Handling positioning measurement

Abstract

The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein relate to a solution for handling location measurements. In this solution, a first device can determine a relationship between the completion time of a location measurement and the availability time of a server cell of the first device, or a first time length for performing the location measurement and a second time length for the validity of an uplink synchronization parameter in the server cell. Based on this determined relationship, mobility activities can then be properly handled.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the field of telecommunications, and more particularly to methods, devices, apparatus, and computer-readable storage media for handling positioning measurements. Prior Art

[0002] In New Radio (NR) Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs), it is assumed that the User Equipment (UE) always has the capability of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) measurements and will arrive at its position based on the measured GNSS information. In the following, more work related to supporting the Internet of Things (IoT) over Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) is discussed. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) assumes that the UE cannot operate both GNSS and IoT NTNs simultaneously, so the Radio Access Network Working Group 1 (RAN1) and RAN WG2 (RAN2) specify GNSS measurement gaps in which the UE can perform GNSS measurements without monitoring the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) and performing other "3GPP tasks". Summary of the invention

[0003] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a first device is provided. The first device includes at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, wherein when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the first device performs the following actions: determining a relationship between at least one of the following: a completion time of a positioning measurement and an availability time of a serving cell of the first device, or a first time length of a duration for performing the positioning measurement and a second time length of a validity duration of an uplink synchronization parameter in the serving cell, wherein the first time length is shorter than a third time length of the positioning measurement gap; after the completion of the positioning measurement, performing at least one of the following based on the relationship: skipping a radio link failure (RLF) procedure in the serving cell; performing a reestablishment procedure with a target cell; performing a cell reselection procedure; stopping at least one access layer (AS) operation that has been temporarily suspended due to performing the positioning measurement; performing a mobility-related procedure; starting at least one mobility or positioning reference signal (PRS) measurement, wherein a duration for performing the at least one mobility or PRS measurement at least partially overlaps with the duration for performing the positioning measurement; or resuming the at least one AS operation that has been temporarily suspended due to performing the positioning measurement.

[0004] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a second device is provided. The second device includes at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, wherein when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the second device performs the following actions: determining a relationship between at least one of the following: a completion time when a first device completes a positioning measurement and an availability time of a serving cell of the first device provided by the second device, or a first time length of a duration for performing the positioning measurement by the first device and a second time length of a validity duration of an uplink synchronization parameter in the serving cell; performing at least one of the following based on the relationship according to an expectation that the first device has completed the positioning measurement: stopping at least one access layer (AS) operation that has been temporarily suspended due to performing the positioning measurement; resuming at least one AS operation that has been temporarily suspended due to performing the positioning measurement; or starting to assist the first device in performing at least one mobility or positioning reference signal (PRS) measurement, wherein a duration for performing the at least one mobility or PRS measurement overlaps at least partially with the duration for performing the positioning measurement.

[0005] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, a first device is provided. The first device includes at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, wherein when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the first device performs the following actions: receiving a fourth message from a second device to release the first device to an idle state, the fourth message indicating at least one of the following: indicating a positioning-related reason for the first device to perform a positioning measurement, or a target or candidate cell for the first device; and after receiving one of the fourth messages, the first device is transformed into the idle state.

[0006] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a second device is provided. The second device includes at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, wherein when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the second device performs the following actions: determining a relationship between at least one of the following: a completion time of a positioning measurement and an availability time of a servo cell of a first device, or a first time length of the positioning measurement and a second time length of a validity duration of an uplink synchronization parameter in the servo cell; transmitting a fourth message to release the first device to an idle state according to at least one of the following: a determination that the completion time of the positioning measurement is later than or equal to the availability time of the servo, or a determination that the first time length is equal to or longer than the second time length.

[0007] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a first device is provided. The first device includes at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, wherein when the at least one processor executes the instructions, the first device performs the following actions: receiving a conditional handover (CHO) configuration of a candidate cell from a second device; performing a positioning measurement on the candidate cell that conflicts with a CHO execution evaluation; and starting the CHO execution evaluation after one of the positioning measurements is completed or one of the positioning measurement gaps of the positioning measurement ends.

[0008] In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a second device is provided. The second device includes at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, wherein when the at least one processor executes the instructions, the second device performs the following actions: transmitting a conditional handover (CHO) configuration of a candidate cell to a first device; and transmitting a fourth message to the candidate cell based on a determination of a conflict between a positioning measurement at the first device and a CHO execution evaluation on the candidate cell, the fourth message indicating that the candidate cell shifts resources to be used for performing a CHO on the candidate cell.

[0009] In a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a third device is provided. The third device includes at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, wherein when the at least one processor executes the instructions, the third device performs the following actions: determining resources to be used by a first device to perform a conditional handover (CHO) on a candidate cell provided by the third device; and receiving a fifth message from a second device serving the first device, the fifth message indicating the resources to be used by the candidate cell shift to perform the CHO on the candidate cell.

[0010] In an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a first device is provided. The first device includes at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, wherein when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the first device performs the following actions: receiving from a second device a connected discontinuous reception (C-DRX) configuration indicating at least one action duration; and in response to at least one action duration overlapping with a positioning measurement gap, waking up to monitor control information at the end of one of the measurement gaps, the control information indicating at least one pending transmission of the first device.

[0011] In a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a second device is provided. The second device includes at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, wherein when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the second device performs the following actions: transmitting to a first device a connected discontinuous reception (C-DRX) configuration indicating at least one action duration; in response to an action duration of the at least one action duration overlapping with a positioning measurement gap, transmitting control information indicating at least one suspension transmission of the first device at the end of one of the measurement gaps of the positioning measurement.

[0012] In a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, a first device is provided. The first device includes at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, wherein when the at least one processor executes the instructions, the first device performs the following actions: receiving a measurement configuration for assembling a mobility measurement on a neighboring cell from a second device; performing a positioning measurement on the neighboring cell that conflicts with the mobility measurement; and relaxing a requirement of the mobility measurement on the neighboring cell.

[0013] In an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes: determining, at a first device, a relationship between at least one of the following: a completion time of a positioning measurement and an availability time of a serving cell of the first device, or a first time length of a duration for performing the positioning measurement and a second time length of a validity duration of an uplink synchronization parameter in the serving cell, the first time length being shorter than a third time length of the positioning measurement gap; after the positioning measurement is completed, performing at least one of the following based on the relationship: skipping a radio link failure (RLF) procedure in the serving cell; performing a reestablishment procedure with a target cell; performing a cell reselection procedure; stopping at least one access layer (AS) operation that has been temporarily suspended due to performing the positioning measurement; performing a mobility-related procedure; starting at least one mobility or positioning reference signal (PRS) measurement, the duration for performing the at least one mobility or PRS measurement at least partially overlapping with the duration for performing the positioning measurement; or resuming the at least one AS operation that has been temporarily suspended due to performing the positioning measurement.

[0014] In a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes: determining, at a second device, a relationship between at least one of the following: a completion time when a first device completes a positioning measurement and an availability time of a serving cell of the first device provided by the second device, or a first time length of a duration for performing the positioning measurement by the first device and a second time length of a validity duration of an uplink synchronization parameter in the serving cell; performing at least one of the following based on an expectation that the first device has completed the positioning measurement: stopping at least one access layer (AS) operation that has been temporarily suspended due to performing the positioning measurement; resuming the at least one AS operation that has been temporarily suspended due to performing the positioning measurement; or starting to assist the first device in performing at least one mobility or positioning reference signal (PRS) measurement, wherein a duration for performing the at least one mobility or PRS measurement overlaps at least partially with the duration for performing the positioning measurement.

[0015] In a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes: receiving a fourth message at a first device and from a second device to release the first device to an idle state, the fourth message indicating at least one of the following: indicating a positioning-related reason for the first device to perform a positioning measurement, or a target or candidate cell for the first device; and transitioning to the idle state after receiving the fourth message.

[0016] In a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes: determining, at a second device, a relationship between at least one of the following: a completion time of a positioning measurement and an availability time of a serving cell of a first device, or a first time length of the positioning measurement and a second time length of a validity duration of an uplink synchronization parameter in the serving cell; transmitting a fourth message to release the first device to an idle state according to at least one of the following: a determination that the completion time of the positioning measurement is later than or equal to a determination of the availability time of the serving cell, or a determination that the first time length is equal to or longer than the second time length.

[0017] In a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes: receiving a conditional handover (CHO) configuration of a candidate cell at a first device and from a second device; performing a positioning measurement on the candidate cell that conflicts with a CHO execution evaluation; and starting the CHO execution evaluation after a completion of the positioning measurement or an end of a positioning measurement gap of the positioning measurement.

[0018] In a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes: transmitting, at a second device and to a first device, a conditional handover (CHO) configuration of a candidate cell; and transmitting, based on a determination of a conflict between a positioning measurement at the first device and a CHO execution evaluation on the candidate cell, a fourth message to the candidate cell, the fourth message indicating that the candidate cell shifts resources to be used for performing a CHO on the candidate cell.

[0019] In a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes: determining, at a third device, resources to be used by a first device to perform a conditional handover (CHO) on a candidate cell provided by the third device; and receiving a fifth message from a second device serving the first device, the fifth message indicating the resources to be used by the candidate cell shift to perform the CHO on the candidate cell.

[0020] In an eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes: receiving, at a first device and from a second device, a connected discontinuous reception (C-DRX) configuration indicating at least one activity duration; and in response to at least one activity duration overlapping a positioning measurement gap, waking up to monitor control information at an end of one of the measurement gaps, the control information indicating at least one pending transmission of the first device.

[0021] In a nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes: transmitting, at a second device and to a first device, a connected discontinuous reception (C-DRX) configuration indicating at least one activity duration; and in response to an activity duration of the at least one activity duration overlapping a positioning measurement gap, transmitting control information indicating at least one suspension transmission of the first device at the end of a measurement gap of the positioning measurement.

[0022] In a twentieth aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes: receiving, at a first device and from a second device, a measurement configuration for assembling a mobility measurement on a neighboring cell; performing a positioning measurement on the neighboring cell that conflicts with the mobility measurement; and relaxing a requirement for the mobility measurement on the neighboring cell.

[0023] In a twenty-first aspect of the present disclosure, a first device is provided. The first device includes a component for determining a relationship between at least one of the following: a completion time of a positioning measurement and an availability time of a serving cell of the first device, or a first time length of a duration for performing the positioning measurement and a second time length of a validity duration of an uplink synchronization parameter in the serving cell, the first time length being shorter than a third time length of the positioning measurement gap; after the positioning measurement is completed, based on the relationship, a component for performing at least one of the following: skipping a radio link failure (RLF) procedure in the serving cell; performing a reestablishment procedure with a target cell; performing a cell reselection procedure; stopping at least one access layer (AS) operation that has been temporarily suspended due to performing the positioning measurement; performing a mobility-related procedure; starting at least one mobility or positioning reference signal (PRS) measurement, the duration for performing the at least one mobility or PRS measurement at least partially overlapping with the duration for performing the positioning measurement; or resuming the at least one AS operation that has been temporarily suspended due to performing the positioning measurement.

[0024] In a twenty-second aspect of the present disclosure, a second device is provided. The second device includes a component for determining a relationship between at least one of the following: a completion time when a first device completes a positioning measurement and an availability time of a serving cell of the first device provided by the second device, or a first time length of a duration for performing the positioning measurement by the first device and a second time length of a validity duration of an uplink synchronization parameter in the serving cell; according to an expectation that the first device has completed the positioning measurement, based on the relationship, a component for performing at least one of the following: stopping at least one access layer (AS) operation that has been temporarily suspended due to performing the positioning measurement; resuming at least one AS operation that has been temporarily suspended due to performing the positioning measurement; or starting to assist the first device in performing at least one mobility or positioning reference signal (PRS) measurement, wherein a duration for performing the at least one mobility or PRS measurement at least partially overlaps with the duration for performing the positioning measurement.

[0025] In a twenty-third aspect of the present disclosure, a first device is provided. The first device includes a component for receiving a fourth message from a second device to release the first device to an idle state, the fourth message indicating at least one of the following: indicating a positioning-related reason for the first device to perform a positioning measurement, or a target or candidate cell for the first device; and a component for transitioning to the idle state after receiving the fourth message.

