Method of determining measurement requirements for higher priority carriers

Abstract

A terminal device is provided. The terminal device can receive a first parameter for the terminal device, where a first carrier is used by the terminal device. The terminal device can perform a comparison between the first parameter and one or more thresholds, and determine a second parameter for the terminal device based on the comparison. The second parameter can indicate a time interval for the terminal device to search for one or more carriers having a higher priority than the first carrier. The terminal device can receive the first parameter from a network device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The exemplary embodiments of this disclosure generally relate to the field of communications, and particularly to devices, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable storage media for determining measurement requirements for higher priority carriers. Background Technology

[0002] In communication systems such as New Radio (NR) or Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, Reduced Capability (RedCap) User Equipment (UE) may need to search for one or more carriers with higher priority than the carriers it currently uses. If the RedCap UE uses extended or relaxed time periods to search for each higher priority carrier, the measurement, detection, and evaluation of the higher priority carriers may take longer. This can negatively impact network performance or scheduling capabilities. On the other hand, if extended time periods are set for searching higher priority carriers, it can help save power and energy consumption for the RedCap UE. Therefore, a trade-off between network performance and RedCap UE power and energy consumption can be considered when defining the measurement requirements for higher priority carriers.

[0003] Therefore, it is desirable to have a solution that takes into account at least some of the problems mentioned above, as well as other possible issues. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In general, the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure relate to determining measurement requirements for higher priority carriers.

[0005] In a first aspect, a terminal device is provided. The terminal device includes at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the terminal device to at least: receive a first parameter for the terminal device, wherein a first carrier is used by the terminal device; perform a comparison between the first parameter and one or more thresholds; and determine a second parameter for the terminal device based on the comparison, the second parameter indicating a time interval for the terminal device to search for one or more carriers having a higher priority than the first carrier.

[0006] In a second aspect, a network device is provided. The network device includes at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network device to at least: determine a first parameter for a terminal device, wherein a first carrier is used by the terminal device; perform a comparison between the first parameter and one or more thresholds; and determine a second parameter for the terminal device based on the comparison, the second parameter indicating a time interval for the terminal device to search for one or more carriers having a higher priority than the first carrier.

[0007] In a third aspect, a method is provided. The method includes receiving a first parameter for a terminal device, wherein a first carrier is used by the terminal device; performing a comparison between the first parameter and one or more thresholds; and determining a second parameter for the terminal device based on the comparison, the second parameter indicating a time interval used by the terminal device to search for one or more carriers having a higher priority than the first carrier.

[0008] In a fourth aspect, a method is provided. The method includes determining a first parameter for a terminal device, wherein a first carrier is used by the terminal device; performing a comparison between the first parameter and one or more thresholds; and determining a second parameter for the terminal device based on the comparison, the second parameter indicating a time interval used by the terminal device to search for one or more carriers having a higher priority than the first carrier.

[0009] In a fifth aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes components for receiving a first parameter for a terminal device, wherein a first carrier is used by the terminal device; components for performing a comparison between the first parameter and one or more thresholds; and components for determining a second parameter for the terminal device based on the comparison, the second parameter indicating a time interval for the terminal device to search for one or more carriers having a higher priority than the first carrier.

[0010] In a sixth aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes components for determining a first parameter of a terminal device, wherein a first carrier is used by the terminal device; components for performing a comparison between the first parameter and one or more thresholds; and components for determining a second parameter for the terminal device based on the comparison, the second parameter indicating a time interval for the terminal device to search for one or more carriers having a higher priority than the first carrier.

[0011] In a seventh aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, the non-transitory computer-readable medium including program instructions for causing a device to perform at least the method according to any one of the third and fourth aspects described above.

