Device and Method

Abstract

A device (200) according to one embodiment of this disclosure comprises: a communication processing unit (235) that processes communications with a first network and communications with a second network that is different from the first network; and an information acquisition unit (231) that, if the first network is in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection state, acquires configuration information about a non-cyclical gap, which is a gap for switching to the second network. The communication processing unit switches to the second network in the gap indicated by the configuration information, if in the RRC connection state with the first network. The device does not maintain the configuration information.

Description

Cross-reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application is based on Japanese Application No. 2021-128805 filed on August 5, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method.

Background Art

[0003] In Release 17 of 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project), a work item has been launched to establish a function for monitoring incoming information (e.g., voice or data) from the networks of multiple communication carriers for devices equipped with multiple SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) cards.

[0004] For example, Non-Patent Documents 1 to 4 describe introducing a switching procedure using a time gap for a multi-SIM user equipment (UE) to receive network information in another mobile network when the UE is in a connected state in a mobile network. To implement the switching procedure, it has been considered to utilize the existing radio wave quality measurement mechanism. In particular, Non-Patent Document 4 describes that the time gap includes a periodic time gap and an aperiodic time gap, and the parameters of the time gap are provided from the multi-SIM UE to the network using RRC (Radio Resource Control) signaling.

[0005] In addition, Non-Patent Document 5 states that context information regarding the RRC of a UE (hereinafter also referred to as configuration information) is retained when the UE is connected to a base station (RRC_CONNECTED), but is not retained when the UE is not connected to a base station (RRC_IDLE, RRC_INACTIVE).

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0006]

Non-Patent Document 1

[0256] [Multi-SIM] Network switching details (vivo)”

Non-Patent Document 2

Non-Patent Document 3

Non-Patent Document 4

[0007] As a result of the inventors' detailed examination, the following problems have been found. That is, in the method described in Non-Patent Document 4, since the mechanism of measurement is used, the configuration information of the aperiodic time gap is not released unless the release is explicitly indicated. However, signaling for the explicit indication of the release of the configuration information will waste power or radio resources.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus and a method that can suppress the consumption of power or radio resources while releasing the configuration information of an aperiodic time gap.

[0009] An apparatus (200) according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a communication processing unit (235) that processes communication with a first network and communication with a second network different from the first network, and an information acquisition unit (231) that acquires configuration information regarding an aperiodic gap, which is a gap for switching to the second network when in an RRC connection state in the first network. When in an RRC (Radio Resource Control) connection state with the first network, the communication processing unit switches to the second network in the gap indicated by the configuration information, and the apparatus does not maintain the configuration information.

[0010] An apparatus (100) of a first network according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a communication processing unit (145) that communicates with a user equipment (200), and an information acquisition unit (141) that acquires configuration information regarding an aperiodic gap, which is a gap for switching to a second network different from the first network when the user equipment is in an RRC connection state in the first network. The communication processing unit receives an RRC message including the configuration information from the user equipment or transmits an RRC message including the configuration information to the user equipment, and the apparatus does not maintain the configuration information.

[0011] A method performed by an apparatus (200) according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes processing communication with a first network and communication with a second network different from the first network, and acquiring configuration information regarding an aperiodic gap, which is a gap for switching to the second network when in an RRC connection state in the first network. When in an RRC (Radio Resource Control) connection state with the first network, the method switches to the second network in the gap indicated by the configuration information, and the apparatus does not maintain the configuration information.

[0012] A method performed by an apparatus (100) of a first network according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes communicating with a user equipment (200), and when the user equipment is in an RRC connected state in the first network, obtaining configuration information regarding a gap for switching to a second network different from the first network, the gap being an aperiodic gap, and receiving an RRC message including the configuration information from the user equipment or transmitting an RRC message including the configuration information to the user equipment, and the apparatus does not maintain the configuration information.

[0013] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress power or radio resource consumption while releasing configuration information of an aperiodic time gap. Note that according to the present disclosure, other effects may be achieved instead of or together with the above effect.

Brief Description of Drawings

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and drawings, elements that can be similarly described may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description may be omitted.

[0016] The description will be made in the following order. 1. Configuration of the system 2. Configuration of the base station 3. Configuration of the user equipment 4. Example of operation 5. Modification

[0017] <1. Configuration of the system> Referring to FIG. 1, an example of the configuration of a system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Referring to FIG. 1, the system 1 includes a base station 100 and a user equipment (UE) 200.

[0018] For example, the system 1 is a system compliant with the technical specifications (Technical Specification: TS) of 3GPP. More specifically, for example, the system 1 is a system compliant with the TS of 5G or NR (New Radio). Of course, the system 1 is not limited to this example.

[0019] (1) Base station 100 The base station 100 is a node of a radio access network (RAN), and communicates with a UE (for example, UE 200) located within the coverage area 10 of the base station 100.

[0020] For example, the base station 100 communicates with a UE (e.g., UE 200) using the RAN protocol stack. For example, the protocol stack includes protocols of the RRC, SDAP (Service Data Adaptation Protocol), PDCP (Packet Data Convergence Protocol), RLC (Radio Link Control), MAC (Medium Access Control), and Physical (PHY) layers. Alternatively, the protocol stack may not include all of these protocols and may include only a part of these protocols.

[0021] For example, the base station 100 is a gNB. The gNB is a node that provides NR user plane and control plane protocol terminations towards the UE and is connected to the 5GC (5G Core Network) via the NG interface. Alternatively, the base station 100 may be an en-gNB. The en-gNB is a node that provides NR user plane and control plane protocol terminations towards the UE and operates as a secondary node in EN-DC (E-UTRA-NR Dual Connectivity).

