Measurement configuration at user equipment

Abstract

Various aspects and embodiments relate to methods and apparatus which support reporting of measurement results in wireless systems. In particular, various aspects provide apparatus and methods performed by apparatus which support a change in measurement configuration applied by user equipment in wireless systems. One aspect provides: user equipment, comprising: means for performing measurement (50) in accordance with a first measurement configuration; means for receiving (15), from a network node, an indication of a change of state associated with a new measurement configuration; means for indicating (30), in response to the indication of a change of state, that measurement performed in accordance with the first measurement configuration is available; means for receiving (40), from the network node, the new measurement configuration; and means for determining, based on the received new measurement configuration, whether to perform measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration (80) or the new measurement configuration (60). Arrangements seek to address and control how a UE shall act having one measurement ongoing while another measurement configuration arrives.

Description

[0001] MEASUREMENT CONFIGURATION AT USER EQUIPMENT

[0002] TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0003] Various example embodiments relate to methods and apparatus which support reporting of measurement results in wireless systems. In particular, various example embodiments relate to methods and apparatus which support a change in measurement configuration applied by user equipment in wireless systems.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Wireless systems such as those defined by 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) provide various mechanisms according to which measurement results made by user equipment (UE) can be provided to a network. One mechanism allows for a UE to be configured to make measurements when not in connected mode (for example, when the UE is in idle or inactive mode) and report measurement results during connection setup. Such a mechanism is sometimes referred to as early measurement reporting (EMR).

[0006] According to an alternative mechanism, a UE is configured after connection establishment (i.e. when the UE is connected mode) to perform measurement and subsequently report measurement results.

[0007] Wireless networks have adopted various features as they have evolved to achieve improved transmission ranges, throughput and system capacity. One such feature in wireless systems is that of using directional antennas and beamforming at both the network side, to provide cells of radio coverage and at the UEs themselves. To facilitate measurements in such systems, a cell may sequentially transmit synchronization signals from a plurality of transmission beams and a UE may sequentially measure from a plurality of reception beams, each commonly referred to as a sweep.

[0008] Under the assumption that a UE can only measure one reception beam at a time, the time to measure a sweep may be significant to measurements made by UEs and reported to the network. For example, from 3 GPP New Radio (NR) as specified in 3GPP TS38.133, T able 4.2.2.4-1 , it can be calculated that to measure a single interfrequency carrier at the shortest discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle of 320ms in FR2 (channels in frequency range 24250MHz- 52600MHz), the time to detect and measure beams from a cell may be as much as 320x(36x8x1.5+4x8x1.5) seconds = ~2.5 minutes. Because multiple carriers are typically configured for inter-frequency and inter-radio- access-technology (inter-RAT) measurements, according to which measurements are generally performed sequentially, it will be appreciated that total measurement time for measurements made by a UE and reported back to a network may be problematic.

[0009] Furthermore, due to movement and / or environmental changes, channel conditions may change rapidly, especially in FR2, it will be appreciated that UE measurement results reported may no longer be a good descriptor of channel conditions at a time, for example, due to lengthy time since the measurements were performed in idle mode.

[0010] If a UE is configured to perform measurement after connection establishment and subsequently report measurement results then it is provisioned as part of connection set up with measurement configurations, after which measurement gaps can be negotiated. Time is used to facilitate the initiation of measurements and after that the measurement duration can still be prohibitive (see e.g. 3GPP TS38.133 at Table 9.3.4- 2, Table 9.3.4-4 and Table 9.3.5.2, from which a measurement duration of as much as one minute per inter-frequency carrier may be derived).

[0011] It will be appreciated that reporting UE measurement results can result in unforeseen issues, and it is desired to address some of those issues.

[0012] BRIEF SUMMARY

[0013] The scope of protection sought for various example embodiments of the invention is set out by the independent claims. The example embodiments and features, if any, described in this specification that do not fall under the scope of the independent claims are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding various embodiments of the invention.

[0014] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments there is provided an apparatus, comprising: means for performing measurement in accordance with a first measurement configuration; means for receiving, from a network node, an indication of a change of state associated with a new measurement configuration; means for indicating, in response to the indication of a change of state, that measurement performed in accordance with the first measurement configuration is available; means for receiving, from the network node, the new measurement configuration; and means for determining, based on the received new measurement configuration, whether to perform measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration or the new measurement configuration.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the apparatus is user equipment.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the first measurement configuration comprises an I DLE / IN ACTIVE state measurement configuration.

[0017] According to some embodiments, the new measurement configuration comprises a connected mode measurement configuration.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the indication of change of state comprises an RRC setup procedure]

[0019] According to some embodiments, between receiving the indication of a change of state associated with the new measurement configuration and receiving the new measurement configuration, the means for performing measurement in accordance with a first measurement configuration is configured to continue performing measurement in accordance with a first measurement configuration.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the new measurement configuration comprises an indication that the new measurement configuration overrides the first measurement configuration.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the means for determining, based on the received new measurement configuration, is configured to perform measurement in accordance with the new measurement configuration upon receipt of the new measurement configuration.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the apparatus comprises: means for evaluating the first measurement configuration and the new measurement configuration and identifying whether there is a common carrier in respect of which measurements are performed in the first measurement configuration and new measurement configuration, and means for continuing validation measurement in relation to an identified common carrier. According to some embodiments, the new measurement configuration comprises an indication to prioritise measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the indication to prioritise measurement comprises an indication of a prioritisation period for which prioritisation of the first measurement configuration is to be applied.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the indication to prioritise measurement comprises: an indication of a number of completed measurements for which prioritisation of the first measurement configuration is to be applied.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the means for determining, based on the indication to prioritise measurement, is configured to determine that the means for performing measurement in accordance with a first measurement configuration is to continue performing measurement in accordance with a first measurement configuration until measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration is finalised.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the apparatus comprises: means for evaluating the first measurement configuration and the new measurement configuration and identifying whether there is a common carrier in respect of which measurements are performed in the first measurement configuration and new measurement configuration; and means for continuing validation measurement in relation to an identified common carrier in accordance with the indication to prioritise measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration.

[0027] According to some embodiments, the apparatus comprises: means for determining a last active carrier used by the apparatus and prioritising measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration in relation to the determined last active carrier.

[0028] According to some embodiments, the apparatus comprises: means for determining one or more carrier for which the apparatus has performed measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration and prioritising measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration in relation to the determined one or more carrier. According to some embodiments, the apparatus comprises: means for receiving, from the network node, a request for one or more measurement or measurement validation associated with the first measurement configuration; and means for transmitting, in response to the request, one or more measurement or measurement validation associated with the first measurement configuration.

[0029] According to some embodiments, the means comprise: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the performance of the apparatus.

