Extended Early Measurement Reporting

Abstract

The present invention provides a method, apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium for an extended early measurement reporting procedure in user equipment. [Solution] In an exemplary implementation, the method may include the steps of: determining that user equipment is configured for extended early measurement reporting; determining whether to initiate an early measurement reporting measurement based on instructions if user equipment is configured for extended early measurement reporting; and initiating an early measurement reporting measurement in response to the step of determining to initiate an early measurement reporting measurement. In an additional exemplary implementation, the method may include the steps of: a network node transmitting an extended early measurement reporting configuration to user equipment; and receiving an early measurement reporting measurement from user equipment. The early measurement reporting measurement performed in user equipment is based at least on the extended early measurement reporting configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to wireless communication, and in particular, to early measurement reports.

Background Art

[0002] A communication system can be a facility that enables communication between two or more nodes or devices such as fixed or mobile communication devices. Signals can be carried over a wired or wireless carrier.

[0003] An example of a cellular communication system is an architecture standardized by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP (registered trademark)). Recent developments in this field are often referred to as the Long Term Evolution (LTE) of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio access technology. E-UTRA (Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access) is the air interface of the 3GPP (registered trademark) Long Term Evolution (LTE) update path for mobile networks. In LTE, a base station or access point (AP) called an evolved Node AP or evolved Node B (eNB) provides wireless access within a coverage area or cell. In LTE, a mobile device or mobile station is called a user equipment (UE). LTE includes several improvements or developments.

[0004] The development of fifth-generation (5G) New Radio (NR) is part of a continuous mobile broadband evolution process to meet the requirements of 5G, similar to the previous evolutions of 3G and 4G wireless networks. In addition, 5G also targets new, emerging use cases beyond mobile broadband. The goal of 5G is to provide significant improvements in wireless performance, which may include new levels of data rates, latency, reliability, and security. 5G NR can also scale to efficiently connect large numbers of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and can provide new types of mission-critical services. Ultra-Reliable and Low-Latency Communications (URLLC) devices may require high reliability and extremely low latency. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0005] Various exemplary implementations are described and / or illustrated. Details of one or more examples of implementation are given in the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. Other features will become apparent from the detailed description and drawings, as well as from the claims.

[0006] A method, apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium for an extended early measurement reporting procedure in a user device are provided. In an exemplary implementation, the method comprises the steps of: the user device determining that the user device is configured for extended early measurement reporting; the user device determining whether to initiate an early measurement reporting measurement based on instructions if the user device is configured for extended early measurement reporting; and the user device initiating the early measurement reporting measurement in response to the step of determining to initiate the early measurement reporting measurement.

[0007] In additional exemplary implementations, the method may include the steps of a network node transmitting an extended early measurement reporting configuration to a user device and receiving early measurement reporting measurements from the user device. The early measurement reporting measurements performed on the user device are based at least on the extended early measurement reporting configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a wireless network with an exemplary implementation. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an extended Early Measurement Reporting (EMR) procedure with an exemplary implementation. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows another extended Early Measurement Reporting (EMR) procedure with additional exemplary implementations. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary implementation of the Enhanced Early Measured Reporting (EMR) procedure. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating another Enhanced Early Measured Reporting (EMR) procedure using an exemplary implementation. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a block diagram of a node or wireless station (e.g., base station / access point or mobile station / user device / UE) in an exemplary implementation. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a wireless network 130 in an exemplary implementation. In the wireless network 130 of Figure 1, user devices (UDs) 131, 132, 133, and 135, which may also be called mobile stations (MS) or user equipment (UE), can be connected to (and communicate with) a base station (BS) 134, which may also be called an access point (AP), an extended node B (eNB), a next-generation node B (gNB), or a network node. At least some of the functions of the access point (AP), base station (BS), (extended) node B (eNB), or gNB can also be performed by any node, server, or host that can be operably coupled to a transceiver such as a remote radio head. The BS (or AP) 134 provides wireless coverage within cell 136, including user devices 131, 132, 133, and 135. Although only four user devices are shown as being connected to or mounted on the BS 134, any number of user devices may be provided. The BS 134 is also connected to the core network 150 via an S1 interface 151. This is just a simple example of a wireless network; other types may be used.

