Method and apparatus for improving radio resource management measurement efficiency

Abstract

Systems and methods for improving radio resource management (RRM) measurement efficiency are discussed herein. One or more network nodes may identify a synchronization signal block (SSB) group consisting of one or more SSBs corresponding in direction to a first area covering a location of a user equipment (UE), and send an SSB group activation message to the UE indicating the UE to activate the SSB group for measurements at the UE. The location of the UE may be determined based on, for example, a positioning measurement of the UE, a trajectory of the UE, a machine learning (ML) model, or a measurement report result. In some cases, the one or more network nodes determine that the UE has moved to a second location, identify a second SSB group having second one or more SSBs corresponding in direction to a second region, and send a second group activation message.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application generally relates to wireless communication systems, including wireless communication systems that use synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) to perform radio resource management (RRM) measurements. Background Technology

[0002] Wireless mobile communication technologies use various standards and protocols to transmit data between base stations and wireless communication devices. For example, wireless communication system standards and protocols may include, for instance, 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) (e.g., 4G), 3GPP New Radio (NR) (e.g., 5G), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard for Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) (often referred to as Wi-Fi within the industry organization). ® ).

[0003] As envisioned by 3GPP, different wireless communication system standards and protocols can use various radio access networks (RANs) for communication between RAN base stations (sometimes also commonly referred to as RAN nodes, network nodes, or simply nodes) and wireless communication equipment called user equipment (UEs). 3GPP RANs can include, for example, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data Rate GSM Evolution (EDGE) RAN (GERAN), Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), and / or Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN).

[0004] Each RAN can use one or more Radio Access Technologies (RATs) to perform communication between the base station and the UE. For example, GERAN implements the GSM and / or EDGE RAT, UTRAN implements the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) RAT or other 3GPP RATs, E-UTRAN implements the LTE RAT (sometimes simply referred to as LTE), and NG-RAN implements the NR RAT (this NR RAT is sometimes referred to herein as the 5G RAT, 5G NR RAT, or simply NR). In some deployments, E-UTRAN may also implement the NR RAT. In some deployments, NG-RAN may also implement the LTE RAT.

[0005] The base stations used by a RAN can correspond to that RAN. An example of an E-UTRAN base station is an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) Node B (also commonly referred to as Evolved Node B, Enhanced Node B, eNodeB, or eNB). An example of an NG-RAN base station is a Next Generation Node B (sometimes also called gNode B or gNB).

[0006] The RAN provides communication services to external entities through its connection with the core network (CN). For example, E-UTRAN can utilize the evolved packet core (EPC), while NG-RAN can utilize the 5G core network (5GC). Attached Figure Description

[0007] To facilitate the identification of any particular element or action in the discussion, one or more of the most significant digits in the figure reference numerals refer to the figure number in which the element was first introduced.

[0008] Figure 1A Examples of instructions are provided. referenceSignalConfi g IE MeasObjectNR Example of an information element (IE).

[0009] Figure 1B Examples of instructions are provided. SSB-ConfigMobility IE referenceSignalConfi Example of gIE.

[0010] Figure 1C Examples of instructions are provided. ssb-ToMeasure IE SSB-ConfigMobility An example from IE.

[0011] Figure 1D This example illustrates which SSBs to measure in the SSB-based Measurement Timing Configuration (SMTC) measurement window. ssb-ToMeasure An example from IE.

[0012] Figure 2 This example illustrates multiple nodes in the network (e.g., the serving cell and neighboring cells) sending data in... ssb-ToMeasure An example of an SSB as indicated in IE.

[0013] Figure 3 An example is given where the UE has a considerable number of measurements on some of the SSBs sent by the network.

[0014] Figure 4 An example of using SSB groups is shown, where each SSB group corresponds to / covers an area where the UE may be located.

[0015] Figure 5 The first and second examples illustrate how the UE measures the SSB during the SMTC window.

[0016] Figure 6A Examples of instructions are provided. ssbGroup-ToMeasure IE SSB-ConfigMobility An example from IE.

[0017] Figure 6B Further instructions are provided. ssbgroupID fields and ssb-ToMeasure Fields ssbGroup- ToMeasure An example from IE.

[0018] Figure 7 A method for one or more nodes of a network according to an embodiment of this paper is illustrated.

[0019] Figure 8 A method for a UE according to the implementation scheme of this document is illustrated.

[0020] Figure 9 A method for one or more nodes of a network according to an embodiment of this paper is illustrated.

[0021] Figure 10 A method for a UE according to the implementation scheme of this document is illustrated.

[0022] Figure 11 An example architecture of a wireless communication system according to the implementation scheme disclosed herein is illustrated.

[0023] Figure 12 A system for performing signaling between a wireless device and a network device according to an embodiment disclosed herein is illustrated. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Various implementations are described for the UE. However, references to the UE are provided for illustrative purposes only. The example implementations can be used with any electronic components that can establish a connection to a network and are configured with hardware, software, and / or firmware for exchanging information and data with the network. Therefore, the UE as described herein is used to represent any suitable electronic component.

[0025] In some wireless communication systems, RRM measurements are configured by the network via Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, including in idle mode, inactive mode, and / or connected mode. For example, the measurement object configuration for RRM measurements includes information that the UE needs to perform the RRM measurements, including frequency, reference signal configuration, cell list, associated measurement gaps, and other configuration information of this type. For example, for SSB-based RRM measurements, a key parameter of the reference signal configuration provides information about which SSB the UE wants to measure (e.g., as provided in 3GPP Technical Specification (TS) 38.331 Release 15.3.0 (September 2018) (hereinafter referred to as “3GPP TS 38.331”).

[0026] Figure 1A Examples of instructions are provided. referenceSignalConfig IE 104 MeasObjectNR Example for IE 102.

[0027] Figure 1B Examples of instructions are provided. ssb-ConfigMobilityIE 106 referenceSignalConfig Example for IE 104.

[0028] Figure 1C Examples of instructions are provided. ssb-ToMeasure IE 108 ssb-ConfigMobility Example for IE 106.

[0029] Figure 1D This example shows instructions on which SSBs to measure in the SMTC measurement window. ssb-ToMeasure Example for IE 108.

[0030] Therefore, as Figures 1A to 1D exemplified, MeasObjectNR IE 102 can provide referenceSignalConfig IE 104, which provides ssb-ConfigMobility IE 106, which provides ssb-ToMeasure IE 108 provides information on which SSB the UE is performing the measurement for.

