Air Interface Measurements

Abstract

1. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform the following: receive, at the user equipment, a measurement validity configuration from a network node, specifying air interface measurement characteristics that the user equipment must satisfy in order to obtain valid measurement results; and determine, at the user equipment, whether air interface measurements made by the user equipment satisfy the measurement validity configuration, and if so, provide an indication to the network node that valid measurement results have been obtained.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Various exemplary embodiments relate to telecommunications devices and methods. [Background technology]

[0002] In wireless telecommunications networks, user equipment may be configured to perform air interface measurements and report those measurements to assist in performing reconfiguration of radio resources used to support communications between the user equipment and network nodes, such as base stations. While this approach can be useful, it can have unexpected consequences. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The scope of protection sought for various exemplary embodiments of the invention is defined by the independent claims. If any, the exemplary embodiments and features described herein that do not fall under the scope of the independent claims should be interpreted as examples useful for understanding various embodiments of the invention.

[0004] In accordance with various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receive, at the user equipment, a measurement validity configuration from a network node specifying air interface measurement characteristics that the user equipment must satisfy in order to obtain valid measurement results; and determine, at the user equipment, whether air interface measurements made by the user equipment satisfy the measurement validity configuration, and if so, provide an indication to the network node that valid measurement results have been obtained.

[0005] The instructions may at least cause the apparatus to adjust a configuration of existing air interface measurements made by the user equipment to satisfy the measurement validity configuration.

[0006] The instructions may cause the device to at least determine that the position and / or orientation of the device has not changed since the last valid measurement, so that the previous valid measurement results can be used to satisfy the measurement validity configuration.

[0007] The instructions may cause the device to at least determine a position and orientation of the user equipment since the last valid measurement to reuse the last valid measurement result to satisfy a measurement validity configuration.

[0008] The instructions may at least cause the device to perform additional positioning measurements or use external sensors through determining the position and orientation of the UE.

[0009] The last valid measurement as indicated above may be an earlier one or may be a measurement previously made by the user equipment. The user equipment may record its position and orientation after determining the last valid measurement. The UE may re-evaluate its position and orientation at the time of indication to the network. The time of indication to the network may be related to an RRC setup request, paging, or mobile originated service request.

[0010] The instructions may at least cause the apparatus to perform additional air interface measurements made by the user equipment to satisfy a measurement validity configuration.

[0011] The measurement validity configuration may specify the air interface characteristics that the user equipment must meet.

[0012] The measurement validity configuration may specify the air interface characteristics of at least one candidate target cell that the user equipment must meet.

[0013] The measurement validity configuration may specify radio interface characteristics of at least one candidate PScell ​​and / or SCell that the user equipment must meet.

[0014] The measurement validity configuration may specify the radio interface characteristics of at least one candidate PScell ​​and / or SCell for carrier aggregation and / or dual connectivity that the user equipment must meet.

[0015] The measurement validity configuration may specify the radio interface characteristics of at least one candidate PScell ​​and / or SCell for carrier aggregation and / or dual connectivity in FR2 that the user equipment must meet.

[0016] The measurement validity configuration may include at least one designated cell that needs to be measured, at least one designated band that needs to be measured, at least one designated carrier that needs to be measured, at least one designated signal strength of the measurement, at least one required period of the measurement, and / or at least one required SSB period of the measurement.

[0017] The instructions may at least cause the apparatus to receive from a network node at the user equipment a plurality of measurement validity configurations, each specifying air interface measurement characteristics that the user equipment must satisfy to obtain valid measurement results for that measurement validity configuration.

[0018] The measurement validity configuration may have an associated identifier.

[0019] The indication may indicate one or more measurement validity configurations in which valid measurements were obtained.

[0020] The indication may indicate one or more identifiers of one or more measurement validity configurations in which valid measurements were obtained.

[0021] The indication may indicate the amount of time that has elapsed since a valid measurement was obtained for one or more measurement validity configurations.

[0022] The indication may indicate acquired air interface measurements that satisfy one or more measurement validity configurations.

[0023] The indication may indicate which cells, bands, and / or carriers meet one or more measurement validity configurations.

[0024] Providing the indication may include signaling the indication in radio resource control messaging.

[0025] Providing the indication may include signaling the indication in radio resource control setup complete messaging.

[0026] In accordance with various, but not necessarily all, exemplary embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising: means for receiving at a user equipment from a network node a measurement validity configuration specifying air interface measurement characteristics that the user equipment must satisfy in order to obtain valid measurement results; and means for determining at the user equipment whether air interface measurements made by the user equipment satisfy the measurement validity configuration, and if so, providing an indication to the network node that valid measurement results have been obtained.

[0027] The means may implement optional functions presented in connection with the apparatus described above.

[0028] In accordance with various, but not necessarily all, exemplary embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus is provided that includes circuitry configured to receive, at a user equipment, a measurement validity configuration from a network node that specifies air interface measurement characteristics that the user equipment must satisfy in order to obtain valid measurement results; and circuitry configured at the user equipment to determine whether air interface measurements made by the user equipment satisfy the measurement validity configuration, and if so, to provide an indication to the network node that valid measurement results have been obtained.

