Cell measurement deactivation

Abstract

Example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to cell measurement deactivation. A method includes receiving at least one synchronization signal block, SSB, from a cell of an apparatus, and if determining that on-demand SSB (OD-SSB) activation signaling for the cell is received, determining whether to perform or not perform a measurement on an OD-SSB received from the cell based on at least one of a measurement status of the at least one SSB from the cell, or a relationship between a first frequency used to transmit the OD-SSB and a second frequency used to transmit the at least one SSB.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The various exemplary embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to the telecommunications field, and more particularly to methods, apparatus, devices, and computer-readable storage media for cell measurement deactivation, especially for the measurement of on-demand synchronization signal blocks (OD-SSBs). Background Technology

[0002] A new study aims to specify enhancements for Network Energy Saving (NES) in New Radio (NR), which may involve OD-SSB and On-Demand System Information Block 1 (OD-SIB1) transmissions, as well as adaptations for conventional signal / channel transmissions. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In a first aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receive at least one synchronization signal block (SSB) from a cell of the apparatus; and, if it is determined that on-demand SSB (OD-SSB) activation signaling for the cell has been received, determine whether to perform or not to perform a measurement of the OD-SSB received from the cell based on at least one of: the measurement status of at least one SSB from the cell, or the relationship between a first frequency for transmitting the OD-SSB and a second frequency for transmitting the at least one SSB.

[0004] In a second aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes: receiving at least one synchronization signal block (SSB) from a cell of the device; and if it is determined that an on-demand SSB (OD-SSB) activation signaling for the cell has been received, determining whether to perform or not to perform a measurement of the OD-SSB received from the cell based on at least one of the following: the measurement status of at least one SSB from the cell, or the relationship between a first frequency used for transmitting the OD-SSB and a second frequency used for transmitting the at least one SSB.

[0005] In a third aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided. The first apparatus includes: components for receiving at least one synchronization signal block (SSB) from a cell of the apparatus; and components for determining, if it is determined that on-demand SSB (OD-SSB) activation signaling for the cell has been received, whether to perform or not to perform a measurement of the OD-SSB received from the cell based on at least one of the following: the measurement status of at least one SSB from the cell, or the relationship between a first frequency for transmitting the OD-SSB and a second frequency for transmitting the at least one SSB.

[0006] In a fourth aspect of this disclosure, a computer-readable medium is provided. The computer-readable medium includes instructions stored thereon for causing a device to at least execute the method according to the second aspect.

[0007] It should be understood that the summary portion is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of this disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Other features of this disclosure will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Some exemplary embodiments will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 An example communication environment in which example embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented is shown; Figure 2 A diagram showing OD-SSB transport for SCell activation is presented for different on-demand SSB scenarios; Figure 3 The diagram shows different scenarios in which always-on SSB and OD-SSB are transmitted together by SCell at the same frequency or different frequencies; Figure 4A Signaling diagrams for communication according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure are shown; Figure 4B A flowchart is shown illustrating a process for determining a measurement of OD-SSB according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 4C A flowchart is shown illustrating a process for determining a measurement of OD-SSB according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 5 A flowchart is shown illustrating a method implemented at an apparatus according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 6 A simplified block diagram of a device suitable for implementing example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; and Figure 7 A block diagram of an example computer-readable medium according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0009] In all the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. Detailed Implementation

[0010] The principles of this disclosure will now be described with reference to some exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described for illustrative purposes only and to help those skilled in the art to understand and implement this disclosure, without implying any limitation on the scope of this disclosure. The embodiments described herein can be implemented in various ways other than those described below.

[0011] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein may have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0012] References to "an embodiment," "an embodiment," "an example embodiment," etc., in this disclosure indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment includes that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is to be noted that those skilled in the art will recognize, whether explicitly described or not, that such features, structures, or characteristics apply in conjunction with other embodiments.

[0013] It should be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used before nouns herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another and they do not restrict the order of the nouns. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0014] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording, wherein a list of two or more elements combined with “and” or “or” means at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all of the elements.

[0015] As used herein, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the “responding to A” execution step does not indicate that the step is executed immediately after “A” occurs, and may include one or more intermediate steps.

[0016] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” “possessing,” “containing,” and / or “covering,” as used herein, specify the presence of the stated features, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0017] As used in this application, the term "circuit" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) Hardware circuit implementation only (e.g., implemented with purely analog and / or digital circuits) and (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (if applicable): (i) A combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and (ii) Any part of a hardware processor having software (including (multiple) digital signal processors, software, and (multiple) memories, which work together to enable the first device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions) and (c) The operation requires software (e.g., firmware) for the operation of (multiple) hardware circuits and / or (multiple) processors, such as (multiple) microprocessors or parts thereof, but the software may be absent when the operation does not require the software.