[0030] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments there is provided an apparatus, comprising: means for transmitting, to user equipment, an indication of a change of state associated with a new measurement configuration; means for receiving, in response to the indication of a change of state, an indication that measurement performed in accordance with a first measurement configuration is available; means for determining, based upon the received indication that the user equipment has measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration available, whether the user equipment is to perform measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration or the new measurement configuration; and means for transmitting, to the user equipment, the new measurement configuration; wherein the new measurement configuration comprises an indication of whether the user equipment is to perform measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration or the new measurement configuration.

[0031] According to some embodiments, the apparatus is a network node.

[0032] According to some embodiments, the first measurement configuration comprises an I DLE / IN ACTIVE state measurement configuration.

[0033] According to some embodiments, the new measurement configuration comprises a connected mode measurement configuration.

[0034] According to some embodiments, the indication of change of state comprises an RRC setup procedure. According to some embodiments, wherein the apparatus comprises: means for assessing the received indication that the user equipment is performing measurement in accordance with a first measurement configuration; and means for delaying transmission of the new measurement configuration in dependence upon the assessment of the received indication that the user equipment is performing measurement in accordance with a first measurement configuration.

[0035] According to some embodiments, the new measurement configuration comprises: a request for one or more measurement or measurement validation associated with the first measurement configuration.

[0036] According to some embodiments, the new measurement configuration comprises: an indication to prioritise measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration.

[0037] According to some embodiments, the indication to prioritise measurement comprises an indication of a prioritisation period for which prioritisation of the first measurement configuration is to be applied.

[0038] According to some embodiments, the indication to prioritise measurement comprises: an indication of a number of completed measurements for which prioritisation of the first measurement configuration is to be applied.

[0039] According to some embodiments, the means for determining, based on the indication to prioritise measurement, is configured to determine that the means for performing measurement in accordance with a first measurement configuration is to continue performing measurement in accordance with a first measurement configuration until measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration is finalised.

[0040] According to some embodiments, the apparatus comprises: means for evaluating the first measurement configuration and the new measurement configuration and identifying whether there is a common carrier in respect of which measurements are performed in the first measurement configuration and new measurement configuration, and means for continuing validation measurement in relation to an identified common carrier in accordance with the indication to prioritise measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration. According to some embodiments, the apparatus comprises: means for determining a last active carrier used by the apparatus and prioritising measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration in relation to the determined last active carrier.

[0041] According to some embodiments, the apparatus comprises: means for determining one or more carrier for which the apparatus has performed measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration and prioritising measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration in relation to the determined one or more carrier.

[0042] According to some embodiments, the means comprise: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the performance of the apparatus.

[0043] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments there is provided user equipment method, comprising: performing measurement in accordance with a first measurement configuration; receiving, from a network node, an indication of a change of state associated with a new measurement configuration; indicating, in response to the indication of a change of state, that measurement performed in accordance with the first measurement configuration is available; receiving, from the network node, the new measurement configuration; and determining, based on the received new measurement configuration, whether to perform measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration or the new measurement configuration.

[0044] According to some embodiments, the first measurement configuration comprises an I DLE / IN ACTIVE state measurement configuration.

[0045] According to some embodiments, the new measurement configuration comprises a connected mode measurement configuration.

[0046] According to some embodiments, the indication of change of state comprises an RRC setup procedure] According to some embodiments, between receiving the indication of a change of state associated with the new measurement configuration and receiving the new measurement configuration, performing measurement in accordance with a first measurement configuration comprises continuing performing measurement in accordance with a first measurement configuration.

[0047] According to some embodiments, the new measurement configuration comprises an indication that the new measurement configuration overrides the first measurement configuration.

[0048] According to some embodiments, determining, based on the received new measurement configuration, comprises performing measurement in accordance with the new measurement configuration upon receipt of the new measurement configuration.

[0049] According to some embodiments, the method comprises: evaluating the first measurement configuration and the new measurement configuration and identifying whether there is a common carrier in respect of which measurements are performed in the first measurement configuration and new measurement configuration, and validation measurement in relation to an identified common carrier.

[0050] According to some embodiments, the new measurement configuration comprises an indication to prioritise measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration.

[0051] According to some embodiments, the indication to prioritise measurement comprises an indication of a prioritisation period for which prioritisation of the first measurement configuration is to be applied.

[0052] According to some embodiments, the indication to prioritise measurement comprises: an indication of a number of completed measurements for which prioritisation of the first measurement configuration is to be applied.

[0053] According to some embodiments, determining, based on the indication to prioritise measurement, comprises determining that the means for performing measurement in accordance with a first measurement configuration is to continue performing measurement in accordance with a first measurement configuration until measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration is finalised.

[0054] According to some embodiments, the method comprises: evaluating the first measurement configuration and the new measurement configuration and identifying whether there is a common carrier in respect of which measurements are performed in the first measurement configuration and new measurement configuration; and continuing validation measurement in relation to an identified common carrier in accordance with the indication to prioritise measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration.

[0055] According to some embodiments, the method comprises: determining a last active carrier used by the apparatus and prioritising measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration in relation to the determined last active carrier.

[0056] According to some embodiments, the method comprises: determining one or more carrier for which the apparatus has performed measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration and prioritising measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration in relation to the determined one or more carrier.

[0057] According to some embodiments, the method comprises: receiving, from the network node, a request for one or more measurement or measurement validation associated with the first measurement configuration; and transmitting, in response to the request, one or more measurement or measurement validation associated with the first measurement configuration.

[0058] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments there is provided network node method, comprising: transmitting, to user equipment, an indication of a change of state associated with a new measurement configuration; receiving, in response to the indication of a change of state, an indication that the user equipment has measurement in accordance with a first measurement configuration available; determining, based upon the received indication that the user equipment has measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration available, whether the user equipment is to perform measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration or the new measurement configuration; and transmitting, to the user equipment, the new measurement configuration; wherein the new measurement configuration comprises an indication of whether the user equipment is to perform measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration or the new measurement configuration.

[0059] According to some embodiments, the first measurement configuration comprises an I DLE / IN ACTIVE state measurement configuration.

[0060] According to some embodiments, the new measurement configuration comprises a connected mode measurement configuration.

[0061] According to some embodiments, the indication of change of state comprises an RRC setup procedure.

[0062] According to some embodiments, wherein the method comprises: assessing the received indication that the user equipment is performing measurement in accordance with a first measurement configuration; and delaying transmission of the new measurement configuration in dependence upon the assessment of the received indication that the user equipment is performing measurement in accordance with a first measurement configuration.

