Uplink information based on wake-up signal

Abstract

To provide a method for transmitting uplink information requested from a network device in a terminal device in which an active time is controlled by reception of a non-contiguous reception command and a wakeup signal from the network device, and provide a device and a computer readable medium.SOLUTION: A method includes steps of: receiving information indicating one or more occasions set for detecting a PDCCH that transmits a wakeup signal from a network device, determining whether one or more occasions of the predetermined numbers are overlapped with an active time of the terminal device on the basis of transmission information that can be used at a first time point; generating a configuration on the basis of this determination; and transmitting the uplink information to the network device by using the generated configuration.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to communications technologies, and more particularly, to methods, devices, and computer-readable media for uplinking information based on a wake-up signal. [Background technology]

[0002] With the development of communication systems, more and more technologies are proposed. A technology called "wake-up signal (WUS)" is considered in the power saving work item, which supports discontinuous reception (DRX) for power saving. WUS is designed to allow a terminal device to skip physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) monitoring during OnDuration when there is no data transmission to be made. If a network device intends to schedule a terminal device, it needs to send wake-up signaling to the terminal device during WUS occasion(s) to wake up the terminal device first, and then the terminal device will monitor the normal PDCCH for scheduling data in the next OnDuration. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Generally, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method, and corresponding device, for uplink information based on a wake-up signal.

[0004] In a first aspect, a method is provided, comprising receiving, at a first device, information from a second device indicating one or more occasions configured for detection of a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) transmission carrying a wake-up indication. The method also comprises determining, based on the transmission information available at the first time, whether a predetermined number of the one or more occasions overlap with an active time t, the predetermined number of the one or more occasions being after the first time. The method further comprises generating a configuration for transmitting uplink information based on the determination. The method further comprises transmitting the uplink information to the second device based on the configuration.

[0005] In a second aspect, a method is provided. The method includes determining, at a second device, one or more occasions configured for detection of a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) transmission carrying a wake-up indication. The method also includes transmitting information indicative of the one or more occasions to the first device. The method further includes determining whether the first device is expected to monitor a predetermined number of the one or more occasions based on the transmission information available to the first device at a first time point, the predetermined number of the one or more occasions being after the first time point. The method further includes receiving uplink information from the first device based on a configuration determined based on whether the first device is expected to monitor the predetermined number of at least one occasion.

[0006] In a third aspect, a first device is provided. The first device includes at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to cause the first device to receive, with the at least one processor, information indicative of one or more occasions configured for detection of a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) transmission carrying a wake-up indication from a second device. The first device is also configured to determine, based on the transmission information available at a first time point, whether a predetermined number of the one or more occasions overlap with an active time, the predetermined number of the one or more occasions being after the first time point. Furthermore, based on the determination, the first device is configured to generate a configuration for transmitting uplink information. Furthermore, based on the configuration, the first device is configured to transmit the uplink information to the second device.

[0007] In a fourth aspect, a second device is provided. The second device includes at least one processor and at least one memory having computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured by the at least one processor to cause the second device to determine one or more occasions configured for detection of a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) transmission carrying a wake-up indication. The second device is also adapted to transmit information indicative of the one or more occasions to the first device. The second device is further adapted to determine whether the first device is expected to monitor a predetermined number of the one or more occasions based on the transmission information available to the first device at a first time point, the predetermined number of the one or more occasions being after the first time point. The second device is further adapted to receive uplink information from the first device based on a configuration determined based on whether the first device is expected to monitor the predetermined number of the at least one occasion.

[0008] In a fifth aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes means for receiving information at a first device from a second device indicating one or more occasions configured for detection of a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) transmission carrying a wake-up indication, means for determining whether a predetermined number of the one or more occasions overlap with an active time of the first device based on the transmission information available at a first time, where the predetermined number of the one or more occasions are after the first time, and means for transmitting uplink information to the second device based on the configuration.

[0009] In a sixth aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes means for determining, at a second device, one or more occasions configured for detection of a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) transmission carrying a wake-up indication, means for transmitting information indicative of the one or more occasions to the first device, means for determining whether the first device is expected to monitor a predetermined number of the one or more occasions based on transmitted information available to the first device at a first time, where the predetermined number of the one or more occasions is after the first time, and means for receiving uplink information from the first device based on a configuration determined based on whether the first device is expected to monitor the predetermined number of the at least one occasion.

[0010] In a seventh aspect, there is provided a computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to carry out at least a method according to the first or second aspect above.

[0011] In an eighth aspect, there is provided a computer program product stored on a computer readable medium and including machine executable instructions which, when executed, cause a machine to perform a method according to the first or second aspect above.

[0012] It should be understood that this summary section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become readily apparent through the following description.

[0013] Some exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle according to the prior art; [Diagram 2] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] 1 shows a schematic diagram of interactions between devices according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 1 shows a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 shows a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 shows a simplified block diagram of an apparatus suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary computer-readable medium in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numbers represent the same or similar elements.

[0016] The principles of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are merely provided for illustrative purposes, to help those skilled in the art understand and practice the present disclosure, but do not imply any limitations on the scope of the present disclosure. The disclosure described herein can be implemented in various ways other than those described below.

[0017] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0018] References in this disclosure to "one embodiment," "embodiment," "exemplary embodiment," and the like indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not all embodiments need to include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an exemplary embodiment, it is believed to be within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic with respect to other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described.

[0019] In this specification, terms such as "first" and "second" may be used to describe various elements, but it is understood that these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element, without departing from the scope of the example embodiments. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0020] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the illustrated embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. When the terms "comprises," "comprising," "has," "having," "includes," and / or "including" are used herein, it will be understood that these terms specify the presence of stated features, elements, and / or components, etc., but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0021] As used herein, the term "circuitry" may mean one or more or all of the following: (a) Hardware-only circuit implementations (e.g., analog and / or digital-only implementations); (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (where applicable) (i) A combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry(s) and software / firmware; and (ii) hardware processor(s) (including digital signal processor(s)) with software, software, and any portion of memory(s) that cooperate to cause a device, such as a mobile phone or a server, to perform various functions; (c) Hardware circuit(s) and / or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or part of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but the software may not be present when not necessary for operation.

[0022] This definition of "circuitry" applies to all uses of the term in this application, including all claims. As a further example, the term circuitry, as used in this application, encompasses an embodiment of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or processors), or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor, as well as its (or their) associated software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example, a baseband or processor integrated circuit of a mobile device, or similar integrated circuit of a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device, if applicable to certain claim elements.

[0023] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network conforming to any suitable communication standard, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), New Radio (NR), etc. Furthermore, communication between terminal devices and network devices in the communication network may be performed according to any suitable generation of communication protocols, including, but not limited to, first generation (1G), second generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, next generation fifth generation (5G) communication protocols, and / or any other protocols now known or hereafter developed. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to various communication systems. Given the rapid development in communication, of course, there will also be future communication technologies and systems in which the present disclosure may be embodied. The scope of the present disclosure should not be considered as being limited to only the aforementioned systems.

