Systems and apparatus for determining measurements in network and related methods

Abstract

Systems (100), apparatuses (102) and methods (300) for determining measurements in a network are disclosed. The method (300) comprises: an input step (302) comprising receiving at least one input signal associated with a timer value; and a processing step (304) comprising at least one of: determining whether the current signal is within a low power wake-up signal (LPWUS) coverage area; if the current signal is not in the LPWUS coverage area, starting a timer based on the timer value; increasing a frequency of radio resource management (RRM) measurements after the timer is started; and determining whether the RRM measurement is valid; wherein the radio is enabled when the timer expires if the RRM measurement is invalid, and the radio is disabled when the timer expires if the RRM measurement is valid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to one or both of a system and apparatus for determining measurements in association with, for example, a user equipment (UE) that can be used for communication in a network. This disclosure further relates to a method that can be associated with the system and / or the apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, energy efficiency and energy savings are helpful or desirable in communication networks. An example of a communication network would be a telecommunications network based on the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) 5G (Fifth Generation) New Radio (NR) standard.

[0003] Conventional communication techniques, such as wake-up signals (WUS), are typically used to help promote energy efficiency and energy savings. This disclosure contemplates that conventional techniques may not optimally promote efficiency and energy savings. For example, measurements performed on the main radio (MR), such as radio resource management (RRM) measurements, can result in significant energy consumption in the user equipment (UE).

[0004] This disclosure envisions that it would be helpful to address (or at least alleviate) one or more problems associated with conventional technologies used to promote energy efficiency and energy savings. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of the invention, a method for determining a measurement in a network is provided, the method comprising: an input step including receiving at least one input signal associated with a timer value; and a processing step including at least one of: determining whether a current signal is within a Low Power Wake-up Signal (LPWUS) coverage area; if the current signal is not within the LPWUS coverage area, starting a timer based on the timer value; increasing the frequency of a Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurement after starting the timer; and determining whether the RRM measurement is valid; wherein if the RRM measurement is invalid, enabling the radio when the timer expires, and disabling the radio when the timer expires if the RRM measurement is valid.

[0006] Advantageously, the methods described herein can provide enhanced energy savings for user equipment (UE), and low-power wake-up receivers (LP-WURs) may have the opportunity to regain LPWUS coverage in cases where they are temporarily outside LPWUS coverage.

[0007] In an embodiment, the method further includes monitoring the LPWUS signal if the current signal is within the LPWUS coverage area.

[0008] In one embodiment, the method further includes resetting the timer if the RRM measurement is valid.

[0009] In an embodiment, the method further includes monitoring the LPWUS signal if the RRM measurement is valid.

[0010] In one embodiment, at least one base station is configured to predetermine the timer value and transmit the timer value.

[0011] In one embodiment, transmitting the timer value includes transmitting it via a System Information Block (SIB) message.

[0012] In an embodiment, at least one base station is configured to: determine a user equipment (UE) mode; configure a specific timer value based on the UE mode; and transmit the specific timer value.

[0013] In this embodiment, transmitting the specific timer value includes transmitting it via System Information Block (SIB) messages and / or UE-specific messages.

[0014] In this embodiment, the at least one base station corresponds to at least one next-generation node B (gNB).

[0015] In an embodiment, the user equipment (UE) is configured to perform the input step (302) and the processing step (304), and wherein the timer value and the specific timer value can be transmitted from the gNB to the UE.

[0016] In one embodiment, a computer program (not shown) is provided, the computer program including instructions that, when the program is executed by a computer (not shown), cause the computer to perform at least one of the input step and the processing step of the method according to the first aspect.

[0017] In one embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores data representing software executable by a computer, the software including instructions that, when executed by the computer, are used to perform at least one of the input step and the processing step of the method according to the first aspect.

[0018] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus for determining measurements in a network is provided, the apparatus comprising: a first module configured to receive at least one input signal associated with a timer value; a second module configured to process and / or facilitate the processing step of the method according to the first aspect to generate at least one output signal; and a third module configured to transmit at least one output signal, wherein the output signal corresponds to a control signal for: enabling radio when the timer expires if the RRM measurement is invalid, and disabling radio when the timer expires if the RRM measurement is valid.

[0019] In an embodiment, the equipment may correspond to a user equipment (UE) that can communicate with means corresponding to a base station. The base station may, for example, correspond to a next-generation node B (gNB) that can be configured to transmit one or more signals (e.g., input signals) to the UE.

[0020] In one embodiment, a system is provided that includes one or more devices and one or more apparatuses. The devices and apparatuses may be coupled, for example, via wired and / or wireless coupling.

[0021] Benefically, the system allows UEs to utilize this timer value as a buffer and opportunity for mobile UEs when they regain LPWUS coverage. Furthermore, enabling MR can contribute to energy savings when LPWUS coverage is lost. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Embodiments of this disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1A A schematic diagram of a system for determining measurements in a network, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown. The system may include at least one device.

[0024] Figures 1B to 1F The embodiments of the present disclosure are shown with Figure 1A Example scenarios associated with the system.

