Apparatus, method, apparatus and computer readable medium for early measurement

Abstract

Apparatuses, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable media for early measurements are disclosed. An example of a terminal device configured with early measurement reports and enhanced early measurement reports may include at least one processor and at least one memory. The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the terminal device to at least perform: receiving an additional indication for a timer from a first network device, where the terminal device is configured to perform a measurement for an early measurement report while the timer is running; and determining an operation of the timer based at least on the additional indication for the timer, where the terminal device is configured to connect to a second network device, and the second network device supports at least an enhanced early measurement report.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various example embodiments relate to devices, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable media for early measurement. Background Technology

[0002] Measurements taken during idle / inactive modes can also be referred to as early measurements or measurements for Early Measurement Reporting (EMR), as specified, for example, in Rel-15 for Long Term Evolution (LTE) and Rel-16 New Radio (NR). The EMR framework allows the network to configure a User Equipment (UE) to perform measurements on a specific carrier in idle / inactive modes and report the results to the network upon returning to Radio Resource Control (RRC) connectivity mode. A timer has been defined for EMR, and while this timer is running, the UE is configured to perform measurements for EMR. This timer may be referred to as T331. In Rel-18, Enhanced EMR (eEMR) was introduced. Under the eEMR framework, the UE can use previously obtained measurements and / or perform new measurements starting from the beginning of an RRC establishment / RRC recovery procedure (e.g., from a random access procedure to the network or from the reception of a paging message from the network). Summary of the Invention

[0003] The summary of the invention, including exemplary embodiments, is provided below to provide a basic understanding of certain aspects of the various embodiments. It should be noted that this summary is not intended to identify key features of key elements or define the scope of the embodiments, and its sole purpose is to introduce some concepts in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description provided below.

[0004] In a first aspect, a terminal device is disclosed, configured with early measurement reporting and enhanced early measurement reporting. The terminal device may include at least one processor and at least one memory. The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the terminal device to at least: receive additional instructions from a first network device for a timer, wherein the terminal device is configured to perform measurements for early measurement reporting while the timer is running; and determine the operation of the timer, at least based on the additional instructions for the timer, wherein the terminal device is configured to connect to a second network device, and the second network device at least supports enhanced early measurement reporting.

[0005] In a second aspect, a network device is disclosed. The network device may include at least one processor and at least one memory. The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network device to at least: send an additional instruction for a timer to a terminal device configured with early measurement reporting and enhanced early measurement reporting, wherein the terminal device is configured to perform a measurement for early measurement reporting while the timer is running, and the additional instruction for the timer is used by the terminal device to determine the operation of the timer, and wherein the terminal device is configured to connect to a second network device that at least supports enhanced early measurement reporting.

[0006] In a third aspect, a method is disclosed that is performed by a terminal device configured with early measurement reporting and enhanced early measurement reporting. The method may include: receiving additional instructions from a first network device for a timer, wherein the terminal device is configured to perform measurements for early measurement reporting while the timer is running; and determining the operation of the timer based at least on the additional instructions for the timer, wherein the terminal device is configured to connect to a second network device, and the second network device at least supports enhanced early measurement reporting.

[0007] In a fourth aspect, a method is disclosed that is performed by a network device. The method may include: sending an additional instruction for a timer to a terminal device configured with early measurement reporting and enhanced early measurement reporting, wherein the terminal device is configured to perform a measurement for early measurement reporting while the timer is running, and the additional instruction for the timer is used by the terminal device to determine the operation of the timer, and wherein the terminal device is configured to connect to a second network device that at least supports enhanced early measurement reporting.

[0008] In a fifth aspect, an apparatus is disclosed. This apparatus, as a terminal device configured with early measurement reporting and enhanced early measurement reporting functions, may include: components for receiving additional instructions for a timer from a first network device, wherein the terminal device is configured to perform measurements for early measurement reporting while the timer is running; and components for determining the operation of the timer, at least based on the additional instructions for the timer, wherein the terminal device is configured to connect to a second network device, and the second network device at least supports enhanced early measurement reporting.

[0009] In a sixth aspect, an apparatus is disclosed. This apparatus, as a network device, may include: components for sending additional instructions for a timer to a terminal device configured with early measurement reporting and enhanced early measurement reporting, wherein the terminal device is configured to perform measurements for early measurement reporting while the timer is running, and the additional instructions for the timer are for the terminal device to determine the operation of the timer, and wherein the terminal device is configured to connect to a second network device that at least supports enhanced early measurement reporting.

[0010] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable medium is disclosed. This computer-readable medium may include program instructions that, when executed by a terminal device configured with early measurement reporting and enhanced early measurement reporting, cause the terminal device to at least: receive additional instructions from a first network device for a timer, wherein the terminal device is configured to perform measurements for early measurement reporting while the timer is running; and determine the operation of the timer, at least based on the additional instructions for the timer, wherein the terminal device is configured to connect to a second network device, and the second network device at least supports enhanced early measurement reporting.

[0011] In an eighth aspect, a computer-readable medium is disclosed. The computer-readable medium may include program instructions that, when executed by a network device, cause the network device to at least: send an additional instruction for a timer to a terminal device configured with early measurement reporting and enhanced early measurement reporting, wherein the terminal device is configured to perform a measurement for early measurement reporting while the timer is running, and the additional instruction for the timer is for the terminal device to determine the operation of the timer, and wherein the terminal device is configured to connect to a second network device that at least supports enhanced early measurement reporting.

[0012] Other features and advantages of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will also become apparent from the following detailed description of specific embodiments, which, by way of example, illustrate the principles of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Some exemplary embodiments will now be described by way of non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0014] Figure 1 An exemplary sequence diagram for early measurement is shown according to an example embodiment of this disclosure.

[0015] Figures 2A to 2C Exemplary scenarios in which some embodiments can be implemented are shown.

[0016] Figure 3 Exemplary scenarios in which some embodiments can be implemented are shown.