[0029] The circuitry may be configured to perform optional functions presented in connection with the devices described above.

[0030] In accordance with various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method that includes receiving at a user equipment from a network node a measurement validity configuration that specifies air interface measurement characteristics that the user equipment must satisfy in order to obtain valid measurement results; determining at the user equipment whether air interface measurements made by the user equipment satisfy the measurement validity configuration, and if so, providing an indication to the network node that valid measurement results have been obtained.

[0031] The method may include adjusting a configuration of existing air interface measurements made by the user equipment to satisfy the measurement validity configuration.

[0032] The method may include determining that the position and / or orientation of the device has not changed since the last valid measurement, so that the previous valid measurement results can be used to satisfy the measurement validity configuration.

[0033] The method may include determining a position and orientation of the user equipment since the last valid measurement to reuse the last valid measurement result to satisfy a measurement validity configuration.

[0034] The method may include taking additional positioning measurements through determining the position and orientation of the user equipment or using external sensors.

[0035] The last valid measurement as indicated above may be a measurement previously made by the user equipment. The user equipment may record its position and orientation after determining the last valid measurement. The user equipment may re-evaluate its position and orientation at the time of indication to the network. The time of indication to the network may be related to an RRC setup request, paging, or mobile originated service request.

[0036] The method may include performing additional air interface measurements made by the user equipment to satisfy a measurement validity configuration.

[0037] The measurement validity configuration may specify the air interface characteristics that the user equipment must meet.

[0038] The measurement validity configuration may specify the air interface characteristics of at least one candidate target cell that the user equipment must meet.

[0039] The measurement validity configuration may specify radio interface characteristics of at least one candidate PScell ​​and / or SCell that the user equipment must meet.

[0040] The measurement validity configuration may specify the radio interface characteristics of at least one candidate PScell ​​and / or SCell for carrier aggregation and / or dual connectivity that the user equipment must meet.

[0041] The measurement validity configuration may specify the radio interface characteristics of at least one candidate PScell ​​and / or SCell for carrier aggregation and / or dual connectivity in FR2 that the user equipment must meet.

[0042] The measurement validity configuration may include at least one designated cell that needs to be measured, at least one designated band that needs to be measured, at least one designated carrier that needs to be measured, at least one designated signal strength of the measurement, at least one required period of the measurement, and / or at least one required SSB period of the measurement.

[0043] The method may include receiving at the user equipment from a network node a plurality of measurement validity configurations, each specifying air interface measurement characteristics that the user equipment must satisfy to obtain valid measurement results for that measurement validity configuration.

[0044] The measurement validity configuration may have an associated identifier.

[0045] The indication may indicate one or more measurement validity configurations in which valid measurements were obtained.

[0046] The indication may indicate one or more identifiers of one or more measurement validity configurations in which valid measurements were obtained.

[0047] The indication may indicate the amount of time that has elapsed since a valid measurement was obtained for one or more measurement validity configurations.

[0048] The indication may indicate acquired air interface measurements that satisfy one or more measurement validity configurations.

[0049] The indication may indicate which cells, bands, and / or carriers meet one or more measurement validity configurations.

[0050] Providing the indication may include signaling the indication in radio resource control messaging.

[0051] Providing the indication may include signaling the indication in radio resource control setup complete messaging.

[0052] In accordance with various, but not necessarily all, exemplary embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon program instructions for at least receiving at the user equipment from a network node a measurement validity configuration specifying air interface measurement characteristics that the user equipment must satisfy in order to obtain valid measurement results; and determining at the user equipment whether air interface measurements made by the user equipment satisfy the measurement validity configuration, and if so, providing an indication to the network node that valid measurement results have been obtained.

[0053] The instructions may be for implementing optional functions presented in connection with the methods described above.

[0054] In accordance with various, but not necessarily all, exemplary embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receive an indication of at least one candidate target cell at a network node; determine at the network node a measurement validity configuration specifying air interface measurement characteristics that a user equipment must satisfy to obtain valid measurement results for the at least one candidate target cell; and transmit the measurement validity configuration to the user equipment.

[0055] The measurement validity configuration may specify the air interface characteristics that the user equipment must meet.

[0056] The measurement validity configuration may specify the air interface characteristics of at least one candidate target cell that the user equipment must meet.

[0057] The measurement validity configuration may specify radio interface characteristics of at least one candidate PScell ​​and / or SCell that the user equipment must meet.

[0058] The measurement validity configuration may specify the radio interface characteristics of at least one candidate PScell ​​and / or SCell for carrier aggregation and / or dual connectivity that the user equipment must meet.

[0059] The measurement validity configuration may specify the radio interface characteristics of at least one candidate PScell ​​and / or SCell for carrier aggregation and / or dual connectivity in FR2 that the user equipment must meet.

[0060] The measurement validity configuration may include at least one designated cell that needs to be measured, at least one designated band that needs to be measured, at least one designated carrier that needs to be measured, at least one designated signal strength of the measurement, at least one required period of the measurement, and / or at least one required SSB period of the measurement.

[0061] The instructions may cause the apparatus to at least receive indications for a plurality of candidate target cells and transmit a plurality of measurement validity configurations, each specifying air interface measurement characteristics that the user equipment must satisfy to obtain valid measurement results for that measurement validity configuration.

