Measurement gap for energy harvesting devices

Abstract

An apparatus configured to: transmit, to a base station, a request for modifying a configuration for performing cell measurements, wherein the request comprises at least one of: at least one scheduling restriction, or at least one measurement gap parameter; receive, from the base station, a feedback indication associated with the request; and perform the cell measurements based, at least partially, on the feedback indication. An apparatus configured to: receive, from a user equipment, a request for modifying a configuration for performing cell measurements, wherein the request comprises at least one of: at least one scheduling restriction, or at least one measurement gap parameter; and transmit, to the user equipment, a feedback indication in response to the received request.

Description

MEASUREMENT GAP FOR ENERGY HARVESTING DEVICESTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The example and non-limiting embodiments relate generally to measurement gaps and, more particularly, to adaptation of a configuration for measurement gaps used with an energy harvesting device.BACKGROUND

[0002] It is known, in handover procedures, for a UE to perform measurement of neighboring cells during measurement gaps.SUMMARY

[0003] The following summary is merely intended to be illustrative. The summary is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0004] In accordance with one aspect, an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: transmit, to a base station, a request for modifying a configuration for performing cell measurements, wherein the request comprises at least one of: at least one scheduling restriction, or at least one measurement gap parameter; receive, from the base station, a feedback indication associated with the request; and perform the cell measurements based, at least partially, on the feedback indication.

[0005] In accordance with one aspect, a method comprising: transmitting, with a user equipment to a base station, a request for modifying a configuration for performing cell measurements, wherein the request comprises at least one of: at least one scheduling restriction, or at least one measurement gap parameter; receiving, from the base station, a feedback indicationassociated with the request; and performing the cell measurements based, at least partially, on the feedback indication.

[0006] In accordance with one aspect, an apparatus comprising means for: transmitting, to a base station, a request for modifying a configuration for performing cell measurements, wherein the request comprises at least one of: at least one scheduling restriction, or at least one measurement gap parameter; receiving, from the base station, a feedback indication associated with the request; and performing the cell measurements based, at least partially, on the feedback indication.

[0007] In accordance with one aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: causing transmitting, to a base station, of a request for modifying a configuration for performing cell measurements, wherein the request comprises at least one of: at least one scheduling restriction, or at least one measurement gap parameter; causing receiving, from the base station, of a feedback indication associated with the request; and performing the cell measurements based, at least partially, on the feedback indication.

[0008] In accordance with one aspect, an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive, from a user equipment, a request for modifying a configuration for performing cell measurements, wherein the request comprises at least one of: at least one scheduling restriction, or at least one measurement gap parameter; and transmit, to the user equipment, a feedback indication in response to the received request.

[0009] In accordance with one aspect, a method comprising: receiving, with a base station from a user equipment, a request for modifying a configuration for performing cell measurements, wherein the request comprises at least one of: at least one scheduling restriction, or at least one measurement gap parameter; and transmitting, to the user equipment, a feedback indication in response to the received request.

[0010] In accordance with one aspect, an apparatus comprising means for: receiving, from a user equipment, a request for modifying a configuration for performing cell measurements, wherein the request comprises at least one of: at least one scheduling restriction, or at least one measurement gap parameter; and transmitting, to the user equipment, a feedback indication in response to the received request.

[0011] In accordance with one aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: causing receiving, from a user equipment, of a request for modifying a configuration for performing cell measurements, wherein the request comprises at least one of: at least one scheduling restriction, or at least one measurement gap parameter; and causing transmitting, to the user equipment, of a feedback indication in response to the received request.

[0012] According to some aspects, there is provided the subject matter of the independent claims. Some further aspects are defined in the dependent claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The foregoing aspects and other features are explained in the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one possible and non-limiting example system in which the example embodiments may be practiced;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating features as described herein;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating features as described herein;

[0017] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating features as described herein;

[0018] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating features as described herein;

[0019] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating features as described herein;

[0020] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating steps as described herein; and

[0021] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating steps as described herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0022] The following abbreviations that may be found in the specification and / or the drawing figures are defined as follows:3 GPP third generation partnership project5G fifth generation5GC 5G core networkAIoT or a-IoT ambient Internet of ThingsAMF access and mobility management functionBS base stationBSR buffer status report cRAN cloud radio access networkCSI-RS channel state information reference signalCU central unitDL downlinkDU distributed unitEH energy harvestingEHD energy harvesting device eMTC enhanced machine type communication eNB (or eNodeB) evolved Node B (e.g., an LTE base station)EN-DC E-UTRA-NR dual connectivity en-gNB or En-gNB node providing NR user plane and control plane protocol terminations towards the UE, and acting as secondary node in EN-DCE-UTRA evolved universal terrestrial radio access, i.e., the LTE radio access technologygNB (or gNodeB) base station for 5G / NR, i.e., a node providing NR user plane and control plane protocol terminations towards the UE, and connected via the NG interface to the 5GCI / F interface loT Internet of ThingsIRAT inter radio access technologyKPI key performance indicatorLI layer 1LTE long term evolutionMAC medium access controlMG measurement gapMGL measurement gap lengthMGRP measurement gap repetition periodMME mobility management entityMO machine originatedMT machine terminatedNB narrow band ng or NG new generation ng-eNB or NG-eNB new generation eNBNR new radioN / W or NW networkO-RAN open radio access networkPDCP packet data convergence protocolPHY physical layerQoS quality of serviceRAN radio access networkRF radio frequencyRFID radio frequency identificationRLC radio link controlRRC radio resource controlRRH remote radio headRRM radio resource managementRS reference signalRU radio unitRx receiverS-cell serving cellSDAP service data adaptation protocolSGW serving gatewaySINR signal to interference plus noise ratioSMF session management functionSSB synchronization signal blockTA timing advanceTx transmitterUE user equipment (e.g., a wireless, typically mobile device)UL uplinkUPF user plane functionVNR virtualized network function

[0023] Turning to FIG. 1 , this figure shows a block diagram of one possible and non-limiting example in which the examples may be practiced. A user equipment (UE) 110, radio access network (RAN) node 170, and network element(s) 190 are illustrated. In the example of FIG. 1, the user equipment (UE) 110 is in wireless communication with a wireless network 100. A UE is a wireless device that can access the wireless network 100. The UE 110 includes one or more processors 120, one or more memories 125, and one or more transceivers 130 interconnected through one or more buses 127. Each of the one or more transceivers 130 includes a receiver, Rx, 132 and a transmitter, Tx, 133. The one or more buses 127 may be address, data, or control buses, and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, fiber optics or other optical communication equipment, and the like. A “circuit” may include dedicated hardware or hardware in association with software executable thereon. Theone or more transceivers 130 are connected to one or more antennas 128. The one or more memories 125 include computer program code 123. The UE 110 includes a module 140, comprising one of or both parts 140-1 and / or 140-2, which may be implemented in a number of ways. The module 140 may be implemented in hardware as module 140-1, such as being implemented as part of the one or more processors 120. The module 140-1 may be implemented also as an integrated circuit or through other hardware such as a programmable gate array. In another example, the module 140 may be implemented as module 140-2, which is implemented as computer program code 123 and is executed by the one or more processors 120. For instance, the one or more memories 125 and the computer program code 123 may be configured to, with the one or more processors 120, cause the user equipment 110 to perform one or more of the operations as described herein. The UE 110 communicates with RAN node 170 via a wireless link 111.

