Method and apparatus for exchanging data with wireless device having low power consumption mode of operation

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for conserving energy on a user equipment (UE) side of a wireless device (25) of the wireless communication system by enabling a Low Power Wake Signal Receiver, LP-WUR (254), of the wireless device (25) of the wireless communication system to exchange data with a Radio Access Network, RAN, of the wireless communication system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to wireless communication systems, and more particularly to methods and apparatus for saving energy on the user equipment (UE) side of the wireless communication system. Background Technology

[0002] To reduce energy consumption, Extended Discontinuous Receiver (eDRX) has been introduced in 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) wireless communication systems. Essentially, in eDRX, the UE periodically enters sleep mode and remains asleep for a specified duration, during which time it does not monitor the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH). It then wakes up and remains awake for a specified duration to monitor the PDCCH to obtain possible downlink data. The amount of energy saved depends on the duration and frequency of the UE's sleep state. Naturally, the longer the UE remains asleep, the greater the energy savings. However, increased sleep duration is accompanied by increased latency, making eDRX unsuitable for latency-critical use cases.

[0003] To improve energy efficiency without sacrificing latency in 5G or New Radio (NR) wireless communication systems, 3GPP is defining new architectures for UEs (see, for example, technical report TR 38.869).

[0004] Essentially, current UEs need to be woken up periodically once per eDRX cycle, which accounts for the majority of energy consumption during the cycle when there is no signaling or data traffic. Energy consumption could be significantly reduced if UEs could only be woken up when triggered (e.g., paging). As studied by 3GPP, this is achieved by providing UEs with a main radio MR unit and a low-power wake-up receiver (LP-WUR).

[0005] Basically, the MR unit corresponds to the 5G NR wireless communication unit, while the LP-WUR corresponds to the wireless communication unit used for low-power monitoring of wake-up signals. Once a wake-up signal is detected, the LP-WUR can trigger the MR unit, which can then transition from a low-power state to an active state.

[0006] The active state corresponds to any state in which the MR unit can exchange data with the radio access network (RAN) of the wireless communication system without being triggered by the LP-WUR. Therefore, a woken-up MR unit is in the active state. Furthermore, an MR unit that is in a dormant state but is periodically woken up without being triggered by the LP-WUR (e.g., eDRX) is also in the active state.

[0007] A low-power state corresponds to a state in which the MR unit cannot exchange data with the RAN without being triggered by the LP-WUR. For example, a low-power state corresponds to the MR unit 253 always being in a sleep state. However, because the MR unit does not need to be periodically woken up in a low-power state, the MR unit can be in an even deeper sleep state than in the current UE and can even be turned off, since the LP-WUR can be used to enable the MR unit.

[0008] The “low power” state means that the average power consumption of the MR cell in the low power state is lower (and preferably significantly lower, for example, ten times or even a hundred times lower) than the average power consumption of the MR in the active state.

[0009] A "low-power" wake-up receiver means that a low-power LP-WUR is used to receive a wake-up signal when the MR unit is in a low-power state. Of course, the monitoring of the wake-up signal should be performed at low power, and therefore the average power consumption of the LP-WUR should be lower than the average power consumption of the MR unit when it is woken up (and preferably significantly lower, for example, ten times or even a hundred times lower).

[0010] Therefore, power consumption is reduced by placing the MR unit in a low-power state (e.g., off). The MR unit does not need to be periodically woken up and can be woken up only when triggered by the LP-WUR. Because the LP-WUR can continuously or at least frequently monitor the wake-up signal, the LP-WUR can wake up the MR unit at any time, thereby reducing latency compared to, for example, eDRX.

[0011] However, new use cases for this architecture of the UE should be investigated to further reduce the power consumption of the UE. Summary of the Invention

[0012] This disclosure aims to improve this situation. Specifically, this disclosure aims to address at least some of the limitations of the prior art discussed above. In particular, this disclosure aims to provide a solution for further reducing power consumption by enabling the UE to use its LP-WUR instead of its MR unit to exchange data with the RAN in some cases.

[0013] For this purpose, this disclosure proposes to evaluate whether the data to be exchanged with the RAN meets predetermined low-power data exchange criteria. If the low-power data exchange criteria are met for the data to be exchanged, the LP-WUR can be used to receive or transmit the data. For example, the low-power data exchange criteria are met when the amount of data to be exchanged is small and / or when the exchange can be performed at a low data rate.

[0014] According to a first aspect, this disclosure relates to a method for exchanging data in a wireless communication system, the method being implemented by a wireless device of the wireless communication system, wherein the wireless device includes: a main radio (MR) unit configured to exchange data with a radio access network (RAN) of the wireless communication system; and a low-power wake-up receiver (LP-WUR) configured to detect a wake-up signal transmitted by the RAN and configured to trigger the MR unit to transition from an ultra-low power state to an active state in response to detecting the wake-up signal transmitted by the RAN, wherein the method includes exchanging data with the RAN by using the LP-WUR if a low-power data exchange criterion is met for the data to be exchanged.

