Measurement configuration

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to measurement configuration. An apparatus is provided that is configured to indicate to a network a need for a plurality of measurement gap configurations for use with respective radio frequency reception configurations of the apparatus; receive from the network the plurality of measurement gap configurations for use with the respective radio frequency reception configurations of the apparatus; and indicate to the network a radio frequency reception configuration active in the apparatus or a measurement gap configuration active in the apparatus.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to wireless communications, such as wireless cellular communications. Background Technology

[0002] In a cellular network, user equipment (UE) measures neighboring cells to form an understanding of its position relative to the serving cell and other cells, so that, if useful, the serving cell can be changed to another neighboring cell. This might be the case, for example, if the UE moves toward the coverage area of ​​another cell and it becomes increasingly difficult to serve the UE from its original serving cell.

[0003] Measurement gaps can be provided to the UE for performing these measurements. Specifically, the network will avoid scheduling the UE during the duration of the gap, allowing the UE to (e.g., retune its receiver to measure another cell on the same frequency band as the serving cell or on a different frequency band.) The gaps can be configured to reproduce periodically as defined in the measurement gap configuration provided to the UE from the network. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The subject matter of the independent claims is provided for several aspects. Some embodiments are defined in the dependent claims. The scope of protection sought by the various embodiments of the invention is stated in the independent claims. Embodiments, examples, and features (if any) described in this specification that do not fall within the scope of the independent claims are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding the various embodiments of the invention.

[0005] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, causing the apparatus to at least: indicate to a network the need for a plurality of measurement gap configurations for use with a corresponding radio frequency (RF) receiving configuration of the apparatus; receive from the network a plurality of measurement gap configurations for use with a corresponding RF receiving configuration of the apparatus; and indicate to the network an RF receiving configuration active in the apparatus or a measurement gap configuration active in the apparatus.

[0006] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, causing the apparatus to at least: receive from a user equipment a requirement for a plurality of measurement gap configurations for use with a corresponding radio frequency (RF) receiving configuration of the user equipment; provide to the user equipment the plurality of measurement gap configurations for use with a corresponding RF receiving configuration of the user equipment; and receive from the user equipment an instruction for an RF receiving configuration active in the user equipment or a measurement gap configuration active in the user equipment.

[0007] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided, comprising: indicating to a network the need for a plurality of measurement gap configurations for use with a corresponding radio frequency (RF) receiving configuration of a device; receiving from the network the plurality of measurement gap configurations for use with a corresponding RF receiving configuration of the device; and indicating to the network a radio frequency receiving configuration active in the device or a measurement gap configuration active in the device.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided, comprising: receiving from a user equipment an indication of the need for a plurality of measurement gap configurations, the plurality of measurement gap configurations being used with a corresponding radio frequency (RF) reception configuration of the user equipment; providing the plurality of measurement gap configurations to the user equipment for use with a corresponding RF reception configuration of the user equipment; and receiving from the user equipment an indication of an RF reception configuration active in the user equipment or a measurement gap configuration active in the user equipment.

[0009] According to a fifth aspect of this disclosure, a non-transient computer-readable medium is provided having a set of computer-readable instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by at least one processor, cause a device to at least: indicate to a network the need for a plurality of measurement gap configurations for use with a corresponding radio frequency (RF) receiving configuration of the device; receive from the network a plurality of measurement gap configurations for use with a corresponding RF receiving configuration of the device; and indicate to the network a radio frequency receiving configuration active in the device or a measurement gap configuration active in the device.

[0010] According to a sixth aspect of this disclosure, a non-transient computer-readable medium is provided having a set of computer-readable instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by at least one processor, cause means to at least: receive from a user equipment indication of the need for a plurality of measurement gap configurations for use with a corresponding radio frequency (RF) receiving configuration of the user equipment; provide to the user equipment the plurality of measurement gap configurations for use with a corresponding RF receiving configuration of the user equipment; and receive from the user equipment indication of an RF receiving configuration active in the user equipment or a measurement gap configuration active in the user equipment.

[0011] According to a seventh aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided, comprising: means for indicating to a network the need for a plurality of measurement gap configurations for use with a corresponding radio frequency (RF) receiving configuration of the apparatus; means for receiving the plurality of measurement gap configurations from the network for use with a corresponding RF receiving configuration of the apparatus; and means for indicating to the network either an RF receiving configuration or a measurement gap configuration that is active in the apparatus.

[0012] According to an eighth aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided, comprising: means for receiving from a user equipment a required indication of a plurality of measurement gap configurations for use with a corresponding radio frequency (RF) receiving configuration of the user equipment; means for providing the plurality of measurement gap configurations to the user equipment for use with a corresponding RF receiving configuration of the user equipment; and means for receiving from the user equipment an indication of an RF receiving configuration active in the user equipment or a measurement gap configuration active in the user equipment.

[0013] According to a ninth aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, causing the apparatus to at least: indicate to a network a first radio frequency (RF) receiving configuration active in the apparatus or a first measurement gap requirement associated with the first RF receiving configuration; receive from the network a first measurement gap configuration for use with the first RF receiving configuration or in accordance with the first measurement gap requirement; after receiving the first measurement gap configuration, indicate to the network a second RF receiving configuration active in the apparatus or a second measurement gap requirement associated with the second RF receiving configuration; and receive from the network a second measurement gap configuration for use with the second RF receiving configuration.

[0014] According to a tenth aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, causing the apparatus to at least: receive from a user equipment a first radio frequency (RF) receiving configuration active in the user equipment or a first measurement gap requirement associated with the first RF receiving configuration; provide the user equipment with a first measurement gap configuration for use with the first RF receiving configuration; after providing the first measurement gap configuration, receive from the user equipment a second RF receiving configuration active in the user equipment or a second measurement gap requirement associated with the second RF receiving configuration; and provide the user equipment with a second measurement gap configuration for use with the second RF receiving configuration.

[0015] According to an eleventh aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided, comprising: instructing a network from a device to a first radio frequency (RF) receiving configuration active in the device or a first measurement gap requirement associated with the first RF receiving configuration; receiving from the network a first measurement gap configuration for use with the first RF receiving configuration or in compliance with the first measurement gap requirement; after receiving the first measurement gap configuration, instructing the network to a second RF receiving configuration active in the device or a second measurement gap requirement associated with the second RF receiving configuration; and receiving from the network a second measurement gap configuration for use with the second RF receiving configuration.

[0016] According to a twelfth aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided, comprising: receiving from a user equipment a first radio frequency (RF) receiving configuration active in the user equipment or a first measurement gap requirement associated with the first RF receiving configuration by means of an apparatus; providing the user equipment with the first measurement gap configuration for use with the first RF receiving configuration; after providing the first measurement gap configuration, receiving from the user equipment a second RF receiving configuration active in the user equipment or a second measurement gap requirement associated with the second RF receiving configuration; and providing the user equipment with a second measurement gap configuration for use with the second RF receiving configuration.

[0017] According to a thirteenth aspect of this disclosure, a non-transient computer-readable medium is provided having a set of computer-readable instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by at least one processor, cause a device to at least: indicate to a network a first radio frequency (RF) receiving configuration active in the device or a first measurement gap requirement associated with the first RF receiving configuration; receive from the network a first measurement gap configuration for use with the first RF receiving configuration or in accordance with the first measurement gap requirement; after receiving the first measurement gap configuration, indicate to the network a second RF receiving configuration active in the device or a second measurement gap requirement associated with the second RF receiving configuration; and receive from the network a second measurement gap configuration for use with the second RF receiving configuration.

[0018] According to a fourteenth aspect of this disclosure, a non-transient computer-readable medium is provided having a set of computer-readable instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by at least one processor, cause means to at least: receive from a user equipment a first radio frequency (RF) receiving configuration active in the user equipment or a first measurement gap requirement associated with the first RF receiving configuration; provide to the user equipment a first measurement gap configuration for use with the first RF receiving configuration; after providing the first measurement gap configuration, receive from the user equipment a second RF receiving configuration active in the user equipment or a second measurement gap requirement associated with the second RF receiving configuration; and provide to the user equipment a second measurement gap configuration for use with the second RF receiving configuration.