[0025] Figure 2 Further detailed illustrations of embodiments according to this disclosure are shown. Figure 1A A schematic diagram of the equipment.

[0026] Figure 3 The embodiments of the present disclosure are shown with Figure 1A The system-related methods.

[0027] Figure 4A and Figure 4B An illustration of an embodiment according to this disclosure is shown. Figure 3A diagram illustrating example scenarios associated with the method. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The detailed description set forth below with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details and is intended to provide a thorough understanding of the various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. Specifically, although terms from 3GPP 5G NR may be used in this disclosure to exemplify embodiments herein, this should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0029] Furthermore, some of the embodiments contemplated herein will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, other embodiments are also included within the scope of the subject matter disclosed herein, and the disclosed subject matter should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example to convey the scope of the subject matter to those skilled in the art.

[0030] Generally, all terms used herein should be interpreted according to their common meaning in the relevant art, unless the context in which the term is used explicitly gives and / or implies a different meaning. Unless otherwise expressly stated, all references to a / an / element, apparatus, component, element, step, etc., are openly interpreted as referring to at least one instance of that element, apparatus, component, step, etc. The steps of any method disclosed herein need not be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless a step is explicitly described as occurring after or before another step and / or where an implicit step must occur after or before another step. Where appropriate, any feature of any embodiment of the embodiments disclosed herein may be applied to any other embodiment. Similarly, any advantage of any embodiment of this embodiment may be applied to any other embodiment, and vice versa. Other objects, features, and advantages of the appended embodiments will become apparent from the following description.

[0031] In some embodiments, the non-limiting terms User Equipment (UE), or Wireless Device, or User Equipment may be used, and the term may refer to any type of wireless device communicating with a network node and / or with another UE in a cellular or mobile communication system. Examples of UEs are target devices, device-to-device (D2D) UEs, machine-type UEs or UEs capable of machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, PDAs, PADs, tablet computers, mobile terminals, smartphones, laptop embedded devices (LEE), laptop mounted devices (LME), USB dongles, UE class M1, UE class M2, ProSe UEs, V2V UEs, V2X UEs, etc.

[0032] In some embodiments, the more general term "network node" may be used, and this term may correspond to any type of radio network node or any network node that communicates with user equipment (directly or via another node) and / or with another network node. Examples of network nodes are NodeB, MeNB, ENB, network nodes belonging to MCG or SCG, base stations (BS), multi-standard radio (MSR) radio nodes (such as MSR BS), eNodeB, gNodeB, network controller, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), repeater, donor node controlling repeater, base transceiver station (BTS), access point (AP), transport point, transport node, RRU, RRH, nodes in distributed antenna system (DAS), core network nodes (e.g., mobile switching center (MSC), mobility management entity (MME), etc.), operations and maintenance (O&M), operations support system (OSS), self-optimizing network (SON), location nodes (e.g., evolved serving mobile location center (E-SMLC)), minimized drive test (MDT), test equipment (physical node or software), etc.

[0033] Additionally, terms such as base station / gNodeB and UE should be considered non-limiting and, in particular, do not imply any hierarchical relationship between the two; generally, "gNodeB" can be considered device 1 and "UE" can be considered device 2, and the two devices communicate with each other via a radio channel. Furthermore, in the following text, a transmitter or receiver can be either a gNodeB (gNB) or a UE.

[0034] Furthermore, the features, structures, or characteristics described in the embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner. Numerous specific details, such as examples of programming, software modules, user selection, network transactions, database queries, database structures, hardware modules, hardware circuits, hardware chips, etc., are provided in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments can be practiced without one or more of these specific details or using other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations have not been shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the embodiments. References to “an embodiment,” “embodiment,” or similar language throughout the specification mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, unless expressly specified otherwise, the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language appearing throughout the specification may, but not necessarily all, refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean “one or more, but not all, embodiments.” Unless expressly specified otherwise, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including, but not limited to,” “including.” Unless expressly specified otherwise, the enumeration of items does not imply that any or all items in the item are mutually exclusive. Unless otherwise expressly specified, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also mean “one or more.”

[0035] According to embodiments of this disclosure, this disclosure generally envisions promoting, for example, network (e.g., associated with 3GPP-based standards / specifications, etc.) and / or user equipment (UE) efficiency (e.g., energy / power efficiency).

[0036] Specifically, this disclosure envisions the possibility of optimizing Low Power Wake-up Signal (LPWUS) in conjunction with 3GPP Release 18 (and later) standards. The WuS (Wake-up Signal) mechanism can improve the energy efficiency of the UE (User Equipment) by causing the UE to enter sleep mode and shut down its primary radio until a WuS signal is detected at the secondary radio (or WuS receiver). Once the WuS receiver detects the WuS signal, the primary radio is triggered to start. Here, the LPWUS receiver can be a low-complexity and low-power component of the UE, while the primary radio can be a high-energy-consuming component of the UE. The primary radio is shut down (in sleep mode) as much as possible to reduce energy consumption at the UE. For example, in an example of a temporarily poor coverage scenario, due to low LPWUS Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) or Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), LPWUS may not be detected at the UE, and the UE could enable the primary radio. This could lead to high energy consumption and limit the potential for power savings at the UE.

