Measurement optimization to reduce the number of measurements

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for measurement optimization to reduce the number of measurements. The method includes receiving a configuration from a network node, the configuration defining a plurality of measurement types associated with carrier information corresponding to one or more carriers. The method includes receiving an indication from the network node, the indication indicating which of the one or more carriers are to be measured, the one or more carriers corresponding to one or more of the plurality of measurement types. The method includes performing measurements of the one or more carriers corresponding to the one or more of the plurality of measurement types in accordance with the received indication.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The example embodiments generally relate to measurement optimization, and more specifically to measurement optimization that reduces the number of measurements. Background Technology

[0002] User equipment (UE) performs radio resource management (RRM) measurements on one or more serving cells and inter-frequency and inter-Radio Access Technology (RAT) carrier lists. The network does not need to provide the UE with any neighboring cell list. In Radio Resource Control (RRC) connectivity mode, the measurements can be used by the network. The network can use the measurements for mobility management, or for configuring one or more secondary cells (SCells) for carrier aggregation (CA), or for the primary cell of a secondary cell group (PSCell) for dual connectivity (DC).

[0003] In connected mode, the network uses the MeasConfig information element (IE) in the RRC reconfiguration message to configure user equipment for measurements. The MeasConfig IE specifies which measurements the user equipment should perform, covering intra-frequency, inter-frequency, and inter-RAT mobility, as well as the configuration of measurement gaps.

[0004] `measObject` configures which object (carrier) the user equipment should measure. `reportConfig` instructs the user equipment how to report any possible measurements to the network, such as rules and the number of measurements. The measurement procedure distinguishes between the following types of carriers and cells: (i) intra-frequency carriers and serving cells (Special Cells (SpCells) and one or more SCells), (ii) inter-frequency carriers (carriers for which the user equipment does not have a serving cell), (iii) inter-RATR measurements (carriers not belonging to the serving RAT (e.g., LTE carriers), (iv) if configured, listed cells (cells listed within (multiple) measurement objects), and (v) if configured, detected cells (cells not listed within (multiple) measurement objects but detected by the user equipment at the synchronization signal block (SSB) frequency and (multiple) subcarrier spacing indicated by (multiple) measurement objects).

[0005] For new wireless measurement objects, the user equipment measures and reports on (multiple) serving cells, any detected and measured non-serving cells, and (if configured) listed and / or detected cells.

[0006] Based on network implementation, user equipment (UE) can be configured with s-Measure, which is the Serving Cell Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) threshold, to control whether UE needs to measure non-serving cells. As long as the number of measurements (e.g., RSRP) of SpCell is higher than the configured threshold, UE does not need to measure non-serving cells because it considers UE to have good radio condition and does not need to measure neighboring cells.

[0007] The network can configure user equipment to periodically and / or report measurement results based on configured events (event-based). Measurement reporting events are configured by the network and can be triggered, for example, based on the absolute values ​​of measured received signals from (multiple) serving cells or neighboring cells and the relative offsets between the measured values. Measurement reporting events related to this invention's reporting are as follows: (i) Event A1: Service becomes better than a threshold; (ii) Event A2: Service becomes worse than a threshold; (iii) Event A3: Neighbor becomes offset better than SpCell; (iv) Event A4: Neighbor becomes better than a threshold; (v) Event A5: SpCell becomes worse than threshold 1 and neighbor becomes better than threshold 2; (vi) Event A6: Neighbor becomes offset better than SCell; (vii) Event B1: Inter-RAT neighbor becomes better than a threshold; (viii) Event B2: PCell becomes worse than threshold 1 and inter-RAT neighbor becomes better than threshold 2.

[0008] Regardless of the event that triggers the report, the measurement report includes all available measurements for the serving cell and includes the carrier that triggered the report, as well as the measurement cells on other carriers configured in the measurement report configuration. In addition to measurements for mobility purposes, network nodes can use the reported measurement results to configure and / or add SCells. For example, a network node can use A1, A4, or another measurement report event to trigger the selection of SCells configured in CA to be added to the reported cells. Once an SCell is added to the serving cell set (PCell and one or more SCells), it becomes a serving cell, and the user equipment will perform in-frequency measurements on that SCell (as with all serving cells). Most commonly, the user equipment can perform such measurements without measurement gaps (but this ultimately depends on the network configuration).

[0009] Furthermore, network nodes may aim to configure user equipment (UE) with the best cell on a given carrier as the SCell. For this purpose, network nodes will benefit from UE measurement reports. Therefore, if the UE detects and reports the best cell (multiple) on the carrier frequency of the SCell of interest (which is either a carrier on which a configured SCell exists or an inter-frequency carrier), it is more likely to select the best cell on the carrier. For example, to maintain the SCell as the best cell on the carrier, the network can use measurement reports triggered by the A6 event, which is designed for intra-frequency measurement events on the carrier frequency of the SCell.

[0010] Another use of the measurement report is for dual connections, where a second RRC connection needs to be added. In this case, the A4 measurement report can be used to select the PSCell to configure the NRDC. Summary of the Invention

