Systems and apparatus suitable for energy conservation in network and methods associated therewith

Abstract

Systems (100), apparatuses (102) and methods (300) suitable for energy conservation in a network are disclosed. The method (300) comprises: an input step (302) comprising receiving at least one input signal associated with a mapping table indicating a mapping between at least one signal region and at least one timer value; and a processing step (304) comprising at least one of: determining whether the current signal value is within the at least one signal region; if the current signal value is within the at least one signal region, starting a timer based on the at least one timer value; determining an average signal value based on a plurality of signal values within the at least one timer value; and upon expiration of the timer, determining whether the average signal value is within the at least one signal region; wherein the radio is enabled if the average signal value is not within the at least one signal region, and the radio is disabled if the average signal value is within the at least one signal region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to one or both of systems and apparatus suitable for energy saving in connection with, for example, user equipment (UE) used for communication in a network. This disclosure further relates to a method that may 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 discontinuous reception (DRX) mechanisms and wake-up signals (WUS), are typically used to help promote energy efficiency and energy savings. This disclosure contemplates that conventional techniques (e.g., DRX and / or WUS) may not optimally promote efficiency and energy savings.

[0004] This disclosure envisions that it would be helpful to solve (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 is provided, the method comprising: an input step, the input step comprising receiving at least one input signal associated with a mapping table indicating a mapping between at least one signal region and at least one timer value; and a processing step comprising at least one of: determining whether a current signal value is within the at least one signal region; if the current signal value is within the at least one signal region, starting a timer based on the at least one timer value; determining an average signal value based on a plurality of signal values ​​within the at least one timer value; and when the timer expires, determining whether the average signal value is within the at least one signal region; wherein if the average signal value is not within the at least one signal region, enabling a radio, and if the average signal value is within the at least one signal region, disabling a radio.

[0006] Advantageously, the method described herein can provide enhanced energy savings because the user equipment (UE) does not need to frequently switch between the primary radio (MR) and the low-power wake-up receiver (LPWUR). It also provides fault protection buffering when the LPWUS reference signal received power (RSRP) or reference signal received quality (RSRQ) threshold is crossed, provided the UE is not outside the coverage area of ​​the low-power wake-up signal (LPWUS).

[0007] In an embodiment, the at least one signal region corresponds to at least one value associated with the Low Power Wake-Up Signal (LPWUS) Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) and Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ).

[0008] In an embodiment, the processing step further includes: monitoring the LPWUS signal if the average signal value is within the at least one signal region.

[0009] In an embodiment, at least one base station is configured to: predetermine the mapping table, which indicates a mapping between at least one signal area and at least one timer value; and transmit the mapping table, which indicates a mapping between at least one signal area and at least one timer value.

[0010] In one embodiment, transmitting the mapping table includes transmitting it via system information message broadcast.

[0011] In this embodiment, the at least one base station corresponds to at least one next-generation node B (gNB).

[0012] In an embodiment, the user equipment (UE) is configured to perform the input step and the processing step, and the mapping table can be transmitted from the gNB to the UE.

[0013] In an embodiment, the mapping table indicating the mapping between at least one signal region and at least one timer value is received by the UE from the gNB via at least one of the following: a system information block (SIB) or a UE-specific message.

[0014] In an embodiment, a computer program (not shown) is provided, which may include instructions that, when executed by a computer (not shown), cause the computer to perform input steps, processing steps, and / or output steps as discussed with reference to the method. For example, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, the computer program may include instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform input steps and / or processing steps.

[0015] 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.

[0016] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided, comprising: a first module configured to receive at least one input signal associated with a mapping table indicating a mapping between at least one signal region and at least one timer value; a second module configured to process and / or facilitate a 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 that enables radio when the average signal value is not within the at least one signal region, and disables radio when the average signal value is within the at least one signal region.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] Advantageously, the system allows UEs (or user equipment) that are temporarily outside the LPWUS coverage area to have additional energy savings by utilizing a timer before MR is activated. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Embodiments of this disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1A A schematic diagram illustrating a system suitable for energy saving in a network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, the system including at least one device.

[0022] Figures 1B to 1D The embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Figure 1A Example scenarios associated with the system.

[0023] Figure 2 Further detailed illustrations of embodiments according to this disclosure are shown. Figure 1A A schematic diagram of the equipment.