[0012] It should be understood that the summary portion is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of this disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Other features of this disclosure will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

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

[0014] Figure 1 The illustration shows an example of a network environment in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented;

[0015] Figure 2 The illustration shows flowcharts of methods according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 3 The illustration shows flowcharts of methods according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 4 The illustration shows flowcharts of methods according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 5 The illustration shows a simplified block diagram of a device suitable for implementing some example embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0019] Figure 6 A block diagram illustrating an example of a computer-readable medium according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0020] Throughout the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The principles of this disclosure will now be described with reference to some exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described for illustrative purposes only and to assist those skilled in the art in understanding and implementing this disclosure, and do not constitute any limitation on the scope of this disclosure. The disclosure described herein can be implemented in various ways other than those described below.

[0022] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, 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 pertains.

[0023] In this disclosure, references to "an embodiment," "embodiment," and "example embodiment," etc., indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment must include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, those skilled in the art will understand that, whether explicitly described or not, combining it with other embodiments to affect such a feature, structure, or characteristic is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0024] It should be understood that although the terms “first” and “second” may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. 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.

[0025] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” used herein also include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Further understanding is that the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” “having,” “including,” and / or “containing” as used herein specify the presence of the stated features, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “<at least one of a list of two or more elements>” and similar wording (where a list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”) means at least any one of these elements, or at least any two or more of these elements, or at least all of these elements.

[0026] As used in this application, the term "circuit system" may refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0027] (a) Purely hardware circuits (such as in analog and / or digital circuits), and

[0028] (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (if applicable):

[0029] (i) A combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software (e.g., firmware), and

[0030] (ii) Any part of a hardware processor (including multiple digital signal processors), software, and memory (multiple of which work together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions), and

[0031] (c) (Multiple) hardware circuits and / or (multiple) processors, such as (multiple) microprocessors or a portion thereof, which require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but may not exist when operation is not required.

[0032] The definition of "circuit system" applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claim. As another example, as used in this application, the term "circuit system" also covers only hardware circuitry or a processor (or processors) or a portion of hardware circuitry or a processor and its accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, if applicable to a particular claim element, the term "circuit system" also covers baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices, or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or network devices.

[0033] As used herein, the term "cellular network" refers to a network operating according to any suitable radio access technology defined by standards, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A Advanced (LTE-A), New Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), etc. Furthermore, communication between terminal devices and network devices in a cellular network can be performed according to any suitable communication protocol, including but not limited to fourth-generation (4G), 4.5G, future fifth-generation (5G) communication protocols, and / or any other protocols currently known or to be developed in the future. Embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to a variety of cellular networks. Given the rapid development of communications, there will naturally be future types of communication technologies and systems that can be used to embody the present disclosure. This should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure to the systems described above.

[0034] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to any device in a cellular network through which terminal devices access the data network and receive services provided by other network devices in the cellular network. In some examples, a network device may include or implement the network functions of a fifth-generation communication system (5GS) (e.g., the core network) of the cellular network. In some examples, these network devices may be located at the RAN of the 5GS. A network device may be part of a satellite, base station (BS), or access point (AP), such as a Node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), an NR NB (also known as a gNB), a remote radio unit (RRU), a radio header (RH), a remote radio header end (RRH), a relay, or a low-power node (such as a femtonode, piconode, etc.), depending on the terminology and technology applied. A gNB may include a centralized unit (CU) and one or more distributed units (DUs). Femtonodes and piconodes are small base stations with small coverage areas.

[0035] The term "terminal equipment" refers to equipment in a cellular network communication system, such as a fifth-generation communication system (5GS) capable of wireless (e.g., radio) communication with the NR-RAN of 5GS. As an example and not a limitation, terminal equipment may also be referred to as wireless communication equipment, user equipment (UE), subscriber station (SS), portable subscriber station, mobile station (MS), or access terminal (AT). Examples of terminal devices may include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, Voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, tablets, wearable terminal devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, desktop computers, image capture terminal devices (such as digital cameras), gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback devices, in-vehicle wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop embedded devices (LEEs), laptop mounted devices (LMEs), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless customer premises equipment (CPEs), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, watches or other wearable devices, head-mounted displays (HMDs), vehicles, drones, medical devices and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial devices and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in industrial and / or automated processing chain environments), consumer electronics devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc. In the following description, the terms "terminal device," "communication device," "terminal," "user equipment," and "UE" are used interchangeably.