[0019] According to a fifteenth aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided, comprising: means for instructing a network from the apparatus to a first radio frequency (RF) receiving configuration active in the apparatus or a first measurement gap requirement associated with the first RF receiving configuration; means for receiving from the network a first measurement gap configuration for use with the first RF receiving configuration or conforming to the first measurement gap requirement; means for instructing the network, after receiving the first measurement gap configuration, a second RF receiving configuration active in the apparatus or a second measurement gap requirement associated with the second RF receiving configuration; and means for receiving from the network a second measurement gap configuration for use with the second RF receiving configuration.

[0020] According to a sixteenth aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided, comprising: means for receiving from a user equipment a first radio frequency (RF) receiving configuration active in the user equipment or a first measurement gap requirement associated with the first RF receiving configuration; means for providing the user equipment with the first measurement gap configuration for use with the first RF receiving configuration; means for receiving from the user equipment a second RF receiving configuration active in the user equipment or a second measurement gap requirement associated with the second RF receiving configuration after the first measurement gap configuration has been provided; and means for providing the user equipment with a second measurement gap configuration for use with the second RF receiving configuration. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 An example system according to at least some embodiments of the present invention is shown. Figure 2A An example carrier arrangement is shown according to at least some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 2B The radio frequency receiver configuration is shown; Figure 2C The radio frequency receiver configuration is shown; Figure 2D The measurement gap is shown; Figure 2E This demonstrates the opportunity for gapless measurement; Figure 2F The state machine for three RF receiver configurations is shown; Figure 2G It shows Figure 2F RF receiver configuration in state 3; Figure 2H It shows Figure 2F RF receiver configuration in state 1; Figure 2I It shows Figure 2F RF receiver configuration in state 2; Figure 2J The gapless measurement is shown; Figure 2K A five-state machine is shown; Figure 3 Example apparatuses capable of supporting at least some embodiments of the present invention are shown; Figure 4 Signaling according to at least some embodiments of the present invention is shown; Figure 5 Signaling according to at least some embodiments of the present invention is shown; Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a method according to at least some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a method according to at least some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a flowchart of a method according to at least some embodiments of the present invention, and Figure 9 This is a flowchart of a method according to at least some embodiments of the present invention.

[0022] Example As described herein, the UE is configured to avoid the need for measurement gaps in certain situations by alternatively employing gapless measurements. Avoiding gaps or reducing their occurrence rate makes communication between the UE and the network more efficient when measurement gaps disrupt communication with the network. Specifically, the UE has multiple radio frequency (RF) receive chains, and one of these RF receive chains can be used for measurements, while another or several RF receive chains are simultaneously used to receive data from the network. The data used herein refers to payload data, i.e., user data (such as application data, voice or video call data) or control data (such as DCI or RRC signaling). Reference signals are typically formed using a predetermined binary sequence and are received for measurement; therefore, they are not data in this sense. To achieve this, the UE is provided with a UE-specific RF receive configuration (such as with or without diversity). For example, when coupled with segmented carriers (i.e., carrier aggregation of non-contiguous in-band blocks or carriers), the temporal evolution of interfering carriers can affect the UE's active RF receive configuration, which in turn dynamically affects the measurement gap configuration used and the UE's ability to avoid measurement gaps.

[0023] Figure 1 An example system according to at least some embodiments of the present invention is shown. The system includes base stations 130 and 135 communicating with a UE (such as UE 110). A radio link connects base station 130 to UE 110. The radio link may be bidirectional, including an uplink (UL) for transmitting information from UE 110 to base station 130 and a downlink (DL) for transmitting information from base station 130 to UE 110. Cellular communication systems may include hundreds or thousands of base stations; for clarity of illustration, [the following is omitted as it is not directly related to the previous sentence]. Figure 1 Only two base stations are shown among hundreds or thousands. Base stations can be distributed, as they comprise centralized units (CUs) and one or more distributed units (DUs). A base station is an example of a base station node.

[0024] Base station 130 is also communicatively coupled to core network node 140, which may include, for example, an evolved packet core (EPC), nodes (such as a mobility management entity (MME), a home subscriber server (HSS), etc.) or 5G core network nodes (such as access and mobility management functions (AMF), a 5G unified data repository (UDR), a call session management function (SMF), etc.). Core network node 140 may be coupled to other core network nodes and to network 150, which may include, for example, the Internet or an enterprise network. The system can communicate with other networks via network 150. For clarity, Figure 1Examples of other core network nodes not shown include gateways and subscriber information repositories. Core network nodes can be virtualized, meaning they can run as software modules on the computing substrate, allowing more than one virtualized network node to run on the same physical computing substrate. The network can be configured to operate according to appropriate cellular standards, such as fourth-generation (4G), also known as Long Term Evolution (LTE), fifth-generation (5G), also known as New Radio (NR), or sixth-generation (6G), as defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). For interoperability, UEs attached to the network are configured to support the same standards as the network.

[0025] exist Figure 1 In the example, base station 130 controls cells 130A and 130B, where UE 110 is... Figure 1 In the case shown, it is attached to cell 130 A, and Figure 1 In the example, base station 135 controls cells 135A and 135B. The number of cells and / or beams can exceed [number missing]. Figure 1 The number shown. A base station may also have a single cell or beam. Although shown as a sector, cells of the same base station can be omnidirectional and, for example, operate on different frequencies. Mobility events can include handovers from one beam to another within the same cell, or from one cell to another. To support mobility procedures, UEs (including UE 110) are configured to perform mobility measurements to measure the signal strength of adjacent beams and / or cells, and report the results of these measurements to the network, which can then make decisions regarding mobility events such as beam changes or cell handovers.

[0026] Base stations (such as base stations 130 and 135) are configured to transmit various information to the UE. In addition to user data (such as the content of voice and video calls, application data, and transmitted user files), base stations also transmit various types of configuration data to control the UE's functionality within its cell. A specific example of the configuration information transmitted by the base station to the UE is measurement gap configuration. Measurement gap configuration can include measurement gap repetition period, measurement gap length, gap offset, and measurement gap timing advance. The measurement gap length can be as short as 1.5 milliseconds (ms) or as long as 20 ms, and the gap repetition period can be as short as 20 ms or as long as 160 ms. As an example, if the UE is performing Layer 3 (L3) measurements based on Synchronization Signal Blocks (SSBs), a typical SSB burst length would be 5 ms with a repetition period of approximately 20 ms, and the network could configure a gap with a repetition period of 80 ms and a length of 5.5 ms to match the fourth consecutive occurrence of that SSB burst. Therefore, the measurement gap should cover the SSBs to be measured in the SSB burst, but it does not necessarily have to cover all available SSBs in that SSB burst.

[0027] Measurement gaps can be configured by the network based on indications received from the UE that the UE requires a measurement gap. During the configured measurement gap, the UE is not expected to receive or transmit data to the network, including the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH), Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH), Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH), Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH), and reference signals such as Position Reference Signal (PRS) and Sound Reference Signal (SRS). Measurement gaps can be configured by Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling. Therefore, signals measured during the gap are not referred to as data in this document.

[0028] Figure 2A An example carrier arrangement according to at least some embodiments of the present invention is shown. Here, the frequencies increase from left to right on the horizontal axis. Component carriers or frequency blocks CC1 and CC2 are frequency-separated from each other, i.e., they are non-contiguous carriers or blocks. Between the component carriers is the spectrum of another operator, considered as an interference transmission (Intf). When CC1 and CC2 are received in a UE using a common receiver, the reception is considered as so-called segmented carriers. When CC1 and CC2 are received as separate carriers and the UE is using two separate receivers, the carrier aggregation is called non-contiguous intra-band carrier aggregation. However, in this disclosure, both cases will be referred to as carrier aggregation of non-contiguous intra-band carriers. Interference transmissions (Intf) pose a challenge in the reception of CC1 and CC2 using a single receiver because interference transmissions are generally not synchronized with CC1 or CC2 and will tend to cause distortion in reception unless they are filtered out, as will be described below. Furthermore, the power spectral density of interference transmissions is difficult to predict in advance and may not be present for a period of time, only reappearing later. For example, when several operators share a frequency band, interference transmissions may occur when frequency allocation becomes segmented. Figure 2A The interference between CC1 and CC2 can be caused by carriers from operators different from those operating CC1 and CC2.