[0024] Figure 3 The embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Figure 1A The system-related methods.

[0025] Figure 4A and Figure 4B An illustration of an embodiment according to this disclosure is shown. Figure 3 A diagram illustrating example scenarios associated with the method. Detailed Implementation

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.”

[0033] 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).

[0034] Specifically, this disclosure envisions the possibility of optimizing the Low Power Wake-up Signal (LPWUS) in conjunction with 3GPP Release 18 (and later) standards.

[0035] 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.

[0036] This disclosure also 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.

[0037] 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 turn on 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.

[0038] 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 times or even a hundred times lower) the average power consumption of the MR unit during wake-up.

[0039] 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.

[0040] This disclosure generally envisions that LPWUS can be monitored and received by separate or integrated receivers (e.g., Low Power Wake-up Receiver (LPWUR)). The coverage area of ​​LPWUS is envisioned to be smaller than the coverage area of ​​the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH). Furthermore, a threshold (or area or range) associated with an LPWUS value can be defined or set, which may be associated with or include one or both of a Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) (i.e., referred to as the “LPWUS RSRP value” and / or “LPWUS RSRP”) and a Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ) (i.e., referred to as the “LPWUS RSRQ value” and / or “LPWUS RSRQ”). The LPWUS value may be set in association with at least one User Equipment (UE). In an example scenario, when the LPWUS RSRP (or LPWUS RSRP value) is assessed to be outside the threshold or area, the UE may determine that LPWUS is no longer decorable (i.e., under the current LPWUS RSRP), and alternatively, the UE may be configured to then activate the Main Radio (MR) to receive one or more wake-up signals.

[0041] This disclosure envisions that, according to embodiments of this disclosure, it may be helpful to consider some form of dynamic / adaptive / progressive configuration / deterministic strategy to assist power / energy consumption efficiency and energy saving at the UE (or user equipment).

[0042] According to embodiments of this disclosure, dynamic / adaptive / progressive control configuration / determination strategies may, for example, be associated with dynamic / adaptive / progressive control based on multiple LPWUS regions (e.g., LPWUS RSRP regions and / or LPWUS RSRQ regions). For example, this disclosure envisions the possibility of configuring multiple LPWUS RSRP regions (e.g., a first LPWUS RSRP / RSRQ region and a second LPWUS RSRP / RSRQ region) and associating timer values ​​with each LPWUS RSRP / RSRQ region (e.g., a mapping between LPWUS RSRP / RSRQ regions and time values). For example, according to embodiments of this disclosure, timer values ​​may be defined based on time values / timing values ​​associated with an upper threshold or a lower threshold. Configuration is possible for at least one UE in any RRC (Radio Resource Control) state—such as “connected,” “inactive,” and / or “idle” states (e.g., RRC_CONNECTED, RRC_INACTIVE, and / or RRC_IDLE). For example, LPWUS areas can be configured by the network (e.g., associated with a base station such as a Next Generation Node B (gNB)) via system information messages, and / or in a UE-specific manner (e.g., when / if in the RRC_CONNECTED or RRC_INACTIVE state) using RRC / other UE-specific signaling. A UE can, for example, be configured to measure LPWUS RSRP / RSRQ values ​​via LPWUR (which may be included in / part of the UE). When / if the measured LPWUS RSRP value falls within any of a plurality of LPWUS RSRP / RSRQ areas, the UE can be configured to wait for a period of time (i.e., a waiting period) based on the corresponding / associated time value (e.g., based on a mapping between LPWUS RSRP / RSRQ areas and timer values) before enabling MR. During the waiting period (i.e., the countdown), the UE can be configured to continue evaluating LPWUS RSRP / RSRQ via LPWUR. For example, the UE can obtain LPWUS RSRP and / or LPWUS RSRQ values ​​during the timer period (before the end of that period) and calculate the average LPWUS RSRP / RSRQ value. Based on the evaluation, such as whether the average LPWUS RSRP / RSRQ value falls within the LPWUS RSRP / RSRQ range, the UE can be configured to monitor the LPWUS signal or enable MR.