[0010] A user device (user terminal, user equipment (UE)) may include, or may refer to, a portable computing device that includes a wireless mobile communication device operating with or without a subscriber identification module (SIM). Examples include mobile stations (MS), mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handsets, devices using wireless modems (such as alarm or measuring devices), laptops and / or touchscreen computers, tablets, phablets, game consoles, notebooks, and multimedia devices. Or it may refer to a portable computing device that includes, but is not limited to, any other type of wireless device. It should be understood that a user device may also be a nearly exclusive uplink-only device, such as a camera or video camera that loads images or video clips onto the network.

[0011] In LTE (for example), the core network 150 may be referred to as the Evolutionary Packet Core (EPC), which may include a Mobility Management Entity (MME) capable of handling or assisting the mobility / handover of user devices between BSs, one or more gateways capable of transferring data and control signals between BSs and the packet data network or the internet, and other control functions or blocks.

[0012] In addition, as illustrative examples, the various exemplary implementations or technologies described herein may be applicable to various types of user devices or data service types, or to user devices that may have multiple applications running herein, which may be different data service types. New wireless (5G) developments may support several different applications or several different data service types, such as machine-type communications (MTC), enhanced machine-type communications (eMTC), the Internet of Things (IoT), and / or narrowband IoT user devices, enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), and ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC).

[0013] The Internet of Things (IoT) can refer to a constantly growing group of objects that may have internet or network connectivity, and therefore these objects may transmit information to and receive information from other network devices. For example, many sensor-type applications or devices may monitor physical conditions or states and, for example, send reports to a server or other network device when an event occurs. Machine-type communication (MTC or machine-to-machine communication) can be characterized by fully automated data generation, exchange, processing, and operation between intelligent machines, with or without human intervention. Enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) may support much higher data rates than are currently available in LTE.

[0014] Ultra-Reliable and Low-Latency Communication (URLLC) is a new data service type or new use scenario that can be supported for new wireless (5G) systems. This will enable the emergence of new applications and services such as industrial automation, autonomous driving, vehicle safety, and electronic health services. 3GPP® aims to provide U-plane (user / data plane) latency connectivity with reliability of 1 to 1e-5, for example, down to 1 ms, as an exemplary example. Therefore, for example, a URLLC user device / UE may require significantly lower block error rates and lower latency than other types of user devices / UEs. Therefore, for example, a URLLC UE (or a URLLC application on a UE) may require much shorter latency compared to an eMBB UE (or an eMBB application running on a UE).

[0015] Various exemplary implementations may apply to a wide variety of wireless technologies or wireless networks, such as LTE, LTE-A, 5G, IoT, MTC, eMTC, eMBB, URLLC, or any other wireless network or wireless technology. These exemplary networks, technologies, or data service types are provided as illustrative examples only.

[0016] Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) can refer to a technique for increasing the capacity of a radio link by using multiple transmitting and receiving antennas to take advantage of multipath propagation. MIMO may include the use of multiple antennas in the transmitter and / or receiver. MIMO can include a multidimensional approach to sending and receiving two or more unique data streams over a single radio channel. For example, MIMO may refer to a technique for simultaneously transmitting and receiving multiple data signals over the same radio channel by taking advantage of multipath propagation. By exemplary example, multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (multi-user MIMO or MU-MIMO) enhances MIMO technique by enabling a base station (BS) or other wireless node to simultaneously transmit or receive multiple streams to different user devices or UEs, which may include simultaneously transmitting a first stream to a first UE and a second stream to a second UE over the same (or common or shared) set of physical resource blocks (PRBs) (e.g., each PRB may contain a set of time-frequency resources).

