Unified operation of group of user equipments

Abstract

The invention relates to unified operation of a group of user equipments. User equipments in close proximity to each other may transmit data and control information. For example, the user equipments may exchange data or sets of data between each other. Each user equipment may receive and transmit data using a radio access technology. The group of user equipments may include active user equipments and passive user equipments. An active user equipment connects with one or more base stations and transmits data over a wireless communication network via the base stations. The active user equipment may communicate with other active user equipment and passive user equipment. The passive user equipment may not connect to any base station and / or wireless communication network, and may communicate with other passive user equipment and active user equipment (e.g., via a sidelink, peer-to-peer or device-to-device channel).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on September 23, 2022, with Chinese national application number 202211164075.4 and title "Unified Operation of User Equipment Group". Background Technology

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to wireless communications, and more specifically to cooperative communications of user equipment in a group of user equipment.

[0003] User equipment density has increased rapidly over the years. User equipment can also support several radio access technologies (RATs) while remaining close to each other. Furthermore, with the use of high-frequency bands (e.g., millimeter wave (mmW) and terahertz (THz) bands), the coverage of wireless communication networks may be limited by signal loss. Additionally, communication between each user equipment and the wireless communication network can be performed via point-to-point connections in the absence of cooperation from nearby user equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following outlines some of the embodiments disclosed herein. It should be understood that these aspects are presented merely to provide the reader with a concise overview of these particular embodiments, and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. In fact, this disclosure may cover many aspects not set forth below.

[0005] In one implementation, the electronic device includes a transmitter, a receiver, and a processor coupled to the transmitter and the receiver. The processor receives a configuration message from a base station associated with a wireless communication network and transmits the configuration message to a second user equipment in a user equipment group, which is disconnected from the base station and configured to perform configuration based on the configuration message.

[0006] In another embodiment, the method includes: receiving a set of device identifiers associated with a group of user equipment at a receiver of a first user equipment; transmitting the set of device identifiers to a base station of a wireless communication network by a transmitter of the first user equipment; and receiving a group identifier associated with the group of user equipment from the base station at the receiver.

[0007] In another embodiment, one or more non-transitory tangible computer-readable media store instructions that cause a processor to: receive a set of device identifiers associated with a group of user equipments at a base station associated with a wireless communication network; generate a group identifier at the base station based on the set of device identifiers; and transmit the group identifier to a first user equipment of the group of user equipments.

[0008] Various modifications to the above-described features may exist with respect to various aspects of the invention. Other features may also be incorporated into these aspects. These modifications and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. For example, various features discussed below relating to one or more illustrated embodiments may be incorporated individually or in any combination into any of the above aspects of the invention. The brief summary presented above is intended only to familiarize the reader with specific aspects and context of the embodiments disclosed herein and does not limit the claimed subject matter. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Various aspects of this disclosure can be better understood by reading the following detailed description and referring to the accompanying drawings, wherein similar figures refer to similar parts.

[0010] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of user equipment according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0011] Figure 2 It is based on the implementation scheme of this disclosure. Figure 1 Functional diagram of user equipment;

[0012] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication system including a communication ground coupled to a wireless communication network supported by a base station. Figure 1 User equipment;

[0013] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a communication system according to the embodiments of this disclosure, the communication system including communication ground coupled to Figure 3 User equipment group of wireless communication network;

[0014] Figure 5 It is an embodiment of the present disclosure for sending and Figure 3 A flowchart of a method for associating system information with a wireless communication network;

[0015] Figure 6 It is for reconfiguration according to the implementation of this disclosure. Figure 4 The flowchart of the method for configuring user equipment for the user equipment group;

[0016] Figure 7 It is based on the implementation scheme of this disclosure for generating and Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating the method for associating a user equipment group with a group identifier;

[0017] Figure 8 It is for adjustment according to the implementation scheme of this disclosure. Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating the method for determining the members of a user equipment group;

[0018] Figure 9 It is for allocation according to the implementation scheme of this disclosure. Figure 4 The flowchart of the method for creating a new Tier 1 user equipment for the user equipment group;

[0019] Figure 10 It is for use according to the embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating the method by which active user equipment within a user equipment group performs cell measurements;

[0020] Figure 11 It is an implementation scheme for uninstallation according to this disclosure. Figure 4 A flowchart of the cell measurement method within the user equipment group;

[0021] Figure 12 It is an embodiment of the present disclosure for offloading paging to Figure 4 A flowchart of the method for creating active user equipment for a user equipment group; and

[0022] Figure 13 It is an implementation scheme according to this disclosure for targeting Figure 4 The flowchart shows the method for user equipment groups to perform a handover. Detailed Implementation

[0023] One or more specific implementations will be described below. To provide a brief description of these implementations, not all characteristics of the actual implementations are described in this specification. It should be understood that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, decisions must be made specific to many implementations to achieve the developer's specific objectives, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints that may vary from one implementation to another. Furthermore, it should be understood that such development work can be complex and time-consuming, but will still be routine work of design, fabrication, and manufacturing for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure.

[0024] When describing elements of various embodiments of this disclosure, the articles “an” and “the” are intended to refer to one or more of the elements present. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be included and to indicate the presence of additional elements besides those listed. Additionally, it should be understood that reference to “an embodiment” or “an embodiment” of this disclosure is not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments also incorporating the cited features. Furthermore, specific features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. The use of the terms “approximately,” “about,” “close to,” and / or “substantially” should be understood to mean including approximate to an objective (e.g., design, value, and quantity), such as within limits of any suitable or conceivable error (e.g., within 0.1%, 1%, 5%, 10%, 25%, etc. of the objective). Furthermore, it should be understood that any exact values, figures, measurements, etc., provided herein are conceivable to include approximate values ​​of such exact values, figures, measurements, etc. (e.g., within limits of a suitable or conceivable error). Additionally, the term "set" can include one or more. That is, a set can include a single collection of one member, but a set can also include a collection of multiple members. Furthermore, as used herein, a set can include a portion (e.g., a subset, all) of data and / or information. Although this disclosure describes data as including two or three data sets, this is intended to illustrate certain embodiments. Therefore, data can include any suitable number of data sets (e.g., two data sets, three data sets, four data sets, eight data sets, etc.). Additionally, as used herein, a first set of user equipment can include user equipment that is the same as another set of user equipment, user equipment that is different from another set of user equipment, more user equipment than another set of user equipment, fewer user equipment than another set of user equipment, etc.

[0025] This disclosure relates generally to wireless communication, and more specifically to cooperative communication of user equipment (UEs) within a group of UEs. Over the years, wireless device density has increased rapidly. Wireless communication between UEs and wireless communication networks can occur directly via point-to-point connections without regard to nearby UEs. Wireless UEs can also support several radio access technologies (RATs) while remaining close to each other. Furthermore, with the use of high-frequency spectral (mmW, THz) frequencies, communication range may be limited by signal loss. Employing local communication (e.g., device-to-device communication, sidelink communication, peer-to-peer communication) can facilitate and improve the range, coverage, reliability, and efficiency of communication between UEs and wireless communication networks. This disclosure relates to systems, apparatus, and techniques that enable UEs to cooperate with neighboring UEs to improve coverage and capacity.

[0026] User equipment (UEs) can form groups to facilitate and coordinate communication with wireless communication networks. Cooperative communication between UEs can be beneficial for offloading data to one or more designated UEs within a UE group and for controlling transmissions to those designated UEs. Data sharing (e.g., via device-to-device communication links) can also reduce power consumption of UEs within a group compared to direct (e.g., without intervention or intermediary devices) communication with the network. Embodiments of this disclosure provide various systems, apparatuses, and techniques for providing cooperative communication to UE groups. Specifically, communication networks (e.g., fifth-generation (5G) / new radio (NR) networks, fourth-generation (4G) / long-term evolution networks) can be used to facilitate cooperative communication. Networks, including sixth-generation (6G) or super 6G networks, can communicate via base stations and user equipment groups through one or more active user equipment (e.g., user equipment connected to or directly connected to the communication network). Active user equipment can communicate with passive user equipment (e.g., user equipment disconnected from the communication network). Specifically, user equipment in the group can communicate using personal area networks (PANs), local area networks (LANs), wireless local area networks (WLANs), and / or wide area networks (WANs).

[0027] User equipment (UEs) located close to each other can transmit data and control information. For example, these UEs can exchange data or sets of data with each other. Each UE can use a RAT (Receiving and Receiving Aid) to receive and transmit data. UEs can transmit and receive data from a wireless communication network via any number of base stations. A group of UEs can include active UEs and passive UEs. Active UEs are connected to one or more base stations and transmit data over a wireless communication network via the base stations. That is, the active UE can be directly connected to one or more base stations. In addition, the active UE can communicate with other active and passive UEs. Passive UEs may not be connected to any base station and / or wireless communication network and can communicate with other passive and active UEs (e.g., via sidelinks, peer-to-peer, or device-to-device channels). That is, passive UEs can communicate indirectly with base stations and / or wireless communication networks via active UEs.