[0015] In some embodiments, the method according to the first aspect may further include one or more of the following optional features, considered individually or in any technically feasible combination.

[0016] In some embodiments, the method according to the first aspect includes: receiving the DL data to be transmitted from the RAN using the LP-WUR in response to an indication that the DL data to be transmitted satisfies the low-power data exchange criterion.

[0017] In some embodiments of the method according to the first aspect, the indication that the DL data to be transmitted satisfies the low-power data exchange criterion is included in the wake-up signal.

[0018] In some embodiments, the method according to the first aspect includes:

[0019] - Evaluate whether the uplink UL data to be sent to the RAN meets the low-power data exchange criteria.

[0020] - In response to the UL data to be transmitted, the low-power data exchange criterion is met: the UL data is transmitted by using the LP-WUR.

[0021] In some embodiments of the method according to the first aspect, the low-power data exchange criterion is satisfied if the amount of data to be exchanged is less than a maximum data amount threshold and / or the data rate required to exchange the data is less than a maximum data rate threshold.

[0022] In some embodiments of the method according to the first aspect, if the LP-WUR is determined to be within the low-power data exchange range of the RAN, then the low-power data exchange criterion is satisfied.

[0023] In some embodiments of the method according to the first aspect, if the estimated received level of the radio signal transmitted by the LP-WUR to the RAN is greater than a minimum received level threshold, the LP-WUR is determined to be within the low-power data exchange range of the RAN, the estimated received level representing the expected received level.

[0024] In some embodiments, the method according to the first aspect includes receiving the maximum data volume threshold and / or the maximum data rate threshold and / or the minimum receive level threshold from the RAN.

[0025] In some embodiments of the method according to the first aspect, data exchange using the LP-WUR of the wireless device is performed using the wireless device in a low-power operating mode.

[0026] According to a second aspect, this disclosure relates to a wireless device including at least one memory and at least one processor configured to perform a method according to any embodiment of the first aspect.

[0027] According to a third aspect, this disclosure relates to a user equipment (UE) that includes a wireless means according to any one of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0028] According to a fourth aspect, this disclosure relates to a method for exchanging data in a wireless communication system, the method being implemented by a base station (BS) of a radio access network (RAN) of the wireless communication system, wherein the BS is configured to exchange data with a wireless device including a main radio (MR) unit and a low-power wake-up receiver (LP-WUR), wherein the LP-WUR is configured to detect a wake-up signal transmitted by the BS and is configured to trigger the MR unit to transition from an ultra-low power state to an active state in response to the detection of the wake-up signal transmitted by the BS, wherein the method includes exchanging data with the wireless device by using the LP-WUR if a low-power data exchange criterion is met for the data to be exchanged.

[0029] In some embodiments, the method according to the fourth aspect may further include one or more of the following optional features, considered individually or in any technically feasible combination.

[0030] In some embodiments, the method according to the fourth aspect includes:

[0031] - Evaluate whether the downlink DL data to be transmitted to the wireless device meets the low-power data exchange criteria.

[0032] - In response to the DL data to be transmitted, the low-power data exchange criterion is satisfied: an indication that the DL data to be transmitted satisfies the low-power data exchange criterion is sent to the wireless device, and the DL data is sent to the LP-WUR of the wireless device.

[0033] In some embodiments of the method according to the fourth aspect, the indication that the DL data to be transmitted satisfies the low-power data exchange criterion is included in the wake-up signal.

[0034] In some embodiments of the method according to the fourth aspect, the low-power data exchange criterion is satisfied if the amount of data to be exchanged is less than a maximum data amount threshold and / or the data rate required to exchange the data is less than a maximum data rate threshold.

[0035] In some embodiments of the method according to the fourth aspect, the low-power data exchange criterion is satisfied if the LP-WUR is determined to be within the low-power data exchange range of the RAN.

[0036] In some embodiments of the method according to the fourth aspect, if the estimated received level of the radio signal transmitted by the LP-WUR to the BS is greater than a minimum received level threshold, the LP-WUR is determined to be within the low-power data exchange range of the RAN, the estimated received level representing the expected received level.

[0037] In some embodiments, the method according to the fourth aspect includes transmitting the maximum data volume threshold and / or the maximum data rate threshold and / or the minimum receive level threshold to the wireless device.

[0038] According to a fifth aspect, this disclosure relates to a base station (BS) including at least one memory and at least one processor configured to perform a method according to any embodiment of the fourth aspect.

[0039] According to a sixth aspect, this disclosure relates to a wireless communication system including at least one base station according to any embodiment of the embodiments of this disclosure and at least one user equipment according to any embodiment of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0040] According to a seventh aspect, this disclosure relates to a computer program product including instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, configure the at least one processor to perform a method for exchanging data according to any embodiment of the present disclosure. The computer program product may use any programming language and may be in the form of source code, object code, or any intermediate form between source code and object code, such as a partially compiled form, or any other desired form.