[0017] Furthermore, the BS can transmit data to the UE using precoding (based on a precoder matrix or precoder vector for the UE). For example, the UE may receive a reference signal or pilot signal, determine a quantized version of the DL channel estimate, and then provide the BS with instructions for the quantized DL channel estimate. The BS can determine a precoder matrix based on the quantized channel estimate, and use the precoder matrix to concentrate or direct the transmitted signal energy in the channel direction that is best for the UE. Each UE may also use a decoder matrix that can be determined, for example, if the UE receives a reference signal from the BS, determines a channel estimate for the DL channel, and then determines a decoder matrix for the DL channel based on the DL channel estimate. For example, the precoder matrix may indicate antenna weights (e.g., amplitude / gain and phase for each weight) to be applied to the antenna array of the transmitting wireless device. Similarly, the decoder matrix may indicate antenna weights (e.g., amplitude / gain and phase for each weight) to be applied to the antenna array of the receiving wireless device. This also applies to the UL when the UE is transmitting data to the BS.

[0018] For example, according to an exemplary embodiment, a receiving wireless user device may determine a precoder matrix using interference rejection synthesis (IRC) which allows the user device to receive a reference signal (or other signal) from several BSs (e.g., signal strength, signal power, or other signal parameters for the signal received from each BS) by providing null (or very low antenna gain) in the direction of the interfering signal, for example, to increase the signal-to-interference noise ratio (SINR) of a desired signal, thereby generating a decoder matrix that can suppress or reduce signals from one or more interference sources (or interference cells or BSs). To reduce overall interference from several different interference sources, the receiver may, for example, use a linear least mean squares interference rejection combined (LMMSE-IRC) receiver to determine the decoding matrix. IRC receivers and LMMSE-IRC receivers are merely examples, and other types of receivers or techniques may be used to determine the decoder matrix. After the decoder matrix is ​​determined, the receiving UE / user device may apply antenna weights (e.g., each antenna weight including amplitude and phase) to multiple antennas in the receiving UE or device based on the decoder matrix. Similarly, the precoder matrix may include antenna weights that can be applied to the antennas of the transmitting wireless device or node. This is also true for receiving BS.

[0019] User equipment (UE) may perform Early Measurement Report (EMR) measurements or idle / inactive measurements, as defined in TS38.331, while a timer, such as a T331 timer, is operating. This consumes the UE's battery power. It is desirable for the UE to perform EMR measurements only when necessary. Currently, network nodes such as gNB / NR can be configured to perform EMR measurements only when the UE is transitioning from a high-power radio resource control (RRC) state (e.g., RRC_CONNECTED) to a low-power RRC state (e.g., INACTIVE, IDLE, etc.) and the T331 timer is still operating and still causing unnecessary power consumption.

[0020] In some implementations, the T331 timer may be started when it receives a radio resource control release message from a network node (e.g., an RRCRelease message with measIdleDuration). While the T331 timer is running, the UE can perform measurements (e.g., initial measurement reporting configuration, e.g., according to VarMeasIdleConfig). The T331 timer may be stopped when it receives an RRCSetup, RRCResume, or RRCRelease message with an idle / inactive measurement configuration, when it re-selects a cell that does not belong to an effective area (if configured), or when it re-selects a cell to another radio access technology (RAT). When the T331 timer expires (or is stopped), the UE may release an early measurement reporting configuration (e.g., VarMeasIdleConfig).

[0021] For example, in a wireless network, a network node (e.g., gNB / eNB) can request a UE to measure new radio (NR) and / or evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) carriers in an inactive (INACTIVE) / idle (IDLE) state via system information (SI) in an RRC release message or a dedicated measurement configuration. If the UE is configured to perform measurements on NR / E-UTRA carriers while in the IDLE state, the UE may provide an indication of the availability of the corresponding measurement results to the network in an RRCSetupComplete message. The network may request the UE to report the measurements after security activation. The measurement request can be sent by the network immediately after sending a security mode command (e.g., before receiving security mode complete from the UE). However, if the UE is configured to perform measurements on NR / E-UTRA carriers while in the INACTIVE state, the network can request the UE to provide the corresponding measurement results in an RRCResume message, and then the UE can include the available measurement results in an RRCResumeComplete message. Alternatively, the UE may provide an indication of the availability of the measurement results to the network in an RRCResumeComplete message, and then the network may request the UE to provide these measurement results.