[0017] Figure 4 A flowchart of an example method 400 for early measurement according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0018] Figure 5 A flowchart of an example method 500 for early measurement according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0019] Figure 6 A block diagram of an example device 600 for early measurement according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0020] Figure 7 A block diagram of an example device 700 for early measurement according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0021] Figure 8 A block diagram of an example apparatus 800 for early measurement according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0022] Figure 9 A block diagram of an example apparatus 900 for early measurement according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0023] In all the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals indicate the same or similar elements. Repeated descriptions of the same elements will be omitted. Detailed Implementation

[0024] In the following description, some exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The description includes specific details intended to provide a thorough understanding of the various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts can be practiced without these specific details. In some cases, to avoid obscuring the described concepts and features, well-known circuits, techniques, and components are shown in block diagram form.

[0025] When a UE supporting both Rel-16 EMR and Rel-18 eEMR is configured with both Rel-18 eEMR and Rel-16 EMR, the UE is configured to perform unnecessary measurements for Rel-16 EMR during idle / inactive modes as long as the T331 timer is running. Some of these measurements for Rel-16 EMR may waste UE resources.

[0026] The example embodiments of this disclosure provide additional indications for timers (such as timer T331) that enable the network to instruct the operation of the timers. Therefore, unnecessary measurements for Rel-16 EMR during idle / inactive modes can be avoided, and UE power can be saved.

[0027] Figure 1 An exemplary timing diagram for early measurement is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Reference Figure 1 UE 110 can represent any terminal device capable of supporting both EMR and eEMR, and configured with both EMR and eEMR in a wireless network. For example, the EMR configuration can be referred to as the first configuration, and the eEMR configuration can be referred to as the second configuration. The second configuration can be associated with a version of the 3GPP standard that is newer than the first configuration. Network devices 160 and 170 can represent the network side of the wireless network. Network device 160 can be used as the primary cell (PCell) serving UE 110. For example, network device 160 can support Rel-16 EMR but cannot support Rel-18 eEMR. For example, network device 160 can support the first configuration associated with an earlier version but does not support the second configuration associated with a version newer than the earlier version. Network device 170 can be used as an inter-frequency carrier aggregation (CA) or dual connectivity (DC) target secondary cell (SCell) to serve UE 110. For example, network device 170 can support at least Rel-18 (and / or higher) eEMR. For example, network device 170 can support both Rel-16 EMR and Rel-18 eEMR. For example, network device 170 can at least support a second configuration associated with a version newer than the earlier version (e.g., Rel-16) (e.g., Rel-18 and later). Network devices 160 and 170 can be associated with the same base station (BS) or different BSs. The BS can be, for example, an evolved Node B (eNB), a next-generation Node B (gNB), etc.

[0028] Consider UE 110 initially in RRC connected mode with network device 160. Before or at the time of connection release, the network device may send carrier configuration 162 and additional indication 164 for timer 166 to UE 110. UE 110 is configured to perform EMR measurements while timer 166 is running, and timer 166 may be, for example, timer T331. For Rel-16 EMR, timer T331 may be mandatory. The additional indication 164 for timer 166 may be sent via, for example, the fields measIdleDuration-r16 or measIdleDuration-r18. For example, the additional indication for the timer may be referred to as T331 Extended Indication (TEI). For example, the additional indication for the timer may be sent in RRC signaling, such as in a connection release message. The connection release message may include, for example, carrier configuration 162 and additional indication 164 for timer 166. The connection release message may be, for example, an RCRelease message.

[0029] When UE 110 enters idle mode or inactive mode and is configured to connect to network device 170 for CA or DC, in operation 115, UE 110 can determine the operation of timer 166 based at least on additional indication 164 for timer 166.

[0030] According to an example embodiment of this disclosure, the additional indication 164 may include at least one of the following: an indication that allows UE 110 to stop timer 166; an indication of value Y for delaying the start of timer 166 by duration Y; an indication of value X for extending the duration of timer 166; or an indication that allows UE 110 to ignore timer 166.

[0031] In some embodiments, where the additional indication 164 includes an indication allowing UE 110 to stop timer 166, if UE 110 detects at least one carrier configured for eEMR in operation 120, and / or if UE 110 finds in operation 122 that at least one carrier configured for EMR overlaps with at least one carrier configured for eEMR (e.g., EMR configuration and eEMR configuration overlap), then in operation 124, UE 110 may stop timer 166, thereby allowing UE 110 to avoid performing measurements for EMR in operation 126. In some embodiments, in operation 126, UE 110 may stop performing measurements other than those involving overlapping / eEMR carriers.

[0032] In an embodiment, if the additional indication 164 includes an indication allowing UE 110 to stop timer 166, then even if network device 170 is capable of supporting Rel-16 EMR, UE 110 can avoid performing measurements for EMR by stopping timer 166. The indication allowing UE 110 to stop timer 166 could be, for example, a "de-enable" value or a time value of 0 or "Sec0" in the additional indication 164. Alternatively, in operation 124, UE 110 can stop timer 166 and maintain the configuration associated with EMR or eEMR.

[0033] In some embodiments, during operation 130, UE 110 may perform measurements for eEMR during the previous or most recent connection mode, for example, when UE 110 is in RRC connection mode with network device 160, i.e., before entering the current idle or inactive mode. In this case, if additional indication 164 includes an indication allowing UE 110 to stop timer 166, and if UE 110 detects at least one carrier configured for eEMR in operation 132, and / or if UE 110 finds that at least one carrier configured for EMR overlaps with at least one carrier configured for eEMR in operation 134 (e.g., EMR configuration and eEMR configuration overlap), then in operation 136, UE 110 may stop timer 166, thereby allowing UE 110 to avoid performing measurements for EMR in operation 138.

[0034] In exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, stopping the timer may also refer to not starting the timer. In some embodiments, in operation 136, UE 110 may stop the timer if UE 110 detects at least one carrier configured for eEMR in operation 132. Alternatively, in operation 136, UE 110 may stop the timer if UE 110 finds in operation 134 that at least one carrier configured for EMR overlaps with at least one carrier configured for eEMR.