[0037] This disclosure envisions introducing Extended Discontinuous Reception (eDRX) in 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) wireless communication systems to reduce power consumption. In eDRX, the UE periodically enters sleep mode and remains asleep for a duration during which the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) is not monitored. The UE then wakes up and remains awake for a duration to monitor the PDCCH to obtain possible downlink data. The amount of energy saved depends on how long and how frequently the UE remains asleep. The longer the UE remains asleep, the more energy is saved. However, increasing the sleep duration leads to increased latency, which may be unsuitable for latency-critical use cases.

[0038] This disclosure also envisions that, in order to provide low power consumption and power-saving gains, the sensitivity of a low-power wake-up receiver may be less than that of the main radio MR. Specifically, this disclosure envisions the possibility of coverage estimation for low-power wake-up signals designed under different bandwidth / duration, false alarm rate, and false alarm rate analyses to improve energy efficiency.

[0039] This disclosure further envisions that current UEs may need to wake up periodically once per eDRX cycle, which dominates power consumption during periods without signaling or data traffic. Power consumption could be significantly reduced if the UE could only wake up when triggered (e.g., during paging). This can be achieved by providing the UE with both a main radio (MR) unit and a low-power wake-up receiver (LPWUR). The MR unit may correspond to a 5G NR wireless communication unit, and the LPWUR may correspond to a wireless communication unit used to monitor wake-up signals with low power. Once a wake-up signal is detected, the LPWUR can trigger the MR unit, which can then transition from a low-power state to an active state.

[0040] This disclosure further envisions that an active state can correspond to any state in which the MR unit can exchange data with the radio access network (RAN) of the wireless communication system without being triggered by an LPWUR. Therefore, a woken-up MR unit is in an active state. Furthermore, an MR unit that is dormant but periodically woken up (e.g., eDRX) without being triggered by an LPWUR is also in an active state. A low-power state can correspond to a state in which the MR unit cannot exchange data with the RAN without being triggered by an LPWUR. For example, a low-power state corresponds to the MR unit always being dormant. However, since the MR unit does not need to be periodically woken up in a low-power state, the MR unit may be dormant even more deeply than in the current UE, and may even be turned off, as the LPWUR can be used to enable the MR unit. A “low-power” state can indicate that the average power consumption of the MR unit in the low-power state is lower (and preferably significantly lower, for example, ten times or even a hundred times lower) than the average power consumption of the MR unit in the active state.

[0041] This disclosure envisions a "low-power" wake-up receiver that instructs the LPWUR to receive a wake-up signal when the MR unit is in a low-power state. The monitoring of the wake-up signal can be performed at low power, and therefore, the average power consumption of the LPWUR should be lower than (and preferably significantly lower, for example, ten or even a hundred times lower) the average power consumption of the MR unit during wake-up.

[0042] Therefore, this disclosure envisions reducing power consumption by placing the MR unit in a low-power state (e.g., off). The MR unit does not need to be periodically woken up and can be woken up only when triggered by the LPWUR. Because the LPWUR can continuously or at least frequently monitor the wake-up signal, the LPWUR can wake up the MR unit at any time, thereby reducing latency compared to, for example, eDRX.

[0043] This disclosure envisions that, for each DRX cycle, inter-frequency and intra-frequency radio resource management (RRM) and serving cell measurements can be performed on the primary radio (MR) for cell selection or cell reselection, which may result in significant UE energy consumption.

[0044] Therefore, this disclosure envisions the possibility of methods for determining whether RRM measurements should be performed for the UE in MR or LPWUR. Specifically, the network may provide the UE with a timer value based on which the UE located outside LPWUS coverage may increase the frequency of RRM measurements for the lower power reference signal (LP-RS) at the LP-WUR until the timer expires, and then turn on the main radio.

[0045] According to embodiments of this disclosure, it is possible to improve power and energy consumption efficiency in the manner described above.

[0046] The foregoing will be discussed in further detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

[0047] refer to Figure 1A The present disclosure illustrates a system 100 for determining measurements in a network according to embodiments thereof. According to embodiments thereof, system 100 may be adapted, for example, to save energy and promote energy / power efficiency in the network.

[0048] As shown, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, system 100 may include one or more devices 102, at least one apparatus 104, and optionally a communication network 106.

[0049] Device 102 may be coupled to device 104. Specifically, according to embodiments of this disclosure, device 102 may be coupled to device 104, for example, via communication network 106.

[0050] In one embodiment, device 102 may be coupled to communication network 106, and device 104 may be coupled to communication network 106. Coupling may be performed via one or both wired and wireless coupling. According to embodiments of this disclosure, device 102 may generally be configured to communicate with device 104 via communication network 106.