[0028] One or more active user equipment (User Equipment) units can be designated as Level 1 User Equipment (User Equipment). Level 1 User Equipment can control group members, define the configuration of device-to-device communication links, and add or remove User Equipment from the group. Specifically, Level 1 User Equipment can control the roles of other User Equipment in the local network. For example, a Level 1 User Equipment (such as a portable electronic device) can control and communicate with Level 2 User Equipment (such as a television, tablet, computer, etc.). In some cases, one or more active User Equipment and one or more passive User Equipment can act as relay User Equipment. Relay User Equipment can act as an intermediary device and can transmit data from one User Equipment to another in the group. Additionally, relay User Equipment can facilitate communication with wireless communication networks by transmitting data from a base station (e.g., tunneling) to other User Equipment in the group.

[0029] Base stations in wireless communication networks facilitate communication and provide access to active user equipment (UE) for receiving and transmitting data to and from application servers and / or communication networks. In some cases, base stations can be operated and / or controlled by a single carrier or operator. Additionally, base stations can operate using the same or different communication technologies, such as one or more RATs and / or local networks.

[0030] One or more active user equipment (User Equipment) units can receive data or data sets. Active User Equipment can transmit data or data sets to other active and passive User Equipment units in the group. That is, active User Equipment can receive data and / or data sets and can cooperate and coordinate to facilitate data communication from base stations to other User Equipment units. In some cases, each active User Equipment can connect to one or more base stations. Furthermore, active User Equipment can receive the same and / or different data or data sets from different base stations. Additionally, different base stations can communicate with active User Equipment using the same or different communication technologies. Passive User Equipment can receive data or data sets from other passive User Equipment units and / or active User Equipment units. Therefore, a group of User Equipment units (e.g., any number of active User Equipment units, any number of passive User Equipment units, or any combination thereof) can receive data sets directly (e.g., from base stations) and / or indirectly (e.g., from one or more active User Equipment units, one or more passive User Equipment units, or any combination thereof) from a wireless communication network. User Equipment units in the group can aggregate data based on this data set.

[0031] In some cases, an application server can split data into one or more data sets and transmit these sets to one or more base stations. Active user equipment (User Equipment) can receive these sets from the base stations. For example, a first Active User Equipment (User Equipment) can receive a first set from a first access point, and a second Active User Equipment (User Equipment) can receive a second set from a second base station. Active User Equipment (User Equipment) can exchange data sets with each other, and each Active User Equipment (User Equipment) can reassemble these sets to form data. Additionally or alternatively, the base station can split data into data sets and / or split data sets into subsets of data.

[0032] In some cases, a first set of active user equipment (User Equipment) can utilize a second set of active User Equipment (User Equipment) to receive and transmit one or more data sets. Specifically, the active User Equipment can cooperate and coordinate to transmit the same data and / or the same data sets. Additionally or alternatively, the first set of active User Equipment may not transmit the data sets it has received. The first set of active User Equipment can receive one or more data sets from the second set of active User Equipment. Therefore, only the first set of active User Equipment can receive all data sets and can reassemble the data. Furthermore, active User Equipment can transmit one or more data sets to one or more passive User Equipment (User Equipment). Alternatively, active User Equipment can transmit data to one or more passive User Equipment. In some cases, a first passive User Equipment can transmit one or more data sets or data to a second passive User Equipment. Additionally, active User Equipment can cooperate to transmit the same data sets simultaneously, concurrently, continuously, overlappingly, individually, etc., to one or more base stations. Moreover, passive User Equipment can transmit the same data sets to several active User Equipment for transmission to a base station. In some cases, passive User Equipment can transmit the same data sets sequentially or concurrently to several active User Equipment.

[0033] To ensure consistent and efficient transmission of data and / or data sets, base stations and / or active user equipment (UE) can break data into data sets and transmit these data sets to UE within the group. UE can then use local networks and local connections to transmit the data and / or data sets to other UE within the group. Once received, UE can aggregate the data sets. Data transmission, data breaking, and / or data aggregation can be implemented at different layers of various communication protocols.

[0034] Additionally, data can be directed to specific or targeted active user equipment. For example, the application server can determine a first data set to be transmitted to a first active user equipment, a second data set to be transmitted to a second active user equipment, and so on. Alternatively or additionally, the first base station can determine a third data set to be transmitted to the second base station based on the connection status between the second base station and the application server.

[0035] In some implementations, the application server and / or base station may generate and / or provide routing information associated with data. This routing information may include paths (e.g., the order in which user equipment receives data, the sorting of user equipment receiving data, etc.). For example, the base station may generate and / or receive routing information based on information associated with a group of user equipment. This information may include a list of device-to-device communication links between user equipment (e.g., current communication links, historical communication links, available communication links, etc.). The base station may generate and / or receive paths to transmit data to a target user equipment. The base station may first transmit routing information to one or more active user equipments communicatively coupled to the base station. This routing information may specify one or more active user equipments to receive data and / or routing information from the base station. In some implementations, the routing information may specify one or more passive user equipments to receive data and / or routing information from one or more active user equipments. Additionally or alternatively, the routing information may specify one or more active user equipments and / or one or more passive user equipments to transmit data and / or routing information to a target user equipment. Therefore, routing information can specify the path or route of data and / or routing information from the application server to the base station to the user equipment (e.g., active user equipment, passive user equipment, target user equipment).

[0036] In some implementations, routing information may specify a first set of active user equipment (User Equipment) to transmit data and / or routing information to and from a first base station. Additionally or alternatively, routing information may specify a second set of active User Equipment (User Equipment) to transmit data and / or routing information to and from a second base station. Therefore, routing information may include paths or routes for data and / or routing information from an application server to one or more active User Equipments in the User Equipment group via base stations. In some implementations, routing information may specify a first set of passive User Equipment (User Equipment) to transmit data and / or routing information to and from the first set of active User Equipment (User Equipment). Additionally or alternatively, routing information may specify a second set of passive User Equipment (User Equipment) to transmit data and / or routing information to and from the second set of active User Equipment (User Equipment). Routing information may also specify active User Equipment (User Equipment) to transmit data and / or routing information to other active User Equipment (User Equipment). Routing information can also specify passive user equipment (User Equipment) to transmit data and / or routing information to other passive User Equipment. Routing information can also specify a target User Equipment (User Equipment) to receive data and / or routing information. Although the path or route of data from the application server to the target User Equipment has been described above, routing information can also specify the path or route of data from any User Equipment (User Equipment) to the application server via active User Equipment, passive User Equipment, base stations, etc. Additionally or alternatively, routing information can be transmitted concurrently with data, after data transmission, before data transmission, or at any other suitable time (e.g., via base stations, via User Equipment).

[0037] Active user equipment (User Equipment) can be controlled using control channels based on a direct connection to a base station. Passive User Equipment (User Equipment) can achieve indirect connectivity and can access the system via updated control channel paths. The control channel provides configuration data to the User Equipment for paging and scheduling data reception and transmission. Active User Equipment can identify paging messages, configuration messages, and / or control data intended for passive User Equipment. Active User Equipment can perform identification based on identifiers associated with protocol layer formats.

[0038] Radio Resource Control (RRC) messages can provide configuration data to User Equipment (UE). The base station can transmit RRC messages to active UEs, which then transmit them to passive UEs. Responses can be transmitted to the base station via active UEs (e.g., in some cases from passive UEs). Downlink Control Information (DCI) and Uplink Control Information (UCI) can be used to control physical layer operations.

[0039] Furthermore, user equipment (UE) can utilize various criteria to enter and / or leave UE groups. These criteria may include UE network signal quality, power connection, UE battery level, time window, UE geographic region, UE capabilities (e.g., communication capabilities, computing and / or processing capabilities, sensing capabilities, etc.), device-to-device connectivity, and trust levels between UEs. UE network signal quality can be compared to thresholds. When network signal quality falls below a threshold, there may be a risk of service interruption. If UE is close to another UE or UE group, it may attempt to form a group or join a previously formed group. If UE is connected to the power grid (e.g., making it not battery-powered), it may no longer need the benefits of shared resources within the group and may leave the group. Alternatively, when connected to the power grid, UE can receive additional tasks within the group. Additionally, criteria can be selected based on user preferences and / or UE history.

