Main radio to low power radio offloading

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a user equipment, a network node device and corresponding methods for a user equipment and a base station. More specifically, the user equipment includes a receiver and circuitry. The receiver receives a reference signal. The circuit performs a first measurement based on a reference signal; determining whether a result of the first measurement satisfies a pre-configuration condition; and performing a low-power operation when the pre-configured condition is satisfied.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to transmission and reception of signals in a communication system. In particular, the present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for such transmission and reception. BACKGROUND

[0002] The Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is working on technical specifications for the next generation of cellular technology, also referred to as the Fifth Generation (5G), which includes a “New Radio” (NR) Radio Access Technology (RAT) operating in frequency ranges up to 100 GHz. NR is a follower of technologies represented by Long Term Evolution (LTE) and LTE-Advanced (LTE-A).

[0003] Further improvements and options for systems like LTE and NR can facilitate efficient operation of the communication system and of particular devices related to the system. SUMMARY

[0004] One non-limiting and exemplary embodiment facilitates efficient low power operation of a communication device.

[0005] In one embodiment, features of the technology disclosed herein are characterized by an apparatus (e.g., a user equipment, UE). The apparatus includes a receiver and circuitry. The receiver receives a reference signal. The circuitry performs a first measurement based on the reference signal; determines whether a result of the first measurement satisfies a preconfigured condition; and performs a low power operation when the preconfigured condition is satisfied.

[0006] It should be noted that general or specific embodiments can be implemented as a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, a storage medium, or any selective combination thereof. For example, an integrated circuit can control the procedures of a UE or a network node.

[0007] Additional benefits and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and understanding the description and drawings. Benefits and / or advantages can be gained by employing the various embodiments and features of the disclosure described herein without necessarily following the ordering or one or more of the described implementations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] In the following, exemplary embodiments are described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples.

[0009] Figure 1 An exemplary architecture of a 3GPP NR system is shown;

[0010] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the functional split between NG-RAN and 5GC;

[0011] Figure 3is a sequence diagram of an RRC connection setup / reconfiguration procedure;

[0012] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating usage scenarios of enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine type communications (mMTC), and ultra-reliable and low latency communications (URLLC);

[0013] Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary 5G system architecture for a non-roaming scenario;

[0014] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary functional structures of a base station and a user equipment;

[0015] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary functional structures of a circuit that can be included in a determination of low power operation in an exemplary user equipment of Figure 10

[0016] Figure 8 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary functional structures of a low power configuration circuit that can be included in an exemplary base station device of Figure 10

[0017] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary steps performed by a user equipment;

[0018] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary steps performed by a base station;

[0019] Figure 11 switching between a low power state and a main radio state is exemplarily illustrated;

[0020] Figure 12 switching between a low power state, an intermediate state, and a main radio state is exemplarily illustrated;

[0021] Figure 13 switching between a main radio state and a low power state including a sub state is exemplarily illustrated;

[0022] Figure 14 a measurement configuration information element (IE) is exemplarily illustrated;

[0023] Figure 15 a measurement object included in a measurement configuration IE of Figure 14

[0024] a measurement object included in a measurement configuration IE of Figure 16 Figure 14

[0025] Figure 17 ​​​​An example is shown including Figure 14 The measurement configuration is set in the report configuration in IE. Detailed Implementation

[0026] 5G NR System Architecture and Protocol Stack

[0027] 3GPP has been working on the next version of fifth-generation cellular technology (5G), including developing new radio access technology (NR) that operates in a frequency range up to 100 GHz. The first version of the 5G standard was completed at the end of 2017, which allowed for continued trials of 5G NR-compliant smartphones and commercial deployments.

[0028] In addition, the entire system architecture assumes the inclusion of NG-RAN (Next Generation Radio Access Network) for gNBs, thereby providing NG radio access user plane (SDAP / PDCP / RLC / MAC / PHY) and control plane (RRC) protocol termination to the UE. gNBs interconnect with each other via the Xn interface. gNBs also connect to the NGC (Next Generation Core) via the Next Generation (NG) interface, and more specifically, to the AMF (Access and Mobility Management Functions) (e.g., specific core entities performing the AMF) via the NG-C interface, and to the UPF (User Plane Functions) (e.g., specific core entities performing the UPF) via the NG-U interface. The NG-RAN architecture in... Figure 1 As shown in (see, for example, 3GPP TS 38.300, v15.6.0, Section 4).

[0029] The NR user plane protocol stack (see, for example, 3GPP TS 38.300, Section 4.4.1) includes PDCP (Packet Data Convergence Protocol, see 3GPP TS 38.300, Section 6.4), RLC (Radio Link Control, see TS 38.300, Section 6.3), and MAC (Media Access Control, see TS 38.300, Section 6.2) sublayers, which terminate in the gNB on the network side. Additionally, a new Access Layer (AS) sublayer (SDAP, Service Data Adaptation Protocol) is introduced above PDCP (see, for example, TS 38.300, Subclause 6.5). A control plane protocol stack is also defined for NR (see, for example, TS 38.300, Section 4.4.2). An overview of Layer 2 functions is given in TS 38.300, Subclause 6. Sections 6.4 and 6.3 of TS 38.300 list the functions of the PDCP, RLC, and MAC sublayers, respectively. The functions of the RRC layer are listed in Sub-clause 7 of TS 38.300.

[0030] For example, the media access control layer handles logical channel multiplexing, as well as scheduling and scheduling-related functions, including handling different sets of parameters (numerology).

[0031] The Physical Layer (PHY) is responsible for tasks such as coding, PHY HARQ processing, modulation, multi-antenna processing, and mapping signals to appropriate physical time-frequency resources. It also handles the mapping from transport channels to physical channels. The Physical Layer provides services to the MAC Layer in the form of transport channels. A physical channel corresponds to a set of time-frequency resources used for transmission on a specific transport channel, and each transport channel is mapped to a corresponding physical channel. For example, physical channels are PRACH (Physical Random Access Channel), PUSCH (Physical Uplink Shared Channel), and PUCCH (Physical Uplink Control Channel) for uplink, and PDSCH (Physical Downlink Shared Channel), PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel), and PBCH (Physical Broadcast Channel) for downlink.

[0032] NR use cases / deployment scenarios can include enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), and massive machine-type communication (mMTC), each with different requirements in terms of data rate, latency, and coverage. For example, eMBB is expected to support peak data rates approximately three times higher than IMT-Advanced (20 Gbps for downlink and 10 Gbps for uplink) and improved user experience. On the other hand, in the case of URLLC, there are requirements for ultra-low latency (0.5 ms for both UL and DL) and high reliability (1-10 ms within 1 ms). -5 This imposes more stringent requirements. Finally, mMTC can preferably require high connection density (1,000,000 devices / km in urban environments). 2 ), wide coverage in harsh environments, and ultra-long-life batteries (15 years) for low-cost devices.

[0033] Therefore, an OFDM parameter set suitable for one use case (e.g., subcarrier spacing, OFDM symbol duration, cyclic prefix (CP) duration, number of symbols per scheduling interval) may not be well suited for another use case. For example, low-latency services may preferably require shorter symbol durations (and therefore larger subcarrier spacings) and / or fewer symbols per scheduling interval (aka TTI) compared to mMTC services. Furthermore, deployment scenarios with large channel delay spreads may preferably require longer CP durations than scenarios with short delay spreads. Subcarrier spacing should be optimized accordingly to preserve similar CP overhead. NR can support more than one value for subcarrier spacing. Accordingly, subcarrier spacings of 15 kHz, 30 kHz, 60 kHz… are currently being considered. Symbol duration T u The subcarrier spacing Δf is obtained through the formula Δf=1 / T u Directly related. In a manner similar to that in LTE systems, the term "resource element" can be used to represent the smallest resource unit consisting of a subcarrier of one OFDM / SC-FDMA symbol length.

[0034] In the new 5G-NR radio system, for each parameter set and carrier, resource grids for subcarriers and OFDM symbols are defined for both uplink and downlink. Each element in the resource grid is called a resource element and is identified based on its frequency index in the frequency domain and its symbol position in the time domain (see 3GPP TS 38.211, v15.6.0). For example, downlink and uplink transmissions are organized into frames with a duration of 10 ms, each frame consisting of ten subframes, each with a duration of 1 ms. In the 5G NR implementation, the number of consecutive OFDM symbols in each subframe depends on the subcarrier spacing configuration. For example, for a 15-kHz subcarrier spacing, a subframe has 14 OFDM symbols (similar to the LTE-compliant implementation, assuming a normal cyclic prefix). On the other hand, for a 30-kHz subcarrier spacing, a subframe has two slots, each containing 14 OFDM symbols.

[0035] Compared to the LTE parameter set (subcarrier spacing and symbol length), NR supports several different types of subcarrier spacing marked by the parameter μ (in LTE, only a 15 kHz subcarrier spacing exists, corresponding to μ=0 in NR). The types of the NR parameter set are outlined in 3GPP TS 38.211, v 15.7.0.

[0036] 5G NR Function Division between NG-RAN and 5GC

[0037] Figure 2The functional partitioning between NG-RAN and 5GC is illustrated. NG-RAN logical nodes are either gNBs or ng-eNBs. 5GC has logical nodes AMF, UPF, and SMF.

[0038] Specifically, gNB and ng-eNB host the following main functions:

[0039] - Functions for radio resource management, such as radio bearer control, radio access control, connection mobility control, and dynamic allocation (scheduling) of resources to the UE in both uplink and downlink.

[0040] - Data IP header compression, encryption, and integrity protection;

[0041] - When a route to the AMF cannot be determined from the information provided by the UE, the AMF is selected when the UE is attached;

[0042] - Routing user plane data to (multiple) UPFs;

[0043] - Routing control plane information to AMF;

[0044] - Connection establishment and release;

[0045] - Scheduling and transmission of paging messages;

[0046] - Scheduling and transmission of system broadcast information (originating from AMF or OAM);

[0047] - Configuration for measurement and measurement reporting for mobility and scheduling;

[0048] -Transmission-level packet markings in the uplink;

[0049] -Session management;

[0050] -Supports network slicing;

[0051] - QoS flow management and mapping to data radio bearers;

[0052] - Supports UEs in the RRC_INACTIVE state;

[0053] -NAS message distribution functionality;

[0054] - Radio access network sharing;

[0055] - Dual connectivity;

[0056] -Close interoperability between NR and E-UTRA.

[0057] The Access and Mobility Management (AMF) function oversees the following key functions:

[0058] - Non-access stratum (NAS) signaling termination;

[0059] -NAS signaling security;

[0060] - Access Layer (AS) security controls;

[0061] -Inter-node signaling for mobility between 3GPP access networks;

[0062] - Idle mode UE reachability (including paging retransmission control and execution);

[0063] -Registered area management;

[0064] -Supports mobility within and between systems;

[0065] -Access authentication;

[0066] - Access authorization, including roaming permission checks;

[0067] - Mobility management controls (subscriptions and policies);

[0068] -Supports network slicing;

[0069] - Session Management Function (SMF) selection.

[0070] In addition, the User Plane Function (UPF) manages the following main functions:

[0071] - Anchor points for movement within / between RATs (where applicable);

[0072] - External PDU session points that interconnect with the data network;

[0073] - Packet routing and forwarding;

[0074] - Group checks and user plane components for policy rule enforcement;

[0075] - Traffic usage report;

[0076] -Supports uplink classifiers that route traffic streams to the data network;

[0077] -Supports branching points in multi-homed PDU sessions;

[0078] - QoS processing in the user plane, such as packet filtering, gating, and UL / DL rate implementation;

[0079] -Uplink traffic verification (SDF to QoS flow mapping);

[0080] - Downlink packet buffering and downlink data notification triggering.

[0081] Finally, the Session Management Function (SMF) oversees the following key functions:

[0082] -Session management;

[0083] -UE IP address allocation and management;

[0084] -Selection and control of UP function;

[0085] - Configure traffic redirection at the User Plane Function (UPF) to route traffic to the correct destination;

[0086] - The policy enforcement and QoS control section;

[0087] - Downlink data notification.

[0088] RRC connection establishment and reconfiguration process

[0089] Figure 3 This illustrates some interactions between the UE, gNB, and AMF (5GC entity) in the context of the UE transitioning from RRC_IDLE to RRC_CONNECTED in the NAS section (see TS38.300, v15.6.0).

[0090] RRC is a higher-level signaling (protocol) used for UE configuration and gNB configuration. Specifically, this transition involves the AMF preparing UE context data (including, for example, PDU session context, security keys, UE radio capabilities, and UE security capabilities) and sending it to the gNB along with an "INITIAL CONTEXT SETUP REQUEST". The gNB then activates AS security with the UE, which is performed by the gNB sending a SecurityModeCommand message to the UE and by the UE responding to the gNB with a SecurityModeComplete message. Subsequently, the gNB performs reconfiguration by sending an RRCReconfiguration message to the UE and receiving an RRCReconfigurationComplete message from the UE in response to establish Signalling Radio Bearer 2 (SRB2) and (multiple) Data Radio Bearers (DRBs). For signaling-only connections, the steps related to RRCReconfiguration are skipped because SRB2 and DRBs are not established. Finally, gNB uses "INITIAL CONTEXT SETUP RESPONSE" to notify AMF that the setup process is complete.

[0091] Therefore, this disclosure provides an entity for a fifth-generation core (5GC) (e.g., AMF, SMF, etc.), which includes a control circuitry for establishing a next-generation (NG) connection with the gNodeB, and a transmitter that sends an initial context setup message to the gNodeB via the NG connection to establish a signaling radio bearer between the gNodeB and the user equipment (UE). Specifically, the gNodeB sends RRC signaling containing a resource allocation configuration information element (IE) to the UE via the signaling radio bearer. The UE then performs uplink transmission or downlink reception based on the resource allocation configuration.