[0022] The base station 100 may include a plurality of nodes. The plurality of nodes may include a first node that hosts a higher layer included in the protocol stack, and a second node that hosts a lower layer included in the protocol stack. The higher layer may include RRC, SDAP, and PDCP, and the lower layer may include RLC, MAC, and PHY layers. The first node may be a CU (central unit), and the second node may be a DU (Distributed Unit). Note that the plurality of nodes may include a third node that performs processing below the PHY layer, and the second node may perform processing above the PHY layer. The third node may be a RU (Radio Unit).

[0023] Alternatively, the base station 100 may be one of the plurality of nodes and may be connected to other units among the plurality of nodes.

[0024] The base station 100 may be an IAB (Integrated Access and Backhaul) donor or an IAB node.

[0025] (2) UE200 The UE200 communicates with the base station. For example, the UE200 communicates with the base station 100 when it is located within the coverage area 10 of the base station 100.

[0026] For example, the UE200 communicates with a base station (e.g., the base station 100) using the protocol stack.

[0027] In particular, the UE200 is capable of mounting two or more SIM cards. That is, the UE200 is a multi-SIM UE or a multi-SIM device. The UE200 is capable of communicating in two or more mobile networks corresponding to the two or more SIM cards respectively.

[0028] For example, the UE 200 can communicate in a mobile network corresponding to one of the two or more SIM cards, in the mobile network including the base station 100 (hereinafter referred to as the "first mobile network"). Further, the UE 200 can communicate in another mobile network corresponding to another one of the two or more SIM cards (hereinafter referred to as the "second mobile network"). The first mobile network is different from the second mobile network.

[0029] Referring to the example of FIG. 2, for example, the UE 200 can communicate in a first mobile network including the base station 100 and a second mobile network including the base station 300. For example, the UE 200 can be in the RRC connected state (RRC_CONNECTED) in the first mobile network, and can be in the RRC idle state (RRC_IDLE) or the RRC inactive state (RRC_INACTIVE) in the second mobile network. In such a case, in the first mobile network, when the UE 200 is connected to the base station 100, communication between the UE 200 and the base station 300 can occur in the second mobile network. For example, network information to be received by the UE 200 can be transmitted by the base station 300.

[0030] <2. Configuration of Base Station> Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, an example of the configuration of the base station 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Note that the configuration of the base station 300 may be the same as that of the base station 100.

[0031] (1) Functional Configuration First, referring to FIG. 3, an example of the functional configuration of the base station 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Referring to FIG. 3, the base station 100 includes a radio communication unit 110, a network communication unit 120, a storage unit 130, and a processing unit 140.

[0032] The wireless communication unit 110 transmits and receives signals wirelessly. For example, the wireless communication unit 110 receives signals from the UE and transmits signals to the UE.

[0033] The network communication unit 120 receives signals from the network and transmits signals to the network.

[0034] The storage unit 130 stores various information for the base station 100.

[0035] The processing unit 140 provides various functions of the base station 100. The processing unit 140 includes an information acquisition unit 141, a control unit 143, and a communication processing unit 145. Note that the processing unit 140 may further include other components other than these components. That is, the processing unit 140 may perform operations other than the operations of these components. The specific operations of the information acquisition unit 141, the control unit 143, and the communication processing unit 145 will be described in detail later.

[0036] For example, the processing unit 140 (communication processing unit 145) communicates with the UE (for example, UE 200) via the wireless communication unit 110. For example, the processing unit 140 communicates with other nodes (for example, network nodes in the core network or other base stations) via the network communication unit 120.

[0037] (2) Hardware configuration Next, with reference to FIG. 4, an example of the hardware configuration of the base station 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Referring to FIG. 4, the base station 100 includes an antenna 181, an RF (radio frequency) circuit 183, a network interface 185, a processor 187, a memory 189, and a storage 191.

[0038] The antenna 181 converts a signal into a radio wave and radiates the radio wave into space. Also, the antenna 181 receives a radio wave in space and converts the radio wave into a signal. The antenna 181 may include a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna, or may be a single antenna for transmission and reception. The antenna 181 may be a directional antenna or may include a plurality of antenna elements.

[0039] The RF circuit 183 performs analog processing of signals transmitted and received via the antenna 181. The RF circuit 183 may include a high-frequency filter, an amplifier, a modulator, a low-pass filter, and the like.

[0040] The network interface 185 is, for example, a network adapter, which transmits signals to the network and receives signals from the network.

[0041] The processor 187 performs digital processing of signals transmitted and received via the antenna 181 and the RF circuit 183. The digital processing includes processing of the RAN protocol stack. The processor 187 also processes signals transmitted and received via the network interface 185. The processor 187 may include a plurality of processors or may be a single processor. The plurality of processors may include a baseband processor that performs the above digital processing and one or more processors that perform other processing.

[0042] The memory 189 stores programs executed by the processor 187, parameters related to the programs, and various other information. The memory 189 may include at least one of ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and flash memory. All or part of the memory 189 may be included within the processor 187.

[0043] The storage 191 stores various information. The storage 191 may include at least one of an SSD (Solid State Drive) and an HDD (Hard Disc Drive).

[0044] The wireless communication unit 110 may be implemented by the antenna 181 and the RF circuit 183. The network communication unit 120 may be implemented by the network interface 185. The storage unit 130 may be implemented by the storage 191. The processing unit 140 may be implemented by the processor 187 and the memory 189.