[0026] In a twenty-fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a second device is provided. The second device includes a component for determining a relationship between at least one of the following: a completion time of a positioning measurement and an availability time of a serving cell of a first device, or a first time length of the positioning measurement and a second time length of a validity duration of an uplink synchronization parameter in the serving cell; and a component for transmitting a fourth message to release the first device to an idle state according to at least one of the following: a determination that the completion time of the positioning measurement is later than or equal to a determination of the availability time of the serving cell, or a determination that the first time length is equal to or longer than the second time length.

[0027] In a twenty-fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a first device is provided. The first device includes a component for receiving a conditional handover (CHO) configuration of a candidate cell from a second device; a component for performing a positioning measurement on the candidate cell that conflicts with a CHO execution evaluation; and a component for starting the CHO execution evaluation after a completion of the positioning measurement or a termination of a positioning measurement gap of the positioning measurement.

[0028] In a twenty-sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a second device is provided. The second device includes a component for transmitting a conditional handover (CHO) configuration of a candidate cell to a first device; and a component for transmitting a fourth message to the candidate cell based on a determination of a conflict between a positioning measurement at the first device and a CHO execution evaluation on the candidate cell, the fourth message indicating that the candidate cell shifts resources to be used for performing a CHO on the candidate cell.

[0029] In a twenty-seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a third device is provided. The third device includes a component for determining resources to be used by a first device to perform a conditional handover (CHO) on a candidate cell provided by the third device; and a component for receiving a fifth message from a second device serving the first device, the fifth message indicating the resources to be used by the candidate cell shift to perform the CHO on the candidate cell.

[0030] In a twenty-eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a first device is provided. The first device includes means for receiving from a second device a connected discontinuous reception (C-DRX) configuration indicating at least one activity duration; and means for waking up to monitor control information at the end of one of the measurement gaps in response to at least one activity duration overlapping with a positioning measurement gap, the control information indicating at least one pending transmission of the first device.

[0031] In a twenty-ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a second device is provided. The second device includes a component for transmitting to a first device a connected discontinuous reception (C-DRX) configuration indicating at least one action duration; and a component for transmitting, in response to an action duration of the at least one action duration overlapping a positioning measurement gap, a control information transmitted by the first device in at least one suspension at the end of a measurement gap of the positioning measurement.

[0032] In a thirtieth aspect of the present disclosure, a first device is provided. The first device includes a component for receiving a measurement configuration for assembling a mobility measurement on a neighboring cell from a second device; a component for performing a positioning measurement on the neighboring cell that conflicts with the mobility measurement; and a component for relaxing a requirement of the mobility measurement on the neighboring cell.

[0033] In a thirty-first aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable medium is provided, which includes instructions stored thereon for causing a device to perform at least a method according to any one of the eleventh aspect to the twentieth aspect.

[0034] It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not intended to identify the key or essential features of the embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become readily understood through the following description. Simple diagram description

[0035] Some exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0036] FIG1 illustrates an exemplary communication environment in which an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented;

[0037] FIG2 illustrates a signaling diagram for communication according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0038] FIG3 illustrates another signaling diagram for communication according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0039] FIG4 illustrates another signaling diagram for communication according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0040] FIG5 illustrates another signaling diagram for communication according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0041] FIG6 illustrates another signaling diagram for communication according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0042] FIG7 is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented at a first device according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0043] FIG8 is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented at a second device according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0044] FIG9 is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented at a first device according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0045] FIG10 is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented at a second device according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0046] FIG11 is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented at a first device according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0047] FIG12 is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented at a second device according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0048] FIG13 is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented at a third device according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0049] FIG14 is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented at a first device according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0050] FIG15 is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented at a second device according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0051] FIG16 is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented at a first device according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0052] FIG. 17 illustrates a simplified block diagram of a device suitable for implementing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0053] FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary computer-readable medium according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0054] In the various drawings, the same or similar reference numbers represent the same or similar elements. Implementation

[0055] The principles of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some exemplary embodiments. It is to be understood that these embodiments are described for illustrative purposes only and are intended to assist those skilled in the art in understanding and implementing the present disclosure, and do not suggest any limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. The embodiments described herein may be implemented in various ways other than those described below.

[0056] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as those commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs.

[0057] References to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an exemplary embodiment," and the like in this disclosure indicate that the embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not necessarily every embodiment includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. In addition, such words do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, it is understood that it is within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art to affect the feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly stated.

[0058] It should be understood that although the terms "first", "second" and similar terms may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. 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 exemplary embodiments. The term "and / or" when used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0059] When "at least one of the following: " and "at least one of " and similar expressions are used in this document, where the list of two or more elements is linked by "and" or "or", it means at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all of the elements.

[0060] Unless explicitly stated, performing a step "in response to A" as used herein does not imply that the step is performed immediately after "A" occurs and may include one or more intervening steps.

[0061] The terminology used herein is intended only to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. When used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the words "comprise", "have" and / or "include" and / or their parts of speech when used herein specify the presence of the 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.

[0062] "Circuitry" as used in this application may mean one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in analog and / or digital circuit systems), and (b) combinations of hardware circuitry and software, such as (where applicable): (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry and software / firmware, and (ii) any portion of hardware processor(s) (including digital signal processor(s)), software and memory(s) with software that operate together to enable a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform various functions, and (c) hardware circuit(s) and / or processor(s) such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s) that require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but the software may not be present when the device can operate without it.

[0063] The definition of "circuitry" applies to all uses of the term in this application, including all uses of the term in any claim of the claims. By way of further example, the term "circuitry," when used in this application, also covers an implementation of only a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors), or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor, and its accompanying software and / or firmware. The term "circuitry," by way of example and if applicable to the particular claimed element, also covers a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit used in a mobile device, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, or other computing or networking device.

[0064] The term "communication network" as used herein means a network that complies with any appropriate communication standard, such as New Radio (NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Advanced LTE (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), Enhanced Machine Type Communication (eMTC), etc. Furthermore, the communication between a terminal device and a network device in the communication network may be carried out according to any suitable generation communication protocol, including but not limited to the first generation (1G), second generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth generation (5G) communication protocols, and / or any other protocols currently known or to be developed in the future. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied in various communication systems. In view of the rapid development of communication, there will certainly be future communication technologies and systems that can implement the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure should not be considered to be limited to the aforementioned systems.

[0065] The term "network device" as used herein means a node in a communication network through which a terminal device accesses the network and receives services therefrom. A network device may be a base station (BS) or an access point (AP), such as a NodeB (NB), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), a NR NB (also known as a gNB), a remote radio unit (RRU), a radio head (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a repeater, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, a low power node such as a femto, a pico, a non-terrestrial network (NTN) or non-terrestrial network device such as a satellite network device, a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite and a pair of geosynchronous earth orbit (GEO) satellites, an aircraft network device, etc., depending on the terminology and technology used. In some exemplary embodiments, a radio access network (RAN) split architecture includes a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU) located at an IAB donor node. An IAB node includes a mobile terminal (IAB-MT) portion that behaves similarly to a UE toward an upstream node, and a DU portion that behaves similarly to a base station toward a secondary hop IAB node.

[0066] The term "terminal device" means any terminal device capable of wireless communication. For example, but not limitation, a terminal device may also be called a communication device, a user equipment (UE), a subscriber station (SS), a portable subscriber station, a mobile station (MS), or an access terminal (AT). The terminal device may include, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smartphone, a voice over IP (VoIP) phone, a wireless local loop phone, a tablet computer, a wearable terminal device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable computer, a desktop computer, an image capture terminal device such as a digital camera, a game terminal device, a music storage and playback appliance, a vehicle-mounted wireless terminal device, a wireless endpoint, a mobile radio, a laptop embedded equipment (LEE), a laptop mounted equipment (LME), a hardware lock, a smart device, a wireless customer premises equipment (CPE), an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a watch or other wearable device, a head mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, a medical device and application (e.g., telesurgery), an industrial device and application (e.g., a robot and / or other wireless device operating in an industrial and / or an automated processing chain environment), a consumer electronic device, a device operating on a commercial and / or industrial wireless network, and the like. The terminal device may also correspond to a mobile terminal (MT) portion of an IAB node (eg, a relay node). In the following description, the terms "terminal device", "communication device", "terminal", "user equipment" and "UE" may be used interchangeably.

[0067] The terms "resource", "transmission resource", "resource block", "physical resource block" (PRB), "uplink resource", or "downlink resource" as used herein may refer to any resource used for conducting a communication, for example, for a communication between a terminal device and a network device, such as a resource in the time domain, a resource in the frequency domain, a resource in the space domain, a resource in the code domain, or any other resource capable of conducting a communication, and the like. In the following, unless explicitly stated, a resource in both the frequency domain and the time domain will be used as an example of a transmission resource to illustrate some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are equally applicable to other resources in other domains.

[0068] As mentioned above, in NR NTN, IoT NTN or other types of NTN, it is assumed that the UE always has the capability of GNSS measurement and will reach its position based on the measured GNSS information.

[0069] In some exemplary embodiments, GNSS may be used by a UE to determine its position so that the UE can compensate for radio propagation between the UE and the satellite. For geosynchronous orbit, the UE must compensate for propagation delay (covering approximately 36,000 km), and for low earth orbit satellites, the UE must also compensate for Doppler and time shifts due to satellite motion (approximately 7.5 km / s relative to the earth).

[0070] In the present disclosure, GNSS measurements can be triggered by either the network device or the UE.

[0071] Specifically, in some exemplary embodiments, the network device may trigger the UE to perform a GNSS measurement during a scheduled gap. In addition, in some exemplary embodiments, the network device may at least support triggering the UE to perform GNSS measurements aperiodically. In terms of aperiodic triggering, the network device may use a (Media Access Control) MAC Control Element (CE) or a Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling to trigger the UE to perform GNSS measurements. It is expected that the triggering by the network device is based on the reported GNSS validity duration. In the case where the UE is in connected mode, the UE may report the GNSS verification duration via a MAC CE. In addition, in some exemplary embodiments, the UE is also required to report the "GNSS position fix duration" (i.e., the time required for the UE to perform GNSS measurements) at least during the initial access phase. The parameter "GNSS position fix duration" may be used by the network device to determine the length of the GNSS measurement gap. In some exemplary embodiments, a new downlink MAC CE may be introduced to trigger the connected UE to perform GNSS measurements.

[0072] In some exemplary embodiments, for GNSS measurements in a connected radio resource control (RRC), if the network device non-periodically triggers the connected UE to perform GNSS measurements, the UE may reacquire the GNSS position with a gap.

[0073] In some exemplary embodiments, for GNSS measurement gaps triggered aperiodically by MAC CE, the duration of the GNSS measurement gap may be configured by the eNB. In addition, if the duration of the GNSS measurement gap is not included in the configuration by the eNB, the gap duration is equal to the duration of the latest reported GNSS position fix for measurement.

[0074] In some exemplary embodiments, if the UE does not receive a trigger for GNSS measurement from the network device, the UE may autonomously perform GNSS measurement. In this scenario, the network device and the UE should have a common understanding of when and how to start GNSS measurement. For example, since the UE cannot schedule during the GNSS measurement period, the UE may autonomously perform GNSS measurement when the GNSS validity period expires.

[0075] For example, in RRC connected GNSS measurements, if the network device aperiodically triggers the UE in a connected state to perform GNSS measurements, when configured to enable autonomously triggered GNSS measurements, if the UE does not receive a trigger to perform GNSS measurements from the network device, the UE may autonomously reacquire GNSS.

[0076] In some exemplary embodiments, from the perspective of RAN1, at least for the situation when the frequency error and timing error with the old closed-loop time correction are within the frequency and timing error requirements, uplink transmission may be allowed without GNSS re-acquisition within a duration X after the original GNSS validity duration expires.

[0077] In some exemplary embodiments, the UE may not be required to transmit or receive any channel / signal within the aperiodic GNSS measurement gap duration before the UE successfully reacquires the GNSS.

[0078] In some exemplary embodiments, the UE may report a GNSS position fix duration for a GNSS measurement via a 4-bit field with component values ​​[1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 13, 19, 25, 31, 6*n+1, ...].

[0079] In some exemplary embodiments, the GNSS validity duration reported by the UE may be a remaining validity duration.

[0080] In some exemplary embodiments, the UE may trigger a GNSS measurement report each time a GNSS fix operation is completed.