[0024] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a node in a communication network through which a terminal device accesses the network and receives services therefrom. Depending on the terminology and technology applied, a network device may refer to a base station (BS) or an access point (AP), such as a Node B (NodeB or NB), evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), NR NB (also called gNB), remote radio unit (RRU), radio header (RH), remote radio head (RRH), relay, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, low power node such as femto or pico, etc.

[0025] The term "terminal device" refers to any end device that may be capable of wireless communication. By way of example and not limitation, a terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), subscriber station (SS), mobile subscriber station, mobile station (MS), or access terminal (AT). Terminal devices may include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, cell phones, smartphones, voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, tablets, wearable terminal devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, desktop computers, image capture terminal devices such as digital cameras, gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback appliances, in-vehicle wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop embedded equipment (LEE), laptop mounted equipment (LME), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless customer premises equipment (CPE), Internet of Things (loT) devices, watches or other wearables, head mounted displays (HMD), vehicles, drones, medical devices and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial devices and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in the context of industrial processing and / or automated processing chains), consumer electronics devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, and the like. In the following description, the terms "terminal device", "communication device", "terminal", "user equipment" and "UE" may be used interchangeably.

[0026] As discussed above, the WUS is designed to allow the terminal device to skip monitoring the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) during OnDuration when there is no data transmission to be made. If the network device intends to schedule the terminal device, it must first wake up the terminal device by sending wake-up signaling to the terminal device during the WUS occasion(s), and then the terminal device monitors the normal PDCCH for scheduling data in the next OnDuration. The WUS is referred to as DCP (Downlink Control Information (DCI) with Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) Scrambled by Power-Saving Radio Network Temporary Identity (PS-RNTI)) in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The network device may configure whether the terminal device transmits periodic channel state information (CSI) feedback and / or L1 reference signal received power (RSRP) feedback even if the drx-onDurationTimer is not started by the WUS / DCP, for example, if the UE does not detect any WUS / DCP requesting that the UE wake up and start the drx-onDurationTimer.

[0027] The PDCCH monitoring activity of a terminal device in Radio Resource Control (RRC) Connected Mode is managed by DRX, Bandwidth Adaption (BA), and DCP. Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycle according to the prior art. As shown in Figure 1, a DRX opportunity during one DRX cycle 110 has an OnDuration 1110 and a duration 1120. A detailed description of Figure 1 is provided below.

[0028] When DRX is configured, the terminal device does not need to continuously monitor the PDCCH. DRX is characterized as follows: - On Duration: The duration that the UE waits to receive the PDCCH after waking up. If the UE successfully decodes the PDCCH, the UE stays awake and starts the inactivity timer. - Inactivity Timer: The duration that the UE waits for successful decoding of the PDCCH since the last successful decoding of the PDCCH. If this fails, it can go back to sleep. The UE must restart the inactivity timer after one successful decoding of the PDCCH for the first transmission only (i.e. not a retransmission). -Retransmission timer: The duration until which a retransmission can be expected. - Cycle: Specifies the cyclic repetition of an on-duration followed by possible periods of inactivity. Active Time: The total duration that the UE monitors the PDCCH. This includes the "on duration" of the DRX cycle, the time that the UE performs continuous reception while the inactivity timer has not expired, and the time that the UE performs continuous reception while waiting for a retransmission opportunity.

[0029] If BA is configured, the UE only needs to monitor the PDCCH on one active BWP, i.e. it does not need to monitor the PDCCH on all downlink (DL) frequencies of the cell. A BWP inactivity timer (independent from the DRX inactivity timer mentioned above) is used to switch the active BWP to the default BWP. The timer is restarted on successful PDCCH decoding and switches back to the default BWP when it expires.

[0030] Furthermore, the UE, when configured accordingly, can be indicated by the DCP received in the active BWP whether it should monitor the PDCCH during the next occurrence of the on-duration. By default, if no DCP is detected in the active BWP, the UE does not monitor the PDCCH during the next occurrence of the on-duration. However, it can also be configured to have the opposite behavior in this case, i.e., to monitor the PDCCH during the next occurrence of the on-duration.

[0031] The UE may be configured to monitor DCP on occasion(s) at a configured offset before on-duration only if DRX is configured in connected mode. More than one monitoring occasion may be configured before on-duration. The UE does not monitor DCP on occasions occurring during active time, measurement gaps, or BWP switching, in which case the UE monitors the PDCCH during its next on-duration. If DCP is not configured in an active BWP, the UE follows normal DRX operation.

[0032] When CA is configured, DCP is configured only in PCell or PSCell (Primary Secondary Cell). One DCP can be configured to independently control PDCCH monitoring during on-duration of one or more UEs. Power saving in RRC_IDLE and RRC_INACTIVE can be achieved by relaxing RRM measurements of neighboring cells when the UE meets criteria to determine that it is low mobility or not cell edge.

[0033] UE power saving may be possible by adapting to the DL maximum number of MIMO layers by BWP switching. Power saving is also possible during active time by cross-slot scheduling, facilitating power saving to be achieved under the assumption that the UE is not scheduled to receive PDSCH and no PDCCH scheduled A-CSI reception or PUSCH transmission is triggered until the minimum scheduling offsets K0 and K2. The dynamic adaptation of the minimum scheduling offsets K0 and K2 is controlled by the PDCCH.

[0034] In some situations, for example, when a network device ends an active time for a terminal device, the network device does not know the exact time when the terminal device decoded and applied a Medium Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) (e.g., DRX command MAC CE). This means that if an occasion(s) of DCP / WUS occurs during the ambiguity time between the terminal device and the network device, the network device has ambiguity as to whether the terminal device will decode the DCP / WUS. Furthermore, this ambiguity time may overlap with some or all of the DCP occasions.

[0035] This makes it difficult for a network device to know whether the end device will report CSI based on a given configuration in the situation where the drx-onDurationTimer is not started by the DCP, or whether the end device will report CSI based on the situation where the drx-onDurationTimer is started by the DCP or due to a condition where the DCP occasion(s) overlap with the active time.

[0036] Based on the prior art, the ambiguity period is only applicable to determine possible uplink transmissions, but not to PDCCH reception, which means that the terminal device needs to continue PDCCH reception during the ambiguity period, but does not need to do so if the network device wants to stop the active time. Since the terminal device does not need to be able to receive DCP and other PDCCHs simultaneously for scheduling, it cannot do so for DCP either.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the terminal device determines whether a predetermined number of one or more occasions overlap with the active time of the terminal device based on the transmission information at a first time point. Based on the determination, the terminal device defines or generates a configuration for transmitting uplink information. In this way, ambiguity is reduced and network flexibility is improved.

[0038] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a communication system in which an embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented. The communication system 200, which is part of a communication network, includes a device 210-1, a device 210-2, ..., a device 210-N, which can be collectively referred to as "first device(s) 210". The communication system 100 further includes a second device 220. One or more devices are associated with and covered by a cell. It should be understood that the number of devices and cells shown in FIG. 2 is given for illustrative purposes, without implying any limitation. The communication system 200 can include any suitable number of devices and cells. In the communication system 200, the first device 210 and the second device 220 can communicate data and control information with each other. If the first device 110 is a terminal device and the second device 220 is a network device, the link from the second device 220 to the first device 110 is called a downlink (DL) and the link from the first device 110 to the second device 220 is called an uplink (UL). 2 is given for illustrative purposes without implying any limitation. The second device 220 and the third device 130 are interchangeable.

