection state and a computer readable storage medium. The method includes: receiving information about a threshold value from a second device, the threshold value being associated with a configuration of an application layer measurement performed by a first device; in an idle or inactive state of radio resource control (RRC), executing application layer measurement based on the configuration; and initiating a procedure for entering an RRC connected state if it is determined that the measured value meets the threshold. In this manner, the UE may report measurements by switching to the RRC connected state, while the transmissions may be adjusted / optimized by the gNB, without having to direct the UE to the RRC connected state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of telecommunications, and in particular, to devices, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable storage media for initiation of a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection state. Background Art

[0002] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has studied New Radio (NR) application layer measurements (e.g., Quality of Experience (QoE)) management and service optimization to identify a framework for collecting and reporting NR QoE measurements and studying the potential impact on related Radio Access Network (RAN) interfaces. Summary of the invention

[0003] Generally, example embodiments of the present disclosure provide a scheme for initiation of an RRC connected state.

[0004] In a first aspect, a first device is provided. The first device includes at least one processor; and at least one memory, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to at least: receive information about a threshold from a second device, the threshold being associated with a configuration of an application layer measurement performed by the first device; perform application layer measurements based on the configuration in an RRC idle or inactive state; and initiate a process for entering an RRC connected state if it is determined that the measurement value meets the threshold.

[0005] In a second aspect, a second device is provided. The second device includes at least one processor; and at least one memory, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second device to at least: generate information about a threshold value associated with a configuration of an application layer measurement performed by a first device; and send information to the first device.

[0006] In a third aspect, a method is provided. The method includes receiving information about a threshold from a second device, the threshold being associated with a configuration of application layer measurements performed by a first device; performing application layer measurements based on the configuration in an RRC idle or inactive state; and initiating a process for entering an RRC connected state if it is determined that the measurement value meets the threshold.

[0007] In a fourth aspect, a method is provided. The method includes generating information about a threshold associated with a configuration of an application layer measurement performed by a first device; and sending the information to the first device.

[0008] In a fifth aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising a component for receiving information about a threshold from a second device, the threshold being associated with a configuration of application layer measurements performed by a first device; a component for performing application layer measurements based on the configuration in a radio resource control (RRC) idle or inactive state; and a component for initiating a process for entering an RRC connected state if it is determined that the measurement value meets the threshold.

[0009] In a sixth aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising means for generating information about a threshold value associated with a configuration of an application layer measurement performed by a first device; and means for sending the information to the first device.

[0010] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided, on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by at least one processor of a device, the device is caused to execute the method as described in the third aspect or the fourth aspect.

[0011] Other features and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of specific embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Embodiments of the present disclosure are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, and their advantages are explained in more detail below.

[0013] Figure 1 An example environment is shown in which example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented;

[0014] Figure 2 A signaling diagram illustrating a procedure for initiation of an RRC connected state according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating an example method for initiation of an RRC connection state according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0016] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating an example method for initiation of an RRC connection state according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 5 shows a simplified block diagram of a device suitable for implementing an example embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0018] Figure 6 A block diagram of an example computer-readable medium is shown in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] The same or similar reference numbers may refer to the same or similar elements throughout the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The principles of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some example embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are only for illustrative purposes and are helpful for those skilled in the art to understand and implement the present disclosure without implying any limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. The embodiments described herein can be implemented in various ways different from the ways described below.

[0021] In the following description and claims, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein may have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0022] 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. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, it is considered that it is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described.

[0023] It should be understood that although the terms "first", "second", 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. For example, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments, 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.

[0024] As used herein, “at least one of: ” and “at least one of ” and similar expressions, where a list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”, mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all of the elements.

[0025] As used herein, unless explicitly stated otherwise, performing a step "in response to A" does not indicate that the step is performed immediately after "A" occurs, and includes one or more intermediate steps.