[0018] This definition of "circuit" applies to all uses of the term in this application (including the claims). As a further example, as used in this application, the term "circuit" also covers only hardware circuitry or processors (or processors), or portions of hardware circuitry or servers and their accompanying software and / or firmware implementations. For example, where applicable to a particular claim element, the term "circuit" 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.

[0019] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that conforms to any suitable communication standard, such as New Radio (NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), etc. Furthermore, communication between terminal devices and network devices in a communication network can be performed according to any suitable generation of communication protocol, including but not limited to first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth-generation (5G), 5.5G, sixth-generation (6G) communication protocols, and / or any other currently known or under development protocols. Embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. Given the rapid development of communications, future types of communication technologies and systems that can implement this disclosure will inevitably emerge. The scope of this disclosure should not be considered limited to the systems described above.

[0020] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a node in a communications network through which terminal devices access the network and receive services. Network devices can refer to base stations (BS) or access points (APs), such as Node B (or NB), evolved Node B (e Node B or eNB), NR NB (also known as gNB), Remote Radio Unit (RRU), Radio Header End (RH), Remote Radio Header End (RRH), relay, Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node, low-power node (such as femtosecond, picosecond, non-terrestrial network (NTN)) or non-terrestrial network equipment (such as satellite network equipment, low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, and geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellites), spacecraft network equipment, etc., depending on the terminology and technology applied. In some example embodiments, the Radio Access Network (RAN) separation architecture includes a Centralized Unit (CU) and a Distributed Unit (DU) at the IAB donor node. The IAB node includes a Mobile Terminal (IAB-MT) portion that behaves similarly to a UE toward its parent node, and the DU portion of the IAB node behaves similarly to a base station toward the next-hop IAB node.

[0021] The term "terminal device" refers to any end device with wireless communication capabilities. As an example and not a limitation, a terminal device can refer to communication equipment, user equipment (UE), subscriber station (SS), portable subscriber station, mobile station (MS), or access terminal (AT). Terminal devices can 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 (LEE), laptop mounted devices (LME), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless client devices (CPE), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, watches or other wearable devices, 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 electronic devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc. The terminal device may also correspond to the mobile terminal (MT) portion of an IAB node (e.g., a relay node). In the following description, the terms "terminal device," "communication device," "terminal," "user equipment," and "UE" are used interchangeably.

[0022] As used herein, the terms “resource,” “transmission resource,” “resource block,” “physical resource block” (PRB), “uplink resource,” or “downlink resource” can refer to any resource used to perform communication (e.g., communication between a terminal device and a network device), such as resources in the time domain, resources in the frequency domain, resources in the spatial domain, resources in the code domain, or any other combination of time-domain, frequency-domain, spatial-domain, and / or code-domain resources that enable communication. In the following, unless explicitly stated otherwise, resources in both the frequency and time domains will be used as examples of transmission resources used to describe some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Note that the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are equally applicable to other resources in other domains.

[0023] Figure 1 An example communication environment 100 in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented is shown. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the communication network 100 may include a first device 110, which may be, for example, a terminal device. In some example embodiments, the terminal device may also be referred to as a UE.

[0024] The communication network 100 may also include a second device 120, which may be, for example, a network device. In some example embodiments, the network device may be referred to as a BS, gNB, or eNB.

[0025] The service area provided by the second device 120 is referred to as cell 102. The first device 110 can communicate with the second device 120 within cell 102. The cell currently providing service to the first device 110 can be considered as the serving cell.

[0026] In some scenarios, cell 102 can be considered as the primary cell (PCell) of the first device 110. The first device 110 can also be served by one or more other cells, which can be considered as secondary cells (SCells). For example, in the communication network 100, another cell 104 serving the first device 110 can be considered as an SCell or a primary-secondary cell (PSCell).

[0027] In some example embodiments, if the first device 110 is a terminal device and the second device 120 is a network device, the link from the second device 120 to the first device 110 is called a downlink (DL), and the link from the first device 110 to the second device 120 is called an uplink (UL). In the DL, the second device 120 is a transmitting (TX) device (or transmitter), and the first device 110 is a receiving (RX) device (or receiver). In the UL, the first device 110 is a TX device (or transmitter), and the second device 120 is an RX device (or receiver).

[0028] Understandable. Figure 1The number of network devices and terminal devices shown is for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as any limitation. The communication environment 100 may include any number of network devices and terminal devices.