[0022] In the case where a UE in the RRC_CONNECTED state transitions to the RRC_INACTIVE or RRC_IDLE state, the UE can collect early measurement report measurements when the UE is in the INACTIVE / IDLE state and the T331 timer is running, and report the measurements to the network when the UE transitions to the RRC_CONNECTED mode. Therefore, there is a desire and / or need to collect EMR measurements and report the EMR measurements.

[0023] This disclosure describes an exemplary extended early measurement report (EMR) procedure. The eEMR procedure in an exemplary implementation may include determining that a user equipment is configured for eEMR and determining whether to initiate an early measurement report measurement based on an indication in response to determining that the user equipment is configured for extended early measurement report. The eEMR procedure may further include initiating an EMR measurement in response to determining to initiate an eEMR measurement.

[0024] Figure 2 shows an extended early measurement report (eEMR) procedure 200 according to an exemplary implementation.

[0025] At 210, a UE, such as UE202, may be in the RRC_CONNECTED state and may communicate with a network node, such as gNB / gNB204.

[0026] At 212, UE202 may receive an RRC release message from gNB204. In an exemplary implementation, the RRC release message may be sent (or transmitted) to the UE by the gNB to command the release or suspension of the RRC connection (e.g., using suspendConfig that may indicate a configuration for the RRC_INACTIVE state) when the UE is in the RRC_CONNECTED state. In an exemplary implementation, the RRC release message may command the release of the RRC connection so that the UE may transition to the RRC_IDLE state. In another exemplary implementation, the RRC release message may command the suspension of the RRC connection so that the UE may transition to the RRC_INACTIVE state.

[0027] In some implementations, the RRC release message may include several information elements (IEs) or parameters. In an exemplary implementation, the RRC release message may include system information (SI), EMR configuration, eEMR configuration, T331 timer value, etc. In an exemplary implementation, the eEMR configuration may include an instruction to the UE to save (or retain) the EMR configuration, received at 212 when the T331 timer expires. In an exemplary implementation, the RRC release message may include information for EMR measurements, for example, a MeasIdleConfig information element (IE). The MeasIdleConfig IE may be used to communicate to the UE information about measurements to be performed while the UE is in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTVE state.

[0028] In 214, upon receiving an RRC release message from the gNB, UE202 may transition to the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state, for example, to conserve UE power / battery and / or network resources.

[0029] When the UE transitions to the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state, in 216, the UE202 may perform EMR measurements as defined in TS38.331. For example, 5.7.8 of TS38.331 describes a procedure for specifying the measurements to be performed by the UE in the RRC_IDLE and RRC_INACTIVE states when the UE has an idle / inactive measurement configuration, and for storing the measurements available to the UE in the RRC_IDLE and RRC_INACTIVE states. In some implementations, for example, the UE202 may perform EMR measurements when the T331 timer is running (e.g., the T331 timer has not expired). The UE may perform EMR measurements based at least on the EMR configuration received from the gNB204 in 212 (e.g., via an RRC message or SIB11).

[0030] In 218, when the T331 timer expires, the UE202 may stop the EMR measurement. In other words, the UE may perform the EMR measurement based on at least the EMR configuration and stop performing the EMR measurement (e.g., measurement, acquisition, etc.) when the T331 timer expires.

[0031] When the T331 timer expires, at 220, UE202 may save the EMR configuration received at 212. Since the UE may delete the EMR configuration received from the gNB when the T331 timer expires, in some implementations, for example, UE202 may save the EMR configuration received at 212 if the UE is configured with an eEMR configuration. This allows the UE to perform EMR measurements based on at least the EMR configuration, even after the T331 timer expires. In some implementations, for example, UE202 may save the EMR configuration if the UE is configured for eEMR.

[0032] In some implementations, the UE may decide to save the EMR configuration when the T331 timer expires, if the UE is configured with or supports eEMR.