[0035] Since UE 110 detected the cell and performed some measurements during the previous connected mode, it can perform these measurements when it enters idle / inactive mode. When UE 110 switches back to connected mode, it can send the results of the measurements it performed during the previous connected mode or idle / inactive mode to network device 160. UE 110 can still perform measurements during idle / inactive mode, but it is not required to perform measurements on carriers that do not overlap with the eEMR carrier or on carriers other than the eEMR carrier. When UE 110 transitions from the current idle or inactive mode to the next RRC connected mode, it can indicate to the network (e.g., network device 160) that timer 166 has not started. For example, UE 110 can indicate that the timer has not started via an RRC-based indication.

[0036] Figures 2A to 2C Exemplary scenarios in which some embodiments can be implemented are shown.

[0037] See Figures 2A to 2CIf additional instruction 164 includes an instruction allowing UE 110 to stop timer 166 when entering idle or inactive mode 230, then in operation 124, if UE 110 detects at least one carrier configured for eEMR, and / or if in operation 122 UE 110 finds that at least one carrier configured for EMR overlaps with at least one carrier configured for eEMR, then in operation 124, UE 110 can stop timer 166. Therefore, during idle or inactive mode 230, in operation 126, UE 110 can avoid performing measurements for EMR. When RRC establishment or recovery begins at 235, UE 110 can perform measurements for Rel-18 eEMR during the process 250 for establishing or recovering the RRC connection. Therefore, when RRC establishment or recovery is complete at 240, UE 110 enters RRC connection mode 270, and the network is able to acquire the eEMR measurement results.

[0038] Alternatively, if additional indication 164 includes an indication allowing UE 110 to stop timer 166, and if UE 110 has already performed measurements for eEMR during operation 130 in the previous connection mode 210, during idle or inactive mode 230, if UE 110 detects at least one carrier configured for eEMR in operation 132, and / or if UE 110 finds that at least one carrier configured for EMR overlaps with at least one carrier configured for eEMR in operation 134, then in operation 136, UE 110 can stop timer 166. Therefore, during idle or inactive mode 230, in operation 138, UE 110 can avoid performing measurements for EMR. When RRC establishment or recovery is complete at 240, UE 110 enters RRC connection mode 270, and the network is able to acquire the eEMR measurement results.

[0039] In some embodiments, when the additional indication 164 includes an indication of a value X for extending the duration of the timer 166, reference back Figure 1 In operation 140, UE 110 can extend the timer's duration by a duration X. For example... Figure 2A As shown, timer 166 initially has a duration of 215 and terminates when the timer expires at 220. If the additional indication 164 includes an indication of a value X, UE 110 can extend the duration of 215 by a duration of X, and in this case, timer 166 will terminate when the timer expires at 222. For example, X can indicate seconds or milliseconds. For example, X can be an integer indicating seconds.

[0040] In some embodiments, where the additional indication 164 includes an indication for the start delay duration Y of the timer 166, reference back Figure 1 In operation 142, UE 110 can set the start delay duration Y of the timer. For example... Figure 2B As shown, timer 166 initially starts when UE 110 enters idle or inactive mode 230 and terminates when the timer expires 220. If the additional indication 164 includes an indication of the value Y, UE 110 can delay the start of the timer for a duration Y, and in this case, timer 166 will terminate when the timer expires 224. This allows UE 110 to save power by using the Rel-18eEMR framework by default, but also allows the network to allow UE 110 to still use the Rel-16 EMR framework if too much time has passed since UE 110 was last in connected mode 210, in which case regular measurements are more likely to become invalid. For example, Y can indicate seconds or milliseconds. For example, Y can be an integer indicating seconds.

[0041] In some embodiments, where the additional indication 164 includes both an indication of value X and an indication of value Y, the UE 110 may perform both operations 140 and 142. Figure 2C As shown, UE 110 can delay the start duration Y of the timer and extend the duration 215 to the duration X, and in this case, the timer 166 will terminate when the timer expires 226.

[0042] Because in the example embodiments of this disclosure, UE 110 can stop timer 166 and maintain the configuration associated with EMR or eEMR, the stopping of timer 166 and the ignoring of timer 166, which will be described later, do not contradict the delay and / or extension of timer 166. Related example embodiments can be combined.

[0043] In some embodiments, where the additional indication 164 includes an indication allowing UE 110 to ignore timer 166, in operation 150, UE 110 may start timer 166 upon entering idle mode or inactive mode. In this case, UE 110 may begin performing measurements for Rel-16 EMR. Where UE 110 detects at least one carrier configured for eEMR in operation 152, in operation 154, UE 110 may ignore the timer, and therefore in operation 156, UE 110 may avoid performing measurements for EMR. For example, the additional indication may include a value for "ignore" or "disable".

[0044] Figure 3Exemplary scenarios in which some embodiments can be implemented are shown. When UE 110 enters idle mode or inactive mode 230 at timing 320, timer 166 can be started in operation 150, and measurements for Rel-16 EMR can be initiated. In operation 152, if UE 110 detects at least one carrier configured for eEMR at timing 322, UE 110 can ignore timer 166, for example, assuming that timer 166 has expired at timing 322. Therefore, UE 110 can avoid performing measurements for EMR by ignoring timer 166.

[0045] In an embodiment, if the additional indication 164 includes an indication that allows UE 110 to ignore timer 166, then even if network device 170 is also capable of supporting Rel-16 EMR, UE 110 can avoid performing measurements for EMR by ignoring timer 166.

[0046] As an option, if UE 110 detects at least one carrier configured for eEMR in operation 152, UE 110 may still measure some of the EMR carriers, such as the selected intra-frequency carriers.