[0029] Communication in communication environment 100 may be implemented according to any suitable communication protocol(s), including but not limited to cellular communication protocols such as first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), fifth-generation (5G), and sixth-generation (6G), wireless local area network communication protocols (such as those used by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11), and / or any other currently known or future-developed protocols. Furthermore, communication may utilize any suitable wireless communication technology, including but not limited to: code division multiple access (CDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division duplex (FDD), time division duplex (TDD), multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), discrete Fourier transform extended OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM), and / or any other currently known or future-developed technologies.

[0030] To conserve network energy, an objective has been proposed to specify the procedures and signaling used to support OD-SSB secondary cell (SCell) operation. Specifically, procedures and signaling methods are to be specified to support on-demand SSB SCell operation for connected UEs configured with carrier aggregation (CA) (both in-band and inter-band CA).

[0031] There are different scenarios for on-demand SSBs. For example, scenario 1 assumes that there are no regular SSBs or always-active SSB transmissions in the SCell, and that on-demand SSBs are triggered only from time to time; while scenario 2 assumes that there are always-active SSB transmissions in the SCell, and that on-demand SSBs can be additionally triggered or activated.

[0032] Figure 2 Examples of OD-SSB transmissions for SCell activation are shown for different on-demand SSB scenarios (Scenario 1 and Scenario 2). At time T1, the SCell configuration can be configured to the UE. At time T2, the UE can receive the SCell activation signaling. At time T3, the UE can report the CSI measurement to the NW to indicate the completion of SCell activation.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, in case 1, only OD-SSB exists, without any always-active SSB. In case 2, in addition to always-active SSB transmissions, the network can also trigger OD-SSB transmissions. For case 1, once an on-demand SSB is triggered, its transmission will occur periodically.

[0034] Different scenarios can be identified for different on-demand SSB situations. For example... Figure 2 As shown, scenario #2A involves the OD-SSB being triggered when the UE receives the SCell activation command; scenario #3A involves the OD-SSB being triggered after the UE receives the SCell activation command until the SCell activation is completed; and scenario #3B involves the OD-SSB being triggered when the SCell activation is completed and the SCell is activated, or the OD-SSB being triggered after the SCell activation is completed and the SCell is activated.

[0035] Based on the agreed-upon conditions and scenarios (as described above), OD-SSB-based operations have been discussed. In particular, it is necessary to define the OD-SSB-based measurement requirements for deactivated SCells. For example, when both the always-active SSB and OD-SSB are being transmitted (i.e., scenario 2), it is unclear how the UE will perform measurements on the deactivated SCell.

[0036] As mentioned above, unlike Case 1, Case 2 assumes that the SCell is transmitting a always-active SSB, and the network can also trigger OD-SSB transmissions as needed. Therefore, both the always-active SSB and OD-SSB are being transmitted in the SCell.

[0037] However, when OD-SSB is triggered on a deactivated SCell, it is unclear and unspecified how the UE will perform measurements when both the always-active SSB and OD-SSB are present. Therefore, it should be explored whether, in a deactivated cell, the always-active SSB will be measured together with the OD-SSB when OD-SSB transmission has been triggered, or whether only the OD-SSB or only the always-active SSB will be measured.

[0038] Figure 3 The diagram illustrates different scenarios in which the always-active SSB and OD-SSB are transmitted together by the SCell at the same frequency or carrier frequency (i.e., with the same SSB center frequency), or at different frequencies.

[0039] In some cases, always-active SSBs and OD-SSBs can be transmitted using the same time offset (e.g., a time offset relative to a slot boundary), allowing SSB sampling of one type of SSB (e.g., OD-SSB) to completely overlap with that of another type of SSB (e.g., always-active SSB). Figure 3 Case 2-1. Furthermore, in some cases, the time offsets of the always-active SSB transmission and the OD-SSB transmission can be different, for example... Figure 3 Case 2-2. Figure 3Cases 2-3 involve scenarios where OD-SSB and always-active SSB are transmitted on two different frequencies. Measurements of the deactivated SCell's SSB can be considered in these cases.

[0040] Given that OD-SSB may or may not be in the synchronization grid, this can lead to the above (in Figure 3 The different scenarios discussed in the text (i.e., OD-SSB and always-active SSB can be at the same frequency (i.e., case 2-1, case 2-2), or at different frequencies (i.e., case 2-3) (e.g.) Figure 3 (As shown). These frequency layers may or may not be synchronous grids.