[0092] Use cases of IMT in 2020 and beyond

[0093] Figure 4 Some use cases for 5G NR are shown. In the 3rd Generation Partnership Project New Radio (3GPP NR), three use cases already envisioned for IMT-2020 support a wide variety of services and applications are being considered. The Phase 1 specification for Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) has been completed. In addition to further expanding eMBB support, current and future work will also involve the standardization of Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC) and Massive Machine-Type Communication. Figure 4 Some envisioned use cases for IMT in 2020 and beyond are shown (e.g., see ITU-R M.20183, Figure 2 ).

[0094] URLLC use cases have stringent requirements for features such as throughput, latency, and availability, and are envisioned as one of the enablers for future vertical applications such as wireless control of industrial manufacturing or production processes, telemedicine surgery, distribution automation in smart grids, and transportation security. Ultra-reliability of URLLC is supported by identifying technologies that meet the requirements set forth in TR 38.913. For NR URLLC in Release 15, key requirements include a target user plane latency of 0.5 ms for both UL (uplink) and DL (downlink). For a 32-byte packet size with a user plane latency of 1 ms, the typical URLLC requirement for a packet transmission is a BLER (Block Error Rate) of 1E-5.

[0095] From a physical layer perspective, reliability can be improved in a variety of ways. Current improvements in reliability include defining a separate CQI table for URLLC, a more compact DCI format, and PDCCH repetition. However, as NR becomes more stable and advanced (for NR URLLC critical requirements), the scope may broaden to achieve ultra-reliability. Specific use cases for NR URLLC in Rel.15 include augmented reality / virtual reality (AR / VR), e-health, e-security, and mission-critical applications.

[0096] Furthermore, the technical enhancements targeted by NR URLLC aim to improve latency and reliability. Latency enhancements include configurable parameter sets, non-slot-based scheduling with flexible mapping, unlicensed (configured license) uplinks, slot-level repetition of data channels, and downlink preemption. Preemption means stopping a transmission for which resources have already been allocated and using those resources for another transmission that requested them later but has lower latency / higher priority requirements. Accordingly, the already licensed transmission is preempted by the later transmission. Preemption can be applied independently of a specific service type. For example, a transmission of service type A (URLLC) can be preempted by a transmission of service type B (such as eMBB). Reliability enhancements include a dedicated CQI / MCS table for the 1E-5 target BLER.

[0097] The use cases for mMTC (massive machine-type communication) are characterized by a very large number of connected devices typically transmitting relatively small amounts of non-latency-sensitive data. The devices need to be low-cost and have very long battery life. From an NR (Radio Frequency Identification) perspective, utilizing a very narrow bandwidth segment is a possible solution for saving power and extending battery life from the UE's (User Equipment) perspective.

[0098] As mentioned above, a wider range of reliability is expected in NR. A key requirement in all cases, especially necessary for URLLC and mMTC, is high or ultra-reliability. Several mechanisms can be considered to improve reliability from both radio and network perspectives. Generally, several key potential areas can help improve reliability. These areas are compact control channel information, data / control channel repetition, and diversity in the frequency, time, and / or spatial domains. Generally, these areas are applicable to reliability regardless of the specific communication scenario.

[0099] For NR URLLC, other use cases with more stringent requirements have been identified, such as factory automation, the transportation industry, and power distribution. The more stringent requirement is higher reliability (up to 10). -6(Level), higher availability, packet size up to 256 bytes, time synchronization in the order of a few μs (where this value can be one μs or a few μs, depending on the frequency range), and short latency in the order of 0.5 to 1 ms (specifically 0.5 ms target user plane latency, depending on the use case).

[0100] Furthermore, for NR URLLC, several technical enhancements have been identified from a physical layer perspective. These enhancements are related to compact DCI, PDCCH repetition, and increased PDCCH monitoring, as well as PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel) enhancements.

[0101] In addition, UCI (Uplink Control Information) enhancements are associated with enhanced HARQ (Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request) and CSI feedback enhancements. PUSCH enhancements associated with mini-slot-level hop and retransmission / repetition enhancements were also identified. The term "mini-slot" refers to a Transmission Time Interval (TTI) containing fewer symbols than a single slot (a slot containing 14 symbols).

[0102] QoS control

[0103] The 5G QoS (Quality of Service) model is based on QoS flows and supports both QoS flows that require guaranteed flow bit rate (GBRQoS flows) and QoS flows that do not require guaranteed flow bit rate (non-GBR QoS flows). Therefore, at the NAS level, QoS flows represent the finest QoS granularity within a PDU session. QoS flows are identified within a PDU session by the QoS Flow ID (QFI) carried in the encapsulation header on the NG-U interface.

[0104] For each UE, 5GC establishes one or more PDU sessions. For each UE, NG-RAN establishes at least one data radio bearer (DRB) along with the PDU session, and subsequently, additional DRBs for (multiple) QoS flows of that PDU session can be configured (when to do so depends on NG-RAN), for example, as referenced above. Figure 3 As shown, NG-RAN maps packets belonging to different PDU sessions to different DRBs. The NAS-level packet filter in the UE and 5GC associates UL packets and DL packets with QoS flows, while the AS-level mapping rules in the UE and NG-RAN associate UL QoS flows and DL QoS flows with DRBs.

[0105] Figure 5 A 5G NR non-roaming reference architecture is shown (see, for example, 3GPP TS 23.501, e.g., section 4.2.3 of v16.9.0, and also v17.5.0 or v18.0.0). Application Functions (AF) (e.g., in Figure 4The external application server (exemplarily described in the document) that manages 5G services interacts with the 3GPP core network to provide services, such as supporting the impact of applications on traffic routing, access network exposure functions (NEF), or policy frameworks (e.g., QoS control) used for policy control (see Policy Control Function (PCF)). Based on operator deployment, application functions considered trusted by the operator may be allowed to interact directly with relevant network functions. Application functions not permitted by the operator to directly access network functions interact with relevant network functions via the NEF using the external exposure framework.

[0106] Figure 5 Other functional units of the 5G architecture are illustrated, namely, Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF), Network Repository Function (NRF), Unified Data Management (UDM), Authentication Server Function (AUSF), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), and Data Network (DN) (e.g., operator services, internet access, or third-party services). All or part of the core network functions and application services can be deployed and run on a cloud computing environment.

[0107] Therefore, this disclosure provides an application server (e.g., an AF in a 5G architecture) that includes a transmitter and a circuitry that sends a request containing at least one of URLLC, eMMB, and mMTC services to at least one of 5GC functions (e.g., NEF, AMF, SMF, PCF, UPF, etc.) to establish a PDU session including radio bearers between a gNodeB and a UE according to the QoS requirements, and the circuitry uses the established PDU session to perform services.

[0108] control signals

[0109] In this disclosure, the downlink control signals (information) related to this disclosure can be signals (information) transmitted through the physical layer PDCCH, or signals (information) transmitted through a higher-layer MAC control element (CE) or RRC. Downlink control signals can be predefined signals (information).

[0110] The uplink control signals (information) related to this disclosure may be signals (information) transmitted via the physical layer PUCCH, or signals (information) transmitted via a higher-layer MAC CE or RRC. Furthermore, the uplink control signals may be predefined signals (information). Uplink control signals may be replaced by uplink control information (UCI), phase one sidelink control information (SCI), or phase two SCI.

[0111] Reference signal

[0112] In this disclosure, the reference signal is a signal known to both the base station and the mobile station, and each reference signal may be referred to as a reference signal (RS) or sometimes as a pilot signal. The reference signal may be any one of DMRS, Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS), Tracking Reference Signal (TRS), Phase Tracking Reference Signal (PTRS), Cell Specific Reference Signal (CRS), and Sounding Reference Signal (SRS).

[0113] Time interval

[0114] In this disclosure, the time resource element is not limited to one or a combination of time slots and symbols, and can be a time resource element (such as a frame, superframe, subframe, time slot, time slot sub-time slot, micro-time slot) or a time resource element (such as a symbol, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol, single-carrier frequency division multiplexing access (SC-FDMA) symbol) or other time resource elements. The number of symbols included in a time slot is not limited to any number of symbols illustrated in the above embodiments, and can be other numbers of symbols.

[0115] frequency band

[0116] This disclosure can be applied to either licensed or unlicensed frequency bands. Each frequency band may include one or more component carriers. Each component carrier constitutes a time-frequency resource grid including resource elements, each resource element being defined by subcarriers in the frequency domain and symbols in the time domain.

[0117] communication

[0118] This disclosure can be applied to any terrestrial network or any network other than a terrestrial network (NTN: non-terrestrial network) that uses satellites or high-altitude pseudo-satellites (HAPS). Additionally, this disclosure can be applied to networks with large cell sizes, and to terrestrial networks with significant delays compared to symbol lengths or time slot lengths, such as ultra-wideband transmission networks.

[0119] Downlink Control Channel Monitoring (PDCCH), DCI

[0120] Many functions operated by the UE involve monitoring downlink control channels (e.g., PDCCH, see 3GPP TS38.300 v15.6.0, Section 5.2.3) to receive, for example, specific control information or data destined for the UE.

[0121] The following is a non-exhaustive list of these functions:

[0122] -Paging message monitoring function

[0123] -System information retrieval function

[0124] - For signaling monitoring operations of discontinuous DRX reception function

[0125] -For inactive monitoring operations of the discontinuous reception DRX function

[0126] - Random access response reception for the random access function.

[0127] - Reordering function of the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer.

[0128] As described above, the UE performs PDCCH monitoring in order to identify and receive information intended for use by the UE, such as control information and user services (e.g., DCI on the PDCCH and user data on the PDSCH indicated by the PDCCH).

[0129] Downlink control information (which may be referred to as downlink control information, DCI) serves the same purpose in 5G NR as DCI in LTE, namely, as a special set of control information for scheduling, for example, downlink data channels (e.g., PDSCH) or uplink data channels (e.g., PUSCH). Several different DCI formats have been defined in 5G NR (see Section 7.3.1 of TS 38.212 v15.6.0).

[0130] The DCI format represents a predetermined format in which corresponding information is formed and transmitted. Specifically, DCI formats 0_1 and 1_1 are used to schedule PUSCH and PDSCH in a cell, respectively.

[0131] Each of these functions performs PDCCH monitoring for a specific purpose and is therefore initiated to achieve that purpose. PDCCH monitoring is typically controlled, at least based on a timer operated by the UE. The purpose of the timer is to control PDCCH monitoring, for example, to limit the maximum amount of time the UE can monitor the PDCCH. For instance, the UE may not need to monitor the PDCCH indefinitely, but can stop monitoring after a period of time to save power.

[0132] As mentioned above, one of the purposes of DCI on PDCCH is to dynamically schedule resources in the downlink, uplink, or even sidelink. Specifically, several DCI formats are provided to carry indications of the resources (resource allocation, RA) allocated to a particular user's data channel. Resource allocation can include the specification of resources in the frequency domain and / or time domain.

[0133] the term

[0134] The following describes the UE, base station, and process for a new radio access technology envisioned for 5G mobile communication systems, but it can also be used in LTE mobile communication systems or future mobile communication systems. Different implementation methods and variations will also be explained. The following disclosure is made possible by and may be based, for example, at least in part on the foregoing discussion and findings.

[0135] Generally, it should be noted that many assumptions have been made herein in order to explain the basic principles of this disclosure in a clear, concise, and understandable manner. However, these assumptions should be understood as examples made herein for illustrative purposes only, and these examples are not necessarily necessary for the invention and therefore should not limit the scope of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the principles set forth in the following disclosure and claims can be applied to different scenarios and in ways not explicitly described herein.

[0136] Furthermore, some of the terms used below, such as process, entity, layer, etc., are closely related to those used in LTE / LTE-A systems or in the current 3GPP 5G standardization, although specific terms used in the context of new radio access technologies for next-generation 3GPP 5G communication systems have not been fully determined or may ultimately change. Therefore, terminology may be changed in the future without affecting the functionality of the embodiments. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments and their scope of protection should not be limited to the specific terms used exemplarily herein due to the lack of updated or ultimately agreed-upon terminology, but should be understood more broadly in accordance with the functions and concepts upon which the functions and principles of this disclosure are based. In particular:

[0137] User equipment

[0138] In LTE and NR, a terminal, user terminal, user equipment, mobile station, or mobile node is referred to as a User Equipment (UE). This can be a mobile device or communication apparatus / device, such as a wireless phone, smartphone, tablet computer, or USB (Universal Serial Bus) stick with UE functionality. However, the term mobile device is not limited to this; typically, a repeater can also have the functionality of such a mobile device, and a mobile device can also be used as a repeater. For example, a terminal is a physical entity (physical node) within a communication network. Furthermore, a communication device can be any type of machine communication device, such as an IoT device. A node can have several functional entities. A functional entity refers to a software or hardware module that implements and / or provides a predetermined set of functions to the same or another node or other functional entities in the network. A node can have one or more interfaces that allow the node to be attached to a communication facility or medium through which it can communicate. Similarly, a network entity can have a logical interface that allows functional entities to be attached to a communication facility or medium through which it can communicate with other functional entities or communication nodes.