[0062] A measurement validity configuration may have an associated identifier.

[0063] The instructions may at least cause the apparatus to receive an indication from the user equipment that valid measurements have been obtained.

[0064] The instructions may at least cause the device to send a request for a measurement in response to an indication that a valid measurement has been obtained.

[0065] The indication may indicate one or more measurement validity configurations in which valid measurements were obtained.

[0066] The indication may indicate one or more identifiers of one or more measurement validity configurations in which valid measurements were obtained.

[0067] The indication may indicate the amount of time that has elapsed since a valid measurement was obtained for one or more measurement validity configurations.

[0068] The indication may indicate acquired air interface measurements that satisfy one or more measurement validity configurations.

[0069] The indication may indicate which cells, bands, and / or carriers meet one or more measurement validity configurations.

[0070] The instructions may cause the apparatus to at least identify candidate target cells from the indication.

[0071] The indication may be received in radio resource control messaging.

[0072] The indication may be received in radio resource control setup complete messaging.

[0073] In accordance with various, but not necessarily all, exemplary embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus is provided comprising: means for receiving at a network node an indication of at least one candidate target cell; means for determining at the network node a measurement validity configuration specifying air interface measurement characteristics that a user equipment must satisfy in order to obtain valid measurements for the at least one candidate target cell; and means for transmitting the measurement validity configuration to the user equipment.

[0074] The means may implement optional functions presented in connection with the apparatus described above.

[0075] In accordance with various, but not necessarily all, exemplary embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus is provided that includes circuitry configured to receive at a network node an indication of at least one candidate target cell; circuitry configured to determine at the network node a measurement validity configuration that specifies air interface measurement characteristics that a user equipment must satisfy to obtain valid measurements for the at least one candidate target cell; and circuitry configured to transmit the measurement validity configuration to the user equipment.

[0076] The circuitry may be configured to perform optional functions presented in connection with the devices described above.

[0077] In accordance with various, but not necessarily all, exemplary embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method that includes receiving at a network node an indication of at least one candidate target cell, determining at the network node a measurement validity configuration that specifies air interface measurement characteristics that a user equipment must satisfy in order to obtain valid measurements for the at least one candidate target cell, and transmitting the measurement validity configuration to the user equipment.

[0078] The measurement validity configuration may specify the air interface characteristics that the user equipment must meet.

[0079] The measurement validity configuration may specify the air interface characteristics of at least one candidate target cell that the user equipment must meet.

[0080] The measurement validity configuration may specify radio interface characteristics of at least one candidate PScell ​​and / or SCell that the user equipment must meet.

[0081] The measurement validity configuration may specify the radio interface characteristics of at least one candidate PScell ​​and / or SCell for carrier aggregation and / or dual connectivity that the user equipment must meet.

[0082] The measurement validity configuration may specify the radio interface characteristics of at least one candidate PScell ​​and / or SCell for carrier aggregation and / or dual connectivity in FR2 that the user equipment must meet.

[0083] The measurement validity configuration may include at least one designated cell that needs to be measured, at least one designated band that needs to be measured, at least one designated carrier that needs to be measured, at least one designated signal strength of the measurement, at least one required period of the measurement, and / or at least one required SSB period of the measurement.

[0084] The method may include receiving indications for a plurality of candidate target cells and transmitting a plurality of measurement validity configurations, each specifying air interface measurement characteristics that the user equipment must satisfy to obtain valid measurement results for that measurement validity configuration.

[0085] The measurement validity configuration may have an associated identifier.

[0086] The method may include receiving an indication from the user equipment that valid measurements have been obtained.

[0087] The method may include sending a request for measurements in response to an indication that valid measurements have been obtained.

[0088] The indication may indicate one or more measurement validity configurations in which valid measurements were obtained.

[0089] The indication may indicate one or more identifiers of one or more measurement validity configurations in which valid measurements were obtained.

[0090] The indication may indicate the amount of time that has elapsed since a valid measurement was obtained for one or more measurement validity configurations.

[0091] The indication may indicate acquired air interface measurements that satisfy one or more measurement validity configurations.

[0092] The indication may indicate which cells, bands, and / or carriers meet one or more measurement validity configurations.

[0093] The method may include identifying a candidate target cell from the indication.

[0094] The indication may be received in radio resource control messaging.

[0095] The indication may be received in radio resource control setup complete messaging.

[0096] In accordance with various, but not necessarily all, exemplary embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon program instructions for at least receiving at a network node an indication of at least one candidate target cell; determining at the network node a measurement validity configuration specifying air interface measurement characteristics that a user equipment must satisfy to obtain valid measurement results for the at least one candidate target cell; and transmitting the measurement validity configuration to the user equipment.

[0097] The instructions may be for implementing optional functions presented in connection with the methods described above.

[0098] 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.

[0099] Where features of an apparatus are described as operable to provide a function, this will be understood to include features of an apparatus that provide that function or that are adapted or configured to provide that function.