[0041] According to an eighth aspect, this disclosure relates to a (non-transient) computer-readable storage medium including instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, configure the at least one processor to perform a method for sending control messages according to any embodiment of the present disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0042] The invention will be better understood by reading the following description, which is given by way of example only and is not limiting, and reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate:

[0043] - Figure 1 : A schematic representation of an example of a wireless communication system including a BS and a UE.

[0044] - Figure 2 : A schematic representation of an example of a wireless device,

[0045] - Figure 3 : A schematic representation of a BS example

[0046] - Figure 4 and Figure 5 The flowcharts show examples of methods for exchanging data implemented by the wireless devices of the BS and UE, respectively.

[0047] - Figure 6 and Figure 7 The flowcharts show other examples of methods for exchanging data implemented by the UE's wireless device and the BS, respectively.

[0048] In these accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. For clarity, unless otherwise explicitly stated, the elements shown are not drawn to scale. Detailed Implementation

[0049] The detailed description set forth below with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configuration in which the concepts described herein can be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details and is intended to provide a thorough understanding of the various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts can be practiced without these specific details. For example, although 3GPP terms, such as 5G NR, may be used in this disclosure to illustrate embodiments thereof, this should not be considered as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0050] Generally, all terms used herein should be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the relevant art, unless a different meaning is clearly given and / or implied in the context of their use. Unless otherwise expressly stated, all references to elements, devices, components, means, steps, etc., are openly interpreted as referring to at least one instance of that element, device, component, means, step, etc. Furthermore, the order of steps in any method disclosed herein, particularly in the accompanying drawings, is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the disclosure. The disclosure can be applied by performing the same steps in a different order and / or by applying all or part of steps performed in parallel or jointly, unless a step is explicitly described as occurring after or before another step and / or it is implied that a step must occur after or before another step. Also, in the accompanying drawings, steps indicated by dashed lines are to be considered optional for the embodiments illustrated in those drawings. Any feature of any of the embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to any other embodiment where appropriate. Similarly, any advantage of any embodiment in this embodiment can be applied to any other embodiment, and vice versa. Other objects, features, and advantages of the appended embodiments will become apparent from the following description.

[0051] Figure 1 The illustrative representation could be an example of a wireless communication system, such as a 5G NR wireless communication system. More specifically, Figure 1 This refers to the RAN (Radio Access Network) used in a wireless communication system to exchange data with the UE via radio signals. For example, the RAN can send data to the UE (Downlink DL), such as data received from the core network (CN, not shown in the diagram). The RAN can also receive data from the UE (Uplink UL), which can be forwarded to the CN.

[0052] In the Figure 1 In the example shown, the RAN includes a base station BS 30. Of course, the RAN can include more than one BS30 to increase the coverage of the wireless communication system. Depending on the implemented wireless communication standard, each of these BSs can be referred to as an NB, eNodeB (or eNB), gNodeB (or gNB in ​​the case of a 5G NR wireless communication system), access point, etc.

[0053] In the Figure 1 The example shown depicts two UEs, 20-1 and 20-2. UEs 20-1 and 20-2 are located within the coverage area 31 (also known as the cell) of BS 30. The coverage area 31 of BS 30 substantially corresponds to the area within which the UEs can decode the PDCCH transmitted by BS 30.

[0054] Figure 2 An example of a wireless device 25 suitable for implementing any of the methods discussed in this disclosure at the UE is illustrated schematically. Essentially, the wireless device 25 corresponds to a device that provides wireless connectivity to a RAN (Radio Radio Network) of a wireless communication system and can be used to exchange data with said RAN.

[0055] This wireless device 25 can be included in the UE 20, such as by... Figure 2 As shown. UE 20 can be, for example, a cellular phone, wireless modem, wireless communication device, handheld device, laptop computer, etc. UE 20 can also be an Internet of Things (IoT) device, such as a wireless camera, smart sensor, smart meter, smart glasses, vehicle (manned or autonomous), GPS device, etc., or any other device that can run applications that require exchanging data with a remote receiver via wireless device 25.

[0056] As by Figure 2 The wireless device 25 shown includes one or more processors 250 and one or more memories 251. The one or more processors 250 may include, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. The one or more memories 251 may include any type of computer-readable volatile and non-volatile memory (magnetic hard disk, solid-state disk, optical disk, electronic storage, etc.). The one or more memories 251 may store a computer program product 252 in the form of a set of program code instructions to be executed by the one or more processors 250 to implement all or part of the steps of a method for exchanging data according to any embodiment of the embodiments disclosed herein, executed at the UE side.

[0057] As by Figure 2 The wireless device 25 shown also includes a main radio MR unit 253 and a low-power wake-up signal receiver LP-WUR 254.

[0058] As discussed above, MR unit 253 corresponds to the main wireless communication unit of wireless device 25, which is used to exchange data with BS 30 of RAN using radio signals. MR unit 253 can implement one or more wireless communication protocols and can be, for example, a 3G, 4G, 5G, NR, WiFi, WiMax, or other transceivers. In a preferred embodiment, MR unit 253 corresponds to a 5G NR wireless communication unit.