[0036] Figure 1 An example of a network environment 100 in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented is illustrated. Environment 100 may be part of a communication network and includes multiple terminal devices and network devices, such as terminal device 110 and network device 120. For example, terminal device 110 may be implemented as a user equipment (UE) or a capacity-reduced (RedCap) UE, and network device 120 may be implemented as an eNB, gNB, or base station (BS). Network device 120 may transmit various data to terminal device 110 via network environment 100.

[0037] To transmit data and / or control information, terminal device 110 can communicate with network device 120. The link from network device 120 to terminal device 110 is called a downlink (DL), and the link from terminal device 110 to network device 120 is called an uplink (UL). Terminal device 110 can communicate with network device 120 using a carrier wave, which can be... Figure 1 The double-headed arrow indicates this.

[0038] Although terminal device 110 and network device 120 are Figure 1The embodiments of this disclosure are described in the communication environment 100, but the embodiments of this disclosure are equally applicable to any other suitable communication devices communicating with each other. That is, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to... Figure 1 An exemplary scenario. In this regard, it should be noted that, although in Figure 1 The terminal device 110 is schematically depicted as a mobile phone and the network device 120 is schematically depicted as a satellite; however, it should be understood that these depictions are exemplary in nature and do not represent any limitation. In other embodiments, the terminal device 110 and the network device 120 may be any other communication device, such as any other wireless communication device.

[0039] It should be understood that, such as Figure 1 The specific numbers of various communication devices and communication links shown are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent any limitation. Communication environment 100 may include any suitable number of communication devices and any suitable number of communication links for implementing embodiments of this disclosure. Furthermore, it should be understood that various wireless and wired communications may exist between all communication devices (if desired).

[0040] Figure 2 A flowchart of a method 200 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. For discussion purposes, reference will be made to... Figure 1 Method 200 is described. It should be understood that, although referenced... Figure 1 Method 200 has been described, but it can also be applied to other similar communication scenarios.

[0041] In method 200, at block 202, terminal device 110 is configured with extended discontinuous reception (eDRX). Terminal device 110 may be a RedCap UE. In some embodiments, terminal device 110 may receive a first parameter (e.g., eDRX period) for the terminal device, wherein a first carrier is used by terminal device 110. Terminal device 110 may receive the first parameter (e.g., eDRX period) from network device 120.

[0042] In some embodiments, the first parameter is determined by network device 120 based at least on a first value associated with the idle mode of terminal device 110 and / or a second value associated with the inactive mode of terminal device 110. In some embodiments, the first parameter has either a first value or a second value. For example, if either the eDRX_IDLE and eDRX_INACTIVE periods are configured, or if both the eDRX_IDLE and eDRX_INACTIVE periods are configured for the UE, the eDRX period can be defined as the eDRX_IDLE period length (e.g., the first value) or the eDRX_INACTIVE period length (e.g., the second value). eDRX_IDLE can be a higher-layer parameter (e.g., a MAC layer parameter) configured for an RRC_IDLE terminal device. eDRX_INACTIVE can be a higher-layer parameter (e.g., a MAC layer parameter) configured for an RRC_INACTIVE terminal device.

[0043] In some embodiments, when both the eDRX_IDLE period and the eDRX_INACTIVE period are configured to the UE, the eDRX period can be given as the output of one of the following functions, or any function, mathematical or data mapping technique or algorithm that effectively has the following equivalent output:

[0044] The minimum value between the first and second values;

[0045] The maximum value between the first and second values;

[0046] The average of the first and second values;

[0047] The median of the first and second values; or

[0048] The least common multiple of the first and second values.

[0049] Here, the function described above can receive two inputs, such as the eDRX_IDLE cycle length (e.g., a first value) and the eDRX_INACTIVE cycle length (e.g., a second value).