[0024] The RAN node 170 in this example is a base station that provides access by wireless devices such as the UE 110 to the wireless network 100. The RAN node 170 may be, for example, a base station for 5G, also called New Radio (NR). In 5G, the RAN node 170 may be a NG-RAN node, which is defined as either a gNB or a ng-eNB. A gNB is a node providing NR user plane and control plane protocol terminations towards the UE, and connected via the NG interface to a 5GC (such as, for example, the network element(s) 190). The ng-eNB is a node providing E- UTRA user plane and control plane protocol terminations towards the UE, and connected via the NG interface to the 5GC. The NG-RAN node may include multiple gNBs, which may also include a central unit (CU) (gNB-CU) 196 and distributed unit(s) (DUs) (gNB-DUs), of which DU 195 is shown. Note that the DU may include or be coupled to and control a radio unit (RU). The gNB- CU is a logical node hosting RRC, SDAP and PDCP protocols of the gNB or RRC and PDCP protocols of the en-gNB that controls the operation of one or more gNB-DUs. The gNB-CU terminates the Fl interface connected with the gNB -DU. The Fl interface is illustrated as reference 198, although reference 198 also illustrates a link between remote elements of the RAN node 170 and centralized elements of the RAN node 170, such as between the gNB-CU 196 and the gNB-DU 195. The gNB-DU is a logical node hosting RLC, MAC and PHY layers of the gNB or en-gNB, and its operation is partly controlled by gNB-CU. One gNB-CU supports one or multiple cells. One cell is supported by only one gNB-DU. The gNB-DU terminates the Flinterface 198 connected with the gNB-CU. Note that the DU 195 is considered to include the transceiver 160, e.g., as part of a RU, but some examples of this may have the transceiver 160 as part of a separate RU, e.g., under control of and connected to the DU 195. The RAN node 170 may also be an eNB (evolved NodeB) base station, for LTE (long term evolution), or any other suitable base station, access point, access node, or node.

[0025] The RAN node 170 includes one or more processors 152, one or more memories 155, one or more network interfaces (N / W I / F(s)) 161, and one or more transceivers 160 interconnected through one or more buses 157. Each of the one or more transceivers 160 includes a receiver, Rx, 162 and a transmitter, Tx, 163. The one or more transceivers 160 are connected to one or more antennas 158. The one or more memories 155 include computer program code 153. The CU 196 may include the processor(s) 152, memories 155, and network interfaces 161. Note that the DU 195 may also contain its own memory / memories and processor(s), and / or other hardware, but these are not shown.

[0026] The RAN node 170 includes a module 150, comprising one of or both parts 150-1 and / or 150-2, which may be implemented in a number of ways. The module 150 may be implemented in hardware as module 150-1, such as being implemented as part of the one or more processors 152. The module 150-1 may be implemented also as an integrated circuit or through other hardware such as a programmable gate array. In another example, the module 150 may be implemented as module 150-2, which is implemented as computer program code 153 and is executed by the one or more processors 152. For instance, the one or more memories 155 and the computer program code 153 are configured to, with the one or more processors 152, cause the RAN node 170 to perform one or more of the operations as described herein. Note that the functionality of the module 150 may be distributed, such as being distributed between the DU 195 and the CU 196, or be implemented solely in the DU 195.

[0027] The one or more network interfaces 161 communicate over a network such as via the links 176 and 131. Two or more gNBs 170 may communicate using, e.g., link 176. The link 176 may be wired or wireless or both and may implement, for example, an Xn interface for 5G, an X2 interface for LTE, or other suitable interface for other standards.

[0028] The one or more buses 157 may be address, data, or control buses, and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, fiber optics or other optical communication equipment, wireless channels, and the like. For example, the one or more transceivers 160 may be implemented as a remote radio head (RRH) 195 for LTE or a distributed unit (DU) 195 for gNB implementation for 5G, with the other elements of the RAN node 170 possibly being physically in a different location from the RRH / DU, and the one or more buses 157 could be implemented in part as, for example, fiber optic cable or other suitable network connection to connect the other elements (e.g., a central unit (CU), gNB-CU) of the RAN node 170 to the RRH / DU 195. Reference 198 also indicates those suitable network link(s).

[0029] It is noted that description herein indicates that “cells” perform functions, but it should be clear that equipment which forms the cell will perform the functions. The cell makes up part of a base station. That is, there can be multiple cells per base station. For example, there could be three cells for a single carrier frequency and associated bandwidth, each cell covering one-third of a 360 degree area so that the single base station’s coverage area covers an approximate oval or circle. Furthermore, each cell can correspond to a single carrier and a base station may use multiple carriers. So if there are three 120 degree cells per carrier and two carriers, then the base station has a total of 6 cells.

[0030] The wireless network 100 may include a network element or elements 190 that may include core network functionality, and which provides connectivity via a link or links 181 with a further network, such as a telephone network and / or a data communications network (e.g., the Internet). Such core network functionality for 5G may include access and mobility management function(s) (AMF(s)) and / or user plane functions (UPF(s)) and / or session management function(s) (SMF(s)). Such core network functionality for LTE may include MME (Mobility Management Entity) / SGW (Serving Gateway) functionality. These are merely illustrative functions that may be supported by the network element(s) 190, and note that both 5G and LTE functions might be supported. The RAN node 170 is coupled via a link 131 to a network element 190. The link 131 may be implemented as, e.g., an NG interface for 5G, or an SI interface for LTE, or other suitable interface for other standards. The network element 190 includes one or more processors 175, oneor more memories 171, and one or more network interfaces (N / W I / F(s)) 180, interconnected through one or more buses 185. The one or more memories 171 include computer program code 173. The one or more memories 171 and the computer program code 173 are configured to, with the one or more processors 175, cause the network element 190 to perform one or more operations.

[0031] The wireless network 100 may implement network virtualization, which is the process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functionality into a single, software -based administrative entity, a virtual network. Network virtualization involves platform virtualization, often combined with resource virtualization. Network virtualization is categorized as either external, combining many networks, or parts of networks, into a virtual unit, or internal, providing network-like functionality to software containers on a single system. For example, a network may be deployed in a tele cloud, with virtualized network functions (VNF) running on, for example, data center servers. For example, network core functions and / or radio access network(s) (e.g. CloudRAN, O-RAN, edge cloud) may be virtualized. Note that the virtualized entities that result from the network virtualization are still implemented, at some level, using hardware such as processors 152 or 175 and memories 155 and 171, and also such virtualized entities create technical effects.

[0032] It may also be noted that operations of example embodiments of the present disclosure may be carried out by a plurality of cooperating devices (e.g. cRAN).

[0033] The computer readable memories 125, 155, and 171 may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor based memory devices, flash memory, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The computer readable memories 125, 155, and 171 may be means for performing storage functions. The processors 120, 152, and 175 may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may include one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs) and processors based on a multicore processor architecture, as non-limiting examples. The processors 120, 152, and 175 may bemeans for performing functions, such as controlling the UE 110, RAN node 170, and other functions as described herein.