[0011] A user equipment (120) for wireless communication is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory thereon storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment (120) to receive (302) a configuration (302a) from a network node (112), the configuration defining a plurality of measurement types associated with carrier information (302b) corresponding to one or more carriers. The user equipment is also caused to receive (402) an indication (304) from the network node (112) indicating which of the one or more carriers should be measured, the one or more carriers corresponding to one or more measurement types among the plurality of measurement types. The user equipment (120) is further caused to perform (404) measurements on the one or more carriers corresponding to one or more measurement types among the plurality of measurement types according to the received indications.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, a network node (112) for wireless communication is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory thereon storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node (112) to send (302) a configuration (302a) to a user equipment (120) defining a plurality of measurement types associated with carrier information (302b) corresponding to one or more carriers. The network node is also caused to send (502) an indication (304) to the user equipment (120) indicating which of the one or more carriers should be measured, the one or more carriers corresponding to one or more of the plurality of measurement types.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, a user equipment (120) is provided, including components for receiving (302, 402) a configuration (302a) from a network node (112), the configuration defining a plurality of measurement types associated with carrier information (302b) corresponding to one or more carriers. The user equipment (120) also includes components for receiving (402) an indication (304) from the network node (112): the indication indicating which of the one or more carriers should be measured, the one or more carriers corresponding to one or more of the plurality of measurement types. The user equipment also includes components for performing (404) measurements on the one or more carriers corresponding to the one or more of the plurality of measurement types according to the received indication.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, a network node (112) is provided, including components for sending (302, 502) a configuration (302a) to a user equipment (120) that defines a plurality of measurement types associated with carrier information (302b) corresponding to one or more carriers. The network node also includes components for sending (502) an indication (304) to the user equipment (120) indicating which of the one or more carriers should be measured, the one or more carriers corresponding to one or more of the plurality of measurement types.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, a computer-implemented method executed by a user equipment (120) is provided, the method comprising receiving (302, 402) a configuration (302a) from a network node (112), the configuration defining a plurality of measurement types associated with carrier information (302b) corresponding to one or more carriers. The method further comprises receiving (402) an indication (304) from the network node (112): the indication indicating which of the one or more carriers to be measured, the one or more carriers corresponding to one or more measurement types of the plurality of measurement types. The method further comprises performing (404) measurements on the one or more carriers corresponding to the one or more measurement types of the plurality of measurement types according to the received indication.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, a computer-implemented method, executed by a network node (112), is provided, including sending (302, 502) a configuration (302a) to a user equipment (120) that defines a plurality of measurement types associated with carrier information (302b) corresponding to one or more carriers. The method also includes sending (502) an indication (304) to the user equipment (120) which of the one or more carriers should be measured, the one or more carriers corresponding to one or more of the plurality of measurement types.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, a non-transient computer-readable storage medium is provided, comprising computer instructions that, when executed by a user equipment, cause the user equipment to receive (302, 402) a configuration (302a) from a network node (112), the configuration defining a plurality of measurement types associated with carrier information (302b) corresponding to one or more carriers. The user equipment (120) is also caused to receive (402) an indication (304) from the network node (112): the indication indicating which of the one or more carriers should be measured, the one or more carriers corresponding to one or more of the plurality of measurement types. The user equipment is also caused to perform (404) measurements on the one or more carriers corresponding to the one or more of the plurality of measurement types according to the received indication.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, a non-transient computer-readable storage medium is provided including computer instructions that, when executed by a network node, cause the network node to send (302, 502) a configuration (302a) to a user equipment (120) defining a plurality of measurement types associated with carrier information (302b) corresponding to one or more carriers. The network node is also caused to send (502) an indication (304) to the user equipment (120) indicating which of the one or more carriers to be measured, the one or more carriers corresponding to one or more of the plurality of measurement types.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, a user equipment (120) for wireless communication is provided, the user equipment including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions thereon, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment (120) to receive (302, 602) a definition and configuration (302a) from a network node (112), the configuration defining a plurality of measurement types associated with carrier information (302b) corresponding to one or more carriers. The user equipment is also caused to receive (602) from the network node (112) an indication (304) that the user equipment (120) should determine one or more measurement types among the plurality of measurement types. The user equipment (120) is also caused to determine (306, 604) one or more measurements associated with one or more carriers based on the indication (304) and based on the carrier information (302b) corresponding to a plurality of carrier groups, wherein the one or more measurements will be performed for one or more carriers, the one or more carriers belonging to one or more measurement types among the plurality of measurement types. The user equipment (120) is also caused to perform (606) one or more measurements associated with one or more carriers based on the determination.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, a network node (112) for wireless communication is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions thereon, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node (112) to send (302, 702) a configuration (302a) to a user equipment (120), the configuration defining a plurality of measurement types associated with carrier information (302b) corresponding to one or more carriers, and including an indication (304) that the user equipment (120) should determine (306) one or more of the plurality of measurement types. The network node (112) is also caused to send (702) the indication (304) to the user equipment (120) that the user equipment (120) should determine (306) one or more of the plurality of measurement types.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, a user equipment (120) for wireless communication is provided, including components for receiving (302, 602) configuration (302a) from a network node (112), the configuration defining a plurality of measurement types associated with carrier information (302b) corresponding to one or more carriers. The user equipment also includes components for receiving (602) an indication (304) from the network node (112) that the user equipment (120) should determine one or more measurement types among the plurality of measurement types. The user equipment (120) further includes components for determining (306, 604) one or more measurements associated with one or more carriers based on the indication (304) and the carrier information (302b) corresponding to a plurality of carrier groups, wherein the one or more measurements will be performed for one or more carriers, the one or more carriers belonging to one or more measurement types among the plurality of measurement types. The user equipment (120) also includes components for performing (606) one or more measurements associated with the one or more carriers based on the determination.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, a network node (112) for wireless communication is provided, including components for transmitting (302, 702) configuration (302a) to a user equipment (120), the configuration defining multiple measurement types associated with carrier information (302b) corresponding to one or more carriers, and including components (304) indicating (306) that the user equipment (120) should determine (306) one or more of the multiple measurement types. The network node (112) also includes components for transmitting (702) the indication (304) that the user equipment (120) should determine (306) one or more of the multiple measurement types to the user equipment (120).

[0023] In one or more embodiments, a computer-implemented method executed by a user equipment (120) is provided, including receiving (302, 602) configuration (302a) from a network node (112) that defines a plurality of measurement types associated with carrier information (302b) corresponding to one or more carriers. The method also includes receiving (602) an indication (304) from the network node (112) that the user equipment (120) should determine one or more measurement types from the plurality of measurement types. The method further includes determining (306, 604) one or more measurements associated with the one or more carriers based on the indication (304) and the carrier information (302b) corresponding to the plurality of carrier groups, wherein the one or more measurements will be performed for the one or more carriers, which belong to one or more measurement types from the plurality of measurement types. The method further includes performing (606) one or more measurements associated with the one or more carriers based on the determination.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, a computer-implemented method, executed by a network node (112), is provided, including sending (302, 702) a configuration (302a) to a user equipment (120) defining a plurality of measurement types associated with carrier information (302b) corresponding to one or more carriers, and including an indication (304) that the user equipment (120) should determine (306) one or more of the plurality of measurement types. The method also includes sending (702) an indication (304) to the user equipment (120) that the user equipment (120) should determine (306) one or more of the plurality of measurement types.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, a non-transient computer-readable storage medium is provided, comprising computer instructions that, when executed by a user equipment, cause the user equipment to receive (302, 602) a configuration (302a) from a network node (112) defining a plurality of measurement types associated with carrier information (302b) corresponding to one or more carriers. The user equipment is also caused to receive (602) an indication (304) from the network node (112) that the user equipment (120) should determine one or more measurement types among the plurality of measurement types. The user equipment (120) is also caused to determine (306, 604) one or more measurements associated with one or more carriers based on the indication (304) and the carrier information (302b) corresponding to a plurality of carrier groups, wherein the one or more measurements will be performed for one or more carriers belonging to one or more measurement types among the plurality of measurement types. The user equipment (120) is also caused to perform (606) one or more measurements associated with one or more carriers based on the determination.

[0026] In one or more embodiments, a non-transient computer-readable storage medium is provided comprising computer instructions that, when executed by a network node, cause the network node to send (302, 702) a configuration (302a) to a user equipment (120) defining a plurality of measurement types associated with carrier information (302b) corresponding to one or more carriers, and including an indication (304) that the user equipment (120) should determine (306) one or more of the plurality of measurement types. The network node (112) is also caused to send (702) the indication (304) to the user equipment (120) that the user equipment (120) should determine (306) one or more of the plurality of measurement types.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, a user equipment (120) for wireless communication is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions thereon, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment (120) to receive (302) a configuration (302a) from a network node (112), the configuration defining a plurality of measurement types associated with carrier information (302b) corresponding to one or more carriers. The user equipment (120) is also caused to determine (306) one or more measurements associated with the one or more carriers based on the carrier information (302b) corresponding to a plurality of carrier groups, wherein the one or more measurements are to be performed for the one or more carriers based on user equipment (120) preferences, the one or more carriers belonging to one or more measurement types among a plurality of measurement types. The user equipment (120) is also caused to perform the one or more measurements associated with the one or more carriers based on the determination.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, a user equipment (120) for wireless communication is provided, including components for receiving (302) configuration (302a) from a network node (112), the configuration defining a plurality of measurement types associated with carrier information (302b) corresponding to one or more carriers. The user equipment (120) also includes components for determining (306) one or more measurements associated with the one or more carriers based on the carrier information (302b) corresponding to the plurality of carrier groups, wherein the one or more measurements are to be performed on one or more carriers belonging to one or more of the plurality of measurement types based on the user equipment (120) preference. The user equipment (120) also includes components for performing the one or more measurements associated with the one or more carriers based on the determination.

