System information block or global navigation satellite system measurement readings relative to cell active time periods

Abstract

A method, apparatus, and computer readable medium are provided for communications. In the context of a method, the method determines a plurality of time instances of system information block transmission from which the user equipment may read a system information block. The method determines a cell active time period. The method determines a reading time instance out of the plurality of time instances of system information block transmission based at least on a proximity determination to a start of the cell active time period. The method reads the at least a portion of the system information block that corresponds to the determined reading time instance.

Description

SYSTEM INFORMATION BLOCK OR GLOBAL NAVIGATION SATELLITE SYSTEM MEASUREMENT READINGS RELATIVE TO CELL ACTIVE TIME PERIODSTECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0001] An example embodiment relates generally to reading of system information blocks or global navigation satellite system measurements and, more particularly, to reading of system information blocks or global navigation satellite system measurements relative to cell active time periods.BACKGROUND

[0002] User equipment devices which support non-terrestrial networks have global navigation satellite system capabilities. In a non-terrestrial network system, 5G base station (i.e., gNB) functionality may be deployed on board satellites or deployed elsewhere and relayed by satellites in a transparent way to provide communication coverage over a large area that may be otherwise unreachable by cellular networks. This functionality may be used to connect internet-of-things devices globally and provide personal communication in remote areas and in disaster relief.

[0003] Low earth orbit satellites orbit approximately 600-1500 kilometers above Earth and move about 7.5 km / s relative to Earth. Low earth orbit satellites typically have a beam footprint radius between 100 and 1000 kilometers. For Earth-fixed cells or semi Earth-fixed cells, the satellite continuously adjusts a satellite beam pointing direction to fix a new radio cell and new radio beam to a specific point on Earth. For Earth-moving cells or semi Earth-fixed cells, a satellite beam pointing direction is fixed and the beam footprint (i.e., new radio cell) is moving on Earth. Additionally, for Earth-moving cells, mobility is mainly due to satellite movement as satellites are moving faster than user equipment devices on the ground.

[0004] T-service is a parameter which is cell-specific and is common for all user equipment devices in the same cell. The parameter’s value indicates a time in which an Earth-fixed cell or semi Earth-fixed cells will stop serving an area which it is currently covering. In new radio nonterrestrial networks, t-service is broadcast as part of serving cell information in system information block 19. In internet of things non-terrestrial networks, t-service is broadcast in system information block 32.

[0005] Synchronization to non-terrestrial networks is a user equipment-specific operation. The user equipment reads the satellite assistance information from system information block 19 orsystem information block 32. The satellite assistance information may contain a location of the satellite and its movement vector. The satellite assistance information may also contain the common TA parameters, which indicates the delay of the feeder link (satellite to the ground station) and its derivatives. This information comes with a validity timer which tells the user equipment how long it can use this information before it is required to get an update. The user equipment knows its location through a global navigation satellite system. For new radio, the user equipment is supposed to update in such a way that it is accurate enough in parallel with cellular reception and / or transmission. In internet of things, the user equipment cannot read a global navigation satellite system at the same time as performing cellular transmission and / or reception. Therefore, gaps in cellular transmission and reception are used to accommodate a user equipment for updating its global navigation satellite system position. In internet of things nonterrestrial networks, the global navigation satellite system location may also come with a validity timer.

[0006] In some systems, a satellite may have any cells or synchronization signal block beams and, to save power, not all of the beams may be active at the same time which the synchronization signal blocks are being transmitted normally. This may be the case when there are limitations of available power at a satellite. Discontinuous cell transmission allows a cell to be inactive and reduce power consumption during inactive period. With discontinuous cell transmission, periods of inactivity and activity of the cell are controlled based on discontinuous transmission pattern parameters (i.e., the discontinuous cell transmission cycle, On-Duration, and offset to an absolute time reference that determines the start of a cycle). The activity of different cells may be separated in time by discontinuous cell transmission. However, the time at which a user equipment reads system information block 19, system information block 32, or a global navigation satellite system measurement may be far in time from a cell active time period caused by discontinuous cell transmission. As such, there exists a need to better align reading times with cell active periods.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0007] In one or more embodiments, a user equipment (110) for communication is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment (110) to determine a plurality of timeinstances of system information block transmission (410) from which the user equipment (110) may read (540) a system information block (420). The user equipment (110) is further caused to determine (510) a cell active time period (430). The user equipment (110) is further caused to determine (520) a reading time instance (410a / 410b) out of the plurality of time instances of system information block transmission (410) based at least on a proximity determination (520) to a start (430a) of the cell active time period (430). The user equipment (110) is further caused to read (540) at least a portion of the system information block (420) that corresponds to the determined reading time instance (410a / 410b).