[0031] In some wireless communication systems, ssb-ToMeasure The definition of IE (for example, is exemplified as) ssb- ToMeasure IE 108) can be provided, for example, as a set of SSBs to be measured during the duration of an SMTC window. Up to 64 SSBs can exist within each SMTC window duration, but in some cases, the network does not send all 64 SSBs. For one or more SMTC windows, the network can... ssb-ToMeasure The bitmap in IE 108 indicates to the UE which SSBs to measure. The first (i.e., leftmost) bit of the bitmap corresponds to SSB index 0, the second bit corresponds to SSB index 1, and so on. A value of 0 in the bitmap indicates that the corresponding SSB should not be measured, while a value of 1 indicates that the corresponding SSB should be measured (as further defined in, for example, TS 38.215 Release 15.3.0 (September 2018) (hereinafter referred to as "3GPP TS 38.215"). When this field is not configured, the UE measures all SSBs. Regardless of the value of the field in the bitmap, SSBs outside the applicable SMTC window are not measured (as further defined in, for example, TS 38.215 Clause 5.1.1).

[0032] Figure 2 This example illustrates multiple nodes in the network (e.g., the serving cell and neighboring cells) sending data in... ssb-ToMeasure An example of an SSB as indicated in IE.

[0033] It should be noted that, ssb-ToMeasure In IE, the network can include all candidate SSBs from both serving cell 202 and neighboring cell 204. In other words, ssb-ToMeasure An IE can include a superset of all SSBs transmitted by the serving cell and neighboring cells on the same frequency. For example, such as Figure 2 As illustrated, serving cell 202 is transmitting eight SSBs using different transmit (Tx) beams 208, and neighboring cell 204 is also transmitting eight SSBs using Tx beams 208. In this example scenario, the applicable... ssb-ToMeasure The IE indicates eight SSBs (each of the serving cell 202 and neighboring cell 204 uses these eight SSBs on the eight indicated transmit beams, where SSB 1 is transmitted on "Tx beam #1", SSB 2 is transmitted on "Tx beam #2", and so on). The UE 206 can measure the eight SSBs transmitted from the serving cell 202 and the eight SSBs transmitted from the neighboring cell 204. The use of eight SSBs is merely an example, and any node in the network, including the serving cell 202, neighboring cell 204, or any other node, can transmit up to 64 SSBs. In such an example of transmitting 64 SSBs, [the following will be discussed]. ssb-ToMeasure IE indicates 64 SSBs.

[0034] Figure 3 An example is given of UE 306 having a considerable number of measurements on some SSBs sent by the network.

[0035] In some wireless communication systems, a UE may encounter the following scenario: due to different beamforming directivity, the UE may have a considerable number of measurements on some (but not all) SSBs transmitted by the network. For example, an SSB transmitted on a Tx beam in the opposite direction to the UE may correspond to weak measurements rather than a considerable number of measurements. Furthermore, measuring SSBs transmitted on a Tx beam in the opposite direction to the UE requires associated power consumption at the UE. Additionally, due to scheduling constraints that allow these measurements, the UE may not use the corresponding symbols for substantive data. These costs are burdensome, and there is no real expectation of improving mobility performance through measurements of SSBs broadcast on a Tx beam in the opposite direction.

[0036] Figure 3 The illustrated example shows that UE 306 can measure SSBs such as those broadcast from each of the serving cell 302 and neighboring cells 304 on Tx beams #2 308, #3 310, and #4 312. These SSBs have a considerable number of measurement results because they are transmitted with the UE 306's orientation 320 in the same direction. However, UE 306 may not be able to obtain a considerable number of measurement results from SSBs such as those on Tx beams #6 314, #7 316, and #8 318 because they are transmitted in the opposite direction to the UE 306's orientation.

[0037] In most cases, ssb-ToMeasure IE is updated via RRC signaling, thus the network updates frequently. ssb- ToMeasure IE is impractical (e.g., considering new / different Tx beams in the Tx beams transmitted in the direction of the UE's current location, such as in cases corresponding to the UE's mobility).

[0038] SSB Group Figure 4 An example of using SSB groups is shown, where each SSB group corresponds to / covers an area where the UE may be located.

[0039] An SSB group can represent a subset of the complete set of SSBs currently being transmitted from the serving cell, neighboring cells, and any other nodes in the network. In some such implementations, an SSB group consists of SSBs transmitted in directions in which the UE may be located. In some cases, an SSB group may include both intra-frequency SSBs and inter-frequency SSBs.

[0040] In some implementations, dynamic updates to the RRM measurement configuration used by the UE to reflect new / updated SSB groups can be used to effectively follow the UE as it moves to a new area.

[0041] Figure 4 Different SSB groups covering different areas are illustrated. Tx beams #1 406, #2 408, and #3 410 are used to transmit the corresponding SSBs in the first SSB group. It can be seen that these SSBs correspond to / cover area 1 402 in the direction. In this case, the UE in area 1 402 can be configured to measure the SSB group with SSBs of Tx beams #1 406, #2 408, and #3 410r, without measuring any other SSBs on other Tx beams not in the SSB group, thus reducing power consumption compared to measuring all SSBs on all used Tx beams.

[0042] Similarly, Tx beams #7 412, #8 414, and #1 416 are used to transmit the corresponding SSBs in the second SSB group. It can be seen that these SSBs correspond to / cover area 2 404 in the direction. In this case, the UE in area 2 404 can be configured to measure the SSB group with SSBs of Tx beams #7 412, #8 414, and #1 416, without having to measure any other SSBs on other Tx beams, thus reducing power consumption compared to measuring all SSBs on all used Tx beams.

[0043] In some cases, an SSB may simultaneously reside in multiple different SSB groups corresponding to multiple different regions. For example, the SSB of Tx beam #1 418 may be in a first SSB group that includes the SSB corresponding in the direction to the UE in region 1 402, and in a second SSB group that includes the SSB corresponding in the direction to the UE in region 2 404. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to identifying a single SSB group for each SSB, as an SSB may be part of one or more SSB groups. Furthermore, in another example, the network may identify one or more SSB groups for UE measurement. The embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to using only one SSB group at a time.

[0044] Further reference Figure 4 Consider the scenario where the UE moves from area 1 402 to area 2 404. In this example, while still in area 1 402, the UE can be configured to measure a first group of SSBs consisting of SSBs from Tx beams #1 406, #2 408, and #3 410, thus corresponding to / covering area 1 402 where the UE is camped. When the UE moves to area 2 404, it can be configured to measure a second group of SSBs consisting of SSBs from Tx beams #7 412, #8 414, and #1 416, thus corresponding to / covering area 2 404 where the UE is camped after the move. Furthermore, in some cases, once the UE has moved to area 2 404, the UE can be configured to stop measuring the first group of SSBs that covers area 1 402, because the second group of SSBs contains SSBs that provide better measurement results due to the UE's move to area 2 404.

[0045] Using SSB groups in this way allows the UE to measure SSBs within the SSB group during RRM measurements, but not SSBs outside the SSB group. This reduces overall UE power consumption due to the relatively fewer measurements performed. Furthermore, it increases potential throughput by reducing the number of symbols with scheduling constraints (so any scheduling constraints originally used to measure unmeasured SSBs may no longer be needed, freeing up the corresponding symbols for other non-SSB measurement purposes).

[0046] Figure 5 The first and second examples illustrate how the UE measures the SSB during the SMTC window.