[0047] In some embodiments, during operation 156, UE 110 avoids performing measurements for EMR, such as one of the options listed above measIdleCarrierListNR-r18 or measIdleCarrierListNR-r18, and eEMR measurement reporting configurations, such as one of the options listed above measResultsFR2-Carrier-r18 or measResultsFR2-Carrier-r18, when it is configured with eEMR measurement configurations.

[0048] When timer 166 expires, UE 110 may indicate to network device 160 at least one carrier detected during the next connection mode (e.g., when RRC establishment or recovery is complete). The detected at least one carrier may be indicated via, for example, fr2-MeasAvailable-r18.

[0049] Alternatively or otherwise, when timer 166 expires, if UE 110 has eEMR measurement results when resuming RRC connection mode, UE 110 may report the measurement results based on eEMR to network device 160 when resuming connection mode, for example in an RRC Resume message.

[0050] While timer 166 is running, UE 110 attempts to search for carriers configured for eEMR; and when timer 166 expires, UE 110 can determine whether to perform a measurement for eEMR. In some embodiments, additional indication 164 may include an upper limit for timer 166; and if the upper limit is reached, UE 110 can determine whether to perform a measurement for eEMR.

[0051] In the example embodiments of this disclosure, avoiding the performance of measurements for EMR may, for example, mean that UE 110 is not required to perform the measurements specified in Section 4.4.2.2 of the 3GPP Technical Specification (TS) 38.133: Inter-frequency CA / DC candidate cell measurements.

[0052] Then, after timer 166 (e.g., T331) has expired, UE 110 can perform measurements on a carrier configured, for example, in measIdleCarrierListNR-r18. Network devices 160 and 170 can accordingly send synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) to UE 110 for UE 110 to perform SSB-based Layer 3 (L3) measurements against the carrier. UE 110 has already received carrier configuration in, for example, RRCrease (e.g., via MeasIdleCarrierNR-r16) such that UE 110 can perform idle / inactive CA / DC measurements on a target SCell associated with network device 170. SSB in this disclosure may also refer to synchronization signal and physical downlink broadcast channel (PBCH) blocks.

[0053] When UE 110 receives a paging message from network device 160, UE 110 may initiate a random access procedure with network device 160. Network device 160 may send a request for idle / inactive mode measurements (e.g., idleModeMeasurementReq) to UE 110 via an RRC setup message (e.g., RRCSetup). Upon receiving the request for idle mode measurements, UE 110 may send a message indicating that idle / inactive measurements are available (e.g., IdleMeasAvailable) to network device 160 via an RRC setup completion message (e.g., RRCSetupComplete).

[0054] Alternatively or otherwise, network device 160 may send a request for idle / inactive mode measurement (e.g., idleModeMeasurementReq) to UE 110 via a request for UE information (e.g., UEInformationRequest). Upon receiving the request for UE information, UE 110 may send the idle / inactive measurement result (e.g., measResultIdleNR) to network device 160 via a UE information response (e.g., UEInformationResponse).

[0055] Therefore, the SCell associated with network device 170 can be established based on the reported results.

[0056] According to example embodiments of this disclosure, examples illustrating the potential impact of signaling that simultaneously supports Rel-18 eEMR and Rel-16 EMR on the specification can be shown in Table 1 below. Table 1

[0057] According to example embodiments of this disclosure, examples of the potential impact of receiving additional instructions for a timer on specifications can be shown in Table 2 below. Table 2

[0058] The methods disclosed herein enable the network to instruct the UE on timer behavior via additional indications for the timer. When the UE connects to a network device (such as network device 170) used as the target cell and enters an idle or inactive mode, the behavior or operation of the timer can be determined by the UE.

[0059] Figure 4A flowchart illustrating an example method 400 for early measurement according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Example method 400 can be performed, for example, by a terminal device (such as UE 110) configured with EMR and eEMR.

[0060] refer to Figure 4 Example method 400 may include operation 410, receiving additional instructions for a timer from a first network device, wherein the terminal device is configured to perform measurements for EMR while the timer is running; and operation 420, determining the operation of the timer based at least on the additional instructions for the timer, wherein the terminal device is configured to connect to a second network device, and the second network device at least supports eEMR.

[0061] In some example embodiments, the additional indication may include at least one of the following: an indication that allows the terminal device to stop the timer; an indication of a value Y for delaying the start of the timer by a duration Y; an indication of a value X for extending the duration of the timer; or an indication that allows the terminal device to ignore the timer.

[0062] In some example embodiments, where the additional indication for the timer includes an indication that allows the terminal device to stop the timer, determining the operation of the timer may include: avoiding the execution of measurements for EMR by stopping the timer if at least one of the following is satisfied: the terminal device detects at least one carrier configured for eEMR; or at least one carrier configured for EMR overlaps with at least one carrier configured for eEMR.

[0063] In some example embodiments, where the additional indication for the timer includes an indication allowing the terminal device to stop the timer, determining the operation of the timer may include: avoiding the execution of the measurement for eEMR by stopping the timer if the terminal device has already performed a measurement for eEMR during the previous connection mode and at least one of the following conditions is met: the terminal device detects at least one carrier configured for eEMR; or at least one carrier configured for eEMR overlaps with at least one carrier configured for eEMR.

[0064] In some example embodiments, where the additional indication for the timer includes an indication of the value Y, determining the operation of the timer may include delaying the start of the timer by a duration Y.

[0065] In some example embodiments, where the additional indication for the timer includes an indication of a value X, determining the operation of the timer may include extending the duration of the timer by a duration X.

[0066] In some example embodiments, where additional indications for the timer include an indication that the terminal device is allowed to ignore the timer, determining the operation of the timer may include: starting the timer when entering an idle mode or an inactive mode; and avoiding performing measurements for EMR by ignoring the timer when the terminal device has detected at least one carrier configured for eEMR.

[0067] In some example embodiments, the terminal device may be configured with eEMR measurement configuration and eEMR measurement reporting configuration.

[0068] In some example embodiments, example method 400 may also include at least one of the following when the timer expires: during the next connectivity mode, instructing the first network device to operate on at least one detected carrier; or when resuming connectivity mode, reporting the operation to the first network device based on the measurement results of eEMR.

