System and apparatus for determining measurement in a network and a method in association thereto

Abstract

System (100), apparatus (102) and a method (300) for determining measurement in a network are disclosed. The method (300) includes an input step (302) which comprises receiving at least one input signal associated with a timer value; and a processing step (304) which comprises at least one of: determining whether a current signal is within a Low Power Wake Up Signal (LPWUS) coverage region; initiating a timer based on the timer value if the current signal is not within the LPWUS coverage region; increasing a frequency of Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurement after the timer is initiated; and determining whether RRM measurement is positive; wherein radio is enabled upon an expiration of the timer if RRM measurement is negative and radio is disabled upon an expiration of the timer if RRM measurement is positive.

Description

SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING MEASUREMENT IN A NETWORK AND A METHOD IN ASSOCIATION THERETOField Of Invention

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to one or both of a system and an apparatus for determining measurement in a network in association with, for example, a User Equipment (UE) usable for communication. The present disclosure further relates a method which can be associated with the system and / or the apparatus.Background

[0002] Generally, energy efficiency and energy savings would be helpful or desired in communication networks. An example of a communication network would be a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) 5G (fifth generation) New Radio (NR) standard-based telecommunications network.

[0003] Typically, conventional techniques such as communication of Wake-Up Signals (WUS) can be utilized to assist in facilitating energy efficiency and energy savings. The present disclosure contemplates that conventional techniques may not facilitate efficiency and energy savings in an optimal manner. For example, measurements (e.g. Radio Resource Management RRM measurements) performed on the Main Radio (MR) may result in significant energy drain in a User Equipment (UE).

[0004] The present disclosure contemplates that it would be helpful to address (or at least mitigate) one or more issues in relation to conventional techniques for facilitating energy efficiency and energy savings.Summary of the Invention

[0005] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for determining measurement in a network comprising: an input step whichcomprises receiving at least one input signal associated with a timer value; and a processing step which comprises at least one of: determining whether a current signal is within a Low Power Wake Up Signal (LPWUS) coverage region; initiating a timer based on the timer value if the current signal is not within the LPWUS coverage region; increasing a frequency of Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurement after the timer is initiated; and determining whether RRM measurement is positive; wherein radio is enabled upon an expiration of the timer if RRM measurement is negative and radio is disabled upon an expiration of the timer if RRM measurement is positive.

[0006] Advantageously, the method as described herein can provide enhanced User Equipment (UE) energy savings and a Low Power Wake Up Receiver (LP-WUR) may get an opportunity to regain LPWUS coverage in case it is temporarily out of coverage.

[0007] In an embodiment, the method further comprises monitoring LPWUS signals if the current signal is within the LPWUS coverage region.

[0008] In an embodiment, the method further comprises resetting the timer if RRM measurement is positive.

[0009] In an embodiment, the method further comprises monitoring LPWUS signals if RRM measurement is positive.

[0010] In an embodiment, at least one base station is configured to pre-determine the timer value and communicate the timer value.

[0011] In an embodiment, communicating the timer value comprises communicating via a System Information Block (SIB) message.

[0012] In an embodiment, at least one base station is configured to determine a User Equipment (UE) mode; configure a specific timer value based on the UE mode; and communicate the specific timer value.

[0013] In an embodiment, communicating the specific timer value comprises communicating via at least one of: a System Information Block (SIB) message and / or a UE specific message.

[0014] In an embodiment, the at least one base station corresponds to at least one Next Generation Node B (gNB).

[0015] In an embodiment, a User Equipment (UE) is configured to perform the input step (302) and the processing step (304), and wherein the timer value and the specific timer value is communicable from the gNB to the UE.

[0016] In an embodiment, there is provided a computer program (not shown) which can include instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer (not shown), cause the computer to carry out at least one of the input step and the processing step according to the method of the first aspect.

[0017] In an embodiment, there is provided a computer readable storage medium having data stored therein representing software executable by a computer, the software including instructions, when executed by the computer, to carry out at least one of the input step and the processing step according to the method of the first aspect.

[0018] In accordance with a second aspect of the disclosure, there is provided an apparatus for determining measurement in a network comprising: a first module configured to receive at least one input signal associated with a timer value; a second module configured to at least one of process and facilitate the processing step according to the method of the first aspect to generate at least one output signal; and a third module configured to communicate at least one output signal, wherein the output signal corresponds to a control signal for enabling radio upon an expiration of the timer if RRM measurement is negative and disabling radio upon an expiration of the timer if RRM measurement is positive.

[0019] In an embodiment, the apparatus can correspond to a User Equipment (UE) which can communicate with a device corresponding to a base station. The base station can, for example, correspond to a Next generation Node B (gNB) which can be configured to communicate one or more signals (e.g., input signal(s)) to the UE.

[0020] In an embodiment, there is provided a system comprising one or more apparatuses and one or more devices. The apparatus(es) and the device(s) can, for example, be capable of being coupled via wired coupling and / or wireless coupling.