[0008] In one or more embodiments, a user equipment (110) for communication is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment (110) to determine (510) a cell active time period (430). The user equipment (110) is further caused to determine (520) a global navigation satellite system reading time instance based at least on a proximity determination (520) to a start (430a) of the cell active time period (430). The user equipment (110) is further caused to read (540) a global navigation satellite system measurement at the determined global navigation satellite system reading time instance.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, a computer-implemented method is provided that is performed by a user equipment (110) for communication and includes determining a plurality of time instances of system information block transmission (410) from which the user equipment (110) may read at least a portion of (540) a system information block (420). The method further includes determining (510) a cell active time period (430). The method further includes determining (520) a reading time instance (410a / 410b) out of the plurality of time instances of system information block transmission (410) based at least on a proximity determination (520) to a start (430a) of the cell active time period (430). The method further includes reading (540) at least a portion of the system information block (420) that corresponds to the determined reading time instance (410a / 410b).

[0010] In one or more embodiments, a computer-implemented method is provided that is performed by a user equipment (110) for communication and includes determining (510) a cell active time period (430). The method further includes determining (520) a global navigation satellite system reading time instance based at least on a proximity determination (520) to a start (430a) of the cell active time period (430). The method further includes reading (540) a globalnavigation satellite system measurement at the determined global navigation satellite system reading time instance.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium is provided including computer instructions that, when executed by a user equipment (110) for communication, cause the user equipment (110) to determine a plurality of time instances of system information block transmission (410) from which the user equipment (110) may read (540) at least a portion of a system information block (420). The user equipment (110) is further caused to determine (510) a cell active time period (430). The user equipment (110) is further caused to determine (520) a reading time instance (410a / 410b) out of the plurality of time instances of system information block transmission (410) based at least on a proximity determination (520) to a start (430a) of the cell active time period (430). The user equipment (110) is further caused to read (540) at least a portion of the system information block (420) that corresponds to the determined reading time instance (410a / 410b).

[0012] In one or more embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium is provided including computer instructions that, when executed by a user equipment (110), cause the user equipment (110) for communication to determine (510) a cell active time period (430). The user equipment (110) is further caused to determine (520) a global navigation satellite system reading time instance based at least on a proximity determination (520) to a start (430a) of the cell active time period (430). The user equipment (110) is further caused to read (540) a global navigation satellite system measurement at the determined global navigation satellite system reading time instance.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, a user equipment (110) for communication is provided that includes means for determining a plurality of time instances of system information block transmission (410) from which the user equipment (110) may read (540) at least a portion of a system information block (420). The user equipment (110) further includes means for determining (510) a cell active time period (430). The user equipment (110) further includes means for determining (520) a reading time instance (410a / 410b) out of the plurality of time instances of system information block transmission (410) based at least on a proximity determination (520) to a start (430a) of the cell active time period (430). The user equipment (110) further includes means for reading (540) at least a portion of the system information block (420) that corresponds to the determined reading time instance (410a / 410b).

[0014] In one or more embodiments, a user equipment (110) for communication is provided that includes means for determining (510) a cell active time period (430). The user equipment (110) further includes means for determining (520) a global navigation satellite system reading time instance based at least on a proximity determination (520) to a start (430a) of the cell active time period (430). The user equipment (110) further includes means for reading (540) a global navigation satellite system measurement at the determined global navigation satellite system reading time instance.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Having thus described certain example embodiments of the present disclosure in general terms, reference will hereinafter be made to the accompanying drawings, which may not be necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0016] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system including a user equipment and a network node configured to communicate at least via uplink and downlink transmission in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example communication system in which the system of FIG. 1 may be deployed in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 3 is an example architecture of a non-terrestrial network in accordance with previous embodiments;

[0019] FIG. 4 is an example of time instances in which a user equipment reads a system information block in accordance with previous embodiments;

[0020] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for a user equipment reading a system information block at a determined reading time instance in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processes performed by a user equipment in order to read a system information block that corresponds to a determined reading time in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0022] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating processes performed by a user equipment in order to read a global navigation satellite system measurement at a determined global navigation satellite system reading time instance in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Some embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments are shown. Indeed, various embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments may be provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. As used herein, the terms “data,” “content,” “information,” and similar terms may be used interchangeably to refer to data capable of being transmitted, received and / or stored in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, use of any such terms should not be taken to limit the spirit and scope of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] Additionally, as used herein, the term “circuitry” refers to (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (e.g., implementations in analog circuitry and / or digital circuitry); (b) combinations of circuits and computer program product(s) including software and / or firmware instructions stored on one or more computer readable memories that work together to cause an apparatus to perform one or more functions described herein; and (c) circuits, such as, for example, a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that require software or firmware for operation even if the software or firmware is not physically present. This definition of “circuitry” applies to all uses of this term herein, including in any claims. As a further example, as used herein, the term “circuitry” also includes an implementation including one or more processors and / or portion(s) thereof and accompanying software and / or firmware. As another example, the term “circuitry” as used herein also includes, for example, a baseband integrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit for a mobile phone or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, other network device (such as a core network apparatus), field programmable gate array, and / or other computing device.