[0069] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating an example method 500 for early measurement according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Example method 500 may be performed, for example, by a network device (such as network device 160).

[0070] refer to Figure 5 Example method 500 may include: operation 510, sending an additional instruction for a timer to an end device configured with EMR and eEMR, wherein the end device is configured to perform a measurement for EMR while the timer is running, and the additional instruction for the timer is used by the end device to determine the operation of the timer, and wherein the end device is configured to connect to a second network device that at least supports eEMR.

[0071] In some example embodiments, the additional indication may include at least one of the following: an indication that allows the terminal device to stop the timer; an indication of a value Y for delaying the start of the timer by a duration Y; an indication of a value X for extending the duration of the timer; or an indication that allows the terminal device to ignore the timer.

[0072] In some example implementations, the network device may support EMR but not eEMR.

[0073] Figure 6 A block diagram illustrating an example device 600 for early measurement according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. For example, the device may be at least part of a terminal device configured with EMR and eEMR, such as UE110 in the example above.

[0074] like Figure 6As shown, the example device 600 may include at least one processor 610 and at least one memory 620, which may store instructions 630. When executed by the at least one processor 610, the instructions 630 may cause the device 600 to perform at least the example method 400 described above.

[0075] In various example embodiments, at least one processor 610 in example device 600 may include, but is not limited to: at least one hardware processor, which includes at least one microprocessor (such as a central processing unit (CPU)), at least one portion of a hardware processor, and any other suitable dedicated processor, such as those developed based on, for example, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Furthermore, at least one processor 610 may also include... Figure 6 At least one other circuit system or element not shown in the diagram.

[0076] In various example embodiments, at least one memory 620 in example device 600 may include at least one storage medium of various forms, such as transient and / or non-transient memory. Transient memory may include, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), cache, etc. Non-transient memory may include, but is not limited to, read-only memory (ROM), hard disk, flash memory, etc. As used herein, the term "non-transient" is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not tactile), rather than a limitation of the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM and ROM). Furthermore, at least one memory 620 may include, but is not limited to, electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, devices, or any combination thereof.

[0077] In addition, in various example embodiments, example device 600 may also include at least one other circuit system, component, and interface, such as at least one I / O interface, at least one antenna component, etc.

[0078] In various example embodiments, the circuitry, components, elements, and interfaces (including at least one processor 610 and at least one memory 620) in example device 600 may be coupled together in any suitable manner via any suitable connection (including but not limited to bus, cross switch, wiring, and / or wireless line), such as electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, etc.

[0079] It should be understood that the device architecture on the UE 110 side is not limited to the example device 600 described above.

[0080] Figure 7A block diagram illustrating an example device 700 for early measurement according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. For example, the device may be at least a portion of a network device (such as network device 160 in the example above).

[0081] like Figure 7 As shown, the example device 700 may include at least one processor 710 and at least one memory 720, which may store instructions 730. When executed by the at least one processor 710, the instructions 730 may cause the device 700 to perform at least the example method 500 described above.

[0082] In various example embodiments, at least one processor 710 in example device 700 may include, but is not limited to: at least one hardware processor, which includes at least one microprocessor (such as a central processing unit (CPU)), at least one portion of a hardware processor, and any other suitable dedicated processor, such as those developed based on, for example, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Furthermore, at least one processor 710 may also include... Figure 7 At least one other circuit system or element not shown in the diagram.

[0083] In various example embodiments, at least one memory 720 in example device 700 may include at least one type of storage medium, such as transient and / or non-transient memory. Transient memory may include, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), cache, etc. Non-transient memory may include, but is not limited to, read-only memory (ROM), hard disk, flash memory, etc. As used herein, the term "non-transient" is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not tactile), rather than a limitation of the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM and ROM). Furthermore, at least one memory 720 may include, but is not limited to, electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, devices, or any combination thereof.

[0084] In addition, in various example embodiments, example device 700 may also include at least one other circuit system, component, and interface, such as at least one I / O interface, at least one antenna component, etc.

[0085] In various example embodiments, the circuitry, components, elements, and interfaces (including at least one processor 710 and at least one memory 720) in example device 700 may be coupled together in any suitable manner via any suitable connection (including but not limited to bus, cross switch, wiring, and / or wireless line), such as electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, etc.

[0086] It should be understood that the device structure on the network device 160 side is not limited to the example device 700 described above.

[0087] Figure 8 A block diagram illustrating an example apparatus 800 for early measurement according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. For example, the apparatus may be at least part of a terminal device configured with EMR and eEMR, such as UE 110 in the example above.

[0088] like Figure 8 As shown, the example apparatus 800 may include: a component 810 for receiving additional instructions for a timer from a first network device, wherein the terminal device is configured to perform a measurement for EMR while the timer is running; and a component 820 for determining the operation of the timer based at least on the additional instructions for the timer, wherein the terminal device is configured to connect to a second network device, and the second network device at least supports eEMR.

[0089] In some example embodiments, the additional indication may include at least one of the following: an indication that allows the terminal device to stop the timer; an indication of a value Y for delaying the start of the timer by a duration Y; an indication of a value X for extending the duration of the timer; or an indication that allows the terminal device to ignore the timer.

[0090] In some example embodiments, where the additional indication for the timer includes an indication that allows the terminal device to stop the timer, determining the operation of the timer may include: avoiding the execution of measurements for EMR by stopping the timer if at least one of the following is satisfied: the terminal device detects at least one carrier configured for eEMR; or at least one carrier configured for EMR overlaps with at least one carrier configured for eEMR.

[0091] In some example embodiments, where the additional indication for the timer includes an indication allowing the terminal device to stop the timer, determining the operation of the timer may include: avoiding the execution of the measurement for eEMR by stopping the timer if the terminal device has already performed a measurement for eEMR during the previous connection mode and at least one of the following conditions is met: the terminal device detects at least one carrier configured for eEMR; or at least one carrier configured for eEMR overlaps with at least one carrier configured for eEMR.