[0039] Communications in the communications system 200 may be performed according to any suitable communications protocol(s), including, but not limited to, cellular communications protocols, such as first generation (1G), second generation (2G), third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), and fifth generation (5G), wireless local network communications protocols, such as Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 and the like, and / or any other protocols now known or to be developed in the future. Further, the communications may utilize any suitable wireless communications technology, including, but not limited to, code division multiple access (CDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division duplex (FDD), time division duplex (TDD), multiple input multiple output (MIMO), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), and / or any other technology now known or to be developed in the future.

[0040] 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of an interaction 300 between devices according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The interaction 300 may be implemented in any suitable device. For purposes of example only, the interaction 300 is described as being implemented in a first device 210-1 and a second device 220.

[0041] In 3005, the second device 220 determines one or more occasions configured for detection of a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) transmission carrying a wake-up indication. In one embodiment, there is only one occasion. In one embodiment, there are multiple occasions. The PDCCH transmission may be addressed to a particular radio network temporary identifier. In some embodiments, the PDCCH transmission may be addressed to a power-saving radio network temporary identifier (PS-RNTI). As shown in FIG. 4, the second device 220 can determine multiple occasions including occasion 410-1, occasion 410-2, and occasion 410-3. It should be noted that the number of occasions to monitor for a wake-up signal can be any suitable number. In an exemplary embodiment, the second device 220 and the first device 210-1 can be configured with a short DRX cycle. Alternatively, or in addition, the second device 220 and the first device 210-1 can be configured with a long DRX cycle.

[0042] At 3010, the second device 220 transmits information indicating the one or more occasions to the first device 210-1. In some embodiments, the information may be transmitted via physical layer (PHY) signaling. Alternatively, or in addition, the information may be transmitted via MAC signaling. In other embodiments, the information may be transmitted via RRC signaling. In some embodiments, the information indicating the one or more occasions may also include a duration of the predetermined time 4010 or 4015 of FIG. 4. A detailed description of the duration of time is provided below.

[0043] In 3015, the second device 220 can determine further information indicative of whether a predetermined number of one or more occasions 410 are within the time duration. In an exemplary embodiment, the second device 220 can set or specify whether the first device 210-1 takes into account all occasions or only a subset thereof, i.e., determine a predetermined number of one or more occasions. This may depend, for example, on whether the information in the occasions is the same or whether it may be different, etc. As shown in FIG. 4, multiple occasions 410 are outside of the time duration 4010 but within the time duration 4015.

[0044] In 3025, the first device 210-1 determines whether a predetermined number of one or more occasions overlaps with the active time of the first device 210-1 based on the transmission information available at the first time. The predetermined number may be any suitable integer, such as, for example, 1, 2, ..., or a total number of one or more occasions. In some embodiments, the predetermined number of one or more occasions may be determined based on a configuration from the second device 220. Alternatively, or in addition, the predetermined number of one or more occasions may be determined based on whether the information transmitted on the one or more occasions may be the same or different. In other embodiments, the predetermined number of one or more occasions may be a predetermined value.

[0045] The active time includes at least one of an active time-related discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle, a bandwidth portion switch gap, or a measurement gap. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, if the first device 210-1 wants to determine whether it is expected to monitor multiple occasions before / at time t3, the first device 210 may make the determination at time t1. As shown in FIG. 4, time t1 has a duration of time 4010 before time t3. As another example, as shown in FIG. 4, if the first device 210-1 wants to determine whether it can monitor multiple occasions before / at time t4, the first device 210 may make the determination at time t2. As shown in FIG. 4, time t2 has a duration of time 4015 before time t4. As described above, the duration of time may be set by the second device 220. Alternatively, or in addition, the duration of time may be predefined, for example, 4 milliseconds. This duration of time may correspond to the ambiguity period discussed above. In one embodiment, the duration of time may be determined to begin upon receipt of signaling indicating to the first device to end the active time of the first device.

[0046] In some embodiments, the transmission information available at the first time point (or in other non-limiting examples, at the second time point) includes at least one of the following: a grant (or uplink grant), an assignment (or downlink assignment), a DRX command MAC CE, a long-term DRX command MAC CE, and a scheduling request.

[0047] In an example embodiment, the first device 210-1 can determine whether the first device 210-1 is in an active time based on transmission information available at a first time. For example, the first device 210-1 can be in a DRX active time. For example, the first device 210-1 can be in a measurement gap. Alternatively, or in addition, the first device 210-1 can be in a BWP switching gap.

[0048] If the first device 210-1 is in an active time, the first device 210-1 may determine to skip monitoring the plurality of occasions 410. Alternatively, if the first device 210-1 is not in an active time, the first device 210-1 may determine to monitor the plurality of occasions 410.

[0049] At 3030, the second device 220 may determine other information indicating whether the information transmitted on one or more occasions is the same. At 3035, the second device 220 may transmit the other information to the first device 210-1. In some embodiments, the other information may be transmitted via PHY signaling. For example, the PHY signaling may be downlink control information or a wake-up signal. Alternatively, or in addition, the information may be transmitted via MAC signaling, for example, MAC CE. In other embodiments, the information, for example, RRC Reconfiguration or system information, may be transmitted via RRC signaling. The second device 220 may transmit a wake-up signal to the first device 210-1.

[0050] In 3036, the second device 220 determines whether the first device is expected to monitor a predetermined number of one or more occasions between the first time point and another time point (e.g., time points t1 and t3). The determination in 3036 is based on transmission information available at the first time point associated with the first device. Time point t1 (or t2 in some embodiments) can be considered as a decision point for how to determine its next DRX onDuration uplink report. For example, the first device 210-1 can determine how many (if any) of the DCP occasions are set to occur before time point t3, which is now ending the first device's ambiguous activity time.

[0051] In 3040, the first device 210-1 generates a configuration for transmitting the uplink information based on the determination in 3025. In 3045, the first device 210-1 transmits the uplink information to the second device 220, for example, during the drx-onDuration timer duration 4020. The further time point may be, for example, during the DRX on-duration timer execution or during the next DRX cycle. Thus, this further time point may be a predefined time interval that occurs after the ambiguity period, i.e., after some overlapping occasion(s). For example, the uplink information may be a CSI report. Alternatively, or in addition, the uplink information may be a sounding reference signal (SRS). It should be noted that the uplink information may be any type of suitable uplink information.

[0052] In some embodiments, if the first device is in an active time or a BWP switching gap when a DCP occasion occurs, the first device 210-1 may determine that a first configuration associated with a discontinuous transmission on-duration timer is running. The first device 210-1 may transmit uplink information based on the first configuration. As shown in FIG. 4, for a drx-onDuration timer duration 4020, occasions 4040-1, 4040-2, 4040-3, 4040-4, 4040-5, 4040-6, and 4040-7 are configured to transmit uplink information when the on-duration timer is running.