[0050] In method 200, at block 204, terminal device 110 determines case 1, 2, or 3 based on the eDRX configuration. In some embodiments, terminal device 110 may perform a comparison between a first parameter (e.g., eDRX cycle) and one or more thresholds to determine case 1, 2, or 3, which will be described in more detail below.

[0051] In method 200, at block 206, terminal device 110 sets a second parameter (e.g., T) based on the selected case and eDRX configuration. higher_priority_search), which will be described in more detail below. In some embodiments, the terminal device 110 may determine a second parameter for the terminal device based on the comparison. The second parameter may indicate a time interval for the terminal device to search for one or more carriers having a higher priority than the first carrier. The priority information of the carriers or the information of the higher priority carriers has been determined and given by the network.

[0052] In some embodiments, according to the configured eDRX cycle parameter value, it is expected that the terminal device 110 performs different higher priority searches according to the configured eDRX cycle value. For example, according to the eDRX cycle, the terminal device 110 may perform a high priority carrier search according to the LTE specification, the NR specification, or a modified version.

[0053] In some embodiments, in case 1, when the terminal device 110 is configured with an eDRX cycle ≤ X1, the terminal device 110 may search for each layer of higher priority at least every T higher_priority_search = MAX(60×N layers , A×eDRX cycle) seconds, which means that T higher_priority_search is the maximum of 60×N layers seconds and A×eDRX cycle seconds, where N layers is the total number of higher priority NR and E-UTRA carrier frequencies broadcast in the system information, and A is a positive integer. In one example, X1 = 10.24 seconds. A may be configured and provided by the network device 120.

[0054] In some embodiments, in case 2, when the terminal device 110 is configured with X1 < eDRX cycle ≤ X2, the terminal device 110 may search for each layer of higher priority at least every T higher_priority_search = MAX(60×N layers , A×eDRX cycle) seconds, which means that T higher_priority_search is the maximum of 60×N layers seconds and A×eDRX cycle×N layers seconds, where N layers is the total number of higher priority NR and E-UTRA carrier frequencies broadcast in the system information, and A is a positive integer. In one example, A = 1. In another example, A may be configured and provided by the network device 120. In some examples, A is specific to the terminal device 110, and the network device 120 indicates the value of A to the terminal device 110. In some examples, A may be a value that is generally applied to or applicable to a specific type of terminal device (e.g., Rel-17 RedCap UE, Rel-18 RedCap UE, or any RedCap UE). The value of A may be broadcast by the network device 120 to all terminal devices, or multicast to the target terminal devices.

[0055] In some embodiments, in case 2, X1 = 10.24 seconds, and X2 is one of the possible eDRX cycle length duration values ​​greater than 10.24 seconds. For example, 20.48 ≤ X2 ≤ 10485.76 seconds. In another example, X1 = 10.24 seconds, and X2 is configured by network device 120. In yet another example, both X1 and X2 can be configured and provided by network device 120.

[0056] In some embodiments, in Case 2, X1 and X2 are specific to terminal device 110, and network device 120 indicates the values ​​of X1 and X2 to terminal device 110. In another example, X1 and X2 can generally be applied to or be applicable to a specific type of terminal device (e.g., Rel-17 RedCap UE, Rel-18 RedCap UE, or any RedCap UE). The values ​​of X1 and X2 can be broadcast to all terminal devices on the network or multicast to a target terminal device.

[0057] In some embodiments, in case 2, when terminal device 110 or UE 110 meets at least one of the following relaxed measurement criteria, network device 120 may set X1 = 0 and X2 = 163.84 seconds or X1 = 10.24 seconds and X2 = 163.84 seconds:

[0058] The UE measurement meets the static standard.

[0059] The UE's measurements meet the standard of not being at the cell edge when stationary.

[0060] The UE's measurement meets the criteria of being stationary and not at the cell edge.

[0061] The UE's measurements meet the low mobility and stationary criteria.