[0051] According to embodiments of this disclosure, equipment 102 may, for example, be associated with / correspond to / include one or more user equipments (UEs), which may carry one or more computers. For example, according to embodiments of this disclosure, equipment 102 may correspond to a UE carrying at least one computer (e.g., according to embodiments of this disclosure, an electronic device / module with computing capabilities, such as an electronic mobile device that can be carried in a vehicle or an electronic module that can be installed in a vehicle), which may be configured to perform one or more processing tasks associated with adaptive / dynamic / progressive control. In a more specific example, according to embodiments of this disclosure, in one embodiment, equipment 102 may include one or more processors (not shown) configured to perform one or more processing tasks associated with dynamic / adaptive / progressive control. In one embodiment, equipment 102 may, for example, be configured to receive one or more input signals and perform at least one processing task based on the input signals in a manner that generates one or more output signals. According to embodiments of this disclosure, input signals may, for example, be transmitted from device 104 and received by equipment 102. As a possible option, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the output signal may, for example, be transmitted from equipment 102. Embodiments of this disclosure will be referenced later. Figure 2 Let's discuss Equipment 102 in further detail.

[0052] Device 104 may be associated with / correspond to at least one base station (e.g., at least one gNB). Furthermore, device 104 may be configured, for example, to carry / be associated with / include one or more computers (e.g., electronic devices / modules with computing capabilities), which may be configured, for example, to perform one or more processing tasks in association with a base station. According to embodiments of this disclosure, device 104 may be configured to generate one or more input signals that can be transmitted to equipment 102. This will be discussed in further detail later in the context of an example scenario, according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0053] Communication network 106 may correspond, for example, to an Internet communication network, a cellular communication network, a wired communication network, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) communication network, a wireless communication network, or any combination thereof. Communication via communication network 106 (e.g., between equipment 102 and / or between equipment 102 and device 104) may be conducted via one or both of wired and wireless communication.

[0054] As mentioned earlier, device 102 may be configured, for example, to receive at least one input signal and perform at least one processing task associated with dynamic / adaptive / progressive control on the input signal in a manner that generates at least one output signal. Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, device 104 may be configured, for example, to generate (and transmit) input signals to device 102. Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to... Figures 1B to 1C This will be discussed in the context of example scenarios.

[0055] Specifically, Figure 1B An embodiment of the present disclosure is shown for combining such Figure 1C The example scenario shown is used as an example background for discussion.

[0056] More specifically, in the context of the example, refer to Figure 1B One possibility for addressing energy / power efficiency issues is the use of a discrete / integrated receiver (i.e., a Low Power Wake-up Receiver, LPWUR), which can be introduced to monitor Low Power Wake-up Signals (LPWUS). The main radio (MR) can correspond to a conventional communication device (i.e., a new radio (NR) device), where operations related to states such as RRC_IDLE / INACTIVE / CONNECTED (i.e., Radio Resource Control idle / inactive / connected states) can be performed. When no data / signals are being transmitted, the UE can disable the MR or maintain it in a deep sleep state, while utilizing the discrete LPWUR to monitor LPWUS for potential data / signal communication, thus promoting power savings.

[0057] This disclosure envisions that a key aspect of energy saving in conventional wake-up signals (WuS) or low-power wake-up signals is mitigating false alarms (e.g., LPWUS). For example, a UE in RRC_IDLE mode, camped on a serving cell, can perform radio resource management (RRM) measurements on the camped cell or neighboring cells for cell selection or cell reselection to camp on the optimal cell. RRM measurements can be performed within each DRX cycle and are highly energy-intensive for the UE because they utilize MR for RRM measurements. At least the RRM measurements on the serving cell can be offloaded to LP-WUS, which can result in enhanced energy savings at the UE. However, without considering RRM measurement relaxation, offloading RRM measurements to LP-WUS may not be sufficient for enhanced energy savings.

[0058] This disclosure envisions that, in addition to paging monitoring, RRM measurements may be another idle-mode procedure, consuming significant UE power. This is because it is performed periodically by the UE, with a frequency proportional to the UE's paging cycles (at least those measurements on the UE's serving cell). This disclosure further envisions that the necessary UE procedure in RRC_IDLE may be cell selection. For example, the UE may also perform cell reselection under RRC_IDLE and RRC_INACTIVE. For both procedures, the UE measures the cell's Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) and Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ). The UE can perform relaxed measurements during cell reselection if it is supported and enabled. This is useful when the UE has low mobility or is not at the cell edge.

[0059] The present invention also envisions that the UE (if configured) can collect measurements under RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE and later report these measurements under RRC_CONNECTED. This is referred to as log measurement and is associated with a feature called Minimum Driven Test (MDT). For downlink channel sounding, 5G NR can use two main downlink signals measured by the UE: Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) and Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS).

[0060] This disclosure envisions that, according to embodiments of the disclosure, and as will be discussed in further detail in the context of example scenarios associated with system 100 according to embodiments of the disclosure, it may be helpful to consider some form of dynamic / adaptive / progressive configuration / deterministic strategy that would contribute to power / energy consumption efficiency. According to embodiments of the disclosure, the dynamic / adaptive / progressive control configuration / deterministic strategy may, for example, be related to dynamic / adaptive / progressive control based on determination measurements (e.g., RRM measurements) performed by the UE in the network.