[0041] It is also possible to consider the scenario where the always-active SSB and OD-SSB transmit at different frequencies (e.g.) Figure 3 (As shown in cases 2-3). In this case, it is also unclear how to perform SSB measurement in the deactivated SCell, i.e., whether to measure both the always-activated SSB and OD-SSB together, or only measure OD-SSB.

[0042] According to some example embodiments of this disclosure, a solution for cell measurement deactivation is provided. In this solution, a first device 110 receives at least one OD-SSB from a cell. If OD-SSB activation signaling is received, the first device 110 determines whether to perform or not to perform a measurement of the OD-SSB received from the cell based on the measurement status of the at least one SSB and / or the relationship between a first frequency used to transmit the OD-SSB and a second frequency used to transmit the at least one SSB.

[0043] In this way, the measurement of deactivating SCells can be minimized, while allowing capable UEs to activate SCells faster than less capable UEs.

[0044] The exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] Now refer to Figure 4A , Figure 4A Signaling diagram 400A for communication is shown according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For example... Figure 4A As shown, signaling diagram 400A involves a first device 110, cell 102 (which can be considered a PCcell), and another cell 104 (which can be considered an SCell or PSCell). For ease of discussion, reference will be made to... Figure 1 The signaling diagram 400A is described.

[0046] In cases where there is a perpetually active SSB transport in the SCell and on-demand SSBs can be additionally triggered, such as Figure 4A As shown, at least one SSB can be received (402) by the first device 110 from a device managing another cell 104 (e.g., SCell or PSCell). It is understood that one or more SSBs can be periodically transmitted from the device managing the other cell 104 to the first device, such as... Figure 2 As shown in Case 2, in this case, cell 104 is a deactivated cell. Thereafter, this at least one SSB can also be referred to as at least one always-activated SSB.

[0047] When the SCell is in an inactive state, the first device 110 may need to measure the SSB (i.e., the always-active SSB) before the OD-SSB is triggered. The first device 110 may continue (404) to measure the always-active SSB until the OD-SSB is triggered in another cell 104.

[0048] The first device 110 can receive OD-SSB activation signaling for cell 106 from cell 102 (e.g., PCell or PSCell). For example, the device managing cell 102 can transmit (406) OD-SSB activation signaling to the first device 110. For example, the OD-SSB activation signaling can be an OD-SSB activation command or an RRC reconfiguration message indicating OD-SSB activation.

[0049] Upon receiving activation of the OD-SSB, the first device 110 may begin receiving the OD-SSB from another cell 104. For example, the device managing the other cell 104 may transmit (408) the OD-SSB to the first device 110. It is understood that the OD-SSB may also be transmitted periodically if triggered. The period of at least one SSB transmission may differ from the period of the OD-SSB transmission.

[0050] Upon receiving the OD-SSB activation signal, the first device 110 can determine (410) whether it is necessary to measure the OD-SSB.

[0051] As mentioned above, there are two different scenarios for always-active SSB transmission and OD-SSB transmission: the frequencies used for always-active SSB transmission and OD-SSB transmission can be the same or different. It is understood that the frequency used for transmission here can also refer to a frequency range. The frequency used here can also be referred to as a frequency layer, bandwidth portion, or carrier frequency.

[0052] Considering that the first device 110 has measured the always-active SSB before the OD-SSB is triggered, the first device 110 can determine whether the OD-SSB needs to be measured by taking into account the measurement status of the always-active SSB and whether the frequencies used for the always-active SSB transmission and the OD-SSB transmission are the same or different.

[0053] Figure 4B A flowchart of process 400B for determining the measurement of OD-SSB is shown, assuming the frequencies used for always-active SSB transmission and OD-SSB transmission are the same. Figure 4C A flowchart of process 400C for determining the measurement of OD-SSB is shown when the frequencies used for always-active SSB transmission and OD-SSB transmission are different. (Refer to...) Figure 4B and Figure 4C Describe the procedure used to determine whether OD-SSB measurement is necessary.

[0054] When the frequencies used for always-active SSB transmission and OD-SSB transmission are the same, such as Figure 4B As shown, at box 415, the first device 110 can measure at least one always-active SSB from the SCell. At box 420, when the OD-SSB is triggered, as an option, at box 425, if the first device 110 has already sent a measurement report for at least one SSB (i.e., a always-active SSB or OD-SSB at the same frequency), then at box 445, the first device 110 can determine that a measurement of the OD-SSB is not required. For example, if a measurement report based on a always-active SSB has already been sent by the first device 110 within a specific time period prior to receiving the OD-SSB activation signaling, then the first device 110 can determine that a measurement of the OD-SSB is not required. In another example, if the OD-SSB has already been triggered at the same frequency before the OD-SSB is triggered at box 420, and the first device 110 has already sent a measurement report based on the OD-SSB within a specific time period before receiving the OD-SSB activation signaling, then the first device 110 can determine that no measurement of the OD-SSB is required.