[0029] Figure 2B The method for receiving (e.g.) is shown. Figure 2AThe RF receive configuration for blocks CC1 and CC2 is shown below. Here, separate RF receive chains are used (including, for example, a local oscillator and an analog bandpass or lowpass filter) to receive CC1 and CC2, thus requiring two RF chains to receive CC1 and CC2 without diversity. For simplicity, the RF receive chains will be referred to as RF chains below. The analog filter indicated as "filter" in the figure is used to effectively filter out interference transmissions adjacent to the carrier and can effectively receive frequency blocks CC1 and CC2. Here, each of the receive Rx RF chains has its own antenna, but in a variant of this receive configuration, with a partially shared architecture, the RF chains share a single antenna.

[0030] Figure 2C A diagram showing the method for receiving Figure 2A The RF receive configuration for blocks CC1 and CC2 is described. Here, a single RF chain is used to receive both CC1 and CC2, such that the analog filter is configured to have a sufficiently wide passband to allow for both CC1 and CC2. Importantly, any transmissions within this frequency interval are allowed into the receiver, and this receive configuration becomes challenging if there is a stronger interference transmission between CC1 and CC2 compared to CC1 or CC2. However, since this RF receive configuration uses only one RF chain, other RF chains in the UE are available, for example, for gapless measurements or to achieve diversity reception. Therefore, using... Figure 2C This arrangement is beneficial because it saves RF reception resources in the UE.

[0031] Figure 2D The measurement gap is shown, which covers the timing configuration window for SSB-based Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurements, referred to as the SMTC interval. The measurement gap here lasts for two full time slots in the time domain, each time slot comprising 14 Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbols. The individual SSB blocks are... Figure 2D The measurement gaps are shown in gray. The measurement gaps can be pre-configured or concurrent, as the network defines these to cover at least one SSB.

[0032] Figure 2E This illustrates a gapless measurement opportunity. Here, one RF chain is used for measurement, while another one or more RF chains receive data (one or more) from the network. In this case, the UE can be scheduled by the network during the measurement, except for an interrupt 210 at either end. An interrupt is needed because the RF chain used for measurement during the measurement period can also be used to receive data from the network when the measurement is not occurring; therefore, the interrupt is used to tune the RF chain to another frequency to perform the measurement and return to the CC1 or CC2 frequency after the measurement is complete. For frequency range 1 (FR1), the interrupt can be 1 ms, and for frequency range 2 (FR2), the interrupt can be 0.75 ms. This paper uses gapless measurement... Figure 2EThe mechanism shown refers to measurements, meaning that even in a gapless measurement configuration, brief retuning pauses may occur. The network avoids scheduling the UE during interruption s210. Visible Interruption Lengths (VILs) can be configured by the network as Network-Configured Small Gap (NCSG). NCSG is used when the UE has a spare RF chain available for measurements on a given target carrier or carrier.

[0033] In 3GPP radio access technologies, the feature needForGaps was introduced for 5G. One way to configure this feature is during the RRCReconfiguration procedure, where the network sends an RRCReconfiguration message including the information element (IE) needForGapsConfigNR, which includes a request for the UE to report gap information for the 5G frequency bands. In response, the UE sends an RRCReconfigurationComplete message including the IE needForGapsInfoNR, which includes a list of cells within the frequency bands for which the UE needs to measure gaps. The UE indicates whether a "gap" or "no gap" is needed, including gapIndication-r16. It also includes a list of frequency bands for which gaps need to be measured. In addition to needForGaps, needForNCSG is introduced in a similar manner, where the UE indicates a need for NSCG gaps, also known as Visible Interruption Lengths (VILs). In the case of NCSG, the UE includes additional information as part of the needForNCSG IE indicating "gap," "ncsg," or "nogap-noncsg."

[0034] Figure 2F The state machine for three RF receive configurations is shown, referred to as UE states. In the lower left, state 3 is the RF Rx configuration, where four RF chains are used to perform diversity reception of two frequency blocks (such as CC1 and CC2). Four RF chains are required because, as... Figure 2B As shown, a narrowband analog filter passband is used in each RF chain to allow only the desired block to enter the receiver, and diversity reception doubles the number of RF chains used, resulting in 2×2=4 RF chains. As in this example, all four RF chains are in use, and measurements require measuring the gap (“gap”). Starting in state 3, the UE can determine that the interference source Intf between CC1 and CC2 is below a threshold of signal strength, which is expressed relative to the strength of received CC1 and / or CC2, and in response, the UE can transition to state 1, where diversity reception is performed using two RF chains. This requires configuring the analog filters of the RF chains to allow both CC1 and CC2, as shown in... Figure 2CIn the meantime, and inevitably, interference transmissions at frequencies between them are also allowed to enter the receiver. However, since the interference source has low power, reception using the RF reception configuration of state 1 is possible. If the power of the interference source increases relative to CC1 and CC2, the UE will transition from state 1 back to state 3; however, as long as the UE is in state 1, it has a spare RF chain for measurement, and the UE can perform gapless measurements (“nogap-noncsg”). Gapless measurements can also be performed using the interruption or VIL gap (“ncsg”) described above herein.

[0035] On the other hand, if the power of the interfering source increases relative to CC1 and CC2 when the UE is in state 1, but not so much that a transition to state 3 is necessary, the UE can transition to state 2. In state 2, analog filters are used in a narrower configuration to exclude the interfering source, and the corresponding RF chains are used to receive both CC1 and CC2 without diversity. Therefore, a spare RF chain is available for measurements in state 2. If the power of the interfering source decreases when the UE is in state 2, the UE can respond by transitioning to state 1 using diversity reception. On the other hand, if the power of the interfering source increases more significantly compared to CC1 and CC2 when the UE is in state 2, the UE can respond by transitioning to state 3. A direct transition from state 3 to state 2 is also possible when the power of the interfering source drops to between the power requirements of state 1 and state 3 compared to CC1 and CC2. In other words, the UE can be configured to select its state at least in part based on the power of the interfering transmission. The state is the UE's RF reception configuration, and the UE can be provided with a specific measurement gap configuration for each state, as described below. The transition between state 1 and state 2 does not involve a change in the measurement gap configuration; however, a change to state 3 or a change from state 3 does involve a change in the measurement gap configuration.

[0036] Figure 2G It shows Figure 2F The radio frequency receiver configuration in state 3. Figure 2H It shows Figure 2F The radio frequency receiver configuration in state 1. Figure 2I It shows Figure 2F The RF receiver configuration for state 2. In the example shown here, a first measurement gap configuration with a gap (“gap”) is used with state 3, while a second measurement gap configuration without a gap or with an interruption is used with states 1 and 2. Therefore, a change in the measurement gap configuration used is triggered when transitioning to and from state 3, but no change is required when switching between states 1 and 2.

[0037] The network can configure multiple measurement interval configurations for the UE to interact with state machines (such as...). Figure 2FThe state machine shown (or another state machine including at least one state that the RF chains can use for measurement and at least one state that all RF chains are used for reception) can be used together. In the states (one or more) where the RF chains are available for measurement, the UE can be configured to use, as shown... Figure 2E In the gapless measurement gap configuration, and in all RF chain states used for reception(s), the UE can be configured to use a measurement gap configuration that includes a gap, such as... Figure 2D As shown. The available RF chains need to be able to operate at the channel required for the measurement. If this is not the case, measurement gaps can be configured even if one or more RF chains exceed the amount of data received.