[0100] Several exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0101] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates the main steps of the existing Early Measurement Reporting (EMR) behavior for RRC idle mode. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 illustrates the main steps of the existing EMR behavior for RRC active mode. [Figure 3]FIG. 1 illustrates a message sequence chart of Release 18 EMR behavior for RRC idle mode according to one example embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0102] Before discussing example embodiments in more detail, an overview will first be provided. Some example embodiments provide techniques for enhancing measurement reporting. For example, a network node, such as a user equipment (UE), is typically configured to perform measurements that are reported to another network node, such as a serving base station, to assist in cell selection. However, in some situations, such as when the UE is in a radio resource control (RRC) idle or inactive mode, the UE's measurement regime may not be sufficiently rigorous and / or it may not report the measurements it has because a measurement timer has expired and / or a longer-than-desired period may have passed before suitable measurements can be made and reported to the network. Therefore, some example embodiments provide one or more measurement validity configurations to the UE. These measurement validity configurations, if met, can provide an indication to the network that a cell is suitable for selection. For example, a measurement validity configuration may be associated with a particular cell. The measurement validity configuration may specify the cell and, optionally, other characteristics that must be achieved for valid measurements. If the UE has measurements that meet the measurement validity configuration, this can be indicated to the network. The UE may record its location and / or orientation when the measurements satisfy the measurement validity configuration and may indicate this to the network. The network then recognizes earlier that the cell is suitable for selection because the measurements satisfy the measurement validity configuration, without necessarily having to provide the measurement results itself to the network. In some exemplary embodiments, the existing measurement configuration is sufficient to provide suitable measurements that can be evaluated against the measurement validity configuration. However, in cases where this is not the case, the UE may modify its measurement configuration and / or add additional measurements to provide suitable measurements that can be evaluated against the measurement validity configuration.

[0103] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Release 16 introduces the Early Measurement Report (EMR) feature to ensure faster setup or reconfiguration of carrier aggregation (CA) / dual connectivity (DC). The early measurement feature allows the UE to perform frequency measurements on SCell availability when the UE is in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle or RRC inactive state. During a transition from the RRC idle or RRC inactive state to the RRC connected state, the UE transmits the generated early measurement report to the base station associated with the primary cell (PCell) to reduce the delay in DC or CA setup. During early measurement, the UE is provided with a validity timer (T331) and is given the option to measure specific frequencies. The camping cell transmits SIB2 and SIB11 to the UE, which provide information on whether the cell is interested in EUTRA and / or NR measurements and which cell and carrier frequencies the UE should measure. The UE performs measurements while in the idle or inactive state. If an RRC setup request is triggered while the validity timer is still running, the UE reports the availability of measurements in the RRCSetupComplete message and provides them to the network upon request. If the UE is in an inactive state, the UE sends the measurement results to the network in the RRCResumeComplete message. However, it is important to note that after the validity timer expires, the measurement results become invalid and the network can no longer use them.

[0104] Early Measurement Reporting (EMR) - Radio Resource Control (RRC) Idle Mode Figure 1 illustrates the main steps of the existing EMR behavior for RRC idle mode.

[0105] In steps S10, S20, S30 upon RRC release, the UE 10 is configured with a measurement timer (T331) and optional frequencies to measure forming the EMR configuration.

[0106] In step S40, the UE optionally receives SIB11 from the camp cell to determine which cells and which carrier frequencies to measure for early measurements.

[0107] In step S50, the UE optionally receives SIB2 from the camp cell to determine whether the camp cell is interested in New Radio (NR) and / or Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access (EUTRA) measurements.

[0108] In step S60, the UE performs measurements according to the EMR configuration.

[0109] In step S70, any UE procedure triggers an RRC setup request in step S80, and the network responds with an RRC Setup message in step S90. If this procedure is triggered for the validity timer indicated in step S20, the UE follows the procedure below, otherwise the UE does not report any measurements already taken during the connection setup procedure.

[0110] In step S100, an RRCSetupComplete message (from the UE to the network) indicates the availability of measurements, a UE Information Request - requests measurements, and a UE Information Response - provides the network with the measurement results.

[0111] In step S110, security keys are exchanged, in step S120 a UEInformationRequest message is generated requesting that measurement results be provided, and in step S130 a UEInformationResponse message is generated containing the measurement results.

[0112] Early Measurement Reporting (EMR) - Radio Resource Control (RRC) Inactive Mode Figure 2 illustrates the main steps of the existing EMR behavior for RRC active mode.

[0113] In steps S210, S220, S230 upon RRC release, the UE 10 is configured with a measurement timer (T331) and optional frequencies for measurement forming the EMR configuration.

[0114] In step S240, the UE optionally receives SIB11 from the camp cell to determine which cells and which carrier frequencies to measure for early measurement.

[0115] In step S250, the UE optionally receives SIB2 from the camp cell to determine whether the camp cell is interested in New Radio (NR) and / or Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access (EUTRA) measurements.

[0116] In step S260, the UE performs measurements according to the EMR configuration.

[0117] In step S270, any UE procedure triggers an RRC Setup Request in step S280, and the network responds with an RRCResume message in step S290. If this procedure is triggered for the validity timer indicated in step S220, the UE follows the following procedure, otherwise the UE does not report any measurement results already obtained during the connection setup procedure. The RRCResume message indicates (from the network to the UE) to request measurements, and with RRCResumeComplete the UE provides the measurement results to the network.