[0021] Advantageously, the system can allow UEs to utilize the timer value as a buffer and opportunity for mobile UEs when they restore LPWUS coverage. In addition, it may help in energy savings by turning on MR when LPWUS coverage is lost.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] Embodiments of the disclosure are described hereinafter with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0023] Fig. 1A shows a schematic diagram illustrating a system for determining measurements in a network which can include at least one apparatus, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0024] Fig. 1 B to Fig. 1 F show example scenarios in association with the system of Fig. 1 A, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0025] Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram illustrating the apparatus of Fig. 1A in further detail, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0026] Fig. 3 shows a method in association with the system of Fig. 1A, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0027] Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B show schematic diagrams illustrating example scenarios in association with the method of Fig. 3, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.Detailed Description

[0028] The detailed description set forth below, with reference to annexed drawings, is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In particular, although terminology from 3GPP 5G NR may be used in this disclosure to exemplify embodiments herein, this should not be seen as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0029] In addition, some of the embodiments contemplated herein will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Other embodiments, however, are contained within the scope of the subject matter disclosed herein, the disclosed subject matter should not be construed as limited to only the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example to convey the scope of the subject matter to those skilled in the art.

[0030] Generally, all terms used herein are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the relevant technical field, unless a different meaning is clearly given and / or is implied from the context in which it is used. All references to a / an / the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc. are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any methods disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless a step is explicitly described as following or preceding another step and / or where it is implicit that a step must follow or precede another step. Any feature of any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be applied to any other embodiment, wherever appropriate. Likewise, any advantage of any of the embodiments may apply to any otherembodiments, and vice versa. Other objectives, features and advantages of the enclosed embodiments will be apparent from the following description.

[0031] In some embodiments, the non-limiting term User Equipment (UE) or wireless device or user device may be used and may refer to any type of wireless device communicating with a network node and / or with another UE in a cellular or mobile communication system. Examples of UE are target device, device-to-device (D2D) UE, machine type UE or UE capable of machine to machine (M2M) communication, PDA, PAD, Tablet, mobile terminals, smart phone, laptop embedded equipped (LEE), laptop mounted equipment (LME), USB dongles, UE category Ml, UE category M2, ProSe UE, V2V UE, V2X UE, etc.

[0032] In some embodiments, a more general term “network node” may be used and may correspond to any type of radio network node or any network node, which communicates with a User Equipment (directly or via another node) and / or with another network node. Examples of network nodes are NodeB, MeNB, ENB, a network node belonging to MCG or SCG, base station (BS), multi-standard radio (MSR) radio node such as MSR BS, eNodeB, gNodeB, network controller, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), relay, donor node controlling relay, base transceiver station (BTS), access point (AP), transmission points, transmission nodes, RRU, RRH, nodes in distributed antenna system (DAS), core network node (e.g. Mobile Switching Center (MSC), Mobility Management Entity (MME), etc), Operations & Maintenance (O&M), Operations Support System (OSS), Self Optimized Network (SON), positioning node (e.g. Evolved- Serving Mobile Location Centre (E-SMLC)), Minimization of Drive Tests (MDT), test equipment (physical node or software), etc.

[0033] Additionally, terminologies such as base station / gNodeB and UE should be considered non-limiting and do in particular not imply a certain hierarchical relation between the two; in general, “gNodeB” could be considered as device 1 and “UE” could be considered as device 2 and these two devices communicate with each other over some radio channel. And in the following the transmitter or receiver could be either gNodeB (gNB), or UE.

[0034] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of programming, software modules, user selections, network transactions, database queries, database structures, hardware modules, hardware circuits, hardware chips, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of an embodiment. Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, but mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to,” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0035] The present disclosure generally contemplates the facilitation of, for example, network (e.g., in association with 3GPP based standard / specification etc.) and / or user equipment (UE) efficiency (e.g., energy / power efficiency), in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0036] Specifically, the present disclosure contemplates the possibility of optimization for Low Power Wake Up Signal (LPWUS) in connection with 3GPP Release 18 (and beyond) standard(s). A WuS (Wake-up Signal) mechanism may improve energy efficiency of the UE (User Equipment) such that the UE will state in sleep mode and switches off the main radio, until a WuS signal is detected at the secondary radio (ora WuS receiver). Once the WuS receiver detects a WuS signal, the main radio is triggered to switch on. Here the LPWuS receiver can be a low complex and low power consuming component of a UE while the main radio can be a high energy consuming component of the UE. The main radio is switched off (sleep mode) as much as possible to reduce the energy consumption at the UE. In an example of temporary poor coverage scenario, the LPWUS may not be detected at the UE due to low LPWUS Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) or Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), the UE may enable the Main Radio to switch on. This may result in a high energy consumption and limit the possibility of UE power saving.