[0034] In general, the various example embodiments of the user equipment 110 can include, but are not limited to, cellular telephones such as smart phones, tablets, personal digital assistants (PDAs) having wireless communication capabilities, portable computers having wireless communication capabilities, image capture devices such as digital cameras having wireless communication capabilities, gaming devices having wireless communication capabilities, music storage and playback appliances having wireless communication capabilities, Internet appliances permitting wireless Internet access and browsing, tablets with wireless communication capabilities, as well as portable units or terminals that incorporate combinations of such functions.

[0035] Having thus introduced one suitable but non-limiting technical context for the practice of the example embodiments of the present disclosure, example embodiments will now be described with greater specificity.

[0036] Features as described herein may generally relate to measurement gaps (MG). In current 3GPP 5G NR standards, the UE requires measurement gaps to identify and measure intrafrequency cells and / or inter-frequency cells and / or inter-RAT E-UTRAN cells (i.e. for handover purposes). The UE receives a MG configuration(s) from the network through RRC signaling. During these measurements, the UE stops transmission and reception (i.e. communication) with the serving cell (S-cell) and measures the neighboring cells. In other words, during the MG the mobile device tunes its RF module to specified frequencies, as configured in measurement objects, and then resumes its connection with the serving cell after the MG.

[0037] 3GPP TS 38.331 shows that the possible MG can be repeated with periodicity, called measurement gap repetition period (MGRP) of {20, 40, 80, 160} ms. Similarly, each measurement gap lasts a fixed duration called measurement gap length (MGL) that can be configured as { 1.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 5.5, 6} ms. An illustration for MGRP and MGL is presented in FIG. 2, where MGRP is fixed to 40 ms and MGL 4 ms. A measurement gap occurs at 210 with MGL of 4ms. After theMGRP (220), another measurement gap occurs at 230. The combinations of different MGL and MGRP can be configured and is called the MG pattern.

[0038] The MGRP is, ideally, set to match (exactly) the synchronization signal block (SSB) periodicity, and the MGL is, ideally, set to match the duration of the neighbor SSBs that the UE needs to measure. During the MGL, the S-cell knows to not schedule the UE for DL resources; but whether a measurement is done within a measurement gap or not is left up to the UE implementation.

[0039] Features as described herein may generally relate to ambient Internet of Things (AIoT) devices. The use of AIoT devices (i.e., devices that are battery-less or devices that have batteries but don’t need battery replacement over the lifetime of the device) is being studied within the 3GPP framework (currently a Rel-19 study item in SAI and a potential Rel-19 RAN study item). Based on the ongoing 3GPP studies, there is a need for improved coverage (i.e. 30 m indoor and up to 100 m outdoor) and increased device density with ultra-low-cost and power consumption that is not addressed by existing solutions (i.e. RFID that has coverage up to 10 m). AIoT devices are expected to have lower complexity, data rate, coverage, cost, and energy consumption than NB-IoT / eMTC. The use cases for ambient loT devices include identification, tracking, monitoring, sensing, logistics and supply chain management, transportation, manufacturing (factory automation), healthcare, energy, agriculture, transportation, smart cities, environment, extreme conditions, environments where traditional batteries are not feasible, and hazardous environments in some use cases (e.g. environments where devices with batteries is not an option).

[0040] The design targets of ambient loT devices include the following: improved link budget compared to existing RFID solutions; frequency bands for global useability; ultra-low-cost; no need for battery charging or replacement (enabling low maintenance long life cycle operation); ultra-low-power (e.g., < 100 micro-Watts, to enable operation with back-scattering or energy harvesting); small device size, form-factor; positioning accuracy (e.g., 3 - 5m); data rate (e.g., 10 - 100 kbps); energy source: ambient devices: use of backscattering techniques, semi-ambient devices: devices operating with energy harvesting or with a very small battery (e.g., <100mAh); and mobile-originated and mobile-terminated data.

[0041] As per the 3GPP RAN #99 outcome, the work on AIoT is progressing well; RP- 230807 contains agreed connectivity topologies for ambient loT, RP-230808 contains agreed deployment scenarios for ambient loT, and RP-230058 provides AIoT device type (A, B C) considering storage or without storage capability. In proposal 5-3b-v2, the following set of ambient loT devices are considered in the study item:

[0042] Device A: no energy storage, no independent signal generation (i.e. backscattering transmission).

[0043] Device B: has energy storage, no independent signal generation (i.e. backscattering transmission). Use of stored energy can include amplification for reflected signals.

[0044] Device C: has energy storage, has independent signal generation (i.e. active RF component for transmission).

[0045] There is also proposal 3, describing Device C2: active devices with full capabilities to perform both network registration (uplink & downlink) and both machine originated (MO) and machine terminated (MT) operations.

[0046] Example embodiments of the present disclosure may be applicable to device type C, which is an active device with full capabilities to perform both network registration (uplink & downlink) and both MO and MT operations. In other words, device type C has energy storage and can generate signals independently. In device type C energy harvesting devices with active transmission and storage, transmission is similar to NR UE, so existing access protocols can still be used, with some changes. The main difference is the lack of stable power availability. For RF energy harvesting, power and signal construction could be different (e.g. different waveforms). Furthermore, the energy harvesting signal is usually broadcast, and other UEs can benefit energy harvesting signal when transmitted for one user.

[0047] Example embodiments of the present disclosure may relate to a UE signaling a preferred prioritization of measurements / data. Additionally or alternatively, example embodiments of the present disclosure may relate to a UE signaling a preferred configuration forMGRP and MGL to the gNB. Example embodiments of the present disclosure may relate to the gNB taking UE preferences (e.g. scheduling or measurement gap preferences based on its energy level) into account when scheduling.

[0048] When applying the measurement gap (MG) for energy harvesting (EH) UEs (e.g. RP- 230058, AIoT Device type C2), the prioritization rules for measurements and data for NR UEs may not be suitable due to the dynamic energy arrival at the EH UE side. The neighbor cell(s) measurements are power consuming; this may increase data latency due to the device having to wait until it can harvest additional energy before it can complete data transfer with the serving cell. As the EH device has limited energy resources, it may be desirable to dynamically adjust MG patterns, the measurement gap length, or the measurement gap repetition period. In an example embodiment, a UE may determine to dynamically adjust a MG by, for example, looking at the uplink (UL) buffer status report (BSR) and / or data priority to identify whether to prioritize the data or measurements. For example, if the energy of the UE battery is low, the UE may prioritize data transmission instead of measurements.

[0049] The legacy MG setting is not suitable for EH devices, as there is a need to dynamically adjust the network-determined MG setting due to dynamic energy arrival(s), especially when the NW is not aware (or fully aware) of EHD energy levels. FIG. 3 illustrates this problem. At 310, the EH UE sends its measurement capability to the serving gNB (i.e. gNBl). At 320, the gNBl provides a measurement gap configuration to the EH UE. At 330, the EH UE adopts the MG. At 340, the EH UE starts neighbor cell measurements (i.e. reference signal (e.g., SSB or channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS)) measurements from gNB2). At 350, the EH UE failed to receive and / or process the reference signals due to its low energy availability. All this may result in inefficient MG decisions for EH devices: the MG may be adopted when it shouldn’t be, or the MG may not be adopted when it should be applied. Measurement failures may result from varying energy conditions at the UE and rules for prioritization of measurements over data (see, e.g., FIG. 6).