[0040] The formation of a user equipment group can begin with user equipment discovery. User equipment can receive input to initiate user equipment discovery. Additionally or alternatively, user equipment can initiate discovery based on the satisfaction of any number of discovery criteria. For example, discovery criteria may include power connection, user equipment battery level, signal strength associated with a wireless communication network (e.g., received signal strength indication, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) or other signal characteristics), time window, geographic area of ​​the user equipment, etc. User equipment can use wired communications such as power line communication (PLC) (e.g., broadband power line (BPL) communication) and / or wireless communications such as personal area networks (PANs) (e.g., ultra-wideband (UWB) or... Users can discover other nearby user equipment (UE) via networks, local area networks (LANs), wireless LANs (WLANs), and / or wide area networks (WANs). User equipment can be allowed to search for and join UE groups within specific time windows. Additionally, UE can search for and join UE groups when it is located in a specific geographic area or near or within range of a UE group (such as a home or office). Alternatively, UE can leave a group when it leaves a specific geographic area or near or within range of a first set of UEs. UE lacking radio technology or not supporting specific frequencies can search for and join UE groups with different and / or greater UE capabilities. Furthermore, UE can determine whether its capabilities permit communication with other UEs in the group. UE can determine whether a stable device-to-device connection is available for one or more UEs in the group based on received signal strength indication (RSSI), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), or other signal characteristics. User equipment trust can be established based on previously joined UE groups.

[0041] Entering a user equipment group can begin with group discovery. One or more user equipment units in the group can transmit reference signals on local communication frequencies. These reference signals may include dedicated wake-up signals with reduced power consumption. Additionally or alternatively, these reference signals may include a first reference signal including the dedicated wake-up signal and a second reference signal including additional information. User equipment may transmit the second reference signal based on a response to the first reference signal from another user equipment unit. User equipment may select one or more reference signals based on various transmission criteria. For example, the transmission criteria may include power connection, user equipment battery level, time window, user equipment geographic area, user equipment capabilities (e.g., communication capabilities, computing and / or processing capabilities, sensing capabilities, etc.).

[0042] User equipment outside the group can periodically search for and attempt to detect reference signals. Additionally or alternatively, any number of user equipment can receive synchronization signals from one or more base stations via a wireless communication network. User equipment can receive synchronization signals and can scan for and / or transmit reference signals. User equipment can measure reference signals and join the group. The next step in joining the group involves establishing a device-to-device connection. The device-to-device connection can be implemented directly or via a local network connection. User equipment can also exchange user equipment capabilities. User equipment capabilities can be used to determine preferred communication frequencies, the type of communication technology for the group and new user equipment, the current battery state of the user equipment, the current thermal state of the user equipment, etc. Each user equipment can periodically send a keep-alive message to at least one primary user equipment and / or active user equipment in the group. Additionally, user equipment can send a leave message to at least one primary user equipment and / or active user equipment in the group. For example, user equipment can send a leave message based on not meeting any number of group criteria (such as signal strength associated with a device-to-device connection of at least one primary user equipment and / or active user equipment).

[0043] To maintain the group, the number of active and / or passive user equipment (User Equipment) can be controlled (e.g., by Level 1 User Equipment). For example, if an active User Equipment leaves the coverage area of ​​a base station, it can be reassigned as a passive User Equipment. A Level 1 User Equipment can fall below a battery threshold and can be reassigned as a new Level 1 User Equipment. The Level 1 User Equipment can receive periodic updates on the battery status, thermal status, and link status of User Equipment from other User Equipment in the group. Additionally, the Level 1 User Equipment can maintain a candidate list from the active User Equipment for those to be reassigned as new Level 1 User Equipment. The Level 1 User Equipment can send a request to one of the candidates to become the new Level 1 User Equipment. Furthermore, the Level 1 User Equipment can determine the runtime since receiving a keep-alive message and / or receiving data from any User Equipment within the group. The Level 1 User Equipment can compare the runtime to a threshold duration and can transmit a termination message based on one or more runtimes exceeding the threshold duration. The Level 1 User Equipment can remove the device identifier associated with the User Equipment based on the runtime. Additionally, the user equipment can determine the runtime since receiving a keep-alive message and / or receiving data from at least one primary user equipment and / or an active user equipment. The user equipment can compare the runtime to a second threshold duration and can transmit an exit message based on one or more of the runtimes.

[0044] The Level 1 User Equipment (User Equipment) notifies the wireless communication network of a group establishment, including a list of User Equipments (User Equipments) within the group. The notification may also include a device-specific identifier. The wireless communication network may assign a group identifier (such as a Group Radio Network Temporary Identifier (G-RNTI)) to the User Equipment group and may transmit the G-RNTI to the Level 1 User Equipment. Therefore, the wireless communication network and / or the Level 1 User Equipment can utilize the G-RNTI to identify the group used for control signaling. To add or remove Level 2 User Equipment, the Level 1 User Equipment may report the Level 2 User Equipment's G-RNTI and corresponding device-specific identifier to the network. Additionally, a Level 1 User Equipment Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RNTI) field may be included, and this field is used to report changes to the Level 1 User Equipment (e.g., removal, alteration, addition).

[0045] Primary user equipment (PUE) receives control messages from the network and relays the content to secondary user equipment (PUE) via device-to-device connections. Therefore, only PUE can monitor broadcast control message updates, and only PUE can consume power to receive broadcast control messages. PUE can also receive Unified Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration messages transmitted from the network. PUE can apply the configuration and relay it to PUE in the group. PUE can acknowledge the completion of the configuration to PUE, and PUE can transmit an RRC reconfiguration completion message to the network.

[0046] Primary user equipment (PUE) can also assign tasks or portions of tasks based on equipment capabilities. Secondary user equipment (PUE) can request the assignment of specific tasks and / or request the offloading of other tasks to attached PUE. For example, a PUE with battery power below a threshold can request to offload a task to conserve its battery. Equipment capabilities can also be used to select PUE. PUE can also share a set of states with PUE. These states can include battery power and radio resource control states (e.g., idle, inactive, connected, service terminated). PUE can assign tasks or portions of tasks based on the states of PUE.

[0047] In certain circumstances, user equipment (UE) may request measurement gaps to perform measurements. Measurement gaps interrupt the transmission and reception of control signals and data. Primary UEs may split measurements across a group of UEs to ensure that no measurement gap is needed. A group of UEs may measure multiple carrier frequencies. Primary UEs may split measurement tasks and assign portions of the measurement tasks to one or more UEs within the group. For example, a first UE may measure a first frequency or a first set of frequencies, and a second UE may measure a second frequency or a second set of frequencies. If a secondary UE in the group is in connected mode (e.g., actively transmitting and / or receiving data), the secondary UE may transmit a request to the primary UE to offload a portion of the assigned measurement task. Therefore, a primary UE can select another secondary UE and assign portions of the measurement task to other secondary UEs.

[0048] A handover occurs when user equipment leaves the coverage area of ​​the first cell and enters the coverage area of ​​the second cell. The primary user equipment performs cell measurements for both cells and determines if the measurements meet a set of criteria. The primary user equipment transmits a measurement report to the first cell to trigger the handover. The first cell transmits a handover command to the primary user equipment to switch the connection of all user equipment in the group to the second cell. The primary user equipment receives the handover command and transmits the handover command and target cell configuration to the secondary user equipment. The primary user equipment can receive handover confirmation from the secondary user equipment and can transmit a handover completion message to the second cell.

[0049] In some cases, Level 1 User Equipment (PUE) performs a unified cell search for all PUEs in the group. The PUE searches a list of frequencies or bands and attempts to identify suitable cells. The PUE can receive System Information Blocks (SIBs) and Master Information Blocks (MIBs) associated with suitable cells. The PUE can then broadcast cell information (such as SIBs and MIBs) to Level 2 User Equipment (PUEs) to allow PUEs to camp on suitable cells.

[0050] Alternatively, a primary user equipment (PUE) may divide cell searches among one or more PUEs in a group. The PUE may determine that one or more PUEs are capable of performing at least a portion of the cell search. For example, the PUE may exclude one or more secondary PUEs based on the corresponding state (e.g., battery level). The PUE may determine a list of frequencies or bands to search and break the list into portions. The PUE may assign each portion to PUEs in the group (e.g., PUE, PUE). The PUE may notify the PUE when it has completed the search for its corresponding portion. In some cases, the PUE may also identify suitable cells based on the search portion. Alternatively, the PUE may indicate that no suitable cells were identified in the search portion. The PUE may assign additional portions to be searched by the PUE. If the PUE identifies a suitable cell, it may reside in that suitable cell and notify the PUE. The PUE may also share cell information and MIB / SIB with the PUE. The PUE may notify any other PUEs in the group and may request other PUEs to stop searching. Alternatively, Level 1 User Equipment (PUE) can wait until all parts have been searched. PUE can receive search results from Level 2 User Equipment (PUE) and determine suitable cells based on the search results. PUE can broadcast cell information for the suitable cells to allow PUE to camp on those cells.