[0063] According to some embodiments, the new measurement configuration comprises: a request for one or more measurement or measurement validation associated with the first measurement configuration.

[0064] According to some embodiments, the new measurement configuration comprises: an indication to prioritise measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration.

[0065] According to some embodiments, the indication to prioritise measurement comprises an indication of a prioritisation period for which prioritisation of the first measurement configuration is to be applied.

[0066] According to some embodiments, the indication to prioritise measurement comprises: an indication of a number of completed measurements for which prioritisation of the first measurement configuration is to be applied.

[0067] According to some embodiments, determining, based on the indication to prioritise measurement, comprises determining that the means for performing measurement in accordance with a first measurement configuration is to continue performing measurement in accordance with a first measurement configuration until measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration is finalised.

[0068] According to some embodiments, the method comprises: evaluating the first measurement configuration and the new measurement configuration and identifying whether there is a common carrier in respect of which measurements are performed in the first measurement configuration and new measurement configuration, and continuing validation measurement in relation to an identified common carrier in accordance with the indication to prioritise measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration.

[0069] According to some embodiments, the method comprises: determining a last active carrier used by the apparatus and prioritising measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration in relation to the determined last active carrier.

[0070] According to some embodiments, the method comprises: determining one or more carrier for which the apparatus has performed measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration and prioritising measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration in relation to the determined one or more carrier.

[0071] According to some embodiments, the means comprise: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the performance of the apparatus.

[0072] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments there is provided a computer program product operable, when executed on a computer, to perform the method of: performing measurement in accordance with a first measurement configuration; receiving, from a network node, an indication of a change of state associated with a new measurement configuration; indicating, in response to the indication of a change of state, that measurement performed in accordance with the first measurement configuration is available; receiving, from the network node, the new measurement configuration; and determining, based on the received new measurement configuration, whether to perform measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration or the new measurement configuration. According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments there is provided a computer program product operable, when executed on a computer, to perform the method of: transmitting, to user equipment, an indication of a change of state associated with a new measurement configuration; receiving, in response to the indication of a change of state, an indication that the user equipment has measurement in accordance with a first measurement configuration available; determining, based upon the received indication that the user equipment has measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration available, whether the user equipment is to perform measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration or the new measurement configuration; and transmitting, to the user equipment, the new measurement configuration; wherein the new measurement configuration comprises an indication of whether the user equipment is to perform measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration or the new measurement configuration.

[0073] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer program code including instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause apparatus to perform the steps of: performing measurement in accordance with a first measurement configuration; receiving, from a network node, an indication of a change of state associated with a new measurement configuration; indicating, in response to the indication of a change of state, that measurement performed in accordance with the first measurement configuration is available; receiving, from the network node, the new measurement configuration; and determining, based on the received new measurement configuration, whether to perform measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration or the new measurement configuration.

[0074] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer program code including instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause apparatus to perform the steps of: transmitting, to user equipment, an indication of a change of state associated with a new measurement configuration; receiving, in response to the indication of a change of state, an indication that the user equipment has measurement in accordance with a first measurement configuration available; determining, based upon the received indication that the user equipment has measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration available, whether the user equipment is to perform measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration or the new measurement configuration; and transmitting, to the user equipment, the new measurement configuration; wherein the new measurement configuration comprises an indication of whether the user equipment is to perform measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration or the new measurement configuration.

[0075] Further particular and preferred aspects are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. Features of the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims as appropriate, and in combinations other than those explicitly set out in the claims.

[0076] Where an apparatus feature is described as being operable to provide a function, it will be appreciated that this includes an apparatus feature which provides that function or which is adapted or configured to provide that function.

[0077] BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0078] Some example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0079] FIG. 1 illustrates schematically a transition between states at a UE according to some arrangements;

[0080] FIG. 2 is a signalling diagram illustrating steps according to an implementation of an arrangement;

[0081] FIG. 3 is a signalling diagram illustrating steps according to an implementation of an arrangement;

[0082] FIG. 4 is a signalling diagram illustrating steps according to an implementation of an arrangement;

[0083] FIG. 5 illustrates schematically a transition between states at a UE according to some arrangements;

[0084] FIG. 6 is a signalling diagram illustrating steps according to an implementation of an arrangement;

[0085] FIG. 7 illustrates schematically a summary of transition between states at a UE according to arrangements;

[0086] FIG. 8 illustrates schematically some components of a network including nodes according to some arrangements; and

[0087] FIG. 9 illustrates schematically steps of methods performed in accordance with some arrangements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0088] Before discussing arrangements in detail, first an overview of a general context in which the invention should be understood will be provided.

[0089] As described above, there are mechanisms in wireless communication networks according to which a UE can be configured to report measurements to a network. One mechanism facilitates a UE making measurements whilst in IDLE / INACTIVE mode and allows them to be reported back to the network. Such measurements may take a while to perform and can lead to a delay, or outdated information arriving at the network. Using stale measurement results can result in sub-optimum selection by a network, for example, in relation to carrier aggregation (CA) or Dual Carrier (DC) cells to be used by a UE.

[0090] Another mechanism sets out that the UE makes measurements as part of entry to a connected state, and initiates measurements as part of initiation of the connection process. If this mechanism is implemented, then network may operate, for example, and incur significant setup delay for CA or DC, either of which may cause a significant drop in throughput for the UE and significant reduced system capacity.

[0091] Arrangements recognise that it may be possible for a UE and network to more intelligently make a decision between use of idle / inactive measurements and initiating new measurement configurations when the UE transitions between states.

[0092] If, for example, a UE is configured to perform idle / inactive mode CA / DC measurements, a UE typically performs those measurements for the duration of a timer set by 3GPP standards (the T331 timer). Where a UE supports Rel-16 EMR, a UE may continue performing measurements for potential reporting (EMR) after a timer set in the standard (the T331 timer expiry). It is a matter of UE implementation as to whether it continues idle / inactive CA / DC measurements beyond the timer.

[0093] In such a scenario, UE behaviour and requirements are not defined. Beyond the expiry of a timer, for a UE with capability to perform idle / inactive mode CA / DC measurements (EMR), it is not clear whether or how the UE continues (or not) the Idle / inactive mode measurements which can be used in support of CA / DC. Additionally, for a UE which may not have the capability to perform idle / inactive mode CA / DC measurements, it is not clear whether or how the UE Idle / inactive mode measurements can be used in support of CA / DC setup. When a UE reconnects to a network, for example as part of setting up the connected state, it will be typical for that UE to receive a measurement configuration. The UE may, of course, have performed some measurements and / or still be performing measurements, for example, idle / inactive mode measurements. Those measurements could be useful to the network.