[0061] Figure 1CThis illustrates an example of a UE's RRC state (or mode). In both RRC_IDLE and RRC_INACTIVE modes, the UE performs neighboring cell measurements and can perform a reselection. In RRC_CONNECTED mode, UE mobility is controlled by the network, and handover can be initiated; in RRC_IDLE mode, UE paging is initiated by the CN. Conversely, when the UE is in RRC_INACTIVE mode, UE paging is initiated by the NG-RAN, and the UE's location must be known when paging the UE. In RRC_IDLE mode, this is also referred to as the Tracking Area (RA). In RRC_INACTIVE mode, this is based on the RAN Notification Area (RNA), and the UE can initiate RNA updates.

[0062] Figure 1D This illustrates an example of a Small Data Transfer (SDT) process. Figure 1E An example of subsequent SDT transmissions is shown, and Figure 1F Examples of RRM measurements are shown for a UE using a primary radio (MR), a traditional UE, and a UE using LPWUR. This disclosure envisions a UE periodically performing a RAN-based Notification Area Update (RNAU) or performing a RAN-based Notification Area Update (RNAU) when the UE selects a cell not belonging to a configured RNA. If the UE finds a more suitable cell, it reselects to that cell and camps on it according to cell reselection criteria. If the new cell does not belong to at least one tracking area to which the UE is registered, location registration is performed. In the RRC_INACTIVE state, if the new cell does not belong to a configured RNA, an RNA update procedure is performed.

[0063] This disclosure envisions the possibility of offloading RRM measurements to the LP-WUR, as well as the conditions for offloading RRM measurements and the methods for performing this offloading. Offloading RRM measurements performed by the MR to the LP-WUR without any network-defined conditions could have consequences. As one example consequence, if the UE goes outside the LPWUS coverage area, it may lose network connectivity because the MR does not know when to switch back to legacy operation. In another example consequence, UEs moving in and out of LPWUS range may not achieve the energy savings expected from the LP-WUR due to frequent MR handovers.

[0064] This disclosure further envisions that, according to embodiments of this disclosure, considering some form of dynamic / adaptive / progressive configuration / deterministic strategy that may contribute to power / energy consumption efficiency may be helpful. Specifically, this disclosure envisions the possibility of methods for determining whether RRM measurements should be performed for the UE in MR or LPWUR.

[0065] The aforementioned advantageous aspects of system 100 of this disclosure can also be similarly applied to all aspects of the following apparatus 102 of this disclosure. Similarly, all the following advantageous aspects of apparatus 102 of this disclosure can also be similarly applied to all aspects of the aforementioned system 100 of this disclosure.

[0066] The following will refer to Figure 2 The aforementioned equipment 102 will be discussed in further detail.

[0067] refer to Figure 2 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus 102 is shown in further detail in the context of example implementation 200.

[0068] In example implementation 200, equipment 102 may correspond to electronic module 200a. According to embodiments of this disclosure, in one example, electronic module 200a may correspond to a mobile device that can, for example, be carried into a vehicle by a user. In another example, according to embodiments of this disclosure, electronic module 200a may correspond to an electronic device that can be installed / replaced in a vehicle. In this regard, electronic module 200a can be considered as being carried by the vehicle (e.g., carried into the vehicle by a user or installed / replaced in the vehicle).

[0069] According to embodiments of this disclosure, it is envisioned that electronic module 200a may be able to perform one or more processing tasks associated with adaptive / dynamic / progressive control-related processing.

[0070] Electronic module 200a may include, for example, a housing 200b. Furthermore, electronic module 200a may, for example, carry any one or any combination of the first module 202, the second module 204, and the third module 206.

[0071] In one embodiment, electronic module 200a may carry first module 202, second module 204, and / or third module 206. In a specific example, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, electronic module 200a may carry first module 202, second module 204, and third module 206.

[0072] In this regard, it can be understood that, in one embodiment, the shape and size of the housing 200b may be configured to carry any one or any combination of the first module 202, the second module 204 and the third module 206.

[0073] The first module 202 may be coupled to one or both of the second module 204 and the third module 206. The second module 204 may be coupled to one or both of the first module 202 and the third module 206. The third module 206 may be coupled to one or both of the first module 202 and the second module 204. In one example, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first module 202 may be coupled to the second module 204, and the second module 204 may be coupled to the third module 206. The coupling between the first module 202, the second module 204, and / or the third module 206 may be performed, for example, by one or both of wired coupling and wireless coupling. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the first module 202, the second module 204, and the third module 206 may correspond to one or both of a hardware-based module and a software-based module.

[0074] In one example, the first module 202 may correspond to a hardware-based receiver that can be configured to receive one or more input signals. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the input signals may be transmitted, for example, from device 104 (e.g., gNB).

[0075] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the second module 204 may correspond, for example, to a hardware-based processor that can be configured to perform one or more processing tasks (e.g., to generate one or more output signals), as will be referred to later. Figure 3 To be discussed in further detail.

[0076] The third module 206 may correspond to a hardware-based transmitter that can be configured to transmit one or more output signals from the electronic module 200a. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the output signals may, for example, include / correspond to one or more instruction / command / control signals associated with the aforementioned dynamic / adaptive / progressive control configuration / determination strategy in order to promote efficiency (e.g., power / energy efficiency and / or communication efficiency).