[0047] Example 502 illustrates a situation corresponding to a current wireless communication system. In this first example, the UE can measure... ssb-ToMeasure All SSBs of IE (e.g., Figure 5The SSBs #1 to #64 506 in the SMTC window 508 correspond to the use of the entire SMTC window 508. Since the UE sees a considerable number of measurements only from some of the SSBs #1 to #64 506 that are directionally aligned with / correspond to the UE's location, this can be considered to consume an unnecessarily large amount of power. Furthermore, to achieve these measurements, scheduling constraint 510 can be applied across the entire SMTC window 508 (e.g., as provided in TS 38.133 Release 15.3.0 (September 2018) (hereinafter referred to as "3GPP TS 38.133")) (e.g., in the case where the UE performs intra-frequency measurements in a Time Division Duplex (TDD) band). In some such cases, scheduling constraint 510 can result in "invalid" UL time slots (time slots that are nominally UL time slots but cannot actually be used for UL data due to scheduling constraint 510). For example, as illustrated, the UE may be unable to transmit on symbols intended for measurement of SSB #1 through SSB #64 506 (e.g., Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH), Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH), and / or Sounding Reference Signal (SRS)). In some cases, this limitation may be further extended to the data symbol following each consecutive SSB symbol to be measured within the SMTC window 508.

[0048] Second example 504 illustrates a second scenario corresponding to the implementation disclosed herein. Advantageously, the UE measures a subset of the configured SSBs (e.g., SSB #1 to SSB #3 512) during SMTC window 514. These measurements may be performed by the UE using a configuration that includes (e.g., only) a group of SSBs #1 to SSB #3 512. This group of SSBs may have been selected due to the directional correspondence between SSB #1 to SSB #3 512 and the area in which the UE is located. Therefore, the UE does not consume unnecessary power because the UE measurements may expect a suitable subset of SSBs (SSB #1 to SSB #3 512, as indicated in the SSB group configuration information) with a considerable number of measurement results. Therefore, scheduling constraint 516 can be applied only to some symbols of some SSBs (e.g., on the symbols of SSBs #1 through #3 512 being measured, and in some cases, plus one or more SSB symbols for bias), rather than to the set of all symbols corresponding to the entire SMTC window 514 (plus bias). This can increase system throughput (because the effective uplink slot 518 is open in the SMTC window 514).

[0049] In some implementations, the network identifies the SSB group to be configured for the UE (for UE activation) based on one or more possible types of information. In some cases, the network identifies which SSB group to configure based on new and / or existing location measurements of the UE. For example, location measurements could be uplink time difference of arrival (UTDOA) location measurements, observed time difference of arrival (OTDOA) location measurements, or round-trip time (RTT) location measurements. Once the UE's location is determined using these location measurements, an SSB group with SSBs corresponding to the area in which the UE is located in the direction can be identified and communicated to the UE.

[0050] In some cases, the network identifies which SSB group to configure for the UE based on the UE positioning scheme. Example UE positioning schemes may include determining the UE's trajectory (e.g., on a high-speed train) and / or determining the UE's altitude information (e.g., in an air-to-ground (ATG) scenario). In some examples, using the UE's trajectory and / or altitude information, the network can determine the UE's current and / or future location and configure the SSB group accordingly. For example, once the UE's current and / or future location is determined, an SSB group with SSBs corresponding in the direction to which the UE is located or will be located can be identified and communicated to the UE.

[0051] In some cases, the network uses artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI / ML) models to identify which SSB group to use. For example, the network-side model can be trained to predict the UE's trajectory and thus identify the appropriate SSB group to use. For instance, once the UE's trajectory is predicted, an SSB group with SSBs that correspond in direction to the area where the UE is located or will be located can be identified and communicated to the UE.

[0052] In some cases, the network identifies which SSB group to use based on Layer 1 (L1) measurement reports, where the SSB with the strongest L1 measurement result corresponds to the SSB that corresponds to the UE's location in the direction. In other words, the SSB with the strongest L1 measurement result in the report can be used to determine the UE's location. The L1 measurement report can be, for example, an SSB-based L1 measurement report and / or an L1 Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) measurement report based on Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS). Once the UE's location is determined, an SSB group with the SSB that corresponds to the area in which the UE is located in the direction can be identified and communicated to the UE.

[0053] Various mechanisms are envisioned for activating and / or deactivating SSB groups at the UE. In some of these mechanisms, the network transmits an "SSB group activation message" to the UE, which configures the UE to activate and / or deactivate one or more SSB groups.

[0054] In some cases, a new Media Access Control-Control Element (MAC-CE) can be communicated from the network to the UE, enabling the UE to directly activate and / or deactivate an SSB group. The MAC-CE command may include an SSB group identifier (ID) and the status of the corresponding SSB group (whether the SSB group is currently active or deactivated). The UE then activates and / or deactivates the indicated SSB group based on the SSB group ID and SSB group status in the MAC-CE command. The MAC-CE described herein can be considered an example of an "SSB group activation message" as discussed herein.

[0055] In some cases, downlink control information (DCI) commands transmitted from the network to the UE can be introduced to switch which SSB group is active. For example, the DCI command may indicate the SSB group ID. Upon receiving the DCI command, the UE activates the corresponding SSB group (and may further deactivate previously used SSB groups). The DCI command described herein can be considered an example of an "SSB group activation message" as discussed herein.

[0056] In some cases, condition-based SSB group selection can be introduced. The network can configure conditions associated with SSB groups for condition selection provided to the UE, for example, in a conditional message. When the conditions are met, the UE activates the corresponding / associated SSB group. For example, the conditions for SSB activation can be based on a specific location, or on when measurements of one or more SSBs in the SSB group meet a threshold.

[0057] In one example, the UE moves from one location to a second location. As the UE moves to the second location, the measurement results of one or more SSBs in the SSB group that correspond in direction to the area covering the second location may increase in power, or in other words, become stronger, thereby satisfying a condition received from the network in a conditional message to cause the UE to activate the SSB group containing those one or more SSBs. A similar example is conceivable where the UE deactivates the SSB group when the measurement results of one or more SSBs in the SSB group decrease below a threshold.

[0058] In the second example, the UE moves from one location to a second location. When the UE moves to the second location, the UE determines that its new location (at the second location) satisfies the conditions received from the network in a conditional message, causing the UE to activate a second SSB group having an SSB that corresponds in direction to the UE's second location. Similarly, the UE can be configured to conditionally deactivate the SSB group when an SSB in the SSB group does not correspond in direction to its new location (at the second location).

[0059] Figure 6A Examples of instructions are provided. ssbGroup-ToMeasure IE 604 SSB-ConfigMobility Example of IE 602.

[0060] For example, it can be SSB-ConfigMobility IE 602 introduces an indicator to specify which SSB group to measure. ssbGroup-ToMeasure IE 604. In addition, ssbGroup-ToMeasure IE 604 may include one or more ssbGroup-ToMeasure IE 604, such as Figure 6B Further details are provided below.