[0055] This is because if a measurement report for at least one SSB from an SCell (e.g., another cell 104) has already been sent to the network by the first device 110, then that SCell can be considered known. Therefore, if the SCell is known to the first device, measurement of the OD-SSB is unnecessary. In other words, if the SCell is known, the first device 110 may not need to measure the OD-SSB in the deactivated state. Faster SCell activation can be achieved without further measurement of the OD-SSB.

[0056] As an alternative, at box 430, if the first device 110 has already measured at least one always-active SSB for a specific time period, then at box 445, the first device 110 can determine that measurement of the OD-SSB is not required. For example, the specific time period can be predefined or can be obtained based on network indications, such as configuration signaling received from cell 102 (e.g., PCell). As an example, the specific time period can be predefined as a time for cell detection, a time for identifying a new cell, or a measurement period. More specifically, the specific time period may include a time for cell detection, a time for identifying a cell, a measurement period for in-frequency measurements, or a measurement period for in-frequency measurements of deactivated cells.

[0057] It is also possible that, at box 435, if the measurement result of at least one always active SSB is above a threshold, then at box 445, the first device 110 can determine that no measurement of OD-SSB is required.

[0058] As an alternative, at box 440, if the OD-SSB is quasi-co-located (QCL-ed) with at least one always-active SSB, then at box 445, the first device 110 can determine that a measurement of the OD-SSB is not required. The OD-SSB being quasi-co-located with at least one always-active SSB means that both types of SSBs transmit in the same direction, or the same beam, or the same TCI state. Therefore, if the first device 110 has already measured at least one always-active SSB, there is no need to measure the OD-SSB.

[0059] When the frequencies used for always-active SSB transmission and OD-SSB transmission are different, such as Figure 4CAs shown, at block 450, the first device 110 can measure at least one always-active SSB from the SCell. When the OD-SSB is triggered at block 455, at block 460, the first device 110 determines whether it simultaneously supports the measurement of both the OD-SSB and the always-active SSB. Some UEs, depending on their capabilities, can simultaneously measure both always-active SSBs and OD-SSBs transmitted on different frequencies (or different BWPs). However, some other UEs may not have this capability. If the first device 110 has this capability, then the first device 110 can simultaneously perform the measurement of both the always-active SSB and the OD-SSB at block 465.

[0060] If the first device 110 does not have this capability, then as an option, if the first device 110 determines at block 470 that the frequency interval between the frequency used for always-active SSB transmission and another frequency used for OD-SSB transmission does not exceed a threshold, then at block 490, the first device 110 can determine that OD-SSB measurement is not required.

[0061] As an alternative, if the first device 110 determines at block 475 that the mass of at least one SSB is above a threshold level, or the mass of another OD-SSB is below a threshold level, then at block 490, the first device 110 may determine that no measurement of the OD-SSB is required.

[0062] The signal quality referred to here may refer to RSRP level, RSRQ, or SINR level, etc. For example, if the RSRP level of the OD-SSB is below a threshold, or the RSRP level of the always-active SSB is above a threshold, then it is not necessary to measure the OD-SSB.

[0063] Alternatively, the quality check conditions can be combined with frequency interval conditions. That is, if the frequency interval between the frequency used for always-active SSB transmission and another frequency used for OD-SSB transmission does not exceed a threshold, the first device 110 can also check whether the quality of at least one SSB is higher than the threshold level, or whether the quality of another OD-SSB is lower than the threshold level.

[0064] As another example, if the first device 110 determines at block 480 that at least one SSB includes a cell-defined (CD) SSB and the OD-SSB belongs to a non-cell-defined (NCD) SSB, then at block 490, the first device 110 can determine that no measurement of the OD-SSB is required.

[0065] As another example, if the first device 110 determines at block 485 that the difference between the SSB transmission period and the OD-SSB transmission period is within a threshold difference, then at block 490, the first device 110 can determine that no measurement of the OD-SSB is required. For example, if the always-active SSB period and the OD-SSB period do not differ significantly from each other, or if the difference between the two periods is less than a threshold, then the OD-SSB may not need to be measured.

[0066] Alternatively, based on the SSB transmission period, the first device 110 can determine which type of SSB to measure. For example, if the OD-SSB transmission period is shorter than the period of the always-active SSB, the first device 110 can measure only the OD-SSB and ignore the always-active SSB until the OD-SSB transmission burst ends.