[0050] In an example embodiment, the MG configuration may be adapted. Additionally or alternatively, restrictions on UE operation based on UE priority (e.g. of measurements or data transmission / reception) and / or energy state may be adapted, for example by the network.

[0051] In an example embodiment, the EHD may determine if it accepts the restrictions on UE operation as is (i.e. the measurement gap configuration received from the network), or if it needs to be conditionally expanded (i.e. prioritizing UE energy for measurements, or prioritizing UE energy for data, or UE needs large MGRP to have a little more idle time to harvest additional energy outside of the MGL under certain conditions, which could be related to data priority, size of data, etc.). Such conditions may be indicated by the UE to the NW, or may already be configured by the NW (see, e.g., step 2 of FIG. 4). Additionally or alternatively, the EHD may determine the needed or acceptable restrictions on UE operation, MGRP, and / or MGL upon A2 / A4 event detection (e.g. serving cell quality is less than a threshold) or a change in the UE’s energy state.

[0052] In the present disclosure, the terms “UE” and “EHD” may be used interchangeably.

[0053] As the energy level of an EHD may increase or decrease (unlike conventional battery), a dynamic MG configuration process may be necessary to exploit the full benefits of energy harvesting. The energy harvesting mechanism usually correlates; for example, in the case of solar energy, energy may be harvested during the day, but not at night. If energy is not being harvested for some time, it may be wasteful to spend energy on measurements. If energy is not being harvested, the EHD may decide whether to prioritize the U-plane or C-plane (i.e. connectivity). For example, if the EHD has little data in the UL buffer and is not receiving any DL data, it may prioritize data over measurements. Alternatively, if the EHD has data in the buffer for UL and / or is receiving DL data (high priority based on 5QI), it may prioritize measurements.

[0054] In an example embodiment, the MG and / or restrictions on UE operation may be adapted based on UE priority (e.g. of the UE, of data transmitted by the UE, etc.). Referring now to FIG. 4, illustrated is operation according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. At 410, the UE may provide its measurement capability(s) to the gNB. At 420, the gNB mayprovide RRC reconfiguration(s), including generic initial measurement configuration (e.g. objects, reporting, and MG configuration (MGL, MGRP, etc.)).

[0055] At 430, the EHD may determine if it accepts the restrictions on UE operation as is (i.e. without adaptation / modification), or if it the restrictions on UE operation need to be expanded. The EH device may determine, based on the type of MG and ongoing service(s), the scheduling restrictions, MGRP, and MGL, for example as shown in FIG. 6.

[0056] In an example embodiment, if inter radio access technology (IRAT) handovers have been configured for coverage, then the UE may decide it wants to prioritize the use of its energy for measurements and reporting, rather than for quality of service (QoS) of communication with the serving cell, and may request that the network suspend all scheduling of data until a measurement report is sent. The MG settings may be determined from the energy availability, which may be energy conditions, expected energy arrival conditions, or stored energy conditions. For example:

[0057] - Case 1: Energy State 1 (low energy state): Ecurrent < Ethl, high MGRP (e.g. 160 ms) with low MGL (e.g. 1.5 ms) is recommended.

[0058] - Case 2: Energy State 2 (medium energy state): Ethl <Ecurrent < Eth2, whereEthl<Eth2, medium MGRP (e.g. 80 ms) with medium MGL (e.g. 3 ms) is recommended.

[0059] - Case 3: Energy State 3 (high energy state): Ecurrent > Eth2, lowest MGRP (e.g. 20 ms) with highest MGL (e.g. 6 ms) is recommended.

[0060] In an example embodiment, the EHD may also determine that it does not need to perform any measurements based on the low priority of the data, its UL BSR, energy condition, its past / historical mobility patterns, and / or a (variation of) signal strength of the serving cell. Note that networks do not consider UL / DL BSR when triggering mobility events.

[0061] In an example embodiment, the EHD may determine, based on its EH capability or history, that it needs more idle time between the currently configured MGs to harvest additional energy outside of the MG duration, and may then propose a larger MGRP.

[0062] In an example embodiment, in case the NW is not aware (or fully aware) of EHD energy levels, the EHD may inform the NW that it prefers not to support mobility for a timer T, which could be based on the expected or current radio resource management (RRM) relaxation timer, or could be based on a UE mobility prediction (e.g. pedestrian UE with 3km / h speed may not need MGs for timer T (and therefore measurements would be wasteful)), so the measurement gaps may be removed, thereby providing the UE with more energy for data transmission and reception. If the call drops (e.g. radio link failure), the NW may consider it a "UE-based release".

[0063] At 440, the EHD may send an RRC Reconfiguration complete message, which may include UE-determined scheduling restriction, MGRP, and / or MGL. The requested scheduling restriction may be a restriction with respect to scheduling of UL data. For example, the UE may request to avoid scheduling of data if it is in a low energy state. This may have the technical effect of saving energy otherwise used for PDCCH monitoring. Additionally or alternatively, a requested scheduling restriction may be a restriction with respect to UL communication, DL communication, or both UL and DL communication. Additionally or alternatively, a requested scheduling restriction may be an indication that the UE is currently in a low energy state and, therefore, no UL / DL data should be scheduled. Additionally or alternatively, a requested scheduling restriction may include a time parameter for which the scheduling restriction is valid. Additionally or alternatively, a requested scheduling restriction may include a restriction on monitoring of DL channels. Additionally or alternatively, a requested scheduling restriction may include a restriction on transmission of UL control channels.

[0064] A scheduling restriction may be indicated, for example, via an RRC message (e.g. RRC reconfiguration request message). The NW may schedule communication with the EHD based, at least partially, on the requested scheduling restriction.

[0065] At 450, the NW may acknowledge the selected configuration, thereby signaling acceptance of the request for the selected configuration. Alternatively, the NW may deny the request for the UE’s preferred configuration, and has the right / ability to override the request from the UE. In an example embodiment, a denial or rejection of the request may force the UE to use the original configuration provided to the UE. In an alternative example embodiment, the NWmay provide a new configuration. For example, during the RRC reconfiguration with the MG, the gNB may ignore the EHD requests and insist on a certain MG pattern and measurement configuration, for example based on knowing scheduling requirements and UL TX power will be optimized. The gNB may determine an optimal measurement gap and configuration based on the UE timing advance (TA), provided measurements, UE location if known, etc.

[0066] In an example embodiment, the feedback indication may comprise one of an acknowledgement of the selected / requested configuration, an acceptance of the request / configuration, a negative acknowledgment of the request, a new configuration for performing the cell measurements, or a denial of the configuration.

[0067] At 460, if the UE receives confirmation from the NW, it may adopt the measurement gap configuration that was indicated to the NW at 440.

[0068] At 470, the UE may continue performing neighboring cells measurements based on the configured MGs.