[0051] Additionally, paging reception can be offloaded to one or more user equipment units within the group. For example, a primary user equipment unit can identify devices in the group that include a dedicated wake-up receiver. All other user equipment units can remain in a lower power mode than the dedicated paging device in the group. Therefore, the other user equipment units can conserve their batteries.

[0052] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a user equipment 10 (e.g., a mobile electronic device) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Among other things, the user equipment 10 may include one or more processors 12 (collectively referred to herein as a single processor, which may be implemented in any suitable form of processing circuitry), memory 14, non-volatile storage device 16, display 18, input structure 22, input / output (I / O) interface 24, network interface 26, and power supply 29. Figure 1 The various functional blocks shown may include hardware elements (including circuitry), software elements (including machine-executable instructions), or combinations of hardware and software elements (which may be referred to as logic). Processor 12, memory 14, non-volatile storage device 16, display 18, input structure 22, input / output (I / O) interface 24, network interface 26, and / or power supply 29 may each be directly or indirectly communicatively coupled to each other (e.g., via another component, communication bus, network) to transmit and / or receive data between them. It should be noted that... Figure 1 This is merely an example of a specific implementation and is intended to illustrate the types of components that may exist in user equipment 10.

[0053] For example, user equipment 10 may include any suitable computing device, including desktop or laptop computers (e.g., those available from Apple Inc. in Cupertino, California). Pro, MacBook mini or Mac (in the form of) portable or handheld electronic devices such as wireless electronic devices or smartphones (e.g., those available from Apple Inc. in Cupertino, California). (in the form of a model), tablet computer (e.g., available from Apple Inc. in Cupertino, California). (in the form of a model), wearable electronic devices (e.g., those available from Apple Inc. in Cupertino, California). (in the form of) or other similar equipment. It should be noted that Figure 1 The processor 12 and other related items may be embodied, in whole or in part, as software, hardware, or both. Furthermore, the processor 12 and... Figure 1Other related items may be a single, independent processing module, or may be fully or partially integrated into any of the other elements within user equipment 10. Processor 12 may be implemented using a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), programmable logic device (PLD), controller, state machine, gated logic, discrete hardware components, dedicated hardware finite state machine, or any other suitable entity capable of performing computational or other manipulations of information. Processor 12 may include one or more application processors, one or more baseband processors, or both, and performs the various functions described herein.

[0054] exist Figure 1 In user equipment 10, processor 12 may be operatively coupled to memory 14 and non-volatile storage device 16 to execute various algorithms. Such programs or instructions executed by processor 12 may be stored in any suitable article of writing comprising one or more tangible computer-readable media. The tangible computer-readable media may include memory 14 and / or non-volatile storage device 16, individually or jointly, to store instructions or routines. Memory 14 and non-volatile storage device 16 may include any suitable article of writing for storing data and executable instructions, such as random access memory, read-only memory, rewritable flash memory, hard disk drive, and optical disk. Furthermore, programs (e.g., operating systems) encoded on such computer program products may also include instructions executable by processor 12 to enable user equipment 10 to provide various functions.

[0055] In some embodiments, display 18 may facilitate a user's viewing of images generated on user equipment 10. In some embodiments, display 18 may include a touchscreen that facilitates user interaction with the user interface of user equipment 10. Furthermore, it should be understood that in some embodiments, display 18 may include one or more liquid crystal displays (LCDs), light-emitting diode (LED) displays, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays, active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) displays, or some combination of these and / or other display technologies.

[0056] The input structure 22 of user equipment 10 enables a user to interact with user equipment 10 (e.g., pressing a button to increase or decrease the volume level). Like network interface 26, I / O interface 24 enables user equipment 10 to interact with a variety of other electronic devices. In some embodiments, I / O interface 24 may include I / O ports for hardwired connections for charging and / or content manipulation using standard connectors and protocols such as the Lightning connector supplied by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, California, Universal Serial Bus (USB), or other similar connectors and protocols. Network interface 26 may include, for example, interfaces for one or more of the following: Personal Area Network (PAN), such as Ultra Wideband (UWB) or... Network; Local Area Network (LAN) or Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), such as one of the protocols in the IEEE 802.11x series (e.g. Networks; and / or wide area networks (WANs), such as any standards related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), including, for example, 3rd generation (3G) cellular networks, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), 4th generation (4G) cellular networks, Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks. Cellular networks, Long Term Evolution License Assisted Access (LTE-LAA) cellular networks, 5G cellular networks and / or New Radio (NR) cellular networks, 6G or beyond 6G cellular networks, satellite networks, non-terrestrial networks, etc. Specifically, network interface 26 may include, for example, one or more interfaces for using the version 15 cellular communication standard of the 5G specification, which includes millimeter-wave (mmWave) frequency ranges (e.g., 24.25–300 GHz), and / or any other version of the cellular communication standard (e.g., version 16, version 17, any future version) that defines and / or implements frequency ranges for wireless communication. The network interface 26 of user equipment 10 may allow communication via the aforementioned networks (e.g., 5G, Wi-Fi, LTE-LAA, etc.).

[0057] Network interface 26 may also include one or more interfaces for, for example, a broadband fixed wireless access network (e.g., Mobile broadband wireless network (mobile) Asynchronous digital subscriber lines (e.g., ADSL, VDSL) and digital video terrestrial broadcasting Network and its extensions DVB handheld Networks, ultra-wideband (UWB) networks, AC power lines, etc.

[0058] Figure 2 It is based on the implementation scheme of this disclosure. Figure 1The functional diagram of user equipment 10 is shown. As shown, processor 12, memory 14, transceiver 30, transmitter 52, receiver 54 and / or antenna 55 (shown as 55A-55N, collectively referred to as antenna 55) may be directly or indirectly communicatively coupled to each other (e.g., through or via another component, communication bus, network) to transmit and / or receive data between each other.

[0059] User equipment 10 may include a transmitter 52 and / or a receiver 54, which transmit and receive data between user equipment 10 and external devices via, for example, a network (e.g., including a base station or access point) or a direct connection. As shown, transmitter 52 and receiver 54 may be combined into transceiver 30. User equipment 10 may also have one or more antennas 55A to 55N electrically coupled to transceiver 30. Antennas 55A-55N may be configured in omnidirectional or directional configurations, single-beam, dual-beam, or multi-beam arrangements, etc. Each antenna 55 may be associated with one or more beams and various configurations. In some embodiments, multiple antennas in antennas 55A-55N of an antenna group or module may be communicatively coupled to a respective transceiver 30 and each transmits radio frequency signals that can be advantageously and / or destructively combined to form a beam. User equipment 10 may include multiple transmitters, multiple receivers, multiple transceivers, and / or multiple antennas suitable for various communication standards. In some implementations, transmitter 52 and receiver 54 may transmit and receive information via other wired or wired systems or devices.

[0060] Furthermore, various components of user equipment 10 can be coupled together via bus system 56. Bus system 56 may include, for example, a data bus, as well as power buses, control signal buses, and status signal buses in addition to the data bus. Components of user equipment 10 can be coupled together or use some other mechanism to accept or provide input to each other.

[0061] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication system including a wireless communication network 102 supported by base stations 104A, 104B (collectively referred to as 104). Figure 1User equipment 10. Specifically, base station 104 may include a next-generation NodeB (gNodeB or gNB) base station and may provide 5G / New Radio (NR) coverage to user equipment 10 via wireless communication network 102. Base station 104 may include any suitable electronic equipment, such as a communication hub or node, that facilitates, supports, and / or implements network 102. In some embodiments, base station 104 may include an evolved NodeB (eNodeB) base station and may provide 4G / LTE coverage to user equipment 10 via wireless communication network 102. Each base station in base station 104 may include Figure 1 and Figure 2 At least some of the components of the electronic equipment 10 shown include one or more processors 12, memory 14, storage device 16, transceiver 30, transmitter 52, and receiver 54. It should be understood that while this disclosure may use 5G / NR as an example specification or standard, the embodiments disclosed herein are applicable to other suitable specifications or standards (e.g., such as 4G / LTE specifications). Furthermore, network 102 may include any suitable number of base stations 104 (e.g., one or more base stations 104, four or more base stations 104, ten or more base stations 104, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, base stations 104 may include any number of user equipment 10 communicatively coupled to the wireless communication network.