[0118] In step S300, security keys are exchanged.

[0119] In step S310, an RRCResume message indicates the measurement result to the network.

[0120] However, a UE indicating available measurements during the validity timer suggests a limited use case for the measurement, and for this reason, it cannot be used or considered by the network after the validity timer expires. To prepare and establish a primary secondary cell group cell (PScell) / secondary cell (Scell) in dual connectivity (DC) carrier aggregation (CA) (DCCA), the network needs to wait for available EMR measurements after complete connection establishment (and security key exchange), which involves several message exchanges between the UE and the network and processing time that may delay DCCA setup. This is especially important for applications with high throughput and low latency requirements (e.g., extended reality (XR), augmented reality (AR)), or applications that require DCCA for enhanced reliability, such as ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC). The UE may be making measurements without network configuration. However, once the UE reports the measurement results, the network does not know what the settings for these measurements are and therefore cannot immediately determine whether a PSCell or SCell is good enough to be added. In particular, if the UE performs measurements without network configuration, the network cannot immediately determine whether a PSCell or SCell should be added once the UE reports the measurement results, because the network lacks information about the measurement configuration, making it difficult to determine whether a PSCell or SCell is suitable for adding to the network at that time.

[0121] Therefore, some exemplary embodiments seek to provide a solution to speed up connectivity, such as, for example, DCCA setup.

[0122] Some exemplary embodiments provide techniques for obtaining effective measurements for faster dual connectivity or carrier aggregation (DCCA) setups. Some exemplary embodiments are suitable for use in Frequency Range 2 (FR2).

[0123] This is achieved by configuring the UE with a validity configuration that contains a list of cells / carriers / bands to measure on, along with cell / carrier / band specific information such as the SSB period or measurement period that the UE should take into account to obtain valid measurement results for the DCCA setup.

[0124] The UE uses the validity configuration information to evaluate existing idle or connected mode measurements, and if certain conditions are met, the UE performs additional measurements to determine whether there are valid measurements to be used for DCCA setup.

[0125] The user equipment performs measurements according to the validity configuration and sends an indication to the network in an appropriate message. One such message is the RRC connection setup complete message. The indication may indicate available measurements, valid measurements, and measurement aging, and all indications may be cell / carrier / band specific as configured with the validity configuration. The network uses this indication to determine the exact SCell or PSCell for the UE to initiate the SCell and PSCell addition procedure.

[0126] FIG. 3 illustrates a message sequence chart for Release 18 EMR behavior for RRC idle mode according to one example embodiment.

[0127] In step 1, RAN node 2 30 provides an EMR configuration to RAN node 1 20. In this exemplary embodiment, the EMR configuration relates to FR2 for DCCA, although it will be understood that it may also relate to other use cases. The EMR configuration identifies a list of cells, a list of bands, and / or a list of carriers that are deemed suitable for DCCA.

[0128] In step 2, the RAN node 120 determines one or more measurement validity configurations based on the EMR settings. A validity configuration identifies a list of cells, a list of bands, a list of carriers, a measurement period, a cell's SSB period, signal strength, and / or other characteristics that must be met to obtain valid measurements. Typically, each validity configuration is associated with a validity identifier. The validity configurations are then communicated to the UE 10, and the UE 10 is considered to be configured with the definitions of valid measurements.

[0129] In one approach, the UE 10 is configured with a measurement_period or other characteristics as required by the 3GPP specifications, so that the UE 10 knows to take L1 measurements every measurement_period and forward them to higher layers, or to form L3 measurement samples within each measurement period.

[0130] In another approach, the UE 10 is configured with the measurement_period or other characteristics via dedicated signaling. Here, UE-specific parameters, such as UE radio frequency (RF) chain knowledge, either known or estimated by the network, can be used to configure the UE 10 with the measurement_period. The measurement_period can be set shorter if the UE 10 knows that it can activate multiple RF chains if necessary to obtain measurement results faster, or if additional reference signals (RS) are transmitted by candidate cells to speed up measurements (measurement verification).

[0131] In another approach, the UE 10 is configured with the measurement_period via broadcast signaling. Here, cell-specific parameters, such as PSCells and SCells with overlapping coverage with camp cell information, can be used to fine-tune the measurement_period value. For example, the UE 10 can be indicated with the frequency bands to measure, and the SSB_periodicity of the measurement period can be indicated to the UE 10 to have different measurement periods. With a higher SSB_periodicity, the measurement_period can be set lower. For each frequency band that the UE 10 can measure across the camp cell, the measurement_period can be indicated to the UE 10.

[0132] In step 3, the UE 10 reviews its existing measurements.

[0133] In step 4, the UE 10 evaluates the validity conditions to determine whether the current or available measurements are valid and whether they need to be adjusted or whether further measurements need to be performed to obtain valid measurements. Determining validity may occur once the UE receives a validity configuration or when it determines the need to indicate validity to the network. The need to indicate validity to the network may be related to a connection setup request, paging, or service request. Optionally, the UE may record its position and / or orientation when a valid measurement is obtained. The position and / or orientation may be established using additional positioning measurements and / or using internal and / or external sensors. The UE may determine whether the position and / or orientation has changed since the previous valid measurement and, if not, may use the previous valid measurement as satisfying the validity configuration.