[0026] 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 also intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms "include", "comprise", "have", "have", "include" and / or "include" specify the presence of the feature, element and / or component when used herein, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0027] As used in this disclosure, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware circuit implementation only (such as analog and / or digital circuit implementation only), and (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (where applicable): (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuits; digital hardware circuits with software / firmware, and (ii) any part of a hardware processor working together with software (including a digital signal processor), software and memory to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions, as well as, (c) Hardware circuits and / or processors (such as a microprocessor or portion of a microprocessor) that require software (such as firmware) for operation, but where the software is not needed for operation, the software may not be present.

[0028] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this item in this disclosure, including in any claims. As another example, as used in this disclosure, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of only a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, if applicable to the particular claim element, the term circuitry also covers a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit used in a mobile device or similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0029] 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 equipment in the communication network can be performed according to any suitable generated 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) 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 regarded as limiting the scope of the present disclosure to the above-mentioned system.

[0030] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a node in a communication network, via which a terminal device accesses the network and receives services from it. A network device may refer to a base station (BS) or an access point (AP), for example, a NodeB (NodeB or NB), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), a NR NB (also referred to as a gNB), a remote radio unit (RRU), a radio head (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a relay, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, a low-power node such as a femto, a micro, a non-terrestrial network (NTN) or a non-terrestrial network device (such as a satellite network device), a low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite and a geosynchronous earth orbit (GEO) satellite, an aircraft network device, 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 host node. An IAB node includes a mobile terminal (IAB-MT) portion that behaves like a UE when pointing to a parent node, and the DU portion of the IAB node behaves like a base station pointing to a next-hop IAB node.

[0031] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. As an example and not limitation, a terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, a user equipment (UE), a user station (SS), a portable user 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 device (LME), a USB dongle, a smart device, a wireless customer premises equipment (CPE), an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a watch or other wearable device, a head mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, medical equipment and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial equipment and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in the context of an industrial and / or automated processing chain), consumer electronic devices, equipment 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.

[0032] As used in the present disclosure, 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, for example, communication between a terminal device and a network device, such as resources in the time domain, resources in the frequency domain, resources in the spatial domain, resources in the code domain, or any other resource that enables 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. Note that the example embodiments of the present disclosure are equally applicable to other resources in other domains. Example Environment

[0033] Figure 1 1 shows an example communication network 100 in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. Figure 1 As shown, the communication network 100 may include a terminal device 110. Hereinafter, the terminal device 110 may also be referred to as UE 110 or first device 110.

[0034] The communication network 100 may also include network devices 120-1 and 120-2. Hereinafter, the network device 120-1 may also be referred to as gNB 120-1 or the second device 120, and the network device 120-2 may also be referred to as gNB 120-2 or the third device 120-2. The network devices 120-1 and 120-2 may also be collectively referred to as network devices 120 or gNB 120.

[0035] The terminal device 110 may communicate with the network device 120-1 and the network device 120-2. For example, the serving cell of the terminal device 110 may be managed by the network device 120-1, and the terminal device 110 may communicate with the network device 120-1 in the RRC connected state. Then, the terminal device 110 may enter the RRC idle / inactive state. If the terminal device 110 attempts to enter the RRC connected state, if the serving cell of the terminal device 110 has changed, the terminal device 110 may initiate an RRC reply request to the network device 120-1 or initiate an RRC setup request to the network device 120-2.

[0036] It should be understood that Figure 1 The number of network devices and terminal devices shown is given for illustrative purposes and does not imply any limitation. Communication network 100 may include any suitable number of network devices and terminal devices.

[0037] In some example embodiments, the link from network device 120 to terminal device 110 may be referred to as a downlink (DL), and the link from terminal device 110 to network device 120 may be referred to as an uplink (UL). In DL, network device 120 is a transmitting (TX) device (or transmitter), and terminal device 110 is a receiving (RX) device (or receiver). In UL, terminal device 110 is a TX device (or transmitter), and network device 120 is an RX device (or receiver).