[0033] At 222, after a certain period of time, UE202 may receive a wake-up signal / instruction or paging message from gNB204 at 224. In some implementations, the UE may receive a wake-up signal / instruction to wake up in order to receive a paging message. In some implementations, for example, the wake-up signal / instruction or paging message may include an instruction for the UE to start an EMR measurement and / or report the EMR measurement to the gNB. In some implementations, for example, the wake-up signal (WUS) may allow the UE to skip physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) monitoring for paging reception when in an IDLE / INACTIVE state (or mode), or for OnDuration when there is no data transmission to be performed in CONNECTED mode. If a network node intends to send a paging message to a UE or schedule a UE, the network node may send a wake-up signaling to the UE during a WUS opportunity to wake up the UE, which then monitors the normal PDCCH for paging reception or scheduling data in the coming OnDuration. WUS is sometimes referred to in the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP®) as Downlink Control Information (DCI) with Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) scrambled by a Power Saving Radio Network Temporary Identifier (PS-RNTI) (DCP). WUS can be a reference signal or sequence received / decoded by a UE. WUS can be a special Downlink Control Information (DCI) format that can wake up an individual UE, a group of UEs, or all UEs decoding the WUS.

[0034] In 226, in response to receiving a wake-up signal / instruction or paging message, UE202 may start or initialize an EMR measurement. In some implementations, for example, UE202 may start an EMR measurement based at least on the EMR configuration received in 212. In some implementations, for example, a wake-up signal / instruction or paging message may further indicate to the UE that an EMR measurement should be performed. In addition, in some implementations, for example, a wake-up signal / instruction or paging message may also instruct the UE to report the EMR measurement to the gNB. In an exemplary implementation, the UE may report the EMR measurement to the gNB when the UE transitions to the RRC_CONNECTED state.

[0035] In 228, the UE202 can establish a connection with the gNB, which can then configure a carrier aggregation (CA) or dual connectivity (DC) configuration and send EMR measurements (e.g., EMR reports or EMR results) to the gNB.

[0036] In 230, UE202 may transition to the RRC_CONNECTED state once the connection is established. In some implementations, for example, the UE may be configured with a CA or DC. For example, if the UE provides sufficiently good EMR results for the CA or DC, the gNB may configure the UE with a CA or DC. In an exemplary implementation, if the reported RSRP is sufficiently good for cells a, b, and c, the gNB may configure the CA or DC with cells a, b, and / or c.

[0037] Therefore, after transitioning to the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state, the UE can perform an EMR measurement at the expiration of the T331 timer in response to a wake-up signal / instruction or paging message. The UE can perform an EMR measurement and collect the measurement results after the expiration of the T331 timer, at least based on the EMR configuration saved by the UE. The UE can save the EMR configuration in response to receiving the eEMR configuration from the gNB. In other words, the UE can save the EMR configuration even though the T331 timer has expired. In some implementations, the UE may save the EMR configuration if the UE is configured for or supports eEMR configuration, for example, based on the 3GPP® specification.

[0038] Figure 3 shows another extended Early Measurement Reporting (EMR) procedure 300 with additional exemplary implementations.

[0039] In some implementations, for example, the operation in 210-222 and 226-230 shown in Figure 3 may be the same as or similar to the operation in 210-222 and 226-230 shown in Figure 2.

[0040] At 324, UE202 may detect the availability (presence) of uplink data in the UE's buffer for transmission to gNB204. In response to the detection of the availability of uplink data for transmission, UE202 may initiate an EMR measurement and collect the measurement results, as previously described with reference to 226 in Figure 2.

[0041] Therefore, after transitioning to the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state, the UE can perform an EMR measurement at / after the expiration of the T331 timer in response to detecting the availability of uplink data for transmission to the gNB. The UE may perform an EMR measurement after the expiration of the T331 timer, at least based on the EMR configuration saved by the UE, as previously described with reference to Figure 2.

[0042] Figure 4 is a flowchart 400 illustrating an extended Early Measurement Reporting (EMR) procedure with an exemplary implementation.

[0043] In block 410, a UE, for example, UE202, may determine that the user equipment is configured for extended early measurement reporting.

[0044] In some implementations, for example, a UE may be configured for eEMR configuration based on an RRC message received from a gNB. In additional exemplary implementations, the RRC message may be an RRC release message or an SIB. In yet another exemplary implementation, the UE may decide to configure for eEMR based on whether the UE supports eEMR.