[0025] As used herein, the term “computer-readable medium” refers to non-transitory storage hardware, non-transitory storage device or non-transitory computer system memory that may be accessed by a controller, a microcontroller, a computational system or a module of a computational system to encored thereon computer-executable instructions or software programs. A non-transitory “computer readable medium” may be accessed by a computational system or a module of a computational system to retrieve and / or execute the computer-executable instructions or software programs encoded on the medium. Examples of non- transitory computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to, one or more types of hardware memory, non-transitory tangible media (for example, one or more magnetic storage disks, one or more optical disks, one or more universal synchronous bus (USB) flash drives), computer system memory or random-access memory (such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), extended data out random access memory (EDO RAM), and the like.

[0026] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a system 100 is provided in accordance with an example embodiment in order to facilitate communications between a user equipment and a network node. Although the system may be configured in various manners, the system of one embodiment is depicted in FIG. 1 and includes user equipment 110 and network node 120 configured to communicate via uplink and downlink transmission and reception beams. Although one user equipment and one network node are depicted, the system may include and the user equipment 110 and network node 120 may communicate with additional user equipment and network nodes in other embodiments. In one or more embodiments, the user equipment 110, and network node 120 may be configured to support, for example, 4G, 5G, 5G advanced, or 6G. In one or more embodiments, the system 100 may support carrier aggregation and / or dual connectivity.

[0027] The data that is transmitted via the uplink and downlink beams between the user equipment 110 and network node 120 may be any of a wide variety of data including, but not limited to digital imagery data including video data, audio data as well as data provided by sensors, radars, telescopes and radio receivers. In at least some instances, the data is encoded prior to communication of the data via the uplink and downlink beams and decoded upon reception. The resulting data received may be utilized for a variety of purposes including presentation to a user, storage of the data for subsequent use and / or provision of the data to one or more applications, such as applications that perform statistical inference on the data for various purposes including object recognition, image classification, spectrum sensing, speech transcription and / or prediction or detection of events.

[0028] The user equipment 110 of FIG. 1 (also called UE, user device, user terminal, terminal device, etc.) illustrates a type of an apparatus which resources on an air interface may be allocated and assigned. The user equipment 110 typically refers to a portable computing devicethat includes wireless mobile communication devices operating with or without a subscriber identification module (SIM), including, but not limited to, the following types of devices: a mobile station (mobile phone), smartphone, personal digital assistance (PDA), handset, device using a wireless modem (alarm or measurement device, etc.), laptop and / or touch screen computer, tablet, game console, notebook, and multimedia device. User equipment 110 may also be a device having capability to operate in Internet of Things (loT) network which is a scenario in which objects may be provided with the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction. The user equipment 110 may also be called a subscriber unit, mobile station, remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, or user equipment (UE) just to mention but a few names or apparatuses. The user equipment 110 may be connected via radio resource control. The user equipment may be in a radio resource control inactive mode or a radio resource control idle mode.

[0029] Network node 120 of FIG. 1 may include, for example, base stations such as remote radio heads (RRHs), transmission reception points (TRPs), access points, node Bs (e.g., gNB, eNB, etc.) or other transmission sources. The network node 120 may be configured to communicate with user equipment 110 via a network. The network node 120 may operate with discontinuous transmission, where it only transmits downlink signals to user equipment 110 during a cell active time period. However, in some examples, network node 120 may transmit system information blocks outside of a cell active time period during a time instance of system information block transmission.

[0030] FIG. 2 depicts an example apparatus 200 that may be configured to function as user equipment 110 or network node 120. As shown in FIG. 2, the apparatus includes, is associated with, or is in communications with processing circuitry 220, a memory 240, and a communication interface 260. The processing circuitry 220 may be in communication with the memory device 240 via a bus for passing information among components of the apparatus. The memory device may be non-transitory and may include, for example, one or more volatile and / or non-volatile memories. In other words, for example, the memory device may be an electronic storage device (e.g., a computer readable storage medium) including gates configured to store data (e.g., bits) that may be retrievable by a machine (e.g., a computing device like the processing circuitry). The memory device may be configured to store information, data, content, applications, instructions, or the like for enabling the apparatus to carry out various functions inaccordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, the memory device could be configured to buffer input data for processing by the processing circuitry. Additionally or alternatively, the memory device could be configured to store instructions for execution by the processing circuitry.

[0031] The apparatus 200 may, in some embodiments, be embodied in various computing devices described as above. However, in some embodiments, the apparatus may be embodied as a chip or chip set. In other words, the apparatus may include one or more physical packages (e.g., chips) including materials, components and / or wires on a structural assembly (e.g., a baseboard). The structural assembly may provide physical strength, conservation of size, and / or limitation of electrical interaction for component circuitry included thereon. The apparatus may therefore, in some cases, be configured to implement an embodiment on a single chip or as a single “system on a chip.” As such, in some cases, a chip or chipset may constitute means for performing one or more operations for providing the functionalities described herein.