[0139] Network Nodes

[0140] In this disclosure, for example, a base station can be a Transmitter Receiver Point (TRP), cluster head, access point, Remote Radio Header (RRH), eNodeB (eNB), gNodeB (gNB), base station (BS), Base Transceiver Station (BTS), base station unit, or gateway. Furthermore, in sidelink communication, a terminal may be used instead of a base station. A base station can be a repeater for communication between a relaying upper node and a terminal. A base station can also be a roadside unit. A base station can be a scheduling node or a network node, for example, forming part of a network for providing services to terminals. In particular, a base station can provide radio access to a terminal. Communication between communication equipment (e.g., a UE or terminal) and scheduling equipment (e.g., a base station) is generally standardized and can be defined by different layers such as PHY, MAC, RRC, etc. (see also the discussion above). In LTE and NR, the radio interface protocol stack includes a physical layer, a media access layer (MAC), and higher layers. In the control plane, higher-layer protocols such as the Radio Resource Control Protocol are provided. Through RRC, the base station can control the configuration of the terminal, and the terminal can communicate with the base station to perform control tasks (such as connection and bearer establishment, modification, etc.), measurements, and other functions. The term used in LTE is eNB (or eNodeB), while the current term used for 5G NR is gNB. Here, the term "base station" or "radio base station" refers to a physical entity within a communication network. Like a mobile station, a base station can have several functional entities. A functional entity refers to a software or hardware module that implements and / or provides a predetermined set of functions to other functional entities in the same or another node or network. The physical entity performs some control tasks regarding the communication equipment, including one or more of scheduling and configuration. Note that base station functions and communication device functions can also be integrated within a single device. For example, a mobile terminal can also implement base station functions for other terminals. The term used in LTE is eNB (or eNodeB), while the current term used for 5G NR is gNB. Specifically, a base station can also be a gNB in ​​a non-terrestrial network (NTN) NR system.

[0141] Power saving

[0142] A new research project has been initiated within 3GPP to investigate and evaluate the architecture of the Low-Power Wake-up Receiver (LP-WUR) and the design of the Wake-up Signal (LP-WUS) to support the wake-up receiver. One of the goals is to achieve significant power savings for the UE. A report capturing this research project is available at http: / / www.3gpp.org, titled “Low-power Wake-up Signal and Receiver for NR as a Rel.18 SI topic,” submission number RP-221271, from the 3GPP TSG RAN meeting #96 held in Hungary from June 6-9, 2022.

[0143] Therefore, power consumption depends on the length of the configured wake-up period, such as the paging cycle. To meet the aforementioned battery life requirements, it is anticipated to use eDRX (Extended Discontinuous Receive) cycles with large values, resulting in high latency, which may not be suitable for services requiring both long battery life and low latency. eDRX is particularly unsuitable for latency-critical use cases.

[0144] Currently, the UE needs to be woken up periodically every DRX cycle, which dominates power consumption during periods without signaling or data traffic. DRX is used in RRC idle mode when monitoring paging messages. Therefore, the UE does not need to monitor all PDCCH transmission opportunities, but only paging opportunities, thus saving battery power more effectively. In connected mode, DRX allows the UE to enter a "sleep" state, during which it does not need to monitor the PDCCH. The UE is periodically woken up to monitor the PDCCH or to send scheduling requests to initiate uplink data transmissions. Therefore, the base station (gNB) needs to wait until the UE becomes active before sending data to it. Uplink is not delayed unless the base station configures the uplink scheduling request period according to the downlink DRX cycle.

[0145] DRX cycling in connected mode is configured by RRC. An inactivity timer starts after each PDCCH reception. After the inactivity timer expires, there may be an optional period of short DRX cycles before the regular (long) DRX cycle. The active period during which the UE reads the PDCCH is called the "OnDuration" or "DRX Active" state. The sleep period during which the UE does not read the PDCCH is called the "OffDuration" or "DRX Inactive" state. The base station has the possibility to put the UE into DRX Inactive mode at any time using MAC signaling.

[0146] Since version 16, a wake-up signal (WUS) has been provided via DCI format 2_6. DCI format 2_6 has been used to wake up a UE or instruct a UE to skip PDCCH monitoring before DRX. Specifically, this DCI is used to notify one or more UEs of power-saving information outside of their DRX activity time. The DCI is scrambled by PS-RNTI and carries:

[0147] -A wake-up indication of whether the UE should enter or exit sleep mode; and

[0148] -SCell sleep indicator, which is a bitmap where each bit corresponds to one of the (multiple) SCell groups configured by the higher layer (RRC), where the MSB to LSB of the bitmap corresponds to the first to last configured SCell groups. This indicates which SCells the wake-up indicator applies to.

[0149] More specifically, Section 7.3.1.3.7 of 3GPP TS 38.212 v17.2.0 defines format 2_6. Therefore, DCI format 2_6 is used to notify one or more UEs of power saving information outside of DRX activity time. The following information is transmitted using DCI format 2_6 with a CRC scrambled by PS-RNTI: block number 1, block number 2, ..., block number N. The starting position of the block is determined by the parameter PSPositionDCI2_6 provided by the higher layer to the UE configured with that block. If the UE is configured with higher-layer parameters PS-RNTI and dci-Format2-6, the higher layer configures a block for the UE, defining the following fields for this block: wake-up indication (1 bit), SCell sleep indication—0 bits if the higher-layer parameter Scell-groups-for-dormancy-outside-active-time is not configured; otherwise, a 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5-bit bitmap is determined according to the higher-layer parameter Scell-groups-for-dormancy-outside-active-time, where each bit corresponds to one of the (multiple) SCell groups configured by the higher-layer parameter Scell-groups-for-dormancy-outside-active-time, and the MSB to LSB of the bitmap corresponds to the first to the last configured SCell groups. The size of DCI format2_6 is indicated by the higher-layer parameter SizeDCI_2-6.

[0150] UEs can save power by using format 2_6 DCI to skip unnecessary PDCCH monitoring periods. Sleep mode can be configured and applied to UEs with RRC connections.

[0151] In version 17, an Early Paging Indication (PEI) design has been introduced. It uses DCI format 2_7. DCI format 2_7 is used to indicate whether the UE needs to skip or monitor its paging timing in each paging cycle. Therefore, compared to regular paging detection, which potentially requires measuring more SSBs, the UE can save power by reducing synchronization signal block (SSB) measurements before detecting the PEI. The PEI can be configured in the SIB and applied to paging monitoring for RRC connections and idle / inactive UEs.

[0152] Power consumption can be significantly reduced if the UE can be woken up only when triggered (e.g., paging). This can be achieved by using a wake-up signal to trigger the main radio and a separate receiver capable of monitoring the wake-up signal with very low power consumption. The main radio can be used for data transmission and reception, and can be turned off or put into deep sleep unless enabled. The power consumption used to monitor the wake-up signal depends on the wake-up signal design and the hardware modules of the wake-up receiver used for signal detection and processing.

[0153] To achieve low-power WUS / WUR in power-sensitive, compact devices, including IoT use cases such as industrial sensors and controllers, as well as wearables, careful consideration must be given to signal design and transmitter / receiver operation. Other use cases, such as XR / smart glasses and smartphones, are also possible.

[0154] In other words, the version 18 LP-WUS / WUR design is geared towards LP-WUS and is friendly to more efficient receiver architectures (e.g., separate modules for LP-WUS detection with less stringent time / frequency synchronization requirements). Traditional designs are largely DCI-based, requiring the UE to first measure one or more SSBs for AGC training and time / frequency synchronization before detection. The long activity time for receiving and processing SSBs is a major source of power consumption.

[0155] UE Measurement and Measurement Report

[0156] UE measurements are used for cell selection, cell reselection, power control calculations, mobility procedures, and beam management. Measurements are performed on the measurement object. In the current L1 beam measurement framework, the measurement object is semi-statically configured by RRC, which refers to the RS set, such as SSB and / or CSI-RS.

[0157] The results of such measurements may include, for example, a reference signal received power (RSRP) value, a reference signal received quality (RSRQ) value, or a signal-to-noise and interference ratio (SINR) value. However, this disclosure is not limited to the examples described. Any other suitable measurement results may be used.

[0158] The UE performs measurements and reports the results to its serving gNB. To do this, the UE can be configured with the necessary parameters and information by its serving gNB. For example, the configuration of a UE for performing measurements and reporting results conceptually involves:

[0159] • The quantity or set of quantities to be reported.

[0160] • Measurements should be performed on the downlink resources for each cell to derive one or more quantities to be reported.

[0161] • How to perform the actual reporting, such as reporting timing and the uplink channel to be used for reporting.

[0162] As an example, measurement and reporting can be based on, for instance, the CSI reporting framework, which can generally be considered to involve two parts: one for configuration and the other for triggering CSI reports.

[0163] CSI-MeasConfig IE is the highest level IE for CSI configuration, and it configures not only L1-RSRP related measurements / reports for beam management, but also general CSI related measurements / reports (such as CQI) to determine appropriate MIMO precoding, modulation, and coding, etc.

[0164] CSI-MeasConfig IE primarily configures three types of lists:

[0165]

[0166] Measurements and reporting can be performed on a periodic, semi-periodic, or aperiodic basis. Measurement results are reported by the UE to the gNB, for example, as uplink control information on the PUCCH or PUSCH. In a 5G-compliant example, CSI reporting is performed by the UE based on the definitions given in Section 6.3 of 3GPP TS 38.212 v17.4.0.

[0167] In current 3GPP 5G systems, there are two types of reference signals that can be used for measurement: SSB (see the SSB index mentioned above) and CSI-RS (Channel State Information Reference Signal; see NZP-CSI-RS-ResourceIE and CSI-IM-ResourceIE above). SSB is always transmitted by the network and is not UE-specific, thus it is inflexible. For example, SSB can be used in conjunction with a relatively wide beam. On the other hand, CSI-RS can be specifically configured for the UE and is quite flexible regarding the time and frequency (time domain) of its transmission and regarding frequency domain resources. CSI-RS can be used in conjunction with a relatively narrow beam because it can be configured for only one or a few UEs.

[0168] There are several reporting components of CSI in 5G NR (i.e., several different types of CSI), for example, based on 3GPP TS38.214 - its section 5.2.1:

[0169]

[0170] UEs can report one or more, or a combination of, different metrics. Typically, metrics can be grouped into two types:

[0171]

[0172] L1-RSRP-related quantities are new quantities introduced for the first time in NR (Rel-15), and one of their purposes is to facilitate beam management. In contrast, CSI-related quantities (such as CQI) are conventional quantities that already exist in LTE. Base stations use those conventional CSI-related quantities to select, for example, appropriate MIMO precoding, modulation, and coding sizes to match channel conditions.

[0173] Exemplary implementations follow the current definitions of 5G 3GPP standards, such as those defined in 3GPP TS 38.331, and may involve, for example, the following information elements (IEs):

[0174] CellGroupConfig, CSI-MeasConfig, CSI-ReportConfig, CSI-ResourceConfig, NZP-CSI-RS-Resource and NZP-CSI-RS-ResourceSet.

[0175] Specifically, the information element (IE) CSI-MeasConfig and the information element CSI-ReportConfig indicate the parameters of the CSI reporting framework that the UE can use to measure and subsequently report the measurement results.

[0176] The following is a possible sequence of IEs for defining measurement and reporting according to the CSI framework:

[0177]

[0178] For example, details of the framework are provided in Section 6.3.2 of 3GPP TS 38.331.

[0179] Example

[0180] As mentioned above, the long activity time required for receiving and processing reference signals (such as SSB and CSI-RS) is a major source of power consumption. This processing of the reference signals includes, for example, measurements and may include corresponding reports. Therefore, it may be desirable to reduce the power consumption used for this processing.

[0181] This disclosure provides a network node and a user equipment (UE), as well as corresponding methods and procedures. For example, an integrated circuit can control a process of the UE or a base station. Figure 6 As shown, user equipment 610 and network node 660 can communicate with each other via a wireless channel in a wireless communication system. For example, the user equipment can be an NR user equipment, and the network node can be a base station or scheduling node, such as an eNB or an NR gNB, particularly a gNB in ​​a non-terrestrial network (NTN) NR system. Figure 6 An example of such a communication system is shown. Communication system 600 can be a wireless communication system according to the technical specifications of 5G, particularly an NR communication system. However, this disclosure is not limited to 3GPP NR, and can also be applied to other wireless or cellular systems such as NTN.

[0182] Figure 6 A general, simplified, and exemplary block diagram of user equipment 610 (also referred to as a communication device) and network node 660 is shown. However, typically, in the case of a sidelink connection between two terminals, the scheduling device can also be a terminal. Furthermore, particularly regarding use cases of URLLC, eMBB, and mMTC; user equipment 610 can also be a sensor device, a wearable device, or a controller for a connected vehicle, or an automated machine in an industrial plant. Additionally, user equipment 610 can be used as a repeater between network node 660 and another communication device (e.g., this disclosure is not limited to a communication "terminal" or a user "terminal").

[0183] The UE and eNB / gNB communicate with each other via (wireless) physical channel 650 using their transceivers 620 (UE side) and 670 (network node side), respectively. Network node 660 and terminal 610 together form communication system 600. Communication system 600 may also include, for example, Figure 1 Other entities of those shown.

[0184] like Figure 6 As shown (on the left), a user equipment (UE) 610 is provided according to a first exemplary embodiment. UE 610 includes a receiver 621 and circuitry 630. The receiver 621 may be included in a transceiver 620. Figure 6 The exemplary transceiver 620 also includes a transmitter 621.

[0185] Receiver 622 receives a reference signal. Circuit 630 performs a first measurement based on the reference signal. Furthermore, circuit 630 determines whether the result of the first measurement meets pre-configured conditions. When the pre-configured conditions are met, low-power operation is performed.

[0186] Any exemplary measurement throughout this disclosure (including the first measurement) can be a measurement relating to Radio Resource Management (RRM), i.e., a so-called RRM measurement. Further details regarding the measurement are explained above in the UE Measurements and Measurement Reports section.

[0187] These pre-configured conditions can be pre-configured by standards, received configurations, etc. The received configurations can be sent by the base station, for example. For instance, the received configurations could be RRC configurations or another configuration.