[0038] The communication in the communication environment 100 can be implemented according to any suitable communication protocol, including but not limited to cellular communication protocols of the first generation (1G), the second generation (2G), the third generation (3G), the fourth generation (4G), the fifth generation (5G), the sixth generation (6G), etc., wireless local area network communication protocols such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11, and / or any other protocol currently known or developed in the future. In addition, the communication can 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 (DFT-s-OFDM) and / or any other technology currently known or developed in the future.

[0039] As mentioned above, a framework for collecting and reporting NR application layer measurements (e.g., QoE measurements) has been studied and developed. The activation procedure of QoE Measurement Collection (QMC) can be used to initiate one or more QMC jobs at the UE. "QoE Reference ID" is used to uniquely identify a QMC job.

[0040] NR QoE or RAN Visible (RV) QoE can be applied to the RRC connected state to support the application layer measurement collection function. It is still necessary to discuss the scenario of applying NR QoE in the RRC idle / inactive state. For example, NR QoE can be applied to the RRC idle / inactive state to support the application layer measurement collection function of the multicast broadcast service (MBS) received in the RRC idle / inactive state.

[0041] When QMC is activated, MBS can be used by UEs in RRC idle or inactive state. In the case where the UE enters RRC idle or inactive state from RRC connected state, the UE can be configured to perform QoE measurement and / or RV-QoE measurement. However, the UE may not be able to report the results of the QoE measurement to the network. In the absence of QoE measurement results, the network may only be able to perform transmission using a default mode (e.g., by using some predefined static parameters), thereby failing to guarantee the quality of service (QoS) and / or QoE for all UEs.

[0042] Therefore, if the UE returns to the RRC connected state, it is expected that the QoE measurement results can be reported to the network. The specific RV-QoE contained in the QoE measurement results can be used by the RAN to adjust the configuration of MBS transmission. How it works and example signaling used for communication

[0043] According to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a scheme for initiation of an RRC connected state is provided. In the scheme, the UE obtains a threshold associated with an application layer measurement collection configuration, for example, a configuration of a QMC, and performs corresponding measurements in an RRC idle / inactive state. If the UE determines that the measurement value meets the threshold, the UE initiates a process for entering an RRC connected state. In this way, the UE can report measurements by switching to an RRC connected state, while transmission can be adjusted / optimized by the gNB without directing the UE to an RRC connected state.

[0044] The embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] Reference now Figure 2 , which shows a signaling diagram 200 for communication according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 As shown, signaling diagram 200 involves UE 110, gNB 120-1, and gNB 120-2. For the purpose of discussion, reference is made to Figure 1 200. Figure 2 A single UE 110 is shown in FIG. 1 , but it should be understood that there may be multiple UEs that perform similar operations as described below with respect to UE 110 .

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, in one example, UE 110 may be served by gNB 120-1 and be in an RRC connected state. gNB 120-1 may configure 205 a configuration of an application layer measurement set for UE 110. The application layer measurement set used herein may be referred to as a QMC, etc. The application layer measurements used in the present disclosure may be referred to as one or more QoE measurements and / or one or more (RV)-QoE measurements. For example, the QMC configuration may be configured by gNB 120-1 to command UE 110 to perform RV-QoE measurements of MBS in the application layer.

[0047] gNB 120-1 also configures corresponding thresholds for one or more QoE parameters / metrics in the application layer measurement set. For example, QMC. For example, the one or more QoE parameters / metrics may include application (e.g., video) buffer level, average throughput, playout delay, etc.

[0048] Then, gNB 120-1 sends 210 to UE 110 a configuration for application layer measurement collection including corresponding thresholds.

[0049] As an option, gNB 120-1 may send the configuration and the corresponding threshold before UE 110 enters the RRC idle / inactive state (e.g., during an RRC release procedure or an RRC reconfiguration procedure).