[0037] The present disclosure contemplates extended discontinuous reception, eDRX, has been introduced in 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project) wireless communication systems to reduce energy consumption. In eDRX, the UE periodically goes to sleep for an asleep duration during which a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) is not monitored before waking up for an awake duration to monitor the PDCCH for possible downlink data. The amount of energy that can be saved depends on how long and how often the UE remains asleep. The longer the UE remains asleep, the greater the amount of energy saved. However, increasing the asleep duration comes with increased latency, which may not be suitable for latency-critical use cases.

[0038] The present disclosure also contemplates the sensitivity of Low Power Wakeup Receiver can be worse than that of main radio MR in order to provide low power consumption and power saving gains. In particular, the present disclosure contemplates the possibility of coverage estimates for the Low Power Wake-up Signal design with different bandwidth / duration, miss-detection and false alarm rate analysis so as to improve energy efficiency.

[0039] The present disclosure further contemplates that current UEs may need to periodically wake up once per eDRX cycle, which dominates the energy consumption in periods with no signaling or data traffic. If UEs were able to wake up only when they are triggered, e.g., paging, energy consumption could be dramatically reduced. This can be achieved by providing the UE with both a mainradio (MR) unit, and a low power wake-up receiver (LPWUR). The MR unit may correspond to a 5G NR wireless communication unit, and the LPWUR may correspond to a wireless communication unit that is used to monitor a wake-up signal with low power consumption. Once the wake-up signal is detected, the LPWUR can trigger the MR unit which can transition from a low power state to an active state.

[0040] The present disclosure further contemplates the active state may correspond to any state in which the MR unit can exchange data with a radio access network, RAN, of the wireless communication system without being triggered by the LPWUR. Hence, a MR unit that is awake is in the active state. Also, a MR unit that is asleep but wakes-up periodically (e.g., eDRX) without being triggered by a LPWUR is also in the active state. The low power state may correspond to a state in which the MR unit cannot exchange data with the RAN without being triggered by the LPWUR. For example, the low power state corresponds to the MR unit being always asleep. However, since the MR unit does not have to wake-up periodically in the low power state, the MR unit may be even more deeply asleep than in current UEs and may even be turned off since the LPWUR can be used to turn the MR unit on. “Low power” state may indicate that the mean power consumption of the MR unit in the low power state is lower than (and preferably significantly lower than, e.g., ten times or even a hundred times lower than) the mean power consumption of the MR unit in the active state.

[0041] The present disclosure contemplates that the “low power” wake-up receiver can indicate that the LPWUR is used for receiving a wake-up signal while the MR unit is in the low power state. The monitoring of the wake-up signal can be done with a low power consumption, and the mean power consumption of the LPWUR should therefore be lower than (and preferably significantly lower than, e.g., ten times or even a hundred times lower than) the mean power consumption of the MR unit when it is awake.

[0042] Hence, the present disclosure contemplates that the energy consumption is reduced by placing the MR unit in the low power state (e.g., turned off). The MR unitis not required to wake-up periodically and may wake-up only when triggered by the LPWUR. Since the LPWUR may monitor the wake-up signal continuously, or at least frequently, the MR unit can be awakened by the LPWUR at any time, thereby reducing latency compared to e.g., eDRX.

[0043] The present disclosure contemplates that inter-frequency, intra-frequency Radio Resource Management (RRM) and serving cell measurements may be performed on the Main Radio (MR) for each DRX cycle for cell selection or cell reselection, which may result in significant UE energy drain.

[0044] The present disclosure thus contemplates the possibility of a method to determine if RRM Measurement should be performed at MR or LPWUR for the UE. Specifically, the network may provide a timer value to the UE based on which the UE outside LPWUS coverage may increase the frequency of RRM measurement of Lower Power Reference Signal (LP-RS) at LP-WUR till the timer expires before turning on the main radio.

[0045] In the above manner, power and energy consumption efficiency can be possibly facilitated, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0046] The foregoing will be discussed in further detail with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 hereinafter.