[0043] Typically, this disclosure envisions, for example, that multiple LPWUS RSRP / RSRQ regions can be associated with waiting periods (e.g., each waiting period can be associated with a timer value used for countdown). Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, based on the measured LPWUS RSRP / RSRQ value and which LPWUS RSRP / RSRQ region(s) the LPWUS RSRP / RSRQ value falls into / resides in, the UE can be configured to perform a countdown (i.e., based on the waiting period) and then, for example, decide whether to enable MR.

[0044] Therefore, this disclosure envisions a gNB configuration mapping table that includes timer values ​​for multiple LPWUS RSRP / RSRQ ranges for the UE to determine when the primary radio is enabled.

[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 image illustrates a system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, system 100 may be adapted, for example, for energy saving and to promote energy / power efficiency in a 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 achieved through one or both of 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. For example, dynamic / adaptive / progressive control may be based on, for example, multiple LPWUS RSRP / RSRQ regions. In a more specific example, according to embodiments of this disclosure, in one embodiment, equipment 102 may include one or more processors (not shown) that may be configured (e.g., based on multiple LPWUS RSRP regions and / or LPWUS RSRQ regions) to perform one or more processing tasks associated with dynamic / adaptive / progressive control. In one embodiment, apparatus 102 may be configured, for example, 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, the input signals may, for example, be transmitted from device 104 and received by apparatus 102. As a possible option, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the output signals may, for example, be transmitted from apparatus 102. According to embodiments of this disclosure, reference will be made later to... 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 previously mentioned, apparatus 102 may, for example, be configured 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 (e.g., based on multiple LPWUS RSRP regions and / or LPWUS RSRQ regions). Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, device 104 may, for example, be configured to generate (and transmit) input signals to apparatus 102. Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to... Figures 1B to 1D This will be discussed in the context of the example scenario.

[0055] Specifically, Figure 1B An embodiment of the present disclosure is shown for combining such Figure 1C and Figure 1D The example scenario shown is used to discuss the example context.

[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 separate / integrated receiver (i.e., a Low Power Wake-up Receiver, LPWUR), which can be introduced to monitor the Low Power Wake-up Signal (LPWUS). The Master Radio (MR) can correspond to a conventional communication device (i.e., a New Radio (NR) device), where operations associated with 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 separate LPWUR to monitor LPWUS for possible data / signal communications, thus promoting power savings. Furthermore, regardless, a UE accessing the network may be required to remain in at least one RRC state; however, with the LPWUR, the MR can potentially be disabled. Notably, in such an LPWUS mode, the UE monitors LPWUS (or LP synchronization signal, and if possible, reference signal) even when there are no actions associated with RRC_IDLE / INACTIVE (e.g., paging / PEI reception, SSB / SI reception).

[0057] This disclosure envisions that energy / power savings (i.e., those facilitated by LPWUS) may be limited depending on whether the UE can detect RSRP / RSRQ within a defined / set threshold or range. Therefore, this disclosure envisions that energy / power efficiency may not be optimally / efficiently promoted due to such limitations. Specifically, this disclosure envisions that, according to embodiments of this disclosure, one or more LPWUS signals may be detected even when the LPWUS RSRP / RSRQ exceeds a set / defined threshold or range.

[0058] In addition, for example, the UE can be configured to enable MR when the average LPWUS RSRP / RSRQ value exceeds a threshold or range.

[0059] 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 / determination strategy that contributes to power / energy consumption efficiency. According to embodiments of the disclosure, the dynamic / adaptive / progressive control configuration / determination strategy may, for example, be associated with dynamic / adaptive / progressive control based on multiple LPWUS regions.

[0060] refer to Figure 1C and Figure 1D In an example scenario, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, system 100 may be adapted to facilitate dynamic / adaptive / progressive control. In a more specific example, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, system 100 may be adapted to facilitate dynamic / adaptive / progressive control based on multiple LPWUS RSRP / RSRQ areas in a manner that promotes energy / power efficiency. Furthermore, equipment 102 (hereinafter referred to as UE in the context of this example scenario) may be carried in / by a vehicle. Furthermore, device 104 (hereinafter referred to as “gNB” in the context of this example scenario) may be coupled to the UE (e.g., via communication network 106). Furthermore, in the example scenario, multiple UEs (e.g., UE1 and UE2) may be coupled to the gNB. The UEs may be located, for example, in various locations / areas within network 106. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, locations / areas may include, for example, LPWUS areas and PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel) areas. Furthermore, the boundary between the LPWUS region and the PDCCH region can be considered or represented as an RSRP / RSRQ threshold (e.g., this could indicate the threshold mentioned above, which can be defined or set in relation to LPWUS RSRP).