[0092] In some example embodiments, where the additional indication for the timer includes an indication of the value Y, determining the operation of the timer may include delaying the start of the timer by a duration Y.

[0093] In some example embodiments, where the additional indication for the timer includes an indication of a value X, determining the operation of the timer may include extending the duration of the timer by a duration X.

[0094] In some example embodiments, where additional indications for the timer include an indication that the terminal device is allowed to ignore the timer, determining the operation of the timer may include: starting the timer when entering an idle mode or an inactive mode; and avoiding performing measurements for EMR by ignoring the timer when the terminal device has detected at least one carrier configured for eEMR.

[0095] In some example embodiments, the terminal device may be configured with eEMR measurement configuration and eEMR measurement reporting configuration.

[0096] In some example embodiments, example device 800 may further include components for at least one of the following when a timer expires: indicating to a first network device the detected at least one carrier during the next connectivity mode; or reporting to the first network device the measurement results according to eEMR when the connectivity mode is restored.

[0097] In some exemplary embodiments, examples of components in example device 800 may include circuitry. For example, an example of component 810 may include a circuitry configured to perform operation 410 of example method 400, and an example of component 820 may include a circuitry configured to perform operation 420 of example method 400.

[0098] Example apparatus 800 may also include components comprising a circuit system configured to perform example method 400. In some example embodiments, examples of components may also include software modules and any other suitable functional entities.

[0099] Figure 9 A block diagram illustrating an example apparatus 900 for early measurement according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. For example, the apparatus may be at least a portion of a network device (such as network device 160 in the example above).

[0100] like Figure 9 As shown, the example apparatus 900 may include: a component 910 for sending an additional instruction for a timer to a terminal device configured with EMR and eEMR, wherein the terminal device is configured to perform a measurement for EMR while the timer is running, and the additional instruction for the timer is for the terminal device to determine the operation of the timer, and wherein the terminal device is configured to connect to a second network device that at least supports eEMR.

[0101] In some example embodiments, the additional indication may include at least one of the following: an indication that allows the terminal device to stop the timer; an indication of a value Y for delaying the start of the timer by a duration Y; an indication of a value X for extending the duration of the timer; or an indication that allows the terminal device to ignore the timer.

[0102] In some example embodiments, the network device may support EMR but not eEMR.

[0103] In some example embodiments, examples of components in example device 900 may include circuitry. For example, an example of device 910 may include circuitry configured to perform operation 510 of example method 500.

[0104] Example apparatus 900 may also include components comprising a circuit system configured to perform example method 500. In some example embodiments, examples of components may also include software modules and any other suitable functional entities.

[0105] Example embodiments of this disclosure also provide a computer-readable medium including program instructions that, when executed by a terminal device (such as UE 110 in the example above) configured with EMR and eEMR, cause the terminal device to at least: receive additional instructions from a first network device for a timer, wherein the terminal device is configured to perform measurements for EMR while the timer is running; and determine the operation of the timer based at least on the additional instructions for the timer, wherein the terminal device is configured to connect to a second network device, and the second network device at least supports eEMR.

[0106] In some example embodiments, the additional indication may include at least one of the following: an indication that allows the terminal device to stop the timer; an indication of a value Y for delaying the start of the timer by a duration Y; an indication of a value X for extending the duration of the timer; or an indication that allows the terminal device to ignore the timer.

[0107] In some example embodiments, where the additional indication for the timer includes an indication that allows the terminal device to stop the timer, determining the operation of the timer may include: avoiding the execution of measurements for EMR by stopping the timer if at least one of the following is satisfied: the terminal device detects at least one carrier configured for eEMR; or at least one carrier configured for EMR overlaps with at least one carrier configured for eEMR.

[0108] In some example embodiments, where the additional indication for the timer includes an indication allowing the terminal device to stop the timer, determining the operation of the timer may include: avoiding the execution of the measurement for eEMR by stopping the timer if the terminal device has already performed a measurement for eEMR during the previous connection mode and at least one of the following conditions is met: the terminal device detects at least one carrier configured for eEMR; or at least one carrier configured for eEMR overlaps with at least one carrier configured for eEMR.

[0109] In some example embodiments, where the additional indication for the timer includes an indication of the value Y, determining the operation of the timer may include delaying the start of the timer by a duration Y.

[0110] In some example embodiments, where the additional indication for the timer includes an indication of a value X, determining the operation of the timer may include extending the duration of the timer by a duration X.

[0111] In some example embodiments, where additional indications for the timer include an indication that the terminal device is allowed to ignore the timer, determining the operation of the timer may include: starting the timer when entering an idle mode or an inactive mode; and avoiding performing measurements for EMR by ignoring the timer when the terminal device has detected at least one carrier configured for eEMR.

[0112] In some example embodiments, the terminal device may be configured with eEMR measurement configuration and eEMR measurement reporting configuration.

[0113] In some example embodiments, the computer-readable medium may also include instructions that, when executed by a terminal device, cause the terminal device to also perform at least one of the following operations upon timer expiration: during the next connectivity mode, instructing a first network device to operate on at least one detected carrier; or upon resuming connectivity mode, reporting to the first network device on operations based on eEMR measurements.

[0114] Example embodiments of this disclosure also provide a computer-readable medium including program instructions that, when executed by a network device (such as network device 160 in the example above), cause the network device to perform at least: sending an additional instruction for a timer to an end device configured with EMR and eEMR, wherein the end device is configured to perform a measurement for EMR while the timer is running, and the additional instruction for the timer is for the end device to determine the operation of the timer, and wherein the end device is configured to connect to a second network device that at least supports eEMR.

[0115] In some example embodiments, the additional indication may include at least one of the following: an indication that allows the terminal device to stop the timer; an indication of a value Y for delaying the start of the timer by a duration Y; an indication of a value X for extending the duration of the timer; or an indication that allows the terminal device to ignore the timer.