[0062] The UE's measurement meets the requirements of low mobility and not being at the cell edge when stationary.

[0063] The UE's measurement satisfies the conditions of not being at the cell edge and not being at the cell edge when stationary.

[0064] The UE's measurements meet the criteria of low mobility and not being at the cell edge, and not being in the cell when stationary.

[0065] Edge Standard

[0066] The UE's measurements meet the criteria of low mobility, not at the cell edge, and stationary.

[0067] The UE's measurements meet the low mobility standard.

[0068] The UE's measurements meet the non-cell edge standard.

[0069] The UE's measurements meet the low mobility and non-cell edge criteria.

[0070] In some embodiments, in case 2, network device 120 may set X2 to infinity or a value greater than the maximum configurable eDRX period. In these embodiments, only X1 is actually used.

[0071] In some embodiments, in case 3, when terminal device 110 is configured such that eDRX period > X2, terminal device 110 can at least every T higher_priority_search =MAX(60×N) layers The search takes a period of A×eDRX seconds to search each layer with higher priority, which means that T... higher_priority_search It is 60×N layers The maximum value of N in the second and A×eDRX period seconds, where N layers A is the total number of higher-priority NR and E-UTRA carrier frequencies broadcast in the system information, and A is a positive integer. In one example, A = 1. In another example, A can be configured and provided by network device 120. In some examples, A is specific to terminal device 110, and network device 120 indicates the value of A to terminal device 110. In some examples, A can be a value that is generally applied to or applicable to a specific type of terminal device (e.g., Rel-17 RedCap UE, Rel-18 RedCap UE, or any RedCap UE). The value of A can be broadcast by network device 120 to all terminal devices or multicast to a target terminal device.

[0072] In some embodiments, in case 3, X2 is one of the possible eDRX cycle length duration values ​​greater than 10.24 seconds. For example, 20.48 ≤ X2 ≤ 10485.76 seconds. X2 can be configured and provided by network device 120. X2 can be specific to terminal device 110, and network device 120 indicates the value of X2 to terminal device 110. In another example, X2 can generally be applied to or applicable to a specific type of terminal device (e.g., Rel-17 RedCap UE, Rel-18 RedCap UE, or any RedCap UE). The value of X2 can be broadcast to all terminal devices on the network or multicast to a target terminal device.

[0073] In some embodiments, in case 3, network device 120 may set X2 = 163.84 seconds when terminal device 110 or UE 110 meets at least one of the following relaxed measurement criteria:

[0074] The UE measurement meets the static standard.

[0075] The UE's measurements meet the standard of not being at the cell edge when stationary.

[0076] The UE's measurement meets the criteria of being stationary and not at the cell edge.

[0077] The UE's measurements meet the low mobility and stationary criteria.

[0078] The UE's measurement meets the requirements of low mobility and not being at the cell edge when stationary.

[0079] The UE's measurement satisfies the conditions of not being at the cell edge and not being at the cell edge when stationary.

[0080] The UE's measurements meet the criteria of low mobility and not being at the cell edge, and not being in the cell when stationary.

[0081] Edge Standard

[0082] The UE's measurements meet the criteria of low mobility, not at the cell edge, and stationary.

[0083] The UE's measurements meet the low mobility standard.

[0084] The UE's measurements meet the non-cell edge standard.

[0085] The UE's measurements meet the low mobility and non-cell edge criteria.

[0086] In some embodiments, in case 3, network device 120 may set X2 to infinity or a value greater than the maximum configurable eDRX period. Case 3 is not applied in these embodiments.

[0087] In some embodiments, one or more thresholds are predefined and include a first threshold (e.g., X1) and a second threshold (e.g., X2). In some embodiments, one or more thresholds are configured by network device 120, and indications of one or more thresholds are sent from network device 120 to terminal device 110.