[0050] As another option, gNB 120-1 may also send a corresponding threshold value, for example, broadcasted via system information (SIB) or an MBS control channel, which may be referred to as MCCH in an MBS framework. Providing the corresponding threshold value to UE 110 in the RRC idle / inactive state may allow the network side to adjust one or more threshold values ​​associated with application layer measurements to achieve more flexibility in controlling UEs in the RRC idle / inactive state. In some examples, the corresponding threshold value may also be sent from gNB 120-2 to UE 110 (e.g., broadcasted via system information (SIB) or MCCH).

[0051] When UE 110 enters the RRC idle / inactive state, UE 110 may perform application layer measurements based on the received configuration, for example, in application layer 110-1 of UE 110. Measurement results (e.g., QoE measurement reports or RV-QoE measurement reports) may be sent from application layer 110-1 to RRC layer 110-2 of UE 110.

[0052] If the measured value of the parameter / metric associated with the application layer measurement does not meet the corresponding threshold, the measurement result may be stored in a buffer of the UE 110. For example, when the UE 110 returns to the RRC connected state, the UE 110 may report the measurement result to the serving gNB 120 at an appropriate time. In addition, if the measured value of the parameter / metric associated with the application layer measurement does not meet the corresponding threshold, the UE 110 may also continue to perform the application layer measurement for a certain period of time.

[0053] If the measured value of the parameter / metric associated with the application layer measurement satisfies the corresponding threshold, the UE 110 initiates a procedure for entering the RRC connected state.

[0054] It should be understood that when the measured value meets the corresponding threshold, the measured value exceeds the predetermined value or the measured value is lower than the predetermined value. When the measured value is equal to the predetermined value, the measured value may also meet the corresponding threshold.

[0055] As an option, the application layer 110-1 may determine 215 that the measurement value satisfies a threshold. The application layer 110-1 may send 220 an indication to the RRC layer 110-2 (eg, via an attention (AT) command) that the measurement value satisfies the threshold.

[0056] As another option, for example, the RRC layer 110 - 2 may determine 225 that the measurement value satisfies the threshold based on a measurement report sent from the application layer 110 - 1 .

[0057] After determining that the measured value satisfies the corresponding threshold, a request to enter the RRC connected state may be initiated from UE 110 to the currently camped gNB via RRC setup request, RRC resume request, RRC setup resume complete, or RRC resume setup complete. Alternatively or optionally, the request to enter the RRC connected state may include a reason for initiating the request, such as an indication that the measured value of the parameter satisfies the corresponding threshold. The request may also indicate more details, such as the measured value, the corresponding value, the difference between the measured value and the corresponding value, etc.

[0058] For example, if gNB 120-1 still serves as a resident gNB for UE 110, UE 110 may send 230 an RRC resume request to gNB 120-1 for resuming the RRC connection between UE 110 and gNB 120-1. gNB 120-1 may resume or establish 235 the RRC connection with UE 110. gNB 120-1 may also adjust MBS transmission parameters based on the request, e.g., the reason for initiating the request and / or additional details of the reason.

[0059] For example, if the resident gNB is switched to gNB 120-2, then similarly, UE 110 may send 240 an RRC setup request to gNB 120-2 for establishing an RRC connection between UE 110 and gNB 120-2. gNB 120-2 may establish 245 an RRC connection with UE 110 and may also adjust MBS transmission parameters according to the request and the corresponding cause included in the request.

[0060] With the scheme of the present disclosure, the UE can report measurements by switching to the RRC connected state, and the transmission can be adjusted / optimized by the gNB without directing the UE to the RRC connected state.

[0061] Figure 3 A flowchart of an example method 300 for initiating an RRC connected state according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The method 300 may be performed in a manner such as Figure 1 The first device 110 is shown as being implemented. For the purpose of discussion, reference will be made to Figure 1 Method 300 is described.

[0062] At 310 , the first device 110 receives information about a threshold value from a second device, the threshold value being associated with a configuration of an application layer measurement performed by the first device.

[0063] In some example embodiments, the application layer measurements may include QoE measurements or RV QoE measurements.