[0069] Referring now to FIG. 5, illustrated is operation according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure. At 510, the UE may detect that the serving cell quality is less than a threshold, or that there is a change in the UE’s energy state. The detection may be based on events requiring inter-frequency or intra-frequency measurement events (e.g. A2, A4 events). In addition to any event that would normally trigger a request for RRC reconfiguration, any change in the UE energy state may also trigger the UE to request a new MG configuration. If the energy state is very good (e.g. the battery level of the UE is high), then the previously provided MG configuration may be fine / accep table to the UE, but if the energy level drops, then the UE may want to reprioritize measurements and / or data.

[0070] At 520, the EHD may determine the needed or acceptable restrictions on UE operation, MGRP, and / or MGL upon A2 event detection, for example as shown in FIG. 6.

[0071] In an example embodiment, if IRAT handovers have been configured for coverage, then the UE may decide that it wants to prioritize its energy for measurements and reporting, ratherthan for QoS, and may request that the network suspend all scheduling of data until a measurement report is sent. The MG settings may be determined from the energy availability, which may be energy conditions, expected energy arrival conditions, or stored energy conditions. For example:

[0072] - Case 1: Energy State 1 (low energy state): Ecurrent < Ethl, high MGRP (e.g. 160 ms) with low MGL (e.g. 1.5 ms) is recommended.

[0073] - Case 2: Energy State 2 (medium energy state): Ethl <Ecurrent < Eth2, whereEthl<Eth2, medium MGRP (e.g. 80 ms) with medium MGL (e.g. 3 ms) is recommended.

[0074] - Case 3: Energy State 3 (high energy state): Ecurrent > Eth2, lowest MGRP (e.g. 20 ms) with highest MGL (e.g. 6 ms) is recommended.

[0075] In an example embodiment, the EHD may also determine to not perform any measurements based on the low priority of the data, its UL BSR, energy condition, and / or its past mobility patterns. Note that networks do not consider UL / DL BSR when triggering mobility events. In this case, the EHD may avoid sending A2 / A4 to the gNB; this may leave more power for other transmissions. If we notify the gNB, it could be to make the gNB aware that, if the call drops, it was the EHD that decided it was ok (e.g. no mobility support), and the dropping of the call may be counted in that manner in the key performance indicator (KPI) (e.g. as a UE -based release).

[0076] In an example embodiment, the EHD may determine, based on its EH capability or history, that it needs more idle time between the currently configured MGs to harvest additional energy outside of the MG duration, and may then propose a larger MGRP.

[0077] In an example embodiment, in case the NW is not aware (or fully aware) of the EHD energy levels, the EHD may inform the NW that it prefers not to support mobility for a timer T, which may be based on the expected or current RRM relaxation timer or could be based on UE mobility prediction. For example, a pedestrian UE with a 3km / h speed may not need MGs for timer T (and therefore measurements may be wasteful), so the measurement gaps may be removed, thereby providing the UE with more energy for data transmission and reception. If the call drops,the NW may consider it a "UE-based release" (e.g. it is not because of a low signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR)).

[0078] At 530, the UE may send an RRC reconfiguration request to the gNB with the UE- determined scheduling restrictions and MGL.

[0079] At 540, the NW may provide a RRC reconfiguration based on the UE determination. In an example embodiment, if the UE chooses not to employ the MG to prioritize the finalization of data transfer, the gNB may count the RRC release with a cause different than normal as a “UE- driven decision”. In other words, if radio link failure occurs, the NW may log that it is not because of low SINR, but rather is a UE based release.

[0080] At 550, the UE may adopt the newly configured measurement gaps.

[0081] At 560, the UE may continue to perform neighboring cells measurements based on the newly configured MGs.

[0082] Referring now to FIG. 6, illustrated is an example embodiment for determining the scheduling restrictions, MGRP, and MGL at the UE. At 605, the UE may receive the MG settings from the gNB. At 610, the UE may determine, based on the type of MG, ongoing services, and / or scheduling restrictions, a preferred MGRP and / or MGL. At 615, the UE may determine if IRAT handover has occurred. If yes, at 620, the UE may determine to suspend scheduling of data and apply MGs based on the EH device energy levels.

[0083] If no, at 625 the UE may determine if the UE is stationary, for example based on past mobility pattern with low priority data using UL BSR. If yes, the UE may determine to not apply MGs.

[0084] If no, at 635 the UE may determine if the energy is low. If yes, the UE may determine at 640 to propose larger MGRP to increase idle time to harvest energy outside MGL.

[0085] If no, at 645 the UE may determine if there is no mobility support for timer T. If yes, at 650 the UE may determine to stop MGs and schedule UE data more frequently. If the call drops, the NW may consider it a “UE based release.”

[0086] If no, at 655 the UE may continue with the NW indicated MG settings.

[0087] A technical effect of example embodiments of the present disclosure may be to dynamically provide the preferred MG configuration and scheduling restrictions based on the priority and energy state of the UE.

[0088] A technical effect of example embodiments of the present disclosure may be to reduce the energy consumption of EH devices when they are in high need of energy.

[0089] A technical effect of example embodiments of the present disclosure may be to improve QoS of EH devices when their energy arrival or energy storage is high.

[0090] FIG. 7 illustrates the potential steps of an example method 700. The example method 700 may include: transmitting, to a base station, a request for modifying a configuration for performing cell measurements, wherein the request comprises at least one of: at least one scheduling restriction, or at least one measurement gap parameter, 710; receiving, from the base station, a feedback indication associated with the request, 720; and performing the cell measurements based, at least partially, on the feedback indication, 730. The example method 700 may be performed, for example, with a user equipment, an EH device, etc.

[0091] FIG. 8 illustrates the potential steps of an example method 800. The example method 800 may include: receiving, from a user equipment, a request for modifying a configuration for performing cell measurements, wherein the request comprises at least one of: at least one scheduling restriction, or at least one measurement gap parameter, 810; and transmitting, to the user equipment, a feedback indication in response to the received request, 820. The example method 800 may be performed, for example, with a base station, eNB, gNB, network node, NW, serving cell, etc.

[0092] In accordance with one example embodiment, an apparatus may comprise: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: transmit, to a base station, a request for modifying a configuration for performing cell measurements, wherein the request may comprise at least one of: at least one scheduling restriction, or at least one measurement gap parameter; receive, from the base station, a feedback indication associated with the request; and perform the cell measurements based, at least partially, on the feedback indication.

[0093] The example apparatus may be further configured to: determine at least one of the at least one scheduling restriction or the at least one measurement gap parameter based, at least partially, on one or more conditions.

[0094] The one or more conditions may comprise at least one of: a received measurement gap configuration, one or more ongoing services, a priority associated with communication with a serving cell, a priority associated with the cell measurements, a priority associated with data, an energy harvesting capability of the apparatus, a buffer status, a historical mobility pattern of the apparatus, a signal strength of the serving cell, a variation of the signal strength of the serving cell, an energy state of the apparatus, a quality of the serving cell associated with the apparatus, or a change in the energy state of the apparatus.

[0095] The feedback indication may comprise a radio resource control reconfiguration message, wherein the radio resource control reconfiguration message may comprise the request.