[0053] In some embodiments, if the ambiguity period ends when a DCP occasion occurs, the first device 210-1 may attempt to monitor one or more occasions. If the first device 210-1 cannot detect a wake-up signal / indication (i.e., cannot detect a PDCCH transmission on a non-overlapping occasion), the first device 210-1 may determine that a second configuration related to a discontinuous reception on-duration timer is not running. The first device 210-1 may transmit uplink information based on the second configuration. As shown in FIG. 4, for a drx-onDuration timer duration 4020, occasions 4030-1, 4030-2, 4030-3, and 4030-4 are configured for uplink information if the on-duration timer is not running.

[0054] In an example embodiment, if the information 3010 indicates that one or more occasions 410 are within a duration of time between the first time point and a further time point (e.g., t3), the first device 210-1 may determine that a first configuration associated with a discontinuous transmission on-duration timer is running. The first device 210-1 may transmit uplink information based on the first configuration. In some embodiments, the first device 210-1 may determine to start the on-duration timer.

[0055] In an example embodiment, if the information transmitted on one or more occasions is permitted to be different and a predetermined number of the plurality of occasions 410 overlap with the active time, the first device 210-1 may determine that a first configuration associated with a discontinuous reception on-duration timer is running. The first device 210-1 may transmit uplink information based on the first configuration.

[0056] In some embodiments, if the first device 210-1 is expected to monitor a predetermined number of one or more occasions, the first device 210-1 may detect a wake-up signal during the predetermined number of multiple occasions 410. If the first device 210-1 can decode the detected wake-up signal, the first device 210-1 may transmit uplink information based on the wake-up signal. For example, the first device 210-1 may not be in an active time / measurement gap / BWP switching and cannot receive further scheduling (e.g., the first device 210-1 receives a DRX command MAC CE), and the first device 2101 may transmit uplink information based on the DCP decode itself.

[0057] In other embodiments, if the predetermined number of one or more occasions does not overlap with the active time of the first device 210-1, the first device 210-1 may detect a PDCCH transmission carrying a wake-up indication / wake-up signal during the predetermined number of one or more occasions. The first device 210-1 may detect a wake-up signal during at least one occasion and may transmit uplink information to the second device based on the detected wake-up signal. In some embodiments, if the first device 210-1 is unable to decode a wake-up signal / wake-up indication in the PDCCH transmission, the first device 210-1 may start a DRX on-duration timer and determine to transmit uplink information based on a first configuration associated with the running DRX on-duration timer.

[0058] Alternatively, or in addition, if the information transmitted in a predetermined number of one or more occasions is the same and at least one of the multiple occasions is outside the duration of time between the first time point and another time point (e.g., t3 shown in FIG. 4), i.e., outside the ambiguous active time of the first device 210-1, which means that at least one of the multiple occasions does not overlap with the active time, the first device 210-1 may detect a non-overlapping wake-up signal after the ambiguity period and before the DRX onDuration. The first device 210-1 may decode the detected wake-up signal during the at least one occasion and may transmit uplink information to the second device based on the wake-up signal.

[0059] Table 1 below shows an example of a proposed MAC that performs CR with low power consumption. Note that the proposal shown in Table 1 is just an example. [Table 1-1] [Table 1-2] [Table 1-3]

[0060] For example, if the first device 210-1 is active at time t1 and receives a DRX command MAC CE from the second device, for example, to end the active time, the ambiguity period may last until time t3 (e.g., 4 ms). The configuration information received in step 3010 may indicate that all or a subset (e.g., a predetermined number) of the occasions may overlap with this ambiguity period. Thus, the second device 210 cannot be sure whether the first device 210-1 monitors the overlapping occasions. To be on the safe side, both devices may assume that the overlapping occasions are not monitored.

[0061] In one embodiment, if all the occasions overlap with an ambiguity period (also referred to as the first device's active time, the first device's intended activity time, or the first device's ambiguous activity time), the first device 210-1 may decide to skip monitoring the overlapping occasions, start a DRX onDurationTimer, and report CSI (or other uplink signaling) according to a particular configuration (e.g., the first configuration).

[0062] On the other hand, if none of the occasions overlap with the ambiguity period, the first device 210-1 may monitor the occasions. If the first device 210-1 detects a wake-up signal on the occasion(s), the first device 210-1 may decide to start the DRX onDurationTimer and report CSI (or other uplink signaling) according to a certain configuration (e.g., a first configuration). If the first device 210-1 does not detect a wake-up signal on the occasion(s), the first device 210-1 may refrain from starting the drx onDurationTimer and report CSI (or other uplink signaling) according to a different configuration (e.g., a second configuration).

[0063] In one embodiment, if a subset of the occasions overlaps with the ambiguity time and if the information contained in the occasions is the same, the first device 210-1 may monitor the non-overlapping occasion(s). If the first device 210-1 detects a wake-up signal in the non-overlapping occasion(s), the first device 210-1 may decide to start the DRX onDurationTimer and report CSI (or other uplink signaling) according to a certain configuration (e.g., a first configuration). If the first device 210-1 does not detect a wake-up signal in the non-overlapping occasion(s), the first device 210-1 may refrain from starting the drx onDurationTimer and report CSI (or other uplink signaling) according to a different configuration (e.g., a second configuration).

[0064] In one embodiment, if a subset of the occasions overlaps with the ambiguity time, and the information contained in the occasions may (but need not) be different, the first device 210-1 may decide to skip monitoring all occasions (overlapping and non-overlapping), and the first device 210-1 may decide to start a DRX onDurationTimer and report CSI (or other uplink signaling) according to a particular configuration (e.g., the first configuration).

[0065] It may also be possible for the first device 210-1 to be configured to perform differently based on detection of a wake-up signal. For example, the first device may determine that if it does not detect any wake-up signals on non-overlapping occasion(s), it will start the DRX onDurationTimer and report CSI (or other uplink signaling) according to a certain configuration (e.g., a first configuration).

[0066] In one embodiment, the first device 210-1 may determine a time_offset (=ambiguity time) before a DCP occasion(s) where the first device 210-1 is unable to decode the DCP occasion, in which case the first device 210-1 may start a drx-onDurationTimer and perform CSI reporting based on the rule when the drx-onDurationTimer is started / running.

[0067] In one embodiment, the first device 210-1 may determine a time_offset (i.e., ambiguity time) before the DCP occasion(s) when the first device 210-1 is not in an active time / measurement gap / BWP switching / etc. and cannot decode the DCP occasion(s). However, the first device 210-1 cannot know at this point whether such an assumption holds (e.g., the second device 220 may schedule the first device 210-1 after this point). In this case, the first device 210-1 may assume that it will not start the drx-onDurationTimer and will not perform CSI reporting based on the rule when the drx-onDurationTimer is not started / running. In an alternative embodiment, the first device 210-1 may assume that it will start the drx-onDurationTimer and will perform CSI reporting based on the rule when the drx-onDurationTimer is started / running.

[0068] In one embodiment, the first device 210-1 determines the time_offset (i.e., ambiguity time) before the DCP occasion(s) when the first device 210-1 does not enter an active time / measurement gap / BWP switching / etc., is unable to decode the DCP occasion(s), and is unable to receive further scheduling (e.g., the first device 210-1 receives a DRX command MAC CE). In this case, the first device 210-1 can base CSI reporting on the DCP decoding itself, i.e., whether the DCP starts the drx-onDurationTimer.