[0029] In one or more embodiments, a computer-implemented method executed by a user equipment (120) is provided, the method comprising: receiving (302) configuration (302a) from a network node (112) that defines a plurality of measurement types associated with carrier information (302b) corresponding to one or more carriers. The method further comprises determining (306) one or more measurements associated with the one or more carriers based on the carrier information (302b) corresponding to a plurality of carrier groups, wherein the one or more measurements are to be performed for the one or more carriers based on user equipment (120) preferences, the one or more carriers belonging to one or more measurement types among the plurality of measurement types. The method further comprises performing the one or more measurements associated with the one or more carriers based on the determination.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, a non-transient computer-readable storage medium is provided, comprising computer instructions that, when executed by a user equipment, cause the user equipment to receive (302) a component of a configuration (302a) from a network node (112), the configuration defining a plurality of measurement types associated with carrier information (302b) corresponding to one or more carriers. The user equipment (120) is also caused to determine (306) one or more measurements associated with the one or more carriers based on the carrier information (302b) corresponding to a plurality of carrier groups, wherein the one or more measurements are to be performed for the one or more carriers based on user equipment (120) preferences, the one or more carriers belonging to one or more measurement types among a plurality of measurement types. The user equipment (120) is also caused to perform the one or more measurements associated with the one or more carriers based on the determination. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure have been described in general terms. Referring below to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which:

[0032] Figure 1 It is a communication network that can be used with the example embodiments disclosed herein;

[0033] Figure 2 The illustration depicts a communication device that may include various components configured to perform operations of the techniques disclosed herein in accordance with aspects of this disclosure;

[0034] Figure 3 The diagram illustrates a signaling diagram of a method according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, which optimizes and reduces the number of inter-frequency and inter-RAT measurements at a user equipment without frequently or excessively changing the measurement configuration.

[0035] Figure 4The illustration shows a flowchart of a process performed by a user equipment to send a measurement report based on network preferences, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 5 The illustration shows a flowchart of a process performed by a network node for receiving a measurement report based on network preferences, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 6 The illustration shows a flowchart of a process performed by a user equipment for sending a measurement report according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the sending being based on a network indication that the user equipment should determine one or more measurements;

[0038] Figure 7 The illustration shows a flowchart of a process performed by a network node for receiving a measurement report based on network preferences, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 8 The illustration shows a flowchart of a process performed by a user equipment to send a measurement report based on network preferences, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The following embodiments are exemplary. Although the specification may refer to "a," "one," or "some" embodiments in several places in the text, this does not necessarily mean that every reference refers to the same embodiment, or that a particular feature applies only to a single embodiment. Individual features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, whether or not it is explicitly described, the application of such a feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art. It should be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another.

[0041] For the purposes of this disclosure, the phrases "at least one of A or B", "at least one of A and B", and "A and / or B" mean (A), (B), or (A and B). For the purposes of this disclosure, the phrases "A, B, and / or C" mean (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C).

[0042] The described embodiments can be implemented in communication networks, such as any of the following radio access technologies (RATs): Global Microwave Access Interoperability (WiMAX), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM, 2G), GSM EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN), General Packet Radio Service (GRPS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System based on Basic Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA) (UMTS, 3G), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Advanced LTE and Enhanced LTE (eLTE), 5G (also known as NR), or any future RAT such as 6G. Furthermore, communication within the communication network can 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), and / or Discrete Fourier Transform Extended OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM).

[0043] As used herein, the term "network device" or "network node" refers to a node in a communication network through which user equipment can access the network and / or control wireless communications and manage radio resources within a cell. A network node or network device may be referred to as a base station (BS), access point (AP), or access node. Depending on the technology applied, a network device may be, for example, a Node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), an NR NB (also known as a gNB), a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), a Radio Head (RH), a Remote Radio Head (RRH), a relay, an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node, a low-power node, a non-terrestrial network (NTN), or a non-terrestrial network device (such as satellite network equipment, low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites and geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites, or airborne network equipment).

[0044] Furthermore, in the context of split radio access networks (RANs), network devices can refer to centralized units (CUs) and / or distributed units (DUs) of a base station. The interface between the CU and DU is referred to as the F1 interface in NR. In a split RAN architecture, node operations can be performed at least partially in the central / centralized unit (CU) (e.g., a server, host, or node) and operatively coupled to the DU (e.g., a radio head / node). A CU can control one or more DUs, at least acting as a transmit / receive (Tx / Rx) node. In some embodiments, a DU may include, for example, a Radio Link Control (RLC), Medium Access Control (MAC) layer, and a Physical (PHY) layer, while the CU may include layers above the RLC layer, such as the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, Radio Resource Control (RRC), and Internet Protocol (IP) layer. Other functional splits are also possible. In fact, any processing task can be performed in either the CU or the DU, and the boundary for transferring responsibility between the CU and the DU can depend on the implementation applied.

[0045] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. For example, a terminal device may be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), subscriber station (SS), or mobile station (MS). Terminal devices can include 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 capture terminal devices (such as digital cameras), gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback applications, in-vehicle wireless terminal devices, USB dongles, 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 industrial and / or automated processing chain environments), consumer electronics devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, and so on.

[0046] As used herein, the term "resource" can refer to radio resources in the time domain, frequency domain, spatial domain, and / or code domain. Some examples of resources include physical resource blocks (PRBs), radio frames, subframes, time slots, subbands, frequency regions, subcarriers, beams, etc. The terms "transmission" and / or "reception" can refer to wireless transmission and / or reception via a radio propagation channel on a radio resource.

[0047] Figure 1The illustration shows an example of a communication network to which the examples disclosed herein can be applied. This communication network, or cellular communication network, may include: network node 110, which provides one or more cells (such as cell 100); and network node 112, which provides one or more other cells (such as cell 102). For example, each cell may be, for example, a macrocell, microcell, femtocell, or picocell. A cell may define a coverage area or service area corresponding to an access node.

[0048] Network node 110 can provide user equipment (UE) 120 (one or more UEs) with radio access to a communication network. This radio access may include downlink (DL) communication from the network node to UE 120 and uplink (UL) communication from UE 120 to the network node. Examples of uplink channels include a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) for transmitting control information and a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) for transmitting data to the network. Examples of downlink channels include a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) for transmitting control information and a Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) for transmitting data to the user equipment.

[0049] Multiple UEs 120, 122, 113, and 115 can exist in the system. Each of them can be served by the same or different network nodes 110 and 112. UEs can be configured with dual connectivity (DC), where a UE, for example, UE 120 can connect to multiple network nodes 110 and 112. UE 120 and UE 122 can communicate with each other when a device-to-device (D2D) communication interface is established between them via a so-called sidelink (SL). Such D2D communication can be referred to as machine-to-machine communication, point-to-point (P2P) communication, or vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication.

[0050] In a communication network with multiple network nodes, these nodes can connect to each other via interfaces. The LTE specification refers to such interfaces as X2 interfaces. The interface between an LTE node and a 5G node, or between two 5G nodes, can be called an Xn interface.

[0051] Network nodes 110 and 112 can be further connected to the core network 116 of the communication network via another interface. The LTE specification defines the core network as an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), which may include, for example, a Mobility Management Entity (MME) and gateway nodes. The MME can handle the mobility of terminal devices in a tracking area containing multiple cells and handle signaling connections between the terminal devices and the core network. Gateway nodes can handle data routing within the core network, as well as data routing to / from terminal devices. The 5G specification designates the core network as a 5G Core (5GC). The 5G Core may include, for example, Access and Mobility Management Functions (AMF) and User Plane Functions / Gateways (UPF), as well as other functions. The AMF can handle the termination of Non-Access Stratum (NAS) signaling, NAS encryption and integrity protection, registration management, connection management, mobility management, access authentication and authorization, and security context management. For example, a UPF node can support packet routing and forwarding, packet inspection, and Quality of Service (QoS) processing.

[0052] As an example, Figure 2 A block diagram of apparatus 10 is shown. Apparatus 10 includes, for example, at least one processor 12 and at least one memory 14, which stores instructions 15 that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause apparatus 10 to perform at least one or more methods as disclosed herein and any embodiments thereof. In the example, at least one memory and instructions (e.g., computer program code, software) are configured, together with at least one processor, to cause apparatus 10 to perform one or more methods as disclosed herein and any embodiments thereof.