[0045] In block 420, when the user instrument is configured for extended early measurement reporting, the UE may decide whether to initiate an early measurement reporting measurement based on instructions. In some implementations, for example, when the UE is configured for extended early measurement reporting, the UE may initiate an EMR measurement in response to receiving instructions, such as a wake-up signal / instruction or paging message from the gNB. In additional exemplary implementations, the UE may initiate an EMR measurement and collect measurement results in response to instructions, which may be the availability of uplink data in the UE's buffer for transmission to the gNB. In additional exemplary implementations, the wake-up signal / instruction or paging message may also instruct the UE to report the EMR measurement to the gNB.

[0046] In block 430, the UE can initiate an early measurement reporting measurement and collect measurement results. In an exemplary implementation, the UE may initiate an EMR in response to a decision that an EMR measurement should be initiated. In an exemplary implementation, the UE may initiate an EMR measurement before, during, and / or after connection establishment, connection reactivation, and / or random procedures.

[0047] Optionally, in some implementations, for example in block 440, the UE may send EMR measurements to the gNB.

[0048] Therefore, after transitioning to the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state, the UE can perform EMR measurements at / after the T331 timer expires and report the measurements to the gNB.

[0049] Figure 5 is a flowchart 500 illustrating an extended Early Measurement Reporting (EMR) procedure with an exemplary implementation.

[0050] In block 510, a network node, for example gNB204, can send an extended early measurement reporting configuration to a user device, for example UE202.

[0051] In block 520, network nodes may receive early metering report measurements. In some implementations, for example, early metering report measurements may be collected at the UE based at least on the early metering report configuration sent by the gNB.

[0052] Therefore, the gNB can receive early measurement reporting measurements based at least on the extended early measurement reporting configuration sent to the user device.

[0053] Additional exemplary implementations are described herein.

[0054] [Example 1] A communication method comprising: a step of determining by a user device that the user device is configured for extended early measurement reporting; a step of determining by the user device whether to start an early measurement reporting measurement based on instructions when the user device is configured for extended early measurement reporting; and a step of starting the early measurement reporting measurement in response to the step of the user device deciding to start the early measurement reporting measurement.

[0055] [Example 2] The method according to Example 1, characterized in that the instruction includes a wake-up signal / instruction or paging message received by the user device from the network node, or uplink data made available for transmission at the user device.

[0056] [Example 3] The method according to Example 1 or Example 2, further comprising the step of transmitting the early measurement report measurement to a network node.

[0057] [Example 4] The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, further comprising the steps of: sending a message to the network node indicating the availability of the early measurement report measurement; receiving a request from the network node to send the available early measurement report measurement; and sending the early measurement report measurement to the network node.

[0058] [Example 5] The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, characterized in that the wake-up signal / instruction or paging message further indicates to the user device to perform the initiating step and / or transmitting step of the early measurement reporting measurement to the network node.

[0059] [Example 6] The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, characterized in that the early measurement reporting measurement is an idle / inactive measurement.

[0060] [Example 7] The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, characterized in that the user device is configured for enhanced early measurement reporting, at least based on wireless resource control messages from the network node.

[0061] [Example 8] The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, characterized in that the wireless resource control message is a wireless resource control release message.

[0062] [Example 9] The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, characterized in that the user device is configured for extended early measurement reporting, based on whether the user device supports extended early measurement reporting.

[0063] [Example 10] The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, further comprising the steps of: receiving an early measurement report configuration from the network node by the user device; and, in response to the user device determining that it is configured for extended early measurement reporting, saving the early measurement report configuration received from the network node by the user device when the T331 timer expires.

[0064] [Example 11] The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 10, characterized in that the user device initiates, collects, or measures early measurement reporting measurements before, during, and / or after one or more connection establishment, connection resumption, and random access procedures.

[0065] [Example 12] The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 11, further comprising the step of reporting the early measurement report measurement to the network node and terminating the early measurement report measurement.

[0066] [Example 13] The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 12, characterized in that the network node is a gNB.