[0069] 5 shows a flowchart of a method 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method 500 can be implemented in any suitable device. For example, the method can be implemented in the first device 210-1.

[0070] In block 510, the first device 210-1 receives information indicating one or more of the occasions for detection of a PDCCH transmission carrying a wake-up indication from the second device 220. In some embodiments, the information may be transmitted via PHY signaling. Alternatively, or in addition, the information may be transmitted via MAC signaling. In other embodiments, the information may be transmitted via RRC signaling.

[0071] In block 520, the first device 210-1 determines, based on the transmission information available at the first time, whether a predetermined number of one or more occasions overlap with an active time of the first device (an active time may also be referred to as an ambiguous active time or an ambiguity time, e.g., between time points t1 and t3, or between time points t2 and t4, or between t1 and t4, etc.). In some embodiments, the transmission information at the first time includes at least one of the following: a grant, an assignment, a received DRX command MAC CE, a long-term DRX command MAC CE, and a scheduling request.

[0072] In an example embodiment, the first device 210-1 can determine whether the first device 210-1 is in an active time based on the transmitted information at the first time. For example, the first device 210-1 can be in a measurement gap. Alternatively, or in addition, the first device 210-1 can be in a BWP switching gap.

[0073] If the first device 210-1 is in an active time, the first device 210-1 may determine to skip monitoring the plurality of occasions 410. Alternatively, if the first device 210-1 is not in an active time, the first device 210-1 may determine to monitor the plurality of occasions 410.

[0074] In block 530, the first device 210-1 generates a configuration for transmitting uplink information based on the determination in block 520. For example, the uplink information may be a CSI report. Alternatively, or in addition, the uplink information may be an SRS. It should be noted that the uplink information may be any type of suitable uplink information.

[0075] In block 540, the first device 210-1 transmits uplink information to the second device 220 based on the configuration (here, the second time point may be a time interval including the DRX on duration of the DRX cycle). In some embodiments, if one or more occasions overlap with the active time (i.e., ambiguity time) of the first device 210-1, the first device 210-1 may determine that the first configuration associated with the discontinuous transmission on duration timer is running. The first device 210-1 may transmit uplink information based on the first configuration. As shown in FIG. 4, in the drx-onDuration timer duration 4020, occasions 4040-1, 4040-2, 4040-3, 4040-4, 4040-5, 4040-6, and 4040-7 are configured to transmit uplink information when the onDuration Timer is running / started.

[0076] In some embodiments, if a predetermined number of one or more occasions do not overlap with the active time, the first device 210-1 may monitor for a wake-up signal during one or more occasions. If the first device 210-1 cannot detect the wake-up signal, the first device 210-1 may not determine to start the DRX timer and may determine that the second configuration related to the discontinuous transmission on-duration timer is not running / started. The first device 210-1 may transmit uplink information based on the second configuration. As shown in FIG. 4, during the drx-onDuration timer occasion 4020, occasions 4030-1, 4030-2, 4030-3, and 4030-4 are configured to transmit uplink information when the onDuration Timer is not started.

[0077] In an example embodiment, if the other information indicates that a predetermined number of one or more occasions 410 is within a duration of time between a first point in time and another point in time, the first device 210-1 may determine that a first configuration associated with a discontinuous transmission on-duration timer is initiated. The first device 210-1 may transmit uplink information based on the first configuration.

[0078] In an example embodiment, the information transmitted in the predetermined number of one or more occasions may be different, and if the predetermined number of multiple occasions 410 overlap an active time of the first device 210-1, the first device 210-1 may determine that a first configuration associated with a discontinuous transmission on-duration timer is initiated. The first device 210-1 may transmit uplink information based on the first configuration.

[0079] In some embodiments, if the first device 210-1 is expected to monitor multiple occasions, the first device 210-1 may monitor for a wake-up signal during a predetermined number of one or more occasions 410. If the first device 210-1 can detect the wake-up signal, the first device 210-1 may transmit uplink information based on the wake-up signal. For example, the first device 210-1 may not be in an active time / measurement gap / BWP switching and cannot receive further scheduling (e.g., the first device 210-1 receives a DRX command MAC CE), and the first device 2101 may transmit uplink information based on the DCP decoding itself.

[0080] In other embodiments, if the predetermined number of one or more occasions do not overlap with the active time, the first device 210-1 may monitor for a wake-up signal during the predetermined number of one or more occasions, the first device 210-1 may detect a wake-up signal during at least one of the occasions, and may transmit uplink information to the second device based on the wake-up signal.

[0081] Alternatively, or in addition, if the information transmitted in the one or more occasions is the same and at least one of the one or more occasions does not overlap with the active time, the first device 210-1 can detect a wake-up signal during at least one non-overlapping occasion, the first device 210-1 can decode the detected wake-up signal during the at least one non-overlapping occasion, and can transmit uplink information to the second device based on the wake-up signal.

[0082] 6 shows a flowchart of a method 600. The method 600 may be implemented in any suitable device. For example, the method may be implemented in the network device 220.

[0083] In block 610, the second device 220 determines one or more occasions configured for detection of a PDCCH transmission carrying a wake-up indication. In an example embodiment, the second device 220 and the first device 210-1 may be configured with a short DRX cycle. Alternatively, or in addition, the second device 220 and the first device 210-1 may be configured with a long DRX cycle.

[0084] In block 620, the second device 220 transmits the information to the first device 210-1. In some embodiments, the information may be transmitted via PHY signaling. Alternatively, or in addition, the information may be transmitted via MAC signaling. In other embodiments, the information may be transmitted via RRC signaling. In some embodiments, the information may also include a duration of the predetermined time.

[0085] In some embodiments, the second device 220 may determine further information indicating whether one or more occasions 410 are within a duration of time and may transmit the further information to the first device 210-1. In one exemplary embodiment, the second device 220 may configure or specify whether the first device 210-1 should consider all occasions or only a subset of them.

[0086] In block 630, the second device 220 determines whether the first device is expected to monitor a predetermined number of one or more occasions. This determination is based on transmitted information associated with the first device at the first time. In some embodiments, the second device 220 can determine other information indicating whether the information at one or more occasions is the same for multiple occasions. The second device 220 can transmit the other information to the first device 210-1. In some embodiments, the other information may be transmitted via PHY signaling. For example, the PHY signaling may be downlink control information or a wake-up signal. Alternatively, or in addition, the information may be transmitted via MAC signaling, e.g., MAC CE. In other embodiments, information, e.g., RRC Reconfiguration or system information, may be transmitted via RRC signaling.

[0087] In block 640, the second device 220 receives uplink information from the first device 210-1. For example, the uplink information may be a CSI report. Alternatively, or in addition, the uplink information may be an SRS. It should be noted that the uplink information may be any type of suitable uplink information.

[0088] In some embodiments, if the first device is not expected to monitor multiple occasions, the second device 220 may receive the uplink information based on the first configuration. In an example embodiment, if the further information indicates that multiple occasions overlap with the active time of the first device 210-1, the second device 220 may receive the uplink information based on the first configuration.

[0089] In some embodiments, if the first device 210-1 can monitor multiple occasions and is unable to decode a detected wake-up signal, the second device 220 can receive uplink information based on a second configuration associated with the absence of a discontinuous transmission timer.