[0038] A UE can request a set of multiple measurement gap configurations from the network to use with its corresponding multiple RF receive configurations, or the UE can indicate this to the network when it changes its RF receive configuration, so the network can responsively provide the UE with a suitable measurement gap configuration to use with the new RF receive configuration. As another alternative or addition, the UE can indicate to the network a change in its measurement gap requirements, i.e., whether the new RF receive configuration requires measurement gaps, VILs, or supports gapless measurements. Therefore, when a UE has an RF chain dedicated to measurement, the UE can dynamically change its measurement gap configuration and benefit from using a measurement gap configuration that uses fewer or no gaps. Using fewer gaps results in less interruption of communication with the network, producing a clear technical benefit. When a change in the RF receive configuration occurs, the network will be notified when the change occurs and thus become able to cooperate with the UE. The RF receive configuration can include a combination of operating parameters, including the passband bandwidth of the analog filter, the use or non-use of diversity, and the rank of MIMO operation.

[0039] In some embodiments, before the network provides multiple measurement gap configurations to the UE, the UE will first notify the network that it supports the use of a measurement gap configuration specific to the active RF receive configuration in the UE. This indication from the UE also enables UEs that do not support this functionality to attach themselves to the network. The UE may notify the network of this support in response to a query from the network, in which the network requests the UE to inform the network about its capabilities. The capability indication from the UE may include support for dynamic switching of multiple measurement gap configurations for different RF receive configurations. For example, the RF receive configurations may differ from each other in terms of diversity, analog filter passband bandwidth, and MIMO configuration. Simultaneously, the UE may inform the network of its support for in-band non-contiguous carrier aggregation and segmented carrier aggregation band combinations.

[0040] State 1 is the state in which CC1 and CC2 use two RF chains for diversity reception. The level of interference sources within the gap is low, and the signal quality is good enough to utilize diversity on CC1 and CC2. Since both CC1 and CC2 are received as discontinuous carriers on the main RF chain and the diversity RF chain, the measurement setup with no or fewer measurement gaps and more gapless interruption measurement opportunities is sufficient to make intra-frequency and / or inter-frequency measurements using the RF resources already available from state 1 operation.

[0041] State 2 is a state where CC1 and CC2 can use two RF chains for diversity-free reception. The level of interference sources within the gap is higher. Overall, fewer RF resources are used in this mode than in mode 1. This frees up available RF resources for intra-frequency and / or inter-frequency measurements using idle RF resources. Since CC1 and CC2 are received in segmented carrier mode on two RF chains, a measurement setup with no or fewer measurement gaps and more gapless interruption measurement opportunities is sufficient to make intra-frequency and / or inter-frequency measurements using the RF resources already available from mode 2 operation.

[0042] State 3 is the conventional operating mode, where the discontinuous component carriers CC1 and CC2 in the frequency bands used employ a full RF receive configuration encompassing all four RF chains, as described above. When signal quality on CC1 and / or CC2 is low and interference levels within the gaps are high, the state machine transitions from State 1 or State 2 to State 3, thus requiring the use of diversity receive mode, for example, in the conventional design aspects of RF receivers for 5G radios. Upon entering State 3, the UE should have a measurement setup configuration for intra-frame and / or inter-frequency measurements. Measurements in State 3 require more gaps when all RF resources are occupied for data reception on CC1 and CC2.

[0043] Figure 2J The gapless measurement is shown. The RF resources released from the receiver (e.g., as in...) Figure 2F In states 1 and 2, gapless or narrow-gap measurements can be used, reducing network resource waste due to measurement gaps. This means the network can use segmented carrier settings to reduce resource waste on measurement gaps. Figure 2J In this process, CC1 is received from the primary cell (PCell), and CC2 is received from the secondary cell (SCell).

[0044] Figure 2KA five-state machine is illustrated. As an example of a state machine that can be used with at least some embodiments of the invention but differs from the state machine described above, a five-state machine exists that includes the three-state machine described above. In addition to states 1, 2, and 3 described above, this state machine has state 4, where the analog filter is configured with a narrow setting, the rank of the multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) can be set to 4, but the amount of interference source power within the gap causes the UE to receive on each component carrier through two RF chains with narrow-band analog RF filter passbands. In this case, all eight RF paths corresponding to RF chain 1 and RF chain 2 are used for the active cell. Therefore, a measurement setting configuration with measurement gaps may be required. In state 5, as in state 1, the rank of the MIMO can be set to 4, and the analog filter passband can be configured with a wider setting. In this configuration, four RF paths corresponding to one RF chain are released for intra-frame and / or inter-frequency measurements. Therefore, a measurement gap configuration without measurement gaps (or with interruptions and gapless) can be used. This state machine can transition from state 4 to state 3, and from state 5 to state 1 or 3. Transitions between states 4 and 5 are also possible. These transitions may involve switching to use different measurement gap configurations. In states 1, 2, 4, and 5, compared to states 3 and 4, the network and UE are aligned to use measurement gap configurations with fewer measurement gaps and / or no gap measurements.

[0045] Similar to the three-state machine scenario described above, and in five-state machine and other state machine embodiments, the UE can receive multiple measurement gap configurations at once as a batch of multiple measurement gap configurations, or one after another in response to instructing the network that the UE has switched to different RF receive configurations associated with different measurement gap requirements. The network can use the RF receive configuration or the measurement gap requirement to determine the measurement gap configuration to avoid measurement gaps where possible. That is, if a measurement gap is being used and the UE can use a segmented carrier configuration without diversity or with reduced MIMO, the measurement gap can potentially be reduced by changing the active RF receive configuration.

[0046] When a UE receives multiple measurement gap configurations at once, it can notify the network of the new RF receive configuration or the new measurement gap requirement, or the UE will use the measurement gap configuration of the new RF receive configuration.

[0047] Figure 3 Example apparatuses capable of supporting at least some embodiments of the present invention are shown. Device 300 is shown, which may include, for example, a UE, or, in applicable portions, include, for example... Figure 1The system's base station. Device 300 includes a processor 310, which may include, for example, a single-core or multi-core processor, wherein a single-core processor includes one processing core, and a multi-core processor includes more than one processing core. Processor 310 typically includes a control device. Processor 310 may include more than one processor. When processor 310 includes more than one processor, device 300 may be a distributed device, where task processing occurs in more than one physical unit. Processor 310 may be a control device. The processing core may include, for example, a Cortex-A8 processing core manufactured by ARM Holdings or a Zen processing core designed by Advanced Micro Devices. The processing core or processor may be or may include at least one quantum bit. Processor 310 may include at least one Qualcomm Snapdragon and / or Intel Atom processor. Processor 310 may include at least one application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Processor 310 may include at least one field-programmable gate array (FPGA). Processor 310 may optionally be used together with memory and computer instructions as components for method steps in device 300, such as instructing measurements, receiving measurements, performing measurements, reporting, executing, communicating, and selecting. The processor 310 can be configured, at least in part, by computer instructions to perform actions.

[0048] A processor may include, or be configured as, a circuit system or multiple circuit systems configured to perform various stages of the methods according to the embodiments described herein. As used herein, the term “circuit system” may refer to one or more of the following: (a) a hardware circuit implementation only (such as an implementation of an analog and / or digital circuit system only), and (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (if applicable): (i) a combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuitry with software / firmware, and (ii) any portion of a hardware processor (including (multiple) digital signal processors), software, and (multiple) memories having software that work together to enable a device (such as a user equipment or base station) 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) for operation, but may be absent when the software is not required for operation.

[0049] This definition of "circuit" applies to all uses of the term in this application (including in any claim). As another example, as used in this application, the term "circuit" also covers only hardware circuitry or processors (or processors), or a portion of hardware circuitry or processors and their accompanying software and / or firmware implementations. The term "circuit" also covers (e.g., and if applicable to a particular claim element) baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or networking devices.

[0050] Device 300 may include memory 320. Memory 320 may include random access memory and / or permanent memory. Memory 320 may include at least one RAM chip. Memory 320 may be a computer-readable medium. Memory 320 may include, for example, solid-state, magnetic, optical, and / or holographic memory. Memory 320 may be at least partially accessible by processor 310. Memory 320 may be at least partially included in processor 310. Memory 320 may be a component for storing information. Memory 320 may include computer instructions configured to be executed by processor 310. When computer instructions configured to cause processor 310 to perform certain actions are stored in memory 320, and device 300 as a whole is configured to operate under the guidance of processor 310 using computer instructions from memory 320, processor 310 and / or at least one of its processing cores may be considered to be configured to perform said certain actions. Memory 320 may be at least partially external to device 300 but accessible by device 300. Memory 320 may be transient or non-transient. 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., RAM versus ROM).