[0061] Figure 6B Further instructions are provided. ssbgroupID Field 606 and ssb-ToMeasure Field 608 ssbGroup-ToMeasure An example of IE 604.

[0062] For example, in ssbGroup-ToMeasure IE 604, ssbgroupID Field 606 provides the ID of the SSB group, and ssb-ToMeasure Field 608 indicates which SSBs are within the SSB group. Consider a possible example where the SSB group has three SSBs. ssbgroupID Field 606 can contain the value 1 (identifying the SSB group), and ssb-ToMeasure Field 608 may contain bitmaps with a "1" in the first bitmap location, second bitmap location, and third bitmap location (identifying SSB 1, SSB 2, and SSB 3 as part of SSB group 1). An SSB group with 3 SSBs is used here only as an example—it is conceivable that any number of SSB groups with any number of SSBs could be configured in this way.

[0063] In some implementations, new UE capabilities can be communicated from the UE to the network, indicating the maximum number of active SSB groups supported, for example, per frequency tier, per frequency range, or per UE. Consider an example scenario where the network does not have good knowledge of the UE's location. In such cases, the network can identify multiple SSB groups for the UE to measure to have greater coverage of the UE's likely location. Therefore, the UE capability informs the network how many SSB groups can be configured in this situation.

[0064] In some cases, SSB group activation and / or deactivation delays can be introduced for the MAC-CE-based method described in this paper. This can take the form of: T SSB_(去)激活 =T HARQ +3 ms. Similarly, for the DCI-based method disclosed in this paper, an active SSB group handover delay can be introduced. This can take the following form: T SSB组_切换 = X ms, whereX It can be, for example, 1, 2, 3, or some other value. In some cases, the UE in T SSB_(去)激活 or T SSB组_切换 Then (for example, from the time when the SSB group activation message is received at the UE), RRM measurements of the SSB are started / stopped during SSB group activation / deactivation / according to SSB group activation / deactivation.

[0065] The implementation schemes disclosed herein can affect possible UE measurement behavior. For example, if configured with ssb- ToMeasure IE and ssbGroup-ToMeasure In both cases, if no SSB group is active / instructed by the network, the UE follows... ssb-ToMeasure IE. In some other cases, UE follows ssbGroup- ToMeasure IE, and if an active SSB group exists, ignore. ssb-ToMeasure IE.

[0066] If one or more SSBs are included in each of a first SSB group that is deactivated at the UE and a second SSB group that is activated at the UE, in some cases, the UE retains measurements of one or more SSBs performed according to the first SSB group and does not discard measurement samples of one or more SSBs performed according to the first SSB group before activating the second SSB group. For such SSBs, the RRM measurement delay may not be propagated. In some other cases, when a handover occurs from the first SSB group to the second SSB group, the UE restarts measurements of the SSBs in these SSB groups. In this case, the delay on the RRM measurement can be used.

[0067] Figure 7 A method 700 for one or more nodes of a network according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The illustrated method 700 includes: identifying 702 a first SSB group, the first SSB group consisting of one or more SSBs transmitted by one or more nodes of the network that correspond in direction to a first area covering a first location of a UE. The method 700 further includes sending 704 a first SSB group activation message to the UE, instructing the UE to activate the first SSB group.

[0068] In some implementations, method 700 further includes sending configuration information to the UE, which defines one or more SSBs in a first SSB group for the UE.

[0069] In some implementations, method 700 further includes determining the location of the UE based on UE positioning measurements. In some such implementations, the UE positioning measurements include one or more of UTDOA positioning measurements, OTDOA positioning measurements, and RTT positioning measurements.

[0070] In some implementations, method 700 further includes determining the location of the UE based on one or more of the UE's predictable trajectory and the UE's altitude information.

[0071] In some implementations, method 700 also includes determining the location of the UE based on an ML model.

[0072] In some implementations, method 700 further includes determining the UE's location based on L1 measurement reports. In some such implementations, the L1 measurement reports include SSB-based L1 RSRP measurement reports. In some such implementations, the L1 measurement reports include CSI-RS-based L1 RSRP measurement reports.

[0073] In some implementations of method 700, the first SSB group activation message includes MAC-CE.

[0074] In some implementations of method 700, the first SSB group activation message includes the SSB group ID.

[0075] In some implementations of method 700, the first SSB group activation message includes a DCI command.

[0076] In some implementations, method 700 further includes: determining that the UE has moved to a second location; identifying a second SSB group, which consists of one or more SSBs sent by one or more nodes of the network that correspond in direction to a second area covering the second location of the UE; and sending a second SSB group activation message to the UE instructing the UE to activate the second SSB group. In some such implementations, the second SSB group activation message further instructs the UE to deactivate the first SSB group.

[0077] In some implementations, method 700 further includes receiving from the UE the maximum number of SSB groups of activities that the UE is configured to support based on one of the following: per frequency layer, per frequency range, and UE.

[0078] Figure 8A method 800 for a UE according to an embodiment of this document is illustrated. The illustrated method 800 includes: receiving, 802, a first SSB group activation message indicating a first SSB group from one or more nodes of a network, the first SSB group consisting of one or more SSBs in a direction corresponding to a first area covering a first location of the UE, sent by the one or more nodes of the network. The method 800 further includes activating, 804, the first SSB group indicated in the first SSB group activation message. The method 800 further includes performing, 806, one or more measurements of the first or more SSBs in the first SSB group based on the activation of the first SSB group during a first SMTC window. The method 800 further includes transmitting, 808, a first measurement report based on the first or more measurements of the first or more SSBs in the first SSB group to one or more nodes of the network.

[0079] In some implementations of method 800, the first SSB group activation message includes MAC-CE.

[0080] In some implementations of method 800, the first SSB group activation message includes the SSB group ID.

[0081] In some implementations of method 800, the first SSB group activation message includes a DCI command.

[0082] In some embodiments, method 800 further includes: receiving from one or more nodes of the network a second SSB group activation message indicating a second SSB group, the second SSB group consisting of one or more SSBs sent by the one or more nodes of the network corresponding in a second area covering a second location of the UE; activating the second SSB group indicated in the second SSB group activation message; performing one or more measurements of the second or more SSBs in the second SSB group based on the activation of the second SSB group during a second SMTC window; and transmitting a second measurement report based on the second or more measurements of the second or more SSBs in the second SSB group to one or more nodes of the network. Some such embodiments also include deactivating a first SSB group based on the indication in the second SSB group activation message. In some such embodiments, each of the first or more SSBs in the first SSB group and the second or more SSBs in the second group includes a shared SSB, and wherein the second measurement report is also based on a first measurement of the first or more measurements for the shared SSB.

[0083] In some implementations, method 800 further includes sending to one or more nodes of the network the number of SSB groups of activities that the UE is configured to support based on one of the following: per frequency layer, per frequency range, and UE.