[0081] It can be seen that the eNB can non-periodically trigger a GNSS measurement gap (MG) in which the UE can perform measurements, and the triggering can be based on a downlink MAC CE, and the network is free to decide when to trigger the GNSS measurement.

[0082] Furthermore, if the UE does not receive aperiodic triggers, and if the UE is configured with such autonomous GNSS MG configuration, the UE may autonomously reacquire GNSS. Additionally, when a GNSS position fix operation is completed, the UE may report the remaining validity duration for the GNSS validity duration. This enables the UE and the eNB to have a common understanding of the UE's GNSS status, i.e., when it is valid and when it is out of date.

[0083] As mentioned above, 3GPP assumes that the UE cannot operate GNSS and IoT NTN simultaneously, so RAN1 and RAN2 specify GNSS measurement gaps in which the UE can perform GNSS measurements without monitoring the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) and performing other "3GPP tasks". Furthermore, it is expected that improved GNSS operation will be studied and specified for a new position fix for UE pre-compensation during long connection times and for reduced power consumption.

[0084] In some embodiments, while the UE is measuring GNSS, radio link management (RLM) may be temporarily suspended during the GNSS measurement gap. Furthermore, it is not desirable for the UE to simultaneously acquire system information and GNSS position, and if the UE cannot complete the acquisition of SIB31 before the start of the GNSS measurement gap, the acquisition of system information block 31 (SIB 31) may be postponed until the GNSS measurement is completed.

[0085] In some exemplary embodiments, when the UE measures GNSS during GNSS MG, some operations should be stopped / temporarily suspended. Exemplary operations include but are not limited to: dataInactivityTimer may be stopped, execution of conditional handover (CHO) may be postponed, RLM related timers may be stopped (e.g., timers related to RLF and re-establishment (e.g., T310, T311, and T301) may be temporarily suspended; T310 may be paused; T310 may be extended); timing alignment timer (TAT) handling may be temporarily suspended / stopped (e.g., timeAlignmentTimer has expired, TAT has been temporarily suspended); unnecessary neighbor cell measurements within the duration of GNSS measurement may be avoided; random access channel (RACH) / scheduling request (SR) / buffer status report (BSR) may be temporarily suspended.

[0086] So far, although some discussions and agreements have been made on UE / network behavior, there are still many pending issues that need further discussion. For example, there is an agreement that some AS operations should be temporarily suspended when the UE is performing GNSS measurements during a GNSS measurement gap. However, there is no discussion on whether the temporarily suspended AS operations should be resumed when the UE has completed the GNSS measurements.

[0087] Another pending issue is that there is agreement to temporarily suspend RLM during GNSS MG, but the impact on RRM measurements is not defined, and further, how the UE should "recover" from missed RLM measurements is not defined. Another pending issue is that there is no discussion on RRM measurements that conflict with GNSS MG.

[0088] Furthermore, it has been agreed that the UE is not required to transmit or receive during GNSS measurement gaps, and that the GNSS position fix duration used by the network to assemble GNSS measurement gaps is in the range of [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 13, 19, 25, 31, 6*n+1, …,] seconds. This means that the UE cannot perform any RLM and RRM measurements for a long period (up to 31 seconds or even longer). In this event, normal mobility activities may be affected. Furthermore, for AS operations that are temporarily suspended when the UE performs GNSS measurements during GNSS MG, it is unclear whether the AS operations should be resumed / continued when the UE completes the GNSS measurements.

[0089] In view of this, it is desirable to discuss how to specify the behavior of terminal devices and network devices during GNSS measurement gaps.

[0090] According to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a solution for specifying the behavior of a terminal device and a network device in discontinuous coverage is provided. In this solution, a first device (such as a terminal device) can determine a relationship between a completion time of a positioning measurement (such as a GNSS measurement or a positioning measurement based on 3GPP signaling) and an availability time of a serving cell of the first device, or a first time length for a duration of performing the positioning measurement and a second time length of a validity duration of an uplink synchronization parameter in the serving cell. Then, based on the determined relationship, RRM / RLM / AS activities can be properly handled.

[0091] In summary, since RRM / RLM / AS activities can be defined after the GNSS measurement is completed, unnecessary power consumption can be avoided and communication interruptions can be minimized.

[0092] It should be understood that any section / subsection titles provided herein are not intended to be limiting. Embodiments are described throughout this document, and any type of embodiment may be included under any section / subsection. Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed in any section / subsection may be combined in any manner with any other embodiments described in the same section / subsection and / or a different section / subsection.

[0093] The terms “serving coverage area”, “serving cell”, “serving area”, “source cell”, “source network”, “serving satellite”, “serving network”, “serving gNB”, “serving eNB”, etc., when used in this document, may be used interchangeably.

[0094] The terms “candidate cell / network”, “target cell / network”, “neighboring cell / network”, etc. are used interchangeably in this document.

[0095] When used in this article, "interval", "duration", "period", "cycle", "time length" and "time window" can be used interchangeably.

[0096] In the following, a satellite will be used as an example of a network device to illustrate some specific exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the exemplary embodiments described with respect to the satellite are equally applicable to other types of network devices. The present disclosure is not limited in this regard. [ , Example Environment , ]

[0097] 1 illustrates an exemplary communication environment 100 in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. In the communication environment 100, a plurality of communication devices including a first device 110 and a second device 120 may communicate with each other.

[0098] In the example of FIG1 , the first device 110 may include a terminal device, and the second device 120 may include a network device serving the terminal device. The serving area of ​​the second device 120 may be referred to as a cell 130. It should be understood that the second device 120 may be deployed inside or outside the cell 130 according to different requirement scenarios.

[0099] In some exemplary embodiments, the communication environment 100 includes an NTN network of one or more satellites. In some exemplary embodiments, an access network device (e.g., a gNB) may be deployed at a satellite, also known as a regenerative architecture. Alternatively, in some exemplary embodiments, an access network device may be deployed separately from the satellite, such as on the ground, also known as a transparent architecture. In the present disclosure, according to a specific application scenario or requirement, either or both of the satellite and the access network device may be considered as the second device 120. The present disclosure is not limited in this regard.

[0100] In addition, in some exemplary embodiments, either or both of the first device 110 and the second device 120 may move over time, which may cause the positional relationship between the first device 110, the second device 120, and the cell 130 to change.

[0101] 1 , the cell 140 may be a neighboring cell, a candidate cell, or a target cell of the first device. In some exemplary embodiments, the cell 140 may be provided by the third device 125.

[0102] In the following, for the purpose of description, some exemplary embodiments are described with the first device 110 operating as a terminal device and the second device 120 operating as a network device. However, in some exemplary embodiments, the operations described with a terminal device may be implemented at a network device or other devices, and the operations described with a network device may be implemented at a terminal device or other devices.

[0103] In some exemplary embodiments, if the first device 110 is a terminal device and the second device 120 is a network device, a link from the second device 120 to the first device 110 is called a downlink (DL), and a link from the first device 110 to the second device 120 is called an uplink (UL). In DL, the second device 120 is a transmitting (TX) device (or a transmitter), and the first device 110 is a receiving (RX) device (or a receiver). In UL, the first device 110 is a TX device (or a transmitter), and the second device 120 is a RX device (or a receiver).

[0104] Communications in the communication environment 100 may be implemented according to any appropriate communication protocol, including, but not limited to, cellular communication protocols of the first generation (1G), second generation (2G), third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), fifth generation (5G), sixth generation (6G), and the like, wireless local area network communication protocols such as Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 and the like, and / or any other protocol currently known or to be developed in the future. In addition, communications may utilize any appropriate wireless communication 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 multiplexing (OFDM), discrete Fourier spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) and / or any other technology currently known or to be developed in the future. [ , Operational principles and exemplary signaling for communication , ]

[0105] In the following, more details about the operation after one of the positioning measurements (such as GNSS) is completed / at the end of one of the measurement gaps will be discussed with reference to Figures 1 to 6. For discussion purposes, the exemplary signaling flows in Figures 1 to 6 will be discussed with reference to Figure 1, for example, by using the first device 110, the second device 120, the third device 125, the cell 130, and the cell 140.

[0106] In the examples of FIGS. 1 to 6 , the first device 110 may function as a terminal device, and the second device 120 may function as a network device.

[0107] It is to be understood that the operations at the first device 110 and the second device 120 should be coordinated. In other words, the second device 120 and the first device 110 should have a common understanding regarding configurations, parameters, etc. Such a common understanding can be implemented by any suitable interaction or by applying the same rules / policies.

[0108] In the following, although some operations are described from the perspective of the first device 110, it should be understood that the corresponding operations should still be performed by the second device 120. Similarly, although some operations are described from the perspective of the second device 120, it should be understood that the corresponding operations should still be performed by the first device 110. For the sake of brevity, some identical or similar contents are omitted here.

[0109] In addition, in the following description, examples of message types (such as "RRC message", "MAC CE", "DCI") are only used for illustrative purposes and do not suggest any limitation. In other exemplary embodiments, any suitable message type can be used for the interaction between the first device 110 and the second device 120.

[0110] In the following, the UE / network behaviors are discussed specifically for the following scenarios: the UE is configured with a GNSS measurement gap while the UE is also configured with other measurements such as RLM / RRM, or when the UE performs GNSS measurements during the GNSS measurement gap, the UE temporarily suspends some AS operations (e.g., SR, BSR, RACH, TAT timer).

[0111] Hereinafter, the positioning measurement completion time refers to the actual time when the first device 110 has completed the positioning measurement. The positioning measurement completion time may be shorter than the allocated / assembled GNSS measurement gap.

[0112] Please refer to FIG. 2 , which illustrates a signaling diagram 200 for communication according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0113] During operation, in order to ensure that the subsequent operation is more technically reasonable, in some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 may determine a relationship between a completion time of a positioning measurement (which is less than the measurement gap) and an availability time of a serving cell (such as the cell 130) of the first device 110, and / or a first time length of a duration for performing positioning measurement in the serving cell and a second time length of a validity duration of an uplink synchronization parameter (wherein the first time length is shorter than a third time length of the positioning measurement gap). Based on this relationship, the following operation may be performed in a more technically reasonable manner.

[0114] It should be noted that the relationship may be determined based on one or more of the following: 1) a correlation between a completion time of a positioning measurement and an availability time of a serving cell of the first device 110; 2) a correlation between a first time length of a duration for performing positioning measurement and a second time length of a validity duration of an uplink synchronization parameter in the serving cell; 3) other appropriate correlations. In general, the relationship may be determined based on a plurality of factors. The present disclosure is not limited in this regard.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 2 , the first device 110 performs 230 positioning measurements, and after one of the positioning measurements is completed, the first device 110 performs 240 at least one of the following based on the relationship: Ø skipping a radio link failure (RLF) procedure in the serving cell (such as cell 130); Ø performing a reestablishment procedure with a target cell (such as cell 140); Ø performing a cell reselection procedure; Ø stopping at least one access layer (AS) operation that has been temporarily suspended due to the positioning measurement; Ø performing a mobility-related procedure (such as CHO based on location trigger. For example, the first device 110 may have obtained a new location (via positioning measurement) and may perform CHO based on a pre-configured location trigger); Ø starting to perform at least one mobility or positioning reference signal (PRS) measurement, a duration for performing the at least one mobility or PRS measurement at least partially overlapping with the duration for performing the positioning measurement; or Ø resuming the at least one AS operation that has been temporarily suspended due to the positioning measurement.

[0116] Therefore, the second device 120 also needs to determine a similar relationship. In some embodiments, the second device 120 may determine 250 a relationship between at least one of the following: a completion time when the first device 110 completes a positioning measurement and an availability time of a serving cell of the first device 110 provided by the second device 120, or a first time length of a duration for performing positioning measurement by the first device 110 and a second time length of a validity duration of an uplink synchronization parameter in the serving cell.

[0117] It is to be clarified that although the second device 120 may not determine / monitor / know when the first device 110 actually completes the positioning measurement, the second device 120 may still estimate the completion time when the first device 110 has completed a positioning measurement (or a first time length for a duration of positioning measurement performed by the first device 110). In this event, the second device 120 may predict / estimate / expect that the first device 110 has completed the positioning measurement. With this prediction / estimation / expectation, the second device 120 may behave in accordance with the first device 110. The details of how to predict / estimate / expect that the first device 110 has completed the positioning measurement may depend on a network implementation.