[0045] Part or all of the processing unit 140 may be virtualized. In other words, part or all of the processing unit 140 may be implemented as a virtual machine. In this case, part or all of the processing unit 140 may operate as a virtual machine on a physical machine (i.e., hardware) including a processor and a memory, etc. and a hypervisor.

[0046] Considering the above hardware configuration, the base station 100 may include a memory (i.e., the memory 189) for storing a program and one or more processors (i.e., the processor 187) capable of executing the program, and the one or more processors may execute the above program to perform the operation of the processing unit 140. The above program may be a program for causing the processor to execute the operation of the processing unit 140.

[0047] <3. Configuration of User Equipment> With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, an example of the configuration of the UE 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0048] (1) Functional Configuration First, with reference to FIG. 5, an example of the functional configuration of the UE 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Referring to FIG. 5, the UE 200 includes a wireless communication unit 210, a storage unit 220, and a processing unit 230.

[0049] The wireless communication unit 210 wirelessly transmits and receives signals. For example, the wireless communication unit 210 receives signals from the base station and transmits signals to the base station. For example, the wireless communication unit 210 receives signals from other UEs and transmits signals to other UEs.

[0050] The memory unit 220 stores various information for the UE 200.

[0051] The processing unit 230 provides various functions of the UE 200. The processing unit 230 includes an information acquisition unit 231, a control unit 233, and a communication processing unit 235. Note that the processing unit 230 may further include other components other than these components. That is, the processing unit 230 may perform operations other than the operations of these components. The specific operations of the information acquisition unit 231, the control unit 233, and the communication processing unit 235 will be described in detail later.

[0052] For example, the processing unit 230 (communication processing unit 235) communicates with a base station (e.g., base station 100 or base station 300) or another UE via the wireless communication unit 210.

[0053] (2) Hardware configuration Next, with reference to FIG. 6, an example of the hardware configuration of the UE 200 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Referring to FIG. 6, the UE 200 includes an antenna 281, an RF circuit 283, a processor 285, a memory 287, and a storage 289.

[0054] The antenna 281 converts a signal into a radio wave and radiates the radio wave into space. Also, the antenna 281 receives a radio wave in space and converts the radio wave into a signal. The antenna 281 may include a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna, or may be a single antenna for transmission and reception. The antenna 281 may be a directional antenna or may include a plurality of antenna elements.

[0055] The RF circuit 283 performs analog processing of signals transmitted and received via the antenna 281. The RF circuit 283 may include a high-frequency filter, an amplifier, a modulator, a low-pass filter, and the like.

[0056] Processor 285 performs digital processing of signals transmitted and received via antenna 281 and RF circuit 283. The digital processing includes processing of the RAN protocol stack. Processor 285 may include a plurality of processors or may be a single processor. The plurality of processors may include a baseband processor that performs the above digital processing and one or more processors that perform other processing.

[0057] Memory 287 stores programs executed by processor 285, parameters related to the programs, and various other information. Memory 287 may include at least one of ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, RAM, and flash memory. All or part of memory 287 may be included within processor 285.

[0058] Storage 289 stores various information. Storage 289 may include at least one of SSD and HDD.

[0059] Wireless communication unit 210 may be implemented by antenna 281 and RF circuit 283. Storage unit 220 may be implemented by storage 289. Processing unit 230 may be implemented by processor 285 and memory 287.

[0060] Processing unit 230 may be implemented by a SoC (System on Chip) including processor 285 and memory 287. The SoC may include RF circuit 283, and wireless communication unit 210 may also be implemented by the SoC.

[0061] Considering the above hardware configuration, UE 200 may include a memory (i.e., memory 287) that stores a program and one or more processors (i.e., processor 285) capable of executing the program, and the one or more processors may execute the program to perform the operations of processing unit 230. The above program may be a program for causing the processor to execute the operations of processing unit 230.

[0062] <4. Operation Example> With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, an example of the operation of the base station 100 and the UE 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0063] (1) Operation of the base station 100 The base station 100 is connected to the UE 200 in the first mobile network and transmits configuration information of an aperiodic time gap for communication in the second mobile network to the UE 200. When the set period of the aperiodic time gap expires, the base station 100 releases the configuration information of the aperiodic time gap. Hereinafter, the operation of the base station 100 and related information will be described in detail.

[0064] (1-1) Configuration of an aperiodic time gap The base station 100 (control unit 143) acquires configuration information of an aperiodic time gap for communication in the second mobile network. The aperiodic time gap is a time gap in a state where the UE 200 and the base station 100 are connected by RRC. For example, the communication in the second mobile network is the transmission of network information in the second mobile network, and the aperiodic time gap may be an aperiodic time gap for the network information. Note that the communication in the second mobile network may be other aperiodic communication. For example, the communication in the second mobile network may be an aperiodic measurement.

[0065] The above aperiodic time gap may be set for the UE 200 to receive network information in the second mobile network. In other words, the aperiodic time gap is a time gap for the UE 200 to switch from the first mobile network to the second mobile network. The UE 200 in the RRC_CONNECTED state in the first mobile network receives network information in the second mobile network by switching to the second mobile network at the set time gap.

[0066] The configuration information of the above aperiodic time gap includes period information regarding the set period of the aperiodic time gap, and the aperiodic time gap is set within the set period. With reference to FIG. 7, the aperiodic time gap and the set period will be described in detail.