[0067] [Example 14] A communication method comprising the steps of: transmitting an extended early measurement reporting configuration to a user device via a network node; and receiving an early measurement reporting measurement from the user device via the network node, wherein the early measurement reporting measurement is performed on the user device, at least based on the extended early measurement reporting configuration.

[0068] [Example 15] The method of Example 14, further comprising the step of transmitting an extended early measurement reporting configuration to a user device, wherein the step of receiving the early measurement reporting measurement from the user device is a step based at least on the extended measurement reporting configuration and the early measurement reporting configuration.

[0069] [Example 16] The method according to Example 14 or Example 15, further comprising the step of transmitting a wake-up signal / instruction or paging message to the user device.

[0070] [Example 17] The method according to any one of Examples 14 to 16, characterized in that the wake-up signal / instruction or paging message includes an instruction to initiate an early measurement reporting measurement.

[0071] [Example 18] The method according to any one of Examples 14 to 17, characterized in that the network node is a gNB.

[0072] [Example 19] An apparatus comprising a procedure for performing a method described in any one of Examples 1 through 18.

[0073] [Example 20] A non-temporary computer-readable storage medium, wherein instructions stored in the non-temporary computer-readable storage medium, when executed by at least one processor, cause a computing system to perform the method described in any one of Examples 1 to 18.

[0074] [Example 21] An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory containing computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least one of the methods described in any one of Examples 1 to 18.

[0075] Figure 6 is a block diagram of a wireless station (e.g., user equipment (UE) / user device or AP / gNB / MgNB / SgNB) 600 in an exemplary implementation. The wireless station 600 may include, for example, one or more RF (radio frequency) or wireless transceivers 602A, 602B, each wireless transceiver including a transmitter for transmitting signals and a receiver for receiving signals. The wireless station also includes a processor or control unit / entity (controller) 604 / 608 that executes instructions or software and controls the transmission and reception of signals, and a memory 606 for storing data and / or instructions.

[0076] Processor 604 may also make decisions or judgments, generate frames, packets, or messages for transmission, decode received frames or messages for further processing, and perform other tasks or functions described herein. For example, processor 604, which may be a baseband processor, may generate messages, packets, frames, or other signals for transmission over wireless transceiver 602 (602A or 602B). Processor 604 may control the transmission of signals or messages over a wireless network, and may control the reception of signals or messages over a wireless network (e.g., after being down-converted by wireless transceiver 602), etc. Processor 604 may be programmable and capable of executing software or other instructions stored in memory or other computer media to perform the various tasks and functions described above, such as one or more of the tasks or methods described above. Processor 604 may be (or include) hardware, programmable logic, a programmable processor running software or firmware, and / or any combination thereof. Using other terminology, the processor 604 and the transceiver 602 together can be considered, for example, a wireless transmitter / receiver system.

[0077] In addition, referring to Figure 6, the controller (or processor) 608 may execute software and instructions, provide overall control for station 600, provide control for other systems not shown in Figure 6, such as controlling input / output devices (e.g., displays, keypads), and / or execute software for one or more applications that may be provided on wireless station 600, such as email programs, audio / video applications, word processors, voice-over-IP applications, or other applications or software. Furthermore, a storage medium containing stored instructions can be provided, which, when executed by the controller or processor, can cause processor 604, or other controllers or processors, to perform one or more of the functions or tasks described above.

[0078] According to another exemplary implementation, the RF or wireless transceiver 602A / 602B can receive signals or data, and / or transmit signals or data. The processor 604 (and optionally the transceiver 602A / 602B) can control the RF or wireless transceiver 602A or 602B to receive, transmit, broadcast, or transmit signals or data.

[0079] However, the multiple embodiments are not limited to the systems given as examples, and those skilled in the art may apply the solutions to other communication systems. Another example of a suitable communication system is the 5G concept. The network architecture in 5G is assumed to be exactly the same as that of LTE-advanced. 5G is likely to use multi-input multi-output (MIMO) antennas, more base stations or nodes than LTE (the so-called small cell concept), macrosites working in cooperation with smaller stations, and possibly also using various radio technologies for better coverage and improved data rates.