[0116] In some example implementations, the network device may support EMR but not eEMR.

[0117] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar expressions, wherein the list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”, indicating at least any one element, or at least any two or more elements, or at least all elements.

[0118] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. By way of example and not limitation, a terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), subscriber station (SS), portable subscriber station, mobile station (MS), or access terminal (AT). Terminal devices may include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, Voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, tablets, wearable terminal devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, desktop computers, image acquisition terminal devices (such as digital cameras), gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback devices, in-vehicle wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop embedded devices (LEEs), laptop-mounted devices (LMEs), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless client devices (CPEs), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, watches or other wearables, head-mounted displays (HMDs), vehicles, drones, medical devices and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial devices and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in the context of industrial and / or automated processing chains), consumer electronics devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc. The terminal equipment may also correspond to the mobile termination (MT) portion of an IAB node (e.g., a relay node). In the above description, the terms "terminal equipment," "communication equipment," "terminal," "user equipment," and "UE" may be used interchangeably.

[0119] The term "circuit system" in this disclosure may refer to one or more of the following: (a) a hardware circuit implementation only (such as an implementation only in analog and / or digital circuit systems); and (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (if applicable): (i) a combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuitry with software / firmware, and (ii) any portion of (multiple) hardware processors (including (multiple) digital signal processors), software, and (multiple) memories having software, which work together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or a server) to perform various functions; and (c) (multiple) hardware circuitry and / or (multiple) processors (such as (multiple) microprocessors or portions of (multiple) microprocessors) that require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but may be absent when the software is not required to operate. This definition of "circuit system" applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claim. As another example, as used in this application, the term "circuit system" also covers an implementation of only hardware circuitry or processors (or multiple processors) or portions of hardware circuitry or processors and their accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, if applicable to a particular claim element, the term "circuit system" also covers baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices or other computing or networking devices.

[0120] Another example embodiment may relate to computer program code or instructions that cause a device to perform at least the corresponding methods described above. Another example embodiment may relate to a computer-readable medium on which such computer program code or instructions are stored. In some embodiments, such a computer-readable medium may include at least one storage medium in various forms, such as volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. Volatile memory may include, but is not limited to, for example, RAM, cache, etc. Non-volatile memory may include, but is not limited to, ROM, hard disk, flash memory, etc. Non-volatile memory may also include, but is not limited to, electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, devices, or apparatuses, or any combination thereof.

[0121] Unless the context clearly specifies otherwise, the terms "comprise," "comprising," etc., in the specification and claims shall be interpreted in an inclusive sense, rather than an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is, in the sense of "including but not limited to." The term "coupled," as generally used herein, means that two or more elements can be directly connected or connected through one or more intermediate elements. Similarly, the term "connected," as generally used herein, means that two or more elements can be directly connected or connected through one or more intermediate elements. Furthermore, when used in this application, the terms "in this document," "above," "below," and similar terms refer to the entire application and not any specific part of it. Where the context permits, singular or plural terms used in the specification may also include the plural or singular accordingly. The term "or" refers to a list of two or more items, and this term covers all the following interpretations: any item in the list, all items in the list, and any combination of items in the list.

[0122] Furthermore, unless otherwise expressly stated or understood as is understood in the context, conditional language used herein, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” “for example,” “such as,” etc., is generally intended to indicate that certain embodiments include certain features, elements, and / or states that are not included in other embodiments. Therefore, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that a feature, element, or state is necessary in any respect for one or more embodiments, or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for determining, with or without author input or prompting, regardless of whether such features, elements, or states are included in any particular embodiment or will be performed in any particular embodiment.

[0123] As used herein, the term "determine" (and its grammatical variations) can include, but is not limited to: operation, calculation, processing, derivation, measurement, investigation, searching (e.g., searching in a table, database, or other data structure), confirmation, etc. Additionally, "determine" can include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory), obtaining, etc. Furthermore, "determine" can include solving, selecting, picking, establishing, etc.

[0124] While some embodiments have been described and presented by way of example, they are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. In fact, the apparatuses, methods, and systems described herein can be embodied in various other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made to the form of the methods and systems described herein without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. For example, while blocks are presented in a given arrangement, alternative embodiments may utilize different components and / or circuit topologies to perform similar functions, and certain blocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and / or modified. At least one of these blocks may be implemented in various different ways. The order of these blocks may also be changed. Any suitable combination of elements and actions of some of the embodiments described above can be combined to provide other embodiments. The appended claims and their equivalents are intended to cover various forms or modifications falling within the scope and spirit of this disclosure.

[0125] The abbreviations used in the descriptions and / or figures are defined as follows: 3GPP TS (Third Generation Partnership Project) Technical Specification BS base station CA carrier aggregation DC dual connectivity Early EMR Measurement Report eEMR Enhanced EMR eNB Evolutionary Node B gNB Next Generation Node B LTE Long Term Evolution NR New Radio L3 Floor 3 PBCH (Physical Downlink Broadcast Channel) PCell main cell Rel version RRC Radio Resource Control SCell Auxiliary Community SSB Synchronization Signal Block Synchronization signals and PBCH blocks TEI T331 Extended Instructions UE User Equipment

Claims

1. A terminal device configured with early measurement reporting and enhanced early measurement reporting, the terminal device comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the terminal device to perform at least the following: Receive additional instructions for a timer from a first network device, wherein the terminal device is configured to perform a measurement for the early measurement report while the timer is running; and The operation of the timer is determined at least based on the additional indication for the timer, wherein the terminal device is configured to connect to the second network device, and the second network device at least supports the enhanced early measurement reporting.

2. The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the additional indication includes at least one of the following: An instruction allowing the terminal device to stop the timer; The value Y is an indication of the start delay duration Y of the timer; An indication of value X, which is used to extend the duration of the timer; or The terminal device is allowed to ignore the timer's indication.