[0067] In the example of FIG. 7, network information is transmitted from the base station 300 in the second mobile network, and the time gap is set aperiodically so that the desired network information among the network information can be received by the UE 200. The network information is, for example, SIB (System Information Block). For example, the time gaps gap41 to 45 are set so that SIB51 to SIB55 can be received. On the other hand, since SIB57 is not required to be received, the time gap corresponding to SIB57 is not set. In addition, the time gap is not set after gap45. In this way, the setting of the time gap has an end and is set without periodicity. That is, the time gap is aperiodic. In other words, it can be said that the time gap is non-persistent or semi-persistent. Note that since the transmission of SIBs other than SIB1 is temporarily scheduled based on the MIB (Master Information Block) and SIB1, it is considered suitable to receive using the aperiodic time gap.

[0068] As described above, since the time gap is aperiodic, a set period occurs. That is, the set period is a parameter of the aperiodic time gap. For example, the set period is indicated by the number of times of setting the aperiodic time gap, and the period information includes the number of times of setting. In the example of FIG. 7, the set period 20 is a period in which the number of times of setting is 3 times, and is a period in which three gaps 41 to 45 are set.

[0069] The number of times of setting indicating the set period may be the number of times of repeating the communication repetition period related to the time gap. For example, the number of times of setting may be MGRP (measurement gap repetition period) in the mechanism of the measurement gap. Also, for example, the number of times of setting may be the number of times of repeating the transmission period of a specific SIB of the first mobile network or the second mobile network.

[0070] Also, the number of times of setting indicating the set period may be the number of times of repeating the period for communication related to the time gap. For example, the number of times of setting may be the number of times of repeating the SMTC (SSB measurement timing configuration) window of the first mobile network or the second mobile network.

[0071] Thereby, the set period of the aperiodic time gap can be indicated. Also, since the expiration of the set period can be determined by counting the time gap, an increase in the amount of information and complication of processing can be suppressed.

[0072] (1-2) Transmission of RRC message including configuration information The base station 100 (communication processing unit 145) transmits an RRC message including the configuration information of the aperiodic time gap to the UE 200.

[0073] The RRC message containing the configuration information may be, for example, an RRCReconfiguration message or an RRCResume message. Thereby, the configuration information of the aperiodic time gap can be transmitted to the UE 200 without additionally defining a new RRC message.

[0074] Also, the RRC message containing the configuration information may be an RRC message defined for an aperiodic time gap. Thereby, the configuration information of the aperiodic time gap can be communicated without changing the existing RRC message.

[0075] (1-3) Release of Time Gap Based on Expiration of Set Time The base station 100 releases the configuration information of the aperiodic time gap for the UE 200. Specifically, the base station 100 (control unit 143) releases the configuration information when the set period of the aperiodic time gap expires.

[0076] First, the base station 100 manages the configuration information regarding the communication with the UE 200 according to the communication state between the UE 200 and the base station 100. Specifically, the base station 100 releases the configuration information in the RRC idle state (RRC_IDLE), and maintains the configuration information in the RRC inactive state (RRC_INACTIVE) or the RRC connected state (RRC_CONNECTED).

[0077] In addition to the above, the base station 100 releases the configuration information for which the set period of the aperiodic time gap has expired. Specifically, the base station 100 releases the configuration information when the number of times of the time gap reaches the set number of times indicated by the period information included in the configuration information. Referring to FIG. 7, the base station 100 releases the configuration information of the aperiodic time gap assuming that the set period 20 has expired when the third gap 45 ends. After the expiration of the set period 20, no gap is set, so the configuration information becomes unnecessary.

[0078] Unlike the periodic time gap, for the aperiodic time gap, since the expiration of the set period is defined, no gap is set after the expiration of the set period. Therefore, there may arise a problem that the communication efficiency decreases in the periodic time gap where the gap is continuously set periodically unless the configuration information is released, but such a problem does not occur in the aperiodic time gap. Also, the behavior of the base station 100 and the UE 200 after the expiration of the set period has not been discussed.

[0079] However, since the configuration information of the aperiodic time gap continues to be held, there is a problem that computational resources such as the memory storage amount continue to be occupied. Also, when the configuration information of a plurality of time gaps is introduced as TS, there is a possibility that the configuration information of other time gaps cannot be held due to the configuration information of the time gap that continues to be held.

[0080] On the other hand, in the periodic time gap, the end of the time gap and the release of the configuration information are explicitly indicated using signaling. In contrast, in the aperiodic time gap, since the end of the time gap can be determined by the expiration of the set period, if the release mechanism in the periodic time gap is applied, only the release of the configuration information will be explicitly indicated using signaling. However, in the aperiodic time gap, each of the UE 200 and the base station 100 can autonomously determine the end of the time gap, which is the condition for releasing the configuration information. Therefore, by releasing the configuration information according to the expiration of the set period as described above, the configuration information can be released without signaling.

[0081] (2) Operation of UE200 UE200 is connected to base station 100 in a first mobile network and receives configuration information of an aperiodic time gap for communication in a second mobile network from base station 100. When the set period of the aperiodic time gap expires, UE200 releases the configuration information of the aperiodic time gap. Hereinafter, the operations of UE200 and related information will be described in detail. Note that detailed descriptions of the same content as that in the description of the operations of base station 100 will be omitted.

[0082] (2-1) Reception of an RRC message including configuration information UE200 (communication processing unit 235) receives an RRC message including configuration information of an aperiodic time gap from base station 100. UE200 (information acquisition unit 231) acquires the configuration information included in the RRC message.

[0083] Note that UE200 may request base station 100 to transmit the above RRC message. For example, UE200 may transmit a UEAssistanceInformation message or an RRCResumeRequest message. Further, the RRC message may include request information indicating a request to configure an aperiodic time gap in base station 100. Also, UE200 may transmit an RRC message defined for an aperiodic time gap. The defined RRC message indicates a request to configure an aperiodic time gap in base station 100.