[0053] Processor 12 may include, or be configured as, one or more circuit systems configured to perform stages of the method according to the example embodiments described herein. As used herein, the term “circuit system” may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) a hardware circuit implementation only (such as an implementation using only analog and / or digital circuit systems), and (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (if applicable): (i) a combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuitry with software / firmware, and (ii) (multiple) hardware processors having software (including (multiple) digital signal processors, software, and any portion of memory that work together to enable a device (such as a user equipment) to perform various functions), and (c) (multiple) hardware circuitry and / or (multiple) processors, such as (multiple) microprocessors or portions thereof, which require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but may be absent when software is not required to operate. This definition of circuit system applies to all uses of the term herein, including in any claim. As another example, as used herein, the term "circuit system" also encompasses the implementation of only hardware circuitry or a processor (or multiple processors) or a portion thereof, along with its accompanying software and / or firmware. For instance, if applicable to a particular claim element, the term "circuit system" also encompasses baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices, or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or network devices.

[0054] The memory 14 can be implemented using any suitable data storage technology. The memory may include a database for storing data. The memory 14 may be at least partially located outside the device 10, but may be accessible to the device 10.

[0055] Instruction 15 may be included in a computer-readable medium or a non-transient computer-readable medium. As used herein, the term non-transient refers to a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not signaling), rather than a limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., random access memory RAM versus read-only memory ROM).

[0056] For example, device 10 can be a terminal device, such as Figure 1 The UE. As another example, the device is included in such a terminal device, for example, as a chipset configured to control the terminal device. Device 10 can be made or configured to perform at least Figures 4 to 8 The method and / or any one or more embodiments described in the examples.

[0057] As another example, device 10 can be a network node, such as Figure 1The device is included in such a network node, for example, as a chipset configured to control the network node. The device 10 can be caused or configured to perform at least... Figures 4 to 8 The methods and / or any one or more of the described embodiments.

[0058] The apparatus may include one or more entities from any protocol layer, such as a MAC entity, RRC entity, RLC entity, PDCP entity, or PHY entity. In some embodiments, the entity is configured to perform at least Figures 4 to 8 The methods and / or any one or more of the described embodiments.

[0059] Device 10 includes a wireless interface 16. The wireless interface 16 provides communication capabilities to device 10. The wireless interface 16 may include a receiver configured to receive information according to at least one cellular or non-cellular standard. The wireless interface 16 may include a transmitter configured to transmit information according to at least one cellular or non-cellular standard. More than one receiver may be included. More than one transmitter may be included. The wireless interface 16 may include a transceiver configured to receive and transmit information according to at least one cellular or non-cellular standard. More than one transceiver may be included.

[0060] Device 10 may include a user interface 18, which includes at least one of, for example, a keyboard, microphone, touch display, monitor, speaker, etc. User interface 18 can be used to control the device by a user. User interface 18 may be located external to device 10. For example, device 10 may be connected to another device (such as a computer) via a wireless or wired connection, and device 10 may be controlled by a user via that computer.

[0061] In embodiments, at least some of the processes described herein may be performed by an apparatus comprising components for performing at least some of the processes described herein. Components for performing the method steps disclosed herein may include software and / or hardware components of apparatus 10. For example, at least one processor 12, memory 14, and computer program code constitute components for performing one or more methods disclosed herein and any embodiments thereof. The term “component” as used herein should be understood in the singular form, meaning a single element; or in the plural form, meaning a combination of single elements. Therefore, the term “component for [performing A, B, C]” should be interpreted to encompass an apparatus in which only one component exists for performing A, B, and C, or in which separate components exist for performing A, B, and C, or partially or completely overlapping components exist for performing A, B, and C. Furthermore, the terms “component for performing A, component for performing B, component for performing C” should be interpreted to cover an apparatus in which there is only one component for performing A, B and C, or in which there are separate components for performing A, B and C, or partially or completely overlapping components for performing A, B and C.

[0062] Unless otherwise configured, the user equipment continuously measures all serving cells to ensure that it connects to the best cell and that service is not interrupted (e.g., due to moving outside cell coverage). Furthermore, the user equipment should continuously monitor radio link conditions to assess its connectivity and link quality with its primary serving cells (multiple serving cells).

[0063] User equipment (UE) is configured by the network to have carriers that the network wants the UE to measure. The UE searches for and measures carriers without providing cell list information. The network can also configure the UE with a cell list (e.g., non-serving (adjacent) frequency, inter-frequency, and inter-RAT cells).

[0064] The measurement results can be used to configure or add SCells for carrier aggregation or PSCells for dual connectivity. In common scenarios, intra-frequency measurements do not require measurement gap assistance. Therefore, user equipment can perform intra-frequency measurements without introducing network implementation complexity and scheduling limitations, or requiring separate startup / shutdown or retuning of the user equipment's response chain.

[0065] Inter-frequency and inter-RAT measurements typically require measurement gaps, depending on the capabilities of the user equipment (UE). Even if gaps are not required based on UE capabilities, gapless auxiliary measurements can still disrupt UE connectivity. Furthermore, they may require additional power consumption at the UE to initiate or deactivate separate response chains, or require longer runtimes to perform the measurements, while still carrying the same amount of UL / DL traffic. From both the UE and network perspectives, it is desirable to minimize the number of inter-frequency and inter-RAT measurements.

[0066] If the serving cell condition deteriorates or load balancing is required, inter-frequency or inter-RAT measurements for mobility are necessary. These measurements can be configured by network nodes, for example, based on A1 / A2 reports, or optionally adjusted using S-measures. Based on the reported measurement results, UEs can be switched to cells with carrier frequencies supported by the UE as a single carrier. If the serving cell(s) cannot provide the required bandwidth capacity, neighboring cell measurements are required to achieve CA / DC. If the UE and NW support combining the carrier frequencies of an SCell or PSCell with the carrier frequencies of the current serving cell as CA / DC, the SCell or PSCell can be added.

[0067] The conditions and reasons for needing to measure neighboring cells differ, as does whether the measurement is for mobility or for SCell / PSCell addition. The list of frequencies useful for mobility differs from the list of useful carriers used for SCell / PSCell addition.

[0068] Measurement configuration includes settings for the measurement object, reporting configuration, measurement identifier, number of measurements, and measurement interval. However, it does not include the measurement purpose. Therefore, unless the configuration is changed more dynamically by the network, it is impossible to customize the frequency carrier to be measured according to the purpose. A method is needed to help guide user equipment measurements and user equipment measurement burden based on the network motivations and needs used to request user equipment to perform measurements.

[0069] Now for reference Figure 3 Signaling diagram 300, representing an example embodiment of this disclosure, is provided. Signaling diagram 300 illustrates an example method for optimizing and reducing the number of inter-frequency and inter-RAT measurements at a user equipment without frequently or excessively changing the measurement configuration.

[0070] In one or more embodiments, at operation 302, network node 112 sends configuration 302a to user equipment 120. In some examples, configuration 302a is a radio resource control reconfiguration message. In some examples, configuration 302a defines multiple measurement types associated with carrier information 302b. In some examples, prior to transmission, the network determines additional useful information to be added to configuration 302a based on knowledge of frequency bands supported by user equipment 120 and frequency band combinations formed with frequency bands supported or preferred by the network itself (e.g., as part of user equipment capabilities). In some examples, configuration 302a includes advanced MeasConfig information elements (IE) 302c.

[0071] In one example, separate carrier lists are provided in the configuration for mobility measurements and CA / DC measurements. In some examples, CA and DC measurements may be provided in separate lists. In some examples, carriers are configured on at least one list. For example, measurements of carriers in the mobility or CA / DC lists can be configured to be on or off as needed. Measurements can be controlled by carrier list type; for example, all carriers in a list type can be activated. In some examples, a single carrier within a list can be activated. In some examples, a single carrier across multiple lists can be activated. In some embodiments, measurements for carriers in the mobility list can always be on. For example, if a carrier is on two lists, it can always be measured. In some examples, a list may include both mobility and CA / DC carriers. Each example carrier in the configuration can be a mobility carrier, a CA / DC carrier, or both. These carriers can be separated by indications in the measurement objects.