[0188] Typically, circuitry 630 controls transceiver 620 (which may include transmitter 621 and receiver 622) to receive and / or transmit data. This is illustrated by arrow 625, which schematically represents the interface between circuitry 630 and transceiver 620 through which control is performed. For example, circuitry 630 may control transceiver 620 to receive at least one reference signal.

[0189] Furthermore, the UE can report to the base station based on the measurement results. The UE (specifically, the circuitry) can also obtain reports based on measurements according to one or more of the MR reference signal or LR reference signal. As described above, the UE 610 may also include a transmitter 621 that can send reports to the base station 660. The transmitter 621 may be included in the transceiver 620. For example, this reporting can be performed when the UE is in RRC connection mode.

[0190] Further details regarding measurement result reporting are explained above in the UE Measurement and Measurement Reporting section.

[0191] Figure 7An exemplary functional structure of circuit 630 (particularly circuit 635, which handles low-power determination, i.e., determining whether UE 610 can perform low-power operation) is shown. As illustrated, low-power determination 635 may include measurement circuitry 736. For example, low-power determination circuitry 635 may include additional pre-configuration condition determination circuitry 737. More specifically, circuitry 736 may perform a first measurement based on a received reference signal. Pre-configuration condition determination circuitry 737 may determine whether the result of the first measurement satisfies pre-configuration conditions.

[0192] For example, by providing low-power operation based on pre-configured conditions, UE power savings are facilitated while maintaining acceptable measurement performance.

[0193] Corresponding to the aforementioned UE, a method is provided for a user equipment to perform low-power operation. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0194] - Receive S910 reference signal;

[0195] - Perform the first measurement of S920 based on the reference signal;

[0196] - Determine whether the results of the first measurement by S930 meet the pre-configuration conditions; and

[0197] - When the pre-configuration conditions are met, perform S940 low-power operation.

[0198] For example Figure 6 As shown (on the right-hand side), a network node 660 is provided. Network node 660 includes a transceiver 670 and circuitry 680. Circuitry 680 obtains a configuration for conditions of a measurement based on a predetermined reference signal, wherein the UE performs low-power operation when a measurement performed by the UE satisfies the conditions. Transmitter 671 sends an instruction to the UE regarding the configuration.

[0199] Typically, circuitry 680 controls transceiver 670 to receive and / or transmit data. This is indicated by arrow 675, which schematically represents the interface between circuitry 680 and transceiver 670 through which control is performed. For example, circuitry 680 may instruct transceiver 670 to send instructions regarding the configuration to the UE.

[0200] Figure 8An exemplary functional structure of circuit 680 (particularly low-power configuration circuit 685) is shown. Specifically, low-power configuration circuit 685 may include condition configuration circuit 836. For example, low-power configuration circuit 685 may include an additional configuration transmission circuitry system 837. Circuit 836 may be responsible for obtaining the configuration for conditions based on measurements of a predetermined reference signal. Furthermore, circuit 837 may be responsible for sending instructions to the UE regarding the configuration for the conditions.

[0201] For example, by providing configuration for conditions based on measurements using a predetermined reference signal, low-power operation of the UE is facilitated.

[0202] Furthermore, corresponding to the aforementioned base station, a communication method performed by a network node is provided. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0203] - S1010 obtains the configuration of conditions for measurements based on a predetermined reference signal, wherein the UE performs low-power operation when a measurement performed by the UE satisfies the conditions.

[0204] - Send S1020 to the UE indicating the configuration.

[0205] UE 610 may include transceiver 620 and (processing) circuitry 630, and network node 660 may include transceiver 670 and (processing) circuitry 680. Transceiver 610 may further include and / or function as a receiver and / or transmitter. In this disclosure, in other words, the term "transceiver" is used for the hardware and software components that allow communication device 610 or corresponding base station 660 to transmit and / or receive radio signals via wireless channel 650. Thus, a transceiver corresponds to a receiver, a transmitter, or a combination of a receiver and a transmitter. Generally, it is assumed that base stations and communication devices are capable of both transmitting and receiving radio signals. However, particularly for some applications of eMBB, mMTC, and URLLC (smart home, smart city, industrial automation, etc.), it is conceivable that devices (such as sensors) may only transmit signals. Furthermore, the term "circuitry" includes processing circuitry formed by one or more processors or processing units. Circuitry 630 and 680 (or processing circuitry) may be one or more pieces of hardware, such as one or more processors or any LSI. There are input / output points (or nodes) between the transceiver and the processing circuit. The processing circuit can control the transceiver through these input / output points, that is, control the receiver and / or transmitter and exchange received / transmitted data.

[0206] A transceiver, acting as both a transmitter and receiver, may include an RF (radio frequency) front end, comprising one or more antennas, amplifiers, RF modulators / demodulators, etc. Processing circuitry may perform control tasks, such as controlling the transceiver to transmit user data and control data provided by the processing circuitry and / or to receive user data and control data further processed by the processing circuitry. The processing circuitry may also be responsible for performing other processes, such as determination, decision-making, calculation, and measurement. The transmitter may be responsible for performing the transmission process and other related processes. The receiver may be responsible for performing the reception process and other related processes, such as monitoring the channel.

[0207] It should also be noted that any steps / operations / methods described below may be performed or controlled by circuit 630 (on the UE side) and / or circuit 680 (on the network node side).

[0208] In the further description, unless explicitly stated or otherwise indicated by the context, the details and embodiments apply to each of the user equipment, network nodes, and methods. Furthermore, note that any steps described below may be included as code instructions in a program that may be executed by one or more processors (e.g., circuit 630 and / or circuit 680).

[0209] When performing this low-power operation, the UE (specifically the circuitry) can perform a second measurement based on a low-power radio LR reference signal. For example, the UE receives a second reference signal, which is a reference signal used for low-power operation. The second measurement can be performed based on said received LR reference signal.

[0210] This low-power radio reference signal may include at least one or more of, for example, a low-power wake-up signal (LP-WUS) and a low-power synchronization signal (LP-SS). Alternatively or additionally, the low-power radio reference signal may include any reference signal suitable for performing the measurement, such as any reference signal defined by a standard. For example, SSB or CSI-RS can be used as a reference signal suitable for the measurement. However, this disclosure is not limited to the examples described. In general, any signal suitable for performing the measurement can be used as a low-power radio reference signal.

[0211] Exemplary low-power radio (LR) operation may include measurements based on LP-WUS and / or LP-SS or any conventional reference signal (e.g., one or more of the primary synchronization signal (PSS), secondary synchronization signal (SSS), physical broadcast channel demodulation reference signal (PBCH DMRS)) in either RRC inactive mode or RRC idle mode. Furthermore, LR operation may include measurements based on LP-WUS and / or LP-SS or any conventional reference signal (such as PSS / SSS / PBCH DMRS) in RRC connected mode. Time and / or frequency tracking may be performed in LR operation using one or more of SSB, CSI-RS, LP-WUS, or LP-SS. In such exemplary LR operation, control channels and / or control signals, such as, for example, LP-WUS or paging signals instructing the PDCCH to monitor, may be monitored.

[0212] Typically, the terms “low power” (LP) and “low power radio” (LR) are used as synonyms throughout the manual.

[0213] This LR operation can be performed as a replacement and / or supplement to the main radio operation (MR). For example, MR and LR operations can use different corresponding hardware in the UE. Alternatively, MR and LR operations can use the same hardware in the UE. For example, the UE can include an LR transceiver, LR circuitry, an MR transceiver, and MR circuitry. For example, the LR transceiver and LR circuitry can perform low-power operation, while the MR transceiver and MR circuitry can perform main operation. For example, the LR circuitry and MR circuitry can be included in the same physical circuitry.

[0214] In any of the exemplary cases described, MR operation and LR operation can provide different functions for the UE in their respective operating modes. For example, when the UE is in LR operating mode, it can perform one or more functions that are also available in MR operating mode. Throughout this specification, the terms “operation,” “operating mode,” “mode,” “state,” and “operating state” are used as synonyms when referring to low-power radios and / or the main radio.

[0215] Exemplary Master Radio (MR) operation may include measurements based on SSB and / or CSI-RS in either RRC Inactive or RRC Idle modes. Furthermore, MR operation may include measurements based on SSB and / or CSI-RS in RRC Connected mode. Time and / or frequency tracking may be performed in MR operation using one or more of SSB, CSI-RS, LP-WUS (Low Power Wake-up Signal), or LP-SS (Low Power Synchronization Signal). In such exemplary MR operation, control channels, such as, for example, PDCCH, may be monitored.

[0216] In other words, the MR reference signal may include at least one or more of SSB and CSI-RS.

[0217] This invention is not limited to such exemplary MR and LR operations. MR and LR operations (particularly time / frequency tracking and control channel monitoring) may or may not be explicitly reflected in the standard specifications, depending on whether the MR or LR hardware operates one or more of the aforementioned functions(s), but may only specify which channel, signal, and / or reference signal to receive / monitor / measure. The channel to be measured (e.g., via RRM) may imply MR or LR operations on one or more other channels.

[0218] For example, in LR operation, the UE can use a specific low-power reference signal. In other words, when the UE performs low-power operation, receiving the reference signal includes receiving the low-power radio (LR) reference signal.

[0219] This low-power reference signal can include a more simplified waveform (compared to a non-low-power reference signal). For example, on-off keying (OOK) modulation and / or frequency shift keying (FSK) modulation allow a receiver with lower complexity (compared to an MR receiver) to receive and monitor the low-power reference signal. This low-power reference signal can be, for example, LP-WUS, which can indicate that the UE will perform MR operation. This low-power reference signal can be, for example, LP-SS, which provides a reference signal for time-domain / frequency-domain tracking / synchronization and / or RRM measurements.

[0220] When the UE is not performing low-power operation, receiving reference signals includes receiving the primary radio (MR) reference signal. For example, when not performing low-power operation, the UE can perform MR operation, a combination of MR and LR operation, etc.

[0221] For example, such an MR reference signal could be an SSB and / or a CSI-RS. This disclosure is not limited to these exemplary reference signals. Typically, any other suitable reference signal can be used to perform the measurement.

[0222] When the pre-configured conditions are met, switching between LR and non-LR operations can be performed.

[0223] In other words, when pre-configured conditions are met, the circuit can, for example, switch to low-power operation. This could be the case where the UE receives a reference signal when not performing low-power operation.

[0224] Furthermore, when pre-configured conditions are met, the circuit can, for example, determine to remain in low-power operation before performing low-power operation. This could be the case when the UE receives a reference signal while performing low-power operation.

[0225] In a first exemplary embodiment, switching to low-power operation when pre-configured conditions are met can be, for example, switching from main radio operation to said low-power operation. Such exemplary main radio operation may include performing measurements based on an MR reference signal.

[0226] This conversion according to the first exemplary embodiment is exemplarily shown as Figure 11 The state machine consists of two states, represented by LR operation 1110 and MR operation 1120. When a pre-configuration condition (i.e., a first pre-configuration condition) is met, the UE transitions from MR operation 1140 to LR operation. For example, the first pre-configuration condition may include whether the MR measurement result is higher than a pre-configured threshold. This threshold may be defined by standards, configuration instructions received by the UE, etc.

[0227] For example, when channel conditions are good (e.g., not at the cell edge, etc.), this shift to LR operation can save UE power by offloading measurements to LR operation.

[0228] When the second pre-configuration condition is met, according to Figure 11 In the exemplary implementation described above, the UE can transition from LR operation 1130 to MR operation. For example, the second pre-configuration condition may include whether the LR measurement result is below a predefined threshold, which may be different from the threshold for transitioning from MR operation to LR operation. Similarly, such a threshold for transitioning from LR operation to MR operation may be defined by standards, configurations received by the UE, etc.

[0229] For example, this transition to MR operation can ensure measurement accuracy. Therefore, switching states based on pre-configured conditions helps save UE power and maintain acceptable measurement performance.

[0230] However, this disclosure is not limited to the following: Figure 11 The exemplary implementations describe exemplary conditions for transitioning to and from LR operation. Typically, when determining whether the result of a first measurement satisfies pre-configured conditions, the UE may determine whether one or more of a set of criteria are met. If, for example, at least one of these criteria is met, a selected subset of these criteria is met, or all of these criteria are met, then the predetermined conditions are satisfied.

[0231] The following discussion outlines possible candidates for such standards within the set of standards. This set of standards may include one or more of the exemplary standards, including any combination thereof.

[0232] For example, the set of criteria for the predetermined conditions used to transition to LR operation may include stationary criteria as a first exemplary criterion. Such stationary criteria may be based on the determination of the UE's mobility. For example, for such stationary criteria, measurements (such as RSRP, RSRQ, or SINR) are constant or have a finite variance over a period of time. This finite variance may be defined by criteria, configuration instructions received by the UE, etc. For example, a low mobility evaluation sequence indicates the criteria the UE uses to detect low mobility in order to relax the measurement requirements for cell reselection (see 3GPP TS 38.304, Clause 5.2.4.9.1).

[0233] For example, the set of criteria for the predetermined conditions used to transition to LR operation may include non-cell edge criteria as a second exemplary criterion. Such non-cell edge criteria may be based on the determination of whether the UE is at a cell edge. For example, for such a non-cell edge criterion, the measurement result (e.g., RSRP, RSRQ, or SINR) is above a threshold. This threshold may be defined by criteria, configuration instructions received by the UE, etc. For example, the cell edge evaluation sequence instructs the UE on the criteria used to detect that it is not at a cell edge, in order to relax the measurement requirements for cell reselection (see 3GPP TS 38.304, Clause 5.2.4.9.2).