[0067] Figure 5 A flowchart of an example method 500 implemented at a device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For the purposes of discussion, [the following will be discussed]. Figure 1 Method 500 is described by the angle of the first device 110 in the middle.

[0068] At frame 510, the first device 110 receives at least one synchronization signal block (SSB) from the cell of the device.

[0069] At block 520, if it is determined that an on-demand SSB (OD-SSB) activation signaling for the cell has been received, then at block 530, the first device 110 determines whether to perform or not to perform a measurement of the OD-SSB received from the cell based on at least one of the following: the measurement status of at least one SSB from the cell, or the relationship between a first frequency used to transmit the OD-SSB and a second frequency used to transmit at least one SSB.

[0070] In some example embodiments, method 500 further includes: if it is determined that the first frequency is the same as the second frequency and a measurement report associated with at least one SSB has been reported to the network node, then it is determined that no measurement of the OD-SSB is required.

[0071] In some example embodiments, measurement reports associated with at least one SSB have been reported to the cell within a specific time period prior to receiving OD-SSB activation signaling.

[0072] In some example embodiments, method 500 further includes: if it is determined that the first frequency is the same as the second frequency and at least one SSB has been measured by the device for a specific time period, then it is determined that no measurement of OD-SSB is required.

[0073] In some example embodiments, method 500 further includes: if it is determined that the cell is known, then determining that no measurement of the OD-SSB is required.

[0074] In some example embodiments, a specific time period is predefined as at least one of the following: time for cell detection, time for cell identification, measurement period for in-frequency measurement, or measurement period for in-frequency measurement of deactivated cells.

[0075] In some example embodiments, method 500 further includes determining that no measurement of the OD-SSB is required if it is determined that the first frequency is the same as the second frequency and the measurement associated with at least one SSB is above a threshold.

[0076] In some example embodiments, method 500 further includes: if it is determined that the first frequency is the same as the second frequency and the OD-SSB is quasi-co-located with at least one SSB measured by the device, then it is determined that no measurement of the OD-SSB is required.

[0077] In some example embodiments, method 500 further includes: determining the corresponding quality of at least one SSB and OD-SSB if it is determined that the first frequency is different from the second frequency and the frequency interval between the first frequency and the second frequency is within a threshold; and determining that no measurement of OD-SSB is required if it is determined that the quality of at least one SSB is higher than the threshold level or another quality of OD-SSB is lower than the threshold level.

[0078] In some example embodiments, method 500 further includes: if it is determined that at least one SSB includes a cell-defined SSB and the OD-SSB belongs to a non-cell-defined SSB, then it is determined that no measurement of the OD-SSB is required.

[0079] In some example embodiments, method 500 further includes: if it is determined that the first frequency is different from the second frequency and the difference between the SSB transmission period and the OD-SSB transmission period is within a threshold difference, then it is determined that no measurement of the OD-SSB is required.

[0080] In some example embodiments, method 500 further includes: if it is determined that at least one SSB includes a cell-defined SSB and the OD-SSB transmission period is shorter than the SSB transmission period, then performing a measurement on at least one OD-SSB until the end of the OD-SSB transmission burst.

[0081] In some example embodiments, the cell is a deactivated cell, which includes a deactivated SCell or a deactivated PSCell.

[0082] In some example embodiments, the device includes a terminal device.

[0083] In some example embodiments, the means capable of performing any item in method 500 (e.g., Figure 1 The first device 110 may include a component for performing the corresponding operation of method 500. This component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented in a circuit or software module. The device may be implemented as or included in... Figure 1 In the first device 110.

[0084] In some example embodiments, the apparatus includes: a component for receiving at least one synchronization signal block (SSB) from a cell of the apparatus; and a component for determining, if it is determined that on-demand SSB (OD-SSB) activation signaling for the cell has been received, whether to perform or not to perform a measurement of the OD-SSB received from the cell based on at least one of the following: the measurement status of at least one SSB from the cell, or the relationship between a first frequency for transmitting the OD-SSB and a second frequency for transmitting the at least one SSB.

[0085] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further includes a component for determining that no measurement of the OD-SSB is required if it is determined that the first frequency is the same as the second frequency and a measurement report associated with at least one SSB has been reported to the network node.

[0086] In some example embodiments, measurement reports associated with at least one SSB have been reported to the cell within a specific time period prior to receiving OD-SSB activation signaling.

[0087] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further includes a component for determining that measurement of the OD-SSB is unnecessary if it is determined that the first frequency is the same as the second frequency and at least one SSB has been measured by the apparatus for a specific time period.