[0032] The processing circuitry 220, also referenced as a processor, may be embodied in a number of different ways. For example, the processing circuitry may be embodied as one or more of various hardware processing means such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processing element with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other circuitry including integrated circuits such as, for example, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), an FPGA (field programmable gate array), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a hardware accelerator, a special-purpose computer chip, or the like. As such, in some embodiments, the processing circuitry may include one or more processing cores configured to perform independently. A multi-core processing circuitry may enable multiprocessing within a single physical package. Additionally or alternatively, the processing circuitry may include one or more processors configured in tandem via the bus to enable independent execution of instructions, pipelining, and / or multithreading.

[0033] In an example embodiment, the processing circuitry 220 may be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory device 240 or otherwise accessible to the processing circuitry. Alternatively or additionally, the processing circuitry may be configured to execute hardcoded functionality. As such, whether configured by hardware or software methods, or by a combination thereof, the processing circuitry may represent an entity (e.g., physically embodied in circuitry) capable of performing operations according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure while configured accordingly. Thus, for example, when the processing circuitry is embodied as an ASIC, FPGA or the like, the processing circuitry may be specifically configured hardware for conducting the operations described herein. Alternatively, as another example, when the processing circuitry is embodied as an executor of instructions, the instructions may specifically configure the processor to perform the algorithms and / or operations described herein when the instructions are executed. However, in some cases, the processing circuitry may be a processor of a specific device (e.g., an image or video processing system) configured to employ an embodiment by further configuration of the processing circuitry by instructions for performing the algorithms and / or operations described herein. The processing circuitry may include, among other things, a clock, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and logic gates configured to support operation of the processing circuitry.

[0034] The communication interface 260 may be any means such as a device or circuitry embodied in either hardware or a combination of hardware and software that is configured to receive and / or transmit data including media content in the form of video or image files, one or more audio tracks or the like. In this regard, the communication interface may include, for example, an antenna (or multiple antennas) and supporting hardware and / or software for enabling communications with a wireless communication network. Additionally or alternatively, the communication interface may include the circuitry for interacting with the antenna(s) to cause transmission of signals via the antenna(s) or to handle receipt of signals received via the antenna(s). In some environments, the communications interface may alternatively or also support wired communication. As such, for example, the communication interface may include a communication modem and / or other hardware / software for supporting communication via cable, digital subscriber line (DSL), universal serial bus (USB) or other mechanisms.

[0035] Turning now to FIG. 3, an example illustration of a non-terrestrial network 300 is provided in accordance with previous embodiments. A data network 350 is connected to gateway 340. The gateway 340 may transmit signals through a feeder link to satellite 330 (or uncrewed aerial system 330). The signals may be relayed through a service link to cover a beam footprint 320. A plurality of beam footprints make up the field view of satellite 330. A user equipment 310 may be moving or stationary on Earth and may exit the field view of satellite 330 into a field view of a different satellite. While in the field view of satellite 330, transmissionsfrom the user equipment 310 may also be relayed through satellite 330 to gateway 340 and data network 350.

[0036] Turning now to FIG. 4, an example scenario of discontinuous cell transmission is illustrated. In this scenario, only a fraction of cells which may be served from a single satellite may be active at the same time. During cell active time periods 430, a user equipment 110 may receive data from a network node (e.g., network node 120). In addition, a cell during off period will still transmit system information blocks 420 at time instances of system information block transmission 410 as these may be critical to user equipment devices in a radio resource control idle or inactive mode. While the system information blocks 420 illustrated are system information block 19, this could also apply to system information block 32 in internet-of-things or global navigation satellite system measurements. A non-terrestrial network user equipment 110 must update its global navigation satellite system position and therefore must read system information blocks 420 at least before the expiration of each validity timer 440. A user equipment 110 optimizing energy in this scenario will read at least a portion of a system information block 420 at the last transmission time 410 before expiration of the validity timer 440. This may result in the user equipment 110 not using the latest information during a cell active time period 430.

[0037] Turning now to FIG. 5, an example flowchart is provided illustrating an example method 500 for a user equipment 110 to read a system information block 420 shortly before a cell active time period 430. In one or more embodiments, the system information block 420 may be a system information block 19 or a system information block 32. In other examples, the method of FIG. 5 maybe applied when the user equipment 110 reads a global navigation satellite system measurement.

[0038] In one or more embodiments, at operation 510, a user equipment 110 receives information related to when a start time instance 430a of cell active time period 430 will occur. For example, the cell active time period 430 may be caused by discontinuous cell transmission. In one or more embodiments, this information relating to when the start time instance 430a will occur may be received from a network node 120.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, at operation 520, the user equipment 110 determines a reading time instance 410a / 410b in which to read a system information block 420 or a global navigation satellite system measurement. In some examples, the reading time instance isselected from a plurality of time instances of system information block transmission 410. In some examples, the user equipment 110a determines that the reading time instance is the last time instance of system information block transmission 410a before a start 430a of a cell active time period 430. In other examples, the user equipment 110a determines that the reading time instance is the first time instance of system information block transmission 410b after a start 430a of a cell active time period 430. In further examples, the user equipment 110 may select K reading times that are subsequent to one another and may be adjacent to the start 430a of a cell active time period 430, where K is an integer. This provides a safety margin for the user equipment 110 for the user equipment 110 to read at least a portion of the system information block 420. In some examples, a determined global navigation satellite system reading time instance is simultaneous with a cell active period 430, and other times, it is prior to the cell active time period 430.