[0234] For example, as a third exemplary standard, the set of standards for predetermined conditions for transitioning to LR operation may include: if the first measurement performed by the UE is a measurement of the serving cell performed in low-power operation, the measurement of the serving cell is higher than a first pre-configured threshold. The first threshold may be defined by a standard, a configuration instruction received by the UE, etc. In other words, if the first measurement is a measurement in LR operation, the measurement is required to be higher than the (pre-configured) threshold so that low-power operation is maintained if the condition is met.

[0235] For example, as a fourth exemplary standard, the set of standards for predetermined conditions for transitioning to LR operation may include: if the first measurement is a measurement of the serving cell performed when it is not in low-power operation, the measurement of the serving cell is higher than a second pre-configured threshold. The second threshold may be defined by a standard, a configuration instruction received by the UE, etc. In other words, if the first measurement is a measurement performed when it is not in LR operation, the measurement is required to be higher than the (pre-configured) threshold so that the transition to low-power operation is met when the condition is satisfied. For example, if the UE is performing MR operation and the first measurement is based on an MR reference signal,

[0236] For example, as a fifth exemplary standard, the set of standards for predetermined conditions for transitioning to LR operation may include: in the case that the first measurement is a measurement of the serving cell performed in low-power operation, the gap between the measurement of the serving cell and the measurements of neighboring cells is higher than a third pre-configured threshold. The third threshold may be defined by standards, configuration instructions received by the UE, etc.

[0237] For example, in the case of the fifth exemplary standard, the UE can perform a first measurement as a measurement of the serving cell. Furthermore, the UE can perform a second measurement in neighboring cells. For example, the difference between the measurement of the serving cell and the measurement of the neighboring cell corresponds to the difference between the measurement results of the serving cell and the measurement results of the neighboring cells. If the difference exceeds a third pre-configured threshold, the UE performs low-power operation.

[0238] For example, in the case of the fifth exemplary standard, the UE can perform a second measurement in each of a plurality of neighboring cells. Furthermore, the UE can obtain the highest measurement among the second measurements of the measured neighboring cells. The difference between the measurement of the serving cell and the highest measurement result in the second measurements can correspond to the difference between the measurement result of the serving cell and the highest second measurement result obtained from the second measurements among the plurality of neighboring cells. If the difference is higher than a third pre-configured threshold, the UE performs low-power operation.

[0239] For example, as a sixth exemplary standard, the set of standards for predetermined conditions for transitioning to LR operation may include: in the case that the first measurement is performed in low-power operation, the difference between the measurement and a measurement not performed in low-power operation is less than a fourth pre-configured threshold. The fourth threshold may be defined by a standard, a configuration instruction received by the UE, etc.

[0240] For example, in the case of the sixth exemplary standard, the UE can perform a first measurement as a measurement performed in low-power operation. Furthermore, the UE can perform a second measurement not performed in low-power operation. The difference between the measurement performed when performing LR operation and the measurement performed when not performing LR operation corresponds to the difference between the measurement result performed when performing LR operation and the measurement result performed when not performing LR operation. If the difference is less than a fourth pre-configured threshold, the UE performs low-power operation.

[0241] This standard set for performing LR operations is applicable to the first exemplary implementation as well as to any other exemplary implementation described throughout the present invention.

[0242] In the first exemplary embodiment, the corresponding thresholds for entering and leaving the low-power operating state may be different. Additionally, the corresponding thresholds for entering and leaving the main operating state may be different.

[0243] Furthermore, a UE performing low-power operation can switch to different operating modes. For example, in a first exemplary embodiment, when pre-configured conditions for switching to primary radio operation are met for a measurement based on the LR reference signal, the UE (particularly the circuitry included in the UE) can switch to primary radio operation (MR). Such primary radio operation according to the first exemplary embodiment may include performing the MR reference signal-based measurement in a first period. For example, this first period may be configured by a standard, a configuration instruction received by the UE, etc. For example, the period may be 60 or 600 DRX cycles. The length of the DRX cycle may be fixed by a standard or configured by a higher layer (such as, for example, an RRC message or SIB).

[0244] exist Figure 13 The second exemplary implementation is shown in the figure.

[0245] The second exemplary embodiment can be described as a state machine with two states 1310 and 1320, wherein one of these states includes two sub-states, a low-power operation 1311 and an infrequent main operation 1312. In the second exemplary embodiment, the transition 1330 to the low-power operation 1310 is similar to that in the first exemplary embodiment.

[0246] Substate 1312, which involves infrequent MR measurements, is based on periodic operation and can be independent of LR measurements in low-power substate 1311. Compared to LR measurements in low-power substate 1311 and / or MR measurements in “normal” MR operation 1320, the operating frequency of infrequent MR measurements can be relaxed through longer periods, e.g., once every 60 or 600 DRX cycles. Therefore, the UE can save power.

[0247] In other words, in the second exemplary embodiment, when performing low-power operation 1310, measurements based on the LR reference signal are performed in a second cycle. Additionally, in the low-power operation 1310 according to the third exemplary embodiment, measurements based on the MR reference signal are performed in a third cycle.

[0248] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the main radio operation includes performing MR reference signal-based measurements at a fourth cycle. MR reference signal-based measurements in main radio operation 1030 can be performed more frequently than MR reference signal-based measurements in low-power operation 1310.

[0249] In a second exemplary embodiment, when a first pre-configuration condition for switching 1350 to primary radio operation is met for a measurement based on the LR reference signal, or a second pre-configuration condition for switching 1340 to primary radio operation is met for a measurement based on the MR reference signal, the UE can switch 1340 or 1350 to primary radio operation 1320.

[0250] Such pre-configuration conditions for transitioning to primary radio operation include a first pre-configuration condition for transitioning to primary radio operation and a second pre-configuration condition for transitioning to primary radio operation, and may include one or more standards from a set of standards.

[0251] For example, as a first exemplary criterion for transitioning to MR operation, the set of criteria for the predetermined conditions for transitioning to MR operation may include non-static criteria. Such non-static criteria may be based on a determination of the UE's mobility. For example, for such non-static criteria, the variance of measurement results (such as, for example, RSRP, RSRQ, or SINR) over a period of time may be greater than a pre-configured threshold. This pre-configured threshold for variance may be defined by criteria, configuration instructions received by the UE, etc.

[0252] For example, the set of criteria for transitioning to MR operation may include cell edge criteria as a second exemplary criterion. Such cell edge criteria may be based on determining whether the UE is at a cell edge. For example, for such cell edge criteria, a measurement result (e.g., RSRP, RSRQ, or SINR) is below a threshold. This threshold for the cell edge criteria may be defined by a standard, configuration instructions received by the UE, etc.

[0253] For example, as a third exemplary standard for transitioning to MR operation, the set of predetermined conditions for transitioning to MR operation may include: the measurement of the serving cell performed in low-power operation is below a fifth pre-configured threshold. The fifth threshold may be defined by a standard, a configuration instruction received by the UE, etc.

[0254] For example, as a fourth exemplary criterion for transitioning to MR operation, the set of predetermined conditions for transitioning to MR operation may include: the difference between a measurement performed based on the LR reference signal and a measurement performed based on the MR reference signal is greater than a sixth pre-configured threshold. The sixth threshold may be defined by a standard, a configuration instruction received by the UE, etc. The difference between the measurement based on the LR reference signal and the measurement based on the MR reference signal corresponds to the difference between the measurement result based on the LR reference signal and the measurement result based on the MR reference signal. When the difference is greater than the sixth pre-configured threshold, the UE performs primary radio operation.

[0255] For example, as a fifth exemplary standard for transitioning to MR operation, the set of standards for predetermined conditions for transitioning to MR operation may include: when the first measurement is a measurement of the serving cell, the difference between the measurement of the serving cell and the measurements of neighboring cells is less than a seventh pre-configured threshold. The seventh threshold may be defined by standards, configuration instructions received by the UE, etc.

[0256] For example, in the case of the fifth exemplary standard for transitioning to MR operation, the UE can perform a first measurement as a measurement of the serving cell. Furthermore, the UE can perform a second measurement in neighboring cells. For example, the difference between the measurement of the serving cell and the measurement of the neighboring cell corresponds to the difference between the measurement results of the serving cell and the measurement results of the neighboring cell. If the difference is lower than a seventh pre-configured threshold, the UE performs primary radio operation.

[0257] For example, in the case of the fifth exemplary standard for transitioning to MR operation, the UE can perform a second measurement in each of a plurality of neighboring cells. Furthermore, the UE can obtain the highest measurement among the second measurements of the neighboring cells. The difference between the measurement result of the serving cell and the highest measurement result among the second measurements can correspond to the difference between the measurement result of the serving cell and the highest second measurement result obtained from the second measurements among the plurality of neighboring cells. If the difference is less than a seventh pre-configured threshold, the UE performs primary radio operation.

[0258] The set of criteria for conversion to MR operation according to the second exemplary embodiment can also serve as supplementary or alternative criteria to predetermined conditions for conversion to MR operation according to any other exemplary embodiment herein, particularly for the first exemplary embodiment described above and the subsequent third exemplary embodiment.

[0259] Figure 12 A third exemplary implementation is illustrated. The transitions according to the third exemplary implementation are exemplarily shown as a state machine with three states. These three states are represented by LR operation 1210, MR operation 1220, and intermediate operation 1230. When a pre-configuration condition (which is a first pre-configuration condition) is met, the UE transitions from the intermediate operation 1260 to the LR operation.

[0260] Such intermediate operations may include performing measurements based on an LR reference signal and performing measurements based on an MR reference signal. Intermediate operations are not limited to the MR and / or LR measurements. Typically, intermediate operations include at least performing measurements based on an LR reference signal and performing measurements based on an MR reference signal. In other words, intermediate operations may include additional functionality.

[0261] For example, in intermediate operations, measurements based on the MR reference signal can be performed less frequently than measurements based on the MR reference signal in main radio operations. Similarly, in intermediate operations, measurements based on the LR reference signal can be performed more frequently than measurements based on the LR reference signal in LR operations.

[0262] Similar to the low-power operation 1310 according to the second exemplary embodiment, the intermediate operation 1230 according to the third exemplary embodiment may include infrequent MR measurements. Compared to LR measurements based on the LR reference signal in either intermediate state 1230 or LR operation 1210, and / or compared to MR measurements in "normal" MR operation 1220, the operating frequency of infrequent MR measurements can be relaxed by longer cycles, for example, once every 60 or 600 DRX cycles. Therefore, the UE can save power.

[0263] For example, the first pre-configuration condition may include whether the MR measurement result is higher than a pre-configuration threshold. For example, the first pre-configuration condition may include whether the difference between the LR measurement performed in intermediate mode and the MR measurement performed in intermediate mode is less than a pre-configuration threshold. Any such threshold may be defined by a standard, a configuration instruction received by the UE, etc. Furthermore, any standard or any combination of standards in the above-described set of standards for performing the LR operation of the first exemplary implementation may also be applicable to the third exemplary implementation.

[0264] Additionally, when the second pre-configuration condition is met, according to Figure 12 In the third exemplary embodiment, the UE can transition from MR operation 1220 to intermediate operation 1270.

[0265] For example, the second pre-configuration condition may include a static criterion. This static criterion can be defined similarly to the first exemplary criterion for conversion to LR operation described in detail above.

[0266] For example, the second pre-configuration condition may include a non-cell edge standard. This non-cell edge standard can be defined similarly to the second exemplary standard for transitioning to LR operation described in detail above.

[0267] For example, the second pre-configured condition may include whether the MR measurement result is higher than an eighth pre-configured threshold. This eighth threshold, used for transitioning from MR operation 1220 to intermediate operation 1270, can be defined by standards, configurations received by the UE, etc.

[0268] For example, the second pre-configuration condition may include: the difference between the measurement of the serving cell and the measurement of neighboring cells is greater than a ninth pre-configuration threshold. The third threshold may be defined by a standard, a configuration instruction received by the UE, etc.

[0269] For example, the UE can perform measurements of the serving cell. Furthermore, the UE can perform measurements in neighboring cells. For example, the difference between the measurements of the serving cell and those of neighboring cells corresponds to the difference between the measurement results of the serving cell and those of neighboring cells. If this difference exceeds a ninth pre-configured threshold, the UE performs an intermediate operation.

[0270] For example, the UE can perform measurements in each of multiple neighboring cells. Furthermore, the UE can obtain the highest measurement among the measured neighboring cells. The difference between the serving cell's measurement and the highest measurement among the second measurement results can correspond to the difference between the serving cell's measurement result and the highest second measurement result obtained from the second measurement results among the multiple neighboring cells. If this difference exceeds a ninth pre-configured threshold, the UE performs an intermediate operation.

[0271] For example, the second pre-configuration condition may include: the difference between the measurement performed based on the LR reference signal and the measurement performed based on the MR reference signal is less than a tenth pre-configuration threshold. The tenth threshold may be defined by a standard, a configuration instruction received by the UE, etc. The difference between the measurement based on the LR reference signal and the measurement based on the MR reference signal corresponds to the difference between the measurement result based on the LR reference signal and the measurement result based on the MR reference signal. If the difference is greater than the tenth pre-configuration threshold, the UE performs an intermediate operation.

[0272] Furthermore, when the third pre-configuration condition is met, according to Figure 12 The UE in the third exemplary embodiment can switch from intermediate operation 1230 to MR operation 1250.

[0273] For example, the third pre-configuration condition may include a non-static criterion. This non-static criterion may be defined similarly to the first exemplary criterion for conversion to MR operation described in detail above.

[0274] For example, the third pre-configuration condition may include a cell edge standard. This cell edge standard can be defined similarly to the second exemplary standard for transitioning to MR operation described in detail above.