[0118] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 / the second device 120 may determine the availability time of the serving cell based on at least one of the following: Ø a serving time of the second device 120 providing the serving cell, such as a t-service for an earth-fixed cell, Ø satellite assistance information of the second device 120, Ø a location of the first device 110, Ø a reference point of the serving cell, or Ø a coverage area of ​​the serving cell.

[0119] In some exemplary embodiments, the validity duration of the uplink synchronization parameter may be defined as a preset value. For example, the validity duration is predefined by a communication organization (such as 3GPP), or by a network operator or service provider. In this way, no additional signaling exchange is required between the first device 110 and the second device 120.

[0120] Alternatively, in some exemplary embodiments, the validity duration may be dynamically or semi-statically configured. For example, one of the first device 110 and the second device 120 may determine the validity duration and then notify the other device of the validity duration.

[0121] In some exemplary embodiments, the synchronization threshold (ie, validity duration of uplink synchronization parameters) may be a UE-specific value that defines how long the UE can maintain serving cell synchronization without performing any serving cell measurements.

[0122] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 may report a value of the synchronization threshold as a UE capability. Alternatively, the synchronization threshold may be configured by the second device 120.

[0123] In the following, we discuss in detail how to operate based on relationships.

[0124] In some exemplary embodiments, if the completion time of the positioning measurement is later than or equal to the availability time of the serving cell, then after the completion of the positioning measurement, the first device 110 may perform at least one of the following: skipping the RLF procedure in the serving cell, performing the reestablishment procedure with a target cell, performing the cell reselection procedure, or stopping the at least one AS operation.

[0125] Alternatively, or in addition, if the first time length is equal to or longer than the second time length, the first device may perform at least one of the following: skipping the RLF procedure in the serving cell, performing the reestablishment procedure with a target cell, performing the cell reselection procedure, or stopping the at least one AS operation.

[0126] For a better understanding, some exemplary embodiments are discussed in which GNSS measurements are used as examples of positioning measurements.

[0127] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 may compare the GNSS measurement completion time with the serving cell availability time. If the GNSS measurement completion time exceeds the serving cell availability time, the first device 110 may perform an RRC reestablishment procedure (or cell reselection) after the GNSS measurement is completed.

[0128] Alternatively, or in addition, if the GNSS measurement completion time exceeds the serving cell availability time, the first device 110 can skip the RLF procedure in the serving cell.

[0129] Alternatively, or in addition, if the GNSS measurement completion time exceeds the serving cell availability time, the first device 110 may stop the temporarily suspended AS operation after the GNSS measurement is completed.

[0130] In some exemplary embodiments, the cell availability time may be determined based on t-service for earth-fixed cells or based on satellite assistance information for earth-mobile cells (eg, the distance between the first device 110 location and the cell reference point exceeds a threshold).

[0131] Alternatively, the first device 110 compares the GNSS measurement time length (i.e., the first time length for performing positioning measurement) with a synchronization threshold (i.e., the second time length for the validity of an uplink synchronization parameter). If the GNSS measurement time length exceeds the synchronization threshold, the first device 110 may perform an RRC reestablishment procedure (or cell reselection) after the GNSS measurement is completed.

[0132] Alternatively, or in addition, if the GNSS measurement time length exceeds a synchronization threshold, the first device 110 can skip the RLF procedure in the serving cell.

[0133] Alternatively, or in addition, if the GNSS measurement time length exceeds a synchronization threshold, the first device 110 may stop the temporarily suspended AS operation after the GNSS measurement is completed.

[0134] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device may assist the first device 110 in connecting to the next cell. For example, the serving cell may provide the UE context to the target cell, and the target cell may provide the contention-free random access resource / PRACH with the configured C-RNTI / RACH-free access resource via the serving cell.

[0135] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 may receive a third message from the second device 120, wherein the third message may indicate at least one of the following: Ø Contention-free random access channel (RACH) resources of the target cell, Ø Lack of RACH access resources of the target cell, or Ø A cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) used for a physical random access channel (PRACH) transmission on the target cell.

[0136] In some exemplary embodiments, the network may also provide the target cell with relevant satellite ephemeris (e.g., future ephemeris that is valid when the GNSS MG is completed). This configuration / information may be provided as part of or together with the GNSS MG trigger.

[0137] In some embodiments, the second device 120 may also provide a parameter t-serviceStart (which, for a geostationary cell, indicates when the target cell starts serving the area).

[0138] In some exemplary embodiments, if the completion time of the positioning measurement is earlier than or equal to the availability time of the serving cell, then after the completion of the positioning measurement, the first device 110 may perform at least one of the following: start at least one mobility or PRS measurement, perform mobility-related procedures (such as CHO based on location triggering. For example, the first device 110 may have obtained a new position (via positioning measurement)), and may perform CHO based on a pre-configured location trigger or the recovery of the at least one AS operation.

[0139] Alternatively, or in addition, if the first time length is longer than or equal to the second time length, then after completion of the positioning measurement, the first device 110 may perform at least one of the following: start at least one mobility or PRS measurement, perform mobility-related procedures, or resume at least one AS operation.

[0140] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 may extend or shift the duration for performing at least one mobility or PRS measurement.

[0141] In some exemplary embodiments, after one of the at least one mobility or PRS measurement is completed, the first device 110 can transmit information indicating a remaining positioning validity duration to the second device 120 .

[0142] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 may send a notification to the second device 120, wherein the notification indicates at least one of the following: Ø the completion of the at least one mobility measurement being shifted to the positioning measurement, Ø the extension of the duration for performing the at least one mobility measurement, Ø the number of the at least one mobility measurement, or Ø time information required for performing the at least one mobility measurement.

[0143] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 may inform the second device 120 of the number of RLM / RRM measurements it needs to perform / the time required to perform such measurements (as a UE capability) after a GNSS measurement gap. Then, the second device 120 may shift / extend the gap accordingly.

[0144] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 may optionally report a GNSS position fix duration, which also allows the first device 110 to perform mobility measurements during the duration (UE-implemented solution).

[0145] In some exemplary embodiments, the (GNSS) position fix duration reported by the first device 110 (such as a UE) is longer than a duration actually required by the first device 110 (such as a UE). Therefore, the first device 110 (such as a UE) may perform mobility measurements during the difference between the duration actually required and the reported position fix duration.

[0146] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 may transmit 220 a first message to the second device 120, wherein the first message may indicate at least one of: Ø a first positioning position fix duration and an additional duration for performing at least one mobility or PRS measurement, or Ø a second positioning position fix duration determined at least in part based on the additional duration for performing the at least one mobility or PRS measurement.

[0147] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device 120 may receive 21-0 a second message from the second device 120, wherein the second message may indicate at least one of the following: Ø a first indication allowing the first device 110 to perform the at least one action or PRS measurement after the completion of the positioning measurement, Ø at least one parameter for an additional duration for performing the at least one action or PRS measurement, or Ø an extended time length of the configured positioning measurement gap.

[0148] For a better understanding, some exemplary embodiments are discussed in which GSNN measurements are used as examples of positioning measurements.

[0149] In some exemplary embodiments, if the GNSS measurement completion time does not exceed the serving cell availability time and / or the GNSS measurement time length does not exceed the synchronization threshold, the first device 110 may resume the temporarily suspended AS operation after the GNSS measurement is completed.

[0150] Furthermore, the first device 110 may still experience GNSS measurements (gaps) that conflict with RLM and / or RRM measurements. In this event, the first device 110 may evaluate whether such mobility measurements require measurement gaps. If so, the first device 110 may need to shift the mobility measurement gaps to occur after the completion of the GNSS measurements.

[0151] In some exemplary embodiments, if the mobility measurement gap extends beyond the GNSS measurement gap duration (assuming that the first device 110 completes the GNSS measurement before the end of the GNSS measurement gap), the first device 110 can notify the second device 120 of such a shift. Otherwise, the first device 110 can autonomously perform mobility measurements before reporting the GNSS validity duration to indicate a successful GNSS measurement.

[0152] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device 120 can also indicate that the first device 110 is allowed to perform a mobility measurement after the GNSS measurement as part of the GNSS measurement gap configuration or GNSS measurement trigger. For example, the second device 120 can configure the number of additional mobility measurement gaps or the extension time length of the measurement gaps.

[0153] According to some embodiments, operations at the first device 110 may be controlled by the second device 120, which will be discussed with reference to FIG. 3, which shows a signaling diagram 300 for communication according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0154] In operation, the second device 120 may determine 310 a relationship between a completion time of a positioning measurement and an availability time of a serving cell of the first device 110. Alternatively, or in addition, the second device 120 may determine 310 a relationship between a first time length of the positioning measurement and a second time length of a validity duration of an uplink link synchronization parameter in the serving cell.

[0155] Then, if the completion time of the positioning measurement is later than or equal to the availability time of the server, and / or the first time length is equal to or longer than the second time length, the second device 120 may send 320 a fourth message to release the first device 110 to an idle state.

[0156] In some exemplary embodiments, the fourth message indicates at least one of the following: Ø indicating a positioning-related reason for the first device to perform a positioning measurement, or Ø a target or candidate cell for the first device.

[0157] As shown in FIG. 3 , after receiving the fourth message, the first device 110 may be transformed 330 into an idle state.

[0158] Furthermore, in some exemplary embodiments, after receiving the fourth message, the first device 110 may perform 340 positioning measurement after receiving the fourth message.

[0159] Taking the non-continuous coverage range NTN as an example, the target cell (i.e., the next serving cell) may be far away from the current serving cell. In this event, when the first device 110 approaches the target cell, the first device 110 may start to perform positioning measurements. In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 may determine a time point to perform positioning measurements based on an available time of the target cell. In this way, power consumption for performing unnecessary positioning measurements may be avoided.

[0160] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 may compare the GNSS measurement completion time with the serving cell availability time. If the GNSS measurement completion time exceeds the serving cell availability time, the second device 120 may skip the GNSS measurement trigger and instead release the first device 110 to RRC idle with cause = "perform GNSS measurement" and indicate the target cell identity (such as PCI) or at least the frequency layer / resource / band of the target cell(s) if the PCI is not known in this state.

[0161] According to some embodiments, the CHO process may be further improved. Referring now to FIG. 4 , a signaling diagram 400 for communication is shown according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0162] As shown in FIG. 4 , the serving cell 130 and the candidate cell 140 may determine 405 resources to be used by a first device 110 for performing CHO on the candidate cell 140 .

[0163] Next, the serving cell 130 may transmit 410 a CHO configuration of the candidate cell 140 to the first device 110. Furthermore, the CHO configuration may indicate resources for performing a CHO on the candidate cell 140.

[0164] In the conventional CHO procedure, with this CHO configuration, the first device 110 can perform a CHO execution evaluation and be triggered to switch to the candidate cell 140 if the CHO condition is met. However, if a positioning measurement conflicts with the CHO execution evaluation, the CHO execution evaluation may be temporarily suspended. If so, the previously allocated resources for performing a CHO on the candidate cell 140 may be invalid. With the following discussion, the above problem can be solved.

[0165] 4, the first device 110 may perform 430 a positioning measurement that conflicts with a CHO execution evaluation on the candidate cell; and may start 440 the CHO execution evaluation after a positioning measurement is completed or a positioning measurement gap in the positioning measurement ends. Hereinafter, the first device 110 may access 450 the candidate cell 140 by using the handed-over resources.

[0166] To ensure that the candidate cell 140 can also provide resources for handover, as shown in FIG4 , based on a determination of a conflict between a positioning measurement at the first device 110 and a CHO execution evaluation on the candidate cell 140, the serving cell 130 can transmit 420 a fifth message to the candidate cell 140, wherein the fifth message indicates that the candidate cell shifts the resources to be used for performing the CHO on the candidate cell.

[0167] Furthermore, whether to allow switching of these resources can be enabled according to demand.

[0168] In some embodiments, if the serving cell 130 determines that the positioning measurement (such as UE GNSS) conflicts with the CHO, the serving cell 130 may need to ask the candidate cell 140 whether the resources can be shifted by sending a fifth message to the candidate cell 140, wherein the fifth message requests the candidate cell 140 to shift the resources. Optionally, the candidate cell 140 may send 425 a response to the serving cell 130, wherein the response indicates that the resources can be shifted. In this event, the serving cell 130 may send a second indication to the first device 110, wherein the second indication indicates the start of allowing the first device to shift the CHO to perform the evaluation.