[0072] In some examples, additional information is added to the measurement object as part of the Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration message used for measurement configuration. In some examples, the added information is CA (Carrier Access Control) information. In some examples, the CA information groups carriers in a CA / DC band combination supported by the cell (and UE). In some examples, the CA information indicates which carriers are intended for CA or DC. This indication of which carriers are intended for CA or DC can be implemented in the same or different information elements. Other useful information can also be added to group carriers based on other criteria.

[0073] In one or more embodiments, one or more carrier group identifiers are specified, and each carrier belonging to one or more carrier groups is added to the measurement configuration. In some examples, carrier grouping may depend on the implementation of network node 112 (non-public location information or network preferences based on capacity or other parameters). In some examples, information received at network node 112 from one carrier in a group may be applicable to other carriers. In some examples, network node 112 may have different priorities for using carriers from within a group as targets for the serving cell or as added SCells or PSCells.

[0074] In some examples, user equipment 120 is provided with further information regarding how carriers in the same group should be handled. For example, carrier selection may be based on network indication / configuration. In some examples, there is an indication from network node 112 to measure only one carrier. In some examples, this information may include network node 112 indicating the absolute position of a reference signal to be measured. For example, network node 112 may indicate the absolute frequency of the reference point (e.g., the center of the reference signal, ceil(LPRB_width / 2)). In some examples, network node 112 may indicate the relative position of the reference signal to be measured. In some examples, network node 112 may indicate the relative position relative to the absolute radio frequency carrier number (ARFCN). In some examples, network node 112 indicates the relative position from the start of the carrier bandwidth. In some examples, network node 112 indicates that measuring a single carrier from the carrier group is sufficient, but leaves carrier selection to the user equipment.

[0075] In one or more embodiments, at operation 304, network node 112 instructs user equipment 120 on one or more measurement types. In some examples, instruction 304 is a Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE) message 304a. However, in other examples, the instruction may be a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message or a Downlink Control Information (DCI) message. In some examples, instruction 304 activates one or more measurement types 304b. In other examples, instruction 304 instructs user equipment 120 to activate one or more measurement types 304b based on user preferences. In some examples, instruction 120 may not measure carriers other than those supported in the CA combination of its serving cell. Alternatively, the UE will autonomously match CA / DC information to focus measurements on one or more carriers among the CA carriers supported by the UE and NW. In some examples, group information may instruct user equipment 120 to measure and report only one carrier per group. In some examples, group information can indicate to user equipment 120 that, based on the detected cells in the selected carriers of the group, the timing (detection) of other cells in the same group can be efficiently acquired.

[0076] In some examples, an indication of the expected measurement type is included in each carrier configuration. For example, there may be an indication regarding the purpose of the measurement (e.g., CA or DC) for each carrier / measurement object, and carriers may be grouped. Measurements for CA / DC carriers can be enabled / disabled (activated / deactivated) by the network. In some examples, the network-determined indication 304a or reconfiguration indicates whether the measurement is enabled / disabled or activated / deactivated based on a measurement-specific threshold or data buffer status (i.e., the bandwidth required for user equipment traffic). In some examples, indication 304a may be carrier or carrier group-specific (e.g., grouped by type). In addition to tuning measurement on / off, network node 112 may also use this information to indicate to user equipment 120, based on the measurement type, that it can relax measurements on a particular carrier / carrier group (i.e., measure less frequently).

[0077] In some examples, network node 112 configures and allows user equipment 120 to autonomously select the carrier to be measured. In some examples, network node 112 adds conditions for user equipment evaluation.

[0078] In one or more embodiments, at operation 306, user equipment 120 determines the carrier to be measured. In some examples, user equipment 120 reduces the number of measurements with the same configuration by performing smarter and more targeted measurements with less effort. In some examples, the user equipment performs one or more measurements based on one or more measurement types and one or more carriers indicated by network nodes or selected based on user equipment preferences.

[0079] In one or more embodiments, at operation 308, user equipment 120 sends a measurement report 308a to network node 112. In some examples, measurement report 308a includes one or more measurements performed based on one or more measurement types and / or one or more carriers indicated by the network node or selected based on user equipment preferences. Report 308a may be sent on an event-driven basis or periodically.

[0080] In some examples, as described above with respect to operations 306-308, user equipment 120 uses information to evaluate which measurements among the configured measurement objects should be performed at a given time and sends measurement reports upon or periodically upon fulfilling a reporting event. In some examples, mobility carriers and mobility+CA / DC carriers can be configured to be measured at all times. In some examples, mobility carriers can be configured to be measured at all times. In some examples regarding CA / DC, carrier measurements can be enabled / disabled based on network configuration, activation / deactivation, or associated thresholds. In some examples, there is an indication for the measurement purpose (e.g., CA or DC) for each carrier / measurement object, and carriers can be grouped according to the CA / DC combination supported by user equipment 120 and the current serving cell. In some examples, network node 112 configures user equipment 120 to activate / deactivate measurements of a carrier or a group of carriers. In some examples, user equipment 120 is configured to activate specific measurement and reporting configurations based on its UL and / or DL ​​buffer state. In some examples, this is achieved by making the measID active. In some examples, user equipment 120 is configured to trigger reports including cell activation / deactivation and buffer status reporting. In some examples, measurement reports can trigger measurement activation / deactivation. In some examples, the following advantages are provided: less signaling and faster reporting are achieved compared to the conventional procedure where the user equipment first sends a buffer status report and then the network activates or configures the measurement.

[0081] In some examples, User Equipment 120 uses information to evaluate which measurements among the configured measurement objects should be performed and sends measurement reports upon or periodically upon fulfilling a reporting event. In some examples, User Equipment 120 follows a carrier specified by Network Node 112 to measure a preferred reference signal, which may be specified in each carrier group. In some examples, the preferred reference signal may have an indication within the reference signal itself. In examples where User Equipment autonomously selects a carrier, User Equipment 120 may select a carrier in a measurement group based on selecting at least one reference signal to be measured, provided that: (i) reference signals in the carrier list are configured; (ii) User Equipment 120 has measured each reference signal for at least one measurement period, and the RSRP difference between the reference signals is within a certain dB; and (iii) the User Equipment is in good radio condition. In some examples, User Equipment 120 can organize its measurements more flexibly for conditions such as the cell's location. In some examples, a measID referencing several measurement objects is created. The reporting configuration for measID is indicated by a flag or by the presence of measObjectIDList in measIDToAddMod, suggesting that a report can reference one of the IDs, and which measurement object is used is determined by the user device 120. Report event triggering can be scaled independently based on frequency. In some examples, measurements can be directly reused. In some examples, program latency is reduced.

[0082] In some examples, user equipment 120 receives an enhanced measurement configuration with further information as part of a carrier frequency group or cell group on each configured measurement. In some examples, the user equipment is in Radio Resource Control (RRC) connected mode and receives an RRC reconfiguration with measurement configuration from its serving cell. In some examples, the received measurement configuration may include information about whether the measurement object is for mobility, CA, DC, or any combination thereof. In some examples, the received measurement configuration may include information about whether two or more measurement objects belong to the same group. In some examples, the received measurement configuration may include information about whether the measurement and corresponding reporting configuration of carriers in the same group (e.g., mobility, CA, DC, other, or combinations) should wait for activation / deactivation triggered by a network node (e.g., via MAC CE). In some examples, the received measurement configuration may include information about whether the measurement and corresponding reporting configuration of carriers in the same group (e.g., mobility, CA, DC, other, or combinations) should be activated / deactivated based on conditions provided by network node 112. Non-limiting examples of such conditions include: (i) activating measurements of all carriers in the mobility group when an A2 measurement report is triggered (A2: RSRP / RSRQ values ​​measured on service become worse than a threshold); (ii) activating measurements of carriers in the CA group when an A4 measurement report event is triggered (A4: neighbor becomes better than a threshold); (iii) activating measurements of carriers in the DC group; or (iv) activating measurements of carriers in another group. In some examples, the user equipment measures and reports only one carrier from a group.