3. The terminal device of claim 2, wherein, when the additional indication for the timer includes an indication allowing the terminal device to stop the timer, the determination of the operation of the timer includes: The measurement for the early measurement report is avoided by stopping the timer if at least one of the following conditions is met: The terminal device detects at least one carrier configured for the enhanced early measurement reporting; or At least one carrier configured for the early measurement report overlaps with at least one carrier configured for the enhanced early measurement report.

4. The terminal device of claim 2, wherein, when the additional indication for the timer includes an indication allowing the terminal device to stop the timer, the determination of the operation of the timer includes: If the terminal device has already performed the measurement for the enhanced early measurement report during the previous connection mode, and at least one of the following conditions is met, the execution of the measurement for the early measurement report is avoided by stopping the timer: The terminal device detects at least one carrier configured for the enhanced early measurement reporting; or At least one carrier configured for the early measurement report overlaps with at least one carrier configured for the enhanced early measurement report.

5. The terminal device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, when the additional indication for the timer includes the indication of the value Y, the determination of the operation of the timer includes: The start of the timer is delayed by the duration Y.

6. The terminal device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein, when the additional indication for the timer includes the indication of the value X, the determination of the operation of the timer includes: Extend the duration of the timer by the duration X.

7. The terminal device of claim 2, wherein, when the additional indication for the timer includes allowing the terminal device to ignore the indication for the timer, the determination of the operation of the timer includes: The timer starts when entering idle or inactive mode; as well as If the terminal device has detected at least one carrier configured for the enhanced early measurement report, the measurement for the early measurement report is avoided by ignoring the timer.

8. The terminal device of claim 7, wherein the terminal device is configured with an enhanced early measurement report configuration and an enhanced early measurement report configuration.

9. The terminal device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the terminal device to further perform at least one of the following when the timer expires: During the next connection mode, the first network device is indicated with the detected at least one carrier; or When resuming connectivity, the measurement results based on the enhanced early measurement report are reported to the first network device.

10. A network device, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the terminal device to perform at least the following: Send additional instructions for the timer to the terminal device configured with Early Measurement Reporting and Enhanced Early Measurement Reporting. The terminal device is configured to perform measurements for the early measurement report while the timer is running, and the additional indication for the timer is used by the terminal device to determine the operation of the timer, and the terminal device is configured to connect to a second network device that at least supports the enhanced early measurement report.

11. The network device of claim 10, wherein the additional indication includes at least one of the following: An instruction allowing the terminal device to stop the timer; The value Y is an indication of the start delay duration Y of the timer; An indication of value X, which is used to extend the duration of the timer; or The terminal device is allowed to ignore the timer's indication.

12. The network device of claim 10 or 11, wherein the network device supports the early measurement report but does not support the enhanced early measurement report.

13. A method performed by a terminal device configured with early measurement reporting and enhanced early measurement reporting, the method comprising: Receive additional instructions for a timer from a first network device, wherein the terminal device is configured to perform a measurement for the early measurement report while the timer is running; and The operation of the timer is determined at least based on the additional indication for the timer, wherein the terminal device is configured to connect to the second network device, and the second network device at least supports the enhanced early measurement reporting.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the additional indication comprises at least one of the following: An instruction allowing the terminal device to stop the timer; The value Y is an indication of the start delay duration Y of the timer; An indication of value X, which is used to extend the duration of the timer; or The terminal device is allowed to ignore the timer's indication.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, where the additional indication for the timer includes an indication allowing the terminal device to stop the timer, the determination of the operation of the timer includes: The measurement for the early measurement report is avoided by stopping the timer if at least one of the following conditions is met: The terminal device detects at least one carrier configured for the enhanced early measurement reporting; or At least one carrier configured for the early measurement report overlaps with at least one carrier configured for the enhanced early measurement report.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein, where the additional indication for the timer includes an indication allowing the terminal device to stop the timer, the determination of the operation of the timer includes: If the terminal device has already performed the measurement for the enhanced early measurement report during the previous connection mode, and at least one of the following conditions is met, the execution of the measurement for the early measurement report is avoided by stopping the timer: The terminal device detects at least one carrier configured for the enhanced early measurement reporting; or At least one carrier configured for the early measurement report overlaps with at least one carrier configured for the enhanced early measurement report.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein, when the additional indication for the timer includes the indication of the value Y, the determination of the operation of the timer includes: The start of the timer is delayed by the duration Y.

18. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein, when the additional indication for the timer includes the indication of the value X, the determination of the operation of the timer includes: Extend the duration of the timer by the duration X.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein, where the additional indication for the timer includes allowing the terminal device to ignore the indication for the timer, the determination of the operation of the timer includes: The timer starts when entering idle or inactive mode; as well as If the terminal device has detected at least one carrier configured for the enhanced early measurement report, the measurement for the early measurement report is avoided by ignoring the timer.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the terminal device is configured with an enhanced early measurement report configuration and an enhanced early measurement report configuration.

21. The method of claim 19 or 20, further comprising at least one of the following when the timer expires: During the next connection mode, the first network device is indicated with the detected at least one carrier; or When resuming connectivity, the measurement results based on the enhanced early measurement report are reported to the first network device.

22. A method, performed by a network device, the method comprising: Send additional instructions for the timer to the terminal device configured with Early Measurement Reporting and Enhanced Early Measurement Reporting. The terminal device is configured to perform measurements for the early measurement report while the timer is running, and the additional indication for the timer is used by the terminal device to determine the operation of the timer, and the terminal device is configured to connect to a second network device that at least supports the enhanced early measurement report.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the additional indication comprises at least one of the following: An instruction allowing the terminal device to stop the timer; The value Y is an indication of the start delay duration Y of the timer; An indication of value X, which is used to extend the duration of the timer; or The terminal device is allowed to ignore the timer's indication.

24. The method of claim 22 or 23, wherein the network device supports the early measurement report but not the enhanced early measurement report.

25. A computer-readable medium comprising program instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform at least the method according to claims 13 to 24.

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