[0047] Referring to Fig. 1A, a system 100 for determining measurement in a network is shown, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The system 100 can, for example, be suitable for energy savings and facilitating energy / power efficiency in a network, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0048] As shown, the system 100 can include one or more apparatuses 102, at least one device 104 and, optionally, a communication network 106, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0049] The apparatus(es) 102 can be coupled to the device(s) 104. Specifically, the apparatus(es) 102 can, for example, be coupled to the device(s) 104 via the communication network 106, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0050] In one embodiment, the apparatus(es) 102 can be coupled to the communication network 106 and the device(s) 104 can be coupled to the communication network 106. Coupling can be by manner of one or both of wired coupling and wireless coupling. The apparatus(es) 102 can, in general, be configured to communicate with the device(s) 104 via the communication network 106, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0051] The apparatus(es) 102 can, for example, be associated with / correspond to / include one or more user equipment (UE) which can carry one or more computers, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. For example, an apparatus 102 can correspond to a UE carrying at least one computer (e.g., an electronic device / module having computing capabilities such as an electronic mobile device which can be carried into a vehicle or an electronic module which can be installed in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure) which can be configured to perform one or more processing tasks in association with adaptive / dynamic / gradual control, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In a more specific example, the apparatus(es) 102 can, in one embodiment, include one or more processors (not shown) which can be configured to perform one or more processing tasks in association with dynamic / adaptive / gradual control, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In one embodiment, the apparatus(es) 102 can, for example, be configured to receive one or more input signals and perform at least one processing task based on the input signal(s) in a manner to generate one or more output signals. The input signal(s) can, for example, be communicated from the device(s) 104 and received by the apparatus(es) 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. As a possible option, the output signal(s) can, for example, be communicated from the apparatus(es) 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The apparatus(es) 102 will be discussed later in further detail with reference to Fig. 2, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0052] The device(s) 104 can, for example, be associated with / correspond to at least one base station (e.g., at least one gNB). Moreover, the device(s) 104 can, for example, be configured to carry / be associated with / include one or more computers (e.g., an electronic device / module having computing capabilities) which can, for example, be configured to perform one or more processing tasks in association with the base station. The device(s) 104 can be configured to generate one or more input signals which can be communicated to the apparatus(es) 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. This will be discussed later in further detail in the context of an example scenario, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0053] The communication network 106 can, for example, correspond to an Internet communication network, a cellular-based communication network, a wired-based communication network, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) based communication network, a wireless-based communication network, or any combination thereof. Communication (e.g., between the apparatuses 102 and / or between the apparatus(es) 102 and the device(s) 104) via the communication network 106 can be by manner of one or both of wired communication and wireless communication.

[0054] Earlier mentioned, the apparatus(es) 102 can, for example, be configured to receive at least one input signal and perform at least one processing task in association with dynamic / adaptive / gradual control on the input signal(s) in a manner so as to generate at least one output signal. Moreover, the device(s) 104 can, for example, be configured to generate (and communicate) the input signal(s) to the apparatus(es) 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. This will be discussed, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, in the context of an example scenario with reference to Fig. 1 B to Fig. 1 C, hereinafter.

[0055] Specifically, Fig. 1 B shows an example context for discussion in connection with the example scenario as shown in Fig. 1 C, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0056] More specifically, in the example context, referring to Fig. 1 B, one possibility to address the issue of energy / power efficiency is utilization of a separated orintegrated receiver (i.e., low power wake up receiver, LPWUR) which can be introduced to monitor low power wake up signal (LPWUS). A Main radio (MR) which can correspond to a regular communication device (i.e., New Radio, NR, device), in which operations in relation to, for example, RRCJDLE / INACTIVE / CONNECTED state(s) (i.e., Radio Resource Control idle / inactive / connected state(s)) can be performed. When no data / signals are being communicated, a UE may turn off the MR or maintain the MR in ultra deep-sleep state while utilizing a separated LPWUR for monitoring the LPWUS for possible communication of data / signals to facilitate power saving.

[0057] The present disclosure contemplates that one important aspect of energy savings in legacy wake-up signal (WuS) or low power wake up signal is the mitigation of false alarm (e.g. LPWUS). For example, UEs which are in RRCJDLE mode camped on serving cell may perform Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurement on the camped cell or neighboring cell for cell selection or cell reselection to camp on the best cell. The RRM measurements can be performed every DRX cycle and are highly energy consuming for the UE, because it utilizes MR for RRM measurements. RRM measurement at least of the serving cell may be offloaded to LP-WUR which can lead to enhanced energy savings at the UE. However, offloading RRM measurement to LP-WUR may not be enough without considering RRM measurement relaxation for enhanced energy savings.

[0058] The present disclosure contemplates that in addition to paging monitoring, RRM measurement may be another idle mode procedure that consumes a significant amount of UE power. This is because it is performed by the UE periodically with a frequency proportional to the UE’s paging cycle (at least those on UE’s serving cell). The present disclosure further contemplates that an essential UE procedure in RRCJDLE may be cell selection. For example, in RRCJDLE and RRCJNACTIVE, the UE can also perform cell reselection. For both these procedures, UE measures Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) and Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ) of a cell. A UE may do Relaxed Measurements during cell reselection if it is supported and enabled. This can be useful when the UE has low mobility or not at the cell edge.

[0059] The present disclosure also contemplates that a UE (if configured) in RRCJDLE or RRCJNACTIVE may collect measurements and report them later in RRC_CONNECTED. This is referred to as Logged Measurements and is related to a feature called Minimization of Drive Test (MDT). For downlink channel sounding, 5G NR may use two main downlink signals that a UE measures Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) and Channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS).