[0083] In some examples, network node 112 also indicates which carrier from the carrier group in the group should be measured. In some examples, network node 112 may also indicate which carrier from the carrier group in the group should be measured based on given conditions. In some examples, the network node may instruct the user equipment to decide which carrier from the carrier group in the group should be measured. User equipment 120 can select a carrier that does not require a measurement gap. User equipment 120 can select a carrier with the lowest power consumption. User equipment 120 can select a carrier that does not require retuning the radio frequency carrier. User equipment can select a carrier with the lowest power consumption. User equipment can select a carrier that does not require retuning the radio frequency carrier. User equipment can select a carrier closest to one of the current serving cells, which may have the benefit of possibly only needing to adjust the received bandwidth. User equipment can select a carrier with the maximum coverage based on the carrier frequency, which may have the benefit of obtaining measurement reliability. User equipment can select a carrier with the minimum coverage based on the carrier frequency, which may have the benefit of obtaining lower limitations for radio link quality.

[0084] For reference Figure 4 The illustration shows an example flowchart of process 400 performed by a device for sending measurement reports based on network preferences, the device being implemented by, associated with or otherwise communicating with the user equipment (120) (collectively referred to as being implemented thereon).

[0085] like Figure 4 As shown in block 402, the apparatus implemented by the user equipment (120) includes components such as a processor (12), a radio interface (16), a user interface (18), etc., which are used to receive (302) a configuration (302a) from the network node (112) that defines multiple measurement types associated with carrier information (302b) corresponding to one or more carriers, and to receive an indication (304) from the network node (112) that indicates which of the one or more carriers to be measured, the carrier information corresponding to one or more carriers corresponding to one or more measurement types. In some examples, the configuration (302a) includes a Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration (302d) message. In some examples, the multiple measurement types include at least one of the following: carrier aggregation (CA) information, dual connectivity (DC) information, mobility information, dedicated carrier information (302b), carrier group information, a network-supported or preferred combination of carrier aggregation and dual connectivity, or measurement conditions. In some examples, the multiple measurement types target at least one of the following: a single carrier or a carrier group. In some examples, multiple measurement types are presented as a list.

[0086] like Figure 4 As shown in box 404, the apparatus implemented by the user equipment (120) includes components such as a processor (12), a radio interface (16), a user interface (18), etc., which are used to perform measurements on one or more carriers according to a received instruction (304), the one or more carriers corresponding to one or more measurement types among a plurality of measurement types. In some examples, the received instruction is included in one of the following: a downlink control information (DCI) message, a media access control (MAC) control element (CE) message (304a), or a radio resource control (RRC) message. In some examples, the instruction activates one or more measurement types (304b) based on at least one of a measurement type-specific threshold, a buffer status report (BSR), or a bandwidth (BW) requirement for the user equipment (120). In some examples, one or more measurement types are activated for at least one of: a single carrier or a group of carriers. In some examples, the RRC reconfiguration (302a) message includes a MeasConfig information element (IE) (302c) defining a plurality of measurement types.

[0087] like Figure 4 As shown in box 406, the apparatus implemented by the user equipment (120) includes components such as a processor (12), a wireless interface (16), a user interface (18), etc., which are used to send (308) a measurement report (308a) to the network node (112), the measurement report including measurement results of one or more measurements performed based on one or more measurement types.

[0088] Now for reference Figure 5 The diagram illustrates an example flowchart of a process 500 performed by a device for receiving measurement reports based on network preferences, which is implemented by, associated with, or otherwise communicates with the network node (112) (collectively referred to as implemented thereon).

[0089] like Figure 5 As shown in block 502, the apparatus implemented by the network node (112) includes components such as a processor (12), a radio interface (16), a user interface (18), etc., for sending (302) a configuration (302a) to the user equipment (120) that defines multiple measurement types associated with carrier information (302b) corresponding to one or more carriers, and an indication (304) indicating which of the one or more carriers to be measured, the one or more carriers corresponding to one or more measurement types. In one or more embodiments, the indication is included in one of the following: a downlink control information (DCI) message, a media access control (MAC) control element (CE) message (304a), or a radio resource control (RRC) message. In some examples, the indication activates one or more measurement types (304b) based on at least one of a measurement type-specific threshold, a buffer status report (BSR), or a bandwidth (BW) requirement for the user equipment (120). In some examples, the configuration (302a) includes a radio resource control (RRC) reconfiguration (302d) message. In some examples, one or more measurement types (304b) are activated for at least one of the following: a single carrier or a carrier group. In some examples, the RRC reconfiguration (302a) message includes a MeasConfig information element (IE) (302c) defining multiple measurement types. In some examples, the multiple measurement types include at least one of the following: carrier aggregation information, dual connectivity information, mobility information, dedicated carrier information (302b), carrier group information, a network-supported or preferred combination of carrier aggregation and dual connectivity, or measurement conditions. In some examples, the multiple measurement types are for at least one of the following: a single carrier or a carrier group. In some examples, the multiple measurement types are in list form.

[0090] like Figure 5 As shown in block 504, the apparatus implemented by the network node (112) includes components such as a processor (12), a wireless interface (16), a user interface (18), etc., which are used to receive a measurement report (308) from the user equipment (120), the measurement report including measurement results of one or more measurements performed based on one or more measurement types.

[0091] For reference Figure 6 The illustration shows an example flowchart of a process 600 performed by a device to send a measurement report based on an indication that the user equipment should determine one or more measurements, the device being implemented by, associated with or otherwise communicating with the user equipment (120) (collectively referred to as being implemented thereon).

[0092] like Figure 6 As shown in box 602, the apparatus implemented by the user equipment (120) includes components such as a processor (12), a radio interface (16), a user interface (18), etc., which are used to receive (302) a configuration (302a) from the network node (112) that defines multiple measurement types associated with carrier information (302b) corresponding to one or more carriers, and an indication (304) that the user equipment (120) should determine one or more of the multiple measurement types. In some examples, the configuration (302a) includes a Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration (302d) message. In some examples, the RRC reconfiguration (302a) message includes a MeasConfig information element (IE) (302c) that defines multiple measurement types. In some examples, the multiple measurement types include at least one of the following: carrier aggregation information, dual connectivity information, mobility information, dedicated carrier information (302b), carrier group information, a network-supported or preferred combination of carrier aggregation and dual connectivity, or measurement conditions. In some examples, multiple measurement types refer to at least one of the following: a single carrier or a group of carriers. In some examples, multiple measurement types are presented as a list.

[0093] like Figure 6As shown in block 604, the apparatus implemented by the user equipment (120) includes components such as a processor (12), a radio interface (16), a user interface (18), etc., which are used to determine (306) one or more measurements associated with one or more carriers based on the indication (304) and carrier information (302b) corresponding to multiple carrier groups, wherein the one or more measurements are performed for one or more carriers, which belong to one or more measurement types among multiple measurement types. In some examples, the indication (304) includes one of the following: a Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE) message (304a), a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message, or a Downlink Control Information (DCI) message. In some examples, the one or more carriers are determined (306) based on at least one of network conditions or user equipment (120) preferences.