[0134] If measurements that meet the validity condition are obtained in step 5, these are signaled to RAN node 1 20 in step 6. The signaling may occur immediately after verification, or at a later stage. Typically, the messaging provides one or more of the following: an availability indicator indicating that measurements are available but do not meet the validity condition; a validity indicator indicating that measurements that meet the validity condition are available; an age indicator indicating how much time has passed since the UE 10 generated the measurements; and a cell / band / carrier-specific indicator indicating the cell / band / carrier for which the measurements are available. The UE 10 may also provide an indication of the UE's position and / or orientation when the measurements that met the validity condition were taken. These indicators may be provided using an associated validity identifier.

[0135] In particular, before the UE 10 attempts to initiate an RRC connection setup, the UE 10 determines whether: Measurements on PSCells and / or SCells are valid based on a validity configuration. If the UE 10 determines that measurements on PSCells and / or SCells are valid, the UE 10 transmits a validity indication or valid measurement results for those cells. Measurements on the PSCell and / or SCell are valid based on the validity configuration. If the UE 10 determines that measurements on the PSCell and / or SCell are valid, the UE 10 indicates using a flag that measurements on these cells are valid. Measurements for PSCells and / or SCells are indicated along with the age of the measurement (how long it has been since the UE 10 generated the L1 measurement result or took the last L1 sample). Validity or availability (i.e., availability indicates that relevant measurements have been made but that they do not satisfy the validity configuration) is indicated using the granularity of a PSCell and / or SCell and / or using a carrier frequency indication. This indication may come with a list of the best beams measured by the UE 10 for the target cell, so the target node (RAN node 2 30) can use this information to prepare the random access configuration. Following step 7, in step 8, the network can use this information to request measurements of a specific PSCell or SCell, or carrier frequency. Alternatively, the network can skip the measurement reporting and proceed to setting up the SCell or PSCell using this information in step 6 without requesting measurements.

[0136] If measurements are requested, then in step 9 the network uses this information to determine which PSCells or SCells may be added to the UE 10 once the UE 10 is in connected mode.

[0137] For example, an existing initial measurement configuration specifies which cells, which frequencies (carriers), and at what periodicity the UE 10 should perform measurements. Once the UE 10 receives the measurement configuration, it must comply with and report on this measurement configuration.

[0138] An example of one existing measurement configuration may be to measure cell x with a periodicity of 100 ms, which sets a minimum requirement for the UE 10, but the UE 10 may measure more.

[0139] One validity configuration may be to measure cell x with a periodicity of 50 ms, an RSRP greater than z1, and a validity identifier of 1. In response to the validity configuration, the UE 10 may modify or make additional measurements to measure cell x with a periodicity of 50 ms. The UE 10 may then measure cell x with a periodicity of 50 ms and respond to the network indicating that valid measurement results are available. In particular, the UE 10 may signal (typically using validity identifier 1) an availability indicator indicating that measurement results are available but do not meet the validity condition, a validity indicator indicating that measurement results that meet the validity condition are available, an age indicator indicating how much time has passed since the UE 10 generated the measurement results, and a cell / band / carrier-specific indicator indicating for which cells / bands / carriers measurement results are available.

[0140] Another validity configuration may be to measure cell y with a periodicity of 75 ms, an RSRP greater than z2, and validity identifier 2. In response to the validity configuration, if the UE 10 has not yet measured cell y, the UE 10 may modify the measurement or make additional measurements to measure cell y with a periodicity of 50 ms. The UE 10 may then measure cell y with a periodicity of 75 ms and respond to the network indicating that valid measurement results are available. In particular, the UE 10 may signal (typically using validity identifier 2) an availability indicator indicating that measurement results are available but do not meet the validity condition, a validity indicator indicating that measurement results that meet the validity condition are available, an age indicator indicating how much time has passed since the UE 10 generated the measurement results, and a cell / band / carrier-specific indicator indicating for which cells / bands / carriers measurement results are available.

[0141] Another validity configuration is that if cell x was measured (in the last 3 seconds) (with an RSRP greater than x) at 100 ms (measurement configuration 1), then a new measurement is performed with a 20 ms period and validity identifier 3 to determine whether cell x is still greater than RSRP value Y (measurement configuration 2). The UE 10 measures cell x again and verifies that it is greater than RSRP value Y. The UE 10 then measures cell x at a 20 ms period and responds to the network indicating that valid measurement results are now available. In particular, the UE 10 may signal (typically using validity identifier 3) an availability indicator indicating that measurement results are available but do not meet the validity condition, a validity indicator indicating that measurement results are available that meet the validity condition, an age indicator indicating how much time has passed since the UE 10 generated the measurement results, and a cell / band / carrier-specific indicator indicating for which cell / band / carrier measurement results are available. Therefore, the UE 10 may know to combine the existing measurements (measurement configuration 1) with the new measurements (measurement configuration 2) to satisfy the validity configuration.