[0169] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the serving cell 130 may transmit a second indication to the first device 110, the second indication indicating that the first device is allowed to shift the start of the CHO execution evaluation. In some exemplary embodiments, the second indication may be included in the CHO configuration.

[0170] In addition, the fifth message may be sent to the candidate cell 140 under one of the conditions of the second indication.

[0171] For a better understanding, some exemplary embodiments are discussed in which GSNN measurements are used as examples of positioning measurements.

[0172] In some exemplary embodiments, exemplified by eMTC preparing for conditional handover and starting GNSS measurements, the serving node may notify the target node(s) to extend the retention time to allow the UE to perform a deferred CHO execution evaluation and complete the conditional handover. In some embodiments, CHO may be performed based on location, time, and / or radio measurements, and in the case of a long GNSS measurement, all types of evaluations (and / or CHO executions) will be delayed.

[0173] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 may be aware of the reserved shift implicitly, or the CHO configuration may define whether to allow / disallow such a shift in the case of conflict with a GNSS measurement.

[0174] According to some embodiments, the C-DRX scenario may be further improved. Referring now to FIG. 5 , a signaling diagram 500 for communication is shown according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0175] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device 120 may transmit 510 to the first device 110 a C-DRX configuration indicating at least one action duration. In FIG5 , the first device 110 may perform 520 a positioning measurement.

[0176] Hereinafter, with respect to the first device 110, in response to at least one action duration overlapping a positioning measurement gap, the first device 110 may wake up 530 to monitor control information at the end of one of the measurement gaps, the control information indicating at least one pending transmission of the first device.

[0177] Therefore, in some exemplary embodiments, as for the second device 120, in response to one of the at least one action durations overlapping with a positioning measurement gap, the second device 120 may transmit control information indicating that the first device transmitted in at least one pause at the end of one of the measurement gaps of the positioning measurement.

[0178] 5, the first device may wake up during T2 (such as exiting C-DRX mode) and may monitor control information during T2. In some exemplary embodiments, the duration T2 / preset on duration or a configured / preset wake-up duration may be configured.

[0179] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device 120 may transmit a configuration to the first device 120, wherein the configuration may indicate at least one of the following: a third indication indicating that the first device is allowed to wake up at the end of a measurement gap, or at an on duration (such as T2) following the measurement gap.

[0180] For a better understanding, some exemplary embodiments are discussed in which GSNN measurements are used as examples of positioning measurements.

[0181] In some exemplary embodiments, if the DRX on duration overlaps within a GNSS measurement gap, the first device 110 may be configured to exit C-DRX at the end of the GNSS measurement gap to check for any pending transmissions over the overlapping on duration. In some exemplary embodiments, in addition to the normal C-DRX configuration, the second device 120 may further configure the first device 120 to wake up for a (short) on duration after a GNSS measurement gap.

[0182] According to some embodiments, the mobility measurement may be further improved. Referring now to FIG. 6 , a signaling diagram 600 for communication is shown according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0183] In operation, the first device 110 receives 610 a measurement configuration from the second device 120 , wherein the measurement configuration is used to assemble a mobility measurement on a neighboring cell (such as the cell 140 ).

[0184] Hereinafter, the first device 110 may perform 620 a positioning measurement that conflicts with a mobility measurement on a neighboring cell; and the first device 110 may relax 630 a requirement of the mobility measurement on the neighboring cell.

[0185] Furthermore, the relaxation procedure may be controlled / configured by the second device 120 / serving cell 130. Specifically, in some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 may receive a sixth message from the second device 120, wherein the sixth message indicates at least one of the following: Ø a fourth indication indicating that if the mobility measurement conflicts with the positioning measurement, the first device is allowed to relax the requirement of the mobility measurement on the neighboring cell, or Ø at least one parameter for relaxing the requirement.

[0186] For a better understanding, some exemplary embodiments are discussed in which GSNN measurements are used as examples of positioning measurements.

[0187] In some exemplary embodiments, when the measurements conflict with a GNSS measurement, the second device 120 may indicate to the first device 110 that the first device 110 is allowed to relax the RLM / RRM measurement requirements, such as the time required to evaluate a target cell. In some exemplary embodiments, this indication may be provided in the GNSS or mobility measurement configuration.

[0188] With the above process, the UE can handle long GNSS position fix durations more gracefully, especially when GNSS measurement gaps conflict with RLM / RRM measurements. [ , Example method , ]

[0189] FIG7 shows a flow chart of an exemplary method 700 implemented at a first device according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. For discussion purposes, the method 700 will be described from the perspective of the first device 110 in FIG1 .

[0190] In program block 710, the first device 110 determines a relationship between at least one of the following: a completion time of a positioning measurement and an availability time of a serving cell of the first device 110, or a first time length of a duration for performing the positioning measurement and a second time length of a validity duration of an uplink synchronization parameter in the serving cell, the first time length being shorter than a third time length of the positioning measurement gap.

[0191] At block 720, after one of the positioning measurements is completed, the first device 110 performs at least one of the following based on the relationship: skipping a radio link failure (RLF) procedure in the serving cell; performing a reestablishment procedure with a target cell; performing a cell reselection procedure; stopping at least one access layer (AS) operation that has been temporarily suspended due to the positioning measurement; performing a mobility-related procedure; starting at least one mobility or positioning reference signal (PRS) measurement, where a duration for performing the at least one mobility or PRS measurement at least partially overlaps with the duration for performing the positioning measurement; or resuming the at least one AS operation that has been temporarily suspended due to the positioning measurement.

[0192] In some exemplary embodiments, after the completion of the positioning measurement, the first device 110 may perform at least one of the following: skipping the RLF procedure in the serving cell, performing the reestablishment procedure with a target cell, performing the cell reselection procedure, or stopping the at least one AS operation to meet at least one of the following: a determination that the completion time of the positioning measurement is later than or equal to the availability time of the serving cell, or a determination that the first time length is equal to or longer than the second time length.

[0193] In some exemplary embodiments, after the completion of the positioning measurement, the first device 110 may perform at least one of the following: starting the at least one mobility or PRS measurement, performing the mobility-related procedure, or resuming the at least one AS operation to meet at least one of the following: the completion time of the positioning measurement is earlier than or equal to a determination of the availability time of the serving cell, or the first time length is longer than or equal to a determination of the second time length.

[0194] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 may extend or shift the duration for performing at least one mobility or PRS measurement.

[0195] In some exemplary embodiments, after one of the at least one mobility or PRS measurement is completed, the first device 110 can transmit information indicating a remaining positioning validity duration to the second device 120 .

[0196] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 may transmit a notification to the second device 120 indicating at least one of: the completion of the at least one mobility measurement being shifted to the positioning measurement, the extension of the duration for performing the at least one mobility measurement, the number of the at least one mobility measurement, or the timing information required for performing the at least one mobility measurement.

[0197] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 may transmit a first message to the second device 120 indicating at least one of the following: a first positioning position fix duration and an additional duration for performing at least one mobility or PRS measurement, or a second positioning position fix duration determined at least in part based on the additional duration for performing the at least one mobility or PRS measurement.

[0198] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 may receive a second message from the second device 120 indicating at least one of the following: a first indication indicating that the first device 110 is allowed to perform the at least one mobility or PRS measurement after the completion of the positioning measurement, at least one parameter indicating an additional duration for performing the at least one mobility or PRS measurement, or an extended time length of the configured positioning measurement gap.

[0199] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 may receive a third message from the second device 120 indicating at least one of: a contention-free random access channel (RACH) resource of the target cell, a lack of RACH access resources of the target cell, or a cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) for a physical random access channel (PRACH) transmission on the target cell.

[0200] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 may determine the availability time of the serving cell based on at least one of the following: a serving time of a second device 120 providing the serving cell, satellite assistance information of the second device 120, a location of the first device 110, a reference point of the serving cell, or a coverage area of ​​the serving cell.

[0201] In some exemplary embodiments, the validity duration of the uplink synchronization parameter may be defined as a preset value, configured by the second device 120 , or reported by the first device 110 to the second device 120 .

[0202] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 may be a terminal apparatus, and the second device 120 may be a network device.

[0203] FIG8 shows a flow chart of an exemplary method 800 implemented at a second device according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. For discussion purposes, the method 800 will be described from the perspective of the second device 120 in FIG1 .

[0204] In program block 810, the second device 120 determines a relationship between at least one of the following: a completion time when a first device completes a positioning measurement and an availability time of a serving cell of the first device 110 provided by the second device 120, or a first time length for a duration for performing a positioning measurement by the first device and a second time length for a validity duration of an uplink synchronization parameter in the serving cell.

[0205] In program block 820, based on an expectation that the first device has completed the positioning measurement, the second device 120 performs at least one of the following based on the relationship: stops at least one access layer (AS) operation that has been temporarily suspended due to the positioning measurement; resumes at least one AS operation that has been temporarily suspended due to the positioning measurement; or starts assisting the first device in performing at least one mobility or positioning reference signal (PRS) measurement, wherein a duration for performing the at least one mobility or PRS measurement at least partially overlaps with the duration for performing the positioning measurement.

[0206] In some exemplary embodiments, based on an expectation that the first device has completed the positioning measurement, the second device 120 may stop the at least one AS operation if at least one of the following is met: the completion time is later than or equal to the availability time of the serving cell, or the first time length is equal to or longer than the second time length.

[0207] In some exemplary embodiments, based on an expectation that the first device has completed the positioning measurement, the second device 120 may begin to assist the first device in performing the at least one mobility or PRS measurement or recovering the at least one AS operation if at least one of the following is met: the completion time is earlier than or equal to the availability time of the serving cell, or the first time length is longer than or equal to the second time length.

[0208] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device 120 may extend or shift a duration configured for performing at least one mobility or PRS measurement.

[0209] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device 120 may receive information indicating a remaining positioning validity duration.

[0210] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device 120 may receive a notification from the first device 110 indicating at least one of: the completion of the at least one mobility measurement being shifted to the positioning measurement, the extension of the duration for performing the at least one mobility measurement, the number of the at least one mobility measurement, or the timing information required for performing the at least one mobility measurement.

[0211] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device 120 may receive a first message from the first device 110 indicating at least one of: a first positioning position fix duration and an additional duration for performing at least one mobility or PRS measurement, or a second positioning position fix duration determined at least in part based on the additional duration for performing the at least one mobility or PRS measurement.

[0212] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device 120 may transmit a second message to the first device 110 indicating at least one of the following: a first indication allowing the first device 110 to perform the at least one mobility or PRS measurement after the completion of the positioning measurement, at least one parameter for an additional duration for performing the at least one mobility or PRS measurement, or an extended time length of the configured positioning measurement gap.

[0213] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device 120 may transmit a third message to the first device 110 indicating at least one of: a contention-free random access channel (RACH) resource of the target cell, a lack of RACH access resources of the target cell, or a cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) for a physical random access channel (PRACH) transmission on the target cell.

[0214] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device 120 may determine the availability time of the serving cell based on at least one of the following: a serving time of the second device 120 providing the serving cell, satellite assistance information of the second device 120, a location of the first device 110, a reference point of the serving cell, or a coverage area of ​​the serving cell.

[0215] In some exemplary embodiments, the validity duration of the uplink synchronization parameter may be defined as a preset value, configured by the second device 120 , or reported by the first device 110 to the second device 120 .

[0216] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 may be a terminal apparatus, and the second device 120 may be a network device.

[0217] FIG9 shows a flow chart of an exemplary method 900 implemented at a first device according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. For discussion purposes, the method 900 will be described from the perspective of the first device 110 in FIG1 .

[0218] At block 910, the first device 110 receives a fourth message from the second device 120 to release the first device 110 to an idle state. The first message indicates at least one of the following: indicating a positioning-related reason for the first device 110 to perform a positioning measurement, or a target or candidate cell for the first device 110.

[0219] At block 920, after one of the first messages is received, the first device 110 transitions to the idle state.

[0220] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 performs the positioning measurement after receiving the fourth message.

[0221] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 determines a time point at which to perform positioning measurement based on an available time of the target cell.

[0222] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 is a terminal apparatus, and the second device 120 is a network device.