[0084] Figure 9 A method 900 for one or more nodes of a network according to an embodiment of this document is illustrated. The illustrated method 900 includes: configuring 902 for activating a first condition for a first SSB group, the first SSB group consisting of one or more SSBs sent by one or more nodes of the network that correspond in direction to a first area in which a UE may be located. The method 900 further includes sending 904 a first condition message to the UE, the first condition message instructing the UE to activate the first SSB group when the first condition is met.

[0085] In some implementations of method 900, the first condition includes a location for activating the first SSB group.

[0086] In some embodiments of method 900, the first condition includes a measurement of the first SSB in a group of one or more SSBs satisfying a threshold.

[0087] In some implementations of method 900, the first condition message includes MAC-CE.

[0088] In some implementations of method 900, the first condition message includes the SSB group ID.

[0089] In some implementations of method 900, the first condition message includes a DCI command.

[0090] In some implementations, method 900 further includes: configuring a second condition for activating a second SSB group based on condition information received from the UE, the second SSB group consisting of one or more second SSBs sent by one or more nodes of the network that correspond in a direction to a second area in which the UE may be located; and sending a second condition message to the UE instructing the UE to activate the second SSB group when the second condition is met.

[0091] Figure 10A method 1000 for a UE according to an embodiment of this document is illustrated. The illustrated method 1000 includes: receiving 1002 a first condition message from one or more nodes of a network having a first condition for activating a first SSB group, the first SSB group consisting of one or more SSBs sent by the one or more nodes of the network that correspond in direction to a first area in which the UE may be located. The method 1000 further includes determining 1004 that the first condition is met. In activation 1006, the method 1000 activates the first SSB group in response to determining that the first condition is met. The method 1000 further includes performing 1008 one or more measurements of the first or more SSBs in the first SSB group based on the activation of the first SSB group during a first SMTC window. The method 1000 further includes transmitting 1010 a first measurement report to one or more nodes of the network based on the first or more measurements of the first or more SSBs in the first SSB group.

[0092] In some embodiments of method 1000, the first condition includes a location for activating the first SSB group, and wherein determining that the first condition is met includes determining that the location of the UE matches the location for activating the first SSB group.

[0093] In some embodiments of method 1000, the first condition includes a measurement of a first SSB in a first group of one or more SSBs satisfying a threshold, and wherein determining that the first condition is satisfied includes determining that a measurement of a first SSB in a first group of one or more SSBs satisfies the threshold.

[0094] In some implementations of method 1000, the first condition message includes MAC-CE.

[0095] In some implementations of method 1000, the first condition message includes the SSB group ID.

[0096] In some implementations of method 1000, the conditional message includes a DCI command.

[0097] In some embodiments, method 1000 further includes: receiving from one or more nodes of the network a second condition message having a second condition for activating a second SSB group, the second SSB group consisting of one or more SSBs sent by the one or more nodes of the network that correspond in direction to a second area in which the UE may be located; determining that the second condition is met; activating the second SSB group in response to determining that the second condition is met; performing one or more measurements of the second or more SSBs in the second SSB group based on the activation of the second SSB group during a second SMTC window; and transmitting a second measurement report based on the second or more measurements of the second or more SSBs in the second SSB group to one or more nodes of the network. Some such embodiments further include: deactivating a first SSB group when activating the second SSB group. In some such embodiments, each of the first or more SSBs in the first SSB group and the second or more SSBs in the second group includes a shared SSB, and wherein the second measurement report is also based on a first measurement of the first or more measurements for the shared SSB.

[0098] In some implementations, method 1000 further includes sending to one or more nodes of the network the number of SSB groups of activities that the UE is configured to support based on one of the following: per frequency layer, per frequency range, and UE.

[0099] Figure 11 An example architecture of a wireless communication system 1100 according to the embodiments disclosed herein is illustrated. The following description is provided for an example wireless communication system 1100 operating in conjunction with LTE system standards and / or 5G or NR system standards provided by 3GPP technical specifications.

[0100] like Figure 11 As shown, the wireless communication system 1100 includes UE 1102 and UE 1104 (but any number of UEs may be used). In this example, UE 1102 and UE 1104 are exemplified as smartphones (e.g., handheld touchscreen mobile computing devices capable of connecting to one or more cellular networks), but may also include any mobile or non-mobile computing device configured for wireless communication.

[0101] UE 1102 and UE 1104 can be configured to be communicatively coupled to RAN 1106. In implementations, RAN 1106 can be NG-RAN, E-UTRAN, etc. UE 1102 and UE 1104 utilize connections (or channels) with RAN 1106 (shown as connection 1108 and connection 1110, respectively), where each connection includes a physical communication interface. RAN 1106 may include one or more base stations (such as base station 1112 and base station 1114) implementing connection 1108 and connection 1110.

[0102] In this example, Connection 1108 and Connection 1110 are air interfaces that implement this type of communication coupling and can conform to the RAT used by RAN 1106, such as LTE and / or NR, for example.

[0103] In some implementations, UE 1102 and UE 1104 may also exchange communication data directly via sidelink interface 1116. UE 1104 is shown configured to access an access point (shown as AP 1118) via connection 1120. By way of example, connection 1120 may include a local wireless connection, such as a connection conforming to any IEEE 802.11 protocol, while AP 1118 may include Wi-Fi. ® Router. In this example, AP 1118 may connect to another network (e.g., the Internet) without using CN 1124.

[0104] In the implementation, UE 1102 and UE 1104 may be configured to communicate with each other or with base station 1112 and / or base station 1114 on a multi-carrier communication channel using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) communication signals according to various communication technologies, such as but not limited to orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) communication technology (e.g., for downlink communication) or single-carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) communication technology (e.g., for uplink and ProSe or sidelink communication), but the scope of the implementation is not limited in this respect. The OFDM signal may include multiple orthogonal subcarriers.

[0105] In some implementations, all or some of the base stations in base station 1112 or base station 1114 may be implemented as one or more software entities running on a server computer as part of a virtual network. Furthermore, or in other implementations, base station 1112 or base station 1114 may be configured to communicate with each other via interface 1122. In implementations where the wireless communication system 1100 is an LTE system (e.g., when CN 1124 is an EPC), interface 1122 may be an X2 interface. This X2 interface may be defined between two or more base stations (e.g., two or more eNBs, etc.) connected to the EPC and / or between two eNBs connected to the EPC. In implementations where the wireless communication system 1100 is an NR system (e.g., when CN 1124 is a 5GC), interface 1122 may be an Xn interface. The Xn interface is defined between two or more base stations (e.g., two or more gNBs, etc.) connected to the 5GC, between base station 1112 (e.g., a gNB) connected to the 5GC and an eNB, and / or between two eNBs connected to the 5GC (e.g., CN 1124).

[0106] RAN 1106 is shown communicatively coupled to CN 1124. CN 1124 may include one or more network elements 1126 configured to provide various data and telecommunications services to customers / subscribers (e.g., users of UE 1102 and UE 1104) connected to CN 1124 via RAN 1106. Components of CN 1124 may be implemented in a single physical device or a separate physical device, including components for reading and executing instructions from machine-readable or computer-readable media (e.g., non-transitory machine-readable storage media).