[0275] For example, the third preset condition may include: whether the MR measurement result is lower than the eleventh preset threshold.

[0276] For example, a third pre-configuration condition may include whether the difference between the measurement of the serving cell and the measurement of at least one neighboring cell is less than a twelfth pre-configuration threshold. This criterion can be defined similarly to the fifth exemplary criterion used for transitioning to MR operation.

[0277] For example, a third pre-configuration condition may include whether the difference between the LR measurement and the MR measurement is greater than a thirteenth pre-configuration threshold. Any of the eleventh to thirteenth pre-configuration thresholds may be defined by standards, configuration instructions received by the UE, etc.

[0278] Furthermore, when the fourth pre-configuration condition is met, according to Figure 12 The UE in the third exemplary embodiment can switch from LR operation 1240 to intermediate operation.

[0279] For example, the fourth pre-configuration condition may include a non-static criterion. This non-static criterion may be defined similarly to the first exemplary criterion for conversion to MR operation described in detail above.

[0280] For example, the fourth pre-configuration condition may include a cell edge criterion. This cell edge criterion can be defined similarly to the second exemplary criterion for transitioning to MR operation described in detail above.

[0281] For example, the fourth pre-configured condition may include whether the LR measurement result is lower than the fourteenth pre-configured threshold. The fourteenth pre-configured threshold may be different from any threshold used for transitioning from intermediate operation to LR operation. Similarly, this fourteenth pre-configured threshold used for transitioning from LR operation to intermediate operation may be defined by standards, configurations received by the UE, etc.

[0282] For example, the fourth pre-configuration condition may include whether the difference between the measurement of the serving cell and the measurement of at least one neighboring cell is less than the fifteenth pre-configuration threshold. This criterion can be defined similarly to the fifth exemplary criterion used for transitioning to MR operation.

[0283] For example, the fourth pre-configuration condition may include whether the difference between the LR measurement and the MR measurement is greater than the sixteenth pre-configuration threshold. Any of the fourteenth to sixteenth pre-configuration thresholds may be defined by standards, configuration instructions received by the UE, etc.

[0284] Typically, any one of the first through sixteenth pre-configured thresholds can be configured independently of each other. Any one of the first through tenth pre-configured thresholds can have the same or a different value than the other threshold among the first through tenth pre-configured thresholds. Furthermore, any of these thresholds and / or corresponding criteria can be configured using SIB or RRC.

[0285] In a third exemplary embodiment, the corresponding thresholds for entering and leaving the low-power operating state may be different. Furthermore, the corresponding thresholds for entering and leaving the intermediate operating state may be different. Additionally, the corresponding thresholds for entering and leaving the main operating state may be different.

[0286] In other words, in the third exemplary embodiment, when channel conditions are good, LR operation can be used as much as possible to obtain better power saving gain. When channel conditions are relatively poor, MR operation can be performed to ensure the reliability of the measurement.

[0287] However, this disclosure is not limited to the following: Figure 12 Exemplary implementations of the above provide exemplary conditions for conversion to and from any of the LR operation 1210, intermediate operation 1230, and MR operation 1220.

[0288] In the fourth exemplary implementation, which can be combined with any of the examples and other exemplary implementations herein (in particular any of the first, second and third exemplary implementations), the UE (in particular the circuitry) can also determine whether a pre-configuration period has elapsed since the previous conversion when determining whether the result of the first measurement meets the pre-configuration conditions.

[0289] In other words, the transition between states may optionally be limited to a certain time period, i.e., the UE may be allowed to switch only after a minimum "static period". This "static period" or pre-configured time period may be defined by a standard or configured in an instruction received by the UE. For example, such a standard may be similar to the TimeToTrigger information element in Section 7.1.2 of 3GPP TS 38.331. Support for TimeToTrigger may be used independently or in conjunction with any standard for transitioning to LR operation and / or any standard for transitioning to MR operation and / or any other standard for switching states as defined herein.

[0290] In the fourth exemplary embodiment, the pre-configuration conditions may further include adding an offset to any pre-configuration threshold. This offset addition may be performed additionally or independently of the pre-configured time period since the previous transition. This additional offset may be added to any threshold included in the conditions for transitions between states defined in this disclosure, including any of the first to tenth pre-configuration thresholds defined above. This additional offset may facilitate a hysteresis effect to prevent undesirable rapid switching.

[0291] For example, the threshold used for switching states can optionally be offset by an additional parameter (such as conventional IEHysteresis), which is a parameter used within the entry and exit conditions of the event-triggered reporting condition (see 3GPP TS 38.331, Section 5.5.4).

[0292] In the fifth exemplary embodiment, the UE receives configuration from the base station for measurement and / or reporting. The received configuration may include configuration for the measurement object. The measurement object is explained in detail in the UE Measurement and Measurement Reporting section. This configuration may be received by the UE in RRC connection mode. Details regarding RRC mode and RRC configuration are provided above in the RRC Connection Establishment and Reconfiguration Procedure section.

[0293] The fifth exemplary implementation may be combined with any examples and other exemplary implementations herein, particularly with any one or any combination of the first, second, third and fourth exemplary implementations.

[0294] Figure 14 The diagram illustrates candidate RRC information elements for this measurement configuration (i.e., a configuration for a measurement object). An exemplary measurement configuration 1410 includes a measurement object (MeasObject) 1420 and a reporting configuration (ReportConfig) 1430. The measurement object (MeasObject) 1420 may include one or more measurement objects. Furthermore, the measurement configuration 1410 may include an identifier (MeasID) and additional elements such as s-MeasureConfig, quantityConfig, and mwasGapConfig.

[0295] MeasID provides a list of measurement identifiers, where each measurement identifier links a measurement object to a report configuration. By configuring multiple measurement identifiers, more than one measurement object can be linked to the same report configuration, and more than one report configuration can be linked to the same measurement object.

[0296] The quantityConfig option can define measurement filtering configurations for measurement event evaluation and related reporting, as well as for periodic reporting of the measurement.

[0297] Measurement gaps can be defined in mwasGapConfig and are related to the time period during which the UE can perform measurements.

[0298] In a first example according to a fifth exemplary embodiment, the measurement object includes a configuration for an MR reference signal and a configuration for an LR reference signal. For example, the measurement object may include SSB and / or CSI-RS resource configurations as a configuration for the MR reference signal. For example, the measurement object may include LP-WUS and / or LP-SS resource configurations as a configuration for the LR reference signal.

[0299] exist Figure 15The diagram illustrates a candidate RRC information element for such a measurement object, as shown in a first example according to a fifth exemplary embodiment. The exemplary measurement object 1510 includes a configuration for a reference signal (referenceSignalConfig), which may include SSB and / or CSI-RS resource configurations and LP-WUS and / or LP-SS resource configurations 1520.

[0300] In other words, in the first example, LP-WUS / LP-SS-based measurements are additionally configured within the MeasObject along with conventional SSB / CSI-RS. In the configured (RRM) report linked to this measurement object, the UE can select to report based on one or more of the MR (conventional) and LR reference signals, depending on the UE's current operational configuration. For example, the UE can choose to report according to a UE implementation where measurements can be based on one or more of the configured signals. For example, combination and / or averaging operations can be optionally applied to measurements based on one or more configured signals. In cases where multiple measurements based on conventional and / or new signals need to be reported separately, the absolute value or difference between the two can be reported.

[0301] The first example of the fifth exemplary implementation can provide, for example, a smaller impact on the specification. This implementation can facilitate greater flexibility in UE selection of reports or network decisions regarding reports to the UE.

[0302] In a second example according to the fifth exemplary embodiment, the configuration may include a first measurement object and a second measurement object. The first measurement object may include a configuration of an MR reference signal, such as, for example, an SSB and / or CSI-RS resource configuration. The second measurement object may include a configuration of an LR reference signal, such as, for example, an LP-WUS and / or LP-SS resource configuration.

[0303] exist Figure 16 The diagram illustrates a candidate RRC information element for such a measurement object, as shown in a second example according to a fifth exemplary embodiment. An exemplary first measurement object 1610 includes a configuration for a reference signal `referenceSignalConfig`, which may include an SSB and / or CSI-RS resource configuration 1620. An exemplary second measurement object 1611 includes a configuration for a reference signal `referenceSignalConfig`, which may include an LP-WUS and / or LP-SS resource configuration 1621. Figure 14 The measurement object MeasObject 1420 shown may include one or more measurement objects, including a first measurement object 1610 and a second measurement object 1611.

[0304] In other words, in the second example, measurements based on LP-WUS / LP-SS can be configured in a separate MeasObject 1611. In MeasConfig 1410, if a ReportConfig 1430 is linked to multiple MeasObjects, each with LR and MR (traditional) signals, the UE can choose to report measurement results similar to the first example. For example, the UE can select to report based on one or more of the MR (traditional) and LR reference signals, depending on the UE's current operational configuration. For example, the UE can choose to report according to a UE implementation where the measurement can be based on one or more of the configured signals. For example, combination and / or averaging operations can be optionally applied to measurements based on one or more configured signals. In cases where multiple measurements based on traditional and / or new signals are to be reported separately, the absolute value or difference between the two can be reported.

[0305] In addition to conventional UEs, the second example of the fifth exemplary implementation can provide explicit separation of LP-WUS / LP-SS resource configurations for measurement. Such an implementation can simplify backward compatibility.

[0306] As described above, the UE can report to the base station based on the measurement results. The UE (especially the circuitry) can also obtain the measurement-based report based on one or more of the MR reference signal or LR reference signal.

[0307] Furthermore, in a third example of the fifth exemplary embodiment, which can be combined with any of the first or second examples according to the fifth exemplary embodiment, the UE (particularly the circuitry) may also receive a report configuration. This report indication may indicate a reference signal for reporting to the base station, said reference signal being included in at least one measurement object.

[0308] According to the third example of the fifth exemplary embodiment, the candidate RRC information element for such report configuration ReportConfig 1420 is in Figure 17 As shown in the figure. The exemplary reporting configuration 1710 includes an indication 1720 of whether the report is a periodic report or an event-triggered report. In addition, the type of reference signal rsType 1730 used for reporting is specified in an enumeration list, such as SSB, CSI-RS, LP-WUS, or LP-SS.

[0309] In other words, ReportConfig can determine which RS can be used for measurement reporting. In MeasConfig 1410, if a ReportConfig 1430 is linked to multiple MeasObjects 1420, each with a new signal and a legacy signal, the UE can choose to report measurement results similar to the first example. For example, the UE can select to report based on one or more of the MR (legacy) and LR reference signals, depending on the UE's current operational configuration. For example, the UE can choose to report according to a UE implementation where the measurement can be based on one or more of the configured signals. For example, combination and / or averaging operations can be optionally applied to measurements based on one or more of the configured signals. In cases where multiple measurements based on legacy and / or new signals are to be reported separately, the absolute value or difference between the two can be reported.

[0310] As mentioned above, the report can be an event-triggered report. Such an event-triggered report can be triggered when one or more criteria for any pre-configured conditions used to switch between operating modes are met. For example, a report can be triggered if at least one of these criteria is met, a selected subset of these criteria is met, or all of these criteria are met.

[0311] For example, a report can be triggered if one or more of the following conditions are met:

[0312] - Static standard, which is based on the determination of the UE's mobility;

[0313] - Non-cell edge standard, which is based on determining whether the UE is at the cell edge;

[0314] -In the case where the first measurement is performed during low-power operation and the measurement of the serving cell is higher than a first pre-configured threshold,

[0315] -In the case where the first measurement is a measurement of the serving cell that is not performed during low-power operation, the measurement of the serving cell is higher than a second pre-configured threshold.

[0316] - In the case where the first measurement is a measurement of the serving cell performed in low-power operation, the interval between the measurement of the serving cell and the measurement of neighboring cells is higher than a third pre-configured threshold.

[0317] - In the case that the first measurement is performed in low-power operation, the difference between the measurement and the measurement not performed in low-power operation is less than a fourth pre-configured threshold.

[0318] For example, the UE can execute measurement reports based on Layer 1 (L1) LR reference signals or Layer 3 (L3) LR reference signals. Either the L1 or L3 report can be aperiodic, semi-persistent, or periodic. This configuration facilitates measurement result reporting based on Layer 1 and / or Layer 3.

[0319] Furthermore, differential reporting between MR and LR measurements can be applied. In other words, measurement reports based on the L1 LR reference signal and / or measurement reports based on the L3 LR reference signal can include differential reporting between measurements based on the LR reference signal and measurements based on the MR reference signal. Which reference signal provides the reference value and which reference signal provides the differential portion can depend on which of the MR-based or LR-based measurements is configured to be performed more frequently. For example, this association between the reference value and the differential portion can be based on the state in any of the first to third exemplary embodiments.

[0320] In addition, MR-based and LR-based reports can be configured in the same or different CSI reportConfig.

[0321] If these are configured in the same CSI reportConfig, both MR-based and LR-based reports can be reported at the same time. For example, MR-based and LR-based reports can be encoded separately or as differential values ​​in an L1 CSI report.

[0322] In other words, the circuit can be configured to report measurements based on the LR reference signal and measurements based on the MR reference signal at the same transmission time using measurement reports based on the L1 LR reference signal or measurement reports based on the L3 LR reference signal.

[0323] As described above, a network node (base station) is also provided. Base station 660 (specifically circuit 680) obtains a configuration for conditions of measurement based on a predetermined reference signal, wherein the UE performs low-power operation when a measurement performed by user equipment UE satisfies the conditions.

[0324] In other words, the base station can determine one or more reference signals for MR operation and / or one or more reference signals for LR operation. A configuration of conditions for measurements based on any of these determined reference signals can be obtained.

[0325] The conditions used for measurement may include any of the pre-configured conditions and / or standards described above for the UE.