[0094] like Figure 6 As shown in block 606, the apparatus implemented by the user equipment (120) includes components such as a processor (12), a wireless interface (16), a user interface (18), etc., which are used to perform one or more measurements associated with one or more carriers based on the determination.

[0095] like Figure 6 As shown in block 608, the apparatus implemented by the user equipment (120) includes components such as a processor (12), a wireless interface (16), a user interface (18), etc., which are used to send a measurement report (308a) to a network node, the measurement report including measurement results of one or more measurements performed based on the instruction.

[0096] For reference Figure 7 The illustration shows an example flowchart of a process 700 performed by a device for receiving measurement reports based on user equipment preferences, the device being implemented by, associated with or otherwise communicating with the network node (112) (collectively referred to as being implemented thereon).

[0097] like Figure 7As shown in box 702, the apparatus implemented by the network node (112) includes components such as a processor (12), a radio interface (16), a user interface (18), etc., which are used to send (302) a configuration (302a) to the user equipment (120) that defines multiple measurement types associated with carrier information (302b) corresponding to one or more carriers, and an indication (304) that the user equipment (120) should determine (306) one or more of the multiple measurement types. In some examples, the indication includes one of the following: a Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE) message (304a), a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message, or a Downlink Control Information (DCI) message. In some examples, the configuration (302a) includes a Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration (302d) message. In some examples, the RRC reconfiguration (302a) message includes a MeasConfig Information Element (IE) (302c) that defines multiple measurement types. In some examples, multiple measurement types include at least one of the following: carrier aggregation information, dual connectivity information, mobility information, dedicated carrier information (302b), carrier group information, a combination of carrier aggregation and dual connectivity supported or preferred by the network, or measurement conditions. In some examples, multiple measurement types refer to at least one of the following: a single carrier or a carrier group. In some examples, multiple measurement types are in list form. In some examples, one or more carriers are determined (306) based on at least one of network conditions or user equipment (120) preferences.

[0098] like Figure 7 As shown in block 704, the apparatus implemented by the network node (112) includes components such as a processor (12), a wireless interface (16), a user interface (18), etc., which are used to receive (308) a measurement report (308a) from the user equipment (120), the measurement report including measurement results of one or more measurements performed based on the instruction.

[0099] For reference Figure 8 The illustration shows an example flowchart of process 800 performed by a device for sending a measurement report based on user equipment preferences, the device being implemented by, associated with or otherwise communicating with the user equipment (120) (collectively referred to as its implementation).

[0100] like Figure 8As shown in block 802, the apparatus implemented by the user equipment (120) includes components such as a processor (12), a wireless interface (16), a user interface (18), etc., which are used to receive (302) a configuration (302a) from the network node (112) that defines multiple measurement types associated with carrier information (302b) corresponding to one or more carriers.

[0101] like Figure 8 As shown in box 804, the apparatus implemented by the user equipment (120) includes components such as a processor (12), a radio interface (16), a user interface (18), etc., which are used to determine (306) one or more measurements associated with one or more carriers based on carrier information (302b) corresponding to multiple carrier groups, wherein, based on user equipment (120) preferences, one or more measurements will be performed for one or more carriers, which correspond to one or more measurement types among one or more measurement types. In some examples, user equipment (120) preferences include determining (306) one or more carriers for which user equipment (120) does not require measurement gaps. In some examples, user equipment (120) preferences include determining (306) one or more carriers for which user equipment (120) has the lowest power consumption. In some examples, user equipment (120) preferences include determining (306) one or more carriers for which retuning of radio frequency carriers is not required. In some examples, one or more carriers include a first carrier that is closest to the second carrier of the current serving cell. In some examples, the user equipment (120) preference includes determining (306) one or more carriers with maximum coverage having carrier information (302b) based on the carrier frequency. In some examples, the user equipment (120) preference includes determining (306) one or more carriers with minimum coverage having carrier information (302b) based on the carrier frequency.

[0102] like Figure 8 As shown in block 806, the apparatus implemented by the user equipment (120) includes components such as a processor (12), a wireless interface (16), a user interface (18), etc., which are used to perform one or more measurements associated with one or more carriers based on the determination.

[0103] like Figure 8 As shown in block 808, the apparatus implemented by the user equipment (120) includes components such as a processor (12), a wireless interface (16), a user interface (18), etc., which are used to send (308) a measurement report (308a) to the network node (112), the measurement report including measurement results of one or more measurements.

[0104] Figures 4 to 8A flowchart illustrating a method according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure is provided. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart, can be implemented by various means, such as hardware, firmware, processors, circuit systems, and / or other communication devices associated with the execution of software including one or more computer program instructions. For example, one or more of the programs described above can be implemented by computer program instructions. In this regard, computer program instructions 15 implementing the programs described above can be stored in memory 14 of the apparatus employing the embodiment and executed by processor 12. As should be appreciated, any such computer program instructions can be loaded into a computer or other programmable device (e.g., hardware) to produce a machine, such that the resulting computer or other programmable device performs the functions specified in the flowchart blocks. These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can instruct the computer or other programmable device to operate in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of writing whose execution performs the functions specified in the flowchart blocks. Computer program instructions can also be loaded into a computer or other programmable device to cause the computer or other programmable device to perform a series of operations to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions executing on the computer or other programmable device provide operations for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart blocks.

[0105] A user equipment (120) for wireless communication is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions thereon, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment (120) to: receive (302) a configuration (302a) from a network node (112), the configuration defining a plurality of measurement types associated with carrier information (302b) corresponding to one or more carriers. The user equipment is also caused to receive (402) an indication (304) from the network node (112), the indication indicating which of the one or more carriers should be measured, the one or more carriers corresponding to one or more measurement types. The user equipment (120) is further caused to perform (404) measurements on the one or more carriers, the one or more carriers corresponding to one or more measurement types, according to the received indication.

[0106] In one or more embodiments, the user equipment is also configured to send (308, 406) a measurement report (308a) to the network node (112), the measurement report including measurement results of one or more measurement types.

[0107] In one or more embodiments, the received indication is included in one of the following: a downlink control information (DCI) message, a media access control (MAC) control element (CE) message (304a), or a radio resource control (RRC) message.

[0108] In one or more embodiments, one or more measurement types (304b) are activated based on at least one of a measurement type-specific threshold, a buffer status report (BSR), or a bandwidth (BW) requirement of the user equipment (120).

[0109] In one or more embodiments, the configuration (302a) includes a Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration (302d) message.

[0110] In one or more embodiments, one or more measurement types (304b) are activated for at least one of the following: a single carrier or a group of carriers.

[0111] In one or more embodiments, the RRC reconfiguration (302a) message includes a MeasConfig information element (IE) (302c) that defines multiple measurement types.

[0112] In one or more embodiments, the multiple measurement types include at least one of the following: carrier aggregation (CA) information, dual connectivity (DC) information, mobility information, dedicated carrier information (302b), carrier group information, a network-supported or preferred combination of carrier aggregation and dual connectivity, or measurement conditions.

[0113] In one or more embodiments, the multiple measurement types target at least one of the following: a single carrier or a group of carriers.

[0114] In one or more embodiments, the multiple measurement types are presented in a list format.

[0115] In one or more embodiments, a network node (112) for wireless communication is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions thereon, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node (112) to send (302) a configuration (302a) to a user equipment (120) defining a plurality of measurement types associated with carrier information (302b) corresponding to one or more carriers. The network node is also caused to send (502) an indication to the user equipment (120) indicating which of the one or more carriers should be measured, the one or more carriers corresponding to one or more measurement types.

[0116] In one or more embodiments, the network node (112) is also configured to receive (308, 504) a measurement report (308a) from the user equipment (120), the measurement report including measurement results based on one or more measurement types of the indication.