[0051] Device 300 may include a transmitter 330. Device 300 may include a receiver 340. Transmitter 330 and receiver 340 may be configured to transmit and receive information according to at least one cellular or non-cellular standard, respectively. Transmitter 330 may include more than one transmitter. Receiver 340 may include more than one receiver. Transmitter 330 and / or receiver 340 may be configured to operate according to standards such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), 5G, Long Term Evolution (LTE), IS-95, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Ethernet, and / or Global Microwave Access Interoperability (WiMAX).

[0052] Device 300 may include a near field communication (NFC) transceiver 350. The NFC transceiver 350 may support at least one NFC technology, such as NFC, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Wibree, or similar technologies.

[0053] Device 300 may include a user interface (UI) 360. UI 360 may include at least one of a display, keyboard, touchscreen, vibrator arranged to signal to a user by causing device 300 to vibrate, speaker, or microphone. The user may be able to operate device 300 via UI 360, for example, to accept incoming telephone calls, initiate telephone or video calls, browse the Internet, manage digital files stored in memory 320 or in the cloud accessible via transmitter 330 and receiver 340 or via NFC transceiver 350, and / or play games.

[0054] Device 300 may include or be arranged to accept a user identity module 370. User identity module 370 may include, for example, a user identity module (SIM) card that can be installed in device 300. User identity module 370 may include subscription information identifying a user of device 300. User identity module 370 may include cryptographic information that can be used to verify the identity of a user of device 300 and / or facilitate encrypted communication information and billing of users of device 300 for communication implemented via device 300.

[0055] Processor 310 may be equipped with a transmitter arranged to output information from processor 310 to other devices included in device 300 via electrical leads within device 300. Such a transmitter may include a serial bus transmitter arranged, for example, to output information to memory 320 for storage therein via at least one electrical lead. Alternatively, the transmitter may include a parallel bus transmitter. Similarly, processor 310 may include a receiver arranged to receive information from other devices included in device 300 via electrical leads within device 300. This receiver may include a serial bus receiver arranged, for example, to receive information from receiver 340 via at least one electrical lead for processing within processor 310. Alternatively, the receiver may include a parallel bus receiver.

[0056] Device 300 may include Figure 3Other devices not shown. For example, in the case where device 300 includes a smartphone, it may include at least one digital camera. Some devices 300 may include a rear camera and a front camera, wherein the rear camera may be designed for digital photography and the front camera may be designed for video calling. Device 300 may include a fingerprint sensor arranged to at least partially authenticate the user of device 300. In some embodiments, device 300 lacks at least one of the above-mentioned devices. For example, some devices 300 may lack an NFC transceiver 350 and / or a user identity module 370.

[0057] Processor 310, memory 320, transmitter 330, receiver 340, NFC transceiver 350, UI 360, and / or user identity module 370 can be interconnected in various ways via electrical leads within device 300. For example, each of the aforementioned devices can be individually connected to the main bus within device 300 to allow the devices to exchange information. However, as those skilled in the art will understand, this is merely an example, and various ways of interconnecting at least two of the aforementioned devices may be chosen depending on the embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0058] Figure 4 Signaling according to at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. On the vertical axis, in... Figure 1 Base station 130 is configured on the left and UE 110 is configured on the right. Time progresses from top to bottom.

[0059] Initially, prior to phase 410, the UE is set to Radio Resource Control (RRC) connected state and the aforementioned capability signaling is executed to notify the network that the UE supports dynamic handover based on measurement gap configurations of the active RF receive configuration. In phase 410, a non-contiguous in-band carrier aggregation connection is established between the network and the UE. Aggregation is an in-band block and is equivalent to the aggregation of non-contiguous carriers, or a non-contiguous frequency block added to the carrier width.

[0060] In phase 420, base station 130 provides UE 110 with a first measurement gap configuration for use with the UE's first RF reception configuration, for example, the first measurement gap configuration can be based on... Figure 2F The state machine is used in conjunction with state 3 because this state is the most robust for data reception. State 3 can also be the state in which the state machine is first initialized. The network can configure the UE to begin carrier aggregation from this state. In phase 430, the UE indicates to the base station that RRC configuration is complete. Figure 2D As shown, since state 3 corresponds to a configuration without a backup RF chain, the first measurement gap configuration can include the actual measurement gap.

[0061] Phase 440 is a Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) that instructs the UE that the added frequency block should be activated in carrier aggregation. In some embodiments, this phase is included in phase 410.

[0062] Phase 450 includes UE 110 operating in carrier aggregation to exchange data with the network using the UE's initial state and first measurement gap configuration. In phase 460, the UE determines that interference sources between frequency blocks of carrier aggregation in the frequency domain have power less than a threshold, the threshold depending on the power of the frequency blocks of carrier aggregation received by the UE. In response, the UE selects a different state in its state machine; that is, the UE decides to change to an RF reception configuration that enables measurements to be performed using an RF chain while simultaneously receiving data from the network using another RF chain.

[0063] In phase 470, UE 110 notifies base station 130 of a change in its RF receive configuration, which is marked as a change in state 1 in the diagram. More generally, however, the UE's RF receive configuration is indicated to be different from the configuration originally used by the UE. This indication may describe the new state, and / or it may indicate whether the UE has a spare RF chain for measurement in the new state, and / or it may indicate measurement gap requirements associated with the new state. Figure 4 In the example, there exists such a backup RF chain. In response, base station 130 provides a second measurement gap configuration to UE 110 in phase 480, and UE 110 confirms the second measurement gap configuration in phase 490 by indicating that the RRC configuration is complete.

[0064] Following phase 490, in phase 4100, UE 110 operates in carrier aggregation to exchange data with the network using the UE state selected in phase 460 and the second measurement gap configuration received in the UE in phase 480. In phase 4110, the UE also selects a new RF receiver configuration, i.e., a state, for itself based on the power of the interference transmissions received in UE 110.

[0065] In phase 4120, UE 110 notifies base station 130 of a change in its RF reception configuration. This indication may describe the new state, and / or may indicate whether the UE has a backup RF chain for measurement in the new state, and / or may indicate a new measurement gap requirement associated with the new state. Figure 4In the example, there is no such backup RF chain. In response, base station 130 provides a third measurement gap configuration to UE 110 in phase 4130, and UE 110 acknowledges the third measurement gap configuration in phase 4140 by indicating that RRC configuration is complete. The UE can then continue to use the state and third measurement gap configuration selected in phase 4110 to exchange data with the network using carrier aggregation.

[0066] As described above, when interference transmission is feasible, the UE can change to an RF receiver configuration that allows for gapless measurements to achieve more efficient communication with the network. Specifically, in the absence of interference transmission between frequency blocks forming carrier aggregation, a spare RF chain can be used to perform measurements, while the analog filter is configured with a sufficiently wide passband to allow two discontinuous frequency blocks of the carrier aggregation to enter the receiver.

[0067] Figure 5 Signaling according to at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. The axis corresponds to the attached... Figure 4 The axis in. For example, in Figure 4 In this process, time progresses from top to bottom. Phase 510 corresponds to phase 410 described above. In phase 510, the UE can notify the base station of possible RF reception configurations that the UE can choose to use.

[0068] In phase 520, base station 130 provides UE 110 with a set of multiple measurement gap configurations, each of which is associated with the UE's RF receive configuration. The network can specify in this phase which measurement gap configuration will be used with which RF receive configuration. The same measurement gap configuration can be used with more than one RF receive configuration, as described above. This allows the UE to select which measurement gap configuration to use for each RF receive configuration chosen by the UE. Phases 530 and 540 correspond to phases 430 and 440, respectively. Furthermore, phases 550 and 560 correspond to phases 450 and 460, respectively.