[0326] For example, the base station can determine the UE's capability regarding low-power operation. For example, the base station can receive from the UE an indication of using MR and / or LR operation. For example, the base station can receive a measurement report from the UE. Based on the received report, the base station can determine appropriate configurations and / or reference signals for MR and / or LR operation.

[0327] In addition, the base station sends an indication of the configuration to the UE. This indication may be included in the RRC configuration or sent to the UE in any other suitable configuration.

[0328] Furthermore, in a first exemplary embodiment of the base station, the base station 660 (particularly the transmitter) may also transmit a first reference signal and a second reference signal. The first reference signal and the second reference signal may be of the same type or may be of different types. For example, the first reference signal may be the MR reference signal defined above for the UE. For example, the first reference signal may be the LR reference signal defined above for the UE. For example, the second reference signal may be a reference signal for low-power operation of the UE. In other words, the second reference signal may be the LR reference signal defined above for the UE.

[0329] Furthermore, in a second exemplary embodiment for use with a base station, the base station may also transmit a first reference signal. Additionally, the base station may receive an indication from the UE. This indication may specify an operation to be performed by the UE. In other words, the UE may report to the base station an indication to perform low-power operation and / or an indication not to perform low-power operation.

[0330] Based on this received instruction, the circuit can instruct the transmitter to send a second reference signal. The transmitter can also send the second reference signal.

[0331] For example, the UE can send an indication of measurement results to the base station, such as a report as described above. In the second exemplary embodiment of the base station, the base station can obtain the UE's operating mode based on the received indication. If the indication instructs the UE to perform low-power operation, the second reference signal can be an LR reference signal. If the indication instructs the UE to perform MR operation, the second reference signal can be an MR reference signal.

[0332] Hardware and software implementations of this disclosure

[0333] This disclosure can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of both. Each functional block used in the description of each of the above embodiments can be implemented partially or entirely by an LSI, such as an integrated circuit, and each process described in each embodiment can be controlled partially or entirely by the same LSI or a combination of LSIs. An LSI can be formed as a single chip, or a chip can be formed to include some or all of the functional blocks. An LSI may include data input and data output terminals coupled thereto. Depending on the level of integration, the LSI here may be referred to as an IC (integrated circuit), a system LSI, a super LSI, or an ultra-LSI. However, the technology for implementing integrated circuits is not limited to LSIs and can be implemented using dedicated circuits, general-purpose processors, or special-purpose processors. Furthermore, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) that can be programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or a reconfigurable processor in which the connections and settings of circuit cells disposed within the LSI can be reconfigured, can be used. This disclosure can be implemented as digital or analog processing. If future integrated circuit technology replaces the LSI due to advancements in semiconductor technology or other derivative technologies, future integrated circuit technology can be used to integrate the functional blocks. Biotechnology can also be applied.

[0334] This disclosure can be implemented by any kind of device, apparatus or system having communication function, referred to as a communication device.

[0335] Communication devices may include transceivers and processing / control circuitry systems. A transceiver may include and / or function as both a receiver and a transmitter. As a transmitter and receiver, a transceiver may include an RF (radio frequency) module and one or more antennas; the RF module may include amplifiers, RF modulators / demodulators, etc.

[0336] Some non-limiting examples of such communication devices include telephones (e.g., cellular phones, smartphones), tablets, personal computers (PCs) (e.g., laptops, desktops, netbooks), cameras (e.g., digital cameras / camcorders), digital players (digital audio / video players), wearable devices (e.g., wearable cameras, smartwatches, tracking devices), game consoles, digital book readers, telehealth / telemedicine devices, and vehicles that provide communication capabilities (e.g., cars, airplanes, ships), as well as various combinations thereof.

[0337] The communication device is not limited to portable or mobile devices, and may also include any kind of non-portable or fixed device, equipment or system, such as smart home devices (e.g., appliances, lighting, smart meters, control panels), vending machines and any other “thing” in an “Internet of Things (IoT)” network.

[0338] Communication can include exchanging data through, for example, cellular systems, wireless LAN systems, satellite systems, and various combinations thereof.

[0339] The communication device may include devices such as controllers or sensors coupled to a communication device that performs the communication functions described in this disclosure. For example, the communication device may include a controller or sensor that generates control signals or data signals used by the communication device performing the communication functions of the communication device.

[0340] Communication devices may also include infrastructure such as base stations, access points, and any other devices, equipment, or systems that communicate with or control such devices as those in the non-limiting examples above.

[0341] Furthermore, various embodiments can also be implemented using software modules, which are executed by a processor or directly in the hardware. Combinations of software modules and hardware implementations are also possible. The software modules can be stored on any type of computer-readable storage medium. Specifically, according to another embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium is provided. This recording medium stores a program that, when executed by one or more processors, causes one or more processors to perform the steps of the method according to this disclosure.

[0342] By way of example and not limitation, such computer-readable storage media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disc storage devices, magnetic disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices, flash memory, or any other medium that can be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and is accessible by a computer. Furthermore, any connection is appropriately referred to as a computer-readable medium. For example, if instructions are transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technology (such as infrared, radio, and microwave), then coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technology (such as infrared, radio, and microwave) is included in the definition of medium. However, it should be understood that computer-readable storage media and data storage media do not include connections, carrier waves, signals, or other transient media, but rather refer specifically to non-transient tangible storage media. As used herein, disks and optical discs include compact optical discs (CDs), laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile optical discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs, wherein disks typically reproduce data magnetically, while optical discs reproduce data optically using lasers. The above combinations should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0343] It should also be noted that various features of different embodiments may be used individually or in any combination as the subject matter of another embodiment. Those skilled in the art will understand that many variations and / or modifications can be made to this disclosure as shown in the specific embodiments. Therefore, this embodiment is to be considered exemplary and not restrictive in all respects.

[0344] Other aspects

[0345] According to a first aspect, a user equipment (UE) is provided. The UE includes a receiver and circuitry. The receiver receives a reference signal. The circuitry performs a first measurement based on the reference signal; determines whether the result of the first measurement satisfies pre-configuration conditions; and, when the pre-configuration conditions are satisfied, performs low-power operation.

[0346] According to the second aspect provided in addition to the first aspect, when the pre-configuration conditions are met, the circuit also determines whether to remain in low-power operation or switch to low-power operation before performing low-power operation, and when performing low-power operation, the circuit also performs a second measurement based on the low-power radio LR reference signal.

[0347] According to a third aspect provided in addition to either the first or the second aspect, when the UE performs low-power operation, receiving the reference signal includes receiving a low-power radio LR reference signal, and when the UE does not perform low-power operation, receiving the reference signal includes receiving a main radio MR reference signal.

[0348] Based on a fourth aspect provided in addition to any of the first to third aspects, when determining whether the result of the first measurement satisfies the pre-configured conditions, the circuit determines whether one or more of the following are satisfied:

[0349] - Static standard, which is based on the determination of the UE's mobility;

[0350] - Non-cell edge standard, which is based on determining whether the UE is at the cell edge;

[0351] -In the case where the first measurement is performed during low-power operation and the measurement of the serving cell is higher than a first pre-configured threshold,

[0352] -In the case where the first measurement is a measurement of the serving cell that is not performed during low-power operation, the measurement of the serving cell is higher than a second pre-configured threshold.

[0353] - In the case where the first measurement is performed in low-power operation and it is a measurement of the serving cell, the difference between the measurement of the serving cell and the measurement of the neighboring cells is higher than a third pre-configured threshold.

[0354] - In the case that the first measurement is performed in low-power operation, the difference between the measurement and the measurement not performed in low-power operation is less than a fourth pre-configured threshold.

[0355] According to a fifth aspect provided in addition to any of the second to fourth aspects, when the pre-configuration conditions are met, the switch to low-power operation is a switch from main radio operation to said low-power operation, wherein the main radio operation includes performing measurements based on the MR reference signal.

[0356] According to the sixth aspect provided in addition to the fifth aspect, the circuit also: when a pre-configured condition for switching to main radio operation is met for a measurement based on the LR reference signal, the circuit switches to main radio operation, wherein the main radio operation includes performing the measurement based on the MR reference signal in a first cycle.

[0357] According to the seventh aspect provided in addition to the fifth aspect, the circuit also performs measurements based on the LR reference signal in a second cycle and measurements based on the MR reference signal in a third cycle when performing low-power operation, and switches to main radio operation when the measurements based on the LR reference signal satisfy a first pre-configuration condition for switching to main radio operation, or the measurements based on the MR reference signal satisfy a second pre-configuration condition for switching to main radio operation, wherein the main radio operation includes performing measurements based on the MR reference signal in a fourth cycle.

[0358] According to the eighth aspect, which is provided in addition to any of the sixth or seventh aspects, the pre-configuration conditions for switching to primary radio operation (including a first pre-configuration condition for switching to primary radio operation and a second pre-configuration condition for switching to primary radio operation) include one or more of the following:

[0359] -Non-static standard,

[0360] - Community edge standards

[0361] - The measurement of the serving cell is below the fifth pre-configured threshold.

[0362] - The difference between measurements based on the LR reference signal and measurements based on the MR reference signal is greater than the sixth pre-configured threshold.

[0363] - The difference between the measurement of the serving cell and the measurement of the neighboring cells is less than the seventh pre-configured threshold.

[0364] According to the ninth aspect provided in addition to any of the second to fourth aspects, when a pre-configuration condition (i.e., a first pre-configuration condition for switching to low-power operation) is met, the circuit also switches from intermediate operation to low-power operation; when a second pre-configuration condition for switching to intermediate-power operation is met, the circuit switches from main radio operation to intermediate operation, wherein the intermediate operation includes at least performing measurements based on an LR reference signal and performing measurements based on an MR reference signal, the main radio operation includes performing measurements based on an MR reference signal, and the second pre-configuration condition includes one or more of the following:

[0365] -Static standard,

[0366] -Non-cell edge standard

[0367] - Measurements based on the MR reference signal are above a pre-configured threshold.

[0368] - The difference between the measurement of the serving cell and the measurement of neighboring cells is greater than the ninth pre-configured threshold.

[0369] - The difference between the measurement based on the LR reference signal and the measurement based on the MR reference signal is less than the tenth pre-configured threshold.

[0370] According to the tenth aspect provided in addition to the ninth aspect, when the third pre-configuration condition is met, the circuit also switches from intermediate operation to main radio operation, and when the fourth pre-configuration condition is met, the circuit switches from low-power operation to intermediate operation, wherein the third pre-configuration condition includes one or more of the following:

[0371] -Non-static standard,

[0372] - Community edge standards

[0373] - Measurements based on the MR reference signal are below the eleventh pre-configured threshold.

[0374] - The difference between the measurements of the serving cell and those of neighboring cells is less than the twelfth pre-configured threshold, and

[0375] - The difference between measurements based on MR reference signals and measurements based on LR reference signals is greater than the thirteenth pre-configured threshold;

[0376] Furthermore, the fourth pre-configuration condition includes one or more of the following:

[0377] -Non-static standard,

[0378] - Community edge standards

[0379] - Measurements based on the LR reference signal are below the fourteenth pre-configured threshold.

[0380] - The difference between the measurement of the serving cell and the measurement of neighboring cells is less than the fifteenth pre-configured threshold.

[0381] - The difference between the measurement based on the LR reference signal and the measurement based on the MR reference signal is less than the sixteenth pre-configured threshold.

[0382] According to the eleventh aspect provided in addition to any of the ninth and tenth aspects, in intermediate operation, measurements based on the MR reference signal are performed less frequently than in main radio operation.

[0383] According to the twelfth aspect, which is provided in addition to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the LR reference signal includes at least one or more of the following:

[0384] -Low Power Wake-up Signal LP-WUS

[0385] -Low-power synchronization signal LP-SS,

[0386] and / or

[0387] MR reference signals include at least one or more of the following:

[0388] -Synchronization signal block SSB,

[0389] - Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS).

[0390] According to the thirteenth aspect provided in addition to any of the fourth to twelfth aspects, when determining whether the result of the first measurement meets the pre-configuration conditions, the circuit also determines whether the pre-configuration period since the previous conversion has passed and / or the pre-configuration conditions also include adding an offset to any pre-configuration threshold.

[0391] According to the fourteenth aspect provided in addition to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, when the UE is in RRC connection mode, the circuit also receives from the base station a configuration for a measurement object, and the measurement object includes SSB and / or CSI-RS resource configuration and LP-WUS and / or LP-SS resource configuration; or, the configuration includes a first measurement object and a second measurement object, wherein the first measurement object includes SSB and / or CSI-RS resource configuration and the second measurement object includes LP-WUS and / or LP-SS resource configuration.

[0392] According to the fifteenth aspect provided in addition to any of the first to fourteenth aspects, when the UE is in RRC connection mode, the circuit also obtains a report based on the results of measurements according to one or more of the MR reference signal or LR reference signal, and the UE also includes a transmitter that sends the report to the base station.

[0393] According to a sixteenth aspect provided in addition to either the fourteenth or fifteenth aspect, the circuit also receives a reporting configuration indicating a reference signal for reporting to the base station, the reference signal being included in at least one measurement object.

[0394] According to the seventeenth aspect, which is provided in addition to any of the fourteenth to sixteenth aspects, this report is an event-triggered report that is triggered when one or more of the following conditions are met:

[0395] - Static standard, which is based on the determination of the UE's mobility;

[0396] - Non-cell edge standard, which is based on determining whether the UE is at the cell edge;

[0397] -In the case where the first measurement is performed during low-power operation and the measurement of the serving cell is higher than a first pre-configured threshold,

[0398] -In the case where the first measurement is a measurement of the serving cell that is not performed during low-power operation, the measurement of the serving cell is higher than a second pre-configured threshold.