[0088] Refer again Figure 2 At box 208, after cases 1, 2, or 3 are determined as described above, terminal device 110 can at least per T higher_priority_search The search prioritizes each layer by second. Each layer can correspond to a carrier. At box 210, terminal device 110 can update T by detecting changes in the eDRX period. higher_priority_search At box 212, terminal device 110 can at least T higher_priority_search At each update time, search each higher-priority layer again.

[0089] In some embodiments, network device 120 may perform the process described above in a similar manner. Network device 120 may determine a first parameter (e.g., eDRX period) for terminal device 110, wherein a first carrier is used by terminal device 110. Network device 120 may perform a comparison between the first parameter and one or more thresholds (e.g., X1 and X2). Network device 120 may determine a second parameter (e.g., T) for the terminal device based on this comparison. higher_priority_search The second parameter can indicate the time interval used by the terminal device to search for one or more carriers with a higher priority than the first carrier.

[0090] In some embodiments, network device 120 may determine a first parameter (e.g., eDRX period) for terminal device 110 based on the eDRX_IDLE period length (e.g., a first value) and the eDRX_INACTIVE period length (e.g., a second value) as described above. In some embodiments, network device 120 may determine the eDRX_IDLE period length (e.g., a first value) and the eDRX_INACTIVE period length (e.g., a second value) and send the first value and / or the second value to terminal device 110.

[0091] In some embodiments, network device 120 may configure or determine one or more thresholds (e.g., X1 and X2). In some embodiments, network device 120 may send a first parameter (e.g., eDRX period) to terminal device 110.

[0092] Adjust T as described above based on case 1, 2, or 3. higher_priority_search This disclosure provides a better trade-off between network performance and the power consumption and energy consumption of end devices (such as RedCap UEs). Case 1 provides further benefits to network performance by allowing the end device to search for higher-priority carriers more frequently. Case 2 provides further benefits to the power consumption and energy consumption of the end device by allowing the end device to search for higher-priority carriers at extended time intervals. For Case 3, the eDRX period may be too large, therefore T... higher_priority_search It is set to the same value as in case 1 to prevent terminal devices from searching for higher priority carriers at too long intervals, which could affect network performance.

[0093] In some embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing method 200 (e.g., terminal device 110) may include components for performing corresponding steps of method 200. These components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module.

[0094] Figure 3A flowchart of method 300 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. At block 302, the method includes receiving a first parameter for a terminal device, wherein a first carrier is used by the terminal device. At block 304, the method includes performing a comparison between the first parameter and one or more thresholds. At block 306, the method includes determining a second parameter for the terminal device based on the comparison, the second parameter indicating a time interval for the terminal device to search for one or more carriers having a higher priority than the first carrier. Method 300 may be implemented by terminal device 110.

[0095] In some embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing method 300 (e.g., terminal device 110) may include components for performing the corresponding steps of method 300. These components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module.

[0096] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes components for receiving a first parameter for a terminal device, wherein a first carrier is used by the terminal device; components for performing a comparison between the first parameter and one or more thresholds; and components for determining a second parameter for the terminal device based on the comparison. The second parameter indicates a time interval for the terminal device to search for one or more carriers having a higher priority than the first carrier.

[0097] Figure 4 A flowchart of method 400 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. At block 402, the method includes determining a first parameter of a terminal device, wherein a first carrier is used by the terminal device. At block 404, the method includes performing a comparison between the first parameter and one or more thresholds. At block 406, the method includes determining a second parameter for the terminal device based on the comparison, the second parameter indicating a time interval for the terminal device to search for one or more carriers having a higher priority than the first carrier. Method 400 may be implemented by terminal device 120.

[0098] In some embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing method 400 (e.g., network device 120) may include components for performing the corresponding steps of method 400. These components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module.

[0099] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes components for determining a first parameter of a terminal device, wherein a first carrier is used by the terminal device; components for performing a comparison between the first parameter and one or more thresholds; and components for determining a second parameter for the terminal device based on the comparison. The second parameter indicates a time interval for the terminal device to search for one or more carriers having a higher priority than the first carrier.