[0117] In one or more embodiments, a user equipment (120) is provided, the user equipment including components for receiving (302, 402) a configuration (302a) from a network node (112), the configuration defining a plurality of measurement types associated with carrier information (302b) corresponding to one or more carriers. The user equipment (120) also includes components for receiving (402) an indication (304) from the network node (112) indicating which of the one or more carriers should be measured, the one or more carriers corresponding to one or more measurement types. The user equipment also includes components for performing (404) measurements on the one or more carriers, the one or more carriers corresponding to one or more measurement types, according to the received indication.

[0118] In one or more embodiments, a network node (112) is provided, the network node including components for transmitting (302, 502) configuration (302a) to a user equipment (120), the configuration defining a plurality of measurement types associated with carrier information (302b) corresponding to one or more carriers. The network node also includes components for transmitting (502) an indication to the user equipment (120) which of the one or more carriers are to be measured, the one or more carriers corresponding to one or more of the plurality of measurement types.

[0119] In one or more embodiments, a computer-implemented method executed by a user equipment (120) is provided, including receiving (302, 402) a configuration (302a) from a network node (112) that defines a plurality of measurement types associated with carrier information (302b) corresponding to one or more carriers. The method also includes receiving (402) an indication (304) from the network node (112) indicating which of the one or more carriers should be measured, the one or more carriers corresponding to one or more measurement types among the plurality of measurement types. The method further includes performing (404) measurements on the one or more carriers, the one or more carriers corresponding to one or more measurement types among the plurality of measurement types, according to the received indication.

[0120] In one or more embodiments, a computer-implemented method, executed by a network node (112), is provided, comprising sending (302, 502) a configuration (302a) to a user equipment (120) that defines a plurality of measurement types associated with carrier information (302b) corresponding to one or more carriers. The method also includes sending (502) an indication to the user equipment (120) which of the one or more carriers should be measured, the one or more carriers corresponding to one or more of the plurality of measurement types.

[0121] In one or more embodiments, a non-transient computer-readable storage medium is provided comprising computer instructions that, when executed by a user equipment, cause the user equipment to receive (302, 402) a configuration (302a) from a network node (112), the configuration defining a plurality of measurement types associated with carrier information (302b) corresponding to one or more carriers. The user equipment (120) is also caused to receive (402) an indication (304) from the network node (112): the indication indicating which of the one or more carriers should be measured, the one or more carriers corresponding to one or more measurement types. The user equipment is also caused to perform (404) measurements on the one or more carriers, the one or more carriers corresponding to one or more measurement types, according to the received indication.

[0122] In one or more embodiments, a non-transient computer-readable storage medium is provided comprising computer instructions that, when executed by a network node, cause the network node to send (302, 502) a configuration (302a) to a user equipment (120) defining a plurality of measurement types associated with carrier information (302b) corresponding to one or more carriers. The network node is also caused to send (502) an indication to the user equipment (120) indicating which of the one or more carriers to be measured, the one or more carriers corresponding to one or more of the plurality of measurement types.

[0123] Therefore, the individual boxes of a flowchart support combinations of components and operations used to perform specific functions. It should also be understood that one or more boxes of a flowchart, and combinations of boxes within a flowchart, can be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based computer system or a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions to perform specific functions.

Claims

1. A user equipment for wireless 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 user equipment to: Receive configuration from network nodes, the configuration defining multiple measurement types associated with carrier information corresponding to one or more carriers; Receive an indication from the network node, the indication being used to indicate which of the one or more carriers should be measured, the one or more carriers corresponding to one or more of the plurality of measurement types; as well as Measurements are performed on the one or more carriers according to the received instructions, the one or more carriers corresponding to one or more measurement types among the plurality of measurement types.

2. The user equipment according to claim 1, wherein the user equipment is further configured to: send a measurement report to the network node including measurement results of the one or more measurement types.

3. The user equipment according to claim 1, wherein the received indication is included in one of the following: a downlink control information (DCI) message, a media access control (MAC) control element (CE) message, or a radio resource control (RRC) message.

4. The user equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the indication is used to activate the one or more measurement types based on at least one of the following: a measurement type-specific threshold, a buffer status report (BSR), or a bandwidth (BW) requirement for the user equipment.

5. The user equipment according to claim 1, wherein the configuration includes a Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration message.

6. The user equipment of claim 4, wherein the one or more measurement types are activated for at least one of: a single carrier or a group of carriers.

7. The user equipment according to claim 6, wherein the RRC reconfiguration message includes: Define the MeasConfig information element IE for the multiple measurement types.

8. The user equipment according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of measurement types includes at least one of the following: carrier aggregation (CA) information, dual connectivity (DC) information, mobility information, dedicated carrier information, carrier group information, a network-supported or preferred combination of carrier aggregation and dual connectivity, or measurement conditions.

9. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein the plurality of measurement types are directed to at least one of: a single carrier or a group of carriers.

10. The user equipment of claim 9, wherein the plurality of measurement types are in list form.

11. A network node for wireless 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 network node to: Send a configuration to the user equipment, the configuration defining multiple measurement types associated with carrier information corresponding to one or more carriers; as well as Send an instruction to the user equipment, the instruction indicating which of the one or more carriers should be measured, the one or more carriers corresponding to the one or more measurement types among the plurality of measurement types.

12. The network node of claim 11 is further configured to receive a measurement report from the user equipment, the measurement report including measurement results based on the one or more measurement types indicated.

13. A user equipment, comprising: A component for receiving configuration from a network node, the configuration defining multiple measurement types associated with carrier information corresponding to one or more carriers; A component for receiving an indication from the network node, the indication indicating which of the one or more carriers should be measured, the one or more carriers corresponding to one or more of the plurality of measurement types; as well as A component for performing measurements on one or more carriers according to the received instruction, the one or more carriers corresponding to one or more measurement types among the plurality of measurement types.

14. A network node, comprising: A component for sending configuration to a user equipment, the configuration defining multiple measurement types associated with carrier information corresponding to one or more carriers; as well as A component for sending an indication to the user equipment, the indication indicating to the user equipment which of the one or more carriers should be measured, the one or more carriers corresponding to the one or more measurement types among the plurality of measurement types.

15. A computer-implemented method executed by a user device, comprising: Receive configuration from network nodes, the configuration defining multiple measurement types associated with carrier information corresponding to one or more carriers; Receive an indication from the network node, the indication being used to indicate which of the one or more carriers should be measured, the one or more carriers corresponding to one or more of the plurality of measurement types; as well as Measurements are performed on the one or more carriers according to the received instructions, the one or more carriers corresponding to one or more measurement types among the plurality of measurement types.

16. A computer-implemented method executed by a network node, comprising: Send a configuration to the user equipment, the configuration defining multiple measurement types associated with carrier information corresponding to one or more carriers; as well as Send an instruction to the user equipment, the instruction indicating which of the one or more carriers should be measured, the one or more carriers corresponding to the one or more measurement types among the plurality of measurement types.

17. A computer-readable storage medium comprising computer instructions, said computer instructions causing the user equipment, when executed by the user equipment, to: Receive configuration from network nodes, the configuration defining multiple measurement types associated with carrier information corresponding to one or more carriers; Receive an indication from the network node, the indication being used to indicate which of the one or more carriers should be measured, the one or more carriers corresponding to one or more of the plurality of measurement types; as well as Measurements are performed on the one or more carriers according to the received instructions, the one or more carriers corresponding to one or more measurement types among the plurality of measurement types.

18. A computer-readable storage medium provided with computer instructions, said computer instructions causing the network node, when executed by the network node, to: Send a configuration to the user equipment, the configuration defining multiple measurement types associated with carrier information corresponding to one or more carriers; and Send an instruction to the user equipment, the instruction indicating which of the one or more carriers should be measured, the one or more carriers corresponding to the one or more measurement types among the plurality of measurement types.

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