[0088] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further includes a component for determining that no measurement of the OD-SSB is required if the cell is known.

[0089] In some example embodiments, a specific time period is predefined as at least one of the following: time for cell detection, time for cell identification, measurement period for in-frequency measurement, or measurement period for in-frequency measurement of deactivated cells.

[0090] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further includes a component for determining that no measurement of the OD-SSB is required if it is determined that the first frequency is the same as the second frequency and the measurement result associated with at least one SSB is higher than a threshold.

[0091] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further includes a component for determining that measurement of the OD-SSB is unnecessary if it is determined that the first frequency is the same as the second frequency and the OD-SSB is quasi-co-located with at least one SSB measured by the apparatus.

[0092] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further includes: a component for determining the corresponding quality of at least one SSB and OD-SSB if it is determined that the first frequency is different from the second frequency and the frequency interval between the first frequency and the second frequency is within a threshold; and a component for determining that measurement of OD-SSB is not required if it is determined that the quality of at least one SSB is higher than the threshold level or another quality of OD-SSB is lower than the threshold level.

[0093] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further includes a component for determining that measurement of the OD-SSB is not required if it is determined that at least one SSB includes a cell-defined SSB and the OD-SSB belongs to a non-cell-defined SSB.

[0094] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further includes a component for determining that no measurement of OD-SSB is required if it is determined that the first frequency is different from the second frequency and the difference between the SSB transmission period and the OD-SSB transmission period is within a threshold difference.

[0095] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further includes a component for performing a measurement on at least one OD-SSB if it is determined that at least one SSB includes a cell-defined SSB and the OD-SSB transmission period is shorter than the SSB transmission period, until the end of the OD-SSB transmission burst.

[0096] In some example embodiments, the cell is a deactivated cell, which includes a deactivated SCell or a deactivated PSCell.

[0097] In some example embodiments, the device includes a terminal device.

[0098] Figure 6 This is a simplified block diagram of a device 600 suitable for implementing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Device 600 may be provided to implement a communication device, such as... Figure 1 The first device 110 is shown. As shown, the device 600 includes one or more processors 610, one or more memories 620 coupled to the processors 610, and one or more communication modules 640 coupled to the processors 610.

[0099] Communication module 640 is used for bidirectional communication. Communication module 640 has one or more communication interfaces to facilitate communication with one or more other modules or devices. The communication interface can represent any interface necessary for communication with other network elements. In some example embodiments, communication module 640 may include at least one antenna.

[0100] As a non-limiting example, processor 610 can be any type suitable for a local technology network and can include one or more of the following as non-limiting examples: general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), and processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Device 600 can have multiple processors, such as application-specific integrated circuit chips that are time-dependent on a clock synchronized with the main processor.

[0101] Memory 620 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM) 624, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disk, miniature optical disc (CD), digital video disc (DVD), optical disc, laser disc, and other magnetic and / or optical storage. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 622 and other volatile memories that will not be maintained during power outages.

[0102] Computer program 630 includes computer-executable instructions that are executed by an associated processor 610. The instructions of program 630 may include instructions for performing operations / actions of some example embodiments of this disclosure. Program 630 may be stored in memory, such as ROM 624. Processor 610 can perform any suitable actions and processes by loading program 630 into RAM 622.

[0103] Example embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented by means of program 630, so that device 600 can perform as described in the reference. Figures 2 to 5 Any process discussed in this disclosure. Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0104] In some example embodiments, program 630 may be tangibly included in a computer-readable medium, which may be included in device 600 (such as in memory 620) or other storage device accessible to device 600. Device 600 may load program 630 from the computer-readable medium into RAM 622 for execution. In some example embodiments, the computer-readable medium may include any type of non-transitory storage medium, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc. As used herein, the term "non-transitory" refers to a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not tactile) rather than a limitation on data storage persistence (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0105] Figure 7 An example of a computer-readable medium 700 is shown, which may be in the form of a CD, DVD, or other optical storage disc. The computer-readable medium 700 stores a program 630 thereon.

[0106] In general, the various embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects can be implemented in hardware, and others can be implemented in firmware or software executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. While various aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other graphical representation, it should be understood that the blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques, or methods described herein can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof, as examples of non-limiting examples.

[0107] Some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure also provide at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a computer-readable medium (such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium). The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as those included in a program module, which are executed in a device on a target physical or virtual processor to perform any of the methods described above. Typically, a program module includes routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc., that perform a particular task or implement a particular abstract data type. The functionality of the program module can be combined or split as needed among program modules in various embodiments. The machine-executable instructions for the program module can be located in local or remote storage media.