[0142] In summary, the validity configuration checks and / or controls whether the UE has performed measurements for a particular cell, for a particular carrier frequency, and at a particular period. In one exemplary embodiment, once the UE receives the validity configuration, it will compare the measurements it has performed with the validity configuration. In another embodiment, once the UE receives the validity configuration, it will perform additional measurements to meet the validity requirements. If the measurements meet the validity configuration, the UE will report the presence of valid measurements.

[0143] Thus, in some exemplary embodiments, it can be seen that the UE is configured with a validity configuration that includes a list of cells / carriers / bands to measure, along with specific information for each cell / carrier / band, such as the SSB periodicity or measurement periodicity that the UE should consider to obtain valid measurement results for DCCA setup. The UE performs additional measurements to determine whether there are valid measurements to be used for DC / CA setup, apart from existing idle mode or connected mode measurements. Based on the validity configuration, the UE performs measurements and communicates the results to the network through an RRC connection setup complete message. These results may indicate available measurements, valid measurements, and measurement aging, and may be specific to the cell / carrier / band configured in the validity configuration. The network then utilizes this information to identify an appropriate SCell or PSCell for the UE to initiate the SCell and PSCell addition procedure. Existing approaches do not specifically address a validation measurement configuration that includes a list of cells / carriers / bands to measure, along with cell / carrier / band-specific information. Some example embodiments introduce additional indication options in the RRC Setup Complete message beyond validity indication, such as availability indication, measurement aging, cell / carrier specific validity / availability indication, etc. Another specificity is that the UE not only verifies the validity of existing measurements, but also performs additional measurements for verification.

[0144] One exemplary embodiment includes receiving from the gNB a validity configuration, a list of cells / bands / carriers, an SSB period of the cell, and a validity ID in an RRC release message or broadcast through a SIB, performing measurements based on the validity configuration, determining whether the measurements are valid with respect to the validity definition or deciding to perform further measurements for verification, and sending different indications for the valid measurements, such as an availability indication, a validity indication, an aging of the measurements, and cell / carrier specific availability and validity indications, to the gNB in ​​an RRC setup complete message.

[0145] Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the steps of the various above-described methods may be performed by a programmed computer. Some embodiments herein are also intended to encompass a program storage device, e.g., a digital data storage medium, that is machine- or computer-readable and that encodes a machine-executable or computer-executable program of instructions, the instructions performing some or all of the above-described method steps. The program storage device may be, for example, a digital memory, a magnetic storage medium such as a magnetic disk or magnetic tape, a hard drive, or an optically readable digital data storage medium. Embodiments are also intended to encompass a computer programmed to perform the above-described method steps. The term non-transitory, as used herein, is not a limitation on the permanence of the data storage (e.g., RAM vs. ROM), but rather a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., a physical entity rather than a signal).

[0146] As used in this application, the term "circuit" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (e.g., implementations in analog and / or digital circuitry only); and (b) The combination of hardware circuitry and software, if any: (i) combinations of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry with software / firmware; and (ii) Any portion of a hardware processor (including a digital signal processor) with software, software, and memory that cooperates to cause a device, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions. etc., as well as (c) A hardware circuit and / or processor, such as a microprocessor or portion of a microprocessor, that requires software (e.g., firmware) to operate, although the software may be absent when not necessary for operation.

[0147] This definition of circuit applies to all uses of the term in this application, including its use in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuit also encompasses a simple hardware circuit or processor(s) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its(their) accompanying software and / or firmware implementation. The term circuit also encompasses, for example, baseband or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices, or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or network devices, where applicable to certain claim elements.

[0148] Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be understood that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as claimed.

[0149] Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than those expressly described.

[0150] Although functions are described with reference to certain features, those functions may be implemented by other features whether or not described.

[0151] Although features are described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether or not described.

[0152] Although the foregoing specification has sought to draw attention to those features of the invention which are believed to be particularly important, applicants should understand that they claim protection for any patentable feature or combination of features previously mentioned in this specification and / or shown in the drawings, whether or not special emphasis is placed on them.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, receiving at the user equipment from a network node a measurement validity configuration specifying air interface measurement characteristics that the user equipment must satisfy in order to obtain valid measurement results; determining in the user equipment whether the air interface measurements made by the user equipment satisfy the measurement validity configuration, and if so, providing an indication to the network node that valid measurement results have been obtained; at least one memory that causes the device to at least perform the An apparatus comprising:

2. The instruction: adjusting a configuration of existing air interface measurements made by the user equipment to satisfy the measurement validity configuration; performing additional air interface measurements made by the user equipment to satisfy the measurement validity configuration; and / or Determining that the position and / or orientation of the device has not changed since the last valid measurement, so that previous valid measurements can be used to satisfy the measurement validity configuration. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the apparatus performs at least the following:

3. The measurement validity configuration includes: radio interface characteristics that the user equipment must meet; radio interface characteristics of at least one candidate target cell that the user equipment must satisfy; radio interface characteristics of at least one candidate PS cell and / or SCell that the user equipment must meet; radio interface characteristics of at least one candidate PScell ​​and / or SCell for carrier aggregation and / or dual connectivity that the user equipment must meet; and / or air interface characteristics of at least one candidate PScell ​​and / or SCell for carrier aggregation and / or dual connectivity in FR2 that the user equipment must meet; 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus specifies:

4. The measurement validity configuration includes: At least one designated cell that needs to be measured; At least one designated band that needs to be measured; At least one designated carrier that needs to be measured; at least one designated signal strength of said measurement; at least one required period of said measurement, and / or At least one required SSB period of said measurement The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising:

5. The instruction: receiving, at the user equipment, from a network node, a plurality of measurement validity configurations, each specifying air interface measurement characteristics that the user equipment must satisfy in order to obtain valid measurement results for the measurement validity configuration; The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the apparatus is caused to perform at least the following:

6. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the measurement validity configuration has an associated identifier.