[0223] FIG10 shows a flow chart of an exemplary method 1000 implemented at a second device according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. For discussion purposes, the method 1000 will be described from the perspective of the second device 120 in FIG1 .

[0224] At block 1010, the second device 120 determines a relationship between at least one of: a completion time of a positioning measurement and an availability time of a serving cell of the first device 110, or a first time length of a positioning measurement and a second time length of a validity duration of an uplink link synchronization parameter in the serving cell.

[0225] At block 1020, the second device 120 sends a first message to release the first device 110 to an idle state based on at least one of the following: a determination that the completion time of the positioning measurement is later than or equal to the availability time of the service, or a determination that the first time length is equal to or longer than the second time length.

[0226] In some exemplary embodiments, the first message indicates at least one of the following: indicating a positioning-related reason for the first device 110 to perform a positioning measurement, or a target or candidate cell for the first device 110.

[0227] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 is a terminal apparatus, and the second device 120 is a network device.

[0228] FIG11 shows a flow chart of an exemplary method 1100 implemented at a first device according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. For discussion purposes, the method 1100 will be described from the perspective of the first device 110 in FIG1 .

[0229] At block 1110 , the first device 110 receives a conditional handover (CHO) configuration of a candidate cell from a second device 120 .

[0230] At block 1120, the first device 110 performs a positioning measurement on the candidate cell to assess conflict with a CHO.

[0231] At block 1130 , the first device 110 starts the CHO execution evaluation after one of the positioning measurements is completed or one of the positioning measurement gaps of the positioning measurement ends.

[0232] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 receives a second indication from the second device 120, the second indication indicating that the first device 110 is allowed to shift the start of the CHO execution evaluation.

[0233] In some exemplary embodiments, the second indication is included in the CHO configuration.

[0234] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 is a terminal apparatus, and the second device 120 is a network device.

[0235] FIG12 shows a flow chart of an exemplary method 1200 implemented at the second device according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. For discussion purposes, the method 1200 will be described from the perspective of the second device 120 in FIG1 .

[0236] At block 1210, the second device 120 transmits a conditional handover (CHO) configuration of a candidate cell to a first device 110.

[0237] At block 1220, based on a determination that a positioning measurement at the first device 110 conflicts with a CHO execution evaluation on the candidate cell, the second device 120 transmits a fourth message to the candidate cell, the fourth message indicating that the candidate cell shifts resources to be used for performing a CHO on the candidate cell.

[0238] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device 120 transmits a second indication to the first device 110, the second indication indicating that the first device 110 is allowed to shift the start of the CHO execution evaluation.

[0239] In some exemplary embodiments, the second indication is included in the CHO configuration.

[0240] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 is a terminal apparatus, and the second device 120 is a network device.

[0241] FIG13 shows a flow chart of an exemplary method 1300 implemented at the third device according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. For discussion purposes, the method 1300 will be described from the perspective of the third device 125 in FIG1 .

[0242] At block 1310 , the third device 125 determines resources to be used by a first device 110 for performing a conditional handover (CHO) on a candidate cell provided by the third device 125 .

[0243] At block 1320, the third device 125 receives a fourth message from a second device 120 serving the first device 110. The fourth message indicates the resources that the candidate cell shift is to use for performing the CHO on the candidate cell.

[0244] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 is a terminal apparatus, and the second and third devices 130es are network devices.

[0245] FIG14 shows a flow chart of an exemplary method 1400 implemented at the first device according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. For discussion purposes, the method 1400 will be described from the perspective of the first device 110 in FIG1 .

[0246] At block 1410 , the first device 110 receives a connected discontinuous reception (C-DRX) configuration indicating at least one activity duration from a second device 120 .

[0247] At block 1420 , in response to at least one action duration overlapping a positioning measurement gap, the first device 110 wakes up to monitor control information at the end of one of the measurement gaps. The control information indicates at least one pending transmission of the first device 110 .

[0248] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 receives a fifth message from the second device 120 indicating at least one of the following: a third indication indicating that the first device 110 is allowed to wake up at the end of a measurement gap, or an on duration following the measurement gap.

[0249] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 is a terminal apparatus, and the second device 120 is a network device.

[0250] FIG15 shows a flow chart of an exemplary method 1500 implemented at a second device according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. For discussion purposes, the method 1500 will be described from the perspective of the second device 120 in FIG1 .

[0251] At block 1510, the second device 120 transmits a connected discontinuous reception (C-DRX) configuration indicating at least one activity duration to a first device 110.

[0252] At block 1520, in response to an action duration of the at least one action duration overlapping a positioning measurement gap, the second device 120 transmits control information indicating that the first device 110 transmits in at least one stall at the end of one of the measurement gaps of the positioning measurement.

[0253] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device 120 transmits to the first device 110 a configuration indicating at least one of the following: a third indication indicating that the first device 110 is allowed to wake up at the end of a measurement gap, or an on duration following the measurement gap.

[0254] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 is a terminal apparatus, and the second device 120 is a network device.

[0255] FIG16 shows a flow chart of an exemplary method 1600 implemented at a first device according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. For discussion purposes, the method 1600 will be described from the perspective of the first device 110 in FIG1 .

[0256] At block 1610 , the first device 110 receives a measurement configuration for assembling a mobility measurement on a neighboring cell from a second device 120 .

[0257] At block 1620, the first device 110 performs a positioning measurement on the neighboring cell that conflicts with the mobility measurement.

[0258] At block 1630, the first device 110 relaxes a requirement of the mobility measurement on the neighboring cell.

[0259] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 receives a sixth message from the second device 120 indicating at least one of the following: a fourth indication indicating that if the mobility measurement conflicts with the positioning measurement, the first device 110 is allowed to relax the requirement of the mobility measurement on the neighboring cell, or at least one parameter for relaxing the requirement.

[0260] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 is a terminal apparatus, and the second device 120 is a network device. [ , Exemplary Apparatus, Devices, and Media , ]

[0261] In some exemplary embodiments, a first device 110 (e.g., the first device 110 in FIG. 1 ) capable of performing any of the methods 700 may include components for performing the corresponding operations of the method 700. The components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module. The first device 110 may be implemented as or included in the first device 110 in FIG. 1 .

[0262] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 includes means for determining a relationship between at least one of the following: a completion time of a positioning measurement and an availability time of a serving cell of the first device 110, or a first time length of a duration for performing the positioning measurement and a second time length of a validity duration of an uplink synchronization parameter in the serving cell, the first time length being shorter than a third time length of the positioning measurement gap; after the completion of the positioning measurement, means for performing at least one of the following based on the relationship: skipping a radio link failure (RLF) procedure in the serving cell; performing a reestablishment procedure with a target cell; performing a cell reselection procedure; stopping at least one access layer (AS) operation that has been temporarily suspended due to performing the positioning measurement; performing a mobility-related procedure; starting at least one mobility or positioning reference signal (PRS) measurement, a duration for performing the at least one mobility or PRS measurement at least partially overlapping with the duration for performing the positioning measurement; or resuming the at least one AS operation that has been temporarily suspended due to performing the positioning measurement.

[0263] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 further includes: after the completion of the positioning measurement, a component for performing at least one of the following: skipping the RLF procedure in the serving cell, performing the reestablishment procedure with a target cell, performing a cell reselection procedure, or stopping the at least one AS operation to meet at least one of the following: the completion time of the positioning measurement is later than or equal to a determination of the availability time of the serving cell, or the first time length is equal to or longer than a determination of the second time length.

[0264] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 further includes: after the completion of the positioning measurement, a component for performing at least one of the following: starting the at least one mobility or PRS measurement, performing the mobility-related procedure, or resuming the at least one AS operation to meet at least one of the following: the completion time of the positioning measurement is earlier than or equal to a determination of the availability time of the serving cell, or the first time length is longer than or equal to a determination of the second time length.

[0265] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 further includes: a component for extending or shifting the duration of performing at least one mobility or PRS measurement.

[0266] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 further includes: after completion of the at least one mobility or PRS measurement, a component for transmitting information indicating a remaining positioning validity duration to the second device 120.

[0267] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 further includes: a component for sending a notification to the second device 120 indicating at least one of the following: the completion of the at least one mobility measurement being shifted to the positioning measurement, the extension of the duration for performing the at least one mobility measurement, the number of the at least one mobility measurement, or the timing information required for performing the at least one mobility measurement.

[0268] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 further includes: a component for sending a first message to the second device 120 indicating at least one of the following: a first positioning position fix duration and an additional duration for performing at least one mobility or PRS measurement, or a second positioning position fix duration determined at least in part based on the additional duration for performing the at least one mobility or PRS measurement.

[0269] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 further includes: a component for receiving a second message from the second device 120 indicating at least one of the following: a first indication that allows the first device 110 to perform the at least one mobility or PRS measurement after the completion of the positioning measurement, at least one parameter for an additional duration for performing the at least one mobility or PRS measurement, or an extended time length of the configured positioning measurement gap.

[0270] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 further includes: a component for receiving a third message from the second device 120 indicating at least one of the following: a contention-free random access channel (RACH) resource of the target cell, a lack of RACH access resources of the target cell, or a cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) used for a physical random access channel (PRACH) transmission on the target cell.

[0271] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 further includes: a component for determining the availability time of the service cell based on at least one of the following: a service time of a second device 120 providing a service cell, satellite assistance information of the second device 120, a location of the first device 110, a reference point of the service cell, or a coverage area of ​​the service cell.

[0272] In some exemplary embodiments, the validity duration of the uplink synchronization parameter is defined as a preset value, configured by the second device 120 , or reported by the first device 110 to the second device 120 .

[0273] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 is a terminal apparatus, and the second device 120 is a network device.

[0274] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 further includes components for performing other operations in the method 700 or some exemplary embodiments of the first device. In some exemplary embodiments, the components include at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device 110 to perform the operations.

[0275] In some exemplary embodiments, a second device 120 (e.g., the second device in FIG. 1 ) capable of performing any of the methods 800 may include components for performing the corresponding operations of the method 800. The components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module. The second device 120 may be implemented as or included in the second device in FIG. 1 .

[0276] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device 120 includes a component for determining a relationship between at least one of the following: a completion time when a first device completes a positioning measurement and an availability time of a serving cell of the first device 110 provided by the second device 120, or a first time length of a duration for performing the positioning measurement by the first device and a second time length of a validity duration of an uplink synchronization parameter in the serving cell; according to an expectation that the first device has completed the positioning measurement, based on the relationship, a component for performing at least one of the following: stopping at least one access layer (AS) operation that has been temporarily suspended due to performing the positioning measurement; resuming the at least one AS operation that has been temporarily suspended due to performing the positioning measurement; or starting to assist the first device in performing at least one mobility or positioning reference signal (PRS) measurement, a duration for performing the at least one mobility or PRS measurement at least partially overlapping with the duration for performing the positioning measurement.

[0277] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device 120 further includes: based on an expectation that the first device has completed the positioning measurement, if at least one of the following is met, a component for stopping the at least one AS operation: the completion time is later than or equal to the availability time of the serving cell, or the first time length is equal to or longer than the second time length.

[0278] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device 120 further includes: based on an expectation that the first device has completed the positioning measurement, if at least one of the following is met, starting to assist the first device in performing the at least one mobility or PRS measurement or recovering the at least one AS operation component: the completion time is earlier than or equal to the availability time of the serving cell, or the first time length is longer than or equal to the second time length.

[0279] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device 120 further includes: a component for extending or shifting the duration of the configuration for performing at least one mobility or PRS measurement.

[0280] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device 120 further includes: a component for receiving information indicating a remaining positioning validity duration.

[0281] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device 120 further includes: a component for receiving a notification from the first device 110 indicating at least one of the following: the completion of the at least one mobility measurement being shifted to the positioning measurement, the extension of the duration for performing the at least one mobility measurement, the number of the at least one mobility measurement, or the timing information required for performing the at least one mobility measurement.

[0282] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device 120 further includes: a component for receiving a first message from the first device 110 indicating at least one of the following: a first positioning position fix duration and an additional duration for performing at least one mobility or PRS measurement, or a second positioning position fix duration determined at least in part based on the additional duration for performing the at least one mobility or PRS measurement.

[0283] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device 120 further includes: a component for sending a second message to the first device 110 indicating at least one of the following: a first indication that allows the first device 110 to perform the at least one mobility or PRS measurement after the completion of the positioning measurement, at least one parameter for an additional duration for performing the at least one mobility or PRS measurement, or an extended time length of the configured positioning measurement gap.