[0096] The feedback indication may comprise one of an acknowledgement of the request, a negative acknowledgment of the request, or a new configuration for performing the cell measurements.

[0097] The example apparatus may be further configured to: in response to the feedback indication comprising the acknowledgement of the request, perform the cell measurements based, at least partially, on the configuration for performing the cell measurements as modified based on the request; in response to the feedback indication comprising the negative acknowledgment of the request, perform the cell measurements based, at least partially, on the configuration forperforming the cell measurements; and in response to the feedback indication comprising the new configuration for performing the cell measurements, perform the cell measurements based, at least partially, on the new configuration.

[0098] The at least one measurement gap parameter may comprise at least one of: a measurement gap repetition period, or a measurement gap length.

[0099] The at least one scheduling restriction may comprise at least one of: a restriction on scheduling of uplink data, a restriction on scheduling of downlink data, a restriction on monitoring of downlink channels, a restriction on transmission of uplink control channels, or a time period for application of the at least one scheduling restriction.

[0100] The example apparatus may comprise an energy harvesting device.

[0101] The example apparatus may be further configured to: receive, from the base station, the configuration for performing the cell measurements.

[0102] In accordance with one aspect, an example method may be provided comprising: transmitting, with a user equipment to a base station, a request for modifying a configuration for performing cell measurements, wherein the request may comprise at least one of: at least one scheduling restriction, or at least one measurement gap parameter; receiving, from the base station, a feedback indication associated with the request; and performing the cell measurements based, at least partially, on the feedback indication.

[0103] The example method may further comprise: determining at least one of the at least one scheduling restriction or the at least one measurement gap parameter based, at least partially, on one or more conditions.

[0104] The one or more conditions may comprise at least one of: a received measurement gap configuration, one or more ongoing services, a priority associated with communication with a serving cell, a priority associated with the cell measurements, a priority associated with data, an energy harvesting capability of the user equipment, a buffer status, a historical mobility pattern of the user equipment, a signal strength of the serving cell, a variation of the signal strength of theserving cell, an energy state of the user equipment, a quality of the serving cell associated with the user equipment, or a change in the energy state of the user equipment.

[0105] The feedback indication may comprise a radio resource control reconfiguration message, wherein the radio resource control reconfiguration message may comprise the request.

[0106] The feedback indication may comprise one of an acknowledgement of the request, a negative acknowledgment of the request, or a new configuration for performing the cell measurements.

[0107] The example method may further comprise: in response to the feedback indication comprising the acknowledgment of the request, performing the cell measurements based, at least partially, on the configuration for performing the cell measurements as modified based on the request; in response to the feedback indication comprising the negative acknowledgment of the request, performing the cell measurements based, at least partially, on the configuration for performing the cell measurements; and in response to the feedback indication comprising the new configuration for performing the cell measurements, perform the cell measurements based, at least partially, on the new configuration.

[0108] The at least one measurement gap parameter may comprise at least one of: a measurement gap repetition period, or a measurement gap length.

[0109] The at least one scheduling restriction may comprise at least one of: a restriction on scheduling of uplink data, a restriction on scheduling of downlink data, a restriction on monitoring of downlink channels, a restriction on transmission of uplink control channels, or a time period for application of the at least one scheduling restriction.

[0110] The user equipment may comprise an energy harvesting device.

[0111] The example method may further comprise: receiving, from the base station, the configuration for performing the cell measurements.

[0112] In accordance with one example embodiment, an apparatus may comprise: circuitry configured to perform: transmitting, to a base station, a request for modifying a configuration for performing cell measurements, wherein the request may comprise at least one of: at least one scheduling restriction, or at least one measurement gap parameter; circuitry configured to perform: receiving, from the base station, a feedback indication associated with the request; and circuitry configured to perform: performing the cell measurements based, at least partially, on the feedback indication.

[0113] In accordance with one example embodiment, an apparatus may comprise: processing circuitry; memory circuitry including computer program code, the memory circuitry and the computer program code configured to, with the processing circuitry, enable the apparatus to: transmit, to a base station, a request for modifying a configuration for performing cell measurements, wherein the request may comprise at least one of: at least one scheduling restriction, or at least one measurement gap parameter; receive, from the base station, a feedback indication associated with the request; and perform the cell measurements based, at least partially, on the feedback indication.

[0114] As used in this application, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry) and (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable): (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware and (ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, 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 requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.” This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit orprocessor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0115] In accordance with one example embodiment, an apparatus may comprise means for: transmitting, to a base station, a request for modifying a configuration for performing cell measurements, wherein the request may comprise at least one of: at least one scheduling restriction, or at least one measurement gap parameter; receiving, from the base station, a feedback indication associated with the request; and performing the cell measurements based, at least partially, on the feedback indication.

[0116] The means may be further configured for: determining at least one of the at least one scheduling restriction or the at least one measurement gap parameter based, at least partially, on one or more conditions.

[0117] The one or more conditions may comprise at least one of: a received measurement gap configuration, one or more ongoing services, a priority associated with communication with a serving cell, a priority associated with the cell measurements, a priority associated with data, an energy harvesting capability of the apparatus, a buffer status, a historical mobility pattern of the apparatus, a signal strength of the serving cell, a variation of the signal strength of the serving cell, an energy state of the apparatus, a quality of the serving cell associated with the apparatus, or a change in the energy state of the apparatus.

[0118] The feedback indication may comprise a radio resource control reconfiguration message, wherein the radio resource control reconfiguration message may comprise the request.

[0119] The feedback indication may comprise one of an acknowledgement of the request, a negative acknowledgment of the request, or a new configuration for performing the cell measurements.

[0120] The means may be further configured for: in response to the feedback indication comprising the acknowledgment of the request, performing the cell measurements based, at least partially, on the configuration for performing the cell measurements as modified based on therequest; in response to the feedback indication comprising the negative acknowledgment of the request, performing the cell measurements based, at least partially, on the configuration for performing the cell measurements; and in response to the feedback indication comprising the new configuration for performing the cell measurements, perform the cell measurements based, at least partially, on the new configuration.

[0121] The at least one measurement gap parameter may comprise at least one of: a measurement gap repetition period, or a measurement gap length.

[0122] The at least one scheduling restriction may comprise at least one of: a restriction on scheduling of uplink data, a restriction on scheduling of downlink data, a restriction on monitoring of downlink channels, a restriction on transmission of uplink control channels, or a time period for application of the at least one scheduling restriction.

[0123] The example apparatus may comprise an energy harvesting device.

[0124] The means may be further configured for: receiving, from the base station, the configuration for performing the cell measurements.

[0125] A processor, memory, and / or example algorithms (which may be encoded as instructions, program, or code) may be provided as example means for providing or causing performance of operation.

[0126] In accordance with one example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions stored thereon which, when executed with at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to: cause transmitting, to a base station, of a request for modifying a configuration for performing cell measurements, wherein the request may comprise at least one of: at least one scheduling restriction, or at least one measurement gap parameter; cause receiving, from the base station, of a feedback indication associated with the request; and perform the cell measurements based, at least partially, on the feedback indication.