[0061] In one example, such as Figure 1CAs shown, UE1, which is closer to the gNB in ​​terms of proximity (compared to UE2), can be considered to be located in the LPWUS area. The LPWUS area can be associated, for example, with the LPWUS coverage area. In this respect, UE1 can be considered to be within the LPWUS coverage area. Conversely, UE2 is outside the LPWUS coverage area. Furthermore, as shown, UE2, which is farther from the gNB in ​​terms of proximity (compared to UE1), can be considered to be outside the LPWUS coverage area but within the PDCCH area. The PDCCH area can be associated, for example, with the PDCCH coverage area. In this respect, UE2 can be considered to be outside the LPWUS coverage area, while UE1 can be considered to be within the LPWUS coverage area.

[0062] Understandably, the coverage area of ​​the LPWUS area can be considered smaller than that of the PDCCH area. In this respect, the LPWUR monitoring LPWUS may not always meet the RSRP / RSRQ thresholds or ranges configured by the network (e.g., gNB) for LPWUS detection, even when it (e.g., the LPWUR carried by UE2) is within the PDCCH coverage area of ​​the serving cell.

[0063] For example, RSRP threshold (and / or RSRQ threshold) values ​​may be defined / set by the network (e.g., gNB) so that the UE enables MR and disables LPWUR. This disclosure envisions that this may not promote power / energy savings in an optimal / efficient manner (e.g., relative to the UE). For example, a mobile UE (e.g., UE2) that enables MR while temporarily out of LPWUS coverage but within PDCCH coverage may not be very energy efficient.

[0064] Figure 1D Another example scenario is shown where primary radio activation or deactivation is based on LPWUS RSRP / RSRQ thresholds or ranges. In this case, it's possible that a UE (e.g., UE1) may not be moving or not moving within the LPWUS coverage area, and the primary radio is immediately activated. UEs that are permanently outside the LPWUS RSRP / RSRQ threshold or range can take advantage of this, but UEs that are temporarily outside for a short period and return to LPWUS coverage (e.g., UE2) may not benefit from LPWUS.

[0065] This disclosure envisions that employing technologies or mechanisms to enhance the coverage performance of LPWUS may be beneficial. Specifically, when LPWUS coverage is insufficient, the potential benefits and drawbacks of such technologies or mechanisms can be further evaluated, such as system overhead, increased complexity, and network energy consumption, to identify potential problems and corresponding solutions. Furthermore, if LPWUS channel conditions are insufficient, such as below or exceeding a predefined threshold or range, a fallback mechanism may be available, in which the main radio (MR) switches to legacy operation.

[0066] This disclosure further envisions that, according to embodiments of this disclosure, considering some form of dynamic / adaptive / progressive configuration / determination strategy that may contribute to power / energy consumption efficiency may be helpful. Specifically, this disclosure envisions the possibility of using LPWUS to perform enhanced energy savings at the UE. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the dynamic / adaptive / progressive control configuration / determination strategy may, for example, be associated with dynamic / adaptive / progressive control based on multiple LPWUS regions.

[0067] The aforementioned advantageous aspects of system 100 of this disclosure can also be similarly applied to all aspects of the following equipment 102 of this disclosure. Similarly, all the following advantageous aspects of equipment 102 of this disclosure can also be similarly applied to all aspects of the aforementioned system 100 of this disclosure.

[0068] The following will refer to Figure 2 The aforementioned equipment 102 will be discussed in further detail.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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).

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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).

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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).

[0079] 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).

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] According to embodiments of this disclosure, method 300 may be, for example, adapted to / able to promote energy efficiency.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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).

[0085] 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.

[0086] The input step (302) may include receiving at least one input signal associated with a mapping table indicating a mapping between at least one signal region and at least one 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).

[0087] 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.

[0088] Processing step 304 may include at least one of the following: determining whether the current signal value is within at least one signal area; if the current signal value is within at least one signal area, starting a timer based on at least one timer value; determining an average signal value based on multiple signal values ​​within at least one timer value; and determining whether the average signal value is within at least one signal area when the timer expires. If the average signal value is not within at least one signal area, the radio is enabled. Conversely, if the average signal value is within at least one signal area, the radio is disabled. The at least one signal area may correspond to at least one value associated with the Low Power Wake-Up Signal (LPWUS) Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) and Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ).