[0084] (2-2) Communication in a time gap UE200 (communication processing unit 235) communicates with a second mobile network in an aperiodic time gap. For example, UE200 (communication processing unit 235) receives network information transmitted from the second mobile network in the aperiodic time gap.

[0085] UE200 switches from the first mobile network to the second mobile network in an aperiodic time gap based on the configuration information received from base station 100. Then, UE200 waits to receive network information from base station 300 of the second mobile network within the time gap. In other words, UE200 monitors the network information. When the network information is transmitted within the time gap, UE200 receives the network information. When it is outside the aperiodic time gap, UE200 switches from the second mobile network to the first mobile network.

[0086] Note that within the aperiodic time gap, communication between base station 100 of the first mobile network and UE200 is not performed.

[0087] (2-3) Release of Time Gap Based on Expiration of Set Time UE200 releases the configuration information of the aperiodic time gap. Specifically, UE200 (control unit 233) releases the configuration information when the set period of the aperiodic time gap expires.

[0088] Similar to base station 100, UE200 manages the configuration information regarding communication with UE200 according to the communication state between UE200 and base station 100. In addition, UE200 releases the configuration information for which the set period of the aperiodic time gap has expired. Specifically, UE200 releases the configuration information when the number of times of the time gap reaches the set number of times indicated by the period information included in the configuration information. In this way, UE200 autonomously releases the configuration information of the aperiodic time gap without explicit release from base station 100. (3) Flow of Processing With reference to FIG. 8, an example of the processing according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In FIG. 8, base station 100 of the first mobile network and UE200 are in a connected state.

[0089] The base station 100 configures an aperiodic time gap (S410). For example, the base station 100 generates configuration information of an aperiodic time gap including period information indicating a set period.

[0090] The base station 100 transmits an RRC message including the configuration information of the aperiodic time gap to the UE 200 (S420). For example, the RRC message is an RRCReconfiguration message or an RRCResume message. Note that the RRC message may include other configuration information.

[0091] When the UE 200 receives an RRC message including the configuration information of the aperiodic time gap, the UE 200 transmits an RRC message as a response to the RRC message to the base station 100 (S430). For example, the response RRC message is an RRCReconfigurationComplete message or an RRCResumeComplete message.

[0092] The UE 200 acquires the configuration information of the aperiodic time gap (S440). For example, the UE 200 acquires the configuration information of the aperiodic time gap included in the received RRC message.

[0093] The UE 200 communicates with another network within the aperiodic time gap (S450). For example, the UE 200 switches to the second mobile network within the aperiodic time gap based on the acquired configuration information and waits to receive network information that should be transmitted from the base station 300 of the second mobile network.

[0094] When the set period of the aperiodic time gap expires, the base station 100 and the UE 200 release the configuration information of the time gap (S460). For example, when the number of times of the time gap reaches the set number of times of the aperiodic time gap, the base station 100 and the UE 200 respectively release the configuration information of the aperiodic time gap.

[0095] As described above, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the UE 200 in the RRC connected state and the base station 100 of the first mobile network communicate an RRC message including the configuration information of the aperiodic time gap for communication in the second mobile network. The configuration information includes the period information regarding the setting period during which the aperiodic time gap is set, and is released when the setting period expires. Therefore, based on the configuration information of the aperiodic time gap, the base station 100 and the UE 200 can autonomously release the configuration information respectively. That is, it is possible to release the configuration information without signaling. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the consumption of power or radio resources while releasing the configuration information of the aperiodic time gap.

[0096] <5. Modification Example> Referring to FIGS. 7, 9, and 10, the first to fourth modification examples according to the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. Note that two or more of these modification examples may be combined.

[0097] (1) First Modification Example: Another Example of Information Indicating the Setting Period In the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, the setting period of the aperiodic time gap is indicated by the number of settings, and the expiration of the setting period includes that the number of times of the aperiodic time gap reaches the set number of times. However, the information indicating the setting period according to the embodiments of the present disclosure is not limited to this example.

[0098] As a first modification example of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the above setting period may be indicated by the setting time when the aperiodic time gap is set, and the expiration of the above setting period may include the expiration of the above setting time. More specifically, the information indicating the setting time may include the length of the setting time, the start time and the end time of the setting time, or the start time or the end time of the setting time and the length of the setting time. The above period information includes the information indicating the setting time.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 7, the set period 20 is indicated by, for example, the length 31 of the set time. Also, the set period 20 may be indicated by, for example, the start time point 33 and the end time point 35 of the set time. Further, the set period 20 may be indicated by the start time point 33 or the end time point 35 of the set time and the length 31 of the set time.

[0100] The length of the set time indicating the set period may be a numerical value in a specific unit such as seconds or milliseconds.

[0101] Also, the length of the set time indicating the set period may be the product of the number of set times and the period for the number of set times in the above embodiment. For example, the length of the set time may be indicated by the number of set times × MGRP, the number of set times × the transmission period of a specific SIB, or the number of set times × SMTC, etc.

[0102] In this way, since the set period is indicated by a time length or a time point, the set period can be directly controlled in terms of time. Therefore, compared with the case where the set period is indicated by the number of set times, the time gap can be more accurately controlled in terms of time.

[0103] Also, as another modification, the set period is indicated by a non-periodic time gap setting pattern, and the expiration of the set period may include that the non-periodic time gap pattern matches the setting pattern. The period information includes the setting pattern. For example, the setting pattern may be the setting interval of the time gap. Thereby, the set period of the time gap can be indicated without the number of set times and the set time.