[0069] In phase 570, UE 110 indicates to base station 130 that it has selected a new RF receive configuration. The indication in phase 570 includes an identifier for the new RF receive configuration or a measurement gap configuration to be used with the new RF receive configuration. This allows both base station 130 and UE 110 to begin operation based on the measurement gap configuration associated with the new RF receive configuration, which was provided to UE 110 in phase 520. The indication in phase 570 can be communicated in the uplink MAC CE, for example, to the primary cell (PCell).

[0070] In phase 580, UE 110 uses carrier aggregation, the new RF receive configuration, and measurement gap configuration associated with the new RF receive configuration to communicate with the network.

[0071] In phase 590, the UE again selects a new RF receive configuration based on radio conditions such as the relative power of interference transmission, which it instructs the network in phase 5100 so that the UE and the network can apply another measurement gap configuration associated with the RF receive configuration selected in phase 590.

[0072] and Figure 4 compared to, Figure 5 The advantage of this implementation is that fewer messages need to be exchanged between the UE and the base station when switching to a new RF receive configuration, because gap configuration is not required when the RF receive configuration changes, since the gap configuration has been provided in advance.

[0073] Although two frequency blocks CC1 and CC2 have been discussed in general, more generally, carrier aggregation may include more than two non-contiguous in-band frequency blocks.

[0074] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a method according to at least some embodiments of the present invention. The various stages of the method shown can be performed in the UE 110 or in a control device configured to control its function when installed therein.

[0075] Phase 610 includes instructing the network of the need for multiple measurement gap configurations for use with corresponding RF receive configurations of the device. Phase 620 includes receiving multiple measurement gap configurations from the network for use with corresponding RF receive configurations of the device. Phase 630 includes instructing the network of either an active RF receive configuration or an active measurement gap configuration in the device.

[0076] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a method according to at least some embodiments of the present invention. The stages of the method shown can be performed in a base station 130, or in a control device configured to control its function when installed therein.

[0077] Phase 710 includes receiving from the user equipment an indication of the need for multiple measurement gap configurations for use with corresponding radio frequency (RF) reception configurations of the user equipment. Phase 720 includes providing the user equipment with the multiple measurement gap configurations for use with corresponding RF reception configurations of the user equipment. Phase 730 includes receiving from the user equipment an indication of an RF reception configuration active in the user equipment or a measurement gap configuration active in the user equipment.

[0078] Figure 8This is a flowchart of a method according to at least some embodiments of the present invention. The various stages of the method shown can be performed in the UE 110 or in a control device configured to control its function when installed therein.

[0079] Phase 810 includes instructing the network from the device to a first radio frequency (RF) receiving configuration active in the device or a first measurement gap requirement associated with the first RF receiving configuration. Phase 820 includes receiving from the network a first measurement gap configuration used with the first RF receiving configuration. Phase 830 includes, after receiving the first measurement gap configuration, instructing the network to a second RF receiving configuration active in the device or a second measurement gap requirement associated with the second RF receiving configuration. Phase 840 includes receiving from the network a second measurement gap configuration used with the second RF receiving configuration.

[0080] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of a method according to at least some embodiments of the present invention. The stages of the method shown can be performed in a base station 130, or in a control device configured to control its function when installed therein.

[0081] Phase 910 includes receiving from the user equipment a first radio frequency (RF) receiving configuration active in the user equipment or a first measurement gap requirement associated with the first RF receiving configuration. Phase 920 includes providing the user equipment with the first measurement gap configuration for use with the first RF receiving configuration. Phase 930 includes, after providing the first measurement gap configuration, receiving from the user equipment a second RF receiving configuration active in the user equipment or a second measurement gap requirement associated with the second RF receiving configuration. Finally, Phase 940 includes providing the user equipment with a second measurement gap configuration for use with the second RF receiving configuration.

[0082] It should be understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not limited to the specific structures, processes, or materials disclosed herein, but extend to equivalents that will be recognized by those skilled in the art. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0083] Throughout this specification, any reference to an embodiment or embodiment means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Therefore, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Precise numerical values ​​are also disclosed where numerical values ​​are referenced using terms such as, for example, about or substantially.

[0084] As used herein, for convenience, multiple items, structural elements, constituent elements, and / or materials may be presented in a public list. However, these lists should be interpreted as if each member of the list were individually identified as a separate and unique member. Therefore, without indication to the contrary, no single member in such a list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member in the same list solely based on their presentation in the common group. Furthermore, various embodiments and examples of the invention may be mentioned herein together with alternatives to its various components. It should be understood that such embodiments, examples, and alternatives should not be construed as actual equivalents of each other, but are considered as separate and autonomous representations of the invention.

[0085] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Numerous specific details, such as examples of length, width, shape, etc., have been provided in the foregoing description to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more specific details or using other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations have not been shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

[0086] While the foregoing examples illustrate the principles of the invention in one or more specific applications, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications can be made to the form, use, and details of the embodiments without inventive effort and without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not intended to be limited except by the claims set forth below.

[0087] The verb "comprising" is used in this document as an open-ended limitation, neither excluding nor requiring the presence of any unrecorded features. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the features described in the dependent claims may be freely combined with each other. Furthermore, it should be understood that the use of "a" or "an" (i.e., the singular form) throughout this document does not exclude a plurality.

[0088] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording, where the list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”, means at least any one element, or at least any two or more elements, or at least all elements.

[0089] Industrial applicability At least some embodiments of the present invention have found industrial applications in wireless communication.

[0090] List of abbreviations

[0091] Technical Terms Clause 1. An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, said instructions, when executed by said at least one processor, causing the apparatus to at least: Indicate to the network the need for multiple measurement gap configurations, which are intended for use with corresponding radio frequency receiving configurations of the device; Receive the plurality of measurement gap configurations from the network, the plurality of measurement gap configurations being used in conjunction with the corresponding radio frequency receiving configuration of the device, and Indicate to the network the active radio frequency receiving configuration or the active measurement gap configuration in the device.

[0092] Clause 2. The apparatus according to Clause 1 further enables the measurement to be performed using the active measurement gap configuration when the apparatus uses the active radio frequency receiving configuration, following the instruction of the active radio frequency receiving configuration or the active measurement gap configuration.

[0093] Clause 3. The apparatus described in Clause 2 also enables the network to report the results of the measurement.

[0094] Clause 4. The apparatus according to any one of Clauses 1-3, wherein the required indication for the configuration of the plurality of measurement gaps includes: indicating the corresponding radio frequency receiving configuration.

[0095] Clause 5. The apparatus according to any one of Clauses 1-4 further enables communication with the network using carrier aggregation of non-continuous in-band carriers when performing the instruction for the active radio frequency reception configuration or the active measurement gap configuration.

[0096] Clause 6. The apparatus according to Clause 5, wherein there is interference transmission between carriers in the discontinuous band.

[0097] Clause 7. The apparatus according to Clause 6 further enables the selection of the active radio frequency receiver configuration based at least in part on the strength of the interference transmission.

[0098] Clause 8. The apparatus according to any one of Clauses 1-7, wherein the radio frequency receiving configuration is different from each other by at least one of the following: Use or not of diversity reception The bandwidth of the analog filter active in the device. The number of receiver chains used for data reception during measurement, or The rank of the multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication between the device and the network.

[0099] Clause 9. The apparatus according to any one of Clauses 1-8 further enables the provision of instructions to the network regarding the use of a measurement gap configuration specific to a radio frequency reception configuration active in the apparatus.

[0100] Clause 10. The apparatus according to any one of Clauses 1-9, wherein each of the plurality of measurement gap configurations includes a pre-configured gap, a concurrent gap, or a visible interruption length gap.

[0101] Clause 11. An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, said instructions, when executed by said at least one processor, causing the apparatus to at least: Receive instructions from the user equipment for the required configuration of multiple measurement gaps, the multiple measurement gap configurations being used in conjunction with the corresponding radio frequency reception configurations of the user equipment; The user equipment is provided with the plurality of measurement gap configurations, the plurality of measurement gap configurations being used in conjunction with the corresponding radio frequency receiving configurations of the user equipment, and Receive from the user equipment an indication of an active radio frequency reception configuration or an active measurement gap configuration in the user equipment.