[0062] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system 200, which includes a base station 104 (e.g., base station 104A, 104B, 104C), an application server 202, and a user equipment group 206. The application server 202 may include any suitable electronic device (e.g., a desktop personal computer, laptop computer, mobile electronic device, tablet computer, smartphone, wearable device, or any other suitable computing device) and may include... Figure 1 and Figure 2At least some of the components of the user equipment 10 shown include one or more processors 12, memory 14, storage device 16, transceiver 30, transmitter 52, and receiver 54. The communication system 200 may include any suitable number of application servers 202 (e.g., one or more application servers 202, four or more application servers 202, etc.). Base station 104 can provide access to user equipment group 206 to transmit data and / or control information to and from application servers 202. In some embodiments, first base station 104A may be associated with a different carrier or operator from second base station 104B. Additionally or alternatively, one or more base stations in base station 104 may operate using the same carrier. User equipment group 206 may cooperate for transmitting data and / or control information. User equipment group 206 may include any number of active user equipment 208A, 208B, 208C (collectively referred to as active user equipment 208) and / or any number of passive user equipment 210A, 210B (collectively referred to as passive user equipment 210). Each user equipment (e.g., active user equipment 208, passive user equipment 210) may include any suitable electronic equipment and may be Figure 1 and Figure 2 The example of user equipment 10 shown is illustrated. Therefore, each user equipment in the user equipment group may include at least some of the components of user equipment 10, such as one or more processors 12, memory 14, storage device 16, transceiver 30, transmitter 52, and receiver 54. Additionally, user equipment group 206 may include any suitable number of user equipment (e.g., any suitable number of active user equipment 208, any suitable number of passive user equipment 210).

[0063] Each active user equipment (User Equipment) in the active User Equipment (User Equipment) 208 can be communicatively coupled to the wireless communication network 102 (e.g., via at least one base station in the base station 104). Additionally or alternatively, an active User Equipment 208 can be communicatively coupled to other active User Equipment 208 and / or at least one passive User Equipment 210. For example, an active User Equipment 208 can be communicatively coupled via any suitable communication technology (such as device-to-device communication links, sidelink communication, peer-to-peer communication, etc.). In some embodiments, an active User Equipment 208A can act as a relay for at least one active User Equipment 208 and / or at least one passive User Equipment 210. For example, an active User Equipment 208A can transmit data and / or control information received from one User Equipment in the User Equipment Group 206 (e.g., active User Equipment 208B, passive User Equipment 210A) to another User Equipment in the User Equipment Group 206 (e.g., active User Equipment 208C, passive User Equipment 210B).

[0064] In some implementations, any suitable number of active UEs 208 can be communicatively coupled to any number of base stations 104. A target UE (e.g., a first active UE 208A, a first passive UE 210B) can request data from the wireless communication network 102. The UE group 206 can coordinate and cooperate to transmit the request to the wireless communication network 102. Each active UE 208 can receive data 204 and / or one or more sets 204A, 204B (e.g., portions, subsets) of data from the wireless communication network 102 via base station 104. The active UE 208 can transmit the data sets to other active UEs 208 within the user equipment group 206. The active UEs 208 can aggregate data based at least in part on the received data sets. The user equipment group 206 can coordinate and cooperate to provide data to the target UE. Thus, the target UE can receive data and / or data sets and can aggregate data based on those data sets.

[0065] In view of the above, Figure 5 It is a method for transmitting and according to the embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 3 A flowchart of a method 300 for communicating system information associated with a wireless communication network 102. Method 300 can be performed by any suitable device (e.g., a controller) that can control components (such as one or more corresponding processors 12 of the device) of the network 102, base station 104, application server 202, user equipment (UE) group 206, active UE 208, and / or passive UE 210. In some embodiments, method 300 can be implemented by using the processor 12 to execute instructions stored in a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium (such as one or more corresponding memories 14 or storage devices 16 of these devices). For example, method 300 may be performed at least in part by one or more software components (such as one or more corresponding operating systems of network 102, base station 104, application server 202, user equipment (UE) group 206, active UE 208 and / or passive UE 210; one or more software applications of network 102, base station 104, application server 202, user equipment (UE) group 206, active UE 208 and / or passive UE 210, etc.). Although method 300 is described using a specific order of steps, it should be understood that this disclosure contemplates that the described steps may be performed in a different order than shown, and that some described steps may be skipped or not performed at all.

[0066] In process block 302, network 102 and / or application server 202 broadcast or transmit information messages to base station 104. These information messages may include System Information Block (SIB), Master Information Block (MIB), etc. Base station 104 can receive information messages and can transmit information messages to any number of active UEs 208 (block 304). For example, base station 104 can receive information associated with the number of active UEs 208 in user equipment group 206. Base station 104 can generate the number of portions of the information message based at least in part on the number of active UEs 208 in user equipment group 206. For example, base station 104 can receive (e.g., generate) a number of portions equal to the number of active UEs 208. Therefore, each active UE 208 can receive at least one portion from wireless communication network 102. Active UE 208 can receive (block 306) information messages.

[0067] Upon receiving an information message, the active UE 208 can determine (box 308) that any number of passive UEs 210 are disconnected from the wireless communication network 102. The active UE 208 can transmit to any number of passive UEs 210 within the UE group 206 (box 310). Passive UEs 210 can receive (box 312) the information message and can establish (box 314) a connection with the wireless communication network 102 based on the information message. When connected to the wireless communication network 102, passive UEs 210 can transmit state changes to primary UEs. State changes can indicate that passive UEs 210 are no longer disconnected from the wireless communication network 102. Primary UEs can assign previously passive UEs 210 as new active UEs 208.

[0068] In view of the above, Figure 6 It is for reconfiguration according to the implementation of this disclosure. Figure 4The flowchart illustrates method 400 for user equipment 10 in user equipment group 206. Method 400 can be performed by any suitable device (e.g., a controller) that can control components (such as one or more corresponding processors 12 of the device) of network 102, base station 104, application server 202, user equipment (UE) group 206, active UE 208, and / or passive UE 210. In some embodiments, method 400 can be implemented by using processor 12 to execute instructions stored in a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium (such as one or more corresponding memories 14 or storage devices 16 of these devices). For example, method 400 may be performed at least in part by one or more software components (such as one or more corresponding operating systems of network 102, base station 104, application server 202, user equipment (UE) group 206, active UE 208 and / or passive UE 210; one or more software applications of network 102, base station 104, application server 202, user equipment (UE) group 206, active UE 208 and / or passive UE 210, etc.). Although method 400 is described using a specific order of steps, it should be understood that this disclosure contemplates that the described steps may be performed in a different order than shown, and that some described steps may be skipped or not performed at all.

[0069] In process block 402, network 102 and / or application server 202 broadcast or transmit a configuration message to base station 104. In some embodiments, the configuration message may include a Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration message. The configuration message may be associated with a set of User Equipment 10 in User Equipment Group 206 (e.g., all active UEs 208, all passive UEs 210, all UEs 10, any number of passive UEs 210, any number of active UEs 208, or any combination thereof). Base station 104 may receive the configuration message and may transmit the configuration message (block 404) to active UE 208. Active UE 208 may receive (block 406) the configuration message and may perform configuration of the associated active UE 208 based on the configuration message (block 408). Active UE 208 may transmit the configuration message (block 410) to any number of passive UEs 210. In some embodiments, the configuration message may include a set of device identifiers. The set of device identifiers can identify the corresponding user equipment within user equipment group 206, which can receive configuration messages and / or perform configuration based on the configuration messages.

[0070] Passive UE 210 may receive (box 412) a configuration message. In response to receiving the configuration message, passive UE 210 may perform (box 414) configuration based on the configuration message. Passive UE 210 may also transmit (box 416) an acknowledgment message based on the completion of the configuration. Active UE 210 may receive (box 418) an acknowledgment message and / or transmit the acknowledgment message to a primary UE. Active UE 208 may determine (box 420) whether all user equipment associated with the configuration message has been configured. For example, primary user equipment may determine whether the number of acknowledgment messages is related to the number of device identifiers associated with the configuration message. Based on the number of acknowledgment messages related to the number of device identifiers (the "yes" path of box 420), active UE 208 may transmit (box 422) an acknowledgment message to base station 104. Base station 104 may receive (box 424) an acknowledgment message from active UE 208. Alternatively, primary user equipment may determine that the number of acknowledgment messages is not related to the number of device identifiers (the "no" path of box 420). Therefore, the active UE 208 can return to box 418 to receive an additional response message.

[0071] In view of the above, Figure 7 It is based on the implementation scheme of this disclosure for generating and Figure 4 A flowchart of method 500 for assigning a group identifier associated with user equipment group 206. Method 500 can be performed by any suitable device (e.g., a controller) that can control components (such as one or more corresponding processors 12 of the device) of network 102, base station 104, application server 202, user equipment (UE) group 206, active UE 208, and / or passive UE 210. In some embodiments, method 500 can be implemented by using processor 12 to execute instructions stored in a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium (such as one or more corresponding memories 14 or storage devices 16 of these devices). For example, method 500 may be performed at least in part by one or more software components (such as one or more corresponding operating systems of network 102, base station 104, application server 202, user equipment (UE) group 206, active UE 208 and / or passive UE 210; one or more software applications of network 102, base station 104, application server 202, user equipment (UE) group 206, active UE 208 and / or passive UE 210, etc.). Although method 500 is described using a specific order of steps, it should be understood that this disclosure contemplates that the steps described may be performed in a different order than shown, and that some described steps may be skipped or not performed at all.