[0104] (2) Second modification: Configuration of time gap in UE In the above-described embodiment of the present disclosure, the base station 100 configures a non-periodic time gap and transmits the configuration information of the non-periodic time gap to the UE 200. However, the entity that configures the time gap according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this example.

[0105] As a second modification example of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the UE 200 may transmit configuration information of an aperiodic time gap to the base station 100. More specifically, the UE 200 (control unit 233) acquires configuration information of an aperiodic time gap. Then, the UE 200 (communication processing unit 235) transmits an RRC message including the configuration information of the aperiodic time gap to the base station 100.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 9, an example of the processing according to this modification example will be described. In FIG. 9, the base station 100 and the UE 200 of the first mobile network are in a connected state.

[0107] The UE 200 configures an aperiodic time gap (S510). For example, the UE 200 generates configuration information of an aperiodic time gap including period information indicating a set period.

[0108] The UE 200 transmits an RRC message including the configuration information of the aperiodic time gap to the base station 100 (S520). For example, the RRC message is a UE Assistance Information message or an RRC Resume Complete message. Thereby, the configuration information of the aperiodic time gap can be transmitted to the base station 100 without additionally defining a new RRC message.

[0109] The base station 100 acquires the configuration information of the aperiodic time gap (S530). For example, the base station 100 acquires the configuration information of the aperiodic time gap included in the received RRC message.

[0110] The UE 200 communicates with another network within the aperiodic time gap (S540). For example, the UE 200 switches to the second mobile network within the aperiodic time gap configured in the UE 200 and waits to receive network information that should be transmitted from the base station 300 of the second mobile network.

[0111] When the set period of the aperiodic time gap expires, the base station 100 and the UE 200 release the configuration information of the time gap (S550).

[0112] In the above description, it has been explained that the UE 200 configures an aperiodic time gap and transmits the configuration information of the aperiodic time gap to the base station 100. However, the UE 200 may determine an aperiodic time gap and transmit information (for example, period information, etc.) for specifying the determined aperiodic time gap to the base station 100.

[0113] (3) Third modification example: Notify release with an existing RRC message In the above-described embodiment of the present disclosure, no signaling is performed for the release of the configuration information of the aperiodic time gap. However, the process related to the release of the configuration information of the aperiodic time gap according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this example.

[0114] As a third modification example of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the UE 200 (communication processing unit 235) may receive or transmit another RRC message that is transmitted without triggering the expiration of the set period of the aperiodic time gap. The other RRC message includes information related to the release of the configuration information of the aperiodic time gap.

[0115] More specifically, the information related to the release of the configuration information of the aperiodic time gap may indicate a release report. For example, when the set period of the aperiodic time gap expires, the base station 100 and the UE 200 release the configuration information of the aperiodic time gap. Thereafter, at least one of the base station 100 or the UE 200 includes information indicating a release report in the RRC message when transmitting the RRC message for other purposes. The RRC message is an existing RRC message.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 10, an example of the process according to this modification example will be described. In FIG. 10, the base station 100 and the UE 200 of the first mobile network are in a connected state.

[0117] When the set period of the aperiodic time gap expires, the base station 100 and the UE 200 release the configuration information of the aperiodic time gap (S610).

[0118] The base station 100 transmits an RRC message to the UE 200 for other purposes (S620). For example, the base station 100 transmits an RRC message for other purposes regardless of the aperiodic time gap. Note that the RRC message for the other purpose is an existing RRC message that requires a response. For example, the existing RRC message that requires a response is an RRCReconfiguration or RRCResume message.

[0119] When the UE 200 receives the RRC message for the other purpose, it transmits an RRC message including information regarding the release of the configuration information of the aperiodic time gap to the base station 100 (S630). For example, the UE 200 transmits a response RRC message that is a response to the received RRC message for the other purpose and includes information indicating a report of the release of the configuration information of the aperiodic time gap. For example, the response RRC message is an RRCReconfigurationComplete message or an RRCResumeComplete message.

[0120] Note that in the example of FIG. 10, the information regarding the release is included in the second RRC message as a response to the first RRC message transmitted from the base station 100 to the UE 200, but the information regarding the release may be included in the first RRC message. Also, the information regarding the release may be included in an RRC message spontaneously transmitted from the UE 200 to the base station 100.

[0121] Also, the information regarding the release may be the information that requests the release. Specifically, the base station 100 or the UE 200 may release the configuration information of the aperiodic time gap in response to the reception of another RRC message including the information that requests the release. For example, when the base station 100 transmits another RRC message including the information that requests the release, the UE 200 may release the configuration information of the aperiodic time gap when receiving the other RRC message. Also, when the UE 200 transmits another RRC message including the information that requests the release, the base station 100 may release the configuration information of the aperiodic time gap when receiving the other RRC message.

[0122] In this way, by notifying the release of the aperiodic time gap by using the existing RRC message, it is possible to synchronize the configuration information of the aperiodic time gap without consuming power and radio resources only for the release.

[0123] (4) Fourth Modification Example: Compliance with Other TSs In the above-described example of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the system 1 is a system compliant with the 5G or NR TS. However, the system 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this example.

[0124] In the fourth modification example of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the system 1 may be a system compliant with other TSs of 3GPP. As an example, the system 1 may be a system compliant with the LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (LTE Advanced) or 4G TS, and the base station 100 may be an eNB (evolved Node B). Alternatively, the base station 100 may be an ng-eNB. As another example, the system 1 may be a system compliant with the 3G TS, and the base station 100 may be a NodeB. As yet another example, the system 1 may be a system compliant with the next-generation (e.g., 6G) TS.