[0090] In an example embodiment, the information transmitted on a predetermined number of occasions may be different, and if the predetermined number of occasions overlap with an ambiguity period, the second device 220 may receive uplink information based on the first configuration. This may be because if the first device cannot detect all of the wake-up signals with different content, the first device cannot know with certainty how to operate during its next on-period simply based on those wake-up signals after the active time (i.e., the ambiguity period).

[0091] In some embodiments, if the first device 210-1 is expected to monitor multiple occasions and is able to decode a detected wake-up signal, the second device 220 can receive uplink information based on the decoded wake-up signal.

[0092] In other embodiments, if at least one of the multiple occasions is outside of the active time and the first device 210-1 is able to decode a wake-up signal detected during the at least one occasion, the second device 220 can receive uplink information based on the decoded wake-up signal.

[0093] Alternatively, or in addition, if the wake-up signal is the same and at least one of the multiple occasions is outside the active time, the first device 210-1 can decode the detected wake-up signal during at least one occasion after the active time, in which case the second device 220 can receive uplink information based on the detected wake-up signal. This can be because even if the first device cannot detect all of the wake-up signals, it may be enough for the first device to decode the one(s) after the active time based on knowing for sure how it will behave during its next on-period.

[0094] In an embodiment, an apparatus for performing the method 500 (e.g., the first device 210-1) may include respective means for performing corresponding steps in the method 500. These means may be implemented in any suitable manner. For example, it may be implemented by a circuit or a software module.

[0095] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes means for receiving, at the first device, information from the second device indicating one or more occasions configured for detection of a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) transmission carrying a wake-up indication, means for determining whether a predetermined number of the one or more occasions overlap with an active time based on the transmission information available at a first time, means for generating a configuration for transmitting uplink information based on the determination, and means for transmitting the uplink information to the second device based on the configuration.

[0096] In some embodiments, the transmission information available at the first time includes at least one of the following: a grant, an assignment, a discontinuous reception (DRX) command medium access control (MAC) control element (CE), a long-term DRX command MAC CE, and a scheduling request.

[0097] In some embodiments, the PDCCH transmission is addressed to a power-saving wireless network temporary identifier.

[0098] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes means for determining, at the first time point, whether the first device is in / will be in active time for a predetermined number of one or more occasions at that time, means for deciding to skip monitoring the predetermined number of one or more occasions in accordance with a determination that the first device is in / will be in active time, or means for deciding to monitor the predetermined number of one or more occasions in accordance with a determination that the first device is not / will not be in active time.

[0099] In some embodiments, the means for transmitting the uplink information to the second device includes means for transmitting the uplink information based on a first configuration associated with a running discontinuous reception on-duration timer pursuant to a determination that a predetermined number of one or more occasions overlap with an active time of the first device.

[0100] In some embodiments, the means for transmitting the uplink information to the second device includes means for transmitting the uplink information based on a second configuration associated with a discontinuous reception on-duration timer that is not running pursuant to a determination that the predetermined number of one or more occasions does not overlap with an active time of the first device.

[0101] In some embodiments, the means for transmitting the uplink information to the second device includes means for monitoring a PDCCH transmission for a predetermined number of the one or more occasions in accordance with a determination that the predetermined number of the one or more occasions does not overlap with an active time of the first device; means for transmitting the uplink information based on a second configuration associated with a discontinuous reception on-duration timer that is not running in accordance with a determination that the first device does not detect a PDCCH transmission carrying a wake-up indication; and means for transmitting the uplink information based on the wake-up indication in accordance with a determination that the first device detects a PDCCH transmission.

[0102] In some embodiments, the means for transmitting uplink information to the second device includes means for monitoring a PDCCH transmission for a predetermined number of one or more occasions in accordance with a determination that the predetermined number of one or more occasions does not overlap with an active time of the first device; means for deciding to start a discontinuous reception on-duration timer in accordance with a determination that the first device does not detect a PDCCH transmission; means for transmitting the uplink information based on a first configuration associated with the running discontinuous reception on-duration timer; and means for transmitting the uplink information based on a wake-up indication in accordance with a determination that the first device detects a PDCCH transmission of a wake-up signal.

[0103] In some embodiments, the means for transmitting the uplink information to the second device includes means for detecting at least one PDCCH transmission during the at least one non-overlapping occasion in accordance with a determination that the information transmitted in the one or more occasions is the same and at least one of the one or more occasions does not overlap with an active time of the first device, and means for transmitting the uplink information to the second device based on the PDCCH transmission.

[0104] In some embodiments, the means for transmitting the uplink information to the second device includes means for transmitting the uplink information based on a first configuration associated with a running discontinuous reception on-duration timer in accordance with a determination that the information transmitted in the one or more occasions is permitted to be different and a predetermined number of the one or more occasions overlaps with an active time of the first device.

[0105] In some embodiments, the active time includes at least one of an active time-related discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle, a bandwidth portion switch gap, or a measurement gap.

[0106] In some embodiments, the first device comprises a terminal device and the second device comprises a network device.

[0107] In an embodiment, an apparatus for performing the method 600 (e.g., the second device 220) may include respective means for performing corresponding steps in the method 600. These means may be implemented in any suitable manner. For example, it may be implemented by a circuit or a software module.

[0108] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes means for determining, at the second device, one or more occasions configured for detection of a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) transmission carrying a wake-up indication; means for transmitting information indicative of the one or more occasions to the first device; means for determining whether the first device is expected to monitor a predetermined number of the one or more occasions based on transmission information available to the first device at a first time point, where the predetermined number of the one or more occasions is after the first time point; and means for receiving uplink information from the first device based on a configuration determined based on whether the first device is expected to monitor the predetermined number of at least one occasion.

[0109] In some embodiments, the means for receiving uplink information from the first device includes means for receiving the uplink information based on a first configuration associated with a running discontinuous reception on-duration timer pursuant to a determination that a predetermined number of one or more occasions overlap with an active time of the first device.

[0110] In some embodiments, the means for receiving uplink information from the first device includes means for receiving the uplink information from the first device based on the non-overlapping occasions in accordance with a determination that a predetermined number of one or more occasions do not overlap with an active time of the first device.

[0111] In some embodiments, the means for receiving uplink information from the first device includes means for receiving the uplink information from the first device based on at least one non-overlapping occasion in accordance with a determination that the information transmitted in the one or more occasions is the same and at least one of the one or more occasions does not overlap with the active time of the first device.

[0112] In some embodiments, the means for receiving uplink information from the first device includes means for receiving the uplink information based on a first configuration associated with a running discontinuous reception on-duration timer in accordance with a determination that information transmitted in one or more occasions is permitted to be different and a predetermined number of the one or more occasions overlaps with an active time of the first device.

[0113] In some embodiments, the means for receiving the uplink information includes means for receiving the uplink information based on a second configuration associated with a discontinuous reception on-duration timer that is not running pursuant to a determination that the predetermined number of one or more occasions do not overlap with an active time of the first device.