[0040] In one or more embodiments, at operation 530, the user equipment 110 ignores a validity timer 440 until the determined reading time instance 410a / 410b. In some examples, the user equipment 110 remains in an active mode while ignoring 520 the validity timer 440. In alternative examples, the user equipment 110 may extend the validity timer 440 to the start 430a of the cell active time period 430. In some examples, the validity timer may be modified using the following equation: validity Jimer = max(validity timer, time to next cell active time period), where

[0041] In one or more embodiments, at operation 540, the user equipment 110 reads at least a portion of the system information block 420 at the determined reading time instance 410a / 410b. In some examples, the user equipment 110 updates satellite assistance information based on reading at least a portion of the system information block. In some example, user equipment 110 reads the global navigation satellite system measurement at a determined global navigation satellite system reading time instance. In some examples, user equipment 110 updates a global navigation satellite system position based on reading the measurement.

[0042] Turning now to FIG. 6, an example flowchart is illustrated for a process 600 performed by an apparatus embodied by, associated with or otherwise in communication with (hereinafter generally referenced as being embodied by) a user equipment (110) to read a system information block corresponding to a determined reading time instance.

[0043] As shown in block 610 of FIG. 6, the apparatus embodied by the user equipment (110) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), or the like, for determining a plurality of time instances of system information block transmission (410) from which the user equipment (110) may read (540) a system information block (420). In one or more embodiments, the system information block (420) includes at least one of system information block 19 or system information block 32.

[0044] As shown in block 620 of FIG. 6, the apparatus embodied by the user equipment (110) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), or the like, for determining (510) a cell active time period (430). In one or more embodiments, the cell active time period (430) is caused by discontinuous cell transmission.

[0045] As shown in block 630 of FIG. 6, the apparatus embodied by the user equipment (110) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), or the like, for determining (520) a reading time instance (410a / 410b) out of the plurality of time instances of system information block transmission (410) based at least on a proximity determination (520) to a start (430a) of the cell active time period (430). In one or more embodiments, the determined reading time instance (410a / 410b) includes a last time instance of system information block transmission (410a) before the start (430a) of the cell active time period (430). In one or more embodiments, the determined reading time instance (410a / 410b) includes a first time instance of system information block transmission (410b) after the start (430a) of the cell active time period (430). In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (110) determines (520) K reading time instances that (i) are subsequent to each other and (ii) include an adjacent time instance of system information block transmission (410a / 410b) to the start (430a) of the cell active time period (430), wherein K includes an integer. In one or more embodiments, the apparatus embodied by the user equipment (110) further includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), or the like, for extending a validity timer (440) to the start (430a) of the cell active time period (430). In one or more embodiments, the apparatus embodied by the user equipment (110) further includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), or the like, for ignoring (530) a validity timer (440) until the determined reading time instance (410a / 410b). In one or more embodiments, the apparatus embodied by the user equipment (110) further includes means,such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), or the like, for remaining in an active mode while ignoring (530) the validity timer (440).

[0046] As shown in block 640 of FIG. 6, the apparatus embodied by the user equipment (110) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), or the like, for reading (540) the system information block (420) that corresponds to the determined reading time instance (410a / 410b). In one or more embodiments, the apparatus embodied by the user equipment (110) further includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), or the like, for updating satellite assistance information based at least on reading (540) at least a portion of the system information block (420).

[0047] Turning now to FIG. 7, an example flowchart is illustrated for a process 700 performed by an apparatus embodied by, associated with or otherwise in communication with (hereinafter generally referenced as being embodied by) a user equipment (110) to read a global navigation satellite system measurement at a determined global navigation satellite system reading time instance.

[0048] As shown in block 710 of FIG. 6, the apparatus embodied by the user equipment (110) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), or the like, for determining (510) a cell active time period (430). In one or more embodiments, the cell active time period (430) is caused by discontinuous cell transmission.

[0049] As shown in block 720 of FIG. 6, the apparatus embodied by the user equipment (110) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), or the like, for determining (520) a global navigation satellite system reading time instance based at least on a proximity determination (520) to a start (430a) of the cell active time period (430). In one or more embodiments, the determined global navigation satellite system reading time instance is simultaneous with the cell active time period (430). In one or more embodiments, the determined global navigation satellite system reading time instance is prior to the cell active time period (430).