[0072] One or more passive UEs 210 may transmit (box 502) a first set of device identifiers associated with UEs within UE group 206 to one or more active UEs 208. Additionally or alternatively, an active UE 208 may receive a second set of device identifiers from one or more additional active UEs 208. An active UE may generate (box 504) a list of device identifiers based at least in part on the first set, the second set, or both. The list of device identifiers may also include a Primary User Equipment Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RNTI) field that can be used to report changes to Primary User Equipment (e.g., removal, alteration, addition). An active UE 208 may transmit the list of device identifiers (box 506) to a wireless communication network 102 via base station 104. Therefore, the wireless communication network 102 may receive the list of device identifiers via wireless communication with multiple active UEs 208 within UE group 206. Additionally, an active UE 208 may transmit the list of device identifiers to multiple base stations 104. For example, the first active UE 208A can transmit a first part of the device identifier list to the first base station 104A, and the second active UE 208B can transmit a second part of the device identifier list to the second base station 104B.

[0073] At block 508, base station 104 may receive a list of device identifiers. Base station 104 may generate a group identifier (block 510) based on the list of device identifiers. Wireless communication network 102 may assign this group identifier (such as a Group Radio Network Temporary Identifier (G-RNTI)) to user equipment group 206 and may transmit the G-RNTI to primary user equipment. Therefore, wireless communication network 102 and / or primary user equipment may utilize the G-RNTI to identify UE group 206 for control signaling. To add or remove secondary user equipment, primary user equipment may report the secondary user equipment's G-RNTI and corresponding device-specific identifier to wireless communication network 102. Base station 104 may transmit the group identifier to active UE 208. In some embodiments, active UE 208 may receive (block 512) the group identifier and may transmit the group identifier to primary UE and / or passive UE 210. Base station 104 may broadcast or transmit (block 514) data associated with the group identifier. One or more active UEs in active UE 208 can receive data and can identify a group identifier. Therefore, active UE 208 can transmit data (box 516) to other UEs 10 within UE group 206, such as passive UE 210, other active UEs 208, primary UEs, etc.

[0074] In view of the above, Figure 8 It is for adjustment according to the implementation scheme of this disclosure. Figure 4A flowchart of method 600 for members of a user equipment group. Method 600 can be executed by any suitable device (e.g., a controller) that can control components (such as one or more corresponding processors 12 of the device) of network 102, base station 104, application server 202, user equipment (UE) group 206, active UE 208, and / or passive UE 210. In some embodiments, method 600 can be implemented by using processor 12 to execute instructions stored in a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium (such as one or more corresponding memories 14 or storage devices 16 of these devices). For example, method 600 can be executed at least in part by one or more software components (such as one or more corresponding operating systems of network 102, base station 104, application server 202, user equipment (UE) group 206, active UE 208, and / or passive UE 210; one or more software applications of network 102, base station 104, application server 202, user equipment (UE) group 206, active UE 208, and / or passive UE 210, etc.). Although method 600 is described using steps in a specific order, it should be understood that the steps described herein are contemplated to be performed in a different order than that shown, and that some described steps may be skipped or not performed at all.

[0075] One or more passive UEs 210 may transmit (box 602) a request to adjust the membership in UE group 206. For example, passive UE 210 may transmit a request to join or leave UE group 206. Active UE 208 may receive (box 604) the request from passive UE 210. Active UE 208 may update (box 606) the list of device identifiers associated with UE group 206. For example, a primary UE may remove one or more device identifiers, add one or more device identifiers, or both. Active UE 208 may transmit the updated list of device identifiers and group identifiers (box 608) to wireless communication network 102 via base station 104. Base station 104 may receive (box 610) the updated list of device identifiers and group identifiers. Base station 104 may also transmit an acknowledgment message (box 612) to active UE 208. Active UE 208 may receive (box 614) the acknowledgment message and may add and / or remove any number of UEs from UE group 206. For example, an active UE 208 can establish one or more device-to-device communication links with a new UE joining the UE group 206, and / or terminate one or more previous device-to-device communication links with a UE leaving the UE group 206.

[0076] In view of the above, Figure 9 It is for allocation according to the implementation scheme of this disclosure. Figure 4A flowchart of method 700 for adding a new Tier 1 User Equipment (UE) in a User Equipment (UE) group. Method 700 can be executed by any suitable device (e.g., a controller) that can control components (such as one or more corresponding processors 12 of the device) of network 102, base station 104, application server 202, UE group 206, active UE 208, and / or passive UE 210. In some embodiments, method 700 can be implemented by using processor 12 to execute instructions stored in a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium (such as one or more corresponding memories 14 or storage devices 16 of these devices). For example, method 700 can be executed at least in part by one or more software components (such as one or more corresponding operating systems of network 102, base station 104, application server 202, UE group 206, active UE 208, and / or passive UE 210; one or more software applications of network 102, base station 104, application server 202, UE group 206, active UE 208, and / or passive UE 210, etc.). Although method 700 is described using steps in a specific order, it should be understood that the steps described herein are contemplated to be performed in a different order than that shown, and that some described steps may be skipped or not performed at all.

[0077] At block 702, the first active UE 208A may transmit a request to adjust group membership. In some embodiments, the first active UE 208A may request a change of primary UE. For example, the first active UE 208A may request the reassignment of the primary UE role to another active UE 208. The first active UE 208A may transmit the request to a candidate active UE, such as the second active UE 208B. The second active UE 208B may receive (block 704) the request and may transmit a response (block 706) based on the request. For example, the second active UE 208B may transmit a response indicating agreement to the reassignment of the primary UE role. The first active UE 208A may update (block 708) the device identifier list based on the response. For example, the first active UE 208A may update the primary user equipment RNTI field to assign the second active UE 208B as a primary UE. One or more active UEs 208 can transmit an updated list of device identifiers and group identifiers (box 710) to base station 104.

[0078] Base station 104 can receive (box 712) an updated list of device identifiers and group identifiers. Base station 104 can transmit acknowledgment messages (box 714) to one or more active UEs in active UE 208. For example, base station 104 can transmit an acknowledgment message to a second active UE 208B based on a new Level 1 User Equipment (RNTI) field. First active UE 208A can receive (box 716) the acknowledgment message, and second active UE 208B can also receive (box 718) the acknowledgment message. Second active UE 208B can reassign (box 720) Level 1 UE roles within UE group 206. Additionally, active UE 208 can transmit updated Level 1 User Equipment (RNTI) fields to any number of UEs within UE group 206.

[0079] In view of the above, Figure 10 It is for use according to the embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 4 The flowchart describes a method 800 for performing cell measurements using active user equipment (UE) within a user equipment group. Method 700 can be performed by any suitable device (e.g., a controller) that can control components (such as one or more corresponding processors 12 of the device) of network 102, base station 104, application server 202, user equipment (UE) group 206, active UE 208, and / or passive UE 210. In some embodiments, method 700 can be implemented by using processor 12 to execute instructions stored in a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium (such as one or more corresponding memories 14 or storage devices 16 of these devices). For example, method 700 may be performed at least in part by one or more software components (such as one or more corresponding operating systems of network 102, base station 104, application server 202, user equipment (UE) group 206, active UE 208 and / or passive UE 210; one or more software applications of network 102, base station 104, application server 202, user equipment (UE) group 206, active UE 208 and / or passive UE 210, etc.). Although method 700 is described using a specific order of steps, it should be understood that this disclosure contemplates that the steps described may be performed in a different order than shown, and that some described steps may be skipped or not performed at all.

[0080] In certain circumstances, user equipment (UE) may request measurement gaps to perform measurements. Measurement gaps interrupt the transmission and reception of control signals and data. Primary UEs may split measurements across UE group 206 to ensure that measurement gaps are not required. At block 802, a first active UE 208A may receive a set of UE capabilities. UE group 206 may measure multiple carrier frequencies. The set of UE capabilities may include communication capabilities, computing and / or processing capabilities, sensing capabilities, etc. The first active UE 208A may generate (block 804) a set of radio frequencies based on the set of UE capabilities. Primary UEs may split measurement tasks and assign portions of the measurement tasks to one or more UEs in UE group 206. Additionally or alternatively, if a secondary UE in the group is in connected mode (e.g., actively transmitting and / or receiving data), the secondary UE may transmit a request to the primary UE to offload a portion of the assigned measurement task. Thus, a primary UE can select another secondary UE and assign portions of the measurement task to other secondary UEs. The first active UE 208A can generate one or more subsets of a radio frequency set, at least partially based on the number of active UEs 208 within UE group 206. Therefore, the first active UE 208A can generate any number of subsets to divide the cell measurement tasks among the active UEs 208 within UE group 206. The first active UE 208A can transmit (box 806) a first subset of radio frequencies to a first set of active UEs 208. The first set of active UEs 208 may include a second active UE 208B. The second active UE 208B can receive (box 808) the first subset of radio frequencies and can perform measurements based on the first subset of radio frequencies. The second active UE 208B can generate (box 810) a first set of measurement results based on the first subset of radio frequencies. The second active UE 208B can transmit (box 812) the first set of measurement results to the first active UE 208A. The first active UE 208A can receive a second subset of radio frequencies and can perform measurements based on the second subset of radio frequencies. The first active UE 208A can generate (box 814) a second set of measurement results based on the second subset of radio frequencies.