[0094] The following issues arise in relation to such a change of state: shall the UE blindly reconfigure, despite potentially having information which could be used by the network? What can the network assume in relation to operation of the UE - some may not have measurement information available, some may have measurement information which may be about to be completed, which could be of relevance. Should the UE continue the assistance / EMR measurements when a connected mode measurement configuration arrives?

[0095] Arrangements seek to implement approaches which may, for example, enable a UE to perform and or continue ongoing measurements, for example, early measurements during setup of a connected state, and / or whilst in connected state for one or more carriers whilst also being configured with connected mode measurement configuration.

[0096] Early Measurement Reporting (EMR)

[0097] The Rel-16 early measurement feature (EMR) for NR was defined based on an earlier Rel-15 LTE early measurement feature (euCA) to allow faster setup of PSCell / SCell for carrier aggregation and dual connectivity. The faster setup is facilitated by utilizing IDLE mode measurements that the UE has performed before RRC connection request.

[0098] The NR feature is defined in TS38.331 and the measurement requirements are defined in section 4.4 of TS38.133. EMR measurements are performed during the duration of T331 timer, which is running for a predefined time after the UE has been released to IDLE mode. When the UE receives an RRC connection request, it indicates (where the UE has such EMR capability) that it has such “early” measurements available and the network can then request those measurements and utilize them in faster PSCell / SCell setup.

[0099] It will be understood that according to such a procedure the network does not need to wait for a UE to measure and report on the candidate cells after RRC connection setup, because it has results available already from the measurements made whilst in IDLE mode.

[0100] Types of UE : EMR / Non-EMR UEs (UE capabilities)

[0101] A UE that supports one or more RRC_IDLE / RRC_INACTIVE measurement capabilities is considered to be a UE, which is capable of doing Early Measurement Reporting (an EMR UE). A UE which does not support such capabilities is considered to be a non- EMR UE.

[0102] Some EMR capabilities are FR1-FR2 separated, meaning that in some cases UEs are EMR-UEs in FR2 but not necessarily in FR1 and vice versa.

[0103] In the context of this document, we call enhancements on top of EMR, eEMR (enhanced Early Measurement Reporting). eEMR may also be performed without support of EMR and by UEs not supporting EMR. eEMR can be supported both by EMR and non-EMR capable / configured UEs as it is defined as a feature which is independent of EMR capability.

[0104] Scenarios according to which UE may be requested to perform measurements in IDLE / INACTIVE mode include: i) UE that supports Rel-16 early measurement reporting (EMR) while T331 timer is running, ii) UE that supports Rel-16 early measurement reporting (EMR) while T331 timer is running AND when it has expired, iii) UE that does not support the EMR feature.

[0105] UE behaviour and requirements are only defined for the scenario (i). There are no definitions of how a UE may behave and the related requirements for the two other scenarios (ii) and (iii). Therefore the network cannot assume that it is possible to utilize IDLE / INACTIVE mode measurements that the UE may be performing when timer T331 is not running.

[0106] UE storing the existing configuration and T331 expiry

[0107] 3GPP standard document TS 38.133 section 4.4.2.1 defines detected cell requirements during state transition and Idle mode. The requirements can apply to a UE which has been configured with one or more of the following: one or more SCells; one E-UTRAN PSCell; or one or more downlink E-UTRAN SCells during the Connected mode and which supports idlelnactiveNR-MeasReport-r16 or idlelnactiveEUTRA-MeasReport-r16. However, it will be appreciated that arrangements in accordance with the principles described can be applied to other scenarios, and other examples are also possible including different signalling.

[0108] According to those example requirements, upon releasing a connection, and if the UE has been configured with idle mode CA measurement reporting, the connected mode detected cell and SSBs remain detectable until a UE reconnects to the network and then transmits an early measurement report. If the T331 expires before the EMR report is made, the UE releases the VarMeasIdleConfig, and it is up to UE implementation as to whether it continues the idle / inactive CA / DC measurements.

[0109] Some UEs, for example, EMR UEs will “maintain” the cells from the connected mode until the T331 timer expires, if possible. After T331 expires, it is up to UE implementation as to whether it performs measurements for EMR.

[0110] Measurement configuration

[0111] For any UE, after the UE has moved from RRC IDLE mode to RRC CONNECTED mode, the network may send a measurement configuration to the UE indicating what the UE shall measure and how to report the measurements while in connected.

[0112] Measurement configuration is provided using dedicated signalling for example, RRCReconfiguration or RRCResume messaging. With this measurement configuration the network configures the UE to perform general any measurements the network would like the UE to perform e.g. NR and / or inter-RAT measurements and tells how to report the measurement results. Full definition can be found in TS 38.331, section 5.5. This measurement configuration is not related to UE measurements performed Idle mode CA / DC measurements.

[0113] It will be appreciated that there are a number of challenges arising especially regarding measurements, delays and reporting of Idle mode CA / DC measurements in the context of arrival of a new measurement configuration.

[0114] According to current IDLE mode CA / DC measurement requirements, an additional time period that is allowed for the UE to acquire the index of a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) being measured on a candidate carrier is a UE capability. As a result, this means that some UE may not be able read the index whilst in idle mode and other UEs may be able to acquire an index, but may require an additional delay as is defined in section 4.4.2.3 of TS38.133.

[0115] The current requirements relating to Idle mode CA / DC measurements, only apply when a UE is performing early measurements according to the Rel-16 EMR feature and the timer T331 is running as defined in TS38.331. After the timer expires, UE measurement behavior and requirements are not specified.

[0116] It is also not specified how possible Idle / lnactive mode measurements could or should be performed or reported by a UE, entering connected mode, that does not specifically support Rel-16 EMR feature.

[0117] As described generally above, the current requirements are such that, especially in relation to FR2, the Idle / lnactive mode measurement time can be so long that it is possible that a UE may be requested to return back to RRC CONNECTED mode before it has completed any measurements, including CA / DC measurements, during Idle / lnactive mode. Furthermore, given the infrequent Idle / lnactive mode measurements, in the case when T331 has expired, it might also happen that the measurement results the UE has available were measured a long time ago and are not valid or useful anymore.

[0118] To address these scenarios, a UE may need to perform additional measurements during RRC connection setup and possibly during a while in connected mode to complete or validate earlier performed or ongoing measurements which may be used for CA and / or DC setup in connected mode. How to perform these additional measurements during the connection setup, and possibly during connected mode, is an issue to be addressed.

[0119] One problem which occurs in relation to the Idle mode CA / DC measurements being performed and the setup / resume of connected mode is how a UE could and should perform such assistance measurements whilst also being configured with the measurement configuration for connected mode.