[0100] Figure 5 A simplified block diagram of a device 500 suitable for implementing some example embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. The device 500 can be provided to implement a communication device, for example, such as... Figure 1 The terminal device 110 and network device 120 are shown. As shown, device 500 includes one or more processors 510, one or more memories 520 coupled to processor 510, and one or more communication modules 540 coupled to processor 510.

[0101] Communication module 540 is used for bidirectional communication. Communication module 540 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication. The communication interface can represent any interface required for communication with other network elements.

[0102] Processor 510 can be any type suitable for a local technology network, and by way of non-limiting example, can include one or more of the following: general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), and processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Device 300 can have multiple processors, such as application-specific integrated circuit chips that are time-dependent on a clock synchronized with the main processor.

[0103] 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 disc (CD), digital video disc (DVD), and other magnetic and / or optical storage devices. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 522 and other volatile memories that do not persist during power outages.

[0104] Computer program 530 includes computer-executable instructions that are executed by the associated processor 510. Program 530 may be stored in ROM 524. Processor 510 may perform any suitable actions and processes by loading program 530 into RAM 522.

[0105] The embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented via program 530, enabling device 500 to execute reference... Figure 2 Any process discussed in this disclosure. Embodiments of this disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0106] In some example embodiments, program 530 may be tangibly contained in a computer-readable medium, which may be included in device 500 (such as memory 520) or other storage device accessible to device 500. Device 500 may load program 530 from the computer-readable medium into RAM 522 for execution. The computer-readable medium may include any type of tangible non-volatile memory, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc.

[0107] Figure 6 A block diagram illustrating an example of a computer-readable medium 600 according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. A program 530 is stored on the computer-readable medium 600. It should be noted that although the computer-readable medium 600... Figure 6 The program is depicted in the form of a CD or DVD, but the computer-readable medium 600 may be any other form suitable for carrying or storing the program 530.

[0108] Generally, the various embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented using hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects can be implemented using hardware, while others can be implemented using firmware or software that can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other graphical representation, it should be understood that, as non-limiting examples, the blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques, or methods described herein can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0109] This disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as instructions included in a program module, which execute in a device on a target real or virtual processor to perform the above-mentioned... Figure 3 or Figure 4 The method described is 300 or 400. Typically, a program module includes routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc., that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. In various embodiments, the functionality of a program module can be combined or split among program modules as needed. The machine-executable instructions of a program module can be executed on a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, a program module can reside on both local and remote storage media.

[0110] Program code used to perform the methods of this disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. This program code may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that when executed by the processor or controller, the program code causes the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams to be implemented. The program code may be executed entirely on a machine, partially on a machine, as a stand-alone software package, partially on a machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0111] In the context of this disclosure, computer program code 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.

[0112] Computer-readable media can be computer-readable signal media or computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable media can include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatuses, or devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media will include electrical connections having one or more wires, portable computer floppy disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. The term “non-transient” as used herein is a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not signaling), not a limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM and ROM).

[0113] Furthermore, although operations are described in a specific order, this should not be construed as requiring the operations to be performed in the specific order shown or sequentially, or to perform all of the shown operations to obtain the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, while several specific implementation details are included in the foregoing discussion, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Certain features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments.

[0114] Although this disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that the disclosure as defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features or actions described above are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A terminal device, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory stores instructions that, when executed using the at least one processor, cause the terminal device to at least: Receive first parameters for the terminal device, wherein a first carrier is used by the terminal device; Perform a comparison between the first parameter and one or more thresholds, wherein the one or more thresholds are predefined and include a first threshold and a second threshold; Based on the comparison, a second parameter is determined for the terminal device, the second parameter indicating a time interval used by the terminal device to search for one or more carriers with a higher priority than the first carrier. If the first parameter is less than or equal to the first threshold, then the second parameter is determined to be 60×N. layers The maximum value of N in seconds and A × the first parameter seconds, where N layers It is the total number of the one or more carriers, and A is a positive integer received from the network device. If the first parameter is greater than the first threshold and less than or equal to the second threshold, then the second parameter is determined to be 60×N. layers seconds and A × first parameter × N layers The maximum value in seconds.