[0059] The LP-WUR 254 corresponds to the secondary wireless communication unit of the wireless device 25, which is used to monitor a wake-up signal transmitted by the BS 30 of the RAN in a low-power manner. The wake-up signal can take any form that enables it to be detected in a low-power manner. Non-limiting examples of wake-up signals and the LP-WUR 254 are provided in technical report TR 38.869. It should be noted that in some examples, the wake-up signal can even be, for example, a specific 5G NR signal using a low-order modulation and coding scheme (MCS). In this case, the LP-WUR 254 can be composed of components of a 5G NR wireless communication unit that are strictly required to detect such a specific 5G NR signal.

[0060] As discussed above, the primary purpose of the LP-WUR 254 is to monitor and detect wake-up signals (DL) sent by the RAN of the wireless communication system. Therefore, the LP-WUR 254 can be unidirectional, meaning it only has receive (DL) capability and no transmit (UL) capability. However, in some examples, the LP-WUR 254 may also have transmit capability, allowing it to send (UL) data to the RAN.

[0061] The wireless device 25 is adapted to operate in at least two operating modes, including a normal operating mode and a low-power operating mode:

[0062] - In normal operating mode, MR unit 253 is in an active state.

[0063] - In low-power operation mode, MR unit 253 is in a low-power state, and LP-WUR 254 is configured to trigger a transition to normal operation mode in response to the detection of a wake-up signal sent by RAN.

[0064] As discussed above, the active state corresponds to any state in which MR unit 253 can exchange data with the RAN without being triggered by LP-WUR. Therefore, a woken-up MR unit 253 is in the active state. Furthermore, a dormant MR unit 253 that is periodically woken up (e.g., eDRX) without being triggered by LP-WUR 254 is also in the active state.

[0065] The low-power state corresponds to a state in which MR unit 253 cannot exchange data with the RAN without being triggered by LP-WUR 254. For example, the low-power state corresponds to MR unit 253 always being in a sleep state. However, because MR unit 253 does not need to be periodically woken up in the low-power state due to LP-WUR 254, MR unit 253 can be in a deep sleep state and can even be turned off, since LP-WUR 254 can be used to turn on MR unit 253.

[0066] It should be noted that in some examples, the LP-WUR 254 can also be configured to trigger the MR unit 253 when other conditions are met. For example, the LP-WUR 254 can be configured to trigger the MR unit 253 if a predetermined timer has expired without a detected wake-up signal. This timer can be used to ensure that, for example, the wireless device 25 has moved out of the wake-up signal's coverage area, the wireless device 25 can return to an active state. Of course, the duration of this timer should be long enough to ensure that the MR unit 253 can remain in a low-power state for an extended period.

[0067] Figure 3 An example of BS 30 is schematically illustrated for implementation of any of the methods discussed in this disclosure performed by the RAN.

[0068] As by Figure 3 As shown, BS 30 includes one or more processors 300 and one or more memories 301. The one or more processors 300 may include, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. The one or more memories 301 may include any type of computer-readable volatile and non-volatile memory (magnetic hard disk, solid-state disk, optical disk, electronic storage, etc.). The one or more memories 301 may store a computer program product 302 in the form of a set of program code instructions to be executed by the one or more processors 300 to implement all or part of the steps of a method for exchanging data according to any embodiment of the embodiments disclosed herein, executed at the RAN side.

[0069] As by Figure 3 As shown, BS 30 also includes a wireless communication unit 303 configured to exchange data using radio signals with UE 20, and more specifically with the MR units 253 of the wireless devices 25 included in these UEs 20. The wireless communication unit 303 may be a transceiver such as 3G, 4G, 5G, NR, WiFi, WiMax, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the wireless communication unit 303 of BS 30 corresponds to a 5G NR transceiver.

[0070] As by Figure 3 As shown, the BS 30 also includes a wake-up signal transmitter (WUT) 304, which is configured to send a wake-up signal to the UE having a radio device 25 including an LP-WUR 254. Figure 3In the example shown, WUT 304 is represented as separate from wireless communication unit 303. However, WUT 304 may also be included in wireless communication unit 303, for example, if wireless communication unit 303 is a 5G NR transceiver and if the wake-up signal is a specific 5G NR signal.

[0071] As discussed above regarding LP-WUR 254, if WUT 304 is separate from wireless communication unit 30, then the primary purpose of WUT 304 is to transmit (DL) wake-up signals. Therefore, WUT 304 can be unidirectional, i.e., having only transmit (DL) capability and no receive (UL) capability. However, in some examples, WUT 304 can also have receive capability, allowing it to receive (UL) data from UE 20's LP-WUR 254.

[0072] As by Figure 3 As shown, BS 30 may also include a network communication unit 305 configured to exchange data with other base stations in the RAN and / or with the CN. Network communication unit 305 may support one or more suitable communication protocols, which may be wired (including fiber optic) and / or wireless.