[0107] In the implementation scheme, CN 1124 may be an EPC, and RAN 1106 may be connected to CN 1124 via S1 interface 1128. In the implementation scheme, S1 interface 1128 may be divided into two parts: an S1 user plane (S1-U) interface carrying service data between base station 1112 or base station 1114 and the serving gateway (S-GW), and an S1-MME interface serving as the signaling interface between base station 1112 or base station 1114 and the mobility management entity (MME).

[0108] In the implementation scheme, CN 1124 may be a 5GC, and RAN 1106 may be connected to CN 1124 via NG interface 1128. In the implementation scheme, NG interface 1128 may be divided into two parts: an NG user plane (NG-U) interface carrying service data between base station 1112 or base station 1114 and user plane function (UPF), and an S1 control plane (NG-C) interface serving as the signaling interface between base station 1112 or base station 1114 and access and mobility management function (AMF).

[0109] Generally, application server 1130 may be an element providing Internet Protocol (IP) bearer resources (e.g., packet-switched data services) for use with CN 1124. Application server 1130 may also be configured to support one or more communication services (e.g., VoIP sessions, group communication sessions, etc.) for UE 1102 and UE 1104 via CN 1124. Application server 1130 may communicate with CN 1124 via IP communication interface 1132.

[0110] Figure 12 A system 1200 for performing signaling 1234 between a wireless device 1202 and a network device 1218 according to an embodiment disclosed herein is illustrated. System 1200 may be part of a wireless communication system as described herein. Wireless device 1202 may be a UE, for example, a wireless communication system. Network device 1218 may be a base station (e.g., an eNB or gNB), for example, a wireless communication system.

[0111] Wireless device 1202 may include one or more processors 1204. Processor 1204 is executable instructions that cause various operations of wireless device 1202 to be performed as described herein. Processor 1204 may include one or more baseband processors, which are implemented using, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), controller, field-programmable gate array (FPGA) device, another hardware device, firmware device, or any combination thereof configured to perform the operations described herein.

[0112] Wireless device 1202 may include memory 1206. Memory 1206 may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that stores instructions 1208, which may include, for example, instructions executed by processor 1204. Instructions 1208 may also be referred to as program code or computer program. Memory 1206 may also store data used by processor 1204 and results calculated by the processor.

[0113] Wireless device 1202 may include one or more transceivers 1210, which may include radio frequency (RF) transmitter circuitry and / or receiver circuitry that use antenna 1212 of wireless device 1202 to facilitate signaling (e.g., signaling 1234) to and / or from wireless device 1202 and other devices (e.g., network device 1218) in accordance with a corresponding RAT.

[0114] Wireless device 1202 may include one or more antennas 1212 (e.g., one, two, four, or more antennas). In embodiments with multiple antennas 1212, wireless device 1202 may fully utilize the spatial diversity of such multiple antennas 1212 to transmit and / or receive multiple different data streams on the same time and frequency resources. This behavior may be referred to as, for example, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) behavior (referring to multiple antennas used at each of the transmitting and receiving devices to implement this aspect). MIMO transmission by wireless device 1202 may be achieved according to pre-decoding (or digital beamforming) applied at wireless device 1202, which multiplexes data streams across antennas 1212 based on known or assumed channel characteristics, such that each data stream is received with appropriate signal strength relative to the other streams and at a desired location in the spatial domain (e.g., the location of the receiver associated with that data stream). Some implementations may use a single-user MIMO (SU-MIMO) approach (where all data streams are directed to a single receiver) and / or a multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO) approach (where individual data streams may be directed to individual (different) receivers at different locations in the airspace).

[0115] In some implementations with multiple antennas, wireless device 1202 may implement analog beamforming technology, thereby relatively adjusting the phase of the signal transmitted by antenna 1212 so as to direct the (joint) transmission of antenna 1212 (this is sometimes referred to as beam control).

[0116] Wireless device 1202 may include one or more interfaces 1214. Interface 1214 can be used to provide input to or from wireless device 1202. For example, wireless device 1202 as a UE may include interface 1214, such as a microphone, speaker, touchscreen, and buttons, to allow a user of the UE to input and / or output to the UE. Other interfaces of such a UE may consist of transmitters, receivers, and other circuitry that allow the UE to communicate with other devices (e.g., in addition to the transceiver 1210 / antenna 1212 already described), and may be based on known protocols (e.g., Wi-Fi). ® and Bluetooth ® (etc.) to perform the operation.

[0117] Wireless device 1202 may include SSB group module 1216. SSB group module 1216 may be implemented via hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, SSB group module 1216 may be implemented as a processor, circuitry, and / or instructions 1208 stored in memory 1206 and executed by processor 1204. In some examples, SSB group module 1216 may be integrated within processor 1204 and / or transceiver 1210. For example, SSB group module 1216 may be implemented via a combination of software components (e.g., software components executed by a DSP or general-purpose processor) and hardware components (e.g., logic gates and circuitry) within processor 1204 or transceiver 1210.

[0118] SSB group module 1216 can be used in various aspects of this disclosure, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 8 and Figure 10 The SSB group module 1216 can be configured to receive an SSB group activation message indicating an SSB group consisting of SSBs in an area corresponding to the location of the UE in a direction from one or more nodes of the network, activate the SSB group, and perform measurements on the activated SSBs in the SSB group during the SMTC window. The SSB group module 1216 can be configured to: receive a condition message from one or more nodes of the network having conditions for activating the SSB group, which consists of SSBs in an area corresponding to the location of the UE in a direction; determine that the conditions are met; activate the SSB group; perform measurements on the activated SSBs in the SSB group during the SMTC window; and transmit a measurement report based on the performed measurements to one or more nodes of the network.

[0119] Network device 1218 may include one or more processors 1220. Processor 1220 is executable instructions that cause various operations of network device 1218 to be performed as described herein. Processor 1220 may include one or more baseband processors, which are implemented using, for example, a CPU, DSP, ASIC, controller, FPGA device, another hardware device, firmware device, or any combination thereof configured to perform the operations described herein.

[0120] Network device 1218 may include memory 1222. Memory 1222 may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that stores instructions 1224, which may include, for example, instructions executed by processor 1220. Instructions 1224 may also be referred to as program code or computer program. Memory 1222 may also store data used by processor 1220 and results calculated by the processor.

[0121] Network device 1218 may include one or more transceivers 1226, which may include RF transmitter circuitry and / or receiver circuitry that uses the antenna 1228 of network device 1218 to facilitate signaling (e.g., signaling 1234) to and / or from network device 1218 and other devices (e.g., wireless device 1202) according to a corresponding RAT.

[0122] Network device 1218 may include one or more antennas 1228 (e.g., one, two, four or more). In embodiments having multiple antennas 1228, network device 1218 may perform MIMO, digital beamforming, analog beamforming, beam control, etc., as described.