[0089] Processing step 304 may further include: monitoring the LPWUS signal if the average signal value is within at least one signal region; broadcasting a mapping table via a system information message; pre-determining the mapping table, which indicates the mapping between at least one signal region and at least one timer value; and transmitting the mapping table, which indicates the mapping between at least one signal region and at least one timer value.

[0090] At least one base station may correspond to at least one next-generation node B (gNB), and the user equipment (UE) may be configured to perform input step 302 and processing step 304, and the mapping table may be transmitted from the gNB to the UE. The mapping table, indicating the mapping between at least one signal area and at least one timer value, is received by the UE from the gNB via at least one of the following: a system information block (SIB) or a UE-specific message.

[0091] In this embodiment, the gNB configures a timer value for the LPWUS RSRP / RSRQ range for the UE to determine when to enable the primary radio. The network or gNB provides a mapping between the LPWUS RSRP / RSRQ range and its associated timer value via broadcast in a system information message. The timer value can represent a time period or duration. Based on the LPWUS RSRP / RSRQ received at the UE, if it is determined that the LPWUS RSRP / RSRQ is above a threshold, the UE determines the range and starts a timer associated with the LPWUS RSRP / RSRQ value provided by the gNB. After the timer expires, the UE can average the RSRP / RSRQ values ​​during that time period (based on the timer value). If the average is within the original LPWUS RSRP / RSRQ threshold (or range), the UE may not enable MR. On the other hand, if the average exceeds the threshold, the UE will enable MR. This can provide the benefit that UEs temporarily outside LPWUS coverage can have additional energy savings by utilizing the timer before enabling MR.

[0092] In the example embodiment shown in Table 1 below, if the UE receives LPWUS with RSRP / RSRQ within the range RSRP3-RSRP4, it can set the timer value to T2. If the average LPWUS RSRP / RSRQ value during the timer duration is higher than the LPWUS threshold or range, the UE can wait for timer T2 to expire before activating the main radio.

[0093]

[0094] Table 1

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] The first module 202 can be configured to receive one or more input signals. The input signals may be associated, for example, with a mapping table that indicates a mapping between at least one signal region and at least one timer value.

[0100] 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.

[0101] The third module 206 can be configured to transmit one or more output signals. The output signals may correspond, for example, to one or more control signals for: enabling the radio when the average signal value is not in at least one signal area, and turning off the radio when the average signal value is in at least one signal area.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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).

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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 of transmitting an output signal beyond 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).

[0107] 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.

[0108] In such Figure 4A In the example context shown, the gNB (or base station) is configured to provide a mapping table that indicates the mapping between LPWUS RSRP / RSRQ ranges and timer values. The gNB (or base station) can then pass this mapping table to the UE (or user equipment).

[0109] In such Figure 4B In the example context shown, the UE (or user equipment) is configured to receive a mapping table and sets a timer based on the received LPWUS RSRP / RSRQ range. When the timer expires, the UE (or user equipment) can then determine whether the average LPWUS RSRP / RSRQ value during the timer period is within a threshold or range. If the average LPWUS RSRP / RSRQ value is not within the threshold or range, the UE (or user equipment) activates the primary radio. If the average LPWUS RSRP / RSRQ value is within the threshold or range, the UE (or user equipment) continues to monitor LPWUS signals.

[0110] 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.

[0111] abbreviation:

[0112] BWP bandwidth portion

[0113] CBG code block group

[0114] CLI Cross-Link Interference

[0115] CP loop prefix

[0116] CPUCSI processing unit

[0117] CQI Channel Quality Indicator

[0118] CRB Public Resource Block

[0119] CRC Cyclic Redundancy Check

[0120] CRICSI-RS resource indicator

[0121] CSI Channel Status Information

[0122] CSI-RS Channel State Information Reference Signal

[0123] CSI-RSRPCSI Reference Signal Received Power

[0124] CSI-RSRQCSI reference signal reception quality

[0125] CSI-SINRCSI Signal-to-Interference-Noise Ratio

[0126] CW code

[0127] DCI downlink control information

[0128] DL downlink

[0129] DM-RS demodulation reference signal

[0130] DRX discontinuous reception

[0131] EPRE Energy per Resource Element

[0132] IAB-MT Integrated Access and Backhaul - Mobile Terminal

[0133] L1-RSRP Layer 1 Reference Signal Received Power

[0134] LI layer indicator

[0135] LP-WUR Low Power Wake-up Receiver

[0136] LP-WUS Low Power Wake-up Signal

[0137] MCS modulation and coding scheme

[0138] MR main receiver

[0139] PDCCH Physical Downlink Control Channel

[0140] PDSCH Physical Downlink Shared Channel

[0141] PMI Precoding Matrix Indicator

[0142] PRB Physical Resource Block

[0143] PRG precoded resource block group

[0144] PRS positioning reference signal

[0145] PSS master synchronization signal

[0146] PT-RS phase tracking reference signal

[0147] PUCCH (Physical Uplink Control Channel)

[0148] QCL Quasi-co-addressable

[0149] RB resource blocks

[0150] RBG resource block group

[0151] RI rank indicator

[0152] RIV resource indicator value

[0153] RS reference signal

[0154] RSRP reference signal received power

[0155] RSRQ reference signal reception quality

[0156] SCI sidelink control information

[0157] SLIV start and length indicators

[0158] SR scheduling request

[0159] SRS detection reference signal

[0160] SS Synchronization Signal

[0161] SS-RSRP SS reference signal received power

[0162] SS-RSRQSS reference signal reception quality

[0163] SSS auxiliary synchronization signal

[0164] SS-SINR (Signal-to-Interference-Ratio)

[0165] TB transport block

[0166] TCI Transport Configuration Indicator

[0167] TDM Time Division Multiplexing

[0168] UE User Equipment

[0169] UL uplink

Claims

1. A method (300), comprising: Input step (302), the input step includes receiving at least one input signal, the at least one input signal being associated with a mapping table, the mapping table indicating a mapping between at least one signal region and at least one timer value; as well as Processing step (304), the processing step includes at least one of the following: Determine whether the current signal value is within the at least one signal region; If the current signal value is within the at least one signal region, then a timer is started based on the at least one timer value; The average signal value is determined based on multiple signal values ​​within the at least one timer value; as well as When the timer expires, it is determined whether the average signal value is within the at least one signal region; If the average signal value is not within the at least one signal area, the radio is enabled; if the average signal value is within the at least one signal area, the radio is disabled.

2. The method (300) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one signal region corresponds to at least one value associated with the Low Power Wake-up Signal (LPWUS) Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) and Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ).

3. The method (300) of claim 1, wherein the processing step (304) further comprises: If the average signal value is within the at least one signal region, monitor the LPWUS signal.

4. The method (300) according to claim 1, wherein at least one base station is configured to: The mapping table is predetermined, indicating a mapping between at least one signal region and at least one timer value; and The mapping table is transmitted, which indicates a mapping between at least one signal region and at least one timer value.

5. The method (300) according to claim 4, wherein transmitting the mapping table includes transmitting it via system information message broadcast.

6. The method (300) according to claim 4, wherein the at least one base station corresponds to at least one next-generation node B (gNB).

7. The method (300) of claim 6, wherein the user equipment (UE) is configured to perform the input step (302) and the processing step (304), and wherein the mapping table is capable of being transmitted from the gNB to the UE.

8. The method (300) of claim 7, wherein the mapping table indicating the mapping between at least one signal region and at least one timer value is received by the UE from the gNB via at least one of: a system information block (SIB) or a UE-specific message.

9. 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.

10. 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 1-8.

11. An apparatus (102) comprising: A first module (202) is configured to receive at least one input signal associated with a mapping table indicating a mapping between at least one signal region and at least one timer value. The second module (204) is configured to process and / or facilitate the processing steps (304) of the method (300) according to claims 1 to 8 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 the control signal, enabling radio when the average signal value is not within the at least one signal area, and disabling radio when the average signal value is within the at least one signal area.

12. The equipment (102) according to claim 11, The equipment (102) described therein 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.

13. A system (100), the system comprising: At least one piece of equipment (102) according to any one of claims 11 and 12; as well as At least one device (104) according to claim 12, The equipment (102) and the device (104) can be coupled via at least one of wired coupling and wireless coupling.

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