[0125] Alternatively, the system 1 may be a system that complies with the TS of other standardization organizations for mobile communications.

[0126] As described above, embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, but the present disclosure is not limited to such embodiments. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that such embodiments are merely illustrative and that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

[0127] For example, the steps in the processes described herein need not necessarily be executed in chronological order along the order described in the flowchart or sequence diagram. For example, the steps in the process may be executed in an order different from the order described in the flowchart or sequence diagram, or may be executed in parallel. Also, some of the steps in the process may be deleted, and additional steps may be added to the process.

[0128] For example, a method including the operations of one or more components of the apparatus described herein may be provided, and a program for causing a computer to execute the operations of the above components may be provided. Also, a non-transitory tangible computer-readable storage medium recording the program may be provided. Of course, such a method, program, and non-transitory tangible computer-readable storage medium are also included in the present disclosure.

[0129] For example, in the present disclosure, the user equipment (UE) may be referred to by another name such as a mobile station, a mobile terminal, a mobile device, a mobile unit, a subscriber station, a subscriber terminal, a subscriber device, a subscriber unit, a wireless station, a wireless terminal, a wireless device, a wireless unit, a remote station, a remote terminal, a remote device, or a remote unit.

[0130] For example, in the present disclosure, "transmit" may mean performing processing of at least one layer within a protocol stack used for transmission, or may mean physically transmitting a signal wirelessly or via a wire. Alternatively, "transmit" may mean a combination of performing the processing of the at least one layer and physically transmitting a signal wirelessly or via a wire. Similarly, "receive" may mean performing processing of at least one layer within a protocol stack used for reception, or may mean physically receiving a signal wirelessly or via a wire. Alternatively, "receive" may mean a combination of performing the processing of the at least one layer and physically receiving a signal wirelessly or via a wire. The at least one layer may be equivalently referred to as at least one protocol.

[0131] For example, in the present disclosure, "obtain / acquire" may mean obtaining information from stored information, may mean obtaining information from information received from other nodes, or may mean obtaining the information by generating the information.

[0132] For example, in the present disclosure, "include" and "comprise" do not mean including only the listed items, and may mean including only the listed items or may also mean including additional items in addition to the listed items.

[0133] For example, in the present disclosure, "or" does not mean an exclusive disjunction and means a disjunction.

[0134] Note that the technical features included in the above-described embodiments may be expressed as the following features. Of course, the present disclosure is not limited to the following features.

[0135] (Feature 1) A user device (200), A communication processing unit (235) that communicates with a base station (100) of a first mobile network, An information acquisition unit (231) that acquires configuration information of an aperiodic time gap for communication in a second mobile network, comprising: The communication processing unit receives an RRC (Radio Resource Control) message including the configuration information from the base station, or transmits an RRC message including the configuration information to the base station, The aperiodic time gap is a time gap in a state where the user equipment and the base station are connected by RRC, The configuration information includes period information regarding a setting period (20) in which the aperiodic time gap is set, and is released when the setting period expires User equipment.

[0136] (Feature 2) The setting period is indicated by the number of times the aperiodic time gap is set, The period information includes the number of times of setting, The expiration of the setting period includes that the number of times of the aperiodic time gap reaches the number of times of setting The user equipment according to Feature 1.

[0137] (Feature 3) The setting period is indicated by a setting time when the aperiodic time gap is set, The period information includes information indicating the setting time, The expiration of the setting period includes the expiration of the setting time The user equipment according to Feature 1 or 2.

[0138] (Feature 4) The information indicating the setting time includes the length (31) of the setting time, the start time (33) and the end time (35) of the setting time, or the start time or the end time of the setting time and the length of the setting time The user equipment according to Feature 3.

[0139] (Feature 5) The RRC message is an RRC message defined for the aperiodic time gap The user equipment according to any one of Features 1 to 4

[0140] (Feature 6) The communication processing unit receives or transmits another RRC message that is transmitted without triggering the expiration of the set period, The other RRC message includes information regarding the release of the configuration information The user equipment according to any one of Features 1 to 5

[0141] (Feature 7) The communication processing unit receives an RRCReconfiguration message or an RRCResume message including the configuration information from the base station, or transmits a UEAssistanceInformation message or an RRCResumeComplete message including the configuration information to the base station The user equipment according to any one of Features 1 to 6

[0142] (Feature 8) Communication in the second mobile network includes transmission of network information in the second mobile network The user equipment according to any one of Features 1 to 7

[0143] (Feature 9) The network information includes a SIB (System Information Block), The user equipment according to Feature 8

[0144] (Feature 10) A base station (100) of a first mobile network, A communication processing unit (145) that communicates with a user equipment (200), An information acquisition unit (141) that acquires configuration information of an aperiodic time gap for communication in a second mobile network comprising The communication processing unit receives an RRC message including the configuration information from the user equipment, or transmits an RRC message including the configuration information to the user equipment, The aperiodic time gap is a time gap in a state where the user equipment and the base station are connected by RRC, The configuration information includes period information regarding a setting period (20) in which the aperiodic time gap is set, and is released when the setting period expires Base station.

[0145] (Feature 11) A method performed by a user equipment (200), comprising: communicating with a base station (100) of a first mobile network; obtaining configuration information of an aperiodic time gap for communication in a second mobile network; receiving an RRC message including the configuration information from the base station, or transmitting an RRC message including the configuration information to the base station; including The aperiodic time gap is a time gap in a state where the user equipment and the base station are connected by RRC, The configuration information includes period information regarding a setting period (20) in which the aperiodic time gap is set, and is released when the setting period expires Method.