[0114] In some embodiments, the means for receiving uplink information includes means for receiving uplink information based on a second configuration associated with a discontinuous reception on duration timer that is not running in accordance with a determination that a predetermined number of one or more occasions do not overlap with an active time of the first device and a determination that the first device does not detect a PDCCH transmission in the non-overlapping occasions, and means for receiving uplink information based on the detected at least one PDCCH transmission in accordance with a determination that the first device detects at least one PDCCH transmission in the non-overlapping occasions.

[0115] In some embodiments, the active time includes at least one of an active time-related discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle, a bandwidth portion switch gap, or a measurement gap.

[0116] In some embodiments, the first device comprises a terminal device and the second device comprises a network device.

[0117] 7 is a simplified block diagram of a device 700 suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 700 may be provided to implement a communications device, such as the first device 110, the second device 220, or the third device 130, as shown in FIG. 1. As shown, the device 700 includes one or more processors 710, one or more memories 720 coupled to the processor 710, and one or more communications modules 740 coupled to the processor 710.

[0118] The communication module 740 is for bidirectional communication. The communication module 740 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication. The communication interface may represent any interface necessary for communication with other network elements.

[0119] The processor 710 may be of any type suitable for a local technology network and may include, by way of non-limiting examples, one or more of a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. The device 700 may have multiple processors, such as application specific integrated circuit chips time-slaved to a clock that synchronizes the main processor.

[0120] The memory 720 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, read only memory (ROM) 724, electrically programmable read only memory (EPROM), flash memory, magnetic and / or optical storage devices such as hard disks, compact disks (CDs), digital video disks (DVDs), etc. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 722, and other volatile memories that do not persist while power is off.

[0121] The computer program 730 includes computer executable instructions that are executed by the associated processor 710. The program 730 may be stored in the ROM 724. The processor 710 may load the program 730 into the RAM 722 to perform any suitable operation and processing.

[0122] The embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented by a program 720 such that the device 700 can execute any process of the present disclosure described with reference to Figures 2 and 6. The embodiment of the present disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or a combination of software and hardware.

[0123] In some exemplary embodiments, the program 730 may be tangibly included in a computer-readable medium that may be included in the device 700 (such as memory 720) or in other storage accessible by the device 700. The device 700 may load the program 730 from the computer-readable medium into RAM 722 for execution. The computer-readable medium may include any type of tangible non-volatile storage, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc. Figure 8 shows an example of a computer-readable medium 800 in the form of a CD or DVD. The computer-readable medium has the program 730 stored thereon.

[0124] It should be understood that future networks may utilize network function virtualization (NFV), which is a network architecture concept that proposes virtualizing network node functions into "building blocks" or entities that can be operatively connected or linked together to provide services. A virtualized network function (VNF) may comprise one or more virtual machines that run computer program code, using standard or generic type servers instead of customized hardware. Cloud computing or data storage may also be utilized. In wireless communications, this may mean node operations that are at least partially performed in a central / aggregation unit CU (e.g., server, host or node) that is operationally coupled to a distributed unit DU (e.g., radio head / node). It is also possible that node operations are distributed across multiple servers, nodes or hosts. It should also be understood that the distribution of work between core network operations and base station operations may vary depending on the implementation.

[0125] In one embodiment, the server can generate a virtual network through which the server communicates with the distributed units. In general, virtual networking can involve the process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functions into a single software-based management entity, the virtual network. Such a virtual network can provide flexible distribution of operations between the server and the radio heads / nodes. In practice, any digital signal processing task can be performed in either the CU or the DU, and the boundary at which responsibility is transferred between the CU and the DU can be selected according to the implementation.

[0126] Thus, in one embodiment, a CU-DU architecture is implemented. In such a case, the device 700 may be included in a central unit (e.g., control unit, edge cloud server, server) that is operatively coupled (e.g., via wireless or wired network) to the distributed units (e.g., remote radio heads / nodes). That is, the central unit (e.g., edge cloud server) and the distributed units may be standalone devices that communicate with each other via wireless paths or wired connections. Alternatively, they may be within the same entity that communicates via wired connections, etc. An edge cloud or edge cloud server may provide services to multiple distributed units or radio access networks. In one embodiment, at least some of the described processes may be performed by the central unit. In another embodiment, the device 700 may instead be included in the distributed units, and at least some of the described processes may be performed by the distributed units.

[0127] In one embodiment, the execution of at least some of the functions of the device 700 may be shared between two physically separate devices (DU and CU) forming one operational entity. Thus, the device may be considered to represent an operational entity including one or more physically separate devices for executing at least some of the described processes. In one embodiment, such a CU-DU architecture may provide a flexible distribution of operations between the CU and the DU. In practice, any digital signal processing task may be performed in either the CU or the DU, and the boundary at which the responsibility is transferred between the CU and the DU may be selected according to the implementation. In one embodiment, the device 700 controls the execution of processes regardless of the location of the device and regardless of the location where the process / function is executed.

[0128] In general, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Certain aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software that may be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using any other graphical representation, it should be understood that the blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented, by way of non-limiting examples, in hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or any combination thereof.

[0129] The present disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions that execute on a target real or virtual processor device, such as those included in a program module, to execute the methods 400-600 described above with reference to Figures 4-6. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The functionality of the program modules may be combined or split among program modules as desired in various embodiments. The machine-executable instructions of the program modules may be executed in a local device or in a distributed device. In a distributed device, the program modules may be located in both local and remote storage media.

[0130] The program codes for carrying out the methods of the present disclosure can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. These program codes can be provided to a processor or controller of a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus such that, when the program codes are executed by the processor or controller, it performs the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams. The program codes can be executed entirely on the machine, partly on the machine as a stand-alone software package, partly on the machine and partly on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0131] In the context of the present disclosure, computer program code or associated data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus, or processor to perform the various processes and operations as described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer readable media, etc.

[0132] The computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the above. More specific examples of the computer-readable storage medium may include an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the above.

[0133] Furthermore, although operations are shown in a particular order, this should not be construed as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown, or sequentially, or that all of the operations shown be performed in order to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, although details of certain specific implementations are included in the above discussion, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to certain embodiments. Certain features that are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination.

[0134] Although the present disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the present disclosure, as defined by the appended claims, is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. Means (740) for receiving, from the network device (220), information indicative of one or more occasions configured for detection of a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) transmission carrying a wake-up indication; means (710) for determining whether a predetermined number of the one or more occasions (410) overlap with an active time of a terminal device (210-1) based on transmission information available at a first time point (t2), the first time point (t2) being 4 ms before a start of a last one of the one or more occasions configured for detection of a PDCCH transmission carrying the wake-up indication, the predetermined number of the one or more occasions (410) being after the first time point (t2), the transmission information available at the first time point (t2) including at least one of a grant, an assignment, a discontinuous reception command medium access control (MAC) control element (CE), a long discontinuous reception command MAC CE, and a scheduling request; means for determining a configuration for transmitting uplink information based on a determination by a means for determining whether the predetermined number of the one or more occasions overlaps with the active time of the terminal device; and means (740) for transmitting the uplink information to the network device (220) based on the configuration.

2. The terminal device (210-1) of claim 1, wherein the PDCCH transmission is addressed to a power-saving wireless network temporary identifier.