[0050] As shown in block 730 of FIG. 6, the apparatus embodied by the user equipment (110) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), or the like, for reading (540) a global navigation satellite system measurement at the determined global navigation satellite system reading time instance. In one or more embodiments, the apparatus embodied by the user equipment (110) further includes means, such as the processing circuitry(220), the communication interface (260), or the like, for updating a global navigation satellite system position based at least on reading (540) the global navigation satellite system measurement. In one or more embodiments, the apparatus embodied by the user equipment (110) further includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), or the like, for extending a global navigation satellite system validity timer (440) to the start (430a) of the cell active time period (430). In one or more embodiments, the apparatus embodied by the user equipment (110) further includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), or the like, for ignoring (530) a global navigation satellite system validity timer (440) until the determined reading time instance (410a / 410b). In one or more embodiments, the apparatus embodied by the user equipment (110) further includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), or the like, for remaining in an active mode while ignoring (530) the global navigation satellite system validity timer (440).

[0051] FIGS. 5-7 illustrate flowcharts depicting methods according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowcharts and combination of blocks in the flowcharts may be implemented by various means, such as hardware, firmware, processor, circuitry, and / or other communication devices associated with execution of software including one or more computer program instructions. For example, one or more of the procedures described above may be embodied by computer program instructions. In this regard, the computer program instructions which embody the procedures described above may be stored by a memory device 240 of an apparatus employing an embodiment and executed by a processor 220. As will be appreciated, any such computer program instructions may be loaded into a computer or other programmable apparatus (for example, hardware) to produce a machine, such that the resulting computer or other programmable apparatus implements the functions specified in the flowchart blocks. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that may direct a computer or other programmable apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer- readable memory produce an article of manufacture the execution of which implements the function specified in the flowchart blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded into a computer or other programmable apparatus to cause a series of operations to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide operations for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart blocks.

[0052] In one or more embodiments, a user equipment (110) for communication is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment (110) to determine a plurality of time instances of system information block transmission (410) from which the user equipment (110) may read (540) a system information block (420). The user equipment (110) is further caused to determine (510) a cell active time period (430). The user equipment (110) is further caused to determine (520) a reading time instance (410a / 410b) out of the plurality of time instances of system information block transmission (410) based at least on a proximity determination (520) to a start (430a) of the cell active time period (430). The user equipment (110) is further caused to read (540) at least a portion of the system information block (420) that corresponds to the determined reading time instance (410a / 410b).

[0053] In one or more embodiments, the determined reading time instance (410a / 410b) includes a last time instance of system information block transmission (410a) before the start (430a) of the cell active time period (430).

[0054] In one or more embodiments, the determined reading time instance (410a / 410b) includes a first time instance of system information block transmission (410b) after the start (430a) of the cell active time period (430).

[0055] In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (110) determines (520) K reading time instances that (i) are subsequent to each other and (ii) include an adjacent time instance of system information block transmission (410a / 410b) to the start (430a) of the cell active time period (430), wherein K includes an integer.

[0056] In one or more embodiments, the cell active time period (430) is caused by discontinuous cell transmission.

[0057] In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (110) is further caused to update satellite assistance information based at least on reading (540) at least a portion of the system information block (420). Additionally or alternatively, the user equipment (110) is further caused to extend a validity timer (440) to the start (430a) of the cell active time period (430). Additionally or alternatively, the user equipment (110) is further caused to ignore (530) avalidity timer (440) until the determined reading time instance (410a / 410b). Additionally or alternatively, the user equipment (110) is further caused to remain in an active mode while ignoring (530) the validity timer (440).

[0058] In one or more embodiments, the system information block (420) includes at least one of system information block 19 or system information block 32.

[0059] In one or more embodiments, a user equipment (110) is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment (110) to determine (510) a cell active time period (430). The user equipment (110) is further caused to determine (520) a global navigation satellite system reading time instance based at least on a proximity determination (520) to a start (430a) of the cell active time period (430). The user equipment (110) is further caused to read (540) a global navigation satellite system measurement at the determined global navigation satellite system reading time instance.

[0060] In one or more embodiments, the determined global navigation satellite system reading time instance is simultaneous with the cell active time period (430).

[0061] In one or more embodiments, the determined global navigation satellite system reading time instance is prior to the cell active time period (430).

[0062] In one or more embodiments, the cell active time period (430) is caused by discontinuous cell transmission.

[0063] In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (110) is further caused to update a global navigation satellite system position based at least on reading (540) the global navigation satellite system measurement. Additionally or alternatively, the user equipment (110) is further caused to extend a global navigation satellite system validity timer (440) to the start (430a) of the cell active time period (430). Additionally or alternatively, the user equipment (110) is further caused to ignore (530) a global navigation satellite system validity timer (440) until the determined reading time instance (410a / 410b). Additionally or alternatively, the user equipment (110) is further caused to remain in an active mode while ignoring (530) the global navigation satellite system validity timer (440).

[0064] In one or more embodiments, a computer-implemented method is provided that is performed by a user equipment (110) and includes determining a plurality of time instances of system information block transmission (410) from which the user equipment (110) may read(540) a system information block (420). The method further includes determining (510) a cell active time period (430). The method further includes determining (520) a reading time instance (410a / 410b) out of the plurality of time instances of system information block transmission (410) based at least on a proximity determination (520) to a start (430a) of the cell active time period (430). The method further includes reading (540) at least a portion of the system information block (420) that corresponds to the determined reading time instance (410a / 410b).