[0108] Program code for implementing the methods of this disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. The program code may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that, when executed by the processor or controller, the program code causes the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams to be implemented. The program code may be executed entirely on the machine, partially on the machine, as a stand-alone software package, partially on the machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0109] In the context of this disclosure, computer program code or related data may be carried on any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus, or processor to perform the various processes and operations described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer-readable media, etc.

[0110] Computer-readable media can be computer-readable signal media or computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable media can include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, devices, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media include electrical connections having one or more wires, portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fibers, portable optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0111] Furthermore, although the operations are described in a specific order, this should not be construed as requiring that they be performed in the specific order shown or sequentially, or that all the operations shown be performed in order to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processes can be advantageous. Similarly, while several specific implementation details are included in the foregoing discussion, they should not be considered as limiting the scope of this disclosure, but rather as a description of features that may be specific to certain embodiments. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, certain features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments.

[0112] Although this disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that the disclosure as defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A device for communication, 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 device to at least: Receive at least one synchronization signal block (SSB) from the cell of the device; as well as If it is determined that on-demand SSB (OD-SSB) activation signaling for the cell has been received, then it is determined whether or not to perform a measurement of the OD-SSB received from the cell based on at least one of the following: Measurement status of at least one SSB from the cell, or The relationship between the first frequency used to transmit the OD-SSB and the second frequency used to transmit the at least one SSB.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to: If it is determined that the first frequency is the same as the second frequency and a measurement report associated with the at least one SSB has been reported to the network node, then it is determined that the measurement of the OD-SSB is not required.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the measurement report associated with the at least one SSB has been reported to the cell within a specific time period prior to receiving the OD-SSB activation signaling.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to: If it is determined that the first frequency is the same as the second frequency and the at least one SSB has already been measured by the device for a specific time period, then it is determined that the measurement of the OD-SSB is not required.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to: If it is determined that the cell is known, then it is determined that the measurement of the OD-SSB is not required.

6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the specific time period is predefined as at least one of the following: Time used for community testing Used to identify the time of the cell Measurement period used for frequency measurements, or Measurement period used for in-frequency measurements of deactivated cells.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to: If it is determined that the first frequency is the same as the second frequency and the measurement result associated with the at least one SSB is higher than a threshold, then it is determined that the measurement of the OD-SSB is not required.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to: If it is determined that the first frequency is the same as the second frequency and the OD-SSB is quasi-co-located with the at least one SSB measured by the device, then it is determined that the measurement of the OD-SSB is not required.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to: If it is determined that the first frequency is different from the second frequency and the frequency interval between the first frequency and the second frequency is within a threshold, then the corresponding quality of the at least one SSB and the OD-SSB is determined; and If it is determined that the quality of at least one SSB is above a threshold level or the quality of another OD-SSB is below the threshold level, then it is determined that the measurement of the OD-SSB is not required.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to: If it is determined that the at least one SSB includes a cell-defined SSB and the OD-SSB belongs to a non-cell-defined SSB, then it is determined that the measurement of the OD-SSB is not required.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to: If it is determined that the first frequency is different from the second frequency and the difference between the SSB transmission period and the OD-SSB transmission period is within a threshold difference, then it is determined that the measurement of the OD-SSB is not required.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to: If it is determined that the at least one SSB includes a cell-defined SSB and the OD-SSB transmission period is shorter than the SSB transmission period, then the measurement is performed on at least one OD-SSB until the end of the OD-SSB transmission burst.

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the cell is a deactivated cell, the deactivated cell comprising a deactivated SCell or a deactivated PSCell.

14. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the apparatus includes a terminal device.

15. A method for communication, comprising: Receive at least one synchronization signal block (SSB) from the cell of the device; as well as If it is determined that on-demand SSB (OD-SSB) activation signaling for the cell has been received, then it is determined whether or not to perform a measurement of the OD-SSB received from the cell based on at least one of the following: Measurement status of at least one SSB from the cell, or The relationship between the first frequency used to transmit the OD-SSB and the second frequency used to transmit the at least one SSB.

16. An apparatus for communication, comprising: Components for receiving at least one synchronization signal block (SSB) from a cell of the device; as well as A component for determining whether to perform or not to perform a measurement of the OD-SSB received from the cell based on at least one of the following if it is determined that an On-Demand SSB (OD-SSB) activation signaling for the cell has been received: Measurement status of at least one SSB from the cell, or The relationship between the first frequency used to transmit the OD-SSB and the second frequency used to transmit the at least one SSB.

17. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions stored thereon for causing a device to perform at least the method according to claim 15.

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