[0060] The present disclosure contemplates, as will be discussed further in detail in the context of an example scenario associated with the system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, that it may be helpful to consider some form of dynamic / adaptive / gradual configuration / determination strategy which will aid in power / energy consumption efficiency, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The dynamic / adaptive / gradual control configuration / determination strategy can, for example, be in relation to dynamic / adaptive / gradual control based on determining measurement (e.g. RRM measurement) by a UE in a network, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0061] Fig. 1 C shows an example of UE RRC states (or modes). In both RRCJDLE and RRCJNACTIVE, the UE performs measurements of neighboring cells and can perform re-selection. When in RRC_CONNECTED mode, UE mobility is controlled by the network and handovers can be initiated while in RRCJDLE mode, UE paging is initiated by the CN. On the other hand, when the UE is in RRCJNACTIVE, UE paging is initiated by NG-RAN and the UE’s location must be known when paging the UE. This is also known as the Tracking Area (RA) in RRCJDLE mode. In the RRCJNACTIVE mode, this is the RAN-based Notification Area (RNA) and the UE may initiate RNA updates.

[0062] Fig. 1 D shows an example of Small Data Transmission (SDT) procedure, Fig. 1 E shows an example of the subsequent transmissions of SDT and Fig. 1 F shows examples of RRM measurements by a UE with Main Radio (MR), or a legacy UE, and a UE with LPWUR. The present disclosure contemplates that the UE can perform a RAN-based notification area update (RNAU) periodically or when the UEselects a cell that does not belong to the configured RNA. If the UE finds a more suitable cell, according to the cell reselection criteria, it reselects onto that cell and camps on it. If the new cell does not belong to at least one tracking area to which the UE is registered, location registration is performed. In RRCJNACTIVE state, if the new cell does not belong to the configured RNA, an RNA update procedure is performed.

[0063] The present disclosure contemplates the possibility of RRM measurement offloading to LP-WUR together with the conditions in which the RRM measurement will be offloaded and the method to perform this offloading. RRM Measurement performed at MR if offloaded to LP-WUR without any condition defined by the network may lead to consequences. For one example consequence, if the UE goes out of coverage of LPWUS, it may be disconnected from the network as MR has no idea when to switch back to legacy operation. In another example consequence, UEs going in and out of range of LPWUS may not be able to achieve much energy savings gains as expected from LP-WUR due to frequent switching of MR.

[0064] The present disclosure further contemplates that it may be helpful to consider some form of dynamic / adaptive / gradual configuration / determination strategy which will aid in power / energy consumption efficiency, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. Specifically, the present disclosure contemplates the possibility of determining if RRM measurement should be performed at MR or LPWUR for the UE.

[0065] The above-described advantageous aspect(s) of the system 100 of the present disclosure can also apply analogously (all) the aspect(s) of a below described apparatus 102 of the present disclosure. Likewise, all below described advantageous aspect(s) of the apparatus 102 of the disclosure can also apply analogously (all) the aspect(s) of above described system 100 of the disclosure.

[0066] The aforementioned apparatus(es) 102 will be discussed in further detail with reference to Fig. 2 hereinafter.

[0067] Referring to Fig. 2, an apparatus 102 is shown in further detail in the context of an example implementation 200, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0068] In the example implementation 200, the apparatus 102 can correspond to an electronic module 200a. The electronic module 200a can, in one example, correspond to a mobile device which can, for example, be carried into the vehicle by a user, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In another example, the electronic module 200a can correspond to an electronic device which can be installed / mounted in the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In this regard, the electronic module 200a can be considered to be carried by the vehicle (e.g., either carried into the vehicle by a user or installed / mounted in the vehicle).

[0069] It is contemplated that the electronic module 200a can be capable of performing one or more processing tasks in association with adaptive / dynamic / gradual control related processing, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0070] The electronic module 200a can, for example, include a casing 200b. Moreover, the electronic module 200a can, for example, carry any one of a first module 202, a second module 204, a third module 206, or any combination thereof.

[0071] In one embodiment, the electronic module 200a can carry a first module 202, a second module 204 and / or a third module 206. In a specific example, the electronic module 200a can carry a first module 202, a second module 204 and a third module 206, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0072] In this regard, it is appreciable that, in one embodiment, the casing 200b can be shaped and dimensioned to carry any one of the first module 202, the second module 204 and the third module 206, or any combination thereof.

[0073] The first module 202 can be coupled to one or both of the second module 204 and the third module 206. The second module 204 can be coupled to one or both of the first module 202 and the third module 206. The third module 206 can be coupledto one or both of the first module 202 and the second module 204. In one example, the first module 202 can be coupled to the second module 204 and the second module 204 can be coupled to the third module 206, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. Coupling between the first module 202, the second module 204 and / or the third module 206 can, for example, be by manner of one or both of wired coupling and wireless coupling. Each of the first module 202, the second module 204 and the third module 206 can correspond to one or both of a hardware-based module and a software-based module, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0074] In one example, the first module 202 can correspond to a hardware-based receiver which can be configured to receive one or more input signals. The input signal(s) can, for example, be communicated from the device(s) 104 (e.g., a gNB), in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0075] The second module 204 can, for example, correspond to a hardware-based processor which can be configured to perform one or more processing tasks (e.g., in a manner so as to generate one or more output signals) as will be discussed later in further detail with reference to Fig. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0076] The third module 206 can correspond to a hardware-based transmitter which can be configured to communicate one or more output signals from the electronic module 200a. The output signal(s) can, for example, include / correspond to one or more instructions / commands / control signals in association with the aforementioned dynamic / adaptive / gradual control configuration / determination strategy so as to facilitate efficiency (e.g., power / energy efficiency and / or communication efficiency), in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0077] The present disclosure contemplates the possibility that the first and second modules 202 / 204 can be an integrated software-hardware based module (e.g., an electronic part which can carry a software program / algorithm in association with receiving and processing functions / an electronic module programmed to perform the functions of receiving and processing). The present disclosure further contemplatesthe possibility that the first and third modules 202 / 206 can be an integrated softwarehardware based module (e.g., an electronic part which can carry a software program / algorithm in association with receiving and transmitting functions / an electronic module programmed to perform the functions of receiving and transmitting). The present disclosure yet further contemplates the possibility that the first and third modules 202 / 206 can be an integrated hardware module (e.g., a hardware-based transceiver) capable of performing the functions of receiving and transmitting.