[0120] For this scenario, UE behaviour and requirements are not defined and it is not clear if, or how, a UE might continue (or not) the measurements related to enabling faster setup of CA and / DC in connected based on such assistance measurements. Resolving Existing Measurements and New Measurement Configurations Arrangements recognise that it may be beneficial to consider the interaction which occurs in transition between measurements made by a UE in idle / inactive mode and measurements made by a UE when in connected mode.

[0121] Before discussing some specific implementations in detail, first an overview of some features of general arrangements will be provided.

[0122] Arrangements provide methods which may enable a UE to perform or continue to perform early measurements or initiate measurements during setup and connection for one or more carriers whilst also being configured with connected mode measurement configuration.

[0123] Arrangements recognize that any measurements, for example, assistance measurements or early measurements and validation of such measurements can be prioritized during and for a period after an RRC connection setup procedure, thereby supporting fast and focused measurements after RRC connection setup is completed to enable setup of, for example, Primary Secondary Cell (PSCell) or Secondary Cell (SCell).

[0124] Arrangements in accordance with approaches described can be applied to any similar scenario or technology (5G, 6G and so on). Arrangements are discussed herein in the context of Further Mobility Enhancements for NR. The methods described apply to measurements made by a UE in both RRC IDLE and RRC INACTIVE mode, but for simplicity, in the following only IDLE mode is referenced.

[0125] Arrangements provide methods which allow a UE to continue ongoing IDLE / lnactive mode and other necessary measurements, for example for validation, if needed, during and / or after a change of state, for example as part of the RRC connection procedure. Continuation of the ongoing measurements may be prioritised irrespective of receipt of a new measurement configuration at the UE as part of the change of state. Such arrangements may allow a UE to complete a measurement (or validation) in cases in which otherwise it would not have been able to complete such measurements or validations before and during RRC connection setup / resume and connected mode. According to some implementations, it may be a measurement configuration received as part of a change in state, for example, as part of entering RRC connected mode, which can be used to trigger and / or define UE behaviour in relation to any existing early measurements configured at a UE.

[0126] Arrangements envisage the following possibilities in relation to UE operation:

[0127] In the following, early measurement is used as a reporting skeleton and idle mode CA / DC measurements are used as an example to describe various approaches which utilise approaches in accordance with the invention. However, generally it will be understood that approaches described be applied without use of idle mode CA / DC measurements being supported or configured. The method can be applied for any measurements (for example, named assistance measurements) being performed during connection setup and possibly for a period of time during connected mode.

[0128] Option 1

[0129] According to option 1 , a UE may be configured to prioritize a measurement configuration associated with a new state. For example, a UE may be configured such that a connected mode measurement configuration “overwrites” any ongoing early measurement reporting as part of Idle mode CA / DC measurements and a UE may be configured, on receipt of a new measurement configuration associated with a new state, to start performing measurements according to the new measurement configuration.

[0130] In the case a UE has finished Idle mode CA / DC measurements it has performed until the moment a new configuration is triggered, the UE may be operable to report such results.

[0131] According to some implementations a network may use a measurement configuration to control UE measurement behaviour. By way of example:

[0132] Option 1A: According to some implementations, a network may be configured to postpone transmission of a new measurement configuration until eEMR measurements are done and reported by the UE. According to such an implementation, a UE continues any ongoing eEMR measurements.

[0133] Option 1B: According to some implementations, a network does not postpone transmission of a new measurement configuration until eEMR measurement is done and reported by the UE. According to such an implementation, a UE may be configured, as part of, for example, a connection setup process, to unconditionally stop any ongoing eEMR measurements if receiving a new measurement configuration. Alternatively, according to such an implementation, a UE may be configured, as part of, for example, a connection setup process, to not unconditionally stop any ongoing eEMR measurements when receiving a new measurement configuration. Whether to stop or not could be part of the network configuration.

[0134] Option 1C: According to some implementations, a network does not postpone the transmission of new measurement configuration until eEMR measurement is done and reported by the UE, instead, according to such an implementation, the measurement configuration may be such that a UE may be configured to continue any ongoing eEMR measurements on one or more carrier if such a carrier is included in the new received measurement configuration.

[0135] Option 2

[0136] According to Option 2, a UE may be configured to prioritize the ongoing eEMR measurements (For example, Idle mode CA / DC measurements). According to some implementations, that prioritization may occur for a period after receiving a new measurement configuration associated with the new state. According to some implementations, after a set, known or communicated prioritization period has expired, the UE may be configured to report the eEMR measurement results and then commence measurement and reporting according to the new measurement configuration.

[0137] According to one implementation, a UE may be configured to prioritise eEMR measurements until the UE has finalised such measurements, for example, according to a maximum UE measurement time allowed (UE minimum requirements).

[0138] Having described the general arrangements and options in overview, features of some possible specific implementations are now described in detail:

[0139] OPTION 1

[0140] FIG. 1 illustrates schematically a transition between states at a UE according to some arrangements. The top half of FIG. 1 shows schematically the UE change in state as time progresses. In FIG. 1 a UE transitions between an IDLE / INACTIVE state 10 to a connected mode 20, via an RRC setup procedure 15. As part of the RRC setup procedure, a UE may be configured to indicate 30, via an appropriate mechanism, to the network that the UE has measurements made in IDLE / INACTIVE mode and those may be available to the network.

[0141] As part of a transition to the connected state the network may provide 40 a new measurement configuration to the UE. That measurement configuration may act as a trigger to implementation of new UE measurement behaviour.

[0142] According to option 1 , until the new measurement configuration is received at 40, the UE is operable and configured to perform IDLE / INACTIVE measurements 50. Those measurements occur outside the T331 timer window. In other words, the UE may be performing ongoing IDLE / IACTIVE measurements as part of a UE made decision. After the new measurement configuration is received at 40, the UE is configured to adapt its behaviour and prioritise the measurement configuration of the new (connected) state and perform CONNECTED mode measurements 60. Depending upon implementation, a UE may be configured to provide any available early measurement reports, resulting from measurements performed in the IDLE / INACTIVE state 50, to the network as indicated by arrow 70.

[0143] Having described prioritisation according to option 1 in general, signalling diagrams are provided to illustrate some possible detailed implementations.

[0144] FIG. 2 is a signalling diagram illustrating steps according to an implementation of an arrangement. Signalling between user equipment 100 and a network 200 is shown schematically.

[0145] Option 1A According to the implementation shown in FIG. 2, a UE 100 is configured at step 210 to perform IDLE / INACTIVE mode measurements.

[0146] As part of an RRC setup process, the UE indicates 230 to the network that measurements (eEMR measurements) are available, should the network want them. The ongoing eEMR measurements performed by UE 100 are continued until the UE 100 receives a (new) measurement configuration by the network. The network 200 is configured to postpone sending a new measurement configuration to the UE until the network either: receives eEMR results from the UE (updated measurement configuration sent at step 240) or wants the UE to stop the related measurements (measurement configuration sent at 250).