[0077] This disclosure envisions the possibility that the first module 202 and the second module 204 can be modules based on integrated hardware and software (e.g., electronic components carrying software programs / algorithms associated with receiving and processing functions / electronic modules programmed to perform receiving and processing functions). This disclosure further envisions the possibility that the first module 202 and the third module 206 can be modules based on integrated hardware and software (e.g., electronic components carrying software programs / algorithms associated with receiving and transmitting functions / electronic modules programmed to perform receiving and transmitting functions). This disclosure further envisions the possibility that the first module 202 and the third module 206 can be integrated hardware modules capable of performing receiving and transmitting functions (e.g., hardware-based transceivers).

[0078] The aforementioned advantageous aspects of the apparatus 102 of this disclosure are also similarly applicable to all aspects of the processing / communication methods described below. Similarly, all the aforementioned advantageous aspects of the processing / communication methods of this disclosure are also similarly applicable to all aspects of the apparatus 102 described above. It should be understood that these statements also apply similarly to the system 100 discussed earlier in this disclosure.

[0079] refer to Figure 3 This illustrates a method (also referred to as a processing method) associated with system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] According to embodiments of this disclosure, method 300 may be, for example, adapted to / able to promote energy efficiency.

[0081] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the processing method 300 may include any one or any combination of the input step 302, the processing step 304, and the output step 306.

[0082] In one embodiment, processing method 300 may include an input step 302. In another embodiment, processing method 300 may include an input step 302 and a processing step 304. In another embodiment, processing method 300 may include an input step 302, a processing step 304, and an output step 306. In yet another embodiment, processing method 300 may include a processing step 304 and one or both of input step 302 and output step 306. In yet another further embodiment, processing method 300 may include an input step 302, a processing step 304, and an output step 306. In yet another further additional embodiment, processing method 300 may include a processing step 304. In yet another further additional embodiment, processing method 300 may include any one or any combination of input step 302, processing step 304, and output step 306 (i.e., input step 302, processing step 304, and / or output step 306).

[0083] Regarding input step 302, one or more input signals may be received. For example, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the input signals may be transmitted from device 104 and received by equipment 102.

[0084] Input step 302 may include receiving at least one input signal associated with a timer value. In an embodiment, the input signal may be generated by and transmitted from device 104 to equipment 102. Alternatively, the input signal may be generated and received by equipment 102 to proceed to processing step 304. For example, the input signal may be generated by a transmitting UE (or user equipment) and received by a receiving UE (or user equipment).

[0085] Regarding processing step 304, according to embodiments of this disclosure, at least one processing task associated with the received input signal can be performed in a manner that generates one or more output signals.

[0086] Processing step 304 may include at least one of the following: determining whether the current signal is within the Low Power Wake-up Signal (LPWUS) coverage area; if the current signal is not within the LPWUS coverage area, starting a timer based on a timer value; incrementing the frequency of the Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurement after starting the timer; and determining whether the RRM measurement is valid (or successful). If the RRM measurement is invalid (or fails), enabling the radio when the timer expires; and if the RRM measurement is valid (or successful), disabling the radio when the timer expires.

[0087] Processing step 304 may further include: monitoring the LPWUS signal if the current signal is within the LPWUS coverage area; monitoring the LPWUS signal if the RRM measurement is valid (or successful); and resetting the timer if the RRM measurement is valid (or successful). Processing step 304 may further include pre-determining a timer value and transmitting the timer value, wherein transmitting the timer value includes transmitting it via a System Information Block (SIB) message.

[0088] Processing step 304 may further include: determining a user equipment (UE) mode; configuring a specific timer value based on the UE mode; and transmitting the specific timer value, wherein transmitting the specific timer value includes transmitting via at least one of the following: a system information block (SIB) message and / or a UE-specific message.

[0089] In this embodiment, the network provides a timer value to the UE. Based on this value, a UE located outside LPWUS coverage can increase the frequency of RRM measurements for the low-power reference signal (LP-RS) at the LP-WUR until the timer expires, and then activate the main radio. When LPWUS coverage is lost, the UE can start a timer and increase the RRM measurement frequency. When the timer expires, if LPWUS coverage is restored and the RRM measurement is successful (or valid), the UE discards and resets the timer, and continues to monitor LPWUS. If LPWUS coverage is not restored and the RRM measurement is unsuccessful (or invalid), the UE waits for the timer to end and enables MR.

[0090] In another example embodiment, if the UE is in RRC_IDLE mode (or state), the gNB (or base station) can provide the timer value in a System Information Block (SIB) message. Alternatively, when the UE is in RRC_INACTIVE mode (or state), when the UE transitions from RRC_CONNECTED mode (or state) to RRC_INACTIVE mode (or state), the gNB (or base station) can provide the UE-specific timer value in an RRC_Release message or an SIB message. Advantageously, in these embodiments, the UE can utilize the timer value as a buffer and opportunity for mobile UEs, in the event that they regain LPWUS coverage. Furthermore, enabling MR can contribute to energy savings when LPWUS coverage is lost.