[0078] The above-described advantageous aspect(s) of the apparatus 102 of the present disclosure can also apply analogously (all) the aspect(s) of a below described processing / communication method of the present disclosure. Likewise, all below described advantageous aspect(s) of the processing / communication method of the disclosure can also apply analogously (all) the aspect(s) of above described apparatus 102 of the disclosure. It is to be appreciated that these remarks apply analogously to the earlier discussed system 100 of the present disclosure.

[0079] Referring to Fig. 3, a method (also referable to as a processing method) in association with the system 100 is shown, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0080] The method 300 can, for example, be suitable for / capable of facilitating energy efficiency, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0081] The processing method 300 can include any one of an input step 302, a processing step 304 and an output step 306, or any combination thereof, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0082] In one embodiment, the processing method 300 can include the input step 302. In another embodiment, the processing method 300 can include the input step 302 and the processing step 304. In another embodiment, the processing method 300 can include the input step 302, the processing step 304 and the output step 306. In yet another embodiment, the processing method 300 can include the processing step 304 and one or both of the input step 302 and the output step 306. In yet afurther embodiment, the processing method 300 can include the input step 302, the processing step 304 and the output step 306. In yet a further additional embodiment, the processing method 300 can include the processing step 304. In yet another further additional embodiment, the processing method 300 can include any one of or any combination of the input step 302, the processing step 304 and the output step 306 (i.e. , the input step 302, the processing step 304 and / or the output step 306).

[0083] With regard to the input step 302, one or more input signal(s) can be received. For example, the input signal(s) can be communicated from the device(s) 104 and can be received by an apparatus 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0084] The input step 302 can include receiving at least one input signal associated with a timer value. In an embodiment, the input signal(s) may be generated by the device 104 and transmitted from the device 104 to the apparatus 102. Alternatively, the input signal(s) may be generated and received by the apparatus 102 to advance to the processing step 304. For example, the input signal(s) may be generated by a transmitting UE (or user device) and received by a receiving UE (or user device).

[0085] With regard to the processing step 304, at least processing task can be performed in association with the received input signal(s) in a manner so as to generate one or more output signals, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0086] The processing step 304 may include at least one of: determining whether a current signal is within a Low Power Wake Up Signal (LPWUS) coverage region; initiating a timer based on the timer value if the current signal is not within the LPWUS coverage region; increasing a frequency of Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurement after the timer is initiated; and determining whether RRM measurement is positive (or successful). Radio is enabled upon an expiration of the timer if RRM measurement is negative (or unsuccessful) and radio is disabled upon an expiration of the timer if RRM measurement is positive (or successful).

[0087] The processing step 304 can also include monitoring LPWUS signals if the current signal is within the LPWUS coverage region; monitoring LPWUS signals if RRM measurement is positive (or successful) and resetting the timer if RRM measurement is positive (or successful). The processing step 304 can further include pre-determining the timer value and communicating the timer value, where communicating the timer value comprises communicating via a System Information Block (SIB) message.

[0088] The processing step 304 may further include determining a User Equipment (UE) mode; configuring a specific timer value based on the UE mode; and communicating the specific timer value, where communicating the specific timer value comprises communicating via at least one of: a System Information Block (SIB) message and / or a UE specific message.

[0089] In an embodiment, the network provides a timer value to the UE based on which the UE outside LPWUS coverage may increase the frequency of RRM measurement of Low Power Reference Signal (LP-RS) at LP-WUR until the timer expires before turning on the main radio. The UE may start the timer when LPWUS coverage is lost and increase the RRM measurement frequency. Upon an expiration of the timer, if LPWUS coverage is restored and RRM measurement is successful (or positive), the UE discards and resets the timer and continues monitoring LPWUS. If the LPWUS coverage is not restored and the RRM measurement is unsuccessful (or negative), the UE waits for the timer to end and turns on the MR.