[0065] In one or more embodiments, the determined reading time instance (410a / 410b) includes a last time instance of system information block transmission (410a) before the start (430a) of the cell active time period (430).

[0066] In one or more embodiments, the determined reading time instance (410a / 410b) includes a first time instance of system information block transmission (410b) after the start (430a) of the cell active time period (430).

[0067] In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (110) determines (520) K reading time instances that (i) are subsequent to each other and (ii) include an adjacent time instance of system information block transmission (410a / 410b) to the start (430a) of the cell active time period (430), wherein K includes an integer.

[0068] In one or more embodiments, the cell active time period (430) is caused by discontinuous cell transmission.

[0069] In one or more embodiments, the method further includes updating satellite assistance information based at least on reading (540) at least a portion of the system information block (420). Additionally or alternatively, the method further includes extending a validity timer (440) to the start (430a) of the cell active time period (430). Additionally or alternatively, the method further includes ignoring (530) a validity timer (440) until the determined reading time instance (410a / 410b). Additionally or alternatively, the method further includes remaining in an active mode while ignoring (530) the validity timer (440).

[0070] In one or more embodiments, the system information block (420) includes at least one of system information block 19 or system information block 32.

[0071] In one or more embodiments, a computer-implemented method is provided that is performed by a user equipment (110) and includes determining (510) a cell active time period (430). The method further includes determining (520) a global navigation satellite system reading time instance based at least on a proximity determination (520) to a start (430a) of thecell active time period (430). The method further includes reading (540) a global navigation satellite system measurement at the determined global navigation satellite system reading time instance.

[0072] In one or more embodiments, the determined global navigation satellite system reading time instance is simultaneous with the cell active time period (430).

[0073] In one or more embodiments, the determined global navigation satellite system reading time instance is prior to the cell active time period (430).

[0074] In one or more embodiments, the cell active time period (430) is caused by discontinuous cell transmission.

[0075] In one or more embodiments, the method further includes updating a global navigation satellite system position based at least on reading (540) the global navigation satellite system measurement. Additionally or alternatively, the method further includes extending a global navigation satellite system validity timer (440) to the start (430a) of the cell active time period (430). Additionally or alternatively, the method further includes ignoring (530) a global navigation satellite system validity timer (440) until the determined reading time instance (410a / 410b). Additionally or alternatively, the method further includes remaining in an active mode while ignoring (530) the global navigation satellite system validity timer (440).

[0076] In one or more embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium is provided including computer instructions that, when executed by a user equipment (110), cause the user equipment (110) to determine a plurality of time instances of system information block transmission (410) from which the user equipment (110) may read (540) a system information block (420). The user equipment (110) is further caused to determine (510) a cell active time period (430). The user equipment (110) is further caused to determine (520) a reading time instance (410a / 410b) out of the plurality of time instances of system information block transmission (410) based at least on a proximity determination (520) to a start (430a) of the cell active time period (430). The user equipment (110) is further caused to read (540) at least a portion of the system information block (420) that corresponds to the determined reading time instance (410a / 410b).

[0077] In one or more embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium is provided including computer instructions that, when executed by a user equipment (110), cause the user equipment (110) to determine (510) a cell active time period (430). The user equipment(110) is further caused to determine (520) a global navigation satellite system reading time instance based at least on a proximity determination (520) to a start (430a) of the cell active time period (430). The user equipment (110) is further caused to read (540) a global navigation satellite system measurement at the determined global navigation satellite system reading time instance.

[0078] In one or more embodiments, a user equipment (110) for communication is provided that includes means for determining a plurality of time instances of system information block transmission (410) from which the user equipment (110) may read (540) a system information block (420). The user equipment (110) further includes means for determining (510) a cell active time period (430). The user equipment (110) further includes means for determining (520) a reading time instance (410a / 410b) out of the plurality of time instances of system information block transmission (410) based at least on a proximity determination (520) to a start (430a) of the cell active time period (430). The user equipment (110) further includes means for reading (540) at least a portion of the system information block (420) that corresponds to the determined reading time instance (410a / 410b).

[0079] In one or more embodiments, the determined reading time instance (410a / 410b) includes a last time instance of system information block transmission (410a) before the start (430a) of the cell active time period (430).

[0080] In one or more embodiments, the determined reading time instance (410a / 410b) includes a first time instance of system information block transmission (410b) after the start (430a) of the cell active time period (430).

[0081] In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (110) determines (520) K reading time instances that (i) are subsequent to each other and (ii) include an adjacent time instance of system information block transmission (410a / 410b) to the start (430a) of the cell active time period (430), wherein K includes an integer.

[0082] In one or more embodiments, the cell active time period (430) is caused by discontinuous cell transmission.