[0081] The first active UE 208A can select (block 816) a radio cell based at least in part on a first set of measurement results and a second set of measurement results. For example, the first active UE 208A can determine a suitable radio cell based on the signal quality from the measurement results. The first active UE 208A can transmit the selected radio cell information (block 818) to one or more active UEs 208 and / or one or more passive UEs 210. The second active UE 208B can receive the selected radio cell information and establish (block 820) a connection with the wireless communication network 102 based on the selected radio cell information. Additionally or alternatively, the first active UE 208A can establish a connection with the wireless communication network 102 based on the selected radio cell information. In some embodiments, the passive UE 210 can establish (block 822) a connection with the wireless communication network 102 based on the selected radio cell information. Therefore, the passive UE 210 can be reassigned as a new active UE 208.

[0082] In view of the above, Figure 11 It is an embodiment of the present disclosure for offloading paging to Figure 4 The flowchart illustrates method 900 for active user equipment 208 in user equipment group 206. Method 900 can be performed by any suitable device (e.g., a controller) that can control components (such as one or more corresponding processors 12 of the device) of network 102, base station 104, application server 202, user equipment (UE) group 206, active UE 208, and / or passive UE 210. In some embodiments, method 900 can be implemented by using processor 12 to execute instructions stored in a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium (such as one or more corresponding memories 14 or storage devices 16 of these devices). For example, method 900 may be performed at least in part by one or more software components (such as one or more corresponding operating systems of network 102, base station 104, application server 202, user equipment (UE) group 206, active UE 208 and / or passive UE 210; one or more software applications of network 102, base station 104, application server 202, user equipment (UE) group 206, active UE 208 and / or passive UE 210, etc.). Although method 900 is described using a specific order of steps, it should be understood that this disclosure contemplates that the described steps may be performed in a different order than shown, and that some described steps may be skipped or not performed at all.

[0083] At block 902, one or more passive UEs 210 may transmit a request to adjust their operating mode. For example, a passive UE 210 may request to enter idle mode and offload cell measurements to other UEs within UE group 206. Additionally or alternatively, any number of active UEs 208 may transmit requests to enter idle mode and offload cell measurements. An active UE 208 may receive (block 904) an acknowledgment message based on this request and may transmit (block 906) an acknowledgment message. The active UE 208 may determine if sufficient resources are available to perform cell measurements without a requesting UE. A passive UE 210 may receive the acknowledgment message and may adjust its operating mode (block 908) based on the receipt of the acknowledgment message.

[0084] Active UE 208 can generate (box 910) measurement results based on a set of radio frequencies. Active UE 208 can analyze the measurement results and select (box 912) suitable radio cells based on these results. For example, suitable radio cells can meet signal quality thresholds (e.g., SNR threshold, SSRI threshold, etc.). Active UE 208 can transmit (box 914) the selected radio cell information to one or more other UEs within UE group 206. Passive UE 210 can establish (box 916) a connection with wireless communication network 102 based on the selected radio cell information. Therefore, passive UE 210 can be reassigned as a new active UE 208. Additionally or alternatively, active UE 208 can transmit the selected radio cell information to one or more other active UEs 208. Active UE 208 can receive the selected radio cell information and establish a connection with wireless communication network 102 based on the selected radio cell information.

[0085] Figure 12 It is used according to the embodiments of this disclosure for offloading paging to Figure 4The flowchart illustrates a method 1000 for active user equipment (UE) within a user equipment group. Method 1000 can be performed by any suitable device (e.g., a controller) that can control components (such as one or more corresponding processors 12 of the device) of network 102, base station 104, application server 202, user equipment (UE) group 206, active UE 208, and / or passive UE 210. In some embodiments, method 1000 can be implemented by using processor 12 to execute instructions stored in a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium (such as one or more corresponding memories 14 or storage devices 16 of these devices). For example, method 1000 may be performed at least in part by one or more software components (such as one or more corresponding operating systems of network 102, base station 104, application server 202, user equipment (UE) group 206, active UE 208 and / or passive UE 210; one or more software applications of network 102, base station 104, application server 202, user equipment (UE) group 206, active UE 208 and / or passive UE 210, etc.). Although method 1000 is described using a specific order of steps, it should be understood that this disclosure contemplates that the described steps may be performed in a different order than shown, and that some described steps may be skipped or not performed at all.

[0086] Paging reception can be offloaded to one or more active UEs 208 within UE group 206. For example, a primary UE can identify an active UE 208 that includes a dedicated wake-up receiver. Any number of UEs 10 within UE group 206 can remain in a lower power mode than the dedicated paging UEs within UE group 206. At block 1002, one or more passive UEs 210 can transmit a request to adjust their operating mode. For example, a passive UE 210 can request to enter idle mode and offload paging to other UEs within UE group 206. Additionally or alternatively, any number of active UEs 208 can transmit a request to enter idle mode and offload paging. An active UE 208 can receive (block 1004) an acknowledgment message based on this request and can transmit (block 1006) an acknowledgment message. An active UE 208 can determine if there are sufficient resources available to perform paging without a requesting UE. Additionally, an active UE 208 can determine if any UE includes a dedicated wake-up receiver to perform paging. The passive UE 210 can receive confirmation messages and can adjust its operating mode based on the reception of the confirmation message (box 1008).

[0087] Active UE 208 can receive (box 1010) a paging message associated with a set of user equipment. For example, the paging message may include a set of device identifiers associated with a set of user equipment 10 within UE group 206. Active UE 208 can analyze the paging message and determine the UE 10 associated with it. Active UE 208 can transmit the paging message based on the device identifier set (box 1012). Passive UE 210 can receive (box 1014) a paging message from one or more active UEs 208. Additionally or alternatively, active UE 208 can transmit the paging message to one or more other active UEs 208 based on the device identifier set. Passive UE 210 can adjust (box 1016) its operating mode based on the paging message. For example, passive UE 210 can exit idle mode and / or enter active mode in response to receiving a paging message.

[0088] In view of the above, Figure 13 It is an implementation scheme according to this disclosure for targeting Figure 4 The flowchart illustrates a method 1100 for a user equipment group to perform a handover. Method 1100 can be performed by any suitable device (e.g., a controller) that can control components (such as one or more corresponding processors 12 of the device) of network 102, base station 104, application server 202, user equipment (UE) group 206, active UE 208, and / or passive UE 210. In some embodiments, method 1100 can be implemented by using processor 12 to execute instructions stored in a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium (such as one or more corresponding memories 14 or storage devices 16 of these devices). For example, method 1100 can be performed at least in part by one or more software components (such as one or more corresponding operating systems of network 102, base station 104, application server 202, user equipment (UE) group 206, active UE 208, and / or passive UE 210; one or more software applications of network 102, base station 104, application server 202, user equipment (UE) group 206, active UE 208, and / or passive UE 210, etc.). Although method 1100 is described using steps in a specific order, it should be understood that the steps described herein are contemplated to be performed in a different order than that shown, and that some described steps may be skipped or not performed at all.

[0089] A handover occurs when a user equipment leaves the coverage area of ​​a first base station 104A and enters the coverage area of ​​a second base station 104B. The primary user equipment performs cell measurements against both base stations 104A and 104B and determines whether the cell measurements meet a set of criteria. At block 1102, one or more active UEs 208, such as a first active UE 208A, can transmit a measurement report to the first base station 104A to trigger a handover. The first base station 104A can receive (block 1104) the measurement report and can transmit (block 1106) a handover command based on the measurement report. The first base station 104A can transmit the handover command to one or more active UEs 208. The first active UE 208A can receive the handover command and transmit (block 1108) the handover command to any number of other active UEs 208 (such as a second active UE 208B) and / or any number of passive UEs 210 within the UE group 206.