[0090] In another example embodiment, the gNB (or base station) may provide the timer value in a system information block (SIB) message if the UE is in RRCJDLE mode (or state). Alternatively, when the UE is in RRCJNACTIVE mode (or state), the gNB (or base station) may provide a UE specific timer value in the RRC_Release message or SIB message when the UE transitions from RRC_CONNECTED mode (or state) to RRCJNACTIVE mode (or state). Beneficially, the UEs in these embodiments may utilize the timer value as a buffer and opportunity for mobile UEs in case they restore LPWUS coverage. Further, it may help in energy savings by turning on MR when LPWUS coverage is lost.

[0091] With regard to the output step 306, the output signal(s) can, for example, be communicated, as an option, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. For example, the output signal(s) can optionally be communicated from the apparatus 102. In a more specific example, the output signal(s) can optionally be communicated from the apparatus 102 to one or both of at least one device 104 and another apparatus 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0092] The present disclosure further contemplates a computer program (not shown) which can include instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer (not shown), cause the computer to carry out the input step 302, the processing step 304 and / or the output step 306 as discussed with reference to the method 300. For example, the computer program can include instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the input step 302 and / or the processing step 304, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0093] The present disclosure yet further contemplates a computer readable storage medium (not shown) having data stored therein representing software executable by a computer (not shown), the software including instructions, when executed by the computer, to carry out the input step 302, the processing step 304 and / or the output step 306 as discussed with reference to the method 300. For example, the computer readable storage medium can have data stored therein representing software executable by a computer, the software including instructions, when executed by the computer, cause the computer to carry out the input step 302 and / or the processing step 304, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0094] Further in view of the foregoing, it is appreciable that the present disclosure generally contemplates an apparatus 102 suitable for energy saving in a network which can include a first module 202, a second module 204 and / or a third module 206.

[0095] The first module 202 can be configured to receive one or more input signals.The input signal(s) can, for example, be associated with a timer value.

[0096] The second module 204 can be configured to process and / or facilitate processing of the input signal(s) according to the method 300 as discussed earlier to generate one or more output signals.

[0097] The third module 206 can be configured to communicate one or more output signals. The output signal(s) can, for example, correspond to one or more control signals for determining measurements by the user device (or UE).

[0098] In one embodiment, the apparatus 102 can correspond to a User Equipment (UE) which can communicate with a device 104 corresponding to a base station. The base station can, for example, correspond to a Next generation Node B (gNB) which can be configured to communicate one or more signals (e.g., input signal(s)) to the UE.

[0099] Yet further in view of the foregoing, it is appreciable that the present disclosure generally contemplates a system 100 which can include one or more apparatuses 102 and one or more devices 104. The apparatus(es) 102 and the device(s) 104 can, for example, be capable of being coupled via wired coupling and / or wireless coupling.

[0100] It should be appreciated that the embodiments described above can be combined in any manner as appropriate (e.g., one or more embodiments as discussed in the “Detailed Description” section can be combined with one or more embodiments as described in the “Summary of the Invention” section).

[0101] It should be further appreciated by the person skilled in the art that variations and combinations of embodiments described above, not being alternatives or substitutes, may be combined to form yet further embodiments.

[0102] In one example, the possibility of the output signal(s) being communicated from the apparatus(es) 102 was discussed. It is appreciable that the output signal(s) need not necessarily be communicated from the apparatus(es) 102.Specifically, the possibility that the output signal(s) need not necessarily be communicated outside of the apparatus(es) 102 is contemplated, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. More specifically, the output signal(s) can, for example, correspond to internal command(s) / instruction(s) (e.g., communicated only within an apparatus 102) for adaptively controlling operational configuration of an apparatus 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0103] Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B show schematic diagrams illustrating example scenarios in association with the method 300, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0104] In the example context as shown in Fig. 4A, the gNB (or base station or network) may be configured to provide the timer value to the UE (or user device).

[0105] In the example context as shown in Fig. 4B, the UE (or user device) may be configured to receive the timer value from the gNB (or base station). The UE may then determine whether it is in LPWUS coverage. If yes, the UE (or user device) continues to monitor LPWUS. Otherwise, the UE (or user device) starts the timer based on the timer value and increases the RRM measurement frequency of LP-RS. When monitoring LPWUS, the UE (or user device) may determine whether RRM measurement is successful (or positive). If RRM is successful (or positive), the UE continues monitoring LPWUS. If RRM is unsuccessful (or negative), the UE waits for the timer to expire or end and turns on the main radio (MR).