[0091] Regarding output step 306, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, as an option, an output signal may be transmitted, for example. For instance, the output signal may optionally be transmitted from device 102. In a more specific example, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the output signal may optionally be transmitted from device 102 to one or both of at least one device 104 and another device 102.

[0092] This disclosure further envisions a computer program (not shown) that may include instructions that, when executed by a computer (not shown), cause the computer to perform the input step 302, processing step 304, and / or output step 306 as discussed in reference method 300. For example, according to an embodiment of the invention, the computer program may include instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform input step 302 and / or processing step 304.

[0093] This disclosure further envisions a computer-readable storage medium (not shown) storing data representing software executable by a computer (not shown), the software including instructions that, when executed by a computer, perform input step 302, processing step 304, and / or output step 306 as discussed in reference method 300. For example, according to an embodiment of the invention, the computer-readable storage medium may store data representing software executable by a computer, the software including instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform input step 302 and / or processing step 304.

[0094] In light of the foregoing, it is understood that this disclosure generally envisions an apparatus 102 suitable for energy saving in a network, which may include a first module 202, a second module 204 and / or a third module 206.

[0095] The first module 202 can be configured to receive one or more input signals. The input signals may, for example, be associated with timer values.

[0096] The second module 204 may be configured to process the input signal and / or facilitate the processing of the input signal according to the method 300 discussed earlier, to generate one or more output signals.

[0097] The third module 206 can be configured to transmit one or more output signals. The output signals may, for example, correspond to one or more control signals for determining measurements by the user equipment (or UE).

[0098] In one embodiment, equipment 102 may correspond to a user equipment (UE) that can communicate with a device 104 corresponding to a base station. The base station may, for example, correspond to a next-generation node B (gNB) that can be configured to transmit one or more signals (e.g., input signals) to the UE.

[0099] In light of the foregoing, it is understood that this disclosure generally envisions a system 100, which may include one or more devices 102 and one or more apparatuses 104. The devices 102 and 104 may be coupled, for example, via wired and / or wireless coupling.

[0100] It should be understood that the embodiments described above can be combined in any way where appropriate (e.g., one or more embodiments as discussed in the “Detailed Description” section can be combined with one or more embodiments as described in the “Summary of the Invention” section).

[0101] Those skilled in the art will further understand that variations and combinations of the embodiments described above, rather than alternatives or substitutes, can be combined to form even further embodiments.

[0102] In one example, the possibility of transmitting an output signal from equipment 102 is discussed. It is understood that transmitting an output signal from equipment 102 is not necessarily required. Specifically, according to embodiments of the invention, the possibility that an output signal may not necessarily need to be transmitted outside of equipment 102 is envisioned. More specifically, according to embodiments of the invention, the output signal may, for example, correspond to internal commands / instructions for adaptively controlling the operational configuration of equipment 102 (e.g., transmitted only within equipment 102).

[0103] Figure 4A and Figure 4B A schematic diagram illustrating an example scenario associated with method 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0104] In such Figure 4A In the example context shown, the gNB (or base station or network) can be configured to provide timer values ​​to the UE (or user equipment).

[0105] In such Figure 4BIn the example scenario shown, the UE (or user equipment) can be configured to receive a timer value from the gNB (or base station). The UE can then determine if it is within LPWUS coverage. If so, the UE (or user equipment) continues monitoring LPWUS. Otherwise, the UE (or user equipment) starts a timer based on the timer value and increases the RRM measurement frequency of the LP-RS. While monitoring LPWUS, the UE (or user equipment) can determine if the RRM measurement was successful (or valid). If the RRM is successful (or valid), the UE continues monitoring LPWUS. If the RRM is unsuccessful (or invalid), the UE waits for the timer to expire or end and enables the primary radio (MR).

[0106] Various embodiments of this disclosure for addressing at least one of the aforementioned disadvantages have been described in the foregoing manner. Such embodiments are intended to be covered by the appended claims and are not limited to the specific form or arrangement of the parts so described, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art, in light of this disclosure, that many changes and / or modifications may be made, which are also intended to be covered by the appended claims.

[0107] abbreviation:

[0108] BWP bandwidth portion

[0109] CLI Cross-Link Interference

[0110] CP loop prefix

[0111] CPUCSI processing unit

[0112] CQI Channel Quality Indicator

[0113] CRB Public Resource Block

[0114] CRC Cyclic Redundancy Check

[0115] CRICSI-RS resource indicator

[0116] CSI Channel Status Information

[0117] CSI-RS Channel State Information Reference Signal

[0118] CSI-RSRPCSI Reference Signal Received Power

[0119] CSI-RSRQCSI reference signal reception quality

[0120] CSI-SINRCSI Signal-to-Interference-Noise Ratio

[0121] CW code

[0122] DCI downlink control information

[0123] DL downlink

[0124] DM-RS demodulation reference signal

[0125] DRX discontinuous reception

[0126] EPRE Energy per Resource Element

[0127] IAB-MT Integrated Access and Backhaul - Mobile Terminal

[0128] L1-RSRP Layer 1 Reference Signal Received Power

[0129] LI layer indicator

[0130] LP-RS low power reference signal

[0131] LP-WUR Low Power Wake-up Receiver

[0132] LP-WUS Low Power Wake-up Signal

[0133] MCS modulation and coding scheme

[0134] MR main receiver

[0135] PBCH Physical Broadcast Channel

[0136] PDCCH Physical Downlink Control Channel

[0137] PDSCH Physical Downlink Shared Channel

[0138] PEI Permanent Device Identifier

[0139] PFN paging frame number

[0140] PMI Precoding Matrix Indicator

[0141] PO paging timing

[0142] PRB Physical Resource Block

[0143] PRACH Physical Random Access Channel

[0144] PRG precoded resource block group

[0145] PRS positioning reference signal

[0146] PSS master synchronization signal

[0147] PT-RS phase tracking reference signal

[0148] PUCCH (Physical Uplink Control Channel)

[0149] QCL Quasi-co-addressable

[0150] RACH Random Access Channel

[0151] RB resource blocks

[0152] RBG resource block group

[0153] RI rank indicator

[0154] RIV resource indicator value

[0155] RRM Radio Resource Management

[0156] RS reference signal

[0157] RSRP reference signal received power

[0158] RSRQ reference signal reception quality

[0159] SCI sidelink control information

[0160] SLIV start and length indicators

[0161] SR scheduling request

[0162] SRS detection reference signal

[0163] SS Synchronization Signal

[0164] SSB Synchronization Signal Block

[0165] SS-RSRP SS reference signal received power

[0166] SS-RSRQSS reference signal reception quality

[0167] SSS auxiliary synchronization signal

[0168] SS-SINR (Signal-to-Interference-Ratio)

[0169] TB transport block

[0170] TCI Transport Configuration Indicator

[0171] TDM Time Division Multiplexing

[0172] UE User Equipment

[0173] UL uplink

Claims

1. A method (300) for determining measurements in a network, comprising: Input step (302), the input step includes receiving at least one input signal associated with a timer value; as well as Processing step (304), the processing step includes at least one of the following: Determine if the current signal is within the coverage area of ​​the Low Power Wake-up Signal (LPWUS); If the current signal is not within the LPWUS coverage area, then start the timer based on the timer value; After the timer is started, the frequency of the Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurement is increased; as well as Determine if the RRM measurement is valid; If the RRM measurement is invalid, the radio is enabled when the timer expires; if the RRM measurement is valid, the radio is disabled when the timer expires.

2. The method (300) according to claim 1, wherein the processing step (304) further comprises: If the current signal is within the LPWUS coverage area, then monitor the LPWUS signal.

3. The method (300) according to claim 1, wherein the processing step (304) further comprises: If the RRM measurement is valid, monitor the LPWUS signal.

4. The method (300) according to claim 1, wherein the processing step (304) further comprises: If the RRM measurement is valid, then reset the timer.

5. The method (300) according to claim 1, wherein at least one base station is configured as follows: The timer value is predetermined; and Transmit the timer value.

6. The method (300) according to claim 5, wherein transmitting the timer value comprises: Transmitted via System Information Block (SIB) messages.

7. The method (300) according to claim 1, wherein at least one base station is configured as follows: Determine the user equipment (UE) mode; Configure specific timer values ​​based on the UE mode; and Transmit the specific timer value.

8. The method (300) of claim 7, wherein transmitting the specific timer value comprises: Transmitted via System Information Block (SIB) messages and / or UE-specific messages.

9. The method (300) according to claim 5 or 7, wherein the at least one base station corresponds to at least one next-generation node B (gNB).

10. The method (300) of claim 9, wherein the user equipment (UE) is configured to perform the input step (302) and the processing step (304), and wherein the timer value and the specific timer value are transmittable from the gNB to the UE.

11. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform at least one of the input step (302) and the processing step (304) of the method (300) according to any one of the preceding claims.

12. A computer-readable storage medium storing data representing software executable by a computer, the software including instructions that, when executed by the computer, are used to perform at least one of the input step (302) and the processing step (304) of the method (300) according to any one of claims 1-10.

13. An apparatus (102) for determining measurements in a network, comprising: A first module (202) is configured to receive at least one input signal associated with a timer value; The second module (204) is configured to process and / or facilitate the processing step (304) of the method (300) according to claims 1 to 10 to generate at least one output signal; as well as The third module (206) is configured to transmit at least one output signal. The output signal corresponds to a control signal for enabling radio when the timer expires if the RRM measurement is invalid, and disabling radio when the timer expires if the RRM measurement is valid.

14. The equipment (102) according to claim 13, The aforementioned equipment (102) corresponds to a user equipment (UE) capable of communicating with a device (104) corresponding to a base station, and The base station corresponds to a next-generation node B (gNB) configured to transmit the at least one input signal to the UE.

15. A system (100) comprising: At least one piece of equipment (102) according to any one of claims 13 and 14; as well as At least one device (104) according to claim 14, The equipment (102) and the device (104) can be coupled via at least one of wired coupling and wireless coupling.

Images