[0102] Clause 12. The apparatus according to Clause 11 further enables the user equipment to be avoided during a gap period defined in the measurement gap configuration that is active in the user equipment, or during a measurement gap configuration associated with the radio frequency receiving configuration that is active in the user equipment.

[0103] Clause 13. The apparatus according to any one of Clauses 11-12 further enables the receiving of a measurement report from the user equipment, the measurement report including the results of measurements performed by the user equipment based on the measurement gap configuration active in the user equipment.

[0104] Clause 14. The apparatus according to any one of Clauses 11-13 further enables the determination of the plurality of measurement gap configurations based on an indication of the respective radio frequency receiving configuration of the user equipment.

[0105] Clause 15. The apparatus according to any one of Clauses 11-14 further enables the receiving of an indication from the user equipment, the indication relating to the user equipment supporting the use of a measurement gap configuration specific to an active radio frequency reception configuration in the apparatus.

[0106] Clause 16. A method comprising: Indicate to the network the need for multiple measurement gap configurations, which are intended for use with corresponding radio frequency receiving configurations of the device; Receive the plurality of measurement gap configurations from the network, the plurality of measurement gap configurations being used in conjunction with the corresponding RF receiving configurations of the device, and Indicate to the network the active radio frequency receiving configuration or the active measurement gap configuration in the device.

[0107] Clause 17. The method according to Clause 16 further includes, after the instruction of the active RF receive configuration or the active measurement gap configuration, performing the measurement using the active measurement gap configuration when the device uses the active RF receive configuration.

[0108] Clause 18. The method described in Clause 17 further includes reporting the results of the measurement to the network.

[0109] Clause 19. The method according to any one of Clauses 16-18, wherein the required indication for the configuration of the plurality of measurement gaps includes: indicating the corresponding radio frequency reception configuration.

[0110] Clause 20. The method according to any one of Clauses 16-19 further comprises: communicating with the network using carrier aggregation of non-continuous in-band carriers when performing the instruction to the active radio frequency reception configuration or the active measurement gap configuration.

[0111] Clause 21. The method according to Clause 20, wherein there is interference transmission between carriers in the non-contiguous band.

[0112] Clause 22. The method according to Clause 21 further includes selecting the active radio frequency receiver configuration based at least in part on the strength of the interference transmission.

[0113] Clause 23. The method according to any one of Clauses 16-22, wherein the radio frequency receiving configuration is different from each other by at least one of the following: Use or not of diversity reception The bandwidth of the analog filter active in the device. The number of receiver chains used for data reception during measurement, or The rank of the multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication between the device and the network.

[0114] Clause 24. The method according to any one of Clauses 16-23 further includes providing an indication to the network regarding the use of a measurement gap configuration specific to an active radio frequency reception configuration in the device.

[0115] Clause 25. The method according to any one of Clauses 16-24, wherein each of the plurality of measurement gap configurations includes a pre-configured gap, a concurrent gap, or a visible interruption length gap.

[0116] Clause 26. A method comprising: The device receives instructions from the user equipment regarding the required configuration of multiple measurement gaps, which are intended for use with corresponding radio frequency reception configurations of the user equipment. The user equipment is provided with the plurality of measurement gap configurations, the plurality of measurement gap configurations being used in conjunction with the corresponding radio frequency receiving configurations of the user equipment, and Receive from the user equipment an indication of an active radio frequency reception configuration or an active measurement gap configuration in the user equipment.

[0117] Clause 27. The method according to Clause 26 further includes avoiding scheduling the user equipment during a gap active in the user equipment as defined in the measurement gap configuration, or during a measurement gap configuration associated with the radio frequency receiving configuration active in the user equipment.

[0118] Clause 28. The method according to any one of Clauses 26-27 further includes receiving a measurement report from the user equipment, the measurement report including the results of measurements performed by the user equipment based on the measurement gap configuration active in the user equipment.

[0119] Clause 29. The method according to any one of Clauses 26-28 further includes determining the plurality of measurement gap configurations based on an indication of the respective radio frequency receiving configuration of the user equipment.

[0120] Clause 30. The method according to any one of Clauses 26-29 further includes receiving an indication from the user equipment regarding the use of a measurement gap configuration specific to an active radio frequency reception configuration in the device.

[0121] Clause 31. A non-transient computer-readable medium having a set of computer-readable instructions stored thereon, said set of computer-readable instructions, when executed by at least one processor, causing the means to at least: Indicate to the network the need for multiple measurement gap configurations, which are intended for use with corresponding radio frequency receiving configurations of the device; Receive the plurality of measurement gap configurations from the network, the plurality of measurement gap configurations being used in conjunction with the corresponding RF receiving configurations of the device, and Indicate to the network the active radio frequency receiving configuration or the active measurement gap configuration in the device.

[0122] Clause 32. A non-transient computer-readable medium having a set of computer-readable instructions stored thereon, said set of computer-readable instructions, when executed by at least one processor, causing the means to at least: Receive from user equipment an indication of the need for multiple measurement gap configurations, which are intended for use with corresponding radio frequency reception configurations of the user equipment; The user equipment is provided with the plurality of measurement gap configurations, which are used in conjunction with the corresponding radio frequency receiving configurations of the user equipment. Receive from the user equipment an indication of an active radio frequency reception configuration or an active measurement gap configuration in the user equipment.

[0123] Clause 33. An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, said instructions, when executed by said at least one processor, causing the apparatus to at least: Indicate to the network a first radio frequency receiving configuration active in the device or a first measurement gap requirement associated with the first radio frequency receiving configuration; Receive from the network a first measurement gap configuration for use with the first radio frequency receiving configuration or that conforms to the first measurement gap requirement; Following the reception of the first measurement gap configuration, the network is instructed to either a second radio frequency (RF) reception configuration active in the device or a second measurement gap requirement associated with the second RF reception configuration, and Receive from the network a second measurement gap configuration for use with the second RF receiving configuration.

[0124] Clause 34. The apparatus according to Clause 33 further enables the second measurement gap configuration to be used to perform measurements when the apparatus uses the second radio frequency receiving configuration, following the indicated instruction of the second radio frequency receiving configuration.

[0125] Clause 35. The apparatus according to Clause 34 also enables the reporting of the results of the measurement to the network.

[0126] Clause 36. The apparatus according to any one of Clauses 33-35, wherein the apparatus is configured to: stop using the first radio frequency receiving configuration when the apparatus begins to use the second radio frequency receiving configuration.

[0127] Clause 37. The apparatus according to any one of Clauses 33-36 further enables communication with the network using carrier aggregation of non-continuous in-band carriers when performing the indications of the first radio frequency receiving configuration and the second radio frequency receiving configuration or the first measurement gap requirement and the second measurement gap requirement active in the apparatus.

[0128] Clause 38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein interference transmission exists between carriers in the discontinuous band.

[0129] Clause 39. The apparatus according to Clause 38 further enables the selection of the active radio frequency receiver configuration based at least in part on the strength of the interference transmission.

[0130] Clause 40. The apparatus according to any one of Clauses 33-39, wherein the first radio frequency receiving configuration and the second radio frequency receiving configuration are different from each other by at least one of the following: Use or not of diversity reception The bandwidth of the analog filter active in the device. The number of receiver chains used for data reception during measurement, or The rank of the multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication between the device and the network.

[0131] Clause 41. The apparatus pursuant to any one of Clauses 33-40 further enables the provision of instructions to the network regarding the use of a measurement gap configuration specific to a radio frequency reception configuration active in the apparatus.

[0132] Clause 42. The apparatus according to any one of Clauses 33-41, wherein each of the first measurement gap configuration and the second measurement gap configuration includes a pre-configured gap, a concurrent gap, or a visible interruption length gap.

[0133] Clause 43. An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, said instructions, when executed by said at least one processor, causing the apparatus to at least: Receive from the user equipment a first radio frequency receiving configuration active in the user equipment or a first measurement gap requirement associated with the first radio frequency receiving configuration; Provide the user equipment with a first measurement gap configuration for use with the first radio frequency receiving configuration; After providing the first measurement gap configuration, receive from the user equipment a second radio frequency reception configuration active in the user equipment or a second measurement gap requirement associated with the second radio frequency reception configuration, and Provide the user equipment with a second measurement gap configuration for use with the second radio frequency receiving configuration.