[0399] - In the case where the first measurement is performed in low-power operation and it is a measurement of the serving cell, the difference between the measurement of the serving cell and the measurement of the neighboring cells is higher than a third pre-configured threshold.

[0400] - In the case that the first measurement is performed in low-power operation, the difference between the measurement and the measurement not performed in low-power operation is less than a fourth pre-configured threshold.

[0401] According to the eighteenth aspect provided in addition to any one of the fifteenth to seventeenth aspects, the circuit is configured to perform a measurement report based on the layer 1 (L1) LR reference signal or a measurement report based on the layer 3 (L3) LR reference signal, which is one of aperiodic reporting, semi-permanent reporting or periodic reporting.

[0402] According to the nineteenth aspect provided in addition to the eighteenth aspect, either the measurement report based on the L1 LR reference signal or the measurement report based on the L3 LR reference signal includes a differential report between the measurement based on the LR reference signal and the measurement based on the MR reference signal.

[0403] According to the twentieth aspect provided in addition to any one of the sixteenth to nineteenth aspects, the circuit is configured to report measurements based on the LR reference signal and measurements based on the MR reference signal at the same transmission timing.

[0404] According to a twenty-first aspect, a network node is provided. The network node includes a transmitter and circuitry. The circuitry acquires a configuration for conditions of a measurement based on a predetermined reference signal, wherein the UE performs low-power operation when a measurement performed by a user equipment (UE) satisfies the conditions. The transmitter sends an instruction to the UE regarding the configuration.

[0405] According to the twenty-second aspect provided in addition to the twenty-first aspect, the transmitter also transmits a first reference signal and a second reference signal, wherein the second reference signal is a reference signal for low-power operation of the UE.

[0406] According to the twenty-third aspect provided in addition to the twenty-first aspect, the transmitter also transmits a first reference signal, and the network node further includes a receiver that receives an instruction from the UE indicating an operation to be performed by the UE, wherein the circuitry also obtains the instruction and, based on the received instruction, obtains an instruction for the transmitter to transmit a second reference signal, and the transmitter also transmits the second reference signal.

[0407] According to the 24th aspect provided in addition to the 23rd aspect, the instruction instructs the UE to perform low-power operation and the second reference signal is a low-power radio LR reference signal, or the instruction instructs the UE not to perform low-power operation and to transmit the second reference signal including transmitting the main radio MR reference signal.

[0408] According to a twenty-fifth aspect, a method for a user equipment (UE) is provided. The method includes: receiving a reference signal; performing a first measurement based on the reference signal; determining whether the result of the first measurement satisfies the pre-configuration conditions; and performing low-power operation when the pre-configuration conditions are satisfied.

[0409] According to a twenty-sixth aspect, a method for a network node is provided. The method includes: obtaining a configuration of conditions for a measurement based on a predetermined reference signal, wherein when a measurement performed by a user equipment (UE) satisfies the conditions, the UE performs low-power operation, and an indication of the configuration is sent to the UE.

[0410] According to a twenty-seventh aspect, an integrated circuit is provided that controls processing of a user equipment, the processing including the following steps performed by the user equipment:

[0411] - Receive reference signal;

[0412] - Perform the first measurement based on the reference signal;

[0413] - Determine whether the results of the first measurement meet the pre-configured conditions; and

[0414] - When the pre-configured conditions are met, perform low-power operation.

[0415] According to the twenty-eighth aspect, an integrated circuit is provided that controls a process of network nodes, the process including the following steps performed by the network nodes:

[0416] - To obtain a configuration of conditions for a measurement based on a predetermined reference signal, wherein the UE performs low-power operation when a measurement performed by the user equipment (UE) satisfies the conditions; and

[0417] - Send an instruction on the configuration to the UE.

[0418] According to the twenty-ninth aspect, a program stored on a storage medium and including code instructions, which, when executed on one or more processors of a user device, cause the one or more processors to perform the following steps:

[0419] - Receive reference signal;

[0420] - Perform the first measurement based on the reference signal;

[0421] - Determine whether the results of the first measurement meet the pre-configured conditions; and

[0422] - When the pre-configured conditions are met, perform low-power operation.

[0423] According to the thirtieth aspect, a program stored on a storage medium and comprising code instructions, which, when executed on one or more processors of a network node, cause the one or more processors to perform the following steps:

[0424] - To obtain a configuration of conditions for a measurement based on a predetermined reference signal, wherein the UE performs low-power operation when a measurement performed by the user equipment (UE) satisfies the conditions; and

[0425] - Send an instruction on the configuration to the UE.

Claims

1. A user equipment (UE), comprising: The receiver, which is: Receive reference signal; The circuit, which is: Perform a first measurement based on the reference signal; Determine whether the result of the first measurement meets the pre-configuration conditions; and When the pre-configured conditions are met, low-power operation is performed.

2. The UE according to claim 1, wherein, When the pre-configuration conditions are met, the circuit also: before performing the low-power operation. - Determine whether to remain in the low-power operation, or - Switch to the low-power operation, and When performing low-power operation, the circuit also performs a second measurement based on a low-power radio LR reference signal.

3. The UE according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein, When the UE performs the low-power operation, receiving the reference signal includes receiving the low-power radio LR reference signal, and When the UE does not perform the low-power operation, receiving the reference signal includes receiving the main radio MR reference signal.

4. The UE according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, When determining whether the result of the first measurement meets the pre-configuration conditions, the circuit determines whether one or more of the following conditions are met: - Static criteria, which are based on the determination of the mobility of the UE; - Non-cell edge criteria, which are based on determining whether the UE is at the cell edge; - In the case where the first measurement is a measurement of the serving cell performed during the low-power operation, the measurement of the serving cell is higher than a first pre-configured threshold. - In the case where the first measurement is a measurement of the serving cell that is not performed during the low-power operation, the measurement of the serving cell is higher than the second pre-configured threshold. - In the case where the first measurement is performed in low-power operation and is a measurement of the serving cell, the difference between the measurement of the serving cell and the measurement of neighboring cells is higher than a third pre-configured threshold. - In the case where the first measurement is performed in low-power operation, the difference between the measurement and the measurement not performed in the low-power operation is less than a fourth pre-configured threshold.

5. The UE according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, When the pre-configuration conditions are met, the transition to low-power operation is a transition from main radio operation to low-power operation. The main radio operation includes performing measurements based on the MR reference signal.

6. The UE according to claim 5, wherein, The circuit also includes: When measurements based on the LR reference signal meet the pre-configured conditions for switching to main radio operation, the system switches to main radio operation. The main radio operation includes performing measurements based on the MR reference signal in a first cycle.

7. The UE according to claim 5, wherein, The circuit also includes: When performing low-power operation, measurements based on the LR reference signal are performed in a second cycle, and measurements based on the MR reference signal are performed in a third cycle. The user switches to the main radio operation when a first pre-configuration condition for switching to the main radio operation is met for a measurement based on the LR reference signal, or a second pre-configuration condition for switching to the main radio operation is met for a measurement based on the MR reference signal. The main radio operation includes performing measurements based on the MR reference signal in a fourth cycle.

8. The UE according to any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein, The pre-configuration conditions for switching to the primary radio operation, including a first pre-configuration condition for switching to the primary radio operation and a second pre-configuration condition for switching to the primary radio operation, include one or more of the following: -Non-static standard, - Community edge standards - The measurement of the serving cell is below the fifth pre-configured threshold. - The difference between the measurement based on the LR reference signal and the measurement based on the MR reference signal is greater than the sixth pre-configured threshold.

9. The UE according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The circuit also includes: When the pre-configuration condition is met, the system switches from intermediate operation to low-power operation. The pre-configuration condition is a first pre-configuration condition for switching to low-power operation. When the second pre-configured condition for switching to the intermediate power operation is met, the switch is made from the primary radio operation to the intermediate operation. The intermediate operations include at least performing measurements based on the LR reference signal and performing measurements based on the MR reference signal. The main radio operation includes performing measurements based on the MR reference signal, and The second pre-configuration condition includes a measurement based on the MR reference signal that is higher than the seventh pre-configuration threshold.

10. The UE according to claim 9, wherein, The circuit also includes: When the third pre-configuration condition is met, the operation transitions from the intermediate operation to the main radio operation. When the fourth pre-configuration condition is met, the operation transitions from the low-power operation to the intermediate operation, and The third pre-configuration condition includes one or more of the following: - The measurement based on the MR reference signal is below the eighth pre-configured threshold, and - The difference between the measurement based on the MR reference signal and the measurement based on the LR reference signal is greater than the ninth pre-configured threshold; Furthermore, the fourth pre-configuration condition includes a measurement based on the LR reference signal that is below the tenth pre-configuration threshold.

11. The UE according to any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein, In the intermediate operation, measurements based on the MR reference signal are performed less frequently than those based on the MR reference signal in the main radio operation.

12. The UE according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The LR reference signal includes at least one or more of the following: -Low Power Wake-up Signal LP-WUS -Low-power synchronization signal LP-SS, and / or The MR reference signal includes at least one or more of the following: -Synchronization signal block SSB, - Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS).

13. The UE according to any one of claims 4 to 12, wherein, When determining whether the result of the first measurement meets the pre-configuration conditions, the circuit also determines: The pre-configuration period since the previous conversion has ended. and / or The pre-configuration conditions also include adding offsets to any pre-configuration thresholds.

14. The UE according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, When the UE is in RRC connection mode, the circuit also: Receive configuration for the measurement object from the base station, and -The measurement objects include: oSSB and / or CSI-RS resource configuration, and oLP-WUS and / or LP-SS resource configuration; or - The configuration includes a first measurement object and a second measurement object, wherein the first measurement object includes SSB and / or CSI-RS resource configuration, and the second measurement object includes LP-WUS and / or LP-SS resource configuration.

15. The UE according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein, When the UE is in RRC connection mode, the circuit also obtains a report based on the results of measurements according to one or more of the MR reference signal or the LR reference signal. The UE also includes a transmitter that sends the report to the base station.

16. The UE according to any one of claims 14 or 15, wherein, The circuit also receives a reporting configuration that indicates a reference signal for reporting to the base station, the reference signal being included in at least one measurement object.

17. The UE according to any one of claims 14 to 16, in, The report is an event-triggered report, which is triggered when one or more of the following conditions are met: - Static criteria, which are based on the determination of the mobility of the UE; - Non-cell edge criteria, which are based on determining whether the UE is at the cell edge; - In the case where the first measurement is a measurement of the serving cell performed during the low-power operation, the measurement of the serving cell is higher than a first pre-configured threshold. - In the case where the first measurement is a measurement of the serving cell that is not performed during the low-power operation, the measurement of the serving cell is higher than the second pre-configured threshold. - In the case where the first measurement is a measurement of the serving cell performed in low-power operation, the interval between the measurement of the serving cell and the measurement of neighboring cells is higher than a third pre-configured threshold. - In the case where the first measurement is performed in low-power operation, the difference between the measurement and the measurement not performed in the low-power operation is less than a fourth pre-configured threshold.

18. The UE according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein, The circuit is configured to perform a measurement report based on a layer 1 (L1) LR reference signal or a layer 3 (L3) LR reference signal, wherein the measurement report is one of a non-periodic report, a semi-persistent report, or a periodic report.

19. The UE according to claim 18, wherein, Either the measurement report based on the L1 LR reference signal or the measurement report based on the L3 LR reference signal includes a differential report between the measurement based on the LR reference signal and the measurement based on the MR reference signal.

20. The UE according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein, The circuit is configured to report measurements based on the LR reference signal and measurements based on the MR reference signal at the same transmission timing.

21. A network node, comprising: The circuit, which is: A configuration is obtained for conditions of a measurement based on a predetermined reference signal, wherein the UE performs low-power operation when a measurement performed by the user equipment (UE) satisfies the conditions. The transmitter, which: Send an instruction on the configuration to the UE.

22. The network node according to claim 21, wherein, The transmitter also transmits a first reference signal and a second reference signal, wherein the second reference signal is a reference signal for low-power operation of the UE.

23. The network node according to claim 21, wherein, The transmitter also transmits a first reference signal, and The network node also includes a receiver, which: Receive an instruction from the UE, the instruction indicating an operation to be performed by the UE. The circuit also receives the indication and, based on the received indication, obtains instructions for the transmitter to send a second reference signal. The transmitter also sends the second reference signal.

24. The network node according to claim 23, wherein, The instruction instructs the UE to perform low-power operation, and the second reference signal is a low-power radio LR reference signal. or The instruction instructs the UE not to perform low-power operation, and transmitting the second reference signal includes transmitting the main radio MR reference signal.

25. A method for a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: Receive reference signal; Perform a first measurement based on the reference signal; Determine whether the result of the first measurement meets the pre-configuration conditions; as well as When the pre-configured conditions are met, low-power operation is performed.

26. A method for a network node, comprising: A configuration is obtained for conditions of a measurement based on a predetermined reference signal, wherein the UE performs low-power operation when a measurement performed by the user equipment (UE) satisfies the conditions. Send an instruction on the configuration to the UE.

27. An integrated circuit for controlling a user equipment, the process comprising the following steps performed by the user equipment: - Receive reference signal; - Perform a first measurement based on the reference signal; - Determine whether the result of the first measurement meets the pre-configured conditions; as well as - When the pre-configured conditions are met, perform low-power operation.

28. An integrated circuit for controlling a network node, the process comprising the following steps performed by the network node: - To obtain a configuration of conditions for a measurement based on a predetermined reference signal, wherein the UE performs low-power operation when a measurement performed by the user equipment (UE) satisfies the conditions; and - Send an instruction on the configuration to the UE.

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