7. The indication may be one or more measurement validity configurations in which valid measurements were obtained; one or more identifiers of the one or more measurement validity configurations in which valid measurements were obtained; the time since a valid measurement result was obtained for one or more measurement validity configurations; the acquired air interface measurements satisfying the one or more measurement validity configurations; and / or Which cells, bands, and / or carriers satisfy the one or more measurement validity configurations? The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which indicates:

8. providing the indication comprises: signaling said indication in radio resource control messaging; and / or signaling the indication in radio resource control setup complete messaging. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising:

9. receiving at the user equipment from a network node a measurement validity configuration specifying air interface measurement characteristics that the user equipment must satisfy in order to obtain valid measurement results; determining in the user equipment whether the air interface measurements made by the user equipment satisfy the measurement validity configuration, and if so, providing an indication to the network node that valid measurement results have been obtained; A method comprising:

10. A non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon program instructions, the program instructions comprising at least: receiving at the user equipment from a network node a measurement validity configuration specifying air interface measurement characteristics that the user equipment must satisfy in order to obtain valid measurement results; determining in the user equipment whether the air interface measurements made by the user equipment satisfy the measurement validity configuration, and if so, providing an indication to the network node that valid measurement results have been obtained; A non-transitory computer-readable medium for implementing the above.

11. 1. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, receiving at a network node an indication of at least one candidate target cell; - determining at the network node a measurement validity configuration specifying air interface measurement characteristics that a user equipment must satisfy in order to obtain valid measurements for the at least one candidate target cell; transmitting the measurement validity configuration to the user equipment; at least one memory that causes the device to at least perform the An apparatus comprising:

12. The measurement validity configuration includes: radio interface characteristics that the user equipment must meet; radio interface characteristics of the at least one candidate target cell that the user equipment must meet; radio interface characteristics of at least one candidate PS cell and / or SCell that the user equipment must meet; radio interface characteristics of at least one candidate PScell ​​and / or SCell for carrier aggregation and / or dual connectivity that the user equipment must meet; and / or air interface characteristics of at least one candidate PScell ​​and / or SCell for carrier aggregation and / or dual connectivity in FR2 that the user equipment must meet; The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the apparatus specifies

13. The measurement validity configuration includes: At least one designated cell that needs to be measured; At least one designated band that needs to be measured; At least one designated carrier that needs to be measured; at least one designated signal strength of said measurement; at least one required period of said measurement, and / or At least one required SSB period of said measurement 13. The apparatus of claim 11 or 12, comprising:

14. The instruction: receiving indications for a plurality of candidate target cells; and transmitting a plurality of measurement validity configurations, each specifying air interface measurement characteristics that the user equipment must satisfy to obtain valid measurement results for the measurement validity configuration; The apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the apparatus performs at least the following:

15. The apparatus of any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the measurement validity configuration has an associated identifier.

16. Apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 15, comprising receiving an indication from the user equipment that valid measurements have been obtained.

17. The instruction: transmitting a request for measurement in response to said indication that valid measurements have been obtained. The apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the apparatus performs at least the steps of:

18. The indication may be one or more measurement validity configurations in which valid measurements were obtained; one or more identifiers of the one or more measurement validity configurations in which valid measurements were obtained; the time since a valid measurement result was obtained for one or more measurement validity configurations; the obtained air interface measurement results satisfying the one or more measurement validity configurations; Which cells, bands, and / or carriers satisfy the one or more measurement validity configurations? The device according to any one of claims 11 to 17, which indicates:

19. The instruction: identifying a candidate target cell from said indication; The apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein the apparatus performs at least the steps of:

20. The indication may be in radio resource control messaging, and / or In radio resource control setup complete messaging The device according to any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein the device is adapted to receive the signal.

21. receiving at a network node an indication of at least one candidate target cell; - determining at the network node a measurement validity configuration specifying air interface measurement characteristics that a user equipment must satisfy in order to obtain valid measurements for the at least one candidate target cell; transmitting the measurement validity configuration to the user equipment; A method comprising:

22. A non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon program instructions, the program instructions comprising at least: receiving at a network node an indication of at least one candidate target cell; - determining at the network node a measurement validity configuration specifying air interface measurement characteristics that a user equipment must satisfy in order to obtain valid measurements for the at least one candidate target cell; transmitting the measurement validity configuration to the user equipment; A non-transitory computer-readable medium for implementing the above.

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