3. means (710) for determining whether, at the first time point (t2), the terminal device (210-1) will be within an active time for the predetermined number of the one or more occasions (410); skipping monitoring the predetermined number of the one or more occasions (410) in response to a determination that the terminal device (210-1) will be within an active time; or and means for determining to monitor the predetermined number of the one or more occasions in accordance with a determination that the terminal device is not within an active time.

4. The means (740) for transmitting the uplink information to the network device (220), The terminal device (210-1) of claim 1, configured to transmit the uplink information based on a first configuration associated with a running discontinuous reception on-duration timer in accordance with a determination that the predetermined number of the one or more occasions (410) overlaps with the active time of the terminal device (210-1).

5. The means (740) for transmitting the uplink information to the network device (220), The terminal device (210-1) of claim 1, configured to transmit the uplink information based on a second configuration associated with a discontinuous reception on-duration timer that is not running in accordance with a determination that the predetermined number of the one or more occasions (410) do not overlap the active time of the terminal device (210-1).

6. The means (740) for transmitting the uplink information to the network device (220), monitoring the PDCCH transmissions during the predetermined number of the one or more occasions (410) in accordance with a determination that the predetermined number of the one or more occasions (410) do not overlap with the active time of the terminal device (210-1); and transmitting the uplink information based on a second configuration associated with a discontinuous reception on-duration timer that is not running in response to a determination that the terminal device (210-1) does not detect the PDCCH transmission; or The terminal device (210-1) of claim 1, configured to: transmit the uplink information based on the detected PDCCH transmission according to a determination that the terminal device (210-1) detects the PDCCH transmission.

7. The means (740) for transmitting the uplink information to the network device (220), monitoring the PDCCH transmissions during the predetermined number of the one or more occasions (410) in accordance with a determination that the predetermined number of the one or more occasions (410) do not overlap with the active time of the terminal device (210-1); and determining to start a discontinuous reception on-duration timer according to a determination that the terminal device (210-1) does not detect the PDCCH transmission, and transmitting the uplink information based on a first configuration associated with the running discontinuous reception on-duration timer; or The terminal device (210-1) of claim 1, configured to: transmit the uplink information based on the detected PDCCH transmission according to a determination that the terminal device (210-1) detects the PDCCH transmission.

8. The means (740) for transmitting the uplink information to the network device (220), In response to a determination that the information transmitted in the one or more occasions (410) is the same and that at least one of the one or more occasions (410) does not overlap the active time of the terminal device (210-1), detecting at least one PDCCH transmission during the at least one non-overlapping occasion; and transmitting the uplink information to the network device based on at least one detected PDCCH transmission.

9. The means (740) for transmitting the uplink information to the network device (220), The terminal device (210-1) of claim 1, wherein the information transmitted in the one or more occasions (410) is permitted to be different and is configured to transmit the uplink information based on a first configuration associated with a running discontinuous reception on-duration timer in accordance with a determination that the predetermined number of the one or more occasions (410) overlap with the active time of the terminal device (210-1).

10. The terminal device (210-1) of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the predetermined number of the one or more occasions (410) is based on at least one of a configuration from the network device (220), whether the information in the one or more occasions (410) is the same, whether the information is allowed to be different, or a predetermined value.

11. A method for a terminal device (210-1), comprising: Receiving (510) information from a network device (220) indicative of one or more occasions (410) configured for detection of a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) transmission carrying a wake-up indication; determining (520) whether a predetermined number of the one or more occasions (410) overlap with an active time of the terminal device (210-1) based on transmission information available at a first time point (t2), the first time point (t2) being 4 ms before a start of a last one of the one or more occasions configured for detection of a PDCCH transmission carrying the wake-up indication, the predetermined number of the one or more occasions (410) being after the first time point (t2), and the transmission information available at the first time point (t2) including at least one of a grant, an assignment, a discontinuous reception command medium access control (MAC) control element (CE), a long discontinuous reception command MAC CE, and a scheduling request; determining (530) a configuration for transmitting uplink information based on the determining whether the predetermined number of the one or more occasions (410) overlaps with the active time of the terminal device (210-1); and transmitting (540) the uplink information to the network device (220) based on the configuration.

12. A method for detecting a wake-up indication comprising: determining one or more occasions configured for detection of a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) transmission carrying a wake-up indication; means (740) for transmitting information indicative of said one or more occasions (410) to a terminal device (210-1); means (710) for determining whether the terminal device (210-1) is expected to monitor a predetermined number of the one or more occasions (410) based on transmission information available to the terminal device (210-1) at a first time point (t2), the first time point (t2) being 4 ms before a start of a last one of the one or more occasions configured for detection of a PDCCH transmission carrying the wake-up indication, the predetermined number of the one or more occasions (410) being after the first time point (t2), the transmission information available at the first time point (t2) including at least one of a grant, an assignment, a discontinuous reception command medium access control (MAC) control element (CE), a long discontinuous reception command MAC CE, and a scheduling request; and means for receiving uplink information from the terminal device based on a configuration determined based on whether the terminal device is expected to monitor the predetermined number of the at least one occasion.

13. A means (740) for receiving the uplink information from the terminal device (210-1), receiving the uplink information based on a first configuration associated with a running discontinuous reception on-duration timer in response to a determination that the predetermined number of the one or more occasions overlaps an active time of the terminal device; receiving the uplink information based on a second configuration associated with a discontinuous reception on-duration timer that is not running in response to a determination that the predetermined number of the one or more occasions (410) do not overlap with the active time of the terminal device (210-1); and receiving the uplink information from the terminal device (210-1) based on the non-overlapping occasions (410) in accordance with the determination that the predetermined number of the one or more occasions (410) do not overlap with the active time of the terminal device (210-1).

14. A method for a network device (220), comprising: Determining (610) one or more occasions (410) configured for detection of a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) transmission carrying a wake-up indication; transmitting (620) information indicative of the one or more occasions (410) to a terminal device (210-1); determining (630) whether the terminal device (210-1) is expected to monitor a predetermined number of the one or more occasions (410) based on transmission information available to the terminal device (210-1) at a first time point (t2), the first time point (t2) being 4 ms before a start of a last one of the one or more occasions configured for detection of a PDCCH transmission carrying the wake-up indication, the predetermined number of the one or more occasions (410) being after the first time point (t2), and the transmission information available at the first time point (t2) including at least one of a grant, an assignment, a discontinuous reception command media access control control element, a long discontinuous reception command media access control control element, and a scheduling request; and receiving (640) uplink information from the terminal device (210-1) based on a configuration determined based on whether the terminal device (210-1) is expected to monitor the predetermined number of the at least one occasion.

15. said receiving (640) said uplink information from said terminal device (210-1); receiving the uplink information based on a first configuration associated with a running discontinuous reception on-duration timer in response to a determination that the predetermined number of the one or more occasions overlaps an active time of the terminal device; receiving the uplink information based on a second configuration associated with a discontinuous reception on-duration timer that is not running in response to a determination that the predetermined number of the one or more occasions (410) do not overlap with the active time of the terminal device (210-1); and receiving the uplink information from the terminal device (210-1) based on the non-overlapping occasions (410) in accordance with the determination that the predetermined number of the one or more occasions (410) do not overlap with the active time of the terminal device (210-1).

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