[0073] As discussed above, this disclosure aims to enable the wireless device 25 to exchange data with the BS 30 of the RAN in some situations by using its LP-WUR 254 instead of its MR unit 253. Depending on the scenario, such data may be DL data and / or UL data (provided that the LP-WUR 254 has transmission capability), in addition to wake-up signals. Essentially, this disclosure proposes that the LP-WUR 254 be used to exchange data when the data to be exchanged meets predetermined low-power data exchange criteria. With regard to “low-power” data exchange criteria, we simply mean that the data to be exchanged meets the criteria that allow it to be exchanged by the LP-WUR 254.

[0074] In some examples, the low-power data exchange criterion depends on the data to be exchanged, and is satisfied, for example, if the amount of data to be exchanged is small and / or if the data can be exchanged at a low data rate. In other words, if the amount of data to be exchanged is small and / or if the data can be exchanged at a low data rate, the LP-WUR 254 can be used instead of the MR unit 253 to exchange data with the RAN. For example, the low-power data exchange criterion is satisfied if the amount of data to be exchanged is below a predetermined maximum data amount threshold. Alternatively, or in combination thereof, the low-power data exchange criterion can be considered satisfied if the data to be exchanged can be exchanged at a data rate lower than a predetermined maximum data rate threshold.

[0075] Alternatively, or preferably in combination thereof, the low-power data exchange criterion depends on the propagation conditions between the RAN and the radio device 25, and is satisfied, for example, if these propagation conditions are good enough to exchange data using the LP-WUR 254. In other words, the low-power data exchange criterion can be considered satisfied if the LP-WUR 254 is within the low-power data exchange range of the RAN's BS 30. For example, if the estimated received level of the radio signal transmitted by the LP-WUR 254 to the BS 30 is greater than a predetermined minimum received level threshold, it is determined that the LP-WUR 254 will be within the low-power data exchange range of the RAN, and this estimated received level represents the expected received level. For example, this minimum received level threshold can also be used to determine whether the radio device 25 can be placed in a low-power operating mode. However, a first minimum received level threshold for authorizing the radio device 25 to be placed in a low-power operating mode and a second minimum received level threshold for authorizing the radio device 25 to use its LP-WUR 254 to exchange data with the RAN's BS 30, the second minimum received level threshold being greater than the first minimum received level threshold, can also be considered. In other words, exchanging data with the LP-WUR 254 may require a higher receive level at the LP-WUR 254 than simply monitoring and detecting wake-up signals sent by the RAN.

[0076] Any thresholds that may be considered in evaluating low-power data exchange criteria (e.g., maximum data volume threshold and / or maximum data rate threshold and / or minimum receive level threshold) may be preconfigured on wireless device 25. For example, any such thresholds may be predefined (e.g., specified by a standard) or may be sent to wireless device 25 by BS 30 (e.g., included in system information broadcast by BS 30, or included in messages dedicated to wireless device 25, such as Radio Resource Control (RRC) messages).

[0077] As discussed above, depending on the scenario, the LP-WUR 254 can be used to exchange data with the RAN. Besides wake-up signals, this data can be DL data and / or UL data (provided the LP-WUR 254 has transmit capability). If the LP-WUR 254 is capable of both DL and UL data exchange, the same low-power data exchange criteria can be used for both DL and UL data, or different low-power data exchange criteria can be used for DL ​​and UL data respectively. For example, the thresholds used for DL ​​and UL might be different.

[0078] We now provide a non-limiting example of how the LP-WUR 254 can be used to exchange data with the RAN's BS 30.

[0079] Examples of DL low-power data exchange

[0080] Figure 4 The diagram illustrates the steps of an exemplary embodiment of a method 40 for exchanging data, implemented by BS 30. Figure 5 The diagram illustrates the corresponding steps of an exemplary embodiment of a method 50 for exchanging data implemented by the wireless device 25 of the UE 20.

[0081] As by Figure 4 The illustrated method 40 for exchanging data includes step S40, which evaluates whether the DL data to be sent to the wireless device 25 meets the low-power data exchange criteria. It is assumed that the DL data to be sent is received by the BS 30 while the wireless device 25 is in a low-power operating mode.

[0082] For example, in DL, if the wireless device 25 is in a low-power operation mode (which can be triggered by a minimum receive level threshold at the wireless device 25), and if the amount of DL data to be transmitted is less than the maximum DL data amount threshold, then the low-power data exchange criterion is met at BS 30.

[0083] If the DL low-power data exchange criteria are not met (e.g., the DL data volume is larger than the maximum DL data volume threshold) (see reference) Figure 4 In step S40b), the method 40 for exchanging data includes: step S41, which sends a wake-up signal to the wireless device 25; and step S42, which sends DL data to the MR unit 253 of the wireless device 25 once the wireless device 25 has detected the wake-up signal and has activated its MR unit 253.