[0147] According to such an implementation, after the UE has entered connected mode, the UE is configured to continue eEMR measurements according to the eEMR measurement configuration, until a measurement configuration which overrides the eEMR configuration is sent by the network.

[0148] FIG. 3 is a signalling diagram illustrating steps according to an implementation of an arrangement. Signalling between user equipment 100 and a network 200 is shown schematically.

[0149] Option 1 B

[0150] According to the implementation shown in FIG. 3, a UE 100 is configured at step 310 to perform IDLE / INACTIVE mode measurements and / or other measurements carried over from connected mode.

[0151] As part of an RRC setup process, the UE indicates 330 to the network that measurements (for example, eEMR measurements, or measurement(s) made when the UE was last in connected mode) are available, should the network want them. It will be appreciated that, for example, UEs not supporting idle-mode measurements may use previously obtained “connected mode” measurements as an input to a validation process. For instance, a UE may be in connected mode, then the UE goes to idle-mode for some seconds, then transition back to connected mode. When receiving, for example, the RRC setup / resume messaging, the UE connected mode measurements / configuration carried into idle mode can still be validated.

[0152] In this implementation, the ongoing eEMR measurements are unconditionally stopped when the UE receives, at step 340 a new measurement configuration after entering connected mode. The UE is configured to initiate measurements 370 according to the newly received measurement configuration. In one implementation the UE will report 350 the current eEMR results to the network, for example, based on network request 360. FIG. 4 is a signalling diagram illustrating steps according to an implementation of an arrangement. Signalling between user equipment 100 and a network 200 is shown schematically.

[0153] Option 1C

[0154] According to the implementation shown in FIG. 4, a UE 100 is configured at step 410 to perform IDLE / INACTIVE mode measurements.

[0155] As part of an RRC setup process, the UE indicates 430 to the network that measurements (eEMR measurements) are available, should the network want them.

[0156] In this implementation, partial ongoing eEMR measurements are continued when the UE receives a new measurement configuration 440 from the network provided the new measurement configuration includes the same carrier as the measured eEMR carrier(s). Otherwise, the UE will stop eEMR measurements.

[0157] Hence, after the UE has entered connected mode, the UE will continue 450 eEMR measurements according to the eEMR measurement configuration if a measured eEMR carrier is included in the new measurement configuration.

[0158] The details of how the UE performs eEMR measurements i.e. what and how the UE measures during RRC connection setup and in RRC CONNECTED mode before receiving the new measurement configuration are not in the scope of key aspects of described arrangements, but in one example these are performed unchanged. In one alternative, the UE may report any available eEMR when the measurements were stopped to the network if these have been requested.

[0159] OPTION 2

[0160] FIG. 5 illustrates schematically a transition between states at a UE according to some arrangements. The top half of FIG. 5 shows schematically the UE change in state as time progresses. In FIG. 5 a UE transitions between an IDLE / INACTIVE state 10 to a connected mode 20, via an RRC setup procedure 15.

[0161] As part of the RRC setup procedure, a UE may be configured to indicate 30, via an appropriate mechanism, to the network that the UE has measurements made in IDLE / INACTIVE mode and those may be available to the network. As part of a transition to the connected state the network may provide 40 a new measurement configuration to the UE. That measurement configuration may act as a trigger to implementation of new UE measurement behaviour.

[0162] According to option 2, until the new measurement configuration is received at 40, the UE is operable and configured to perform IDLE / INACTIVE measurements 50. Those measurements may occur also outside the T331 timer window. In other words, the UE may be performing ongoing IDLE / IACTIVE measurements as part of a UE made decision. After the new measurement configuration is received at 40, according to option 2 shown in FIG. 5, the UE is configured to prioritise the ongoing eEMR measurements (Idle mode CA / DC measurements) for a period 80 after receiving the measurement configuration, before then performing measurements according to the new measurement configuration 60. Depending upon implementation, a UE may be configured to provide any available early measurement reports, resulting from measurements performed in the IDLE / INACTIVE state 50, to the network as indicated by arrow 70.

[0163] Having described prioritisation according to option 2 in general, a signalling diagram is provided to illustrate some possible detailed implementations.

[0164] FIG. 6 is a signalling diagram illustrating steps according to an implementation of an arrangement. Signalling between user equipment 100 and a network 200 is shown schematically.

[0165] Option 2 According to the implementation shown in FIG. 6, a UE 100 is configured at step 610 to perform IDLE / INACTIVE mode measurements.

[0166] As part of an RRC setup process, the UE indicates 630 to the network that measurements (eEMR measurements) are available, should the network want them.

[0167] In this implementation according to option 2, after a UE receives 620 a new measurement configuration from the network, the UE is configured to prioritise ongoing eEMR measurements 640 for a period of time before commencing measurements in accordance with the new measurement configuration 650. Various aspects of the prioritisation can be adjusted according to different implementations:

[0168] Which measurements to prioritize?

[0169] In relation to implementations according to Option 2, the UE is configured to prioritise ongoing eEMR measurements (for example, Idle mode CA / DC measurements) for a period after receiving the new state measurement configuration. According to some implementations, the new state measurement configuration is not used by the UE before the prioritization period is over or expires. According to some implementations, the new state measurement configuration it used to inform the UE regarding how the prioritization of measurements should be done. According to some implementations, the new state measurement configuration may include an indication of how long a period is to be allowed for prioritized eEMR measurements.

[0170] Various implementation alternatives for prioritized measurements are possible.

[0171] Ongoing eEMR measurements are fully prioritized and the new measurement configuration is only taken into use after the UE has finalized the ongoing eEMR measurements. Or alternatively after a maximum given period.

[0172] According to one implementation, ongoing eEMR measurements are prioritized if they are included in the new measurement configuration. The new measurement configuration overwrites the existing measurement configuration but the UE is required to prioritize any ongoing eEMR measurements. If the UE is performing eEMR measurements, which are not contained in the new measurement configuration, UE may be required to stop or continue eEMR requirements based on an indication from the network. Thereafter the UE may be configured to proceed with measurements contained in the new measurement configuration.

[0173] According to one implementation, the UE may be configured to prioritize measurements made in relation to the last active carrier in RRC CONNECTED mode before the UE went into IDLE mode.