[0090] The first active UE 208A can switch to the second base station 104B based on a handover command (box 1110). Therefore, the first active UE 208A can connect to the second base station 104B and disconnect from the first base station 104A. Thus, the first active UE 208A can maintain its connection to the wireless communication network 102. The second active UE 208B can receive (box 1112) a handover command from the first active UE 208A. The second active UE 208B can switch to the second base station 104B based on this handover command (box 1114). Therefore, the second active UE 208B can connect to the second base station 104B and disconnect from the first base station 104A. After the handover is completed, the second active UE 208B can transmit an acknowledgment message (box 1116) to the first active UE 208A. After receiving confirmation messages from all active UEs 208 in UE group 206, the first active UE 208A can transmit a handover completion message (box 1118). The second base station 104B can receive the handover completion message (box 1120) and can begin communication with the active UEs 208 in UE group 206.

[0091] In an implementation, the electronic device may include: a transmitter, a receiver; and a processor coupled to the transmitter and the receiver. The processor may receive a set of user equipment attributes associated with a user equipment group and a set of radio frequencies associated with a wireless communication network. The processor may also transmit a first subset of the radio frequencies to a first user equipment in the user equipment group, receive a set of measurements associated with the first subset of the radio frequencies, and establish a connection to the wireless communication network based at least in part on the set of measurements.

[0092] The processor can also perform a second set of measurements associated with a second subset of the radio frequency set, and transmit radio cell information based on the results of the first and second sets of measurements. The processor can also transmit this radio cell information to a second user equipment in the user equipment group.

[0093] The processor enables a second user device to establish a connection with a wireless communication network, at least in part, based on radio cell information. Radio cell information may include a Master Information Block (MIB), a System Information Block (SIB), or both.

[0094] The processor can transmit a second subset of the radio frequency set to a second user equipment in the user equipment group, and receive from the second user equipment a second set of measurements associated with the second subset of the radio frequency set.

[0095] The processor can also select radio cell information based at least in part on the first set of measurement results and the second set of measurement results, and transmit the radio cell information to the first user equipment and the second user equipment.

[0096] In another embodiment, the method includes: transmitting a request to adjust the operating mode of the first user equipment to a second user equipment at a transmitter of the first user equipment; receiving an acknowledgment message associated with the request from the second user equipment at a receiver of the first user equipment; adjusting the operating mode based on the acknowledgment message; receiving radio cell information from the second user equipment at the receiver; and establishing a connection with a wireless communication network based on the radio cell information.

[0097] The method also includes receiving a paging message via a device-to-device connection with a second user equipment. The second user equipment is configured to receive the paging message via a wireless communication network. The method also includes transmitting the paging message to a third user equipment via the second device-to-device connection.

[0098] The method also includes transmitting radio cell information to a third user equipment via a second device-to-device connection. The method further includes enabling the third user equipment to establish a connection with the wireless communication network. Operating modes include idle mode.

[0099] In another embodiment, one or more non-transitory tangible computer-readable media store instructions that cause a processor to receive a request to adjust the operating mode of a first user equipment in a group of user equipment, cause the first user equipment to adjust its operating mode, receive a paging message associated with the first user equipment from a base station associated with a wireless communication network, and transmit the paging message to the first user equipment via a device-to-device connection.

[0100] These instructions also instruct the processor to determine that the second user equipment is disconnected from the base station, receive a second paging message associated with the second user equipment, and transmit the second paging message to the second user equipment. These instructions also instruct the processor to receive a measurement report associated with the wireless communication network and transmit the measurement report to the base station and the second base station.

[0101] These instructions also cause the processor to receive a handover command from the base station, the second user equipment to connect to the base station, and to establish a connection with the second base station based on the handover command. These instructions also cause the processor to transmit the handover command to the first user equipment via a device-to-device connection, and to disconnect the first user equipment from the base station based on the handover command. These instructions further cause the processor to enable the first user equipment to establish a connection with the second base station based on the handover command.

[0102] The specific embodiments described above have been illustrated by way of example, and it should be understood that various modifications and alternatives are permissible. It should also be understood that the claims are not intended to limit us to the specific forms disclosed, but rather to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the substance and scope of this disclosure.

[0103] The techniques described herein and protected by the claims are referenced and applied to specific examples of physical and practical nature, which significantly improve the technical field and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, if any claim appended to the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "means for [performing] [function]..." or "steps for [performing] [function]...", those elements shall be interpreted in accordance with 35U.SC112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, those elements shall not be interpreted in accordance with 35U.SC112(f).

[0104] As is widely recognized, the use of personally identifiable information should comply with privacy policies and practices that are generally accepted to meet or exceed industry or governmental requirements for protecting user privacy. Specifically, personally identifiable information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly explained to users.

Claims

1. A method comprising: Receive the set of device identifiers associated with the user equipment group at the receiver of the first user equipment; At the receiver and from at least one user equipment in the user equipment group, a request to adjust the group members of the at least one user equipment is received. The first user equipment adjusts the set of device identifiers based on the request; This enables the adjusted set of device identifiers to be transmitted to a base station of the wireless communication network via the transmitter of the first user equipment. as well as The receiver receives a group identifier associated with the user equipment group from the base station.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving, at the receiver, an acknowledgment message associated with the adjusted set of device identifiers from the base station.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the adjusted set of device identifiers includes the set of device identifiers and one or more additional device identifiers.

4. The method according to claim 1, comprising: The receiver receives a message associated with the group identifier from the base station. as well as Based on the group identifier, the message is sent via the transmitter to a group of user equipment associated with the set of device identifiers.

5. The method according to claim 1, comprising: Based on the fact that the set of user equipment attributes satisfies one or more criteria in the set of connection criteria, a message indicating an additional request to be retained in the user equipment group is transmitted via the transmitter.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the one or more criteria include a threshold duration associated with the user equipment group.

7. The method according to claim 1, comprising: The receiver receives a reception confirmation message from the base station. as well as Based on the confirmation message, add or remove the at least one user equipment from the user equipment group.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein adding the at least one user equipment to the user equipment group comprises: Establishing a device-to-device communication link with the at least one user equipment, wherein removing the at least one user equipment from the group of user equipment includes: terminating the device-to-device communication link with the at least one user equipment.

9. One or more non-transitory tangible computer-readable media, the one or more non-transitory tangible computer-readable media storing instructions, the instructions being configured to cause a processor to: At a base station associated with a wireless communication network, a set of device identifiers associated with a user equipment group is received. At the base station, a group identifier is generated based on the set of device identifiers; This causes the base station to send the group identifier to the first user equipment in the user equipment group; At the base station, an updated set of device identifiers is received, the updated set of device identifiers being associated with adjustments to the membership of the user equipment group, wherein the adjustments include adding at least one user equipment to the user equipment group or removing the at least one user equipment from the user equipment group. as well as Based on the received updated set of device identifiers, the base station sends an acknowledgment message to the first user equipment, wherein the acknowledgment message is configured to cause the first user equipment to perform the adjustment to the group members.

10. One or more non-transitory tangible computer-readable media according to claim 9, wherein the set of device identifiers includes a first-level device identifier associated with the first user equipment.

11. The one or more non-transitory tangible computer-readable media of claim 10, wherein the updated set of device identifiers includes a second-level device identifier associated with a second user equipment in the group of user equipment, and wherein the instructions are configured to cause the processor to update the set of device identifiers based on the second-level device identifier.

12. One or more non-transitory tangible computer-readable media of claim 11, wherein the instructions are configured to cause the processor to update the group identifier based on the second-level device identifier.

13. One or more non-transitory tangible computer-readable media according to claim 12, wherein the instructions are configured to cause the processor to cause the base station to send the updated group identifier to the second user equipment.

14. One or more non-transitory tangible computer-readable media according to claim 9, wherein the instructions are configured to cause the processor to: Send a message to the first user equipment based on the group identifier; and This causes the first user equipment to send the message to one or more user equipments in the user equipment group.

15. An electronic device comprising: Transmitter; Receiver; and Processing circuitry, coupled to the transmitter and the receiver, is configured to: This causes the receiver to receive a set of device identifiers associated with the user equipment group; This causes the receiver to receive a request from at least one user equipment in the user equipment group to adjust the group membership of the at least one user equipment. Adjust the device identifier set based on the request; This causes the transmitter to send the adjusted set of device identifiers to the base station of the wireless communication network; as well as This enables the receiver to receive a group identifier associated with the user equipment group from the base station.

16. The electronic device of claim 15, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to cause the transmitter to send the group identifier to the base station.

17. The electronic device of claim 15, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to cause the receiver to receive from the base station an acknowledgment message associated with the adjusted set of device identifiers.

18. The electronic device of claim 16, wherein the adjusted set of device identifiers includes the set of device identifiers and one or more additional device identifiers.

19. The electronic device of claim 18, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to cause the receiver to receive a message associated with the group identifier from the base station.

20. The electronic device of claim 19, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to cause the transmitter to send the message to the user equipment group associated with the set of device identifiers based on the group identifier.

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