[0084] Conversely, if the DL low-power data exchange criteria are met (e.g., the DL data volume is below the maximum DL data volume threshold) (see reference) Figure 4 If S40a), then the method 40 for exchanging data includes step S43, which involves sending a wake-up signal and an indication that the DL data to be sent to the wireless device 25 meets the DL Low Power Data Exchange Criteria to the wireless device 25. This indication may be sent separately from the wake-up signal, or preferably, it may be included in the wake-up signal. For example, this indication may consist of a single bit indicating whether the DL Low Power Data Exchange Criteria are met at BS 30 (e.g., '0' means the DL Low Power Data Exchange Criteria are met, and '1' means the DL Low Power Data Exchange Criteria are not met). Once the wireless device 25 has detected the wake-up signal, the method 40 for exchanging data includes step S44, which involves BS 30 sending the DL data to the LP-WUR 254 of the wireless device 25.

[0085] As discussed above, Figure 5 The diagram illustrates the implementation of BS 30 by... Figure 4 The diagram shows corresponding steps of an exemplary embodiment of the method for exchanging data 50, which can be implemented by the wireless device 25 of the UE 20 when the method 40 for exchanging data is shown.

[0086] As by Figure 5 The method 50 shown includes step S50, in which a wireless device 25 in a low-power / low-power operation mode receives a wake-up signal associated with DL data to be transmitted from BS 30.

[0087] If DL data will be received by the MR unit 253 of the wireless device 25 (e.g., if the wireless device 25 receives an indication that the DL low-power data exchange criteria have not been met) (see reference) Figure 5 In step S50b), the method 50 for exchanging data includes step S51, which is to activate MR unit 253 (i.e., switch to normal operation mode) for receiving DL data.

[0088] Conversely, if DL data will be received by the LP-WUR 254 of wireless device 25 (e.g., if wireless device 25 receives an indication that the DL low-power data exchange criteria have been met) (see reference) Figure 5 In step S50a), the method 50 for exchanging data includes step S52, which is to receive DL data using LP-WUR 254 (during which time the wireless device 25 can remain in a low-power operation mode).

[0089] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5 In non-limiting examples, the DL low-power data exchange criteria also include assessing whether wireless device 25 is within the low-power data exchange range of BS 30. In these examples, wireless device 25 is considered to be within the low-power data exchange range if the estimated received level of the radio signal transmitted by BS 30 by LP-WUR 254 is greater than the minimum received level threshold; this estimated received level represents the expected received level. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the non-restrictive example, the minimum receive level threshold is configured by BS 30 and:

[0090] - The method 40 for exchanging data includes step S45, in which the BS 30 transmits a minimum received level threshold to the wireless device 25.

[0091] - The method 50 for exchanging data includes step S53, in which the minimum received level threshold is received by the wireless device 25 from the BS 30.

[0092] The minimum receive level threshold can be included in any suitable signaling message. For example, the minimum receive level threshold can be included in system information broadcast by BS 30 or in a message dedicated to the radio device 25 (e.g., in an RRC message).

[0093] Furthermore, in Figure 4 and Figure 5 In a non-limiting example, a minimum received level threshold is used to determine whether wireless device 25 can be placed in a low-power operating mode. (As per...) Figure 5 The illustrated method 50 for exchanging data includes step S54, whereby, at least in response to the estimated received level of the radio signal transmitted by BS 30 by LP-WUR 254 being greater than a minimum received level threshold, the wireless device 25 enters a low-power operating mode, where the estimated received level represents the expected received level. The fact that the wireless device 25 is in a low-power operating mode at BS 30 implies that the wireless device 25 is within the low-power data exchange range of BS 30, allowing BS 30 to assess only the amount of DL data to be transmitted to the wireless device 25.

[0094] Essentially, the estimated received level corresponds to any parameter that can be used to predict whether the wireless device 25 will be able to decode the radio signal transmitted by the BS 30 and received by the LP-WUR 254. In fact, any measurement, including a measurement of the path loss between the BS 30 and the wireless device 25, can be considered to represent the expected received level of the radio signal (e.g., a wake-up signal) transmitted by the BS 30 by the LP-WUR 254, since the path loss depends on the distance between the BS 30 and the LP-WUR 254. Therefore, the estimated received level can be determined, for example, by measuring any radio signal transmitted by the BS 30. For example, the estimated received level can be determined by measuring (by the MR unit 253) a reference signal transmitted by the wireless communication unit 303 of the BS 30 or (by the MR unit 253 or the LP-WUR 254) a reference signal transmitted by the WUT 304 of the BS 30. In other examples, the estimated received level can also be determined based on a measurement of the wake-up signal transmitted by the BS 30. For example, the estimated received level can be determined based on the following:

[0095] - The received level measured by the LP-WUR 254 of wireless device 25 for a wake-up signal sent from BS 30 to another wireless device, and / or

[0096] - The received level measured by the LP-WUR 254 of the wireless device 25 for a wake-up signal received by the wireless device 25 during a previous period when the wireless device 25 is in a low-power operation mode.

[0097] For example, the estimated received level determined based on measurements of a reference signal transmitted by BS 30 can correspond to the reference signal received power RSRP and / or the reference signal received quality RSRQ of that reference signal as defined by the 3GPP specifications.