[0083] In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (110) further includes means for updating satellite assistance information based at least on reading (540) at least a portion of the system information block (420). Additionally or alternatively, the user equipment (110) further includes means for extending a validity timer (440) to the start (430a) of the cell active timeperiod (430). Additionally or alternatively, the user equipment (110) further includes means for ignoring (530) a validity timer (440) until the determined reading time instance (410a / 410b). Additionally or alternatively, the user equipment (110) further includes means for remaining in an active mode while ignoring (530) the validity timer (440).

[0084] In one or more embodiments, the system information block (420) includes at least one of system information block 19 or system information block 32.

[0085] In one or more embodiments, a user equipment (110) is provided that includes means for determining (510) a cell active time period (430). The user equipment (110) further includes means for determining (520) a global navigation satellite system reading time instance based at least on a proximity determination (520) to a start (430a) of the cell active time period (430). The user equipment (110) further includes means for reading (540) a global navigation satellite system measurement at the determined global navigation satellite system reading time instance.

[0086] In one or more embodiments, the determined global navigation satellite system reading time instance is simultaneous with the cell active time period (430).

[0087] In one or more embodiments, the determined global navigation satellite system reading time instance is prior to the cell active time period (430).

[0088] In one or more embodiments, the cell active time period (430) is caused by discontinuous cell transmission.

[0089] In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (110) further includes means for updating a global navigation satellite system position based at least on reading (540) the global navigation satellite system measurement. Additionally or alternatively, the user equipment (110) further includes means for extending a global navigation satellite system validity timer (440) to the start (430a) of the cell active time period (430). Additionally or alternatively, the user equipment (110) further includes means for ignoring (530) a global navigation satellite system validity timer (440) until the determined reading time instance (410a / 410b). Additionally or alternatively, the user equipment (110) further includes means for remaining in an active mode while ignoring (530) the global navigation satellite system validity timer (440).

[0090] Many modifications and other embodiments set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that thedisclosure is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments may be intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

[0091] Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and / or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and / or functions than those explicitly described above may also be contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A user equipment for communication, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to: determine a plurality of time instances of system information block transmission from which the user equipment may read at least a portion of a system information block; determine a cell active time period; determine a reading time instance out of the plurality of time instances of system information block transmission based at least on a proximity determination to a start of the cell active time period; and read the at least a portion of the system information block that corresponds to the determined reading time instance.

2. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein the determined reading time instance comprises a last time instance of system information block transmission before the start of the cell active time period.

3. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein the determined reading time instance comprises a first time instance of system information block transmission after the start of the cell active time period.

4. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein the user equipment determines K reading time instances that (i) are subsequent to each other and (ii) include an adjacent time instance of system information block transmission to the start of the cell active time period, wherein K comprises an integer.

5. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein the cell active time period is caused by discontinuous cell transmission.

6. The user equipment of claim 1, further caused to perform at least one of: update satellite assistance information based at least on reading the at least a portion of the system information block; extend a validity timer to the start of the cell active time period; ignore a validity timer until the determined reading time instance; and remain in an active mode while ignoring the validity timer.

7. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein the at least a portion of the system information block comprises at least one of system information block 19 or system information block 32.

8. A user equipment for communication, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to: determine a cell active time period; determine a global navigation satellite system reading time instance based at least on a proximity determination to a start of the cell active time period; and read a global navigation satellite system measurement at the determined global navigation satellite system reading time instance.

9. The user equipment of claim 8, wherein the determined global navigation satellite system reading time instance is simultaneous with the cell active time period.

10. The user equipment of claim 8, wherein the determined global navigation satellite system reading time instance is prior to the cell active time period.

11. The user equipment of claim 8, wherein the cell active time period is caused by discontinuous cell transmission.

12. The user equipment of claim 8, further caused to perform at least one of:update a global navigation satellite system position based at least on reading the global navigation satellite system measurement; extend a global navigation satellite system validity timer to the start of the cell active time period; ignore a global navigation satellite system validity timer until the determined reading time instance; and remain in an active mode while ignoring the global navigation satellite system validity timer.

13. A computer-implemented method, comprising performing by a user equipment for communication: determining a plurality of time instances of system information block transmission from which the user equipment may read a system information block; determining a cell active time period; determining a reading time instance out of the plurality of time instances of system information block transmission based at least on a proximity determination to a start of the cell active time period; and reading the at least a portion of the system information block that corresponds to the determined reading time instance.

14. A user equipment for communication, comprising: means for determining a plurality of time instances of system information block transmission from which the user equipment may read a system information block; means for determining a cell active time period; means for determining a reading time instance out of the plurality of time instances of system information block transmission based at least on a proximity determination to a start of the cell active time period; and means for reading at least a portion of the system information block that corresponds to the determined reading time instance.

15. A user equipment for communication, comprising: means for determining a cell active time period; means for determining a global navigation satellite system reading time instance based at least on a proximity determination to a start of the cell active time period; and means for reading a global navigation satellite system measurement at the determined global navigation satellite system reading time instance.

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