[0146] (Feature 12) A method performed by a base station (100) of a first mobile network, comprising: communicating with a user equipment (200); obtaining configuration information of an aperiodic time gap for communication in a second mobile network; receiving an RRC message including the configuration information from the user equipment, or transmitting an RRC message including the configuration information to the user equipment; including The aperiodic time gap is a time gap in a state where the user equipment and the base station are connected by RRC, the configuration information includes period information regarding a setting period (20) in which the aperiodic time gap is set, and is released when the setting period expires Method.

[0147] (Feature 13) communicating with a base station (100) of a first mobile network, acquiring configuration information of an aperiodic time gap for communication in a second mobile network, receiving an RRC message including the configuration information from the base station, or transmitting an RRC message including the configuration information to the base station, A program for causing a computer to execute, the aperiodic time gap is a time gap in a state where the user equipment (200) and the base station are connected by RRC, the configuration information includes period information regarding a setting period (20) in which the aperiodic time gap is set, and is released when the setting period expires Program.

[0148] (Feature 14) communicating with a user equipment (200) in a first mobile network, acquiring configuration information of an aperiodic time gap for communication in a second mobile network, receiving an RRC message including the configuration information from the user equipment, or transmitting an RRC message including the configuration information to the user equipment, A program for causing a computer to execute, the aperiodic time gap is a time gap in a state where the user equipment and the base station (100) of the first mobile network are connected by RRC, The configuration information includes period information regarding a setting period (20) during which the aperiodic time gap is set, and is released when the setting period expires. Program.

[0149] (Feature 15) Communicating with a base station (100) of a first mobile network, Obtaining configuration information of an aperiodic time gap for communication in a second mobile network, Receiving an RRC message including the configuration information from the base station or transmitting an RRC message including the configuration information to the base station, A non-transitory tangible recording medium having recorded thereon a program for causing a computer to execute: The aperiodic time gap is a time gap in a state where the user equipment (200) and the base station are connected by RRC, The configuration information includes period information regarding a setting period (20) during which the aperiodic time gap is set, and is released when the setting period expires. Non-transitory tangible recording medium.

[0150] (Feature 16) Communicating with a user equipment (200) in a first mobile network, Obtaining configuration information of an aperiodic time gap for communication in a second mobile network, Receiving an RRC message including the configuration information from the user equipment or transmitting an RRC message including the configuration information to the user equipment, A non-transitory tangible recording medium having recorded thereon a program for causing a computer to execute: The aperiodic time gap is a time gap in a state where the user equipment and the base station of the first mobile network are connected by RRC, The configuration information includes period information regarding a setting period (20) in which the aperiodic time gap is set, and is released when the setting period expires. Non-transitory physical recording medium.

Claims

1. An apparatus (200), comprising a processing unit (230) configured to handle communication with a first network and a second network, and a wireless communication unit (210) configured to receive, from a base station apparatus (100) of the first network, an RRC (Radio Resource Control) message including first information indicating a start point of an aperiodic gap and second information indicating a length of the aperiodic gap when the apparatus is in an RRC connection state in the first network. The processing unit is configured to determine the aperiodic gap based on the first information indicating the start point of the aperiodic gap and the second information indicating the length of the aperiodic gap, perform a handover for communication with the second network within the aperiodic gap, wherein the first information indicating the start point of the aperiodic gap and the second information indicating the length of the aperiodic gap are released without receiving any information indicating release of the aperiodic gap. An apparatus.

2. The wireless communication unit is configured to transmit a UE Assistance Information message including third information indicating the start point of the aperiodic gap to the base station apparatus of the first network, and the aperiodic gap is determined based on the third information indicating the start point of the aperiodic gap included in the UE Assistance Information message. The apparatus according to claim 1.

3. A base station apparatus (100) of a first network, comprising a processing unit (140) configured to handle communication with an apparatus (200), and a wireless communication unit (110) configured to transmit, to the apparatus, an RRC message including first information indicating a start point of an aperiodic gap and second information indicating a length of the aperiodic gap when the apparatus is in an RRC (Radio Resource Control) connection state in the first network. The aperiodic gap is determined based on the first information indicating the start point of the aperiodic gap and the second information indicating the length of the aperiodic gap, and a handover for communication with a second network is performed within the aperiodic gap. The first information indicating the start point of the aperiodic gap and the second information indicating the length of the aperiodic gap are released without receiving any information indicating the release of the aperiodic gap. Base station apparatus. **Claim 4** The radio communication unit receives, from the apparatus, a UE Assistance Information message including third information indicating the start point of the aperiodic gap. The aperiodic gap is determined based on the third information indicating the start point of the aperiodic gap included in the UE Assistance Information message. The base station apparatus according to claim 3. **Claim 5** A method performed by a device (200), comprising: processing communication with a first network and a second network; when being in an RRC (Radio Resource Control) connected state in the first network, receiving an RRC message including first information indicating a start point of an aperiodic gap and second information indicating a length of the aperiodic gap from a base station apparatus (100) of the first network; determining the aperiodic gap based on the first information indicating the start point of the aperiodic gap and the second information indicating the length of the aperiodic gap; performing a handover for communication with the second network within the aperiodic gap. The first information indicating the start point of the aperiodic gap and the second information indicating the length of the aperiodic gap are released without receiving any information indicating the release of the aperiodic gap. Method. **Claim 6** transmitting a UE Assistance Information message including third information indicating the start point of the aperiodic gap to the base station apparatus of the first network. The aperiodic gap is determined based on the third information indicating the start point of the aperiodic gap included in the UE Assistance Information message. The method according to claim 5.

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