[0123] Network device 1218 may include one or more interfaces 1230. Interface 1230 can be used to provide input to or output to network device 1218. For example, network device 1218 as a base station may include interface 1230 consisting of transmitters, receivers and other circuitry (e.g., in addition to the transceiver 1226 / antenna 1228 already described), which enable the base station to communicate with other equipment in the core network and / or enable the base station to communicate with external networks, computers and databases, etc., for the purpose of performing operations, management and maintenance of the base station or other equipment operatively connected to the base station.

[0124] Network device 1218 may include SSB group module 1232. SSB group module 1232 may be implemented via hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, SSB group module 1232 may be implemented as a processor, circuitry, and / or instructions 1224 stored in memory 1222 and executed by processor 1220. In some examples, SSB group module 1232 may be integrated within processor 1220 and / or transceiver 1226. For example, SSB group module 1232 may be implemented via a combination of software components (e.g., software components executed by a DSP or general-purpose processor) and hardware components (e.g., logic gates and circuitry) within processor 1220 or transceiver 1226.

[0125] SSB group module 1232 can be used in various aspects of this disclosure, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 7 and Figure 9The SSB group module 1232 is configured to identify an SSB group, which consists of SSBs corresponding to the area in which the UE is located in a certain direction, and to send an SSB group activation message to the UE instructing the UE to activate the SSB group. The SSB group module 1232 can also be configured to configure conditions for activating an SSB group, which consists of SSBs corresponding to the area in which the UE is located in a certain direction, and to send a condition message to the UE instructing the UE to activate the SSB group when the conditions are met.

[0126] The embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising components for performing one or more elements of any one or more methods of method 800 and / or method 1000. The apparatus may be, for example, a UE (such as wireless device 1202 as a UE, as described herein).

[0127] The embodiments contemplated herein include one or more non-transitory computer-readable media comprising instructions for causing the electronic device to perform one or more elements of any one or more methods 800 and / or 1000 when executed by one or more processors of the electronic device. The non-transitory computer-readable medium may be, for example, a memory of the UE (such as memory 1206 of a wireless device 1202 serving as a UE, as described herein).

[0128] The embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising logic components, modules, or circuitry for performing one or more elements of any one or more methods of method 800 and / or method 1000. The apparatus may be, for example, a UE (such as wireless device 1202 as a UE, as described herein).

[0129] The embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising: one or more processors and one or more computer-readable media, the one or more computer-readable media including instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform one or more elements of any one or more methods 800 and / or 1000. The apparatus may be, for example, a UE (such as wireless device 1202 as a UE, as described herein).

[0130] The implementation scheme envisioned herein includes a signal as described in or associated with one or more elements of any one or more methods in method 800 and / or method 1000.

[0131] The embodiments contemplated herein include a computer program or computer program product comprising instructions, wherein execution by a processor causes the processor to perform one or more elements of any one or more methods 800 and / or 1000. The processor may be a processor of the UE (such as processor 1204 as a wireless device 1202 of the UE, as described herein). These instructions may be, for example, located in the processor and / or in the memory of the UE (such as memory 1206 as a wireless device 1202 of the UE, as described herein).

[0132] The embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising components for performing one or more elements of any one or more methods 700 and / or 900. The apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus for a base station (such as network device 1218 as a base station, as described herein).

[0133] The embodiments contemplated herein include one or more non-transitory computer-readable media, which include instructions for causing the electronic device to perform one or more elements of any one or more methods 700 and / or 900 when executed by one or more processors of the electronic device. The non-transitory computer-readable medium may be, for example, the memory of a base station (such as memory 1222 of network device 1218 as a base station, as described herein).

[0134] The embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising logic components, modules, or circuitry for performing one or more elements of any one or more methods 700 and / or 900. The apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus for a base station (such as network device 1218 as a base station, as described herein).

[0135] The embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising: one or more processors and one or more computer-readable media, the one or more computer-readable media including instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform one or more elements of any one or more methods 700 and / or 900. The apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus for a base station (such as network device 1218 as a base station, as described herein).

[0136] The implementation scheme envisioned herein includes a signal as described in or associated with one or more elements of any one or more methods in method 700 and / or method 900.

[0137] The embodiments contemplated herein include a computer program or computer program product comprising instructions, wherein the program is executed by a processing element to cause the processing element to perform one or more elements of any one or more methods 700 and / or 900. The processor may be a processor of a base station (such as processor 1220 of network device 1218 as a base station, as described herein). These instructions may be, for example, located in the processor and / or in the memory of the base station (such as memory 1222 of network device 1218 as a base station, as described herein).

[0138] For one or more embodiments, at least one of the components illustrated in one or more of the foregoing figures may be configured to perform one or more operations, techniques, processes, and / or methods as described herein. For example, a baseband processor as described herein in conjunction with one or more of the foregoing figures may be configured to operate according to one or more of the examples illustrated herein. Similarly, circuitry associated with a UE, base station, network element, etc., as described above in conjunction with one or more of the foregoing figures may be configured to operate according to one or more of the examples illustrated herein.

[0139] Unless otherwise expressly stated, any of the embodiments described above may be combined with any other embodiment (or combination of embodiments). The foregoing description of one or more specific embodiments provides illustrative and descriptive information, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the embodiments to the precise form disclosed. In light of the teachings above, modifications and variations are possible, or modifications and variations may be derived from practice with various embodiments.

[0140] Implementations and specific embodiments of the systems and methods described herein may include various operations embodied in machine-executable instructions to be executed by a computer system. The computer system may include one or more general-purpose or special-purpose computers (or other electronic devices). The computer system may include hardware components, including specific logical parts for performing the operations; or may include a combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware.

[0141] It should be recognized that the systems described herein include descriptions of specific implementations. These implementations may be combined into a single system, partially integrated into other systems, divided into multiple systems, or otherwise partitioned or combined. Furthermore, it is contemplated that parameters, attributes, aspects, etc., of one implementation may be used in another. For clarity, these parameters, attributes, aspects, etc., are described only in one or more implementations, and it should be recognized that, unless expressly stated herein, these parameters, attributes, aspects, etc., may be combined with or substituted for parameters, attributes, aspects, etc., of another implementation.

[0142] As is widely recognized, the use of personally identifiable information should comply with privacy policies and practices that are generally accepted to meet or exceed industry or governmental requirements for protecting user privacy. Specifically, personally identifiable information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly explained to users.