[0064] In some example embodiments, the threshold may be associated with at least one of: a buffer level, an average throughput, or a playout delay for an application of the first device.

[0065] In some example embodiments, the first device may receive the information prior to entering the RRC idle state or the RRC inactive state.

[0066] In some example embodiments, the first device may receive the information via an RRC release procedure or an RRC reconfiguration procedure.

[0067] In some example embodiments, the first device may receive the information via a system information block or broadcast control channel signaling.

[0068] At 320, the first device performs application layer measurements based on the configuration in an RRC idle or inactive state.

[0069] At 330 , if the first device determines that the measurement value satisfies the threshold, then at 340 , the first device initiates a process for entering an RRC connected state.

[0070] In some example embodiments, if it is determined that the RRC layer of the first device determines that the measurement value satisfies the threshold, the first device may cause a request to enter the RRC connected state to be sent by the first device.

[0071] In some example embodiments, if the application layer of the first device determines that the measurement value satisfies the threshold and an indication of satisfaction is sent from the application layer to the RRC layer of the first device, the first device may cause a request to enter an RRC connected state to be sent by the first device.

[0072] In some example embodiments, the request may be sent to one of: the second device to resume the RRC connected state with the second device, or the third device to establish the RRC connected state with the third device.

[0073] In some example embodiments, the request may include an indication that the measurement satisfies the threshold.

[0074] In some example embodiments, if UE 110 determines at 330 that no measurement value satisfies the threshold, UE 110 may perform application layer measurements, eg, similar to the application layer measurements at 320 .

[0075] In some example embodiments, the first device may include a terminal device, and the second device may include a network device.

[0076] In some example embodiments, the third device may include a network device.

[0077] Figure 4FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an example method 400 for initiating an RRC connected state according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 400 may be performed in a manner such as Figure 1 The second device 120 is shown as being implemented. For the purpose of discussion, reference will be made to Figure 1 Method 400 is described.

[0078] At 410 , the second device generates information regarding a threshold value associated with a configuration of application layer measurements performed by the first device.

[0079] At 420, the second device sends information to the first device.

[0080] In some example embodiments, the application layer measurements may include QoE measurements or RV QoE measurements.

[0081] In some example embodiments, the threshold is associated with at least one of: a buffer level, an average throughput, or a playout delay for an application of the first device.

[0082] In some example embodiments, the second device may send the information before the first device enters the RRC idle state or the RRC inactive state.

[0083] In some example embodiments, the second device may send the information via an RRC release procedure or an RRC reconfiguration procedure.

[0084] In some example embodiments, the second device may send the information via a system information block or a multicast broadcast control channel.

[0085] In some example embodiments, if the second device determines that a request to enter the RRC connected state is received from the first device, the second device may restore the RRC connected state between the first device and the second device.

[0086] In some example embodiments, if the second device determines that the request indicates that the measurement value satisfies the threshold, then adjusts the threshold or one or more transmission parameters, the second device may adjust the threshold or one or more transmission parameters.

[0087] In some example embodiments, the first device comprises a terminal device and the second device comprises a network device. Example devices, equipment, and media

[0088] In some example embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing method 300 (e.g., implemented at first device 110) may include components for performing the corresponding steps of method 300. The components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit or a software module.

[0089] In some example embodiments, the apparatus includes: a component for receiving information about a threshold from a second device, the threshold being associated with a configuration of application layer measurements performed by a first device; a component for performing application layer measurements based on the configuration in a radio resource control (RRC) idle or inactive state; and a component for initiating a process for entering an RRC connected state if it is determined that the measurement value meets the threshold.

[0090] In some example embodiments, the application layer measurements may include QoE measurements or RV QoE measurements.

[0091] In some example embodiments, the threshold may be associated with at least one of: a buffer level, an average throughput, or a playout delay for an application of the first device.

[0092] In some example embodiments, the means for receiving information may further include means for receiving the information before the first device enters the RRC idle state or the RRC inactive state.