[0098] Example of UL Low Power Data Exchange

[0099] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates the steps of an exemplary embodiment of a method 60 for exchanging data implemented by the wireless device 25 of the UE 20. Figure 7 The diagram illustrates the corresponding steps of an exemplary embodiment of a method 70 for exchanging data implemented by BS 30.

[0100] As by Figure 6 The method 60 shown for exchanging data includes step S60, which evaluates whether the UL data to be transmitted by the wireless device 25 meets the low-power data exchange criteria.

[0101] For example, in UL, if wireless device 25 is in a low-power operating mode (which can be triggered by a minimum receive level threshold at wireless device 25), and if the amount of UL data to be transmitted is less than the maximum UL data amount threshold, then the low-power data exchange criterion is met at wireless device 25.

[0102] exist Figure 6 In a non-limiting example, it is assumed that the evaluation step S60 is performed when the wireless device 25 is in a low-power operation mode.

[0103] If the UL low-power data exchange criteria are not met (e.g., the UL data volume is greater than the maximum UL data volume threshold) (see reference) Figure 6 In step S60b), the method 60 for exchanging data includes step S61, which involves transmitting UL data using the MR unit 253. Since the wireless device 25 is assumed to initially be in a low-power operating mode, the wireless device 25 is placed into a normal operating mode by activating the MR unit 253 before transmitting the UL data.

[0104] Conversely, if the UL low-power data exchange criteria are met (e.g., the UL data volume is below the maximum UL data volume threshold) (see reference) Figure 6 In step S60a), the method 60 for exchanging data includes step S62, which involves transmitting UL data to BS 30 using the LP-WUR 254 of the wireless device 25. MR unit 253 can remain in a low-power state.

[0105] It should be noted that in other examples not shown in the figure, the UL Low Power Data Exchange Criteria may not require the wireless device 25 to be in a low-power operating mode. In this case, the wireless device 25 can be in normal operating mode when evaluating the UL Low Power Data Exchange Criteria. If the UL Low Power Data Exchange Criteria are not met, the wireless device 25 transmits UL data using the MR unit 253. If the UL Low Power Data Exchange Criteria are met, the wireless device 25 transmits UL data using the LP-WUR 254. For example, the UL Low Power Data Exchange Criteria are met if the amount of UL data to be exchanged is less than the maximum UL data amount threshold. The UL Low Power Data Exchange Criteria to be verified may further require that the estimated received level (representing the expected received level of the radio signal transmitted by the LP-WUR 254 to the BS 30) be greater than the minimum received level. In the latter case, if initially in normal operating mode, the wireless device 25 may optionally be placed in low-power operating mode in response to the UL Low Power Data Exchange Criteria being met.

[0106] As discussed above, Figure 7 This illustrates that when the wireless device 25 of UE 20 implements... Figure 6 The diagram shows the corresponding steps of an exemplary embodiment of the method 70 for exchanging data, which can be implemented by the BS 30 when the method 60 for exchanging data is shown.

[0107] As by Figure 7 The illustrated method 70 for exchanging data essentially includes step S70, whereby the BS 30 receives UL data transmitted by the wireless device 25. This UL data can be received by the WUT 304 or by the wireless communication unit 303.

[0108] exist Figure 6 and Figure 7 In non-limiting examples, the UL Low Power Data Exchange (LDG) criteria also include assessing whether wireless device 25 is within the LTG range of BS 30. In these examples, wireless device 25 is considered to be within the LTG range if the estimated received level of the radio signal transmitted by BS 30 via LP-WUR 254 is greater than the minimum received level threshold; this estimated received level represents the expected received level. Furthermore, in Figure 6 and Figure 7 In a non-limiting example, a minimum received level threshold is used to determine whether wireless device 25 can be placed in a low-power operating mode. (As per...) Figure 6The illustrated method 60 for exchanging data includes step S64, whereby, at least in response to an estimated received level greater than a minimum received level threshold, the wireless device 25 enters a low-power operating mode, the estimated received level representing the expected received level of the radio signal transmitted by the LP-WUR 254 to the BS 30. During the evaluation step S60, the fact that the wireless device 25 is in a low-power operating mode before receiving UL data to be transmitted to the BS 30 implies that the wireless device 25 is within the low-power data exchange range of the BS 30, such that the wireless device 25 only needs to evaluate the amount of UL data to be transmitted to the BS 30. It should be noted that if a different minimum received level threshold (e.g., a second minimum received level threshold larger than the first minimum received level threshold used to authorize the wireless device 25 to enter a low-power operating mode) is considered in the UL low-power data exchange threshold, the evaluation can be performed during step S60.

[0109] exist Figure 6 and Figure 7 In a non-limiting example, one or more thresholds configured by BS 30 (e.g., maximum UL data volume threshold and / or minimum received level threshold) are further considered in a non-limiting manner and:

[0110] - The method 70 for exchanging data includes step S71, in which the BS 30 sends the one or more thresholds to the wireless device 25.

[0111] - The method 60 for exchanging data includes step S63, in which the wireless device 25 receives the one or more thresholds from the BS 30.