[0143] Although the foregoing has been described in considerable detail for clarity, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications can be made without departing from the principles of the invention. It should be noted that many alternative ways exist to implement both the processes and apparatus described herein. Therefore, embodiments of the invention should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and this specification is not limited to the details given herein, but can be modified within the scope and equivalents of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for one or more nodes in a network, the method comprising: Identify a first synchronization signal block (SSB) group, which consists of one or more SSBs sent by one or more nodes of the network that correspond in direction to a first area covering a first location of a user equipment (UE); as well as Send a first SSB group activation message to the UE, instructing the UE to activate the first SSB group.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising sending configuration information to the UE, the configuration information defining one or more SSBs in the first SSB group to the UE.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising determining the location of the UE based on positioning measurements of the UE.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the positioning measurement of the UE includes one or more of the following: uplink time difference of arrival (UTDOA) positioning measurement, observed time difference of arrival (OTDOA) positioning measurement, and round-trip time (RTT) positioning measurement.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining the location of the UE based on one or more of the predictable trajectory of the UE and the altitude information of the UE.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining the location of the UE based on a machine learning (ML) model.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining the location of the UE based on a Layer 1 (L1) measurement report.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the L1 measurement report includes an SSB-based L1 reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement report.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the L1 measurement report includes an L1 reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement report based on channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS).

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the first SSB group activation message includes a Media Access Control-Control Element (MAC-CE).

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the first SSB group activation message includes an SSB group identifier (ID).

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the first SSB group activation message includes a downlink control information (DCI) command.

13. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: It is determined that the UE has moved to the second position; Identify a second SSB group, which consists of one or more SSBs sent by one or more nodes of the network that correspond in direction to a second area covering a second location of the UE; as well as Send a second SSB group activation message to the UE, instructing the UE to activate the second SSB group.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the second SSB group activation message further instructs the UE to deactivate the first SSB group.

15. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving from the UE a maximum number of SSB groups of activities that the UE is configured to support based on one of the following: per frequency layer, per frequency range, and UE.

16. A method for a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: Receive a first SSB group activation message from one or more nodes of the network, indicating a first SSB group, the first SSB group consisting of one or more SSBs sent by the one or more nodes of the network that correspond in direction to a first area covering a first location of the UE; Activate the first SSB group indicated in the first SSB group activation message; as well as During the first SSB-based Measurement Timing Configuration (SMTC) window, one or more measurements of the first one or more SSBs in the first SSB group are performed according to the activation of the first SSB group. as well as Transmit a first measurement report based on the first one or more measurements of the first one or more SSBs in the first SSB group to the one or more nodes of the network.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the first SSB group activation message includes a Media Access Control-Control Element (MAC-CE).

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the first SSB group activation message includes an SSB group identifier (ID).

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the first SSB group activation message includes a downlink control information (DCI) command.

20. The method of claim 16, further comprising: Receive a second SSB group activation message from one or more nodes of the network, the second SSB group consisting of one or more SSBs sent by one or more nodes of the network that correspond in direction to a second area covering a second location of the UE; Activate the second SSB group indicated in the second SSB group activation message; During the second SMTC window, a second or more measurements of the second or more SSBs in the second SSB group are performed according to the activation of the second SSB group; as well as Transmit a second measurement report based on the second or more measurements of the second or more SSBs in the second SSB group to the one or more nodes of the network.

21. The method according to claim 20, further comprising: The first SSB group is deactivated based on the indication in the second SSB group activation message.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein each of the first one or more SSBs in the first SSB group and the second one or more SSBs in the second group includes a shared SSB, and wherein the second measurement report is further based on a first measurement of the first one or more measurements for the shared SSB.

23. The method of claim 16, further comprising sending to the one or more nodes of the network the number of SSB groups of activities that the UE is configured to support based on one of the following: per frequency layer, per frequency range, and UE.

24. A method for one or more nodes in a network, the method comprising: Configure a first condition for activating a first synchronization signal block (SSB) group, the first synchronization signal block (SSB) group consisting of one or more SSBs transmitted by one or more nodes of the network, corresponding in direction to a first area in which the user equipment (UE) may be located; and When the first condition is met, a first condition message instructing the UE to activate the first SSB group is sent to the UE.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the first condition includes the location of the activation for the first SSB group.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein the first condition includes a measurement of a first SSB in the first one or more SSBs in the SSB group satisfying a threshold.

27. The method of claim 24, wherein the first condition message includes a Media Access Control-Control Element (MAC-CE).

28. The method of claim 24, wherein the first condition message includes an SSB group identifier (ID).

29. The method of claim 24, wherein the first condition message includes a downlink control information (DCI) command.

30. The method of claim 24, further comprising: Based on the condition information received from the UE, configure a second condition for activating a second SSB group, the second SSB group consisting of one or more SSBs sent by one or more nodes of the network that correspond in direction to a second area in which the UE may be located; and When the second condition is met, a second condition message instructing the UE to activate the second SSB group is sent to the UE.

31. A method for a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: Receive a first condition message from one or more nodes of the network having a first condition for activating a first synchronization signal block (SSB) group, the first synchronization signal block (SSB) group consisting of one or more SSBs sent by the one or more nodes of the network that correspond in direction to a first area in which the UE may be located; It is determined that the first condition is met; In response to determining that the first condition is met, the first SSB group is activated; as well as During the first SSB-based Measurement Timing Configuration (SMTC) window, one or more measurements of the first one or more SSBs in the first SSB group are performed according to the activation of the first SSB group. as well as Transmit a first measurement report based on the first one or more measurements of the first one or more SSBs in the first SSB group to the one or more nodes of the network.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the first condition includes the location of the activation for the first SSB group, and wherein determining that the first condition is satisfied includes determining that the location of the UE matches the location of the activation for the first SSB group.

33. The method of claim 31, wherein the first condition includes a measurement of a first SSB in the first one or more SSBs in the SSB group that satisfies a threshold, and wherein determining that the first condition is satisfied includes determining that the measurement of the first SSB in the first one or more SSBs in the SSB group satisfies the threshold.

34. The method of claim 31, wherein the condition message includes a Media Access Control-Control Element (MAC-CE).

35. The method of claim 31, wherein the condition message includes an SSB group identifier (ID).

36. The method of claim 31, wherein the condition message includes a downlink control information (DCI) command.

37. The method according to claim 31, further comprising: Receive a second condition message from one or more nodes of the network having a second condition for activating a second SSB group, the second SSB group consisting of one or more SSBs sent by one or more nodes of the network that correspond in direction to a second area in which the UE may be located; It is determined that the second condition is met; In response to the determination that the second condition is met, the second SSB group is activated; During the second SMTC window, a second or more measurements of the second or more SSBs in the second SSB group are performed according to the activation of the second SSB group; as well as Transmit a second measurement report based on the second or more measurements of the second or more SSBs in the second SSB group to the one or more nodes of the network.

38. The method according to claim 37, further comprising: When the second SSB group is activated, the first SSB group is deactivated.

39. The method of claim 37, wherein each of the first one or more SSBs in the first SSB group and the second one or more SSBs in the second group includes a shared SSB, and wherein the second measurement report is further based on a first measurement of the first one or more measurements for the shared SSB.

40. The method of claim 31, further comprising sending to the one or more nodes of the network the number of SSB groups of activities that the UE is configured to support based on one of the following: per frequency layer, per frequency range, and UE.

41. An apparatus comprising components for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 40.

42. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 40.

43. An apparatus comprising a logic component, module, or circuit for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 40.

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