2. The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the first parameter is determined by the network device based on at least one of a first value or a second value, the first value being related to the idle mode of the terminal device, and the second value being related to the inactive mode of the terminal device.

3. The terminal device according to claim 2, wherein the first parameter has the first value or the second value.

4. The terminal device according to claim 2, wherein the first parameter has one of the following: The minimum value between the first value and the second value; The maximum value between the first value and the second value; The average of the first value and the second value; The median of the first value and the second value; or The least common multiple of the first value and the second value.

5. The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed using the at least one processor, cause the terminal device to: If the first parameter is greater than the second threshold, then the second parameter is determined to be the maximum value among the following: 60× N layers Seconds, and A × the first parameter, seconds.

6. The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the first threshold and the second threshold are specific to the terminal device.

7. The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the first threshold and the second threshold are applicable to one type of terminal device.

8. The terminal device of claim 1, wherein the one or more thresholds are configured by a network device, and the instructions, when executed using the at least one processor, cause the terminal device to: receive an indication of the one or more thresholds, wherein the one or more thresholds include a first threshold and a second threshold.

9. The terminal device of claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed using the at least one processor, cause the terminal device to update the second parameter in response to detecting a change in the first parameter.

10. A method comprising: Receive first parameters for a terminal device, wherein a first carrier is used by the terminal device; Perform a comparison between the first parameter and one or more thresholds, wherein the one or more thresholds are predefined and include a first threshold and a second threshold; Based on the comparison, a second parameter for the terminal device is determined, the second parameter indicating a time interval used by the terminal device to search for one or more carriers with a higher priority than the first carrier; as well as If the first parameter is less than or equal to the first threshold, then the second parameter is determined to be 60×N. layers The maximum value of N in seconds and A × the first parameter seconds, where N layers It is the total number of the one or more carriers, and A is a positive integer received from the network device. If the first parameter is greater than the first threshold and less than or equal to the second threshold, then the second parameter is determined to be 60×N. layers seconds and A × first parameter × N layers The maximum value in seconds.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the first parameter is determined by the network device based on at least one of a first value or a second value, the first value being related to the idle mode of the terminal device and the second value being related to the inactive mode of the terminal device.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the first parameter has the first value or the second value.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the first parameter has one of the following: The minimum value between the first value and the second value; The maximum value between the first value and the second value; The average of the first value and the second value; The median of the first value and the second value; or The least common multiple of the first value and the second value.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein the one or more thresholds are configured by a network device, and an indication of the one or more thresholds is received using the terminal device, wherein the one or more thresholds include a first threshold and a second threshold.

15. The method of claim 10, further comprising: If the first parameter is greater than the second threshold, then the second parameter is determined to be the maximum value among the following: 60×N layers Seconds, and A × the first parameter, seconds.

16. The method of claim 10, further comprising: The second parameter is updated in response to the detection of a change in the first parameter.

17. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program instructions that cause a device to perform: Receive first parameters for a terminal device, wherein a first carrier is used by the terminal device; Perform a comparison between the first parameter and one or more thresholds, wherein the one or more thresholds are predefined and include a first threshold and a second threshold; Based on the comparison, a second parameter is determined for the terminal device, the second parameter indicating a time interval used by the terminal device to search for one or more carriers with a higher priority than the first carrier; and If the first parameter is less than or equal to the first threshold, then the second parameter is determined to be 60×N. layers The maximum value of N in seconds and A × the first parameter seconds, where N layers It is the total number of the one or more carriers, and A is a positive integer received from the network device. If the first parameter is greater than the first threshold and less than or equal to the second threshold, then the second parameter is determined to be 60×N. layers seconds and A × first parameter × N layers The maximum value in seconds.

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