[0112] These one or more thresholds can be included in any suitable signaling message. For example, one or more thresholds may be included in system information broadcast by BS 30 and / or in messages dedicated to the wireless device 25.

Claims

1. A method (50, 60) for exchanging data in a wireless communication system, the method being implemented by a wireless device (25) of the wireless communication system, wherein the wireless device comprises: a main radio, MR, unit (253), the MR unit being configured to exchange data with a radio access network, RAN, of the wireless communication system; and a low power wake-up receiver, LP-WUR (254), the LP-WUR being configured to detect a wake-up signal transmitted by the RAN and being configured to trigger the MR unit to transition from an extremely low power state to an active state in response to detecting the wake-up signal transmitted by the RAN, wherein the method comprises exchanging data with the RAN by using the LP-WUR if a low power data exchange criterion is fulfilled for the data to be exchanged.

2. The method (50) of claim 1, comprising receiving the DL data transmitted by the RAN using the LP-WUR in response to receiving an indication from the RAN that a low power data exchange criterion is fulfilled for DL data to be transmitted.

3. The method (50) of claim 2, wherein the indication that the DL data to be transmitted fulfils the low power data exchange criterion is comprised in the wake-up signal.

4. The method (60) of any one of the preceding claims, comprising: - (S60) evaluating whether uplink, UL, data to be transmitted to the RAN fulfils the low power data exchange criterion, - in response to the low power data exchange criterion being fulfilled for the UL data to be transmitted: (S62) transmitting the UL data by using the LP-WUR.

5. The method (50, 60) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the low power data exchange criterion is fulfilled if an amount of data to be exchanged is below a maximum data amount threshold and / or a data rate required for exchanging the data is below a maximum data rate threshold.

6. The method (50, 60) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the low power data exchange criterion is fulfilled if it is determined that the LP-WUR is within range of the RAN.

7. The method (50, 60) of claim 6, wherein the LP-WUR is determined to be within low power data exchange range of the RAN if an estimated reception level of a radio signal transmitted by the RAN by the LP-WUR is greater than a minimum reception level threshold, the estimated reception level representing an expected reception level.

8. The method (50, 60) of claim 5 or claim 7, comprising receiving the maximum data amount threshold and / or the maximum data rate threshold and / or the minimum reception level threshold from the RAN.

9. A wireless device (25) comprising at least one memory (251) and at least one processor (250), the at least one processor being configured to perform the method of any one of the preceding claims.

10. A user equipment, UE (20), comprising the wireless device of claim 9.

11. A method (40, 70) for exchanging data in a wireless communication system, the method being implemented by a base station, BS, (30) of a radio access network, RAN, of the wireless communication system, wherein the BS is configured to exchange data with a wireless device (25) comprising a main radio, MR, unit (253) and a low-power wake-up receiver, LP-WUR, (254), wherein the LP-WUR is configured to detect a wake-up signal transmitted by the BS and configured to trigger the MR unit to transition from an extremely low-power state to an active state in response to detecting the wake-up signal transmitted by the BS, wherein the method comprises exchanging data with the wireless device by using the LP-WUR if a low-power data exchange criterion is fulfilled for the data to be exchanged.

12. The method (40) of claim 11, comprising: - (S40) evaluating whether downlink, DL, data to be transmitted to the wireless device fulfills the low-power data exchange criterion, - in response to the low-power data exchange criterion being fulfilled for the DL data to be transmitted: (S43) transmitting an indication to the wireless device that the DL data to be transmitted fulfills the low-power data exchange criterion; and (S44) transmitting the DL data to the LP-WUR of the wireless device.

13. The method (40) of claim 12, wherein the indication that the DL data to be transmitted fulfills the low-power data exchange criterion is comprised in the wake-up signal.

14. The method (40, 70) of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the low-power data exchange criterion is fulfilled if an amount of data to be exchanged is below a maximum data amount threshold and / or a data rate required for exchanging the data is below a maximum data rate threshold.

15. The method (40, 70) of any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the low-power data exchange criterion is fulfilled if it is determined that the LP-WUR is within a low-power data exchange range of the RAN.

16. The method (40, 70) of claim 15, wherein it is determined that the LP-WUR is within the low-power data exchange range of the RAN if an estimated reception level of a radio signal transmitted by the BS by the LP-WUR is greater than a minimum reception level threshold, the estimated reception level representing an expected reception level.

17. The method (40, 70) of claim 14 or claim 16, comprising transmitting the maximum data amount threshold and / or the maximum data rate threshold and / or the minimum reception level threshold to the wireless device.

18. A base station, BS, (30) comprising at least one memory (301) and at least one processor (300), the at least one processor being configured to perform the method of any one of claims 11 to 17.

19. A wireless communication system comprising at least one base station (30) according to claim 18 and at least one user equipment (20) according to claim 10.

20. A computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, configure the at least one processor to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or the method according to any one of claims 11 to 17.

21. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, configure the at least one processor to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and / or the method according to any one of claims 11 to 17.

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