[0080] It should be understood that future networks are most likely to utilize Network Function Virtualization (NFV), a network architecture concept that proposes virtualizing network node functions into "building blocks," or entities that can be connected or linked together operably to provide services. A Virtualized Network Function (VNF) may consist of one or more virtual machines that run computer program code using standard or general-purpose servers instead of customized hardware. Cloud computing or data storage may also be utilized. In wireless communications, this may mean that node operations can take place within a server, host, or node that is at least partially operably coupled to a remote wireless head. Node operations can also be distributed across multiple servers, nodes, or hosts. It should also be understood that the distribution of effort between core network operations and base station operations may differ from, or even be absent than, that of LTE.

[0081] The various technologies described herein may be implemented in digital electronic circuits, or in computer hardware, firmware, software, or combinations thereof. The implementation may be implemented as a computer program product, i.e., a computer program tangibly embodied in an information carrier, for example in a machine-readable storage device, or in a carrier signal, for execution by a data processing device, such as a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple computers, or for controlling the operation of a data processing device, such as a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple computers. The implementation may also be provided on a computer-readable medium or computer-readable storage medium, which may be a non-temporary medium. The implementation of various technologies may also include implementation forms provided via temporary signals or media, and / or implementations of programs and / or software that are downloadable via the Internet or other networks, wired networks, and / or wireless networks. In addition, the implementation may be provided via machine-type communications (MTC) and the Internet of Things (IoT).

[0082] A computer program may be in source code format, object code format, or some intermediate format, and may be stored on any kind of carrier, distribution medium, or computer-readable medium, which may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. Such carriers include, for example, recording media, computer memory, read-only memory, photoelectric and / or electrical carrier signals, telecommunication signals, and software distribution packages. Depending on the processing power required, a computer program may run on a single electronic digital computer or be distributed across several computers.

[0083] Furthermore, the implementation of the various technologies described herein may utilize cyber-physical systems (CPS) (systems that bring together computational elements to control physical entities). CPS can enable the implementation and use of a large number of interconnected ICT devices (sensors, actuators, processors, microcontrollers, etc.) embedded in physical objects at different locations. Mobile cyber-physical systems, in which the physical system has its own mobility, are a subcategory of cyber-physical systems. Examples of mobile physical systems include mobile robots and electronic devices transported by humans or animals. The rising popularity of smartphones has increased interest in the field of mobile cyber-physical systems. Therefore, various implementations of the techniques described herein may be provided through one or more of these technologies.

[0084] Computer programs, such as those described above, can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and can be deployed as standalone programs or in any form, including modules, components, subroutines, or other units or parts suitable for use in a computing environment. Computer programs can be deployed to run on one computer at one site, on multiple computers, or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network.

[0085] The method steps may be performed by one or more programmable processors that execute a computer program or a portion of a computer program to perform a function by acting on input data and generating an output. The method steps may also be performed by a dedicated logic circuit, for example, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit), and the device may be implemented as a dedicated logic circuit, for example, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0086] Processors suitable for executing computer programs include, for example, both general-purpose and dedicated microprocessors, as well as any one or more processors in any type of digital computer, chip, or chipset. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from read-only memory or random-access memory or both. The elements of a computer may include at least one processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer may also include one or more mass storage devices for storing data, e.g., magnetic, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks, or may be operablely coupled to them to receive data from them, transfer data to them, or both. Information carriers suitable for embodying computer program instructions and data include, for example, all forms of non-volatile memory, including semiconductor memory devices, e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. Processors and memory may be supplemented by or incorporated into dedicated logic circuits.

Claims

[Claim 1] At least one processor, A user device comprising at least one memory containing computer program code, The at least one memory and the computer program code are provided to the user device together with the at least one processor. A step of determining that the user device is configured for extended early measurement reporting, the determination being based on a radio resource control message received from a network node, the radio resource control message including instructions to the user device to save the early measurement reporting configuration, The steps include determining whether to initiate an early measurement reporting measurement based on instructions when the user equipment is configured for extended early measurement reporting, A user device that, in response to the step of deciding to start the early measurement reporting measurement, causes the user device to perform the step of starting the early measurement reporting measurement.

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