[0174] According to one implementation, if the T331 timer has expired before an RRC connection request is initiated, the UE may be configured to prioritize eEMR measurements which relate to carriers that were detected prior to T331 expiration. Duration of the prioritization period

[0175] In relation to implementations according to Option 2, the UE is configured to prioritise ongoing eEMR measurements (for example, Idle mode CA / DC measurements) for a period after receiving the new state measurement configuration. According to various implementations, a UE may be allowed to prioritize eEMR measurements for various periods, for example: a. Until the eEMR measurements are “finished” b. For X milliseconds. c. Until Y number of measurements are performed

[0176] The duration of prioritization period and / or number of samples may be defined in standards (TS38.133), set as a predefined delay requirement (UE minimum requirement) and / or can be network configurable and signalled to the UE in the new measurement configuration. The duration of the delay and / or the number of samples may, for example, depend on the purpose of the measurement that the UE is to perform, for example, finalizing ongoing measurement or validating already finished IDLE mode measurements.

[0177] Updates to measurement configuration

[0178] It will be appreciated that the various implementations of arrangements described above may require some update to the measurement configuration signalling depending on the implementation to be put into effect. For example, according to some implementations, the measurement configuration may comprise a flag to indicate that the UE is allowed / required to prioritize eEMR measurements; the measurement configuration may, if the prioritization period duration is configurable by the network, comprise an indication of how long the UE is allowed or intended to prioritize eEMR measurements; the measurement configuration may, if the prioritized measurements / carriers are configurable by the network, include and indication of which measurements are to be prioritized.

[0179] UE capable of performing multiple simultaneous measurements

[0180] In cases where a UE is capable of performing multiple measurements simultaneously, and multiple measurements are ongoing while measurement configuration arrives, similarly to the above cases, a UE may be configured to continue to finish both measurements. Reporting such measurements may occur in various ways: i. Once the first measurement has finished, the second one can be discarded ii. Once both measurements have finished, the measurements can be reported iii. Based on a priority defined in the measurement configuration.

[0181] In arrangements according to Option 1, a UE may be configured to discard both ongoing (eEMR) measurements and start measurements based on the new measurement configuration.

[0182] According to the described arrangements, UE behavior is more clearly defined so that it is known when a UE is performing assistance measurements or when a UE shall prioritize and keep measuring assistance measurements. Arrangements may support a reduction in delay by not blindly overwriting configurations.

[0183] Arrangements allow a UE to continue ongoing IDLE mode or other necessary measurements (for example, for validation), if needed, during and / or after an RRC connection procedure, irrespective of whether the UE receives a new measurement configuration.

[0184] Arrangements described fall into two main implementations: According to the first implementation, a connected mode measurement configuration overwrites the ongoing measurements for Idle mode CA / DC measurements and a UE is configured to start measuring according to the new measurement configuration as soon as that measurement configuration is received. According to a second implementation, a UE is configured to prioritizes the ongoing eEMR measurements for a period after receiving the connected mode measurement configuration.

[0185] Arrangements seek to address and control how a UE shall act having one measurement ongoing while another measurement configuration arrives. According to the current definitions it is specified what happens if there are two same state (eg connected mode) measurement configurations: the new configuration overwrites old configuration. Arrangements seek to address the case where the measurement configurations relate to measurements which occur while the UE is in a different state. Arrangements provide mechanisms which seek to define UE behavior when a UE is configured with a first measurement configuration and the measurements are ongoing, when the UE then receives a second measurement configuration.

[0186] FIG. 7 illustrates schematically a summary of transition between states at a UE according to arrangements. FIG. 7 illustrates schematically a transition between states at a UE according to the two main options described. The top half of FIG. 1 shows schematically the UE change in state as time progresses. In FIG. 7, as in FIG. 1 and FIG. 5 a UE transitions between an IDLE / INACTIVE state 10 to a connected mode 20, via an RRC setup procedure 15.

[0187] As part of the RRC setup procedure, a UE may be configured to indicate 30, via an appropriate mechanism, to the network that the UE has measurements made in IDLE / INACTIVE mode and those may be available to the network.

[0188] As part of a transition to the connected state the network may provide 40 a new measurement configuration to the UE. That measurement configuration may act as a trigger to implementation of new UE measurement behaviour.

[0189] According to option 1 , until the new measurement configuration is received at 40, the UE is operable and configured to perform IDLE / INACTIVE measurements 50. Those measurements occur outside the T331 timer window. In other words, the UE may be performing ongoing IDLE / IACTIVE measurements as part of a UE made decision. After the new measurement configuration is received at 40, the UE is configured to adapt its behaviour and prioritise the measurement configuration of the new (connected) state and perform CONNECTED mode measurements 60. Depending upon implementation, a UE may be configured to provide any available early measurement reports, resulting from measurements performed in the IDLE / INACTIVE state 50, to the network as indicated by arrow 70.

[0190] According to option 2, until the new measurement configuration is received at 40, the UE is operable and configured to perform IDLE / INACTIVE measurements 50. Those measurements occur outside the T331 timer window. In other words, the UE may be performing ongoing IDLE / IACTIVE measurements as part of a UE made decision. After the new measurement configuration is received at 40, according to option 2 shown in FIG. 5, the UE is configured to prioritise the ongoing eEMR measurements (Idle mode CA / DC measurements) for a period 80 after receiving the measurement configuration, before then performing measurements according to the new measurement configuration 60. Depending upon implementation, a UE may be configured to provide any available early measurement reports, resulting from measurements performed in the IDLE / INACTIVE state 50, to the network as indicated by arrow 70. FIG. 8 illustrates schematically some components of a network including nodes according to some arrangements; and FIG. 9 illustrates schematically steps of methods performed in accordance with some arrangements.

[0191] FIG. 8 illustrates schematically some components of a network including nodes according to some arrangements. The network 1000 comprises a plurality of network nodes 1200, for example, TRPs in the form of gNBs, in communication with user equipment 1100.

[0192] The user equipment 1100 takes the form of an apparatus, comprising:

[0193] 1110: means for performing measurement in accordance with a first measurement configuration;

[0194] 1120: means for receiving, from a network node, an indication of a change of state associated with a new measurement configuration;

[0195] 1130: means for indicating, in response to the indication of a change of state, that measurement performed in accordance with the first measurement configuration is available;

[0196] 1140: means for receiving, from the network node, the new measurement configuration; and

[0197] 1150: means for determining, based on the received new measurement configuration, whether to perform measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration or the new measurement configuration.

[0198] The network node 1200 takes the form of an apparatus, comprising:

[0199] 1210: means for transmitting, to user equipment, an indication of a change of state associated with a new measurement configuration;

[0200] 1220: means for receiving, in response to the indication of a change of state, an indication that measurement performed in accordance with a first measurement configuration is available;

[0201] 1230: means for determining, based upon the received indication that the user equipment has measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration available, whether the user equipment is to perform measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration or the new measurement configuration; and 1240: means for transmitting, to the user equipment, the new measurement configuration; wherein the new measurement configuration comprises an indication of whether the user equipment is to perform measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration or the new measurement configuration. FIG. 9 illustrates schematically steps of methods performed in accordance with some arrangements.