[0093] In some example embodiments, the means for receiving information may further include means for receiving the information via an RRC release procedure or an RRC reconfiguration procedure.

[0094] In some example embodiments, the means for receiving information may further include means for receiving the information via system information block or broadcast control channel signaling.

[0095] In some example embodiments, the means for initiating a process for entering an RRC connected state may further include means for causing a request for entering an RRC connected state to be sent by the first device if it is determined that the RRC layer of the first device determines that the measurement value satisfies a threshold.

[0096] In some example embodiments, the component for initiating a process for entering an RRC connected state may also include: a component for causing a request for entering an RRC connected state to be sent by the first device if an application layer of the first device determines that a measurement value satisfies a threshold and an indication of satisfaction is sent from the application layer to the RRC layer of the first device.

[0097] In some example embodiments, the request may include an indication that the measurement value satisfies the threshold.

[0098] In some example embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise means for performing application layer measurements if it is determined that no measurement value satisfies the threshold.

[0099] In some example embodiments, the first device may include a terminal device, and the second device may include a network device.

[0100] In some example embodiments, the third device may include a network device.

[0101] In some example embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing method 400 (e.g., implemented at second device 120) may include components for performing the corresponding steps of method 400. The components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit or a software module.

[0102] In some example embodiments, the apparatus comprises: means for generating information regarding a threshold value associated with a configuration of application layer measurements performed by the first device; and means for sending the information to the first device.

[0103] In some example embodiments, the application layer measurements may include QoE measurements or RV QoE measurements.

[0104] In some example embodiments, the threshold may be associated with at least one of: a buffer level, an average throughput, or a playout delay for an application of the first device.

[0105] In some example embodiments, the means for transmitting the information may further include means for sending the information before the first device enters the RRC idle state or the RRC inactive state.

[0106] In some example embodiments, the means for transmitting the information may further include means for transmitting the information via an RRC release procedure or an RRC reconfiguration procedure.

[0107] In some example embodiments, the means for transmitting the information may further include means for sending the information via a system information block or a multicast broadcast control channel.

[0108] In some example embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for restoring the RRC connection state between the first device and the second device if it is determined that a request to enter the RRC connection state is received from the first device.

[0109] In some example embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for adjusting a threshold or one or more transmission parameters if it is determined that the request indicates that the measurement value satisfies the threshold.

[0110] In some example embodiments, the first device comprises a terminal device and the second device comprises a network device.

[0111] Figure 5 5 is a simplified block diagram of a device 500 suitable for implementing an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The device 500 may be used to implement a communication device, such as Figure 1The terminal device 110 or the network device 120 is shown. As shown in the figure, the device 500 includes one or more processors 510, one or more memories 520 coupled to the processor 510, and one or more communication modules 540 coupled to the processor 510.

[0112] The communication module 540 is used for two-way communication. The communication module 540 has one or more communication interfaces to facilitate communication with one or more other modules or devices. The communication interface may represent any interface necessary for communicating with other network elements. In some example embodiments, the communication module 540 may include at least one antenna.

[0113] As non-limiting examples, processor 510 may be of any type suitable for a 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. Device 500 may have multiple processors, such as application specific integrated circuit chips, which are time-slaved to a clock that synchronizes a master processor.

[0114] The memory 520 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) 524, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disk, compact disk (CD), digital video disk (DVD), optical disk, laser disk, and other magnetic storage and / or optical storage. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 522 and other volatile memories that do not persist during a power outage.

[0115] Computer program 530 includes computer executable instructions executed by associated processor 510. The instructions of program 530 may include instructions for performing the operations / actions of some example embodiments of the present disclosure. Program 530 may be stored in a memory, such as ROM 524. Processor 510 may perform any suitable actions and processes by loading program 530 into RAM 522.

[0116] The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by means of a program 530, so that the device 500 may execute the Figures 2 to 4 Any process of the present disclosure discussed. The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or a combination of software and hardware.