[0106] In the foregoing manner, various embodiments of the disclosure are described for addressing at least one of the foregoing disadvantages. Such embodiments are intended to be encompassed by the following claims, and are not to be limited to specific forms or arrangements of parts so described and it will be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of this disclosure that numerous changes and / or modification can be made, which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.Abbreviations:BWP Bandwidth partCLI Cross Link InterferenceCP Cyclic prefixCPU CSI processing unitCQI Channel quality indicatorCRB Common resource blockCRC Cyclic redundancy checkCRI CSI-RS Resource IndicatorCSI Channel state informationCSI-RS Channel state information reference signalCSI-RSRP CSI reference signal received powerCSI-RSRQ CSI reference signal received qualityCSI-SINR CSI signal-to-noise and interference ratioCW CodewordDCI Downlink control informationDL DownlinkDM-RS Demodulation reference signalsDRX Discontinuous ReceptionEPRE Energy per resource elementIAB-MT Integrated Access and Backhaul - Mobile TerminalL1-RSRP Layer 1 reference signal received powerLI Layer IndicatorLP-RS Low Power Reference SignalLP-WUR Low power wake up receiverLP-WUS Low power wake up signalMCS Modulation and coding schemeMR Main receiverPBCH Physical Broadcast ChannelPDCCH Physical Downlink Control ChannelPDSCH Physical downlink shared channelPEI Permanent Equipment IdentifierPFN Paging Frame NumberPMI Precoding Matrix Indicator PO Paging Occasion PRB Physical resource block PRACH Physical Random Access Channel PRG Precoding resource block group PRS Positioning reference signal PSS Primary Synchronisation signal PT-RS Phase-tracking reference signalPUCCH Physical uplink control channel QCL Quasi co-location RACH Random Access Channel RB Resource block RBG Resource block group Rl Rank IndicatorRIV Resource indicator value RRM Radio Resource Management RS Reference signal RSRP Reference Signal Received Power RSRQ Reference Signal Received QualitySCI Sidelink control information SLIV Start and length indicator value SR Scheduling Request SRS Sounding reference signal SS Synchronisation signal SSB Synchronization Signal Block SS-RSRP SS reference signal received power SS-RSRQ SS reference signal received quality SSS Secondary Synchronisation signal SS-SINR SS signal-to-noise and interference ratio TB Transport Block TCI Transmission Configuration Indicator TDM Time division multiplexing UE User equipment UL Uplink

Claims

Claim(s)1 . A method (300) for determining measurement in a network comprising: an input step (302) which comprises receiving at least one input signal associated with a timer value; and a processing step (304) which comprises at least one of: determining whether a current signal is within a Low Power Wake Up Signal (LPWUS) coverage region; initiating a timer based on the timer value if the current signal is not within the LPWUS coverage region; increasing a frequency of Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurement after the timer is initiated; and determining whether RRM measurement is positive; wherein radio is enabled upon an expiration of the timer if RRM measurement is negative and radio is disabled upon an expiration of the timer if RRM measurement is positive.

2. The method (300) according to claim 1 , wherein the processing step (304) further comprises monitoring LPWUS signals if the current signal is within the LPWUS coverage region.

3. The method (300) according to claim 1 , wherein the processing step (304) further comprises monitoring LPWUS signals if RRM measurement is positive.

4. The method (300) according to claim 1 , wherein the processing step (304) further comprises resetting the timer if RRM measurement is positive.

5. The method (300) according to claim 1 , wherein at least one base station is configured to: pre-determine the timer value; and communicate the timer value.

6. The method (300) according to claim 5, wherein communicating the timer value comprises communicating via a System Information Block (SIB) message.

7. The method (300) according to claim 1 , wherein at least one base station is configured to: determine a User Equipment (UE) mode; configure a specific timer value based on the UE mode; and communicate the specific timer value.

8. The method (300) according to claim 7, wherein communicating the specific timer value comprises communicating via at least one of: a System Information Block (SIB) message and / or a UE specific message.

9. The method (300) according to claim 5 or 7, wherein the at least one base station corresponds to at least one Next Generation Node B (gNB).

10. The method (300) according to claim 9, wherein a User Equipment (UE) is configured to perform the input step (302) and the processing step (304), and wherein the timer value and the specific timer value is communicable from the gNB to the UE.

11. A computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out at least one of the input step (302) and the processing step (304) according to the method (300) of any of the preceding claims.

12. A computer readable storage medium having data stored therein representing software executable by a computer, the software including instructions, when executed by the computer, to carry out at least one of the input step (302) and the processing step (304) according to the method (300) of claims 1-10.

13. An apparatus (102) for determining measurement in a network comprising: a first module (202) configured to receive at least one input signal associated with a timer value;a second module (204) configured to at least one of process and facilitate the processing step (304) according to the method (300) of claim 1 to claim 10 to generate at least one output signal; and a third module (206) configured to communicate at least one output signal, wherein the output signal corresponds to a control signal for enabling radio upon an expiration of the timer if RRM measurement is negative and disabling radio upon an expiration of the timer if RRM measurement is positive.

14. The apparatus (102) according to claim 13, wherein the apparatus (102) corresponds to a User Equipment (UE) communicable with a device (104) corresponding to a base station, and wherein the base station corresponds to a Next generation Node B (gNB) configured to communicate the at least one input signal to the UE.

15. A system (100) comprising: at least one apparatus (102) according to any of claims 13 and 14; and at least one device (104) according to claim 14, wherein the apparatus (102) and the device (104) are capable of being coupled via at least one of wired coupling and wireless coupling.

Images