[0134] Clause 44. The apparatus according to Clause 43 further enables, when the first measurement gap configuration is active in the user equipment, to avoid scheduling the user equipment during a gap defined in the first measurement gap configuration, and when the second measurement gap configuration is active in the user equipment, to avoid scheduling the user equipment during a gap defined in the second measurement gap configuration.

[0135] Clause 45. The apparatus according to any one of Clauses 43-44 further enables the receiving of a measurement report from the user equipment, the measurement report including the results of a measurement performed by the user equipment based on the first measurement gap configuration or the second measurement gap configuration.

[0136] Clause 46. The apparatus according to any one of Clauses 43-45 further enables the determination of the first measurement gap configuration and the second measurement gap configuration based on the corresponding first radio frequency receiving configuration and the second radio frequency receiving configuration of the user equipment or the corresponding indication of the first measurement gap requirement and the second measurement gap requirement.

[0137] Clause 47. The apparatus according to any one of Clauses 43-46 further enables the receiving of an indication from the user equipment, the indication relating to the user equipment supporting the use of a measurement gap configuration specific to a radio frequency reception configuration active in the apparatus.

[0138] Clause 48. A method comprising: The device indicates to the network a first radio frequency receiving configuration active in the device or a first measurement gap requirement associated with the first radio frequency receiving configuration; Receive from the network a first measurement gap configuration used in conjunction with the first radio frequency receiving configuration or conforming to the first measurement gap requirements; Following the reception of the first measurement gap configuration, the network is instructed to either a second radio frequency (RF) reception configuration active in the device or a second measurement gap requirement associated with the second RF reception configuration, and Receive from the network a second measurement gap configuration for use with the second RF receiving configuration.

[0139] Clause 49. The method according to Clause 48 further includes, after the instruction of the second radio frequency receiving configuration, performing a measurement using the second measurement gap configuration when the device uses the second radio frequency receiving configuration.

[0140] Clause 50. The method described in Clause 49 further includes reporting the results of the measurement to the network.

[0141] Clause 51. The method according to any one of Clauses 48-50 includes stopping the use of the first radio frequency receiving configuration when the device begins to use the second radio frequency receiving configuration.

[0142] Clause 52. The method according to any one of Clauses 48-51 further includes communicating with the network using carrier aggregation of non-continuous in-band carriers when executing the indication in the first radio frequency receiving configuration and the second radio frequency receiving configuration or the first measurement gap requirement and the second measurement gap requirement active in the device.

[0143] Clause 53. The method according to Clause 52, wherein there is interference transmission between carriers in the non-contiguous band.

[0144] Clause 54. The method according to Clause 53 further includes selecting the active radio frequency receiver configuration based at least in part on the strength of the interference transmission.

[0145] Clause 55. The method according to any one of Clauses 48-54, wherein the first radio frequency receiving configuration and the second radio frequency receiving configuration are different from each other by at least one of the following: Use or not of diversity reception The bandwidth of the analog filter active in the device. The number of receiver chains used for data reception during measurement, or The rank of the multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication between the device and the network.

[0146] Clause 56. The method according to any one of Clauses 48-55 further includes providing an indication to the network regarding the use of a measurement gap configuration specific to a radio frequency reception configuration active in the device.

[0147] Clause 57. The method according to any one of Clauses 48-56, wherein each of the first measurement gap configuration and the second measurement gap configuration includes a pre-configured gap, a concurrent gap, or a visible interruption length gap.

[0148] Clause 58. A method comprising: The device receives from the user equipment a first radio frequency receiving configuration active in the user equipment or a first measurement gap requirement associated with the first radio frequency receiving configuration. Provide the user equipment with a first measurement gap configuration for use with the first radio frequency receiving configuration; After providing the first measurement gap configuration, receive from the user equipment a second radio frequency reception configuration active in the user equipment or a second measurement gap requirement associated with the second radio frequency reception configuration, and Provide the user equipment with a second measurement gap configuration for use with the second radio frequency receiving configuration.

[0149] Clause 59. The method according to Clause 58 further includes avoiding scheduling the user equipment during a gap defined in the first measurement gap configuration when the first measurement gap configuration is active in the user equipment, and avoiding scheduling the user equipment during a gap defined in the second measurement gap configuration when the second measurement gap configuration is active in the user equipment.

[0150] Clause 60. The method according to any one of Clauses 58-59 further includes receiving a measurement report from the user equipment, the measurement report including the results of measurements performed by the user equipment based on the first measurement gap configuration or the second measurement gap configuration.

[0151] Clause 61. The method according to any one of Clauses 58-60 further includes determining the first measurement gap configuration and the second measurement gap configuration based on indications of the corresponding first radio frequency receiving configuration and the second radio frequency receiving configuration or the corresponding first measurement gap requirement and the second measurement gap requirement of the user equipment.

[0152] Clause 62. The method according to any one of Clauses 58-61 further includes receiving an indication from the user equipment regarding the use of a measurement gap configuration specific to a radio frequency reception configuration active in the device.

[0153] Clause 63. A non-transient computer-readable medium having a set of computer-readable instructions stored thereon, said set of computer-readable instructions, when executed by at least one processor, causing a means to at least: Indicate to the network a first radio frequency receiving configuration active in the device or a first measurement gap requirement associated with the first radio frequency receiving configuration; Receive from the network a first measurement gap configuration for use with the first radio frequency receiving configuration or that conforms to the first measurement gap requirement; Following the reception of the first measurement gap configuration, the network is instructed to either a second radio frequency (RF) reception configuration active in the device or a second measurement gap requirement associated with the second RF reception configuration, and Receive from the network a second measurement gap configuration for use with the second RF receiving configuration.

[0154] Clause 64. A non-transient computer-readable medium having a set of computer-readable instructions stored thereon, said set of computer-readable instructions, when executed by at least one processor, causing the means to at least: Receive from the user equipment a first radio frequency receiving configuration active in the user equipment or a first measurement gap requirement associated with the first radio frequency receiving configuration; Provide the user equipment with a first measurement gap configuration for use with the first radio frequency receiving configuration; After providing the first measurement gap configuration, receive from the user equipment a second radio frequency reception configuration active in the user equipment or a second measurement gap requirement associated with the second radio frequency reception configuration, and Provide the user equipment with a second measurement gap configuration for use with the second radio frequency receiving configuration.

Claims

1. An apparatus for communication, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by said at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: Indicate to the network the need for multiple measurement gap configurations, which are intended for use with corresponding radio frequency receiving configurations of the device; Receive the plurality of measurement gap configurations from the network, the plurality of measurement gap configurations being used in conjunction with the corresponding radio frequency receiving configuration of the device, and Indicate to the network the active radio frequency receiving configuration or the active measurement gap configuration in the device.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising, after the instruction of the active RF receiving configuration or the active measurement gap configuration, performing the measurement using the active measurement gap configuration when the apparatus uses the active RF receiving configuration.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprises reporting the results of the measurement to the network.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the required indication configured for the plurality of measuring gaps includes: Indicates the corresponding radio frequency receiving configuration.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2 further comprises, when performing the instruction for the active radio frequency reception configuration or the active measurement gap configuration, using carrier aggregation of non-continuous in-band carriers to communicate with the network.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein interference transmission exists between carriers in the discontinuous band.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 further comprises selecting the active radio frequency receiver configuration based at least in part on the strength of the interference transmission.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the radio frequency receiving configuration differs from each other by at least one of the following: Use or not of diversity reception The bandwidth of the analog filter active in the device. The number of receiver chains used for data reception during measurement, or The rank of the multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication between the device and the network.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2 further comprises providing an indication to the network regarding the use of a measurement gap configuration specific to an active radio frequency reception configuration in the apparatus.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the plurality of measurement gap configurations includes a pre-configured gap, a concurrent gap, or a visible interruption length gap.

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