[0117] In some example embodiments, the program 530 may be tangibly contained in a computer-readable medium, which may be included in the device 500 (such as in the memory 520) or other storage device accessible by the device 500. The device 500 may load the program 530 from the computer-readable medium to the RAM 522 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. As used in this disclosure, the term "non-transitory" is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible rather than a signal), not a limitation on data storage persistence (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0118] Figure 6 An example of a computer readable medium 600 is shown which may be in the form of a CD, DVD or other optical storage disk. The computer readable medium 800 has a program 530 stored thereon.

[0119] Generally, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software that may be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other graphical representations, it should be understood that the blocks, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described in the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuits or logic, general hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof in non-limiting examples.

[0120] 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, 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 functions of the program modules can be combined or split between program modules as needed in various 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.

[0121] The program code for executing the method of the present disclosure can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. The program code can be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer or other programmable data processing device so that the program code, when executed by the processor or controller, enables the functions / operations specified in the flow chart and / or block diagram to be implemented. The program code can be executed entirely on the machine, partially on the machine, as an independent software package, partially on the machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0122] In the context of the present disclosure, computer program codes or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus or processor to perform various processes and operations as described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer readable media, etc.

[0123] 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, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared or semiconductor system, device or apparatus, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of computer readable storage media would 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.

[0124] In addition, although operations are depicted in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring such operations to be performed in the particular order shown or in a sequential order, or performing all of the operations shown 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 details should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the present disclosure, but should be interpreted as descriptions of possible specific features of a specific 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, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments individually or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0125] Although the disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it should 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, 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 at least: receiving, from a second device, information regarding a threshold associated with a configuration of application layer measurements performed by the first device; In a radio resource control RRC idle or inactive state, performing the application layer measurement based on the configuration; as well as If it is determined that the measurement value meets the threshold, a procedure for entering the RRC connected state is initiated. 2 . The first device according to claim 1 , wherein the application layer measurement comprises a quality of experience (QoE) measurement or a radio access network visible QoE measurement.

3. The first device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the threshold is associated with at least one of the following: a buffer level for an application of the first device, Average throughput, or Playback is delayed.

4. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first device is caused to: The information is received before entering the RRC idle state or the RRC inactive state.

5. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first device is caused to: The information is received via an RRC release procedure or an RRC reconfiguration procedure.

6. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first device is caused to: The information is received via system information blocks or broadcast control channel signaling.

7. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first device is caused to: If it is determined that the RRC layer of the first device determines that the measurement value meets the threshold, a request for entering the RRC connected state will be sent by the first device.

8. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first device is caused to: If it is determined that the application layer of the first device determines that the measurement value satisfies the threshold and an indication of the satisfaction is sent from the application layer to the RRC layer of the first device, causing a request to enter the RRC connected state to be sent by the first device.

9. The first device according to any one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the request is sent to one of: the second device, for restoring the RRC connection state with the second device, or A third device is used to establish the RRC connection state with the third device.

10. The first device of any one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the request comprises the indication that the measurement value satisfies the threshold.

11. The first device according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein the first device comprises a terminal device, and the second device comprises a network device.

12. The first device of claim 9, wherein the third device comprises a network device.

13. A second device, 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 second device to at least: generating information about a threshold associated with a configuration of application layer measurements performed by the first device; and The information is sent to the first device. 14 . The second device according to claim 13 , wherein the application layer measurement comprises a quality of experience (QoE) measurement or a radio access network visible QoE measurement.

15. The second device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the threshold is associated with at least one of the following: a buffer level for an application of the first device, Average throughput, or Playback is delayed.

16. The second device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the second device is caused to: The information is sent before the first device enters an RRC idle state or an RRC inactive state.

17. The second device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the second device is caused to: The information is sent via an RRC release procedure or an RRC reconfiguration procedure.

18. The second device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the second device is caused to: The information is sent via a system information block or a multicast broadcast control channel.