[0284] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device 120 further includes: a component for transmitting a third message to the first device 110 indicating at least one of the following: a contention-free random access channel (RACH) resource of the target cell, a lack of RACH access resources of the target cell, or a cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) used for a physical random access channel (PRACH) transmission on the target cell.

[0285] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device 120 further includes: a component for determining the availability time of the service cell based on at least one of the following: a service time of the second device 120 providing a service cell, satellite assistance information of the second device 120, a location of the first device 110, a reference point of the service cell, or a coverage area of ​​the service cell.

[0286] In some exemplary embodiments, the validity duration of the uplink synchronization parameter is defined as a preset value, configured by the second device 120 , or reported by the first device 110 to the second device 120 .

[0287] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 is a terminal apparatus, and the second device 120 is a network device.

[0288] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device 120 further includes components for performing other operations in the method 800 or some exemplary embodiments of the second device. In some exemplary embodiments, the components include at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second device 120 to perform the operations.

[0289] In some exemplary embodiments, a third device 130 (e.g., the first device 110 in FIG. 1 ) capable of performing any of the methods 900 may include components for performing the corresponding operations of the method 900. The components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module. The third device 125 may be implemented as or included in the first device 110 in FIG. 1 .

[0290] In some exemplary embodiments, the third device 125 includes a component for receiving a fourth message from a second device 120 to release the first device 110 to an idle state, the first message indicating at least one of the following: indicating a positioning-related reason for the first device 110 to perform a positioning measurement, or a target or candidate cell for the first device 110; and a component for transitioning to the idle state after receiving one of the first messages.

[0291] In some exemplary embodiments, the third device 125 further includes: a component for performing the positioning measurement after receiving the fourth message.

[0292] In some exemplary embodiments, the third device 125 further includes: a component for determining a time point for performing positioning measurement based on an available time of the target cell.

[0293] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 is a terminal apparatus, and the second device 120 is a network device.

[0294] In some exemplary embodiments, the third device 125 further includes components for performing other operations in some exemplary embodiments of the method 900 or the first device 110. In some exemplary embodiments, the components include at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the third device 125 to perform the operations.

[0295] In some exemplary embodiments, a fourth device (e.g., the second device 120 in FIG. 1 ) capable of performing any of the methods 1000 may include components for performing the corresponding operations of the method 1000. The components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module. The fourth device may be implemented as or included in the second device 120 in FIG. 1 .

[0296] In some exemplary embodiments, the fourth device includes a component for determining a relationship between at least one of the following: a completion time of a positioning measurement and an availability time of a serving cell of the first device 110, or a first time length of the positioning measurement and a second time length of a validity duration of an uplink synchronization parameter in the serving cell; and a component for sending a first message to release the first device 110 to an idle state based on at least one of the following: a determination that the completion time of the positioning measurement is later than or equal to the availability time of the serving cell, or a determination that the first time length is equal to or longer than the second time length.

[0297] In some exemplary embodiments, the first message indicates at least one of the following: indicating a positioning-related reason for the first device 110 to perform a positioning measurement, or a target or candidate cell for the first device 110.

[0298] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 is a terminal apparatus, and the second device 120 is a network device.

[0299] In some exemplary embodiments, the fourth device further includes components for performing other operations in some exemplary embodiments of the method 1000 or the second device 120. In some exemplary embodiments, the components include at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the fourth device to perform the operations.

[0300] In some exemplary embodiments, a fifth device (e.g., the first device 110 in FIG. 1 ) capable of performing any of the methods 1100 may include components for performing the corresponding operations of the method 1100. The components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module. The fifth device may be implemented as or included in the first device 110 in FIG. 1 .

[0301] In some exemplary embodiments, the fifth device includes means for receiving a conditional handover (CHO) configuration of a candidate cell from a second device 120; means for performing a positioning measurement on the candidate cell that conflicts with a CHO performance evaluation; and means for starting the CHO performance evaluation after a completion of the positioning measurement or an end of a positioning measurement gap of the positioning measurement.

[0302] In some exemplary embodiments, the fifth device further comprises: a component for receiving a second indication from the second device 120, the second indication indicating that the first device 110 is allowed to shift the start of the CHO execution evaluation.

[0303] In some exemplary embodiments, the second indication is included in the CHO configuration.

[0304] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 is a terminal apparatus, and the second device 120 is a network device.

[0305] In some exemplary embodiments, the fifth device further includes components for performing other operations in some exemplary embodiments of the method 1100 or the first device 110. In some exemplary embodiments, the components include at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the fifth device to perform the operations.

[0306] In some exemplary embodiments, a sixth device (e.g., the second device 120 in FIG. 1 ) capable of performing any of the methods 1200 may include components for performing the corresponding operations of the method 1200. The components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module. The sixth device may be implemented as or included in the second device 120 in FIG. 1 .

[0307] In some exemplary embodiments, the sixth device includes means for transmitting a conditional handover (CHO) configuration of a candidate cell to a first device 110; and means for transmitting a fourth message to the candidate cell based on a determination of a conflict between a positioning measurement at the first device 110 and a CHO execution evaluation on the candidate cell, the fourth message indicating that the candidate cell shifts resources to be used for performing a CHO on the candidate cell.

[0308] In some exemplary embodiments, the sixth device further comprises: a component for transmitting a second indication to the first device 110, the second indication indicating that the first device 110 is allowed to shift the start of the CHO execution evaluation.

[0309] In some exemplary embodiments, the second indication is included in the CHO configuration.

[0310] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 is a terminal apparatus, and the second device 120 is a network device.

[0311] In some exemplary embodiments, the sixth device further includes components for performing other operations in some exemplary embodiments of the method 1200 or the second device 120. In some exemplary embodiments, the components include at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the sixth device to perform the operations.

[0312] In some exemplary embodiments, a seventh device (e.g., the third device 125 in FIG. 1 ) capable of performing any of the methods 1300 may include components for performing the corresponding operations of the method 1300. The components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module. The seventh device may be implemented as or included in the third device 125 in FIG. 1 .

[0313] In some exemplary embodiments, the seventh device includes a component for determining resources to be used by a first device 110 to perform a conditional handover (CHO) on a candidate cell provided by a third device 125; and a component for receiving a fifth message from a second device 120 serving the first device 110, the fifth message indicating the resources to be used by the candidate cell shift to perform the CHO on the candidate cell.

[0314] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 is a terminal apparatus, and the second and third devices 130es are network devices.

[0315] In some exemplary embodiments, the seventh device further includes components for performing other operations in some exemplary embodiments of the method 1300 or the third device 125. In some exemplary embodiments, the components include at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the seventh device to perform the operations.

[0316] In some exemplary embodiments, an eighth device (e.g., first device 110) capable of performing any of the methods 1400 may include components for performing the corresponding operations of method 1400. The components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module. The eighth device may be implemented as or included in the first device 110 in FIG. 1 .

[0317] In some exemplary embodiments, the eighth device includes a component for receiving a connected discontinuous reception (C-DRX) configuration indicating at least one activity duration from a second device 120; and a component for waking up to monitor control information at the end of one of the measurement gaps in response to at least one activity duration overlapping with a positioning measurement gap, the control information indicating at least one pending transmission of the first device 110.

[0318] In some exemplary embodiments, the eighth device further includes: a component for receiving a fifth message from the second device 120 indicating at least one of the following: a third indication indicating that the first device 110 is allowed to wake up at the end of a measurement gap, or an activation duration following the measurement gap.

[0319] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 is a terminal apparatus, and the second device 120 is a network device.

[0320] In some exemplary embodiments, the eighth device further includes components for performing other operations in some exemplary embodiments of the method 1400 or the first device 110. In some exemplary embodiments, the components include at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the eighth device to perform the operations.

[0321] In some exemplary embodiments, a ninth device (e.g., the second device 120 in FIG. 1 ) capable of performing any of the methods 1500 may include a component for performing the corresponding operation of the method 1500. The component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module. The ninth device may be implemented as or included in the second device 120 in FIG. 1 .

[0322] In some exemplary embodiments, the ninth device includes a component for transmitting to a first device 110 a connected discontinuous reception (C-DRX) configuration indicating at least one action duration; and in response to an action duration of the at least one action duration overlapping with a positioning measurement gap, a component for transmitting control information transmitted by the first device 110 in at least one suspension at the end of one of the measurement gaps of the positioning measurement.

[0323] In some exemplary embodiments, the ninth device further includes: transmitting to the first device 110 a configuration component indicating at least one of the following: a third indication indicating that the first device 110 is allowed to wake up at the end of a measurement gap, or an activation duration following the measurement gap.

[0324] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 is a terminal apparatus, and the second device 120 is a network device.

[0325] In some exemplary embodiments, the ninth device further includes components for performing other operations in some exemplary embodiments of the method 1500 or the second device 120. In some exemplary embodiments, the components include at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the ninth device to perform the operations.

[0326] In some exemplary embodiments, a tenth device (e.g., the first device 110 in FIG. 1 ) capable of performing any of the methods 1600 may include components for performing the corresponding operations of the method 1600. The components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module. The tenth device may be implemented as or included in the first device in FIG. 1 .

[0327] In some exemplary embodiments, the tenth device includes means for receiving from a second device 120 a measurement configuration for assembling a mobility measurement on a neighboring cell; means for performing a positioning measurement on the neighboring cell that conflicts with the mobility measurement; and means for relaxing a requirement for the mobility measurement on the neighboring cell.

[0328] In some exemplary embodiments, the tenth device further includes: a component for receiving a sixth message from the second device 120 indicating at least one of the following: a fourth indication indicating that if the mobility measurement conflicts with the positioning measurement, the first device 110 is allowed to relax the requirement of the mobility measurement on the neighboring cell, or at least one parameter for relaxing the requirement.

[0329] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 is a terminal apparatus, and the second device 120 is a network device.

[0330] In some exemplary embodiments, the tenth device further includes components for performing other operations in some exemplary embodiments of the method 1600 or the first device 110. In some exemplary embodiments, the components include at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the tenth device to perform the operations.

[0331] FIG. 17 is a simplified block diagram of an apparatus 1700 suitable for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The apparatus 1700 may be provided to implement a communication device, for example, the first device, the second device 120, or the third device 125 shown in FIG. 1. As shown, the apparatus 1700 includes one or more processors 1710, one or more memories 1720 coupled to the processor 1710, and one or more communication modules 1740 coupled to the processor 1710.

[0332] The communication module 1740 is used for two-way communication. The communication module 1740 has one or more communication interfaces to facilitate communication with one or more other modules or devices. The communication interface may represent any interface necessary to communicate with other network elements. In some exemplary embodiments, the communication module 1740 may include at least one antenna.

[0333] Processor 1710 may be of any type suitable for local technology networks, and may include, as non-limiting examples, one or more of the following: 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. Device 1700 may have multiple processors, such as an application specific integrated circuit chip that is time slaved to a clock synchronized with a main processor.

[0334] The memory 1720 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, a read-only memory (ROM) 1724, an electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), a flash memory, a hard disk, a compact disk (CD), a digital video disk (DVD), an optical disk, a laser disk, and other magnetic storage and / or optical storage. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, a random access memory (RAM) 1722 and other volatile memories that do not persist during the duration of a power outage.

[0335] Computer program 1730 includes computer executable instructions executed by associated processor 1710. The instructions of program 1730 may include instructions for performing operations / actions of some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Program 1730 may be stored in a memory such as ROM 1724. Processor 1710 may perform any suitable actions and processes by loading program 1730 into RAM 1722.

[0336] The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by means of the program 1730 so that the device 1700 may perform any process of the present disclosure as discussed with reference to Figures 2 to 16. The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0337] In some exemplary embodiments, program 1730 may be tangibly contained in a computer-readable medium that may be included in device 1700 (such as memory 1720), or in other storage devices accessible by device 1700. Device 1700 may load program 1730 from the computer-readable medium into RAM 1722 for execution. In some exemplary embodiments, the computer-readable medium may include any type of non-transitory storage medium, such as ROM, EPROM, a flash memory, a hard disk, CD, DVD, and the like. The term "non-transitory" as used herein refers to a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal), as opposed to a limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM versus ROM).