[0202] The user equipment 1100 may be configured to perform a method comprising the steps of:

[0203] U10: performing measurement in accordance with a first measurement configuration;

[0204] U20: receiving, from a network node, an indication of a change of state associated with a new measurement configuration;

[0205] U30: indicating, in response to the indication of a change of state, that measurement performed in accordance with the first measurement configuration is available;

[0206] U40: receiving, from the network node, the new measurement configuration; and U50: determining, based on the received new measurement configuration, whether to perform measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration or the new measurement configuration.

[0207] The network node 1200 may be configured to perform a method comprising the steps of:

[0208] N1 : transmitting, to user equipment, an indication of a change of state associated with a new measurement configuration;

[0209] N2: receiving, in response to the indication of a change of state, an indication that measurement performed in accordance with a first measurement configuration is available;

[0210] N3: determining, based upon the received indication that the user equipment has measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration available, whether the user equipment is to perform measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration or the new measurement configuration; and

[0211] N4: transmitting, to the user equipment, the new measurement configuration; wherein the new measurement configuration comprises an indication of whether the user equipment is to perform measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration or the new measurement configuration.

[0212] A person of skill in the art would readily recognize that steps of various abovedescribed methods can be performed by programmed computers. Herein, some embodiments are also intended to cover program storage devices, e.g., digital data storage media, which are machine or computer readable and encode machineexecutable or computer-executable programs of instructions, wherein said instructions perform some or all of the steps of said above-described methods. The program storage devices may be, e.g., digital memories, magnetic storage media such as a magnetic disks and magnetic tapes, hard drives, or optically readable digital data storage media. The embodiments are also intended to cover computers programmed to perform said steps of the above-described methods. The tern non-transitory as used herein, is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e. , tangible, not a signal) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g. RAM vs ROM).

[0213] As used in this application, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0214] (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry) and

[0215] (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable):

[0216] (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware and

[0217] (ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions) and

[0218] (c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.

[0219] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0220] Although example embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

[0221] Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

[0222] Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not. Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and / or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus, comprising: means for performing measurement in accordance with a first measurement configuration; means for receiving, from a network node, an indication of a change of state associated with a new measurement configuration; means for indicating, in response to the indication of a change of state, that measurement performed in accordance with the first measurement configuration is available; means for receiving, from the network node, the new measurement configuration; and means for determining, based on the received new measurement configuration, whether to perform measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration or the new measurement configuration.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein between receiving the indication of a change of state associated with the new measurement configuration and receiving the new measurement configuration, the means for performing measurement in accordance with a first measurement configuration is configured to continue performing measurement in accordance with a first measurement configuration.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the new measurement configuration comprises an indication that the new measurement configuration overrides the first measurement configuration.

4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the means for determining, based on the received new measurement configuration, is configured to perform measurement in accordance with the new measurement configuration upon receipt of the new measurement configuration.

5. An apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the apparatus comprises: means for evaluating the first measurement configuration and the new measurement configuration and identifying whether there is a common carrier in respect of which measurements are performed in the first measurement configuration and new measurement configuration, and means for continuing validation measurement in relation to an identified common carrier.

6. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the new measurement configuration comprises an indication to prioritise measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration.

7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the indication to prioritise measurement comprises an indication of a prioritisation period for which prioritisation of the first measurement configuration is to be applied.

8. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the indication to prioritise measurement comprises: an indication of a number of completed measurements for which prioritisation of the first measurement configuration is to be applied.

9. An apparatus according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the means for determining, based on the indication to prioritise measurement, is configured to determine that the means for performing measurement in accordance with a first measurement configuration is to continue performing measurement in accordance with a first measurement configuration until measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration is finalised.

10. An apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the apparatus comprises: means for evaluating the first measurement configuration and the new measurement configuration and identifying whether there is a common carrier in respect of which measurements are performed in the first measurement configuration and new measurement configuration, and means for continuing validation measurement in relation to an identified common carrier in accordance with the indication to prioritise measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration.

11. An apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the apparatus comprises: means for determining a last active carrier used by the apparatus and prioritising measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration in relation to the determined last active carrier.

12. An apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the apparatus comprises: means for determining one or more carrier for which the apparatus has performed measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration and prioritising measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration in relation to the determined one or more carrier.

13. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises: means for receiving, from the network node, a request for one or more measurement or measurement validation associated with the first measurement configuration; and means for transmitting, in response to the request, one or more measurement or measurement validation associated with the first measurement configuration.

14. An apparatus, comprising: means for transmitting, to user equipment, an indication of a change of state associated with a new measurement configuration; means for receiving, in response to the indication of a change of state, an indication that measurement performed in accordance with a first measurement configuration is available; means for determining, based upon the received indication that the user equipment has measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration available, whether the user equipment is to perform measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration or the new measurement configuration; and means for transmitting, to the user equipment, the new measurement configuration; wherein the new measurement configuration comprises an indication of whether the user equipment is to perform measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration or the new measurement configuration.

15. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the apparatus comprises: means for assessing the received indication that the user equipment is performing measurement in accordance with a first measurement configuration; and means for delaying transmission of the new measurement configuration in dependence upon the assessment of the received indication that the user equipment is performing measurement in accordance with a first measurement configuration.

16. An apparatus according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the new measurement configuration comprises: a request for one or more measurement or measurement validation associated with the first measurement configuration.

17. An apparatus according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the new measurement configuration comprises: an indication to prioritise measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration.

18. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the means comprise: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the performance of the apparatus.

19. A user equipment method, comprising: performing measurement in accordance with a first measurement configuration; receiving, from a network node, an indication of a change of state associated with a new measurement configuration; indicating, in response to the indication of a change of state, that measurement performed in accordance with the first measurement configuration is available; receiving, from the network node, the new measurement configuration; and determining, based on the received new measurement configuration, whether to perform measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration or the new measurement configuration.

20. A network node method, comprising: transmitting, to user equipment, an indication of a change of state associated with a new measurement configuration; receiving, in response to the indication of a change of state, an indication that the user equipment has measurement in accordance with a first measurement configuration available; determining, based upon the received indication that the user equipment has measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration available, whether the user equipment is to perform measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration or the new measurement configuration; and transmitting, to the user equipment, the new measurement configuration; wherein the new measurement configuration comprises an indication of whether the userequipment is to perform measurement in accordance with the first measurement configuration or the new measurement configuration.

21. A computer program product operable, when executed on a computer, to perform the method of claim 19 or claim 20.

Images