19. The second device of claim 13, wherein the second device is caused to: If it is determined that a request to enter the RRC connected state is received from the first device, the RRC connected state between the first device and the second device is restored.

20. The second device of claim 19, wherein the second device is caused to: If it is determined that the request indicates that the measurement value meets the threshold, the threshold or one or more transmission parameters are adjusted.

21. The second device according to any one of claims 13-20, wherein the first device comprises a terminal device, and the second device comprises a network device.

22. A method comprising: receiving, at a first device and from a second device, information regarding a threshold associated with a configuration of application layer measurements performed by the first device; In a radio resource control RRC idle or inactive state, performing the application layer measurement based on the configuration; as well as If it is determined that the measurement value meets the threshold, a procedure for entering the RRC connected state is initiated.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the application layer measurement comprises a quality of experience (QoE) measurement or a radio access network visible QoE measurement.

24. The method of claim 22 or 23, wherein the threshold is associated with at least one of: a buffer level for an application of the first device, Average throughput, or Playback is delayed.

25. The method of any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein receiving the information comprises: The information is received before the first device enters the RRC idle state or the RRC inactive state.

26. The method of any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein receiving the information comprises: The information is sent via an RRC release procedure or an RRC reconfiguration procedure.

27. The method of any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein receiving the information comprises: The information is sent via a system information block or a multicast broadcast control channel.

28. The method of any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein initiating the process comprises: If it is determined that the RRC layer of the first device determines that the measurement value meets the threshold, a request for entering the RRC connected state will be sent by the first device.

29. The method of any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein initiating the process comprises: If it is determined that the application layer of the first device determines that the measurement value satisfies the threshold and an indication of the satisfaction is sent from the application layer to the RRC layer of the first device, causing a request to enter the RRC connected state to be sent by the first device.

30. The method according to 28 or 29, wherein the request is sent to one of the following: the second device, for restoring the RRC connection state with the second device, or A third device is used to establish the RRC connection state with the third device.

31. The method of claim 28 or 29, wherein the request includes the indication that the measured value meets the threshold.

32. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 31, wherein the first device comprises a terminal device and the second device comprises a network device.

33. The method of claim 30, wherein the third device comprises a network device.

34. A method comprising: generating, at the second device, information regarding a threshold value associated with a configuration of application layer measurements performed by the first device; as well as The information is sent to the first device.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the application layer measurement comprises a quality of experience (QoE) measurement or a radio access network visible QoE measurement.

36. The method of claim 34 or 35, wherein the threshold is associated with at least one of: a buffer level for an application of the first device, Average throughput, or Playback is delayed.

37. The method of any one of claims 34-36, wherein sending the information comprises: The information is sent before the first device enters an RRC idle state or an RRC inactive state.

38. The method of any one of claims 34-36, wherein sending the information comprises: The information is sent via an RRC release procedure or an RRC reconfiguration procedure.

39. The method of any one of claims 34-36, wherein sending the information comprises: The information is sent via a system information block or a multicast broadcast control channel.

40. The method of claim 34, further comprising: If it is determined that a request to enter the RRC connected state is received from the first device, the RRC connected state between the first device and the second device is restored.

41. The method of claim 34, further comprising: If it is determined that the request indicates that the measurement value meets the threshold, the threshold or one or more transmission parameters are adjusted.

42. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 41, wherein the first device comprises a terminal device and the second device comprises a network device.

43. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving, from the second device, information regarding a threshold associated with a configuration of application layer measurements performed by the first device; A component for performing the application layer measurement based on the configuration in a radio resource control RRC idle or inactive state; as well as Means for initiating a procedure for entering an RRC connected state if it is determined that the measurement value meets the threshold.

44. An apparatus comprising: means for generating information regarding a threshold associated with a configuration of application layer measurements performed by the first device; as well as The information is sent to the first device.

45. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program instructions, wherein the program instructions are used to cause an apparatus to at least perform the method of any one of claims 22-23.

46. ​​A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to at least perform the method of any one of claims 34-42.

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