[0127] In accordance with one example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following:causing transmitting, to a base station, of a request for modifying a configuration for performing cell measurements, wherein the request may comprise at least one of: at least one scheduling restriction, or at least one measurement gap parameter; causing receiving, from the base station, of a feedback indication associated with the request; and performing the cell measurements based, at least partially, on the feedback indication.

[0128] In accordance with another example embodiment, a non-transitory program storage device readable by a machine may be provided, tangibly embodying instructions executable by the machine for performing operations, the operations comprising: causing transmitting, to a base station, of a request for modifying a configuration for performing cell measurements, wherein the request may comprise at least one of: at least one scheduling restriction, or at least one measurement gap parameter; causing receiving, from the base station, of a feedback indication associated with the request; and performing the cell measurements based, at least partially, on the feedback indication.

[0129] In accordance with another example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: causing transmitting, to a base station, of a request for modifying a configuration for performing cell measurements, wherein the request may comprise at least one of: at least one scheduling restriction, or at least one measurement gap parameter; causing receiving, from the base station, of a feedback indication associated with the request; and performing the cell measurements based, at least partially, on the feedback indication.

[0130] A computer implemented system comprising: at least one processor and at least one non-transitory memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the system at least to perform: causing transmitting, to a base station, of a request for modifying a configuration for performing cell measurements, wherein the request may comprise at least one of: at least one scheduling restriction, or at least one measurement gap parameter; causing receiving, from the base station, of a feedback indication associated with the request; and performing the cell measurements based, at least partially, on the feedback indication.

[0131] A computer implemented system comprising: means for causing transmitting, to a base station, of a request for modifying a configuration for performing cell measurements, wherein the request may comprise at least one of: at least one scheduling restriction, or at least one measurement gap parameter; means for causing receiving, from the base station, of a feedback indication associated with the request; and means for performing the cell measurements based, at least partially, on the feedback indication.

[0132] In accordance with one example embodiment, an apparatus may comprise: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive, from a user equipment, a request for modifying a configuration for performing cell measurements, wherein the request may comprise at least one of: at least one scheduling restriction, or at least one measurement gap parameter; and transmit, to the user equipment, a feedback indication in response to the received request.

[0133] The example apparatus may be further configured to: determine whether to accept the received request based, at least partially, on the at least one of the at least one scheduling restriction or the at least one measurement gap parameter.

[0134] The feedback indication may comprise a radio resource control reconfiguration message, wherein the radio resource control reconfiguration message may comprise the request.

[0135] The feedback indication may comprise one of an acknowledgement of the request, a negative acknowledgment of the request, or a new configuration for performing the cell measurements.

[0136] The at least one measurement gap parameter may comprise at least one of: a measurement gap repetition period, or a measurement gap length.

[0137] The at least one scheduling restriction may comprise at least one of: a restriction on scheduling of uplink data, a restriction on scheduling of downlink data, a restriction on monitoring of downlink channels, a restriction on transmission of uplink control channels, or a time period for application of the at least one scheduling restriction.

[0138] The user equipment may comprise an energy harvesting device.

[0139] The example apparatus may be further configured to: transmit, to the user equipment, the configuration for performing the cell measurements.

[0140] In accordance with one aspect, an example method may be provided comprising: receiving, with a base station from a user equipment, a request for modifying a configuration for performing cell measurements, wherein the request may comprise at least one of: at least one scheduling restriction, or at least one measurement gap parameter; and transmitting, to the user equipment, a feedback indication in response to the received request.

[0141] The example method may further comprise: determining whether to accept the received request based, at least partially, on the at least one of the at least one scheduling restriction or the at least one measurement gap parameter.

[0142] The feedback indication may comprise a radio resource control reconfiguration message, wherein the radio resource control reconfiguration message may comprise the request.

[0143] The feedback indication may comprise one of an acknowledgement of the request, a negative acknowledgment of the request, or a new configuration for performing the cell measurements.

[0144] The at least one measurement gap parameter may comprise at least one of: a measurement gap repetition period, or a measurement gap length.

[0145] The at least one scheduling restriction may comprise at least one of: a restriction on scheduling of uplink data, a restriction on scheduling of downlink data, a restriction on monitoring of downlink channels, a restriction on transmission of uplink control channels, or a time period for application of the at least one scheduling restriction.

[0146] The user equipment may comprise an energy harvesting device.

[0147] The example method may further comprise: transmitting, to the user equipment, the configuration for performing the cell measurements.

[0148] In accordance with one example embodiment, an apparatus may comprise: circuitry configured to perform: receiving, from a user equipment, a request for modifying a configuration for performing cell measurements, wherein the request may comprise at least one of: at least one scheduling restriction, or at least one measurement gap parameter; and circuitry configured to perform: transmitting, to the user equipment, a feedback indication in response to the received request.

[0149] In accordance with one example embodiment, an apparatus may comprise: processing circuitry; memory circuitry including computer program code, the memory circuitry and the computer program code configured to, with the processing circuitry, enable the apparatus to: receive, from a user equipment, a request for modifying a configuration for performing cell measurements, wherein the request may comprise at least one of: at least one scheduling restriction, or at least one measurement gap parameter; and transmit, to the user equipment, a feedback indication in response to the received request.

[0150] In accordance with one example embodiment, an apparatus may comprise means for: receiving, from a user equipment, a request for modifying a configuration for performing cell measurements, wherein the request may comprise at least one of: at least one scheduling restriction, or at least one measurement gap parameter; and transmitting, to the user equipment, a feedback indication in response to the received request.

[0151] The means may be further configured for: determining whether to accept the received request based, at least partially, on the at least one of the at least one scheduling restriction or the at least one measurement gap parameter.

[0152] The feedback indication may comprise a radio resource control reconfiguration message, wherein the radio resource control reconfiguration message may comprise the request.

[0153] The feedback indication may comprise one of an acknowledgement of the request, a negative acknowledgment of the request, or a new configuration for performing the cell measurements.

[0154] The at least one measurement gap parameter may comprise at least one of: a measurement gap repetition period, or a measurement gap length.

[0155] The at least one scheduling restriction may comprise at least one of: a restriction on scheduling of uplink data, a restriction on scheduling of downlink data, a restriction on monitoring of downlink channels, a restriction on transmission of uplink control channels, or a time period for application of the at least one scheduling restriction.

[0156] The user equipment may comprise an energy harvesting device.

[0157] The means may be further configured for: transmitting, to the user equipment, the configuration for performing the cell measurements.

[0158] In accordance with one example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions stored thereon which, when executed with at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to: cause receiving, from a user equipment, of a request for modifying a configuration for performing cell measurements, wherein the request may comprise at least one of: at least one scheduling restriction, or at least one measurement gap parameter; and cause transmitting, to the user equipment, of a feedback indication in response to the received request.

[0159] In accordance with one example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: causing receiving, from a user equipment, of a request for modifying a configuration for performing cell measurements, wherein the request may comprise at least one of: at least one scheduling restriction, or at least one measurement gap parameter; and causing transmitting, to the user equipment, of a feedback indication in response to the received request.