[0338] 18 shows an example of a computer readable medium 1800, which may be in the form of a CD, DVD or other optical storage disc. The computer readable medium 1800 has a program 1730 stored thereon.

[0339] In general, the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented using hardware, and other aspects may be implemented using firmware or software that may be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although the various aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other graphical representation, it is to be understood that the blocks, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented, as non-limiting examples, using hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0340] Some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure also provide at least one computer program product stored in a tangible manner on a computer readable medium, such as a non-transitory computer readable medium. The computer program product includes computer executable instructions, such as those included in a program module, which are executed in a device on a target physical or virtual processor to perform any of the above methods. Generally speaking, program modules include routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, or the like that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. As desired in various embodiments, the functions of the program modules can be combined or split between program modules. The machine executable instructions for the program modules can be executed in a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, the program modules can be located in both local and remote storage media.

[0341] The program code for implementing the methods of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. The program code may be provided to a processor or controller of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device, so that when the program code is executed by the processor or controller, it causes the implementation of the functions / operations specified in the flow chart and / or block diagram. The program code may be executed entirely on a machine, partially on a machine, as a stand-alone software package, partially on a machine, and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0342] In the context of the present disclosure, computer program codes or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus or processor to perform various procedures and operations as described above. Examples of carriers include a signal, a computer readable medium, and the like.

[0343] The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readable medium may be, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of computer readable storage media would include an electrical connector having one or more wires, a portable computer disk, 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 disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0344] Furthermore, although the operations are illustrated in a particular order, this should not be construed as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in a sequential manner, or that all of the illustrated operations be performed, in order to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be helpful. Similarly, although the above discussion contains several specific implementation details, these details should not be viewed as limitations on the scope of the present disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to a particular embodiment. Unless expressly stated otherwise, certain features described in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in a single embodiment in combination. Conversely, unless expressly stated otherwise, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments individually or in any suitable subcombination.

[0345] Although the present disclosure has been described in terms specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that the present disclosure defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the above-mentioned specific features or actions. Instead, the above-mentioned specific features and actions disclosed are exemplary forms of implementing the claims.

[0346] 100: Communication environment 110: Equipment 120: Equipment 125: Equipment 130: cell; servo cell 140: cell; candidate cell 200:Signaling diagram 220:Transmission 230: Conduct 240: Carry on 250: OK 300:Signaling diagram 310: OK 320:Transmission 330: Transformation 340: Conduct 400:Signaling diagram 405: OK 410:Transmission 420:Transmission 425:Transmission 430: Conduct 440: Start 450:Accept 500:Signaling diagram 510:Transmission 520: Carry on 530: Awakening 600: Signaling diagram 610: Receive 620: Conduct 630: Relaxation 700: Method 710: Program block 720: Program block 800: Method 810: Program block 820: Program block 900: Method 910: Program block 920: Program block 1000:Method 1010: Program block 1020: Program block 1100: Method 1110: Program block 1120: Program block 1130: Program block 1200: Method 1210: Program block 1220: Program block 1300: Method 1310: Program block 1320: Program block 1400: Method 1410: Program block 1420: Program block 1500: Method 1510: Program block 1520: Program block 1600: Method 1610: Program Block 1620: Program Block 1630: Program block 1700: Installation 1710: Processor 1720: Memory 1722: Random Access Memory; RAM 1724: Read-only memory; ROM 1730:Computer program; program 1740: Communication module 1800: Computer readable media

Claims

1. A first device comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to perform the following actions: determining a relationship between a first time length for performing a positioning measurement and a second time length for the validity of an uplink synchronization parameter in a server cell, the first time length being shorter than a third time length for a positioning measurement interval; and, upon completion of the positioning measurement, resuming at least one system information acquisition operation that was temporarily suspended due to performing the positioning measurement, based on the first time length being longer than or equal to the second time length.

2. The first device of claim 1, further causing the first device to perform the following actions: upon completion of the positioning measurement, based on at least one of the following: the completion time of the positioning measurement is later than or equal to a determination of the availability time of a service cell, or the first time length is equal to or longer than a determination of the second time length, skipping a radio link failure (RLF) procedure in the service cell, performing a reconstruction procedure with a target cell, performing a cell reselection procedure, or stopping the at least one system information acquisition operation.

3. The first device of claim 1, further causing the first device to perform the following actions: upon completion of the positioning measurement, based on at least one of the following: the completion time of the positioning measurement is earlier than or equal to a determination of the availability time of a service cell, or the first time length is longer than or equal to a determination of the second time length, to initiate at least one mobility or positioning reference signal (PRS) measurement, or to perform a mobility-related procedure.

4. The first device of claim 1, wherein the first device is further caused to perform the following action: extend or shift the duration for performing at least one mobility or positioning reference signal (PRS) measurement.

5. The first device of claim 1, further causing the first device to perform the following actions: after at least one mobility or positioning reference signal (PRS) measurement is completed, transmitting information to a second device indicating the duration of a remaining positioning validity period.

6. The first device of claim 1, wherein the first device further causes the first device to perform the following actions: transmitting to a second device a notification indicating at least one of the following: at least one mobility measurement has been shifted to the completion of the positioning measurement, the duration for performing the at least one mobility measurement has been extended, the number of the at least one mobility measurements, or the time required to perform the at least one mobility measurement.

7. The first device of claim 1, further causing the first device to perform the following actions: transmitting a first message to a second device indicating at least one of the following: a first positioning position fixation duration and an additional duration for performing at least one mobility or positioning reference signal (PRS) measurement, or a second positioning position fixation duration determined at least in part based on the additional duration for performing the at least one mobility or positioning reference signal measurement.

8. The first device of claim 1, wherein the first device is further caused to perform the following actions: receive from a second device a second message indicating at least one of the following: a first indication allowing the first device to perform at least one mobility or positioning reference signal (PRS) measurement after the completion of the positioning measurement; at least one parameter for performing the at least one mobility or positioning reference signal measurement with an additional duration; or an extension time length of the configured positioning measurement gap.

9. The first device of claim 1, further causing the first device to perform the following action: receiving from a second device a third message indicating at least one of the following: a contention-free random access channel (RACH) resource of a target cell, a contention-free random access channel access resource of the target cell, or a cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) for a physical random access channel (PRACH) transmission on the target cell.

10. The first device of claim 1, wherein the first device is further caused to perform the following actions: determine the availability time of one of the service cells based on at least one of the following: providing the service time of one of the second devices of one of the service cells, satellite-assisted information of the second device, the location of one of the first devices, a reference point of the service cell, or a coverage area of ​​the service cell.

11. The first device as requested in item 1, wherein the validity duration of the uplink synchronization parameter is defined as a preset value, configured by a second device, or reported by the first device to the second device.

12. The first device of claim 1, wherein the first device is further caused to perform the following actions: receive a fourth message from a second device to release the first device to an idle state, the fourth message indicating at least one of the following: indicating a location-related reason for the first device to perform the location measurement, or for a target or candidate cell of the first device; and upon receiving the fourth message, transitioning to the idle state.

13. The first device of claim 12, wherein the first device is further caused to perform the following action: perform the positioning measurement after receiving the fourth message.

14. The first device of claim 12, further causing the first device to perform the following actions: determining a time point for performing the positioning measurement based on the availability time of a target cell.

15. The first device as requested in any of claims 5 to 14, wherein the first device is a terminal device and the second device is a network device.

16. A second device comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second device to perform the following actions: determining a relationship between a first time length for a location measurement performed by a first device and a second time length for the validity of an uplink synchronization parameter in a service cell; and, based on the expectation that the first device has completed the location measurement, resuming at least one system information acquisition operation that was temporarily suspended due to the location measurement, based on the first time length being longer than or equal to the second time length.

17. The second device of claim 16, further causing the second device to perform the following actions: Based on the expectation that the first device has completed the positioning measurement, if at least one of the following is met, the at least one system information acquisition operation is stopped: the completion time of the first device completing the positioning measurement is later than or equal to the availability time of the service cell, or the first time length is equal to or longer than the second time length.

18. The second device of claim 16, further causing the second device to perform the following actions: Based on the expectation that the first device has completed the positioning measurement, if at least one of the following is met, then assisting the first device in performing at least one mobility or positioning reference signal (PRS) measurement: the first device completes the positioning measurement at a time earlier than or equal to the availability time of the service cell, or the first time length is longer than or equal to the second time length.

19. The second device of claim 16, wherein the second device is further caused to perform the following action: extend or shift the duration of the configuration for performing at least one mobility or positioning reference signal (PRS) measurement.

20. The second device as requested in claim 16, wherein the second device is further caused to perform the following action: receive information indicating the duration of a remaining location validity period.

21. The second device of claim 16, further causing the second device to perform the following actions: receiving from the first device a notification indicating at least one of the following: at least one mobility measurement has been shifted to the completion of the positioning measurement; the duration for performing the at least one mobility measurement has been extended; the number of the at least one mobility measurements; or the time required to perform the at least one mobility measurement.

22. The second device of claim 16, further causing the second device to perform the following actions: receiving from the first device a first message indicating at least one of the following: a first positioning position fixation duration and an additional duration for performing at least one mobility or positioning reference signal (PRS) measurement, or a second positioning position fixation duration determined at least in part based on the additional duration for performing the at least one mobility or positioning reference signal measurement.

23. The second device of claim 16, further causing the second device to perform the following actions: transmitting a second message to the first device indicating at least one of the following: indicating a first indication that allows the first device to perform at least one mobility or positioning reference signal (PRS) measurement after the completion of the positioning measurement; indicating at least one parameter for an additional duration of the at least one mobility or positioning reference signal measurement, or an extended time length of the configured positioning measurement gap.

24. The second device of claim 16, further causing the second device to perform the following action: transmit to the first device a third message indicating at least one of the following: a contention-free random access channel (RACH) resource of a target cell, a contention-free random access channel access resource of the target cell, or a cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) for a physical random access channel (PRACH) transmission on the target cell.

25. The second device of claim 16, further causing the second device to perform the following actions: determining the availability time of one of the service cells based on at least one of the following: providing the service time of one of the second devices for the service cell, satellite-assisted information of the second device, the location of one of the first devices, a reference point of the service cell, or a coverage area of ​​the service cell.

26. The second device as requested in item 16, wherein the validity duration of the uplink synchronization parameter is defined as a preset value, configured by the second device or reported by the first device to the second device.

27. The second device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the first device is a terminal device and the second device is a network device.

28. A second device comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second device to perform the following actions: determining a relationship between a first time length of a positioning measurement and a second time length of the validity duration of an uplink synchronization parameter in a service cell; and transmitting a fourth message to release a first device to an idle state based on whether the first time length is equal to or longer than the second time length.

29. The second device of request item 28, wherein the fourth message indicates at least one of the following: indicating a location-related reason for the first device to perform the location measurement, or for use in a target or candidate cell of the first device.

30. The second device as claimed in claim 28, wherein the first device is a terminal device and the second device is a network device.

31. A method for communication, comprising: at a first device, determining a relationship between a first time length for performing a positioning measurement and a second time length for the validity of an uplink synchronization parameter in a server cell, the first time length being shorter than a third time length for a positioning measurement interval; and, upon completion of the positioning measurement, resuming at least one system information acquisition operation that was temporarily suspended due to performing the positioning measurement, based on the first time length being longer than or equal to the second time length.

32. The method of claim 31, further comprising: at the first device, receiving a fourth message from a second device to release the first device to an idle state, the fourth message indicating at least one of the following: indicating a location-related reason for the first device to perform the location measurement, or for a target or candidate cell of the first device; and the idle state being entered upon receipt of the fourth message.

33. A method for communication, comprising: at a second device, determining a relationship between a first time length for a positioning measurement performed by a first device and a second time length for the validity of an uplink synchronization parameter in a server cell; and, based on the expectation that the first device has completed the positioning measurement, resuming at least one system information acquisition operation that was temporarily suspended due to the positioning measurement, based on the first time length being longer than or equal to the second time length.

34. A method for communication, comprising: at a second device, determining a relationship between a first time length of a positioning measurement and a second time length of the validity duration of an uplink synchronization parameter in a server cell; transmitting a fourth message to release the first device to an idle state based on a determination that the first time length is equal to or longer than the second time length.

35. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions stored thereon for causing a device to perform at least any one of claims 31 to 34.

Images