[0160] In accordance with another example embodiment, a non-transitory program storage device readable by a machine may be provided, tangibly embodying instructions executable by the machine for performing operations, the operations comprising: causing receiving, from a user equipment, of a request for modifying a configuration for performing cell measurements, whereinthe request may comprise at least one of: at least one scheduling restriction, or at least one measurement gap parameter; and causing transmitting, to the user equipment, of a feedback indication in response to the received request.

[0161] In accordance with another example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: causing receiving, from a user equipment, of a request for modifying a configuration for performing cell measurements, wherein the request may comprise at least one of: at least one scheduling restriction, or at least one measurement gap parameter; and causing transmitting, to the user equipment, of a feedback indication in response to the received request.

[0162] A computer implemented system comprising: at least one processor and at least one non-transitory memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the system at least to perform: causing receiving, from a user equipment, of a request for modifying a configuration for performing cell measurements, wherein the request may comprise at least one of: at least one scheduling restriction, or at least one measurement gap parameter; and causing transmitting, to the user equipment, of a feedback indication in response to the received request.

[0163] A computer implemented system comprising: means for causing receiving, from a user equipment, of a request for modifying a configuration for performing cell measurements, wherein the request may comprise at least one of: at least one scheduling restriction, or at least one measurement gap parameter; and means for causing transmitting, to the user equipment, of a feedback indication in response to the received request.

[0164] The term “non-transitory,” as used herein, is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e. tangible, not a signal) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0165] It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art. For example, features recited in the various dependent claims could be combined with each other in any suitable combination(s). In addition, features from different embodiments described above could beselectively combined into a new embodiment. Accordingly, the description is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modification and variances which fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: transmit, to a base station, a request for modifying a configuration for performing cell measurements, wherein the request comprises at least one of: at least one scheduling restriction, or at least one measurement gap parameter; receive, from the base station, a feedback indication associated with the request; and perform the cell measurements based, at least partially, on the feedback indication.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: determine at least one of the at least one scheduling restriction or the at least one measurement gap parameter based, at least partially, on one or more conditions.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the one or more conditions comprises at least one of: a received measurement gap configuration, one or more ongoing services,a priority associated with communication with a serving cell, a priority associated with the cell measurements, a priority associated with data, an energy harvesting capability of the apparatus, a buffer status, a historical mobility pattern of the apparatus, a signal strength of the serving cell, a variation of the signal strength of the serving cell, an energy state of the apparatus, a quality of the serving cell associated with the apparatus, or a change in the energy state of the apparatus.

4. The apparatus of any of claims 1 through 3, wherein the feedback indication comprises a radio resource control reconfiguration message, wherein the radio resource control reconfiguration message comprises the request.

5. The apparatus of any of claims 1 through 3, wherein the feedback indication comprises one of an acknowledgement of the request, a negative acknowledgment of the request, or a new configuration for performing the cell measurements.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: in response to the feedback indication comprising the acknowledgment of the request, perform the cell measurements based, at least partially, on theconfiguration for performing the cell measurements as modified based on the request; in response to the feedback indication comprising the negative acknowledgment of the request, perform the cell measurements based, at least partially, on the configuration for performing the cell measurements; and in response to the feedback indication comprising the new configuration for performing the cell measurements, perform the cell measurements based, at least partially, on the new configuration.

7. The apparatus of any of claims 1 through 6, wherein the at least one measurement gap parameter comprises at least one of: a measurement gap repetition period, or a measurement gap length.

8. The apparatus of any of claims 1 through 7, wherein the at least one scheduling restriction comprises at least one of: a restriction on scheduling of uplink data, a restriction on scheduling of downlink data, a restriction on monitoring of downlink channels, a restriction on transmission of uplink control channels, or a time period for application of the at least one scheduling restriction.

9. The apparatus of any of claims 1 through 8, wherein the apparatus comprises an energy harvesting device.

10. The apparatus of any of claims 1 through 9, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: receive, from the base station, the configuration for performing the cell measurements.

11. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive, from a user equipment, a request for modifying a configuration for performing cell measurements, wherein the request comprises at least one of: at least one scheduling restriction, or at least one measurement gap parameter; and transmit, to the user equipment, a feedback indication in response to the received request.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: determine whether to accept the received request based, at least partially, on the at least one of the at least one scheduling restriction or the at least one measurement gap parameter.

13. The apparatus of claim 11 or 12, wherein the feedback indication comprises a radio resource control reconfiguration message, wherein the radio resource control reconfiguration message comprises the request.

14. The apparatus of claim 11 or 12, wherein the feedback indication comprises one of an acknowledgement of the request, a negative acknowledgment of the request, or a new configuration for performing the cell measurements.

15. The apparatus of any of claims 11 through 14, wherein the at least one measurement gap parameter comprises at least one of: a measurement gap repetition period, or a measurement gap length.

16. The apparatus of any of claims 11 through 15, wherein the at least one measurement gap parameter comprises at least one of: a measurement gap repetition period, or a measurement gap length.

17. The apparatus of any of claims 11 through 16, wherein the at least one scheduling restriction comprises at least one of: a restriction on scheduling of uplink data, a restriction on scheduling of downlink data, a restriction on monitoring of downlink channels, a restriction on transmission of uplink control channels, or a time period for application of the at least one scheduling restriction.

18. The apparatus of any of claims 11 through 17, wherein the user equipment comprises an energy harvesting device.

19. The apparatus of any of claims 11 through 18, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to:transmit, to the user equipment, the configuration for performing the cell measurements.

20. A method comprising: transmitting, with a user equipment to a base station, a request for modifying a configuration for performing cell measurements, wherein the request comprises at least one of: at least one scheduling restriction, or at least one measurement gap parameter; receiving, from the base station, a feedback indication associated with the request; and performing the cell measurements based, at least partially, on the feedback indication.

21. A method comprising: receiving, with a base station from a user equipment, a request for modifying a configuration for performing cell measurements, wherein the request comprises at least one of: at least one scheduling restriction, or at least one measurement gap parameter; and transmitting, to the user equipment, a feedback indication in response to the received request.

22. An apparatus comprising means for:transmitting, to a base station, a request for modifying a configuration for performing cell measurements, wherein the request comprises at least one of: at least one scheduling restriction, or at least one measurement gap parameter; receiving, from the base station, a feedback indication associated with the request; and performing the cell measurements based, at least partially, on the feedback indication.

23. An apparatus comprising means for: receiving, from a user equipment, a request for modifying a configuration for performing cell measurements, wherein the request comprises at least one of: at least one scheduling restriction, or at least one measurement gap parameter; and transmitting, to the user equipment, a feedback indication in response to the received request.

24. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: causing transmitting, to a base station, of a request for modifying a configuration for performing cell measurements, wherein the request comprises at least one of: at least one scheduling restriction, or at least one measurement gap parameter;causing receiving, from the base station, of a feedback indication associated with the request; and performing the cell measurements based, at least partially, on the feedback indication.

25. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: causing receiving, from a user equipment, of a request for modifying a configuration for performing cell measurements, wherein the request comprises at least one of: at least one scheduling restriction, or at least one measurement gap parameter; and causing transmitting, to the user equipment, of a feedback indication in response to the received request.

Images